The Happy Kid Project
The Happy Kid Project
Oak Knoll School
The Happy Kid Project — by Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, a private Catholic PK-12 school in Summit, New Jersey — explores how students grow into their most joyful, purposeful, and empowered selves.
Bonus Episode: The Lifer Perspective on Oak Knoll
What's student life at Oak Knoll really like? In this episode, MarCom student interns who have attended OKS since kindergarten share their perspectives on academics, activities, friendships, traditions, and the moments that make the Oak Knoll experience unique.
May 26
17 min
Bonus Episode: Real Talk with Oak Knoll Students
Ever wonder what it's really like to be an Oak Knoll student? In this bonus episode, two Marcom student interns answer your burning questions and give an honest look at life on campus — from classes and clubs to friendships and favorite traditions.
Apr 8
17 min
Busting Admission Myths: What Really Matters in the Process
Join host Milan Jones '25, recent Oak Knoll graduate and former Marketing & Communications intern, as she sits down with our Lower and Upper School Admission Directors to tackle the biggest questions families have about the admission process. From application tips to what really matters most, get the inside scoop straight from the experts — and discover the truth behind the myths.
Sep 16, 2025
16 min
Capping It Off with Milan Jones '25: Inside the Senior Capstone Experience
In this special episode of The Happy Kid Project, host and senior Milan Jones '25 sits down with fellow Oak Knoll classmates to talk all things Capstone. From interning with a civil rights lawyer to redesigning interiors and supporting global girls' education, Bella, Kate, and Gwyn share the highs, challenges, and surprises of their senior projects. Whether you're a rising senior or just curious about what it means to "cap off" your Oak Knoll journey with purpose, this episode offers firsthand insight and advice you won't want to miss.
May 30, 2025
10 min
Coaching for the Next Century (6:32 mins)
For our first podcast of 2025, we launch a new four-part miniseries entitled "Our Second Century" in celebration of our centennial. Over the next four podcasts, we will talk to coaches, student leaders, administrative leaders, and members of our religion and campus ministry team about precious Oak Knoll tenets and how we carry those across the threshold into our next century as a school. We begin with members of our coaching staff. (6:32 mins)
Jan 22, 2025
6 min
Meet the Oak Knoll Centennial Committee
As the summer draws to a close and we enter the 2024-25 school year, Oak Knoll steps through a momentous threshold. We enter our 100th year as a Catholic educational institution indelibly connected to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and the visionary pedagogical dreams of Cornelia Connelly. Delayed somewhat by the pandemic but kicking into full gear almost a year and a half ago, a centennial committee has been hard at work collaborating to ensure the coming school year is filled with fun events, a rich understanding of our history, and an exciting look ahead at the schools' next century.
Jul 22, 2024
10 min
An All-American Relay Team (4:18 mins.)
Oak Knoll's 4x400 relay racers recently concluded what has become the winningest winter track season in Oak Knoll history. School and individual records were shattered right and left, and the relay team ended the Nike national meet by racing among the best in the country and being selected as All-American Athletes. (4:18 mins)
Apr 12, 2024
4 min
The Black Scholars Club at Oak Knoll (5:51 mins)
For this edition of the Happy Kid Project, we thought we'd introduce you to some of the members of the Black Scholars Club at Oak Knoll who recently helped the DEIJ Department organize a special assembly on African American Alumna in the Arts. The club was established at Oak Knoll well over a quarter of a century ago, and these current members tell us a little about what they think the club adds to the Oak Knoll community, and they share their thoughts on what the special assembly meant to them. (5:51 mins)
Apr 3, 2024
5 min
Reflection Days: An Oak Knoll Tradition (5:06 mins)
We take a moment to share a longstanding tradition at Oak Knoll. Each year, a special day is designated for each grade level in the Upper School to get away from campus, slow down, and take stock of where they are as students and members of the larger community. Michele Van-Kalsbeck, Director of Campus Ministry, tells us why. (5:06 mins)
Mar 1, 2024
5 min
Alumnae in the Arts Highlighted in Special Black History Month Assembly (39 mins)
On Thursday, February 22, the Black Scholars Club at Oak Knoll welcomed Upper School students to a special assembly celebrating African Americans and the Arts. From literature to performance, African Americans' creativity has shaped culture, inspired generations, and enriched our lives. This special assembly presented an esteemed panel of alumnae who spoke about their journey, experiences, achievements, and the ongoing importance of diversity and representation in the arts. (39 mins)
Feb 23, 2024
38 min
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