For the first time since opening in 2013, Oakside Prep Academy has high school graduates. Proud parents and family members filled the seats at The Strand Theatre in Pontiac, Michigan, and watched as 68 students were honored.
“Watching our students walk across the stage made me incredibly proud,” Principal Amy Tansel said. “I know their stories and the challenges they have faced to get to that moment. They worked so hard and persevered to make this accomplishment possible. It was amazing to see!”
There is plenty to be proud of as the grads collectively held an average GPA of over 3.0. Twenty grads have completed their third year of Early Middle College, and 19 of these scholars are staying for their fifth year, with the 20th planning to enlist in the military.
Oakside Prep valedictorian Kennedy Wright addresses the graduating class.
Fourteen scholars carried the National Honor Society cord at graduation, with five earning Summa Cum Laude honors, seven with Magna Cum Laude honors, and eight with Cum Laude honors.Valedictorian Kennedy Wright stood on stage to address the crowd. Steady in her voice, she thanked the many people who helped on her journey to a 4.11 grade point average.
“Class of 2025, I believe I can speak for many of us when I say that although we have been dreaming of this moment, we never knew how quickly this moment would arrive,” she said. “I remind you all to live in the moment. Enjoy this feeling that you all have today with the overwhelming success of graduating and recognizing the bright future ahead of you. Today, as I stand in front of you, I recognize all of your hard work and accomplishments that have brought you here and will continue to push you.”
Wright thanked her mother, brothers and sisters for being her personal hair stylists and Ubers, and expressed gratitude to her grandma and friends. She also focused on specific teachers who helped guide her experience at Oakside.
Oakside Prep’s first graduating class celebrates their achievement.
“Mrs. (Kenya) Vincent, thank you for playing the motherly role for all of us students. I will forever appreciate the steps you have taken to get us to this point. Ms. (Kierra) Johnson thank you for being yourself and acknowledging the negatives in our environment, but continuing to be uplifting, supporting, and positive. Your words of encouragement will forever mean the most to me. Thank you to Ms. (Cassandra) James for always lending an ear whenever I had something to share.”
The support and achievements are no surprise to those familiar with Oakside Prep, as the school has outperformed the local district in all subjects since its opening in 2013.
Fellow graduates Benjamin Nerio and Jaden Johnson also spoke at the ceremony, which was attended by School Board President Ann Bryan, Vice President Chuck Okezie, and Secretary Dr. Joseph Ajiri. The keynote speaker was Ms. DeMilla Prince.
Principal Tansel said the graduation ceremony was an excellent event that celebrated the achievement of students and their dedication to education.
Oakside Prep graduates enter the venue.
“I truly feel that our graduates are prepared and ready to go out and fulfill their dreams,” she said. “I am confident in their abilities and know they will take the lessons they learned at Oakside and apply them to find success.”
Congratulations to Oakside Prep and all graduates!
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About Oakside Prep Academy
Oakside Prep Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Waterford, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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