IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers GRADUATION AWARD- - Oaks Christian High School senior Caroline Butts receives the Weinberg Spiritual Award during the school's graduation ceremony. The OCHS commencement was last Thursday evening. Oaks Christian School's motto, "Preparing minds for leadership and hearts for service," was a theme that carried throughout the school's June 5 commencement in Westlake Village.

It was visible in the gift the senior class presented to the school. Besides a large screen television for use in the student lobby, the seniors made a monetary donation to help pay medical costs for the son of cross country and track and field coach Wes Smith. The coach's son is fighting leukemia.

In making the presentation, senior Molly Peterson described how the class found different ways to support causes in Westlake Village, where the private Christian school is located, as well as worldwide.

"We don't serve because we're told to but because we want to," said Peterson, whose triplet brothers Paul and James were among the graduates.

James Peterson also spoke, thanking the Oaks Christian community for supporting the triplets' family after the death of their father from pancreatic cancer in March 2007.

"Students came to our house for months, supporting us, bringing cards, food and prayers," Peterson said. "To say a simple 'thank you' seems so inadequate, but it must be said."

He urged his classmates to continue serving others throughout their lives.

"The more we pour our hearts into something the more we will get out of it," Peterson said. "You were put on this earth to make a contribution . . . invest in other people."

Keynote speaker Mark Earley, a former Virginia state senator and attorney general, now president of Prison Fellowship, a national ministry, described Oaks as one of the top high schools in the nation because of its "great core values" and an impressive graduating class. He also discussed the importance of love.

"There should be no doubt as you sit here today that you've been loved by God, by your parents, by your teachers and by your school," Earley said. "Now the and give to others. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus said love, love God and your neighbor."

Seated on a flower-filled stage inside the Calvary Community Church auditorium- surrounded by hundreds of teachers, friends and family members- the 156 graduating seniors, dressed in red caps and gowns, gave a standing ovation to history teacher Brad Livingstone, who was chosen for a teaching excellence award.

Bible teacher Beau Brennan, who won the award last year, described a text message he had received earlier in the day from an Oaks alumnus about Livingstone.

"'As a student I always felt appreciated and that what I said mattered,'" Brennan said.

Several students were recognized for their leadership and accomplishments. Principal David Cooper introduced valedictorian Alexandra Beckemeyer as "everything Oaks stands for and a model student with an exceptional mind, of high character and humble."

Beckemeyer commended teachers for their support of students.

"People at Oaks care about the whole person. No student is just a number. They know each of us by name and face," said Beckemeyer, who will attend Duke University. "Where else will teachers give you their cellphone numbers . . . have you over for dinner and take the time to write you a letter for senior retreat?"

Other student winners included Greg Sadler for artistic expression; Callie Butts for spiritual leadership; Christopher Owusu for athletic distinction; and James Peterson for leadership.

Headmaster Jeff Woodcock presented senior and salutatorian Bobby Nordlund with the Headmaster's Award. Nordlund will attend the Air Force Academy on a four-year scholarship.

Senior Spencer Daly, one of three student speakers, summed up his reflections of his experiences at Oaks Christian.

"The tassel was worth the hassle," Daly said.