Oak Hall School

We are thrilled to celebrate Oak Hall lower school chess player Melody, who proudly represented Team USA at the Pan-American Youth Chess Championships and helped secure the first-place team championship. Demonstrating exceptional strategic skill and dedication on an international stage, Melody and her teammates brought home the gold against top competitors from across the Americas. The prestigious championship trophy has officially arrived and is now proudly on display in the lower school's Oak Hall Chess Club room.

Congratulations to Melody on this monumental, world-class achievement!

VALEDICTORIAN SPOTLIGHT: ISAAC D.

Oak Hall is incredibly proud to recognize the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Isaac D. An Oak Hall Lifer and a member of the Distinguished Scholar Program in Integrated Science, Isaac leaves an unparalleled academic legacy defined by intellectual humility, deep wisdom, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Isaac has spent a 14-year journey on our campus embodying the true definition of a scholar and a gentleman before heading to Duke University this fall.

Top Achievements:
- Class of 2026 Valedictorian
- Distinguished Scholar Program- Integrated Science
- Outstanding Scholar Award Recipient: Honored with Oak Hall’s foundational graduation award, judged by the faculty as the single outstanding scholar in the senior class for intellectual curiosity and independent thinking
- Senior Top Scholar: Recognized for achieving the highest GPA during the senior year, alongside consistent High Honor Roll status
- Recipient of the Senior Department Awards in English, Greek, and Mathematics
- Served as Oak Hall’s first student President of the Cum Laude Society
- President of the esteemed Florida Junior Classical League (FJCL)
- Member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society
- Jefferson Book Award Recipient (11th Grade)

Faculty Reflections:
"All year, it seemed like Isaac had an infinite pool of academic knowledge that he could draw upon at a moment’s notice, and when he drops these bits of knowledge in class, he does so with wisdom. He says what needs to be said to illuminate the topic at hand, in what might be the most polite tone of voice I’ve ever heard, and then he makes room for someone else."
— Mr. Campbell, Upper School Faculty

College Commitment: Duke University

We offer our highest congratulations to Isaac for these monumental achievements and for elevating the intellectual life of our entire community. We wish Isaac continued brilliance while heading to Durham to join the Blue Devils this fall. Go Blue Devils!

Oak Hall eighth-graders Alexander B., Avinash N., Brooks R., and Sebastian V-S. recently competed in the National Geography Bee, proudly representing our school on the national stage!

SALUTATORIAN SPOTLIGHT: BENJAMIN G.

Oak Hall is incredibly proud to recognize the Class of 2026 Salutatorian, Benjamin G. An Oak Hall Lifer and a standout member of the Distinguished Scholar Program in Integrated Science, Benjamin leaves an extraordinary legacy of elite athletic endurance, profound scientific curiosity, and a vibrant, joyful spirit. As Benjamin prepares to head north to the University of Michigan, we celebrate a remarkable journey defined by high-level scholarship and a contagious enthusiasm for learning.

Top Achievements:
- Class of 2026 Salutatorian
- Distinguished Scholar Program – Integrated Science
- Cum Laude Society Member
- State Medalist Athlete: Member of the State Runner-Up 4x800 meter Relay Team, the 8th-place 4x400 meter Relay Team, and the 4th-place State Cross Country Team
- 7x Varsity Runner

Faculty Reflections:
"Ben is an exceptional student who I could always see 'the gears' turning. His thought-provoking questions not only had me dig deep into my bag of training and experience, but they added immense value to his classmates... I know that he will never back down from a challenge… except if it’s playing Dr. Thomas in chess."
— Dr. Thomas, Integrated Science

"I always think of Ben as a 'Goofy Genius' because his joy for learning is just as powerful as his intellect... bringing along a contagious joy that has been a true gift in every class I have had the pleasure of teaching him."
— Mr. Bohan, Physics

College Commitment: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

We offer our highest congratulations to Benjamin for this prestigious academic honor and for representing Oak Hall with both brilliance and humility. We wish Benjamin continued excellence while joining the Wolverines this fall. Go Blue!

In April, 88 Upper School students participated in the National Spanish Exam, achieving exceptional results. Of those who tested, 63 students (72%) earned at least an Honorable Mention, placing them above the 50th percentile nationally. Demonstrating advanced proficiency, 13 students secured Bronze Medals (scoring above the 75th percentile), 9 earned Silver Medals (scoring above the 85th percentile), and 5 achieved Gold Medals (scoring above the 95th percentile). Congratulations to our students on their outstanding academic accomplishments.

The introductions continue as we shine a spotlight on the Rudawski Family, the newest members of our school community! We are so pleased to have Avery joining our Middle School in Grade 6. It is such a joy to have the Rudawskis as part of our Oak Hall family.

Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to them! We look forward to the energy and perspective Avery will bring to our campus as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in Middle School.

We are excited to officially launch our Pave the Way campaign, a meaningful final opportunity to support Two Spaces. One Vision.

For $1,000 per paver, families, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends of Oak Hall can purchase one or more personalized pavers to be installed at the entrance of our new Middle/Upper School Gymnasium and Training Complex. Each paver may include a family name, a student’s graduation year, or a special message that reflects your connection to Oak Hall.

As these two incredible spaces come to life, Pave the Way offers a lasting way to celebrate the people, memories, and community that make Oak Hall special.

Campaign Ends: June 30, 2026
Investment: $1,000 per paver

Click the link below to leave your mark today. Together, let’s Pave the Way for the future of Oak Hall School.

https://givebutter.com/pave-the-way-ohs

Last week, our 3rd–6th grade VEX Robotics students ended the year with a bang, smash, and crash as they put their custom-built battle bots to the test! Students spent the semester designing, building, and improving their robots before facing off in the arena for an afternoon full of exciting battles. We are so proud of the hard work, sportsmanship, and engineering skills these students showed all year long. What an incredible way to wrap up our robotics season!

It is a pleasure to highlight another wonderful addition to our Oak Hall community, The Womack Family! TJ is joining our Lower School in Kindergarten and our school is thrilled to have his family with us.

Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to them! We look forward to the energy and curiosity TJ will bring to our campus as they begin this exciting journey together.

We are delighted to officially welcome the Burgess Family to our community in a whole new way!

While you might already know Piper, who is entering Grade 1, the Burgess family is growing their Oak Hall roots this year. We are thrilled to welcome Nora, who is joining our Preschool program, and we already look forward to the day Claire joins her big sisters as an Oak Hall Eagle!

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to the Burgess Family. We look forward to the joy and energy they will bring to our Early Childhood and Lower School programs!