Oakwood Friends School

This week, Oakwood’s Director of College Counseling, Haniya Mee, welcomed more than 500 college counselors, admissions professionals, independent educational consultants, and community-based organization leaders to the annual conference of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling.

As President of the organization, Haniya helped bring together professionals from across the state and beyond for meaningful conversations about access, opportunity, and supporting students on their paths to higher education. We’re proud to see Oakwood leadership helping shape the future of college admission counseling and student advocacy.

Under the watchful gaze of the Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom statue, our community gathered for an unforgettable evening with the Freedom Walk 2026 Freedom Walkers. Students, faculty, friends, and guests came together to hear from Anthony Michael Cohen and his team as they shared their mission, their journey, and the urgent reminder that the work of civil rights never rests.

As the bonfire glowed, Pat Lamanna brought history to life through abolitionist songs, weaving powerful stories and historical context into every word and melody. Guests later had the opportunity to connect personally with the walkers and experience the moving artwork created along the journey by Kip Beardsley.

The Freedom Walkers have now continued on to Albany and onward to Canada, but they have not moved on from our hearts and minds. Their journey is not theirs alone. We stand beside them — committed to a more just, compassionate, and accountable society — and deeply grateful for the work they are doing to keep the spirit of freedom, courage, and human dignity alive.

Yesterday, we celebrated the graduation of the Oakwood Friends School Class of 2026! 🎓✨

It was a memorable ceremony filled with love, gratitude, and heartfelt reflections. From Boston to Berlin, Smith to Switzerland, Colorado to Clark, Morehouse to Mount Holyoke, NYU to SUNY campuses across New York, France to England, a gap year in Australia - our graduates are beginning their next chapters in exciting directions.

Whether studying close to home or across the world, Oakwood has helped prepare these students with the critical thinking, compassion, confidence, and academic foundation to embrace what comes next. There is truly a place for everyone, and we could not be prouder of the futures ahead for this extraordinary class.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 - oh, the places you will go! 💙 We will always be cheering you on, and Oakwood will always be home.
(more photos coming soon!)

Our spring athletic season ended on a high note as our Ultimate Frisbee team captured the HVAL Championship for the third consecutive year!

This remarkable accomplishment reflects the dedication, teamwork, and spirit these student-athletes bring to every practice and every game. They played hard, supported one another, and represented Oakwood with outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season.

Congratulations to the entire team on another championship victory, we couldn't be prouder! 🥏🏆

Our students closed the year with the hilarious courtroom comedy Sandbag, Stage Left, where audience members became part of the action as the jury!

Each performance brought a different verdict, keeping everyone on their toes and making every show a unique experience. The audience loved being part of the story and thoroughly enjoyed the energy, humor, and talent our students brought to the stage.

A heartfelt congratulations to the cast and crew for their outstanding work, dedication, and creativity in bringing this production to life. It was a wonderful way to wrap up the year and celebrate our very talented student performers!

June is Pride Month, a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community's legacy of resistance, resilience, and radical joy. Pride didn't start as a parade. It started as a rebellion, led by Black and Brown trans women who demanded the right to simply exist. This month, Oakwood celebrates that legacy and recommits to building communities where every person is fully seen, affirmed, and free. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️