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Episode 15: Student Council
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp and Mr. Battaglia sit down with the Student Council President and Vice President to talk about the launch of Seven Oaks’ first-ever Student Council.
Hear how this new endeavor is empowering students to lead, serve, and shape their school community. From planning events to sharing student voices, our student leaders reflect on what they've learned so far and their vision for the future.
Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on leadership, initiative, and the power of student involvement. -
Episode 14: Our Theatre Program
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp is joined by Miss Holland and two talented theatre students for a behind-the-scenes look at the vibrant Seven Oaks Theatre Program.
They share their personal experiences on stage, the life lessons learned through performance, and the joy of being part of a close-knit cast. The conversation also shines a spotlight on the excitement building around the upcoming production of The Music Man.
Take a seat, raise the curtain, and tune in for an inspiring look at how theatre at Seven Oaks brings confidence, creativity, and community to life!
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Episode 13: Reflections on the Italy Trip
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp and Mr. Battaglia sit down with two of our senior students who recently returned from the first-ever upperclassmen trip to Italy!
They share their favorite moments, cultural insights, and what it was like to walk through the pages of history—from ancient ruins to Renaissance art. Hear how this unforgettable journey brought their classical education to life and deepened their appreciation for the world beyond the classroom. -
Episode 12: Ask Dr. Shipp
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Episdoe 11: Amanda Clancy - From a parent's view
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp sits down with Amanda Clancy, a devoted parent who waited three years on the waitlist before her daughter was offered a seat at Seven Oaks. Now, not only is her daughter thriving in our classical curriculum, but Amanda has also joined our team as an instructional aide, bringing her passion for education into the classroom.
Hear her inspiring journey, why she never gave up on Seven Oaks, and what makes our school worth the wait!
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Episdoe 10: Ten Things We Love about Upper School at Seven Oaks
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp is joined by Mr. Battaglia, Assistant Headmaster for the Upper School, and Mrs. Ruwe, Dean of the Middle School, as they share 10 things they love about Upper School at Seven Oaks!
From academic excellence to the vibrant school culture, they highlight what makes our Upper School experience truly special. Whether you’re a current family or just curious about what sets Seven Oaks apart, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
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Episode 9: Col. James Crowhurst - School Board President
In Episode 9 of our podcast, we sit down with Retired Col. James Crowhurst, School Board President and dedicated community servant. Col. Crowhurst shares his journey from military service to a leadership role at Seven Oaks, driven by his sense of civic duty. Join us as he discusses the mission of Seven Oaks, his role in honoring veterans, and what it takes to support a school dedicated to classical education. Col. Crowhurst also offers advice to students considering military service, highlighting the diverse paths that a Seven Oaks education can prepare them for—whether that’s college, a trade, or some other path.
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Episode 8: Miss Holland and our Post-Graduation Program
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp sits down with Miss Holland, our dedicated Post-Graduation Counselor and a founding faculty member at Seven Oaks.
Miss Holland shares how our school takes a personalized approach to post-graduation counseling, ensuring each student is equipped to pursue their unique path—whether it’s college, a career, or beyond. Her insights and passion for guiding students make this a must-listen for parents and students alike!
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Episode 7: Tommy Weakley
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Stephen Shipp sits down with Seven Oaks’ new Athletic Director, Tommy Weakley. With an impressive background in sports and education, Tommy brings fresh insights and a strong commitment to the school’s athletic program and how it fits within the broader mission of the school. Together, they explore the connection between athletics and classical education, discussing how sports help foster character, resilience, and community. Tommy shares his journey from underdog athlete to athletic leader, emphasizing his passion for nurturing young athletes through an integrated approach to academics and sportsmanship. They discuss the school’s vision for growth in athletics. Tommy outlines the diverse range of sports offered at Seven Oaks, as well as his advice for aspiring athletes. Tune in to hear how Tommy’s vision aims to build a dynamic and inclusive athletic culture that supports Seven Oaks’ broader educational mission.
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Episode 6: Looking back with eyes forward: A Gym for Generations
In this special episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp sits down with Police Chief Jimmy Durnil and longtime community member Jerry Cravens to take a trip down memory lane. As former basketball players in the 1960s, they share their experiences playing in our beloved historic gym, built in 1936.
From unforgettable games to the gym’s lasting impact on our small town, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who loves local history, basketball, and community spirit.
If you would like to contribute to our Gym for Generations campaign, you can give here.
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Episode 5: The Lyceum: The Challenges of Social Media - Caleb Duplain
In this episode, Dr. Shipp and Mr. Battaglia sit down with our first Lyceum speaker, Caleb Duplain. We were delighted to welcome Caleb to campus Monday, January 27th. Mr. Caleb Duplain is a filmmaker and storyteller with a passion for crafting meaningful narratives. Formally trained in filmmaking throughout high school and college, he founded his own production company, producing short films and documentaries that have screened at film festivals around the world. His work is celebrated for blending creativity and authenticity while tackling themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Beyond filmmaking, Caleb began sharing his personal experiences with the challenges of social media—an issue often reflected in his work as a digital storyteller. His candid videos about its impact and design flaws garnered millions of views and built a community of hundreds of thousands. Now, he is using his platform to spark meaningful conversations, traveling to schools to educate young audiences about the pitfalls of social media and empowering them to navigate it with greater awareness and intention.
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Episode 4 - Imagination in Action: How Students Shaped Our Playground Vision
In this lively episode, Dr. Shipp chats with four imaginative 4th graders who turned their recess into a stage for creativity and innovation. From building a "shop" to putting on plays, these young minds share how their inventive activities not only brought joy to their classmates but also inspired big changes at Seven Oaks. Their creativity led to the incorporation of a stage and shop area into the design for the new playground, a space designed to nurture the spirit of imagination, collaboration, adventure, and enterprise. Tune in for a heartwarming look at how student-driven ideas can shape the future of our school!
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Episode 3: Our French Program
In this special episode of the Seven Oaks Podcast, Dr. Shipp chats with Ms. Kinser, head of our French Department. From her early passion for the French language to the dynamic and enriching French program she has helped build at Seven Oaks, Ms. Kinser shares her journey and insights. Tune in to learn how our students are embracing the language, culture, and global connections of the French-speaking world. C’est magnifique!
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Episode 2: From the Beginning
In this special episode, Dr. Shipp and Mr. Battaglia sit down with the only two members of the Seven Oaks Class of 2025 who have been with Seven Oaks from the very beginning. When the school opened in 2016, these two joined as fourth graders. Listen as they reflect on their unique journey, sharing memories, lessons learned, and how the Seven Oaks experience has shaped them. Hear their thoughts about the growth of the school, the impact of a classical education, and their hopes for the future as they approach graduation. This episode is a celebration of perseverance, tradition, and the legacy of Seven Oaks' founding students.
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Episode 1: An Introduction
In the inaugural episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp and Mr. Battaglia introduce this inspiring new podcast from Seven Oaks Classical School. Together, they share the vision behind the show, where Dr. Shipp will interview members of the school community who make a meaningful impact each day. From dedicated teachers and supportive staff to students and parents, every episode will spotlight those whose contribution—while varied—is united by a love of the school. Tune in to hear about the people and passion that drive the mission and community of Seven Oaks!
Upcoming Episodes
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Coming Soon: Amanda Clancy - From a parent's view
In this episode of Honoring the Honorable, Dr. Shipp sits down with Amanda Clancy, a devoted parent who waited three years on the waitlist before her daughter was offered a seat at Seven Oaks. Now, not only is her daughter thriving in our classical curriculum, but Amanda has also joined our team as an instructional aide, bringing her passion for education into the classroom.
Hear her inspiring journey, why she never gave up on Seven Oaks, and what makes our school worth the wait!
We would like to hear from you!
We are seeking your suggestions! Is there a podcast guest you think Dr. Shipp should interview? Is there a specific topic you'd like to hear discussed? Perhaps you have a question you'd like Dr. Shipp to answer. Please fill out this form to submit your suggestion.