Macy Sorensen

Oakwood School Lower School Music Teacher &
Oakwood Alumni, Class of 2012

The lessons I learned, the connections I made, and the kindness I experienced at Oakwood as a student have shaped me into the person and teacher that I am today.

I graduated from Oakwood High School in 2012. While at Oakwood, I loved participating in drama, dance, music, Student Council, yearbook, Interact, French, and many other classes and extracurriculars. I looked forward to coming to school every day because of the passionate, caring teachers I had and the lifelong friendships I made.

When I graduated, I moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University and, because of the inspiring teachers I had at Oakwood, I decided to study education. Throughout college, I returned to Oakwood occasionally to teach summer music and drama programs. After college graduation, I got a job teaching at a high school in Utah, but I always dreamed of coming back to teach at Oakwood full-time.

When I heard about the Lower School music teaching position opening, I was eager to interview and thrilled when I was hired! Coming back to Oakwood was like coming home. I love the culture of kindness, dignity, and unity that I experience here, and the traditions I grew up with that are still here. I love that we still sing the Friday song every Friday. I love that we still collect donations for the Thanks and Giving Celebration. I love that we still raise money at the Fund Run. I love that we still dress up for Spirit Week. And I love that our campus is still the most beautiful one out there. I also appreciate the new and exciting ways that Oakwood has grown and changed since I graduated.

Oakwood shaped me into who I am today and I am so happy to be back here as a passionate, caring teacher to hopefully play a small part in helping my students become who they will be in the future.

Stephanie Procker

“[My grandchildren] have had so many wonderful educational and fun experiences. Trips abroad, sports, clubs, and friendships—memories that will last forever. The kindness, attention, and guidance from teachers and staff are exceptional.”

The Rosen Family

“In addition to donating my time, Tanu and I feel strongly about giving back financially as well. Knowing that other students or programs have benefited from donations is rewarding. Oakwood has proven itself as a very worthy recipient of philanthropic efforts.”

The Watanabe Family

“All teachers and staff we interacted with know our children by name and their little quirks. They are not merely known as students, but individuals with aspirations and self-doubt, strengths and weaknesses, and extroversion sprinkled with moments of introversion. Regardless, they are embraced at Oakwood with love and admiration.”

The Giacalone Family

“Volunteering has been a meaningful experience for our family, allowing us to give back to a community that has given us so much. It has also been an opportunity for us to connect with other parents, get to know the teachers and staff better, and play an active role in our children’s education.”

The Kobata Family

“It truly does take a village to raise a child and Oakwood teachers, staff, and the Oakwood families are my village.”

The Tom Family

GP ’24, ’32
As our granddaughter finishes her Senior year we can look back with the knowledge that she has received the best possible education these past six years, and we can anticipate even more exciting opportunities for our grandson as he continues his growth at Oakwood.”

The Zhao/Chen Family

P ’19, ’24
“Oakwood teachers and staff have done so much in providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children to explore, grow, and flourish, both academically and in extracurricular activities.”

Adam & Lexi Hubbard

“Oakwood leadership felt more like family, I know this because both my daughters felt comfortable and confident when interacting with mentors. They felt secure knowing that they had a voice, and were truly listened to and heard by their professors. It was clear that the school wasn’t just a place of education, but a sanctuary for growth in all its forms—intellectual, emotional, and social.”

Diana Sanchez

“I love being part of the Oakwood community, teaching and watching so many young students grow and remain connected to this special place. It’s truly amazing to see generations here—I now have grandparents whose children I once taught, and now their grandchildren are my students. Just recently, one of my former students, Taylor, told my granddaughter that I was and still am her favorite teacher. Moments like these make me feel incredibly grateful.”

Nisanti Wilmot

P ’23, ’25, ’28, ’31
“The school campus, with its natural beauty, never ceases to inspire me, and I deeply appreciate the autonomy I have when it comes to designing and delivering my classes.”

Jeff Ruster, Jr.

’18
“Although my career here is young, it’s unmistakably clear: every aspect of my growth, from being a student to evolving as an individual, my choice of college, and eventually transitioning into an educational career, all owe their beginnings to a singular moment—the pivotal decision of Oakwood’s admissions department to take a chance on me back in 2013.”

Macy Sorensen

’12
“Coming back to Oakwood was like coming home.”

Kelli Frazer

P ’21
“The support, camaraderie, generosity, spirit, and connections that I have because of Oakwood are invaluable to me both personally and professionally.”

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Oakwood School Book of Gratitude

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