New Year, Old Friends: Alumni Return to Post Oak

As the doors closed on 2020, we could all hear a collective sigh of relief. A new chapter could begin. We are now one week into 2021 and eagerly moving on from the year behind us. This past Monday, however, we were reminded of a few treasures from the past, left behind by our Bearkat alumni.

Time Capsule Opening

On Monday, the class of 2020 returned to our Museum District Campus for a socially-distanced event, usually hosted in May, but postponed due to COVID. This was a chance to invite recent graduates back to campus during their extended winter breaks and before our current students returned. We jumped at this opportunity and brought everyone together for a sunny afternoon on the quad.

After a warm welcome and tour of the campus expansion currently underway, students took their seats for a time capsule unveiling.

Led by Dr. Quillin, students claimed their capsule items, which they had selected and added to the capsule when they were just starting in ninth grade. Each item held personal meaning, which each alum shared with the circle of familiar faces. A wristwatch, a fossil, and a box of trinkets were among the unearthed items. Each student also received a letter that they wrote to themselves during their freshmen year, which shared their interests and outlook for the future. In today’s fast-moving world, the look back at only four years ago felt like a glimpse at the distant past. 

It was a wonderful event! Please take a look at snapshots of the event in the gallery below.

Check out the MDC Campus Expansion

Alumni Voices 2021

And just last night at our annual Alumni Voices event, we were joined by alumni of all ages who shared their stories of Post Oak.

Our panel included students from the class of 2020 who provided updates on their lives since crossing the graduation stage less than a year ago. We were also joined by second-generation Bearkats who shared about why they returned to Post Oak for their own children’s education. One panelist was our first “lifer,” meaning she attended Post Oak from the Young Children’s Community all the way through High School after it opened in 2012. Other panelists came to Post Oak after attending more traditional environments; all alumni agreed that our school uniquely positioned them for the future.

In contrast to classmates and peers, our alumni find themselves able to organize and prepare, whether for an exam or the workplace. Our students get real-world experience through internships that take them around the globe and also immerse them in our community. These internships demand their focus and inform students about what is required when they enter the workforce, start a business of their own, or consider any life endeavor.

Faculty and staff bring learning to life. From one panelist, we heard about her Primary teacher’s assistant who would make guest classroom appearances as Frida Kahlo, arriving in head-to-toe traditional Tehuana dress and lead the class in lessons about art, expression, and Spanish. Another alum recalled the listening and care of Dr. Quillin, who captures his student conversations in a front-pocket notebook while sitting down to talk.

We invite you to hear all that our alumni panel had to say. Check out the recording from our 2021 event.

To view our 2021 panelists and our matriculation list, please visit our event page:

Alumni Voices

Here at Post Oak, we began the new year with a strong sense of community and connection. We encourage you to join us at next week’s Community Date Night or volunteer for our MLK Jr. Day service project!

Make sure to bookmark our calendar to stay up to date on all things happening at Post Oak this spring semester. We look forward to seeing you!