Even the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of Ranney’s 60 fifth graders, the Class of 2016, as they celebrated their promotion into Middle School. As part of our time-honored tradition, Ranney’s fifth graders symbolically walked from Lower School to Middle School at our annual Crossing the Lawn ceremony, held Thursday, June 4.

The special day began with a congratulatory breakfast for parents and guests in RSPA Panther Hall North and West Galleries, while the students spent time with classmates and teachers as their final days of Lower School drew to a close.

Mrs. Laura Gillroy, Assistant Head of Lower School, opened the ceremony, asking the Kindergarteners, the Class of 2021, to form an honor guard while the Class of 2016 was presented in procession. Gathered together for the first time in RSPA Panther Hall for the Crossing the Lawn ceremony, fifth grade classmates Jared Katz and Rachel Staats welcomed the crowd and led the pledge of allegiance. Flanked on each side of the aisle leading up to the Roberts Stage, the Kindergarteners were invited to be part of the celebration as the fifth graders’ special buddies.

On behalf of their classmates, Ricky Wild ’16 and Shruthi Vaidyaselvan ’16, symbolically passed the Lower School torch to the Class of 2021; those students who will be moving into the new Lower School Academic Complex from their home in the Early Childhood Education Center. Said Shruthi, “Today, the class of 2016 wants to pass the torch to Kindergarten, the Class of 2021. We are leaving you with a gift – Ranney School blazer buttons. Wear them for every special occasion, and teach your friends the importance of our school motto: Knowledge, Vision, Honor.”

Head of Lower School, Mrs. Patricia Marshall, spoke to the Class of 2016, a class she referred to as extraordinary and possessing many talents. Defined as athletes, artists and activists, our fifth graders are certainly a class of doers and givers. Mrs. Marshall reflected upon the significance of the promotion ceremony, saying that “Crossing the Lawn is about how we watch children grow up… and how we give them the beginnings of self-directed decision-making.” She noted that Crossing the Lawn is another Ranney tradition where we join together both friends and family; and we acknowledge that the students have been instilled with foundations of both scholarship and character which will help them make informed choices in their future educational endeavors. “Crossing the Lawn,” Mrs. Marshall said, “means that this is a beginning of us giving you independence and trust… we know you can handle situations with grace, intelligence and moral courage. Your family and your school believe in you.”

Together with Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Head of School, Mrs. Marshall presented the gift from the Class of 2016 to Ranney’s Lower School: a framed, signed, class picture to hang in the new fifth grade learning neighborhood. As the first class to present a gift back to the Lower School, the Class of 2016 has begun a wonderful new tradition.

Dr. Sykoff began his remarks by welcoming the crowd of parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and even babies (potential members of the class of 2025) to the ceremony, saying “it takes a great school, and a great family, to raise a child.” He then narrated a story entitled Big Brother, Little Brother, a classic South Korean folk tale about two brothers who, after secretly giving each other bags of rice, come to learn that that there is nothing more comforting than the love of family. Dr. Sykoff challenged the students to apply the tale’s lesson about the importance of family and cherish it as a message to take with them the rest of their lives. “Always remember your Lower School days and what you have learned,” he remarked, “but your greatest source of strength will come from your family.”

It was fitting to celebrate family at Crossing the Lawn, as the Class of 2016 is truly a family class. Of the 60 students, one-third of the class started as Beginners or Pre-K students and are now well on their way to becoming Ranney “lifers.” Forty-six students have siblings in the school throughout the three divisions – and 21 of those students are the youngest siblings in the family and the last to be promoted from Ranney’s Lower School. In addition, three students are children of alumni – legacy students – and the second generation of Ranney students to be promoted. The significance and importance of family was noted by the members of the Class of 2016 as they dedicated a spirited rendition of the song Stand by Me, written by Ben E. King, to their parents.

Fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Doreen Fowlkes, presented the much anticipated video segment of the program. The fifth grade video is a favorite custom which featured photos, set to music, of the graduating class as babies and through their school years at Ranney.

The Class of 2016 was officially welcomed to sixth grade by Mrs. Kathleen Deeken, Head of Middle School. Mrs. Deeken urged the students to continue sharing their talents in art, music, drama, and athletics, as well as their notable leadership in community service. “What a powerful message to inspire kindness,” she remarked. “You can influence the world–your world–with everyday acts of kindness, which I know this class knows all about… I am confident that you will continue to strive to do your best inside and outside of the classroom, and I think that your trademark to be honorable will make you great Middle Schoolers.”

To end the promotion ceremony, the fifth graders treated the audience to a final performance of Friends Forever, the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ opening theme song.

Mrs. Marshall proudly presented the Ranney community with the newest class of Middle Schoolers and gave recognition and thanks to a few special people who were in attendance. Classmate Philip Cantave led his Class of 2016 in a three cheer salute, which was an apt way to close the festive promotion ceremony.

The Class of 2016 was given one last surprise upon concluding the ceremony; the rain had stopped! With the weather cleared up, family, friends and other members of the Ranney community were able to line the sidewalk to cheer the students on as they crossed the lawn for the first time, offering a final farewell to Lower School.

Crossing the Lawn – A Time-Honored Tradition

In keeping with Ranney tradition, we mark the end of each school year with several cherished transitional events, one of the most important of which is Middle School Promotion. The promotion, which was held this year on Monday, June 8, celebrates the graduation of students from Middle to Upper School and recognizes the beginning of the journey from childhood to young adulthood. During this year’s celebration, it was not surprising to see the excitement and anticipation on the faces of students and, at the same time, glimpse the poignant faces of parents as, together as families, they prepared to move onto the next stage of their Ranney careers.

The Middle School Promotion ceremony began as eighth graders proudly processed into RSPA Panther Hall, filed past their parents, friends and teachers and took their seats on the Roberts Stage. Eighth grader Erika Serhus led the audience in saying the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Invocation, given by Honor Code Committee member Madison Price. Then Mrs. Kathleen Deeken, Head of Middle School, welcomed students and guests, saying, “As students and as young people, it has been a pleasure to see your growth over the past several years. I am sure that what awaits each of you in high school will ignite a passion, if it hasn’t already, and I know you will continue to pursue that dream.”

Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Head of School, offered students his own congratulations, reminding them that they will have to work hard for success, but emphasizing that the “most successful people are those who grow up loving what they do.” He recalled the stories of two well known figures, Bill Gates and Mozart, who went to great lengths to realize their life-long dreams. “These two people, who we admire for being geniuses in their fields, had intelligence levels that were not much different than their peers,” said Dr. Sykoff. “However, what distinguishes Mozart, Bill Gates and others like them is how hard they worked. They didn’t just work harder, they worked much harder. In their minds, practice isn’t a thing you do once you are good, it is a thing you do that makes you good.”

Dr. Sykoff then led the awards presentations by announcing the recipients of the first award, the Trustees’ Award for Excellence, which was presented to eighth graders Erika Serhus and Eric Schnieder, whose academic excellence has distinguished them as Ranney scholars of the highest order.

The Tushar Bhatnagar Award, given in honor of former Ranney student Tushar Bhatnagar, to celebrate his memory by bestowing the award on two eighth graders who best embody the dual characteristics of academic leadership and sportsmanship. This year, the award was presented to Rachel Burstiner and Madison Price.

Eighth graders Jordan Hesslein and Alexandra Seneca were presented with the newly created Middle School Leadership Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate leadership and have enhanced the quality of life at Ranney.

The Ann Kappel Citizenship and Service Award, named in memory of Ranney math teacher Ann Kappel, was presented to James Soldati and Amelia Sollitti for their demonstrated generosity of spirit and caring and concern for their fellow students.

Also new this year, the Middle School Panther Perseverance Award was awarded to Matthew Callahan, a student who faced personal hurdles with a positive spirit and good humor, achieved academic improvement and personal growth, and served as a role model for fellow students.

Kendall Torpey, Student Council president; Jordan Hesslein, Student Council vice president; and Alexandra Seneca, Honor Code Committee president, focused their remarks on what Ranney’s motto, “Knowledge, Vision, Honor,” means to each of them, followed by eighth grade Dean of Students, David Ketcham, who took the stage along with Sasha Taylor, Honor Code Committee member, to present Dr. Sykoff with the class gift – a $2,500 check for the Student-to-Student Scholarship Fund.

The Junior Tri-M Awards were presented by Lower and Middle School music teacher and Junior Tri-M Chapter 4410 Advisor, Mrs. Lillianne Torrente. The Junior Tri-M Awards, which are grants, are given to selected students to be used in pursuit of music summer study. This year, grants were awarded to Veronika Fischer, Jordan Hesslein and Alexandra Seneca. The grants are a result of Ranney’s Junior Tri-M Chapter being named 2008/2009 Tri-M National “Chapter of the Year” in the Junior Division by the National Association for Musical Education.

Throughout the afternoon, the audience was treated to performances by the Middle School Chorus, singing Elijah and Joshua by Sally K. Albrecht and The Best Day by Taylor Swift; and the Middle School Orchestra, playing Entrance of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon by G. F. Handel.

When the Presentation of Promotion Certificates portion of the ceremony arrived, the soon-to-be ninth graders stepped up to the podium, one by one, to accept their certificates along with enthusiastic congratulations from Mrs. Deeken and Dr. Sykoff, making official their transition from Middle to Upper School.

Then with a few words from Upper School Head John Lewis, welcoming the students to the Upper School, James Soldati, a member of the Honor Code Committee, brought the festivities to a close with the Benediction. His final words brought to mind Mrs. Deeken’s opening presentation in which she quoted Oliver Wendall Holmes saying, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

With that and a few sighs of relief, the Middle School Promotion ceremony came full circle. The graduates filed off the stage to Joyful, Joyful by Ludwig van Beethoven, paraded through a crowd of applauding parents, friends and teachers and out of RSPA Panther Hall with their eyes set on summer vacation and a bright and exciting future in the Upper School.

Promotion Marks a Transitional Moment for Middle Schoolers Middle School AwardsThe following students were recognized for academic and extracurricular excellence:

The Trustees’ Award for Excellence – Erika Serhus and Eric Schneider

The Tushar Bhatnagar Award – Rachel Burstiner and Madison Price

Middle School Leadership Award – Jordan Hesslein and Alexandra Seneca

Ann Kappel Citizenship and Service Award – James Soldati and Amelia Sollitti

Middle School Panther Perseverance Award – Matthew Callahan

Middle School Leadership Award – Jordan Hesslein and Alexandra Seneca

Citizenship Award – Frank Pallone, Ryan Singh, Sasha Taylor, Kendall Torpey, Cameron Wilson and Catherine Wolfe

Community Service Award – Jordan Hesslein, Madison Price, Alexandra Seneca, Kendall Torpey, Joseph T. Triolo and Casey Wolfe

President’s Academic Excellence Award – Rachel Burstiner, Jacob Feigenbaum, Saroj Gourkanti, Jacob Metzger, Brandon Mui, Madison Price, Benjamin Puvalowski, Satyakiran Raavi, Eric Schneider, Alexandra Seneca, Erika Serhus, Rishi Sharma, Ashleigh Shay, Ryan Singh, James Soldati, Amelia Sollitti, Paul Sondhi, Alexsandra Taylor, Joseph Triolo, Taylor Veralli, Lukas Vlahos, Cameron Wilson and Catherine Wolfe

The following students were recognized for achieving excellence in a foreign language at the national level:

National French Exam – Gabrielle Bijou, Saroj Gourkanti, Satyakiran Raavi, Ashleigh Shay, Ryan Singh, Lukas Vlahos and Taylor Veralli

National Spanish Exam – James Soldati, Paul Sondhi and Catherine Wolfe

All 58 members of the Class of 2009 were honored by faculty, adminis-tration, friends and family at the annual Senior Celebration on Tuesday, June 9, in our very own RSPA Panther Hall. One of the most anticipated evenings of the school year, the highly personal event marked the end of the students’ academic and extra-curricular careers at Ranney School and celebrated their achievements and acceptances into some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation.

The festivity included long-standing Ranney traditions, such as: displays of the Senior Tiles; the “Lifer” recognition; the presentation of the Class Gift and the Class Shield. During the evening, each senior advisor offered personal remarks about every student in the graduating class, a tradition that has become a unique Ranney milestone for its oldest “children” who are about to embark on life beyond Ranney. Head of School, Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff described the event as an important evening of family because “we will always be here for you.”

One week prior to the annual Senior Celebration, students, faculty and administrators continued the tradition of forming a line throughout the hallways of the Upper School leading outdoors to the senior parking lot as a unique Ranney send-off to the Class of 2009. At the end of the line, Dr. Sykoff presented them with silver keys to the school. This ceremony resonates perfectly with the long-standing customs of Ranney, epitomizing the mutual respect and admiration that students share for one another, and is a way of solidifying the already strong bond between all students in the Ranney community. Student representatives from as early as grade one offered their well wishes to let the seniors know that their Ranney family will always be there, even as they leave to pursue their own ambitions and dreams.

The Senior Celebration began in a decidedly light-hearted fashion with entertainment by The Hope Road Trio (Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, David Fischer and John Lewis). The group performed their own rendition and altered the lyrics of Bob Dylan’s classic The Times They Are a Changin’. The evening also included the presentation of the “Lifer” t-shirts to students who have attended Ranney School for at least ten years. This year, 18 of the 58 members of the graduating Class of 2009 have attended Ranney for ten or more years,

all bearing witness to significant changes, making new friends and lasting memories. Ranney has become a second home for these seniors who have grown up on this campus: Katie Adams, Fares Ani, Ian Bamberger, Margaux D’Onofrio, Daniel Egan, Jesse Feldmus, Alyssa Flashburg, Jill Giunco, Ankit Goel, Hannah Goldstein, Mayur Gourkanti, Alyson Halpern, Steven Jow, Max Knopf, Michael Marlys, Anna Mrzyglocki, Greg Stormes and Katie Weinstein.

Each senior was presented with the traditional Ranney parting gift – a college survival kit which included a laundry hamper filled with Ranney mementos, including a Ranney blanket, water bottle, stress ball, senior mug, Ranney stamps, mouse pad with the senior class photo and the Class of 2009 Senior Celebration DVD. Michele Karagianakis, President of the Ranney Parents’ Association also presented the students with personalized note cards with an emblem of each student’s college seal, “Remember to write your thoughts, speak your word and stay forever connected with your past,” she said.

Class Advisor Joan Fernandez and Senior Class President Jill Giunco announced the Class 2009 Gift, a donation of $2,930 to support the Student-to-Student Scholarship Fund. The day before, the Middle School Class of 2013 presented Ranney School with a gift of $2,500 for the Scholarship Fund. “We donate this scholarship as a gift to Ranney because of the importance that our class puts on relationships. These connections have allowed each member of our class to grow and see their own potential as a student and as a person,” shared Jill. Senior Dana Cohen followed with the presentation of the 2009 Class Shield to be displayed in the Paulus Library. The artwork on the shield was inspired by the Passing of the Torch ceremony, in which the seniors walk down RSPA Panther Hall hand-in-hand with a Beginner student. Dana remarked, “Inspired by this vision, I decided to work sculpturally using the idea of two students holding hands. I chose to focus only on the hands and depict the hands of a younger and older student to represent a variety of symbols.”

The ceremony continued with a simultaneous hello and good-bye, a welcome from Kimberly Gittines, Associate Director for Alumni Relations, and an introduction of the alumni keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony, Emily Knopf Kuskin ’01. The evening closed with a presentation of the Senior Farewell Video by faculty member Dr. Noel Delgado.

A grey, misty morning greeted the Class of 2009 as they arrived on the campus of Monmouth University on Thursday, June 11, for Ranney School’s 45th Annual Commencement Exercises. The 58 young men and women, dressed as every Ranney graduate before them has dressed, in suits and ties and beautiful long white gowns, each girl carrying a bouquet of fragrant red roses, stood in stark contrast to the overcast skies that threatened rain throughout the day. The beaming graduates dodged puddles as they made their way to Wilson Hall’s formal gardens for their official class portrait, a few of them holding tight to each other’s hand, as if clinging to the friendships they forged over a lifetime. Then it was off to the shelter of the indoors, for the graduation ceremony that would mark the official end to their Ranney academic career, and the beginning of the next exciting chapter in their educational journey.

“We are here today to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these 58 rising stars,” said Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff as he greeted the more than 500 family and friends gathered in the Pollak Theater for the ceremony. Dressed in full academic regalia, Dr. Sykoff and Dr. Daniel Goldberg, President of the Board of Trustees, led the administration, faculty and members of the Board in processional through the theater as the St. Peter’s Brass ensemble played Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremy Harmer. Switching tunes to the traditional graduation march Pomp and Circumstance, the young graduates then entered the auditorium one by one, proceeding to their places on the stage.

Calling upon the words of the great poet Robert Frost, Dr. Sykoff said, “I can sum up everything I learned in life in three words: it goes on.” He assured parents that this moment, however wistful, was a joyful moment

for their children. “We know that their lives will go on, to some of the finest colleges and universities in the country, and we are confident that the triumphs and

personal victories they have experienced at Ranney will form the sturdy foundation on which to pursue their dreams.” Turning to the graduates he added, “Please know that you are always going to be our heroes, and that we will miss you very much.”

With several dozen alumni seated in the audience, this year’s ceremony took on an air of a family reunion. Dr. Goldberg remarked that more than a third of the graduating class had siblings who already graduated Ranney School, several had more than one, and two members of the graduating class were children of Ranney alumni. “Ranney is a place defined by community,” Dr. Goldberg said. “As we prepare to celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a school, there is no greater testament to the strength and endurance of Ranney School, than the multiple generations of families it continues to serve today. They are the heart and soul of our institution.”

Expanding on this familiar theme of “We are Family”, Emily Knopf Kuskin, Class of 2001, delivered the commencement address, recalling many of her fond memories as a student at Ranney. “Field days back in Lower School, dressed head-to-toe in blue and white, potato-sacking across the field… the first Middle School dance, all dressed up and hoping one of the boys will get up the nerve to ask you to dance… and before you know it, senior prom. It all goes by so quickly, but it shapes who you will be forever,” she said. Mrs. Kuskin,

Graduation AwardsMany of the graduates were recognized for outstanding academic and other achievements with special commencement awards, including:

Ann Kappel Citizenship and Service Award – Elizabeth Natoli

The Ranney School Leadership Award – Jill Giunco

Faculty Prize – Paul Allegra

Gershom Tomlinson Humanitarian Award – Aaron Absatz

Robert Paulus Leadership and Perseverance Award – Sophie Wilkus

Headmaster’s Cup – Katie Adams

The Margaret M. Mahon Award – Anna Mrzyglocki

Eugenie B. Edwards Spirit of Tennis Scholarship – Alison Mancuso

whose brother, Max, was about to become the fourth member of her immediate family to graduate Ranney School, and whose husband, Michael Kuskin, is a Class of 2000 alumnus, told her soon-to-be fellow alumni to savor their upcoming college years. “Trust me, if you thought high school went by quickly, you can’t imagine how fast the next four years of your lives will go by!”

Following a performance by the Upper School flute ensemble, consisting of three graduating senior girls, John Lewis, Head of Upper School, introduced one of the ensemble members, Christina Henricks, a national merit scholar finalist bound for Princeton University and this year’s valedictorian. With a final grade point average of 97.5, Mr. Lewis called Christina “an intellectual titan” among her peers. “Her deep curiosity about the world, her relentless preparation for everything she does, her ironclad discipline and deep sense of duty, coupled with her fortitude and reliability are what defines her,” Mr. Lewis said.

Christina, who was also the recipient of the 2009 female Faculty Prize, used the occasion to laud her classmates for their passion and commitment to service. “This year alone students have donated items for an Iraq-bound relative of a staff member,

memorialized cancer victims, celebrated Earth Day, helped deserving teens celebrate prom, danced with senior citizens, raised awareness of diabetes,

and the list goes on,” Christina said. “It becomes evident that one lesson we can take away from our time here is to remember not only to be good, but to do good.”

This year’s salutatorian Katie Adams echoed Christina’s sentiment. “I have witnessed my classmates rally around one another in times of need, and in times of glory,” Katie proudly proclaimed. “There is no doubt in my mind that a sense of social consciousness and humanity will continue to remain a priority of each member of our class as we embark on the next chapter of our lives.” Katie, who is bound for University Notre Dame next fall, was also the recipient of the 2009 Headmaster’s Cup.

Following the awards presentations, Mr. Lewis joined Dr. Sykoff and Dr. Goldberg on stage for the final conferring of the diplomas, a moment that brought many supportive family members to their feet in applause. Members of the Class of 2009 will attend 42 institutions of higher learning in 18 states. Collectively, they have earned more than $2.8 million in college scholarships.

After all the diplomas had been distributed, the graduating members of the chorus under the direction of Tess Nielsen joined the full chorus on stage one last time for a moving rendition of Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partio) by Francesco Satori and Lucio Quarantotto. With that, Ranney’s newest class of alumni exited the auditorium to the gallery, where they enjoyed some light refreshments, posed for photographs and bid a fond farewell to their faculty, administrators and friends with a final promise to keep in touch and visit often.

2008-2009 Athletic HighlightsRanney School celebrated an exciting year of athletics throughout

the span of the fall and spring. This year was marked with many athletic accomplishments for our student-athletes, in both team and individual sports. Ranney athletes competed for the first time this fall as new members of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), which allowed students to compete with more schools than ever before and participate in more tournaments throughout the year. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes for an amazing year!

• 2008 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public B South Sectional Champions Girls’ Varsity Tennis

• 2008 Patriot Conference Champions Girls’ Varsity Tennis• 2008 New Jersey Independent School Athletic Association (NJISAA)

State Tennis Champion – Laura Church ’10 – 3rd Singles• 2008 Patriot Conference Champions – Boys’ Varsity Soccer• 2008 Central Jersey Athletic League (CJAL) Champions – Middle School

Boys’ Soccer• 2008 Panther Classic Champions – Varsity Boys’ Basketball• 2009 Patriot Conference Swim Champions – 200 Freestyle Relay –

Melissa Cantave ’12, Natalie Cantave ’12, Lauren Harris ’12, Annie Kineavy ’11

• 2009 Central Jersey Athletic League (CJAL) Champions – Middle School Boys’ Basketball

• 2009 Ranney Swim Invitational Champions – Middle School Girls’ Swim Team

• 2009 Patriot Conference Track Champions – High Jump – Stephen D’Onofrio ’10, Long Jump – Molly Wilgucki ’09

• NJISAA Fencing Champion – Steven Jow ’09

Middle School Sports Banquet HighlightsDr. Lawrence Sykoff kicked off the evening in RSPA Panther Hall with a

welcome and congratulations to all of our Middle School athletes who have made this year such a successful one. Director of Athletics Tom Moriau and all of the wonderful coaches at Ranney School presented awards to our student-athletes in sports ranging from field hockey, tennis, cross country and swimming, to soccer, basketball, lacrosse and cheerleading – and every sport in between. Upper School teacher and track coach, Dr. Noel Delgado, shared a special presentation of a “Year in Review” which highlighted Ranney School’s 2008-2009 year in sports. Congratulations to all Middle School athletes, coaches and administrators for making this season such a success!

Upper School Sports Banquet HighlightsThe Upper School Athletic Awards may have marked the end of an

active year in sports, but it was also a time to celebrate the achievements of Ranney’s student-athletes and introduce a brand new tradition – the first alumni inductions into the Panther Athletic Hall of Fame.

A warm welcome from Head of School, Dr. Sykoff, began the evening’s events and segued into Director of Athletics Tom Moriau and Associate Director for Alumni Affairs Kimberly Gittines’ introduction of the first alumni Panther Athletic Hall of Fame inductees: Donald Hicks ’87, Franklin Austin ’88, Eugenie Edwards ’88, Irene Bolante Paulus ’96, John Petrillo ’96, Tracy Greenberger Schwartz ’93 and Justin Fernandez ’01.

Ranney was honored to have Olympic Bronze Medalist Tom Wilkens as the keynote speaker for the evening. He is someone who understands the importance of sports in developing character and leadership skills, having medaled in the 200 Individual Medley in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, where he served as captain of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Swim Team. An athlete of exceptional achievement, Mr. Wilkens is also a world-champion record holder in the 400 Individual Medley, 17-time U.S. National Champion, five-time NCAA champion for Stanford University and was selected to the Pac-10 Conference All-Academic Team. More importantly, he is a member of Ranney’s extended family and is married to Ranney fourth grade teacher Stephanie Wilkens. His inspirational presentation was followed by Dr. Delgado’s special presentation of a “Year in Review.”

Middle School Major Athletic Awards for 2008-2009Outstanding Middle School Athlete Award – Rachel Burstiner and Brendan Benecke

Panther Pride Award – Jacob Metzger, Dana Rizzo, Alexandra Seneca, Alessandra Johnson and Joseph Murphy

Athletic Director Award – Madison Price, Veronika Fischer, Alexandra Murphy, Mackenzie Marcellino and Ashleigh Shay

Sportsmanship Award – James Soldati and Erika Serhus, (8th grade), Vincent Morano and Giulia DiGuglielmo (7th grade), John Mejia and Jeeda Ani (6th grade)

Upper School Major Athletic Awards for 2008-2009 Headmaster’s Senior Award – Jessica Sugarman and Aaron Absatz

Athlete of the Year Award – Molly Wilgucki and Mohamed Albana

Junior Coaches Cup Award – Eric Hurd and Taylor Swanner

Panther Pride Dedication and Commitment Award – Melissa Cantave (9th grade), Charlotte Fleming (10th grade), Matt Haines (11th grade), Kelli White (12th grade)

Blue and White Leadership Award – Lauren Hoffman

The Golden “R” Prize – Lauren Hoffman and Eric Hurd

Athletic Director Awards – Craig Slater and Natalie Cantave (9th grade), Alexis Wyckoff and Kyle Reid (10th grade), Taylor Swanner and Matt Haines (11th grade), Kelly Harmon and Aaron Absatz (12th grade)

Ranney’s First Annual Alumni Spring Weekend, held May 28-30, kicked-off with the induction of seven alumni into the Ranney Panther Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday, May 28. The induction, which was one of the highlights at this year’s Upper School Athletic Awards, brought out alumni and their families for a special pre-event reception and the Hall of Fame awards ceremony. The evening’s keynote speaker was Olympic Bronze Medalist Tom Wilkens, who served as captain of the US Men’s Swim team at the Sydney Olympics and is also a multiple national and world record holder.

The Ranney Panther Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor former Ranney School student-athletes, coaches and others whose achievements have made a significant impact and a major contribution to the Ranney School athletic program. These contributions have been of high caliber and have brought credit to the school. The Athletic Hall of Fame encourages a strong and continuing bond between the honorees, their families and Ranney School athletics.

The inaugural event honored seven outstanding alumni for their contribution and dedication to the Ranney School athletic program. All nominees were outstanding in the areas of citizenship, character, integrity and good moral fiber while students at Ranney School.

1. Justin Fernandez ’01 – Justin excelled in soccer, basketball and golf during his Ranney career. He earned twelve varsity letters while establishing himself as one of Ranney’s finest student-athletes. In his senior year, Justin became the sixth member of the 1,000 point club in basketball. In May of his senior year, Justin was named the

NJISAA State Scholar-Athlete Award winner, the highest honor the state athletic association bestows on a student-athlete. Justin’s tremendous attitude and will to win makes him one of Ranney’s finest.

2. Irene Bolante Paulus ’96 – Irene was a tremendous three-sport athlete who excelled in soccer, softball and basketball during her playing career, achieving success in her athletic endeavors through hard work, creativity and enthusiasm. Irene was not only a leader on the athletic field, she was a leader in school. She was heavily

recruited by Ivy League soccer programs for her playing ability, including University of Pennsylvania, New York University and Columbia University. Irene was named to the Panther Classic All-Tournament team and named “Athlete of the Year” in her senior year.

3. John Petrillo ’96 – John excelled in soccer, basketball and baseball during his Ranney career. His skill, dedication and commitment made him one of Ranney’s all time outstanding athletes. During his senior year, John became the fifth member of the 1,000 point club in basketball. As a senior captain of the soccer team, John was named

to the NJISAA All State Team. His down to earth demeanor earned him the respect of his peers and coaches. John went on to play college soccer for Carnegie Mellon University.

4. Tracy Greenberger Schwartz ’93 – Tracy is one of the all time top Panther softball players. She was named the NJISAA All State catcher all four years in Upper School. Tracy was the kind of team leader that leads by example. She worked extremely hard to achieve success. Tracy concluded her Ranney softball career with an

incredible .500 career batting average. She also excelled in basketball and soccer and was named “Athlete of the Year” during her Ranney career.

5. Donald Hicks ’87 – Donald was a three sport athlete for most of his Upper School career, focusing on soccer and basketball in his senior year. He was an intelligent player, a pleasure to coach, and was always ready to meet any challenge that came his way. A dedicated and respected athlete, Don took his

athletic experiences seriously and represented Ranney School proudly and positively. His dedication, commitment and spirit will be long remembered at Ranney School.

6. Franklin B. Austin ’88 – Franklin played basketball, baseball and soccer for Ranney School and was voted “Most Athletic” by his senior class. He was instrumental in shaping the “Ranney Athlete” of today. Franklin was a popular teammate and a true asset to all the teams in which he participated. During his Ranney career, he was

a sportsman of the highest integrity, exhibiting a tremendous work ethic along with wonderful school spirit. His dedication and commitment to Ranney Athletics inspired many younger Ranney athletes.

7. Eugenie Edwards ’88 – Eugenie served as co-captain of the varsity girls’ tennis team, and remains one of Ranney’s all-time standout tennis players. The team reached the semi-finals of the state tournament during her Ranney playing career. Her commitment, leadership and passion for the game of tennis followed her throughout her

years at Ranney School. Following her passing, her parents helped to create the Eugenie B. Edwards Spirit of Tennis Scholarship, which is awarded annually at graduation to a senior girl. The center court of the Kelly Tennis Center will be dedicated in her name this fall.

1. Justin’s parents, Manuel and Donna Fernandez, accept the award on behalf of their son, Justin, who is currently living and working in London.

2. Irene with her husband, Daniel Paulus ’95, and their daughter, Isabella.

3. John’s parents, John and Victoria Petrillo, accept the award on his behalf.

4. Tracy with her husband, Benjamin, and daughter, Dahlila.

5. Donald with his wife, Cathy, and their two children, Aiden and Courtney.

6. Franklin accepts the award with his mother, Jane Austin.

7. Sheila Pardoe, Genie’s mother, accepts the award on her behalf.

Save the Date –August 200927th New Parent Orientation

and Social28th New Student Orientation

September 20092nd First Day of School2nd – 4th Upper School Retreats7th School Closed for Labor Day10th RSPA Welcome Back Coffee

and General Meeting12th Panther Cubs Soccer

Program Begins28th School Closed for Yom Kippur

October 20091st 14th Annual Ranney Golf Classic2nd 50th Anniversary Kick-Off and

Welcome Back Cocktail Party3rd Homecoming and RSPA

Fall Festival10th Admissions Open House26th – 30th RSPA Campus-Wide Book Fair27th RSPA Book Club Meeting30th Halloween Spooktacular Parade

RSPA Panther Hall was the heart of much exciting activity during its inaugural year at Ranney School. The doors opened and warmly welcomed all administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and their families into our new home for the performing arts. The facility proved to be so much more accommodating than could ever have been imagined! The new facility hosted an array of proceedings ranging from the Fall Convocation Ceremony, academic ceremonies for all divisions, plays, concerts, art exhibits, science fairs, RSPA special events, promotion ceremonies and the list goes on. RSPA Panther Hall has become the hub of all special events here at Ranney School, and will continue to create more wonderful memories in the future!

A Message from the BoardThe Board of Trustees was pleased to celebrate the success

of the Foundations for Learning campaign this year, with the unprecedented opening of the new Lower School Academic Complex and RSPA Panther Hall. The Ranney community’s investment in the campaign has catapulted Ranney School to a new level of educational excellence. The new facility now mirrors the superior quality of instruction that has become a hallmark of the Ranney School experience.

We would like to thank the members of the community who helped make the Foundations for Learning campaign such a success. Your support has made and will continue to make a profound impact on Ranney School for generations to come. We would also like to recognize the members of the Ranney faculty and administration who embody excellence in teaching practice and dedication to Ranney School and its mission: your continued superior instruction and management within the Ranney community has brought us much joy this year.

As we begin celebrating 50 years of academic excellence in the upcoming year, we can all be proud of what we have accomplished together for our children, parents, faculty and administration. We are honored to be guardians of the mission and pioneers of its vision.

Faculty, Administration and Staff HonoreesBlue and White Lifer Society (new members recognized for 10 years of dedicated service to Ranney)

Dawn Cicco Janine Mitreuter Kathleen Deeken Marianne Moran Anna Lazic Rich Piccirillo Patricia Marshall Nancy Wille Katie Miller

Faculty Circle (new members recognized for 15 years of dedicated service to Ranney)

Michael Dunn Nancy Wade Marybeth McGovern

(new members recognized for 20 years of dedicated service to Ranney)

Mario Pereira

Faculty MilestonesBirths Noel Delgado (boy)

Faculty AwardsCarol Ann Presley Memorial Award – Connie Congemi, Richard Piccirillo

Faculty Panther Prize – Barbara Levine, Lillianne Torrente, Ave Maria Walwark

Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff Faculty Fellowship Award – John Doyle

Head of School Award for Outstanding Leadership – Ranney School Board of Trustees, with Daniel Goldberg, M.D. accepting the award on behalf of Board members.

New Faculty and AdministrationDr. Alison DiStefano, Upper School Chemistry Catherine Hicks, Upper School Registrar Meghan Kiel, Lower School Faculty Assistant Ian McNamara, Assistant Athletic Director Dr. Dorothy Sobieski, All School Strings Conductor Joe Tweed, Upper School Co-Director of College Guidance

Faculty and Staff Honors DinnerThe Annual Faculty and Staff Honors Dinner was a celebration of the members of the Ranney

faculty and staff for their excellence in teaching and dedication to Ranney School and its mission. It was also an evening to recognize them for their many years of service, including the addition of 13 new members to the ranks of long-standing Ranney employees.

Head of Lower School Patricia Marshall welcomed everyone to the event followed by performances from members of the Lower School cast of Willy Wonka, Junior, under the direction of music teacher Lillianne Torrente, and the fifth grade Strings Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Dorothy Sobiesky. Board Member and Chair of the Education Committee Carol Martin offered beautiful words of gratitude to the faculty and expressed how much it has meant to her family, to be part of the Ranney community.

Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Head of School, presented excerpts from his essay, The Teaching Life: An Honorable Profession, and reminisced about teachers who influenced him as a student. He praised the Ranney faculty: “Each of you is called to teaching because of your belief in the potential of children. Your faith and enduring commitment have prepared our students well, to move ahead.” The evening’s highlight, the awards presentation, honored individuals for their contributions to the Ranney community. Former award recipients took the podium to explain what receiving their awards meant to them and to present this year’s winners. The evening was also a chance to recognize those faculty and staff who celebrated 10, 15 and 20 year milestones this year.

With another school year gone by, and another graduating class beginning their life beyond Ranney School, we are reminded of the poignant nature of endings and beginnings from Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

The Class of 2009 will be attending these fine institutions in the fall!

Aaron Absatz – Dartmouth College

Katherine Adams – University of Notre Dame

Mohamed Albana – Rutgers University

Andrew Allegra – Muhlenberg College

Paul Allegra – Bucknell University

Fares Ani – Lafayette College

Ian Bamberger – Rutgers University

Daniel Berlinger – Rollins College

Sara Jane Berman – Marymount Manhattan College

Marielle Cartagena – College of Charleston

Caroline Chitty – Villanova University

Olivia Clancy – New York University

Ashley McLoughlin Codd – Dickinson College

Dana Cohen – New York University

Emily DeFelice – San Diego State University

Kelly Diggins – Susquehanna University

Kimberly DiMaggio – Loyola College in Maryland

Margaux D’Onofrio – Loyola College in Maryland

Daniel Egan – University of Colorado at Boulder

Jesse Feldmus – Bard College

Alyssa G Flashburg – Elon University

Gregory A. Florek – Franklin and Marshall College

Jill Giunco – University of Notre Dame

Ankit Goel – New York University

Hannah Goldstein – Ithaca College

Mayur Gourkanti – Lehigh University

Alyson Halpern – Syracuse University

Kelly Harmon – Boston College

Christina Henricks – Princeton University

Samantha Herzog – Lafayette College

Lauren Hoffman – Barnard College

Steven Jow – University of Pennsylvania

Terrin Kalian – Lafayette College

Max Knopf – Bucknell University

Allison Lyttle – St. Joseph’s University

John Macone, III – Washington College

Nicole Maguire – Lafayette College

Alison Elizabeth Mancuso – Marquette University

Michael J Marlys – Drexel University

Richard Mejia – Perkiomen School (Post-grad year)

Anna Mrzyglocki – New York University

Elizabeth Natoli – Washington University in St. Louis

Joseph Olkowitz – Ursinus College

Jon Quinn – Rutgers University

Sophie Richards – Skidmore College

Jessica Rothberg – Lake Erie College

Sasha Sickles – Ringling College of Art and Design

Joanna Simon – Tulane University

Alyssa Stavola – College of Charleston

Gregory Stormes – Stevens Institute of Technology

Jessica Sugarman – Lynchburg College

Daniel Turtel – Duke University

Mary Walker – Villanova University

Jessica Watkins – Bryn Mawr College

Katherine Weinstein – New York University

Kelli White – University of Michigan

Molly Wilgucki – Bucknell University

Sophie Wilkus – Pitzer College

Managing Editor: Kristin Geisler, Writers: Christine Bruno, Maureen Collins, Kimberly Gittines, Kristin Geisler,

Diane Gribbin, Melanie Litzinger, Special Thanks: Heather Rudisi, Tracy Mutchiga