Twenty-five seniors make up the School of the Ozarks Class of 2024. Out of these 25 students, 12 committed to furthering their education at College of the Ozarks.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — School of the Ozarks hosted its Commencement Ceremony at Williams Memorial Chapel on May 9. Twenty-five seniors made up the 2024 S of O graduating class. Out of these 25 students, 12 committed to furthering their education at College of the Ozarks.

“This is the 12^th commencement since School of the Ozarks reopened,” said Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks. “The class of 2024 is ready to be poured out as salt and light, as Jesus calls each one of us to do in Matthew 5. We are so proud of each one and pray for them as they go out to impact the world for Christ.”

College of the Ozarks alumnus, Scott McElvain, was the commencement speaker for the 2024 ceremony. McElvain served as assistant dean of School of the Ozarks for 12 years. After graduating from College of the Ozarks with a bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, McElvain pursued a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. Once McElvain completed his master’s degree, he furthered his studies at Regent University and completed his doctoral degree in Christian Education Leadership.

“I hope each graduating senior enjoys the great adventure that has been set before them,” McElvain said. “At School of the Ozarks, we help students explore what they believe and why, and we help prepare them to be influencers in the world. I know the graduating Class of 2024 is ready to launch!”

Portrait of a Graduate Award

Every year, a senior receives the Portrait of a Graduate Award that honors a student who represents the qualities S of O strives to instill. Graham Wilhoit received this award and gave a speech at the commencement ceremony.

Wilhoit applied to S of O for four years, but was unable to attend because the School did not have availability in his grade. He was finally admitted in 2018, with much rejoicing by his family. His younger brother, Briggs, had been admitted several years before him due to availability in his grade level.

Wilhoit persevered to obtain admission because he desired the rigorous academic curriculum of a classical Christian education. 

“The feeling of finally being an S of O student was absolutely unbelievable,” Wilhoit said. “There are many things I love about S of O, but one thing in particular that I love is the community. My teachers, classmates, and classes all provided me with a community that is genuinely refreshing to be around.”

After Wilhoit spent five years at S of O, he saw growth, not only in his academics but in his faith as well.

“One thing I took away from my time at S of O was exceptional growth in my Christian faith,” Wilhoit said. “The School taught me to be strong in my faith and know what I believe and why. S of O challenges its students to think for themselves by using critical thinking skills. Those are lessons for which I am forever grateful.”

The vision of School of Ozarks mirrors that of College of the Ozarks: to develop citizens of Christlike character who are well-educated, hardworking, and patriotic. The curriculum of the School is designed as a classical Christian model and emphasizes the importance of Christlike character and a biblical worldview in understanding truth. School of the Ozarks has been re-established and operates as a department of College of the Ozarks under the direction of The Keeter Center for Character Education.