Oakwood Brings the Thunder at New Athletic Center Grand Opening

On Monday, November 18, Oakwood School's newest campus addition, the Athletic Center, officially opened with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and All-School Spirit Rally! Just three months after the opening of the Gwendolyn Riches Liberal Arts Center, Michelle Helvey greeted the eager community in the Athletic Center Quad to cut the ribbon for another jewel of our campus. Students, staff, and guests proceeded inside and marveled at the size of the new gymnasium before making their way to their class' assigned seating areas. Athletic Director Kort Jensen welcomed the crowd, and explained to them that this newest facility is so much more than a gym, but a true athletic center where they will enjoy locker rooms, team rooms for game strategy, weight and cardio rooms, and a concessions stand!

Oakwood's new mascot finally made its debut and Mrs. Helvey announced its name--Thunder! Our preschool, jr. k, second grade, and fifth grade classes all suggested the Hawk's name, and we're so thankful to the entire school for helping us choose the perfect name! The Hawk donned a sash with its new name and was cheered on by a very spirited crowd!

Kort Jensen then asked all middle and high school athletes for the 2019-2020 school year to please stand in the bleachers for our community to honor them and their hard work and dedication to their various sports! Our athletic program is on the rise and this new center will be a wonderful space for current and future athletes to train and perfect their game and athletic prowess! Students were able to participate in a shoot-around on the court with thunderous cheers from the entire student body and our new Mascot!

High school student-athletes then led students from kindergarten through 12th Grade on tours of the facility, pointing out the various spaces and answering questions from inquisitive minds. The morning ended with high fives and hugs from Thunder and each student taking home a brand new Oakwood Hawks pennant flag! Thank you to our generous community who have helped us in making the Athletic Center dream a reality and we can't wait for everyone to experience a game in the new center. Please check the athletics schedule on our website for upcoming home games and come out and cheer on your Hawks!