HOS Message in Loss of Alumna
Dear Oaks Christian School Community,
It is with great sadness and immense grief that we learned of the accident, Tuesday night on Pacific Coast Highway, that took the lives of four young women who were currently attending Pepperdine University.
Furthermore, to that tragedy, we learned yesterday afternoon that one of the young women, Niamh Rolston, was a 2020 graduate of Oaks Christian School. During this time of intense heartache, we want to, first, stand together in support of Niamh’s family, and all the families who lost their daughters on Tuesday night, as well as the Pepperdine community overall. Secondly, we desire to bring our hearts together, as a community, and lean on our faith and each other in the hope of finding comfort and peace in the face of such tragedy.
Niamh was a light on our campus having attended Oaks Christian throughout her high school years. During her time with us, Niamh shared her joy with all who knew her, especially those girls and coaches who were a part of her cheerleading community. Niamh was a unique and special gift from God. Her presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In addition to Niamh’s deep involvement as a member of the OCS cheer team, she was also a beloved member of the OCS dance team and a pole vaulter on the OCS track & field team.
Part of living in a loving community, in a broken world, is facing tragedies together when they come. Too many times we experience the loss of a colleague, friend, or loved one, and are left to try and make sense of a senseless event or action. This is particularly true when the loss incurred is a young person taken in the prime of their life. We are left with many questions that have no immediate answers, however, we trust in God and rest in the confidence that He can redeem even this tragedy to bring glory to His name (I Corinthians 5: 51-52).
Niamh was a beautiful person who touched and brought light into everyone with whom she came in contact with. Niamh’s cheer squad described her as “a bright light, the kindest soul, and a joy.” In addition to her family, Niamh was loved and deeply cared for by all her teachers and coaches at Oaks Christian. We thank God for the time we had with her and for the impact that she had on everyone with whom she crossed paths. In the days ahead, we look forward to remembering Niamh, celebrating her life and impact here, and rejoicing in the knowledge and assurance that we will someday be reunited with her again.
Please join me in prayer that God would provide His peace and love to Niamh’s family, and all who knew her.
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
Rob Black
Head of School