One of our year-end traditions is Senior Vespers, a Sunday evening service when our seniors share how being at Oakdale has had an effect on their lives. It is always a special time when we as teachers, dorm parents, support staff, and administrators get to hear our students articulate what we have been witness to over the years.

At Senior Vespers this year, students told of their struggles as they arrived at Oakdale years ago – often questioning their place in God’s kingdom and the world. They shared about how important the encouragement and prayers of staff have been over the years, especially in times when they failed or made mistakes, and how it was this support that allowed them to keep trying to make right choices. They shared with us the satisfaction of achievement, their gratitude for salvation, and the joys of learning to love and serve others.

Hearing our students share, remembering who they were when they arrived, and seeing who they have become, reminded me again of why Oakdale Christian Academy is so important. These students have not only received a great education, but the environment in which they have lived has taught them valuable lessons about themselves, God’s love for them, and what it means to live in a genuinely Christian community.

As these new graduates go from here, they go with our fervent prayers that their time at Oakdale will be a foundation for new growth in Christ. They know that they have a family at Oakdale, and they know that this experience came to them because of an extended family of supporters who provide resources so that these many good things in their lives were possible.

Sincerely,

Daniel B. Fisher

President