ODA Celebrates Our Seniors and Kindergarteners

The Out-of-Door Academy's Convocation ceremony, a cherished tradition since its inception in 2002, honors seniors as the school's leaders while celebrating kindergarteners as they begin their educational journey. This year's event was filled with joyous moments, making it truly memorable for all who attended.

This week, the ODA community came together for two heartwarming Convocation events. On Thursday morning, Lower School students and seniors gathered in the Dart Family Pavilion on the Historic Siesta Key Campus. Each Lower School class provided a heartfelt gift to the Class of 2025, including poetry and charitable donations in their honor. Following the assembly, seniors and their new kindergarten buddies got to know one another in the Thunder Hut, sharing stories, laughter, and a picnic lunch before heading off to play on Coach Young Field and the playgrounds.

This morning, the tradition continued as seniors and kindergarteners entered the Petrik Thunderdome together, welcomed by the warm applause of families, educators, and Middle and Upper School students. Each division and ODA's auxiliary groups presented thoughtful gifts to the seniors. Guest speaker Mrs. Laura Murphy delivered a sentimental speech, while Head of School Dr. Deb Otey offered her own gift – lunch at a restaurant in Waterside with every senior. Following the ceremony, seniors, their kindergarten buddies, siblings, and their families gathered in the Pavilion for cookies and conversation.