

Oakland Christian School Receives National Recognition for Music Education

Oakland Christian School has been recognized with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its commitment to music education. This national award honors individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students—regardless of background, interest level, or ability.
Each year, the NAMM Foundation evaluates over 1,000 schools and districts across the country. Only a select group earns recognition through two awards: the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME), given to school districts, and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA), which honors individual schools like ours. We're proud to be among the schools that have demonstrated the highest level of dedication to music programs.
“Our music program plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded students at Oakland Christian. Music education encourages creativity, teamwork, discipline, and personal expression—all of which align with our mission to develop the whole child.”
Thomas Blue, Elementary Music Teacher
As part of the selection process, Oakland Christian submitted detailed information about its music program, including funding, student involvement, curriculum, facilities, and community support. The data was reviewed and confirmed by WolfBrown, a national arts education research firm.
“This recognition is meaningful for our students and teachers. It affirms the hard work we’ve poured into building a music program that reflects excellence and gives students a chance to grow in ways that go beyond academics.”
Angela Scheu, Band Director and Fine Arts Coordinator
Whether it's a student picking up an instrument for the first time, singing in chapel, or performing at a concert, music is a key part of student life at Oakland Christian. This award underscores the school’s commitment to nurturing students both academically and artistically.
For more information about The NAMM Foundation and the SupportMusic Merit Award, visit nammfoundation.org.
Meet Leslie Hawkins

What is your role this year?
Physical Education 6-9 grades
Tell us about your family.
Family of 5- Doug (husband) 3 children: Alexis-25, Kayla-22, & Nicholas-19 & our dog Chaser-12
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
Read, crafts, golfing, kayaking, walking, gardening, hiking & traveling.
Why do you choose to work at Oakland Christian School?
Worked for 26 years in public school & still love teaching. Wanted to be surrounded with more brothers & sisters who walk the same path as Jesus.
What is your favorite Bible Verse?
Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Also, Luke 15:3-4, ”Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?’"
Meet Emily Bourque

Join us in welcoming Emily Bourque to Oakland Christian School!
Emily Bourque has joined us as the 6th-grade Bible Teacher. Emily's enthusiasm for teaching is truly inspiring! She is most excited to watch our 6th graders grow in their love for Jesus this year.
Her favorite Bible verses, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, remind us of the beauty of God's timing:
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
Let's give Emily a warm Oakland Christian School welcome and support her in her mission to guide our 6th graders this year. We're excited to see the incredible impact she'll have on their lives!
Meet Alex Morgan

Help us give a warm Oakland Christian family welcome to Alex Morgan!
We are thrilled to have you on board as our 7th and 8th grade Math teacher and Middle School Yearbook teacher. Alex says she can't wait to see how God works through her to help students fulfill their purpose this year!
Alex's favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
We pray that the Lord uses you in mighty ways this year! We are so happy to have you on the team!