Jeff Ruster, Jr.

Oakwood School Substitute and Coach &
Oakwood Alumni, Class of 2018

My journey with Oakwood began in 2013, during my challenging 8th-grade year when I was struggling academically and unsure about my high school prospects. While most of my peers aimed for local Catholic schools, I lacked the strong academic record or extracurriculars those schools sought, making my chances slim.

One day, my parents arranged a shadow day at Oakwood, a school I hadn’t heard of. Reluctantly, I went, unaware of the impact it would have on me. Oakwood took a chance on me and joining their basketball team that summer opened a new chapter. The coach’s welcoming attitude made me feel valued, igniting a passion for competitive basketball and marking the first time I felt truly at home in a school setting.

Freshman year posed academic challenges, but propelled by my love for basketball, I steadily progressed. With each semester, my grades ascended, transforming me from someone who disliked school to a student awarded a department scholarship at Saint Mary’s College of California. There, I studied Economics while nurturing my love for Catholic Theology and Religious Studies.

After college, despite securing a part-time youth minister role at a local church, I missed the team that had shaped me. Before the 2022-2023 basketball season, I contacted Coach Kort to join as an assistant coach. Soon, I was back in a place I loved. As that memorable season concluded, I sought full-time work and considered coaching. The players and Coach Kort suggested teaching positions, leading me to apply for an in-house substitute teacher role.

And yes, I did get the job.

Since September 2023, I’ve taken on various roles at Oakwood—assisting in basketball coaching, working as a substitute teacher, teaching PE to middle schoolers, and contributing to the communications team by creating final score graphics for social media. While I still cherish theology, working at Oakwood has broadened my horizons beyond what I once knew.

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.

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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