Change: An Oak Grove Documentary

by Surya Pulipati ’24

For his senior Pathless Project, Surya Pulipati made a short documentary about changes at Oak Grove School including interviews with former and current teachers and administrators.

The film begins with an interview with David Moody, one of the very first teachers at Oak Grove, who explains:

“…it was clear to us that all we were doing was beginning the planting of a seed, with hopes it would grow into something much more.”

– Dr. David Moody

About the Filmmaker

During his time at Oak Grove, Surya grew into a creative powerhouse who wrote poetry, MC’d school events, and edited the school newspaper, all while hosting his own podcast (“Unsliced”…available on all platforms).  On the basketball court, Surya played with heart and snuck in some exciting three-point dazzlers! This fall, he’s off to Dodge College, the film school at  Chapman University here in Southern California, to pursue his dream of becoming a filmmaker. “This school has given me who I am, it has shown me who not to be and has more importantly shown me who I want to be,” Surya said during his graduation speech.

Recent Blog Posts:

MLK Day Assembly

MLK Day 2026

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Oak Grove’s Martin Luther King, Jr. all-school assembly, Lizard Group activities, and celebration in downtown Ojai provided thoughtful moments for our community to reflect on the values Dr. King championed: unity, progress, and shared responsibility.
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Garden Dispatch

Garden Dispatch: Connection to the Earth

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As winter whispers in, we’re reflecting on a vibrant season in our school garden—a space that’s blooming with creativity, learning, and connection to the earth.
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Great Blue Heron

Reciprocity

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When done in balance with the quiet reciprocity of all beings, the ecosystem may move beyond survival; it may thrive.
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