On June 13th, 2025, our 18 high school seniors faced their final moment together on the Oak Grove Pavilion stage. It felt as if they had just cherished their last fall camping trip at Refugio State Beach where Lucas led the group in singing David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” as a satellite rocket streaked across the night sky. They had hosted a school fundraising tea in the Student Center, navigated the exciting and challenging college process with Joy and Sydney. They traveled thousands of miles together to India to visit Krishnamurti schools., strengthening relationship to themselves and each other, and made new, lifelong friends. “Pathless Projects” and Student Exhibitions were behind them, as was a final camping trip with Bo, a final Stone Circle gathering, and a final pancake breakfast. It was time to graduate.

Parents, families, faculty, and friends gathered on a quiet, cool morning at the Pavilion. Head of School Jodi Grass began the ceremony with a moment of silence. Then, the class of 2025 kicked off the ceremony with a playful rendition of Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros’ “Home.”

During their speeches, students shared cherished memories and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their families, friends, fellow seniors, and teachers. They did so with deep sincerity, intelligence, humor, and vulnerability. In the Oak Grove tradition, speeches were punctuated by clever introductions, handshakes, and hugs. Laughter and tears were shared by all.

As the largest graduating class in Oak Grove’s 50-year history, these 18 seniors included many who had been at Oak Grove their entire school careers, from preschool through high school. Regardless of whether they were “lifers” or not, the bonds of deep affection were evident in each heartfelt speech.

After hearing from students, Oak Grove School Board Chair Cathleen Lynch invited each graduate to receive their diploma to the cheers of family and friends, followed by a burst of excitement as graduation caps were thrown into the air.

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

What’s next for the Class of 2025?

The Class of 2025 achieved an average of six college/university acceptances, collectively received over 100 acceptances, and the majority of the students were offered admission into one of their top three schools. While some graduates will explore military service, or take a gap year to travel and explore personal projects, their classmates will be studying a range of subjects from physics to animation at Reed College, Ringling College of Art & Design, University of Iowa, University of Utah, University of Colorado, Boulder, Kent State University, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara City College, Ventura College, Vassar College, USC, Chapman University, and UC Berkeley.

Graduation Ceremony Video: