Joshua Foer, in his book Moonwalking with Einstein, makes the startling observation that “who we are and what we do is fundamentally a function of what we remember.” His comment echoes the words of Scripture, suggesting that our moral activity proceeds from what we have hidden in our hearts and minds. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Similarly, Christ says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

The ability to memorize (and those objects memorized) will prepare students for Poetry Out Loud (9th-12th grade) and Thesis presentations (11th and 12th grade) while equipping them to serve and lead others as fathers, mothers, friends, leaders, and laborers until the day God calls them home.

The Oaks emphasizes memorization across all the grade levels because we believe that the mind and heart are worth furnishing with objects that are beautiful, good, and true. We believe that education is character formation and what our students memorize has a shaping influence on the caliber of their character and the trajectory of their lives.

To that end, Grammar students competed this past week in our school speech meet. For this event, each student was required to commit to memory a worthy piece, fitting to their frame, and present that piece as an oration to their classmates, parents, and guests. The winners are invited to the inter-school speech meet with Logos on November 1st.

What a joy to see students filling their hearts and minds with good things and sharing those good things with others! Undoubtedly, each student is worthy of honor for memorizing a worthy piece; however, we extend particular congratulations to the following winners:

Third Grade (above):

Bible Memory:

Daniel Stebbins: Exodus 14:15-22
Joshua Wallach: Mathew 4:1-11

Fable/Folklore:

Aimee Cook: Mouse and Lion
Jack James: The Ant and the Grasshopper

Poetry:

Elena Thompson: I am Boom!
Enver Adjiasmanov: Dare To Dream