Oak Grove High School Graduation 2024

On June 14th, 2024, there was only one thing left for our 17 high school seniors to do. Earlier in the year, they enjoyed their last fall camping trip at Refugio State Beach, hosted a school fundraising tea in the Student Center, and gazed at the stars during their senior retreat. They moved through the exciting and arduous college application and decision-making process with College Counselor Joy Maguire-Parsons and Class Advisor Sydney Robertson. They traveled thousands of miles together to India to visit Krishnamurti schools and made lifelong friends. They danced at their last high school prom, and together they rang the bell after their final school lunch. Their recent “Pathless Projects,” Student Exhibitions, final Stone Circle gathering, and pancake breakfast were also suddenly behind them now. So, on this cool, sunny Friday morning, it was time to graduate.

Parents, families, faculty, and friends faced the Pavilion stage, decorated in a Matilija poppy theme, as Head of School Jodi Grass initiated the ceremony with a moment of silence, allowing all to “fully arrive” and “make space for the immeasurable.”

Director of High School Russ Bowen then introduced the Class of 2024 to loud applause, with the class performing a playful rendition of Tyler Childers’ “All Your’n.” Following their performance, Jodi shared her appreciation for graduating parents and caregivers who have entrusted Oak Grove with their children and have been in partnership with the school for many years. She spoke about the student feedback she had received during the annual exit interview process, a time where students share honestly about what they feel could be changed and what should never change at Oak Grove School. According to the Class of 2024, there are “too many useless rules,” but the “no-phone policy should stay.” They also shared advice with future high school students, including to “remember that Oak Grove has your back.”

In the Oak Grove tradition, speeches were accented with clever introductions, handshakes, and hugs. Students shared treasured memories and expressed their gratitude to their families, friends, fellow seniors, and teachers with deep sincerity, intelligence, humor, and vulnerability. Laughter and tears were shared by all.

After hearing from students, Sydney offered them a moment to simply pause and take in the special moment before reading the name of each graduate, inviting them to stand and receive their Oak Grove High School diplomas. The ceremony culminated in a burst of excitement as graduation caps were thrown in the air.

Also in attendance were many alumni, who often return to campus to welcome their dear friends and former classmates as fellow graduates.