Oaks Christian commencement emphasizes faith in God

Dressed in burgundy caps and gowns, the Oaks Christian graduating class of 2005 was greeted by a smiling, cheering, flash-popping full house of family and friends during last week’s commencement ceremony at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village.

PICTURE PERFECT—Oaks Christian High School senior Justin DeShields photographs friends before their graduation ceremony last weekThe ceremony included a moving violoncello solo by senior Matthew Brigham and senior Kelley Carder’s inspirational rendition of the song “You Raise Me Up.” Seniors Molly Tobin, Erika Macias and class president Kyle Tibbitts shared with the class their heartfelt testimonials.

The personal stories encouraged the graduates not only to believe in themselves, but also to retain their religious and moral values as they begin their lives outside the safe confines of the school’s campus.

tian commencement emThe senior gift, a bronzed relief of the school’s crest, was presented by senior James Ratzenberger, who also read to the class a letter of congratulations from President George W. Bush.

Headmaster Jeffrey Woodcock honored Pamela Gill, Katie Lee and Gwen Leonard with Senior Parent Volunteer of Year awards.

Assisted by the various departmental heads, Woodcock also presented five seniors awards for outstanding high school careers.

Kyle Tibbitts earned the David Price Leadership Award; Kayla Rutherford received the Weinberg Spiritual Award; Aaron Ware got the Dallas Athletic Distinction Award; Amanda Gill received the Headmaster’s Award; and Matthew Brigham won the Dallas Price-Van Breda Artistic Expression Award.

The Atsinger Teaching Excellence Award went to visual arts teacher Arie Ringnalda.

Matthew Lee, who scored a perfect 1,600 on his SATs and is headed to Yale next fall, was the class salutatorian.

Alexander Sweetman was named class valedictorian. The UCLA-bound grad posted a 4.6 grade point average and was a member of both the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation.

Joni Eareckson Tada, the evening’s keynote speaker, shared with the students her struggle with spiritual faith after a diving accident in 1967 made her a quadriplegic. Tada said the accident led her to a stronger connection with God and she encouraged students to maintain their religious faith during life’s tough times.

Woodcock presented the grads with their diplomas. A prayer of blessing brought the evening to a close.