Jordann Bland, Class of 2025

Jordann Bland attended The Oaks Academy from 2nd through 8th grade at both the Fall Creek and Middle School campuses. This summer, she has returned as an assistant for The Oaks Summer Camp. Jordann came back to gain experience working and to get a feel for what it’s like to have a job. Her brother, Zien, Class of ‘21, is also working at The Oaks this summer. 

Her favorite year at The Oaks was 8th grade, filled with fun trips and strong memories with her homeroom class. Reflecting on her time at the school, Jordann shared, “I love how The Oaks shapes you to become a better person and shapes you to who you are.”

One of the most impactful parts of her education was the truth and beauty paper, a capstone project for 8th-grade students. Jordann recalled how challenging it was to write the paper and prepare for an interview with the Head of School, but through that process, she grew in confidence and perseverance.

Jordann is heading into her freshman year at University High School and shared that it will be a new experience to explore!

Emma Lynn, Class of 2025

Emma Lynn attended The Oaks Academy from Pre-K through 8th grade, and graduated this past spring. This summer, she returned to work at The Oaks Summer Camp. Emma chose to come back because she loves The Oaks community and enjoys spending time with the younger students.

One of Emma’s fondest memories is from chapel, when former teacher Tom Prible lead worship—an experience that stood out to her in a meaningful way. She also appreciated the classical approach to education at The Oaks and feels confident as she heads into high school, knowing she’s well prepared with the skills needed for success.

Emma is now preparing to begin her freshman year at Brebeuf Jesuit and is excited to start this next chapter, especially knowing that many fellow Oaks alumni are also part of the Brebeuf community.

Crew VanderWoude, Class of 2020

Crew VanderWoude attended The Oaks Academy from Kindergarten through 8th grade, spending his years at both the Fall Creek and Middle School campuses. This summer, he has returned to The Oaks as an assistant for the summer camps. With plans to pursue a career in education, Crew saw this as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with students.

Reflecting on his time at The Oaks, Crew fondly remembered participating in athletics—basketball, cross country, track, and soccer—which were all meaningful parts of his school experience. He also appreciated how education at The Oaks was approached through a Christian perspective, especially in subjects like history. As he prepares to become a teacher himself, Crew hopes to bring that same Christ-centered approach into his own future classroom.

Crew is currently entering his sophomore year at Wheaton College, where he is majoring in elementary education.

Norah Aalsma, Class of 2018

Norah attended The Oaks Academy from Kindergarten through 8th grade, spending her years at both the Fall Creek and Middle School campuses. This summer, she returned as the marketing and communications intern. When asked why she wanted to come back, she shared:

“Right away, the thought of returning to The Oaks made me so excited—I’ve truly missed the environment, the people, and simply being in the building. I believe in what The Oaks stands for and would vouch for the school time and time again. I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain experience in such a meaningful place this summer.”

Reflecting on her time as a student, Norah recalls chapel and Lauds with great fondness and wishes she had appreciated those moments more while she was at The Oaks. She is especially thankful for her teachers, who invested in her personally by getting to know her, challenging her, praying for her, and showing patience.

Norah believes The Oaks’ educational philosophy has had a lasting impact on her academic journey and personal life. One example is the practice of recitations. Although she didn’t appreciate them at the time, she now sees their value. In her college classes, she’s often required to memorize material. Many students have never done that before, but her experience with recitations has made it much easier.

Norah is entering her senior year at Taylor University and will graduate in December with a major in public relations. While she doesn’t have specific plans yet for after graduation, she is open to many different paths and excited for what’s ahead.

Annabelle Stayte, Class of 2023

Annabelle, a recent graduate of The Oaks Academy, found her way back this summer, this time as a staff member at our summer volleyball camp. It’s her second summer serving in this role.

As a student, Annabelle played volleyball at The Oaks and looks back on the experience fondly. “I made a lot of great friends and great memories doing it,” she shared. “So I wanted to be a part of creating that community for the middle schoolers.”

She reflects fondly on her time on the  volleyball team and the close friendships that developed during those seasons. When talking about The Oaks’ educational philosophy, she mentioned the humanities classes and how much they helped her in her high school history classes. “The Oaks helped me enjoy those classes a lot more,” she said.

Annabelle is heading into her junior year at Cathedral High School.

Libby Hickman, Class of 2020

Libby Hickman attended The Oaks Academy Middle School for 7th and 8th grade and graduated in 2020. This summer, she has returned to The Oaks as an enrichment camp assistant. As Libby pursues a career in education, she sees this opportunity as both a valuable experience and a fun way to connect with students for the summer.

Looking back on her time at The Oaks, one of Libby’s favorite memories is the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. She especially enjoyed visiting the museums and spending quality time with her classmates and teachers.

After graduating from The Oaks, Libby attended Herron High School. She often reflects on how the strong academic foundation at The Oaks helped her transition smoothly into high school. She believes that transferring to The Oaks in seventh grade was a pivotal moment in her education, preparing her well for what came next.

Libby is entering her sophomore year at Covenant College in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she is majoring in education.

Brain “BJ” Shaw, Class of ‘20, started in NSG Youth Motorsports as an independent go-kart driver. After attending racing school in Texas, BJ connected with Arrive Drive Indy and competed across the country in a Formula 1600 car. BJ then set his sights on short-oval racing as a team member of JK Racing. Today, BJ attends Butler University and studies sports media, knowing his future in motorsports is just beginning. He also works with RaceCraft1, helping train the next generation of drivers as a simulation driver. In this role, he provides online endurance training for young drivers to perfect their craft.