05/19/2026
At the Founders Gala, our very own founder, Lindsey Weaver, delivered a beautiful and heartfelt speech. Lindsey is the reason we walk the halls of Seven Oaks today, this school began as her vision. Through the dedication of so many who have joined arms with her along the way, we are now preparing to complete our 10th year. We invite you to read her speech, as it offers a meaningful glimpse into the vital role Dr. Shipp has played throughout the history of Seven Oaks.
____
"If you've read Anne of Green Gables, then you know that Anne has a lot of
experience with taking risks. She teaches us that embracing risks like
vulnerability, bold ambition, and new beginnings often leads to deeper
relationships, self-discovery, and unexpected joys.
Anne creates deep connections when she risks rejection by being her authentic
self. The risk pays off when she is accepted and truly loved by the Avonlea
Community. She teaches us it is better to be ambitious and pursue success than
allow the fear of failure to keep us from true accomplishment. And how could we
forget her persistent optimism. Anne teaches us that taking the risk of
hope–believing that each new day is a “fresh start”--enables us to navigate life's
inevitable disappointments and remain joyful.
In the decade since Seven Oaks first opened its doors, not once have the
students across its grades considered “risk” as a virtue. But risk–and all it entails
to those who truly embrace it – was all that the prospective founders of the
school really had in 2012.
That year, the founders began to create an educational program they hoped
would survive for generations. The initial school board had no charter, no school
building, and no curriculum. All we had was a small amount of money promised
and later donated by a benefactor whose name still is not widely known. For four
years, the school board worked tirelessly to bring to fruition what would become
Seven Oaks Classical School.
And in the spring of 2016, we were able to entice Dr. Stephen Shipp to take a
chance on a brand new school. Like Anne, he took a risk.
He moved his young family across the country, from their comfortable existence
in Texas to Ellettsville, Indiana with nothing more than a hopeful perspective for
what the future of Seven Oaks could be.
Dr. Shipp was willing to risk his own financial well-being, the security of his family
and his own personal reputation in furtherance of a stand alone K through 12
classical school in Monroe County, Indiana. For this, we thank him. Our
founding headmaster and a pivotal character in the story of our school.
Approaching risk, the unknown, not with a sense of dread or trepidation (at least
not outwardly), but one of opportunity, potential, possibility. You see, that is what
good leaders do. They enter new territory with all of its uncertainty and they
proceed. They forge a new path and take others with them. That path may be
fraught with risk.
What can we learn from Dr. Shipp’s commitment to Seven Oaks over these past
10 years? Dr. Shipp has a palpable love for our school and its people, like Anne,
he chooses deep connections with his staff, the students, as well as the broader
community. And also like Anne, he possesses a persistent optimism.
His hopefulness is characterized by the belief that good things will happen, the
future is bright, and difficulties are temporary. Even in the face of significant
challenges during our school’s infancy, such as a lawsuit and the struggles of
COVID, he has remained steadfast and hopeful. Good leaders like him display
strength and resilience. All of this, in pursuit of what is good, true and beautiful.
As a great leader, Dr. Shipp has shown that risk, when met with optimism, faith,
and integrity can yield enormous reward. In our case, this is a reward to be
reaped by our children. They are not the only benefactors though. Under Dr.
Shipp’s leadership, Seven Oaks Classical School has transformed families. It
has attracted and grown amazing teachers. It has produced great citizens. It
has transformed our community for the better.
By taking risks, Anne transforms from an orphaned outsider into a beloved
member of her community, proving that the greatest risk is often not taking one at
all. Without Dr. Shipp’s educational vision and his willingness to take the heat on
behalf of our school, Seven Oaks might not have survived to become the
well-regarded classical school we have today.
Ten years is but a small period of time in the history of a great educational
institution and I have no doubt that our school will survive and prosper in the
decades to follow.
Dr. Shipp, as a token of our appreciation and a symbol of the battle you have and
continue to fight on our behalf, a sword has been forged in your honor. This
sword was forged by Cody Craig, who works in the facilities department at Seven
Oaks Classical School. Mr. Craig has spent the past 18 years pursuing his
passion for blacksmithing. It was this dedication to his craft that even led him to
compete on the popular television series Forged in Fire. As a lifelong student of
the arts, Mr. Craig values craftsmanship and creativity, and he has felt genuinely
welcomed as a member of the Seven Oaks community. Dr. Shipp, please accept
this as an expression of our deep appreciation for all you have done over the
years to guide our children on the path to truth, beauty and goodness.
Tonight, we salute you." - Lindsey Weaver
-12
