Pat Oakes Awarded the Shirley and Jonathan O'Herron Award
This award honors a member of the Country School faculty or staff who has shown extraordinary dedication to the school and to the students, and has taught or worked at the school for at least 10 years. Pat Oakes has been a "force" at Country School for 32 years, nine as a parent and 23 as an employee.
The Shirley and Jonathan O’Herron Award was established in November 2013 through a bequest from the estate of Jonathan O’Herron. The O’Herrons were the proud parents of Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80 and grandparents of 11 Country School students from the O’Herron, Burleigh and Casey families.
Pat Oakes joined Country School as a parent in 1983 and immediately immersed herself in the community. From volunteering at the “Clothesline Sale” and serving as a Grade Rep, she went on to become Treasurer and then President of the Parents’ Association. She was hired by Nick Thacher in 1993 and served as Director of Admission until 2009. Since then she has worked in various roles in the Admission and Secondary School Placement offices, and most recently as Assistant to the Assistant Head of School.
Some of Pat’s most memorable and valuable contributions include starting the sale of Logo merchandise after “wearing down Nick Thacher who opposed the idea.” She initiated the new family mentor program—or host family program—and computeried the Admission Office and PA Finances. As a closet songwriter, she composed memorable lyrics for departing faculty and staff every June.
Arguably, her most valuable contribution to Country School are her two amazing children. Pat’s daughter Lauren, Class of ’96, received her PhD from Stanford University in Environment and Resources, and is currently writing a book. And her son Ryan, Class of ’93, who many of you know from his appearances at both Country School and Horizons is a world-renowned sleight of hand artist, magician and mentalist.
When asked about Pat, here is what some of her colleagues said:
“She just seems to have a genuine love of, and interest in, people.”
"She always makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world.”
"She is an incredibly generous person…She will do anything for a friend in need, mostly ‘behind the scenes’ which of course speaks to her humility.”
Back
Pat Oakes joined Country School as a parent in 1983 and immediately immersed herself in the community. From volunteering at the “Clothesline Sale” and serving as a Grade Rep, she went on to become Treasurer and then President of the Parents’ Association. She was hired by Nick Thacher in 1993 and served as Director of Admission until 2009. Since then she has worked in various roles in the Admission and Secondary School Placement offices, and most recently as Assistant to the Assistant Head of School.
Some of Pat’s most memorable and valuable contributions include starting the sale of Logo merchandise after “wearing down Nick Thacher who opposed the idea.” She initiated the new family mentor program—or host family program—and computeried the Admission Office and PA Finances. As a closet songwriter, she composed memorable lyrics for departing faculty and staff every June.
Arguably, her most valuable contribution to Country School are her two amazing children. Pat’s daughter Lauren, Class of ’96, received her PhD from Stanford University in Environment and Resources, and is currently writing a book. And her son Ryan, Class of ’93, who many of you know from his appearances at both Country School and Horizons is a world-renowned sleight of hand artist, magician and mentalist.
When asked about Pat, here is what some of her colleagues said:
“She just seems to have a genuine love of, and interest in, people.”
"She always makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world.”
"She is an incredibly generous person…She will do anything for a friend in need, mostly ‘behind the scenes’ which of course speaks to her humility.”
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
