“Tonight you are recognized together as a class and individually, there is significance of one in the many,” Head of School Mrs. Christie Keuchel said in her remarks. “This is a special moment for you to grow in appreciation and understanding of Oakcrest, your future alma mater. This is a beautiful and strong school you and your parents have chosen and committed to, it has a long legacy of graduates confident to take on new adventures.” 

Mrs. Keuchel  encouraged the students to use this ceremony as a reminder for gratitude toward those who have played an influential role in the lives of the students. 

“Gratitude toward your parents, your first teachers, who love you unconditionally and their encouragement, creativity, and boldness is your beacon of light,” Mrs. Keuchel said. “Also to thank your teachers and mentors at Oakcrest. Those who know you now and challenge you to greatness, even when achieving it is no easy task. They know this, they see you, they hear you, but they also see the you that you can’t always see. They know that you can rise to greatness. Learn from them, trust, and keep going.” 

Junior Class President Amelia W. ’26 shared her own words with the class, commenting on the cohesiveness of their class as they have grown together throughout their Oakcrest days.  

“Our Oakcrest experience thus far has gone bye in the blink of an eye,” Amelia said. “Although Junior year is often noted as the most challenging year, I think we can all agree that our class has never been more united, and that is exactly what the junior ring ceremony is here to commemorate our Oakcrest journey together.” 

Each student has the opportunity to purchase a signet ring engraved with the Oakcrest seal which includes an oak tree and roots, a rose, and the school motto “Virtus et Veritas.” 

In the 11th Grade at Oakcrest, the curriculum and the Grade Level Experiences explore the themes of “person” and “woman” and the virtues of constancy, gratitude, and prudence, all the while seeking to understand at a tangible level the meaning of what it means for women to be Trustees of Humanity.  

“The ring we receive today, marking our place as Oakcrest upperclassmen, is a symbol of unity, unity of the class of 2026, of our past, our present, and our future,” Amelia said. “May it serve as a memory of the good times we shared and our commitment to helping one another thrive. May it remind us each and every day of the responsibility entrusted to us as upperclassmen to lead, act, and live Oakcrest values as examples to underclassmen. As we embark on our individual journeys as Oakcrest graduates may it serve as a reminder of our commitment to our Oakcrest mission, to continue to develop our intellect, character, and our faith throughout our lives.” 

Anne-Marie (Fagan ’99) McGinnis (Maddie ’26, Juliette ’31), delivered an address exploring the subject of beauty as small things done with great love, in the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

“Day in and day out, countless small things done with great love are building deep and beautiful friendships,” Mrs. McGinnis said. “I know many of you will carry these friendships through your whole lives… This time together at Oakcrest is a special time when you are able to share so many small moments. Each of these small moments is an opportunity for beauty… Beauty can inspire us to do hard things. It can turn a duty into a pleasure.” 

“The more beauty we invest in our world, the more joy and strength we receive in living our day-to-day life well.” 

You can listen to Mrs. McGinnis’s remarks here.