Karim Oaks started at John T. Morgan Academy as a first grader and graduated from the school in 1979. Life would bring her back to her alma mater just nine years later. Oaks, now the school’s director of instruction, began working part-time at Morgan in 1988.

“My role has changed here at Morgan over the years going from part-time to full-time, to being a regular classroom teacher to being the cheerleader coach,” Oaks said.

Oaks has taught history, speech and physical education as well as sponsored the scholars bowl and Interact Club. She has directed Morgan Academy’s beauty pageant and this year is advising the student government association.

Because of Oaks’ love of the school and dedication to its students, Morgan’s Board of Directors and guidance counselor Sheryl Schroeder nominated her for the Alabama Independent School Association Hall of Fame.

That award will be bestowed upon her Monday night during a ceremony in Montgomery.

“I was extremely honored just to be nominated,” Oaks said. “Most of the people that are in the hall of fame are people that I’ve looked up to in my years of being here.”

Oaks said Morgan has become part of her life and she still enjoys helping students make the most of their time.

“I love it,” Oaks said. “Every time I think about retiring, something validates that I need to be here.”

Schroeder said it’s hard to picture Morgan Academy without Oaks.

“Karim Oaks and Morgan Academy go hand-in-hand — you can’t have one without the other,” Schroeder said.

“She is now such an intricate part of Morgan. Her heart is here.”

When Schroeder found out that Oaks was one of the 12 people selected to be inducted this year, she wasn’t surprised.

“She is most deserving of this honor, and it’s just a long time coming,” Schroeder said.