100 Years of Promise and Purpose: Celebrating a Century of Excellence at Oak Knoll

 As Oak Knoll School celebrates its 100th anniversary, we look back with gratitude at a century of excellence in education. From its humble beginnings in Summit, New Jersey, Oak Knoll has grown into a beacon of academic achievement, personal growth, and community impact. We invite our alumni, current families, and the wider community to join us in celebrating this historic milestone.



A Legacy of Educational Excellence

Oak Knoll's centennial celebration is not just a look back at the past, but also a vision for the future. For 100 years, Oak Knoll has stayed true to its founding principles of fostering academic rigor, spiritual growth, and leadership. The values instilled by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus in 1924 continue to shape the school’s mission, as we continue to educate and inspire students to become compassionate leaders and global citizens.

Mark Your Calendars: A Year of Celebration

We’ve planned a series of special events and activities to commemorate this milestone. Whether you’re an alum, a current student, or a member of the broader Oak Knoll community, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and participate in.

  • Centennial Video Interviews: Relive our journey through nostalgic video interviews where past and present voices reflect on the legacy of Oak Knoll and its future.

  • Podcast Series – Our Second Century: Tune in to hear inspiring stories from our current community members as they share how they’re helping to shape Oak Knoll’s next century of excellence.

  • 100th Anniversary Mass: Join us for the Centennial Mass of Thanksgiving, held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on September 10, 2024, with His Eminence Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., presiding.

Recognized in the Community

We are deeply honored that our 100th anniversary has been recognized by esteemed leaders in our community, acknowledging Oak Knoll’s exceptional contributions to education and beyond. These tributes highlight the impact Oak Knoll has had on generations of students, families, and the broader community.

The Roots of Oak Knoll

As we reflect on the history of Oak Knoll, we honor the pioneering work of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. From the founding of the first Holy Child Network school in the United States in 1862 to the acquisition of the Larned Estate in Summit, where Oak Knoll School was born in 1924, our history is one of vision, dedication, and love for education.

  • The Society Takes Root: The spirit of Oak Knoll began long before its opening in 1924, when Cornelia Connelly founded the Society of the Holy Child Jesus in England in 1846.

  • A New Beginning: In 1924, the Society acquired the Larned Estate in Summit, transforming it into Oak Knoll School. The first day of school saw 17 students embark on a new educational journey, a journey that would evolve into the exceptional institution we know today.

A Century of Growth and Transformation

From our first graduating class in 1929 to the addition of significant campus buildings and facilities like Bonaventura Hall and Connelly Hall, Oak Knoll has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its students and the community. Our commitment to excellence is seen in every corner of our school, from the Mother Campion Center for the Performing Arts to our state-of-the-art athletic facilities.

The creation of the Cum Laude Society in 1985 and the opening of the Chatham Athletic Complex in 2004 are just a few examples of Oak Knoll’s efforts to expand opportunities for our students. In 1999, the school’s first lay head, Tina Hummerstone, began a new chapter in leadership, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation.

Looking Forward: The Next 100 Years

As we celebrate 100 years, Oak Knoll is more than just a school; it’s a community committed to shaping the future. Our legacy of faith, scholarship, and service will continue to inspire the generations of students who walk through our doors, just as it has for the past century.

We are grateful for the contributions of everyone who has been part of Oak Knoll’s journey, and we look forward to the next 100 years of academic excellence, personal growth, and service to the community.

Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision a future filled with promise and purpose.

For more information on events, celebrations, and how you can be a part of Oak Knoll’s legacy, visit us at oak knoll.org.
Location: 44 Blackburn Rd, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

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