The entire school community gathered on September 30th to celebrate the installation of Mrs. Landis as the head of school. Oak Knoll welcomed the Board of Trustees, the Landis family, and other esteemed guests to celebrate the momentous occasion. Despite the cold weather, there was warmth and excitement in the air as students, faculty, administrators, and guests gathered on the field. Even though Mrs. Landis began her job as the Head of School in September of 2021, the Installation was pushed back because of Covid-19. Finally, a year later, everyone was finally able to gather to celebrate Mrs. Landis as she officially began her role as the Head of School.
Mrs. Landis is an incredibly important leader in our community. Whether she is speaking at a homeroom, participating in a special event like Grit N’ Wit, a faculty versus student soccer game, or stopping to chat with students walking around campus, her presence makes Oak Knoll the wonderful place that it is. A morning to celebrate her and all she does for the school was very exciting for the student body.
Monsignor Robert Meyer, the pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Summit, and Monsignor Jack Carroll, a longtime friend of Oak Knoll’s, presided over the Mass. Students from both the Upper and Lower Schools participated in the liturgy by doing readings and bringing the gifts up to the altar. The Upper School Ensemble shared their gift of song throughout the mass. Guests, students, and faculty sang the recessional song of “Go Make a Difference” at the end of Mass. It felt especially appropriate to sing this fun song on such a celebratory occasion.
After Mass, Sr. Eileen McDevitt, the Director of the Holy Child Network of Schools gave a blessing. Mrs. Landis then shared some closing remarks. She shared a story about the importance of community and thanked everyone who attended the liturgy. Mrs. Landis showed her gratitude to Oak Knoll students by announcing Chipwiches for lunch and a dress down day on the following Monday. After practicing during general homeroom the week before, students and staff were ready to close out the Installation by singing the Alma Mater. It was one of the most joyful and loud renditions of the school song to date and was a great way to end the morning.
When asked about the event, Mrs. Landis said “I was deeply moved by the Installation Mass. I will always remember it as of the most special days I have ever experienced at Oak Knoll…I am grateful to everyone who helped organize the event and I am so happy that we were able to have students, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae, trustees, and friends of the school all gather together. It is truly an honor to be part of the story of Oak Knoll”.
With the pandemic now in the rearview, the Installation of Mrs. Landis as the Head of School was a wonderful time to celebrate. The whole day brought a sense of unity to the Oak Knoll community that was welcomed by students and staff alike.