In a lovely springtime brunch, Oaks Christian School celebrated and honored the volunteers who have supported the students and staff during the 2022-23 school year.
Over 400 volunteers this year have served in the school’s cafeterias, the libraries, family fair, concessions, Moms in Prayer, Oaks Angels, the campus store, athletics, senior lounges, on gala committees, with teacher appreciation week, performing and visual arts, grandparents' day and more!
As April was National Appreciation Month, it was fitting the event took place on April 19.
“Volunteers wear working boots but leave a trail of angel footprints. You are making angel footprints on our campus every day," said OCS Volunteer Coordinator Teri Kupfer as she welcomed the volunteers to the brunch. “If you showed up for an hour or had a weekly on campus job, your servant hearts make such a difference.”
Head of School Rob Black opened the event with prayer and heartfelt thanks for the volunteers, as well.
All volunteers were recognized and asked to stand for applause as their area of service was called out. The lead volunteers were also applauded: Mercedes Woodward for Malachi’s Closet, Nicole Radoumis for the father daughter dance, Jackie Gerber for admissions events, Roxanne Livia for high school cafeteria, Vivian Yang for middle school cafeteria, and Jean Kim, Shannon Yanez, and Leeta Ajemian for the dinner auction gala.
Yang and Livia were also honored with a special “Heart of a Lion Award” as the middle school and high school volunteer of the year, respectively. Also receiving the special Heart of a Lion Award as co-volunteers of the year were Yanez and Kim. Receiving the Legacy Award –given to a graduating senior parent for cumulative years of service- was Aimee Semeleng, who has left her “angel footprints” all over the OCS campus these many years.
In addition to the Heart of a Lion Award, the outgoing senior moms were also recognized, with many of them overcome with emotion as they shared their thoughts, recollections, and the friendships they had made over the years. High School Activities Director Emily Davis expressed her personal thanks for all the work they did to make the senior students' last year special. Senior moms honored were:
Lead Lounge Moms- Rachel Lindas and Heather Kelso
Prayer Team- Sharon Beard
Senior Beach Day Moms- Julie Waltrip and Laura Bennett
Senior Letters- Shelly Snyder
Senior Decision Day- Julia Melito and Shannon Churchill
Budget Mom- Aimee Semeleng
Lead Moms- Tiffany Ternan, Aimee Semeleng, Jackie Gerber
Performing and Visual Arts - Tricia Kelly
