Tall Oaks Classical School

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Visiting the Past as We Look Toward the Future

By Neal Stublen

Excerpt taken from the Winter 2007/2008 Tall Oaks Classical School Quarterly

Have you ever taken some time to think through the Vision and Mission Statements of Tall Oaks Classical School? Part of my responsibility as a board member is to work with the others who serve on the board to make sure the school is living up to these statements. But as you read through these statements, what does the fulfillment of the school’s vision and mission really look like? For those of you who were able to join us for our Annual Fund Banquet on November 9th, you caught a glimpse of what we hope to accomplish as a classical and Christian school.

As we heard from three former students we were privileged to hear of the fruit our school is bearing in the world. Megan Cathey shared how her Tall Oaks education provided a solid foundationfor her studies at Cottey College. Iain Roush shared how fellow students at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University wished they had the same educational background that Iain carried into college. Brant Hauser shared how the liberal arts background he gained at Tall Oaks proved valuable as a precursor to his pursuit of a degree in architecture. These three Tall Oaks alumni have pursued diverse paths, but their stories share a common thread. All three students quickly realized they had received knowledge and understanding their peers lacked – and their college professors recognized it! They stood out among theirpeers, and they were prepared to serve as leaders. Our Vision Statement says“we will train Christian leaders who will righteously lead in their vocations, families and church,” and we heard three testimonies indicating our graduates have been prepared to do just that. Since I wear several hats at Tall Oaks, hearing from our alumni encouraged me in a variety of ways.

As a board member I hear these voices from the past and find great hope for the future. Even our small graduating classes are shining as lights in the world around them. What kind of testimonies will we hear when we are graduating over thirty students each year? What plans might the Lord have prepared for those under our care? As we work together with the parents of our school, it’s exciting to think we might graduate hundreds and even thousands more students like those we heard from at the Annual Fund Banquet.

As a teacher at Tall Oaks, I was reminded that “our labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:4). As anyone who has taught at Tall Oaks knows, there is certainly a lot of work involved (and I only teach one class). However, our work is yielding fruit in the lives of our graduates. Those of us who teach at Tall Oaks can look forward to rejoicing in what the Lord will do in the lives of our students and know that He has allowed us the privilege of sharing with their parents in their training.

Finally, as a parent of three Tall Oaks students I eagerly hope to see them stand out among their peers because of the knowledge and understanding they are gaining at Tall Oaks. As Megan Cathey shared, investments from church and parents will play a pivotal role in students’ lives, but their school also serves a critical role. I pray my children will look back on their time at Tall Oaks as a Godgiven blessing as Megan, Iain, and Brant have done. As our school continues to grow and mature, how much more will it serve as a blessing to current and future students?

For those of you who were not able to attend the banquet, you may want to visit our web site where you can watch video recordings from the evening. As you listen to our alumni, please consider how the Lord might lead you to contribute to our Annual Fund. As we invest together in the future of Tall Oaks students, I trust the Lord will be pleased to continue blessing our graduates.