When Arlington City Councilmembers convened for their Tuesday evening meeting Oct. 30, 2018, there was something extra special about the gathering at City Hall. Mayor Jeff Williams presented a proclamation to Head of School Jon Kellam recognizing The Oakridge School’s upcoming 40th anniversary and significant impact in the community.
After the invocation and pledge of allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags were recited, Arlington City Councilwoman and Oakridge parent, Victoria Farrar-Myers (Kyle ’29), read the proclamation. It stated, in part, that Oakridge “continues to attract national recognition as a college preparatory school that provides educational excellence grounded in responsible character development and ethical leadership.”
Since its founding in 1979, Oakridge has grown from a school with 85 students to one that serves nearly 800 students, across 15 grades, from 15 countries and 36 cities. One-hundred percent of Oakridge graduates attend college, and faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni continue to build strong relationships within Arlington and surrounding communities by contributing countless hours of volunteer service yearly.
In accepting the honor, Kellam thanked Mayor Williams and councilmembers for the wonderful partnership that exists between Oakridge and city leaders. “We are just humbled to be here and so proud to be a member of this community, and helping to do our part to make Arlington the American Dream City,” Kellam said.
Mayor Williams extended his gratitude for the school, and also thanked the Oakridge families, who along with Arlington’s Martin High School, recently hosted 13 high school students from Italy. “But here is where it gets better,” Mayor Williams said. “The Italian [students] teacher came to me and said that she’s never had better hosts.” The mayor called it another example of the great things taking place at Oakridge.
Arlington City Council meetings are archived at the City’s website. You may read the agenda documents and watch video of the meetings at www.arlington-tx.gov/citycouncil/watch-council-meetings/city-council-meetings/. Oakridge will officially mark its 40th anniversary in March.