Dear Oakcrest Community,
We write to you today with a message of hope and optimism. That’s because, as the parents of two current Oakies, we know that our daughters along with hundreds of their peers at Oakcrest School are being formed intellectually, socially, and spiritually to not only buck current cultural trends but to be women leaders who will transform the culture for the good both now and in the future. It has never been a more difficult time to be a young woman. Every day we read stories and see studies about how, due to the negative effects of social media and unhealthy cultural norms, young women struggle with higher levels of anxiety and depression than ever before. To add insult to injury, the culture finds itself in a moment of crisis as the role and even the definition of what it means to be a woman is being diminished.
That’s why we are reaching out today to announce the kick-off of this year’s Annual Fund, and to ask you to support this important institution. St. Josemaría Escriva once said, “Feminine qualities offer the best guarantee that genuine human and Christian values will be respected when it comes to taking measures that affect family life, education and the future…”. We know that the young women who attend Oakcrest are being inspired to pursue the true, the good and the beautiful every day. The success of theAnnual Fund, and your generous participation in this effort, will ensure that our daughters continue to be a force for good.
Oakcrest’s curriculum and experience is unique in that it takes a holistic approach in the formation of its students. The stellar faculty and staff supports our daughters’ intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development. Its programs are integrated and offer students and families a comprehensive experience to achieve this vision. Oakcrest collaborates with parents through continuing education programs that assist us in our noble mission of forming our daughters. Oakcrest provides lab equipment, art supplies, musical instruments, and athletic equipment to ensure that our students have the best resources available as they pursue their goals throughout the school year.
None of this, however, would be possible without the ongoing generosity of Oakcrest parents, alumnae, alumnae parents, and the broader Oakcrest community. When you support the Annual Fund it allows Oakcrest to invest thousands of additional dollars towards improving technology, supporting the music and arts programs, and providing resources that support our athletic teams. In addition, the Annual Fund is a critical source in support of tuition assistance and, thanks to your generosity, we can meet the financial needs of every Oakcrest family. Finally, tuition only covers about 87% of an Oakcrest education each year for all students, and unlike public or parochial schools, Oakcrest does not receive supplemental finances from the government or diocese. Oakcrest counts on the success of our Annual Fund to ensure all of our daughters thrive.
This year our target for the Annual Fund is to raise $500,000. Please consider joining us as we contribute to the school’s current and future success. You can be certain that your gift to the Oakcrest Annual Fund will positively affect our daughters and ensure that they become graduates who will shape the culture in so many positive ways.
Warm regards,
Michelle and Jay Gress, Parents of Helen ’27, Anne ’25
2024-25 Annual Fund Chairs
P.S. If your place of work offers matching grants, please consider requesting a grant for Oakcrest. It is a great way to double the impact of your gift to the school.