Columns 2012 by Ranney School

The Alumni Magazine of Ranney School Volume 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winter 2012

Learning in the 21st Century

Pictured on cover: (left to right) Charles Sima ’23, Karsten Sima ’23, David Tansey ’23, Paris Hovnanian ’21, and Priya Verma ’20

The Alumni Magazine of Ranney School Editor in Chief Kristin Geisler Contributing Writers Neila Buday Ed Curtin Kathleen Deeken

Volume 9 – Winter 2012

Kristin Geisler Stacy Goto Deborah Fanslow

Table of Contents

Valerie Francois Lynn Lucarelli Patricia Marshall Ian McNamara

From the Head of School

21st Century Teaching

Being a 21st Century Library

Tom Moriau

Celebrating Our 10 Year Anniversary of the Upper and Middle School Academic Complex

Fostering Faculty Excellence

Meet the New Distinguished Lifers at Ranney School

The Value Added at Ranney School Adds Up to Ranney Plus

Timing is Everything and Every Moment Counts...

Introducing Our Newest Ranney Lifers

The Making of a 21st Century Athlete

David Vickery

Ranney’s Athletes

Megan Zakrzewski

Athletic Champions

Photo Editors

Generous Donors Dive In

Ranney Annual Fund Reaches Historic Milestone, Surpassing Goal in 2011

Happy Birthday RSPA!

21st Century Admissions

Summer is an Exciting Time to be a Student!

Ranney School Welcomes New Board Members

Introducing Jamie Price

Q & A with Craig Slater

Alumni Events

Hall of Fame

In Loving Memory

Class Notes

Tracy Mutchiga Tess Nielsen Christopher Schwake ’12 Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D. Joseph M. Tweed Megan Zakrzewski Paul Zanowski Contributing Photographers Gary Gellman Kristin Geisler Larry Levanti Bob McKay Elizabeth McKay

Kristin Geisler Lynn Lucarelli Tracy Mutchiga Megan Zakrzewski Special Thanks Anna Lazic Melanie Litzinger Adam Materasso Myronee Simpson Columns is published annually for the alumni, parents and friends of Ranney School by the Ranney School Publications Office. Thanks to all who contributed to the 2012 edition of Columns who may not have been mentioned in our credits.

Molly Maloney ’24

“Belief fuels enthusiasm, and enthusiasm explodes into passion, firing our souls and lifting our spirits.”

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL A Time of Opportunity The promise – every child is known, valued and provided with opportunity – is a pledge that we take very seriously. This is a common purpose of our faculty, administration and staff, and we are deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of our students and each other. There is an old expression, “Belief fuels enthusiasm, and enthusiasm explodes into passion, firing our souls and lifting our spirits.” At Ranney, we believe in each other and this belief helps us to move forward, overcome obstacles and seek out new opportunities we didn’t think possible. This is important to remember as we move into the new territory of providing a 21st century education. The Ranney experience is about preparation for life, and life in the early 21st century has specific predispositions in terms of day-to-day living. Twenty-first century schools now develop teachers to look at the classroom holistically, balancing both academic content and the “Five C’s plus one” of education, a new focus of 21st century education that is really about encouraging the qualities that distinguish us as human beings – communication, creativity, critical thinking, character, collaboration and cosmopolitanism. These characteristics are used to build the framework for excellent schools in the new century. As such, an excellent school sailing the high seas looks at the academic schedule as an opportunity to enrich collaboration and intellectual exchange between teachers and students. The instantaneous nature of today’s world is mesmerizing, but not without added challenges and responsibilities. Media literacy is essential as our children now navigate unlimited images and messages on the web and are exposed to a 700 channel universe – remember when there were 12 channels plus UHF (that never worked)? Our children not only have to understand academic content, they also have to learn how to manage the content and present what they know. They have to learn how to manage their feelings and thinking not only privately, but in the public forum of the social networks as well. In this century, the pressure and the stakes are high, and we want to provide a safe environment where students feel free to be themselves and challenge themselves. Right now, athletics is a major initiative at Ranney because the development of the scholar-athlete has many implications both on and off the field. Being a scholar-athlete is a way of being, not just an athletic skill. Athletics has the tremendous power to shape an individual, offering countless life lessons and leadership opportunities. The commitment to succeed in high-level scholarship and athletic competition instills the finest qualities in leadership, character and the mind. This past fall, Columbia University’s Athletic Director, Dr. Dianne Murphy, was a special guest at our Athletic Vision evening to outline our new athletic initiatives. Dr. Murphy, who considers athletics co-curricular rather than extra-curricular, congratulated us on having a specific plan to support the scholar-athlete tradition, emphasizing the absolute necessity of balancing a strong academic curriculum with competitive athletics. As we look forward to a new year, I am so grateful to be part of a school in which every child is known and valued, and where every child feels that he or she is truly part of the community at any age. On the first day of school, I greeted one of our youngest students and asked him if he was a Beginner or in Pre-K. He looked up at me, thought about it, and replied, “I don’t know what I am, but I know I’m a Ranney boy.” I will always remember that moment because he didn’t know what grade he was in, what teacher he had or even what building he was in, but he knew that he was in the right place. With every good wish,

Lawrence S. Sykoff Editor’s Note: Last month, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) honored Dr. Sykoff with the prestigious 2012 Quarter Century Award. CASE, a worldwide organization, recognizes leaders in education who are instrumental in fulfilling and developing their school’s mission - acknowledging efforts in fundraising, campus development, alumni relations and overall school leadership. Under Dr. Sykoff’s stewardship, Ranney School has experienced unprecedented modernization and expansion that resulted in the school’s highest enrollment ever in 2011-12, fiscal soundness and national recognition of students and programs.

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21st Century Teaching by Patricia Lee Marshall, Head of Lower School and Associate Head for Academic Administration

Front: (left to right) Kathleen Bauer ’24, Andrew Wang ’23 and Malachy Connors ’24; Back: (left to right) Danial Kirmani ’22, William Geisler ’20, Paris Hovnanian ’21 and John Kirmani ’21

The

term “21st century education” is often overstated and underestimated with the

particularly vexing overuse of one specific word: “technology.” In our haste to explain how schools remain relevant with the demands of educational reform, we forget about the real focus of 21st century teaching and learning: developing essential skills to compete in the modern world. Twenty-first century education is really about encouraging the qualities that give people a competitive edge – communication, creativity, critical thinking, character – and the importance of embracing community through collaboration. These characteristics make up the framework for a successful 21st century education, and are commonly known as the ‘Five C’s1’. This is education for the 21st century, and it is modeled each day at Ranney School. 4

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This new model of education seeks to prepare our children for a world that is rapidly changing. At Ranney, we know that a successful 21st century education provides these essential qualities. To that end, we provide a curriculum that measures both content and the qualities of the Five C’s. Now, one decade into this new century, many parents ask, “What is the big deal?” These are certainly not new aspects expected of our schools and are certainly not new to the trends in teaching and learning. When parents challenge me with this thinking, I must agree. These qualities have always been important, but were often undervalued in school in the 20th century where there was little time for critical thinking before the bell rang. A student who dared to be creative was oftentimes labeled as “different” or “wrong,” and working collaboratively was frowned upon because, at the time, shared thought did not demonstrate learned knowledge. But, what makes these aspects so valued in 21st century education is that we look to achieve these qualities as a “whole,” not separately. We perceive the Five C’s as equally important focal points in academic instruction, and they serve as reminders as to how we want our children to use the knowledge we provide. In other words, our students are required to go far beyond the

rudimentary underpinnings of the original Three R’s. Of course, our students need to know these essential fundamentals: now we are juxtaposing the Three R’s with the Five C’s! Education today is deeper, and the goal is now for students to use their skills as active members of an ever-evolving society. Several years ago, Ranney’s faculty read A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink, who spoke of the equal importance of creativity and critical thinking. He emphasized that we need both forms of intelligence to compete in the modern world. We are committed to preparing our students to anticipate ideas, appreciate diversity and work together. They need to know that excellence and success are not only achieved singularly, but can also be achieved through shared thought. It is the latter that begs consideration for a sixth critical characteristic in 21st century teaching and learning – cosmopolitanism, or the ability for students to become “worldly” and knowledgeable in interacting with people, culture, art, science and the humanities. This blending of tradition and culture to build new ideas for advancement is something we take very seriously at Ranney School. In the past several years, our Upper School students have traveled to France, Iceland and Italy and this year will travel to Spain, to experience first-hand the nuances of different cultures. Closer to home, our students are engaged in diversity forums and culture weeks that include foods from around the world to encourage this unique aspect of learning – one that strives to create a citizen of the world.

A 21st century education is unique and unlike the education many adults today have experienced. Ranney has a comprehensive academic elective program designed to encourage students to build on what they have learned in the classroom and recognize relationships across academic content. Our science, technology, robotics and math students are encouraged to consider connections between disciplines, while students of the arts explore the fine and performing arts as valuable modes of creative expression. World languages reinforce our students’ abilities to communicate, and our international travel program gives students a chance to become totally immersed in new cultures. To best educate the whole child, we offer a health and wellness program and athletic training that create healthy physical habits for a lifetime. Our ethics program allows students to consider and discuss ethical principles and practices, leading to strong character development. In addition, we are always expanding our diverse extra-curricular program that allows students to develop skills in their particular areas of interest outside of the classroom, and provides advisors and coaches with opportunities to share their expertise. At the Upper School level, this also includes professional internships.

I’m pleased to share with you that Ranney School has remained a beacon of educational excellence, always at the forefront of new requirements that our students need to master as they prepare for college and life beyond. Excellent schools have teachers who are also coaches and advisors, important role models and mentors to their students. Most important, they The thread of the themselves are “Five C’s, plus one,” learners. And, it is as referenced by the our job to provide President of the the tools necessary National Association to help teachers and of Independent students have a deeper intellectual Schools Pat Bassett, exchange. At encourages schools to Ranney, we are modernize classrooms committed to (Left to right) Madison Boyan ’14 and Soroya Dookie ’14 that model these providing a strong, new requirements well-balanced education and environment that gives children for the 21st century. Fortunately, much of this has been part of the chance to grow and thrive in every area, resulting in them our process for many years. Ranney School’s small class size lends seeing a clear pathway to their future. With the 21st century itself to collaborative group work where students apply their upon us, as always, Ranney strives to be ahead of the curve – knowledge and provide a unique “expertise.” Small learning perhaps even a 22nd century school – always thinking ahead communities also help children discover their potential with and pursuing meaningful and relevant instructional activities that teachers who guide using essential questions to maximize give children a competitive edge for the new world. understanding. Ranney has evolved over the years, by choice, 1 Bassett, Pat. “Bassett Blog, 2011/11: The Five C’s + One”. National Association of Independent through strategic planning – embracing this new model of Schools: NAIS.org. November 2011. education that we all read about each and every day. COLUMNS

BEING A 21ST CENTURY LIBRARY One-to-One Laptop Program for Middle and Upper School by Ed Curtin, Director of Technology

Ranney School has always been first when incorporating technology into the educational environment, and this school year is no exception. At Ranney, our core focus is always the value that technology brings to the education process. With this year’s exciting one-to-one laptop initiative, our faculty and students have the ability to fully experience the education process as never before. Ranney School’s technology program not only provides a means to fulfill the technological requirements being placed on students today, but also allows faculty to advance their own abilities to present and manage academic content. Students and teachers are now functioning in a unified technological environment with everyone on the same server. As a result, students and teachers in the Middle and Upper Schools are using laptops as tools to enhance nearly every aspect of the learning experience. Students can now access digital tools for inquiry and research, instructional content, library resources and online presentations at any opportunity. Teachers are able to communicate and work collaboratively with students both in and outside the classroom to meet learning goals, extend classroom dialogue, and move assessment and learning projects beyond the limitations of a scheduled class period. The one-toone laptop program has removed physical learning boundaries for Ranney students. In the Lower School, technology use is centered on the values of a 21st century education while maintaining balance with the school’s mission: highly personalized instruction allowing for strong student/teacher relationships and mentorships, and ongoing communication in collaborative environments. Individualized access to relevant teaching and learning materials that support student skill development, curriculum development, and the advancement of learning goals will provide our younger students with the foundational skills necessary for success in the Middle and Upper School – and well into their adult life. Ranney School’s technology program does not only provide a means to fulfill the technological requirements being placed on students today, but also opens the door for faculty to advance the learning capabilities of our students now to better prepare them for the future. Eric Stavola ’18 and Veronica Shaw ’18

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A New Technology and Media Center for the Upper and Middle School by Deborah Fanslow, Library, Media and Technology Specialist The Paulus Library was renovated this past summer to include a new Technology and Media Center. With this dedicated instructional space in the library, students now have access to resources, technology and instructional support all in one place. The new Media Center also enables students to develop digital media skills through access to the same graphics, video and audio software used by working professionals in similar creative fields. Using a digital camera and videoconferencing software, students can even communicate and collaborate with professionals, experts and other students worldwide. Ranney’s Technology and Media Center contains interactive SMARTboard technology as well, transforming classroom discussions into interactive learning experiences. The Paulus Library media program plays a critical role in supporting the academic achievement of Middle and Upper School students at Ranney School, and serves as a center of information, communication and technology for the entire academic community. The resources, instruction, services and programs available through the library media program enable Ranney students to become effective users and producers of information. Armen Krikorian ’26

Liam Fitzmaurice ’17 and Akash Verma ’17

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In partnership with classroom teachers, the library’s staff members guide students to develop skills in accessing, evaluating, managing and using information in print, digital and emerging formats. Students learn to become competent information seekers, while researching curricular topics and exploring personal interests through in-depth classroom assignments and Capstone research projects. New to the library media program this year is a series of instructional sessions for Middle School students on information and digital literacy. Through this instructional program, students will learn how technology impacts information use, as well as how to effectively search for and evaluate information on the web using popular academic research venues. Through the Paulus Library, students have access to comprehensive resources and technologies that extend the learning process. As information moves from print to digital, so do our library collections. The library maintains an extensive inventory of digital resources and tools including an online materials catalog, subscriptions to over 65 research databases, two collections of digital reference libraries totaling over 1,000 ebooks and an abundance of links on the library’s website directing students to quality, authoritative research tools that support a rigorous academic curriculum. The Paulus Library’s online collection also includes an interactive digital library of resources that provides students with instant access to instructional support and research guides, as well as with links to free digital media tools that assist students in creating exciting multi-media projects and interactive digital portfolios. These online resources are available 24/7 for student and faculty use. Alongside traditional print materials, technology passes through the circulation desk on a daily basis – ranging from nook e-Readers loaded with the latest bestsellers to digital cameras, tripods, video cameras, flash drives and other hardware.

In addition to supporting student achievement, the library media program also plays a pivotal role in enhancing classroom instruction. As a member of the Academic Technology Committee, the Library, Media and Technology Specialist provides professional development workshops for teachers on the curricular application of current and emerging educational technologies, including blogs, wikis, collaborative applications and multi-media production tools.

Technology in the Middle School by Stacy Goto, Computer Science Teacher

by Tess Nielsen, Performing Arts Chair

Now that sixth, seventh and eighth grade students use their laptops in all of their classes, the teachers are inspired by the ability to access online resources in the classrooms. The laptops allow for “equal” access to the same applications and resources whether the students are in school or at home. So, students can begin assignments, projects and research in school and easily continue working at home or on the way home! This year every student has a Google Apps for Education account, giving him or her the ability to collaborate with their peers and teachers in the Cloud. From Google Apps for Education to a myriad of websites for specific content areas, students are now able to explore and learn, anytime, anywhere.

The Upper School Digital Media curriculum, by design, is fluid and student-centered. This year, the structures of Ranney’s digital media technology program transformed, allowing students to accomplish even more. The newly-renovated Technology and Media Center is updated with Adobe Creative Suite Software. This innovative software, combined with a one-to-one laptop program, helps students create multi-layered digital media projects that allow them to show others what they have learned.

Middle School students are also learning how to manage their laptops on campus and at home. Particularly helpful is the use of One Note for note-taking and learning how best to manage their files on the Ranney network. In addition, they learn the skills necessary to become proficient at the applications they will be using in other classes. This will help them to focus on learning the content and ultimately, achieve greater success.

As the ability to find, manage, evaluate and use information becomes as important as recalling information in today’s world of information overload, these literacy skills have become an essential tool for learning.

It’s a Digital World

The center’s media lab is a highly-collaborative learning environment where students use digital tools to create selfdirected projects such as e-portfolios, 3D animations and video documentaries. Students go beyond acquiring software skills as they work in a new realm of problem solving. Digital media students typically progress through all stages of media production, including concept development, construction, editing, testing and final presentation. The new course of study, however, takes students through digital photography, graphic design for print and web, and beginning 3D models. The second semester covers audio and video production, with projects including documentaries, commercials and original student films.

Montana Pflaster ’13

Students can also apply these real-world media skills to their current academic undertaking. The new media curriculum aligns with Adobe learning initiatives, which most prominently include 21st century critical thinking skills of information, communications and technology literacy. Tomorrow’s publishers, marketers and business leaders will need to know the rules and grammar of movie production, broadcasting and media presentation. The field of digital media possesses a powerful new vernacular that is highly relevant to the lives of our students. Hands-on experience helps students to learn about these technologies, and makes them aware of the tools available to enhance learning. Through digital media study, students explore how technology principles are used in math, history, science, and creative writing and gain a wealth of knowledge about different areas of study. Success in the digital media lab builds self-confidence and fosters self-esteem, making students believe that they can do anything if they just put in the hard work. Best of all, digital technology engages students because it’s fun! COLUMNS

by Kristin Geisler, Director of Publications and Multi-media

hile Ranney School saw rapid growth in its first 25 years, expansion and progress during its second quarter century occurred at an even faster rate and went into overdrive in the ’90s. After a long and successful tenure as Head of School, Mrs. Margaret Mahon passed the torch of leadership to a new Head of School, Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, marking a new era and the largest period of growth in the school’s history. In 1998, Ranney School launched a multi-million dollar Foundations for Learning –

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Phase I campaign to construct a new Upper and Middle School Academic Complex and Dining Hall. The following year, ground was broken and in just two years, both buildings were completed, beginning the largest phase of construction in Ranney’s history. Several years later, the second phase was launched to support the creation of a new Lower School Academic Complex. Numerous large-scale projects ensued including the state-of-the-art Karagianakis Field, Guidone

Students attend groundbreaking ceremony for Upper/Middle School Academic Complex. Front: Seth Berger ’00, Vivek Kocharlakota ’00, and John Liebert ’00; Back: Jordan Sternberg ’00, Vijay Sundaram ’00, Michelle Samuel ’00, Jennifer Constantinou ’00, and Melissa Banzon ’00

Track, the Kelly Tennis Center, RSPA Panther Hall and the Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics with the help of a very generous community and a very dedicated Ranney School Parents’ Association. While the Ranney landscape has changed dramatically over the years, it was the creation of the Upper and Middle School Academic Complex that seemed to “start it all!”

Please help us celebrate as we open the time capsule on May 24, 2012! COLUMNS

FOSTERING FACULTY EXCELLENCE by Patricia Lee Marshall, Head of Lower School and Associate Head for Academic Administration As one of Ranney School’s finest traditions, professional development benefits both teacher and student and is directly related to student success. Because education is continually evolving in the 21st century, it is critical to invest in our teachers’ own education. Graduate work, conferences and summer study support activities such as goal setting, self-assessment, peer mentoring, technology application and curriculum development are key strategies for professional success. Fine tuning teaching and learning strategies takes a lifetime of study in order to achieve excellence in the classroom, which, in turn, inspires and influences excellence in our students. In advancing this belief, the school provides carefully planned opportunities for faculty to work collaboratively, providing a pathway for teaching excellence and encouraging ongoing professional growth, self-assessment and renewal. Technology and digital tools, an ample reading inventory, curriculum development, summer study and professional development experiences are all examples of the opportunities Ranney School provides to its teachers and are made possible by generous gifts to the Annual Fund. This year, faculty professional development and summer study programs are specifically aligned with our school’s Strategic Plan to support student programs in areas of ethics and leadership, performing arts and diversified student assessment in measuring the unique aspects in 21st century education: critical thinking, creativity, character development, collaboration and communication. As such, our faculty across all divisions and departments has studied best practices, in theory and application, at Harvard’s Learning and the Brain Conference and the National Association of Independent School’s (NAIS) People of Color Conference. They have also attended the College Board’s AP programs, Technology and Instruction classes and served as participating members at the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools’ (NJAIS) roundtable discussions for all areas of teaching and leadership. We are proud that members of the Board of Trustees participated in growth and renewal this year through the NJAIS.

Left: Beginners teacher Mrs. Kelly Engles and Audrey Wang ’26; Inset photo: Rowan Johnson ’23 with first grade teacher Ms. Kathleen Hunt

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Pictured left: (left to right) 2011 Lifers Sean Lang, Mary Puorro, Jeri Robinson and Ave Maria Walwark; Pictured right: Athena Dookie ’16 with Social Studies teacher Ms. Amelia Caverly

Below is a sampling of recent professional development programs that our faculty and academic leaders have experienced: s !THLETIC 4RAINERS 3OCIETY OF .EW *ERSEY

s %ARLY #HILDHOOD ,EARNING #ONFERENCE

s )NTERNATIONAL 3PORTS 3CIENCES !SSOCIATION

s !RT %DUCATORS OF .EW *ERSEY #ONFERENCE

s !MERICAN 3TRING 4EACHERS !SSOCIATION

s .*!)3 )NSTRUCTION 3KILLS 0INGRY

s )NDEPENDENT 3CHOOL -ANAGEMENT ST Century Advancement

s .ATIONAL !SSOCIATION OF -USIC %DUCATION

s !0 #HEMISTRY #OLLEGE "OARD

s 9 7ONDER 0LAY #ONFERENCE

s 7RITING )NSTITUTE AT 4EACHER S #OLLEGE Columbia University

s !MERICAN !SSOCIATION OF #HORAL $IRECTORS

s %2" $IGITAL 4EST !NALYSIS 4RAINING

s .* 3CIENCE #ONVENTION

s .!)3 0EOPLE OF #OLOR #ONFERENCE Philadelphia

s -ONMOUTH 5NIVERSITY 'RADUATE 3CHOOL

s .!## 7ORKSHOPS 'IFTED #HILDREN Membership

s #OLUMBIA 3CHOLASTIC #ONFERENCE s .EW *ERSEY !SSOCIATION OF )NDEPENDENT School’s Roundtable for World Language Teachers

s 2UTGERS + n 7ORKSHOPS s !!)# #OLLOQUIUM

s !MERICAN !SSOCIATION OF 4EACHERS OF &RENCH

s !SSOCIATION OF 3UPERVISION AND Curriculum Development s 'UIDED 2EADING 0ROFESSIONAL -ODELING Elementary Education

s .!#!# #ONFERENCE s .ATIONAL !SSOCIATION OF THE %DUCATION OF Young Children s ,EARNING AND THE "RAIN #ONFERENCE Harvard University

s .*!)3 4RUSTEE $AY #ONFERENCE s EBOOKS 7EBINAR 3CHOOL ,IBRARY *OURNAL s !MERICAN !CADEMY OF 0EDIATRICS

s !0 -USIC 4HEORY #OLLEGE "OARD s .*!)3 ,OWER 3CHOOL (EAD S 2OUNDTABLE s 4EACHER OF -ATH 3YMPOSIUM s -ONMOUTH 5NIVERSITY ,ITERACY 3YMPOSIUM

s $EVELOPMENT 2ESOURCES 7EBINAR Schools vs. Bullying

Faculty Fast Facts 38% are Lifers (10+ years of service) 49% hold graduate degrees 45% hold master’s degrees

s /RFF 3CHULWERK !SSOCIATION -USIC %DUCATION COLUMNS

by Valerie Francois, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications

eing a faculty or staff Lifer at Ranney not only marks a significant career

milestone for these educators, but also represents an investment in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of children amongst them. For a decade, these individuals have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of scholars ranging from as early as age three to proud graduates, alumni and parents of future generations of Panthers. They have witnessed more than the transformation of a school. They have seen the transformation of lives and relationships with their peers, who have become one family within a community that ensures each child is known and valued. We salute them for their enthusiasm and dedication to Ranney School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are the epitome of Panther Pride. 14

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NANCY KING â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was inspired by my own children to become a teacher. I am inspired daily by my students. I enjoy helping my students and my peers find the pathways to learning success.â&#x20AC;? Area of focus: 'RADE n Lower School Academic Support n PRESENT Education: B.A., Colgate University; NJ Teaching Certification Alternate Route, The College of New Jersey Ranney honors and awards, committees served: s 6ARSITY TRACK AND FIELD COACH since 2004; s 6ARSITY INDOOR TRACK COACH since 2006; s -IDDLE 3CHOOL CROSS COUNTRY AND winter track coach since 2009

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DAVID KETCHAM

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love to study history, and I love teaching teenagers. My primary goal is to give students the knowledge and tools they need to better understand themselves and the world they live in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to understand that they are not the first humans, nor the last, and that what we create will be handed to future generations just as we have inherited the creations of those who have gone before.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best piece of advice I have ever received was to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;find a passion, work hard and treat people well.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I feel that teaching is the perfect career to not only share that advice with young adults, but to help them follow that advice in their own lives.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The one thing that inspires me each day is when I can hear a student say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; One of the main reasons I decided to become a math teacher is to try and take away the fear factor in math. If you stop 10 people on the street and ask them about math, at least eight of them will say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I hated math because I never knew what I was doing.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; My goal is to introduce concepts that may appear to be complex in a simple and easy way. The students then feel comfortable with the new material and more confident about their ability.â&#x20AC;?

Area of focus: (ISTORY 'RADES n History Department Chair Education: M.A., Monmouth University; Doctoral Candidate, Educational Leadership, College of St. Elizabeth; B.A., Trinity College Ranney honors, awards and committees served: s 4HE ,AWRENCE 3 3YKOFF &ACULTY &ELLOWSHIP !WARD n 2ECIPIENT

Area of focus: Geography, Grades 6 and 8; Middle School Dean of Students Education: B.A., University of Maryland Ranney honors and awards, committees served: s 3TRATEGIC 0LANNING 3TUDENT Life Committee; s -IDDLE 3CHOOL 04!# s !DMISSIONS #OMMITTEE

Area of focus: Algebra I, Geometry AND !LGEBRA )) 'RADES n Education: B.A., Montclair State University; certified for Math #ERTIFICATION FROM n AND FROM 0RE + n 'RADE

s #AROL !NN 0RESLEY -EMORIAL !WARD FOR %XCELLENCE n 2ECIPIENT s #UM ,AUDE 3OCIETY -EMBER s .(3 3ELECTION #OMMITTEE

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AVE MARIA WALWARK

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;This quote is used often but is very apt in my goals for teaching â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Teaching is like an orchestra. There are many different instruments, and to reach everyone you need to put a symphony of different kinds of pedagogy togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Chris Dede, Harvard University (Nov. 16, 2011). The creativity of my students, whether it be in a written paper, solving a math equation, or discussing a solution to a current world problem, is what inspires me on a daily basis.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students I teach motivate me every day they walk into the classroom. I personally enjoy an insatiable appetite to learn, and I so want them to develop not only a passion for the visual arts, but also a sense of exhilarating discovery when they explore and learn something new.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besides looking forward to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crunchingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; numbers or processing checks that I know will put a smile on those who receive them, one satisfying aspect is in knowing that indirectly I contribute to the education of Ranney students. By doing my job efficiently, I ensure that field trips and other student activities run smoothly or muchneeded school supplies arrive on a timely basis. I appreciate that my job functions are not dramatic or even visible, but I know that my contributions help to keep the Ranney experience a great one.

Area of focus: Grades 4 and Pre-K Education: B.A., University of Northern Iowa, Elementary Education; Ed.M., Rutgers University; Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology (May 2012) Ranney honors and awards, committees served: s #AROL !NN 0RESLEY -EMORIAL !WARD FOR %XCELLENCE IN 4EACHING n 2011 Recipient

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Area of focus: Grades 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12 (past); Upper School Art Principles, Printmaking and AP Studio Art (present); Printmaking and Digital Photography (summer) Education: B.F.A., Daemen College; M.A., Kean University Ranney honors, awards, committees served: s #UM ,AUDE 3OCIETY -EMBER s &ACULTY 0ANTHER 0RIZE n 2009 Recipient; s 5PPER 3CHOOL 04!#

I am truly fortunate to thoroughly enjoy working with my colleagues, the Ranney parents, and occasionally, the Ranney kids. I have formed friendships here at Ranney that will last a lifetime.â&#x20AC;? Education: B.A., University of Santo Thomas, Philippines !SSISTANT TO THE #&/

-!29 05/22/

MARIE AHEARN

SEAN LANG

“I try to allow each child to share, to grow, and to be his or her own person. In doing so, I am contributing wisdom and understanding to my students and they, in turn, give me purpose. When a teacher can intrinsically motivate students to want to achieve more, then that particular teacher has reached success in his or her own students.”

“My inspiration is being a role model. I project dedication and diligence that embodies respect, kindness and a smile. Overall, this impacts the little ones. I see the hope and love in their eyes as they search for guidance, and it is my pleasure to serve the Ranney community.”

“My teaching inspiration comes from Helen Keller: ‘Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Area of focus: Grades 3 and 4 Education: B.A., Arizona State University

School Receptionist

Area of focus: Beginners and Pre-K Education: B.S., The College of New Jersey

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is not uncommon to walk the hallways of Ranney School in the early evening hours

and hear classrooms filled with chatter, to see students rehearsing on the Roberts’ Stage or catch athletes stretching in the GPA. After hours in the Paulus Library, teachers lead tutorial sessions and students

The Value Added at Ranney School Adds Up to RANNEY PLUS by Patricia Lee Marshall, Head of Lower School and Associate Head for Academic Administration

form study groups. A bustling learning community around the clock, students are comfortable reaching out to teachers for guidance, seeking the comfort of friends in collaborative groups, and placing themselves in the spotlight by auditioning for a play, or trying-out for a team. Ranney is a school where children feel at home and are welcomed to pursue talents and interests beyond the classroom. An important initiative that was developed as a result of the strategic planning process in 2010, Ranney Plus ensures our school’s doors remain open even after the last bell. The purpose of Ranney Plus is to extend the unique learning opportunities that are offered throughout each academic day into our after-school program; broadening experiences for our students’ interests and talents from classroom to practice. Our rigorous academic program is complimented by a rich extra-curricular program and late office hours. This not only meets the diverse needs of our students, but it is also a testament to a dedicated teaching community.

School days offer ample opportunities for students to engage in quality discussions with teachers and advisors and build interconnected relationships across divisions and academic departments. Excellent schools provide such forums for their students, breaking through the limitations of a school day schedule. At the end of the day, we want our students to explore new opportunities, seek out new skills and pursue their interests.

Stephen Hawthorne ’17 tunes his guitar before playing along with Head of the Middle School Mr. David Fischer

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Daniel Palatnik â&#x20AC;&#x2122;21

(left to right) Gianna Cappillo â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19 and Morgan Rice â&#x20AC;&#x2122;21

(left to right) Matthew Hamelsky â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19 and Jake Buckelew â&#x20AC;&#x2122;21

As Ranney Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission blazes a trail in offering a whole learning community, it emphasizes the importance of providing a learning environment where students are inspired to reach their fullest potential. Ranney Plus welcomes students across all divisions to pursue programs and activities after hours, balancing our competitive academic program with a dynamic afterschool program and summer program that welcomes enrichment opportunities, athletic pursuits, theatrical performances, forensics coaching, collaborative study groups and research opportunities in the libraries and media centers on campus. The Lower, Middle and Upper Schools each offer a full selection of after-school programs and club schedules throughout the school year. Clubs provide Ranney students opportunities to explore areas in music, video, creative writing, chess, world language, theater, Lower School athletics, Middle School interscholastic sports and JV and varsity athletics. Other activities include homework support, subject-specific tutoring, robotics, science programs and environmental clubs. Ranney Plus clubs and activities rotate with each session throughout the school year, allowing students ample opportunity to further their curiosities and develop expertise that will, in turn, enrich their learning experience. Ranney Plus also serves families by providing complimentary after-care programs for students in the Lower and Middle Schools. It is structured to accommodate our students and their families who commute long distances by providing late bus transportation, allowing students to enjoy the full Ranney experience and still get home in time for dinner!

Ranney Plus 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 Throughout the fall, we have had over 500 students from across all three divisions enjoy Ranney Plus programs. Activities take place from 3:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:30 p.m. and the late bus leaves campus promptly at 5:30 p.m.

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2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 Ranney Plus clubs and activities include: UĂ&#x160;/iVÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x153;Ă&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; Announcements, WRAN Lower School Morning News Channel UĂ&#x160; iĂ&#x153;iÂ?Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E; UĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;"Â?Ă&#x17E;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ&#x2C6;>` UĂ&#x160;-VÂ&#x2C6;iÂ&#x2DC;ViĂ&#x160;"Â?Ă&#x17E;Â&#x201C;ÂŤÂ&#x2C6;>` UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;>Â?Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x2022;L UĂ&#x160;*>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x2022;L UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â?Â?iĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160;Â Ă&#x20AC;iÂ&#x2DC;VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x2022;LÂŽ UĂ&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;`>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x192;iĂ&#x160;Â*>Ă&#x20AC;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; Student Club) UĂ&#x160; ÂŤÂŤÂ?Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;/iVÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x160; ÂŤÂŤĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x2022;ÂŤÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; Homework (parents and students) UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;``Â?iĂ&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;V>Â? UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;V>Â? UĂ&#x160;1ÂŤÂŤiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;/Â&#x2026;i>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC; UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;7>Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x2022;L UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;``Â?iĂ&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;,Â&#x153;LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;VĂ&#x192; UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x2022;L UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;``Â?iĂ&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;7Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Â˝Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x2022;L UĂ&#x160;1ÂŤÂŤiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;`>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Chinese Calligraphy UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;``Â?iĂ&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160; Â?Â?Â&#x2021;-i>Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Athletic Sessions UĂ&#x160;1ÂŤÂŤiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160; Â?Â?Â&#x2021;-i>Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; Athletic Sessions UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x153;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160; Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;

STUDENT GLOGS Glog n: A graphics blog; online interactive multi-media posters where students can upload photos, texts, videos and create links to websites.

Anmol Anand ’19

Ananya Pandey ’19

Audrey Myers ’19

Don Chirichillo-Casement ’19

Catherine Vucetic ’19

Eric Grayson ’19

Fraser Leslie ’19

Haley Bovino ’19

Jake Kallman ’19

Paul Cantave ’19

Raza Zaidi ’19

Sathya Edamadaka ’19

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Timing is everything and by Paul Zanowski, Head of Upper School

(Front to back) Tor Miller ’12, Kelly Elsas ’12 and Connor Tozzi ’12

(Left to right) Dean Parker ’16 and Toby Savage ’18

How we use the school day – the way we manage and invest our precious time – is a statement of our values. Our new schedule is the product of two years of collaboration, innovation and evolution, enabling our students and teachers to have longer, more effective lab sessions, and more time for collaborative, project-based learning and differentiated styles of instruction and assessment that we know are hallmarks of a 21st century school.

course features distinguished guest speakers, and the unique 21st century, online, collaborative “Town Hall” learning environment adds to our vibrant schedule. Our new schedule enables these programs to thrive alongside our rigorous academic curriculum.

Over the last 12 months, we have greatly increased the amount of time available to our advisors and their students and this has supported the development of our student-centered, missionbased advisory program. Our school’s mission-promise – to know and value each child – is the sole inspiration of our advisory curriculum, and our schedule reflects the importance of this by dedicating time in the school day to allow our advisors to do their best work mentoring our students. We want to know our students, and the new schedule allows us time to get to know them. These new investments of time and the talents of our teachermentors have enabled students to become more self-actualized and self-aware of the proactive role we want them to play in their education. The same is true for our increased investments in educating the whole child. Last year’s new schedule enabled student-led, student-centered clubs, activities, town meetings, special seminars and workshops on topics such as health, diversity and ethics. The new ethics 22

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The new schedule, now in its second year of evolution, enables us to maintain our commitment to small class sizes, while our school grows. It also enables our full-time teachers and department chairs to have a room of their own so that students, advisees and colleagues have more access to them throughout the day. It increases their in-school preparation time too, all to the betterment of our students. As a high school, we now share a common 50-minute lunch period and a common 45-minute special period each and every day… time that is built into the schedule when every member of the Upper School community is able to be together, to work together and to grow together. In addition, the pacing of the school day has been simplified – fewer transitions from one subject to another during the school day allow more time for students to pass from class to class. With the advent of classes that meet five times out of a six-day cycle, we are creating opportunities for students to better manage the daily stress of homework.

every moment counts...

(Left to right) Athena Dookie ’16, Vasilios Nicholas ’16 and Abhimanyu Choudhary ’16

(Left to right) Kelly Elsas ’12, Thomas Hearne ’12 and Connor Tozzi ’12

All of these features have been identified as “cutting edge” by the National Association of Independent Schools in terms of preparing America’s best students for the rigors of 21st century college life. We built on the success of the six-day rotating schedule that we introduced last year to enhance teaching time and foster a greater sense of community. In this second phase of the six-day schedule, we have created an extended 85-minute “lab period” that all classes will enjoy once per cycle. Teachers in every subject are able to plan in-depth, hands-on learning activities for our students, taking full advantage of this extended period. Science labs are of greater value; debates, presentations and group projects have dedicated time in the school day for preparation and presentation; and our students and teachers have better access to our new Media and Technology Center. Using this new schedule, we are convinced that the pacing, added resources and enhanced access to teachers will foster improved results with less stress, and will align students with the rapidly evolving workplace of college life. The new schedule reflects our shared belief that a Ranney education is best supported by the school’s unique culture of high expectations and highly personalized support.

A New Student Life Center Located next to the College Office (the former Department Chair Suite), the new Student Center contains a large common room for students to gather and is furnished to support their study needs (it reminds one of a lounge in a college student center, or a decaffeinated Starbucks). Best of all, it is a space students can call their own. The lounge features a Student Leadership Office to support our Student Council, and it houses Dean of Students, Dr. Delgado’s new office. It is a Student Center for a school that is proud to be student-centered! COLUMNS

If you were on campus prior to 2001, Ranney School as you know it would be a very different place. There would be no Middle and Upper School building, no Panther Hall and Lower School Building, no Art Building, and the Guidone Track and Karagianakis Field would be barren and made of concrete. There was a playground where Panther Hall is now. The Barn was red and now is grey to match the other buildings (it’s not even called the Barn anymore). Even the location of the new Kelly Tennis Courts would raise an eyebrow. Being a Lifer for 15 years, I was able to see Ranney transform itself into the even greater school that it is today. But being a Lifer has more of a meaning to me than just witnessing the construction of magnificent buildings. I have made long-lasting friendships. I know the entire faculty and staff (past and present). I know where everything is, and what the word on the street just happens to be! Most important, I received an incredible education, one of which was unique to Ranney, and one I couldn’t get anywhere else. Ranney has been my life; I have fond memories of my Beginner’s class in 1997 in the garage of the “Little White House,” now known as the Art Building. These memories, experiences, and friendships define who I am, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. by Christopher Schwake ’12 24

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Introducing Our

Newest Ranney Lifers Front: (left to right) Natalie Cantave ’12, Alex Lin ’12, Joe Bond ’12, Jood Ani ’12, Christopher Schwake ’12, Thomas Hearne ’12, Alexander Karagianakis ’12 and Niket Patel ’12; Back: (left to right) -ELISSA #ANTAVE .EHA .AYYAR 3AM 4KACH 9ASMIN -ELEIS %RIC #HIANG 3ANJIT 3HASHI !NIKE /LADEJI Caitlin Klein ’12, Jonathan Rosenthal ’12, Sophia Lee ’12, Jamil Ahmed ’12 and Neil Amin ’12

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1. Jamil Ahmed, 12 years

3. Jood Ani, 15 years

4. Joe Bond, 14 years

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two of my most memorable experiences happened in the Lower School and 11th grade. I will always remember watching caterpillars evolve into butterflies in first grade, and I will always remember Chemistry class.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed Ranney as a whole because it has made me who I am today. Having the opportunity to be a leader has been wonderful because when you are a role model, it changes your perspective of the school. I will definitely miss the teachers because they really care about the students.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ranney has given me the opportunity to learn and follow what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been taught in my 14 years of being a Ranney student within an environment that is both mature and filled with positive reinforcement. Because of this environment, it has become second nature for me to help teach and aid my peers in whatever lessons I have learned both in school and in life.â&#x20AC;?

s 6ARSITY #ROSS #OUNTRY 6ARSITY 4ENNIS s 3PANISH .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY

s 6ARSITY 4ENNIS

s 6OLUNTEER #OMMUNITY -EDICAL #ENTER in Toms River

s 5PPER 3CHOOL #HORUS

s 2ANNEY IN THE 3UMMER 4ENNIS #AMP Counselor

s &RENCH .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY .ATIONAL Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society

s !0 3CHOLAR

s )NTERN ,OWER 3CHOOL

s 6ICE 0RESIDENT )NTERNATIONAL 4HESPIAN 3OCIETY

2. Neil Amin, 10 years

s 5PPER 3CHOOL $ANCE !CTIVITY s #HESS #LUB s )NTERN %LECTRONIC #ONCEPTS )NC

5. Melissa Cantave, 13 years â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have enjoyed the small class size, the dedication and support of stupendous teachers, and the sense of family. Everyone knows who you are and are always there for each other. I will miss my fabulous teachers, the engaging

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My memorable experiences were with my peers in the classroom, and I will miss the close community that Ranney offers.â&#x20AC;? s 6ARSITY 3OCCER 6ARSITY "ASKETBALL s &UTURE "USINESS ,EADERS OF !MERICA &",! s 2ANNEY IN THE 3UMMER #AMP #OUNSELOR

2 1 3

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conversations I have had with my fellow classmates and teachers, and the fresh chocolate chip cookies! Ranney has given me many opportunities to be a leader and each experience has been fulfilling, while allowing me to challenge myself and promoting growth in all fronts. My most memorable experience was winning the NJSIAA Prep ‘B’ 1st Doubles Tennis Championship with my sister in sophomore year.” s #APTAIN 6ARSITY 4ENNIS 6ARSITY 3WIMMING s 4REASURER #LASS #OUNCIL s #O 0RESIDENT 3CIENCE 2ESEARCH #LUB s $IVERSITY #OMMITTEE 4().+ s &RENCH .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society

s .ATIONAL !CHIEVEMENT 3CHOLARSHIP 0ROGRAM /UTSTANDING 0ARTICIPANT

Club, Class Council or Panther Cub Swimming Instructor. These experiences have helped me become connected to my fellow classmates and invested in my community and making a difference.”

s !0 3CHOLAR WITH $ISTINCTION s )NTERN ,OWER 3CHOOL

6. Natalie Cantave, 13 years

s #APTAIN 6ARSITY 4ENNIS 6ARSITY 3WIMMING

“I have always enjoyed the small classroom setting, which is priceless to me. The small classes facilitate individual attention, allow enriching and interesting discussions, foster relationships with teachers and fellow classmates. I have been at Ranney for 13 years, and I have always felt known and valued as an individual, especially being a twin. Being a leader at Ranney has been quite rewarding for me, whether in the classroom leading a discussion, on the athletic field leading by example, or in one of my many extracurricular activities, such as: Science

s 3ECRETARY #LASS #OUNCIL s #O 0RESIDENT 3CIENCE 2ESEARCH #LUB s $IVERSITY #OMMITTEE 4().+ s &RENCH .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society s .ATIONAL !CHIEVEMENT 3CHOLARSHIP 0ROGRAM /UTSTANDING 0ARTICIPANT s 7ENDY S (IGH 3CHOOL (EISMAN State Winner (female) s (UGH / "RIEN 9OUTH ,EADERSHIP (/"9 !MBASSADOR s )NTERN ,OWER 3CHOOL

6 5

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7. Eric Chiang, 13 years

8. Thomas Hearne, 15 years

9. Alex Karagianakis, 12 years

“At Ranney, everyone is a leader in his or her own way. Each student gets the opportunity to stand out. I’ve enjoyed being able to grow alongside all of my friends, and I will miss their friendly, familiar faces each day. I will also miss the sense of community that Ranney has to offer. My college guidance counselor was the best! She was the one who ‘pushed’ me through the intimidating door of the college process and guided me, slowly but surely, down the path. I will always remember Halloween 2010 because I dressed up as Mario, the security guard, in honor of his last day at Ranney School.”

“I have enjoyed growing up with the same people since childhood, and it has been easy to be a leader at Ranney because my classmates are like family to me. I will also miss the intimacy and the small size of the campus. One of my most memorable experiences at Ranney was witnessing the gradual growth of the school, with the construction of the Upper and Middle School Academic Complex and the most recent Lower School Building.”

“I have enjoyed the long-lasting relationships that I have made since Lower School. I will also miss the annual dodge ball tournament and the friendly atmosphere. Ranney has prepared me for college in that the work load has been consistent, and the responsibility is on you to complete the work. My most memorable experiences while at Ranney include the intense laughs that Joe Bond and I break out in, which Miss Jones follows shortly after. Another memorable experience is how Mr. Lip’s extreme warm-heartedness inspired me to ‘get my act together’ and work harder.”

s *AZZ "AND s 4REASURER )NTERNATIONAL 4HESPIAN 3OCIETY

s .ATIONAL !RT (ONOR 3OCIETY .ATIONAL Honor Society s #O #APTAIN 6ARSITY &ENCING s 9EARBOOK #OMMITTEE s 2ANNEY IN THE 3UMMER /FFICE !SSISTANT

s #APTAIN 6ARSITY 3OCCER s ,ACROSSE 3QUASH s #OMPETITIVE 3NOWBOARDER AND 3KIER

s .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY -U !LPHA Theta Math Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society

s 3TUDENT #HAIR -ONMOUTH -EDICAL Center Duathlon s 6OLUNTEER (OMES FOR (OPE

s -EMBER -ILLSTONE 4OWNSHIP &IRST !ID 3QUAD

s 6OLUNTEER "ASKET "RIGADE

s 2ANNEY IN THE 3UMMER #AMP #OUNSELOR s !0 3CHOLAR s -EDIA )NTERN 2ANNEY 3CHOOL

9 7

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10. Caitlin Klein, 12 years “Being in Mrs. Warren’s freshman English class was a fantastic experience. I have enjoyed growing up with the same people, and I will miss my friends and teachers.” s .ATIONAL -ERIT 3CHOLARSHIP #OMMENDED Student

s .ATIONAL -ERIT 3CHOLARSHIP #OMMENDED Student s !0 3CHOLAR WITH $ISTINCTION s &RENCH .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY -U !LPHA Theta Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society

s !0 3CHOLAR WITH $ISTINCTION

12. Alex Lin, 12 years

s %DITOR IN #HIEF The Torch

“It has been an interesting experience. Ranney has many different types of people and trying to lead them has been an insightful experience. I have enjoyed developing friendships and clearly have a network of friends to keep in contact with when I go to college. I will miss the easy-going attitude of the students here. Though it can get competitive, a lot of the students make you feel relaxed. I will also miss the easy accessibility of the teachers whether after school or throughout the day.”

s .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY &RENCH .ATIONAL Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society s 6OLUNTEER 3052 3PECIAL 0EOPLE 5NITED to Ride)

11. Sophia Lee, 14 years “I have enjoyed my education, classes and activities. And I have enjoyed learning. The Upper School has some of the most exceptional teachers that I have ever known, particularly those in the English Department. I probably wouldn’t be where I am now, academically or intellectually, without them. I will miss my advisor and the Paulus Library.” s #O %DITOR IN #HIEF 2ANNEY 3CHOOL Verse & Prose and Taxi (Foreign Language Literary Magazine)

s #HESS #LUB

13. Yasmin Meleis, 10 years “Being a leader at Ranney has been very rewarding. I feel that it has well-prepared me for future leadership positions and has given me the opportunity to do a fair amount of public speaking at major school events. I have enjoyed the small size of the campus and the experience of getting to know everyone really well. I especially liked the retreats when I got to know everyone a little bit more. I feel prepared for college because I know how to manage my time between academics and extra-curricular activities.” s 0RESIDENT 3TUDENT #OUNCIL s #O #APTAIN 6ARSITY 'IRLS #REW s .ATIONAL !RT (ONOR 3OCIETY 0RESIDENT Emeritus), National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, International Thespian Society

s *UNIOR 3TATESMAN OF !MERICA *3!

s 6OLUNTEER #INDERELLA S #LOSET OF Monmouth County

s 6ARSITY 3WIMMING

s $IGITAL 0HOTOGRAPHY

s 2ANNEY !DMISSIONS !MBASSADOR

s !0 3CHOLAR WITH (ONOR

13 11

10 12

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14. Neha Nayyar, 14 years

s $IGITAL 0HOTOGRAPHY

17. Jonathan Rosenthal, 14 years

“I have made such good friends here, and I will miss them. I enjoyed being part of a family at Ranney and getting to know everyone. I will miss my teachers too. I will never forget freshman Spanish class with Mr. Materasso.”

s .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY )NTERNATIONAL Thespian Society, Spanish National Honor Society

“What I have enjoyed most about being at Ranney for so long is the consistency. I know what to expect. I miss Gail’s cooking in the Dining Hall because she provides healthy, organic alternatives to the ‘meat and potatoes’ main meal. And the campus is very clean. Everything is normally immaculate.”

s ,AYOUT %DITOR The Torch s )NDIAN $ANCE )NSTRUCTOR FOR ,OWER 3CHOOL After-school Program s .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY s )NTERN ,OWER 3CHOOL s (UGH / "RIEN 9OUTH ,EADERSHIP (/"9 Ambassador s )NTERN 5-$.*

s 6OLUNTEER #INDERELLA S #LOSET OF Monmouth County s 2ANNEY IN THE 3UMMER ,IFEGUARD AND Camp Counselor

16. Niket Patel, 10 years “Ranney has taught me how to cope with college-level classes and manage my time efficiently, but my most memorable Ranney experience has been the friendships I have built throughout the years. I will miss my friends and my youth!”

s .EW *ERSEY 'OVERNOR S 3CHOOL IN the Sciences s #OLUMBIA 5NIVERSITY 3CIENCE (ONORS Program Scholar s .ATIONAL -ERIT 3CHOLARSHIP #OMMENDED Student s !0 3CHOLAR WITH $ISTINCTION

15. Anike Oladeji, 14 years

s 3PANISH .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY

s #LASS 0RESIDENT

“I will miss my Lifer friends and all of my teachers. I will always remember Junior Prom and semi-formal. As a Lifer, I’ve enjoyed watching Ranney evolve into the great institution it is today. The rigorous classes and course load has prepared me for college next fall.”

s 6ARSITY "ASKETBALL 6ARSITY "ASEBALL

s 3ECRETARY 3TUDENT #OUNCIL

s &UTURE "USINESS ,EADERS OF !MERICA &",!

s 6ARSITY #ROSS #OUNTRY 7INTER 4RACK /UTDOOR 4RACK

14 15

s -ATH ,EAGUE s 2ANNEY !DMISSIONS !MBASSADOR

s -ODEL 5NITED .ATIONS 5. s .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY &RENCH .ATIONAL Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society

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18. Chris Schwake, 15 years

19. Sanjit Shashi, 13 years

20. Sam Tkach, 13 years

“Being a leader at Ranney has been a fulfilling experience. I get to be highly involved in my favorite clubs and activities and have a say in what gets done. It is my way to give back to a school that has given so much to me. I have known many of my classmates for a very long time, and I will really miss not having hilarious moments with them. I will also miss the faculty, many of whom are still here after teaching me years ago. Every year, I have had a teacher that I would love to have year-after-year. They are truly dedicated, fair and fun. They made Ranney what it is, and it will be hard to part with them this year.”

“I have been able to take a large variety of AP classes, and, each year, I have raised the number of APs in my schedule. By increasing the rigor of my high school course load, these APs have helped me to prepare for college-level work. One of my most memorable Ranney experiences took place during freshman retreat. I decided to brave the zip-line, despite my fear of heights. In the end, I’m glad that I did it, and it was actually more fun than I thought it would be. It was also the first time I tried something completely outside of my comfort zone.”

“I’ve known many of my friends at Ranney for most of my life, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to make lasting connections. I will miss my friends and fencing teammates the most. The one experience that will always stick with me is when the fencing team won the NJSIAA state championship! We were the first Ranney team to win at that level. I’ll never forget that we won gold and how happy we were. I hold a leadership position on the fencing team and that has been wonderful because it has made me more confident in my own abilities and has given me the chance to know what it’s like to help make decisions that involve others.”

s 3TUDENT #OUNCIL 2EPRESENTATIVE s 4REASURER .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY s 0RESIDENT *UNIOR (UMANE 3OCIETY s #O %DITOR $IGITAL 0HOTOGRAPHY s 3TUDENT 2EPRESENTATIVE -IDDLE 3TATES Accreditation Team s *UNIOR %NGINEERING 4ECHNICAL 3OCIETY *%43 s .* 3CIENCE ,EAGUE s 0ARTICIPANT $ELAWARE 6ALLEY 3CIENCE &AIR s !0 3CHOLAR WITH $ISTINCTION

s #APTAIN !CADEMIC 4EAM s !0 3CHOLAR WITH $ISTINCTION s .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY -U !LPHA Theta Math Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society

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s &RENCH .ATIONAL (ONOR 3OCIETY 3CIENCE National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society s )NTERN "ELL ,ABS

20 18

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THE MAKING OF A 21ST CENTURY ATHLETE

Our new athletic initiatives are presented in the form of an athletic vision and a Strategic Plan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one that profiles new athletic goals, expectations and objectives that support all of our students. In the spring of 2010, Ranney School was proudly accepted as a member of the Shore Conference; a membership that provides a more diversified and competitive sports program and takes competitive challenges to the next level. Our celebrated acceptance was well-earned and has received the attention of athletic departments along the Jersey Shore. In particular, membership in the Shore Conference will further develop the Ranney athletic experience by providing: 32

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by Tom Moriau, Director of Athletics

UÊÊ V> ÊV «iÌ Ì Ê> `ÊÌ iÊ`iÛi « i ÌÊ vÊ V> ÊÀ Û> À iÃÆ UÊÊ L Ì ÕÃÊÌi> Ê> `Ê ` Û `Õ> Ê} > ÃÆ UÊÊ `` Ì > Ê «« ÀÌÕ Ì iÃÊv ÀÊ« ÃÌ Ãi>Ã Ê>Ü>À`ÃÆ UÊÊ `Ê VÀi>Ãi`ÊiÝ« ÃÕÀiÊÌ ÊV i}iÃÊ> `ÊÕ ÛiÀÃ Ì iÃÊ> }Ê with their athletic programs. This new phase of athletic competition will treat athletics as an equal part of the school’s mission. This includes the pursuit of athletic excellence by participating in a high-quality athletic program that is centered on commitment, hard work, preparation and responsibility, while reinforcing the ideals of pursuing

victory with honor. This new vision establishes a standard of excellence that bridges the present and the future. Providing a culture of well-being is key to the success of the program. We must instruct the scholar-athlete with the proper psychology for success on and off the playing field. Supporting the athlete involves educationally sound practice and game schedules, intramural programs and resources for scholar-athletes to achieve excellence, along with increased communication between players, parents, coaches and faculty.

Pictured above: (left to right) Sarah Bartosh ’12, Grace Wilgucki ’15, Mackenzie -ARCELLINO 6ERONIKA &ISCHER !NIKE /LADEJI AND *AMIL !HMED

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2ANNEY 3CHOOL S %PEE 3QUAD FROM LEFT 4HOMAS &LOREK /MAR 3ARHAN AND 3AM 4KACH won the 2011 State Championship on February 27, 2011! The day was a long one, not only for the Ranney fencers, but also for coaches and parents. In the end, the epee event was a true nail-biter with official results not released until the very end. When the news was finally released, Ranney 3CHOOL LEARNED THAT ITS EPEE SQUAD HAD BEEN named 2011 NJSIAA State Champions!

Becoming a champion scholar-athlete requires passion, discipline, sacrifice and a willingness to push away distractions. Most Ranney students take advantage of numerous opportunities for academic growth, athletic success and personal development. While other schools refer to individuals who play sports as “student-athletes,” we prefer the term “scholar-athletes” because of our desire to help them develop, reach their full potential and be the best they can be, not only in their athletic endeavors, but also in all other parts of life at Ranney. To meet this challenge, we developed the profile of a Ranney scholar-athlete, paying special attention to address the “whole” child. Striving for excellence in athletics as well as academics and extra-curricular activities is a difficult, yet rewarding challenge. Becoming a champion scholar-athlete requires passion, discipline, sacrifice and a willingness to push away distractions. Playing sports at Ranney comes with many traditions and responsibilities. When one wears Panther blue and 34

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white, he or she not only understands our traditions, but is also willing to assume the responsibility, commitment, dedication and guidelines that go with them. Being a member of a Ranney athletic team is not a part-time job; athletics requires a five or six-day commitment in order to achieve athletic excellence. This is the same commitment that we share with our rigorous academic programs at Ranney. Leadership is another important aspect of the athletics program because it is defined not by degrees of athletic prowess, but by traits of character. Leadership requires moral rather than athletic or intellectual effort and impacts both the leader and the follower. The addition of a competitive Lower School program is the foundation to our athletics program. Teaching young Cubs the fundamental athletic skills, along with what it takes to become a scholarathlete, will help these little Panthers

succeed later on in their journey. Opportunities for intramural play and interscholastic experiences will instill the proper attitude and commitment in future varsity athletes. This is also the time to instill strong school pride and spirit because it energizes our school and involves a strong emotional connection. This is known as Panther Pride. Coaches are among the most influential adults in the lives of students. The bond between teacher and student is equal to that of a coach and player. Ranney coaches are the finest and most skilled at the Jersey Shore. They create an environment that fosters a passion for winning and a desire to be the best one can be. Our coaches understand that success is a moving target; being successful one year does not mean that one will be the next. With this in mind, they focus on building bridges, not obstacles to success. Coaches will never jeopardize our mission to win a game. In my 32 years of coaching, I have learned that preparation is the key to success. A prepared team will succeed in so many ways as a group and as individuals. The key is not the “will to win” – everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important. A prepared student will succeed in the classroom. This is called having an edge. When it comes down to two teams with

equal athletic talent, the team that is better prepared will most often succeed. We want our athletes to be prepared well before the season begins. To that end, a well-designed, year-round training program will lead to success. Ranney coaches encourage year-round athletic training and participation in year-round sports activities, summer leagues and camps. The goal is to provide each and every scholar-athlete with the opportunity to fulfill, if not exceed, his or her own athletic potential. The well-prepared athlete will be our winning edge. There was a time when having an athletic trainer on staff was a luxury; now it is a vital aspect of any athletic program. Our trainer plays a significant role in the management, prevention, recognition and rehabilitation of injured athletes. In addition, athletic trainers provide a vital communication link between the injured athlete, the physician, the coach and the athlete’s family. In most cases, trainers are the only health professionals that young athletes see on a daily or weekly basis. Our top priority is to ensure that all scholar-athletes are provided excellent medical care to attain the highest potential for safe and effective participation in their chosen sports. A perfect example of the total Ranney athletic experience can be seen in the faces of our alumni. Members of the Ranney Panther Athletic Hall of Fame, alumni Wes Powell ’08, Ali Chavers ’07, J.D. Wilgucki ’07 and Molly Wilgucki ’09, as well as Ranney’s four NJISAA State Scholar-Athlete award winners Lindsay Minerva ’05, Justin Fernandez ’01, Greg Guidone ’06 and Christopher

Tomasetta ’10 are true role models who have taken advantage of the Ranney scholar-athlete experience with excellent results. The lessons we learn in sports are lessons in life. Athletic competition defines the unique power of attitude. Nobody’s a natural. They work hard to succeed and then work even harder to get better. It’s not easy to stay on top. One of my

favorite sayings is “success is where preparation and opportunity meet,” and the new athletic program is designed to provide both preparation and opportunity; to attract better coaches and create better athletes. Throughout the years, the physical athletic landscape has changed dramatically and now the philosophical landscape is changing as well, with a clear and defined pathway to athletic excellence.

(Left to right) Jenna DiSalvo ’14, Madison Pflaster ’14, Alison Chavers ’07 (Assistant Coach, varsity girls’ soccer), Maura Guyler ’12 and Kenna Conley ’14

The key is not the “will to win” – everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important. COLUMNS

Athletic Training by Neila Buday, Athletic Trainer

Preparing our athletes is a very important goal of the Athletics Department because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you do before the season that makes a champion. Attaining a winning edge is our objective and with cooperation from coaches and scholar-athletes, championship performances can be achieved. The Athletics Department is deeply committed to helping its scholar-athletes reach and maintain their optimum health as well as achieve conditioning goals. For this reason, we have developed excellent training and conditioning programs that lessen the possibility of injury. Our year-round training program will provide athletes with the tools needed to develop and optimize their athletic capabilities throughout the year, increasing strength, speed and agility. Athletes can maximize their potential not only through an increase in strength of body, but also through the development of character, work ethic and self-discipline. All of these characteristics, and more, are important components in fostering a highly skilled high school athlete. The idea is to take these qualities, vastly improve upon them with proper athletic training, and put them into play during competition. Custom training programs aid scholarathletes in the pursuit of their individual objectives. Meanwhile, sport-specific programs including summer team camps, summer leagues, and team mini-camps at Ranney assist individuals by improving athletic skills that not only personally benefit them, but also their teams. Coaches continuously challenge each athlete to work hard all year and display a total effort that will improve him or her both physically and mentally. Training the body, as well as the mind, develops students into well-rounded people.

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Sam Tkach â&#x20AC;&#x2122;12

Top right: Alexis Karlin ’20; Bottom left: Emily Goodman ’21 and her peers learn to play lacrosse during a Ranney Plus session with varsity coach Joseph Tweed; Bottom right: (left to right) Raza Zaidi ’19, Ananya Pandey ’19, Luke Arnone ’19, Jake Kallman ’19, Don Chirichillo-Casement ’19, Sathya Edamadaka ’19, Paul Cantave ’19, Fraser Leslie ’19 and Jack Crilly ’19

Athletics in the Lower School by Ian McNamara, Lower School Activities Coordinator and Physical Education Teacher Ranney School is especially committed to introducing its youngest students to the many benefits of athletic participation. Ranney’s Lower School athletics program is structured to develop team skills in a scholar-athlete. Providing students with an enjoyable, positive experience, as well as teaching them the necessary fundamentals are important aspects of the program. Meanwhile, rules interpretation, team strategy and tactics are taught on a regular basis both on the practice field and in Physical Education classes. The proper attitude, work ethic and commitment originate from the Lower School’s Physical Education curriculum, which encompasses all grades, Beginners through grade five. Coaches take these elements of athletic participation to the next level by developing individual self-

esteem, promoting sports and physical fitness and building team camaraderie. Most important, Ranney coaches believe that winning isn’t the key to Lower School sports: it is sportsmanship and team play that are paramount at this level of athletic education. Lower School athletic development stems from an equal distribution of Physical Education, after-school programs and summer programming, all of which promise a more advanced set of skills and unique competitive experience. The past three years have seen an increase in afterschool athletic opportunities for Lower School students including cross country, golf, lacrosse, swimming, field hockey and fencing, with future plans to add soccer and basketball. The next step in our continued pursuit of providing an

outstanding Lower School athletics program is to provide students the opportunity for competitive play through an exciting interscholastic sports program for grades three to five, and the continuation and further expansion of our current intramural programs for grades one through five. The Ranney Lower School athletic program is a leader in the field of sports development for young scholar-athletes. This commitment to the development of the whole child gives Ranney a cutting edge for future scholar-athletes.

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RANNEY's A look at recently graduated Ranney Athletes during their college years.

Jacqueline Korey “threw in the towel” as a Ranney athlete in 2011, when she joined the Leopards of Lafayette College during her freshman year in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Swimmer

JACQUELINE KOREY Lafayette College

A member of Lafayette’s approximately 35-member women’s Division I swim team, Jacqueline now specializes in the Breaststroke. During her time as a Panther, however, she could be seen swimming in the 400 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle and 200 Medley Relay events. Not only was Jacqueline a 2008 Patriot Conference Champion in the 500 Freestyle, but she was also a former Ranney record holder in both the 400 Freestyle and 200 Medley Relay along with teammates Natalie Cantave ’12, Krista Irons ’10 and Melissa Cantave ’12. Due to her passion in the pool and commitment towards swimming, Jacqueline was named captain of the 2010-11 varsity girls’ swim team, and also received a “Most Valuable Team Member” award from Head Coach Emmett Walling at the conclusion of her senior year.

four-year Ranney School varsity swimmer, John Zipp ’10 bid farewell to the Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics and said hello to a Division III athletic career at Franklin & Marshall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

JOHN ZIPP Franklin & Marshall College

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Granted Ranney School’s “Most Valuable Swimmer” award in 2010, this team captain holds a school record of 25.61 in the 50 Freestyle and 56.47 in the 100 Freestyle. During his time at Ranney, John also earned a place on the school’s record board after a fine performance in the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay. “If you find yourself on the starting block to swim against John, you need to know one thing about him,” said Head Coach Emmett Walling. “He just doesn’t quit.” Thus far at the intercollegiate level, John and several of his teammates advanced to a consolation round, while four made it to a final round during a three-day Centennial Conference meet spanning February 19

Out of her swimsuit and in school uniform, Jacqueline could be found in the newsroom, serving as Editor-in-Chief of Ranney’s newspaper, The Torch. In addition, she was Class of 2011 Secretary from her freshman to her senior year. In recognition of her generosity of spirit and thoughtfulness to all, Jacqueline also received Ranney’s Ann Kappel Citizenship and Service Award at the school’s 46th Annual Commencement Ceremony. An example of Jacqueline’s need to better the community for others, she devoted her Senior Capstone Project to researching yoga as an alternative form of therapy for children with disabilities such as Autism and Cerebral Palsy. Fully committed to the project, she even became a Certified Yoga Instructor. All in all, Jacqueline proved herself an ideal scholarathlete throughout her Upper School career, and her reputation both in the pool and classroom will forever live on.

to February 21, 2011. Leading his team in the 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle at the event, John surpassed all of his previous Ranney School times – also dropping his seed time by seven seconds in the 200 Freestyle! John served as anchor for the Franklin & Marshall Diplomats in the 800 Freestyle Relay and competed in three other relays during the championship meet as well. For all those aspiring athletes at Ranney, John has one very important piece of advice. “College sports is something to be proud of, and if you are good enough to play, definitely do it. In the end, it is worth all the time and effort that you put forth.”

Athletes graduating from Ranney School, four-year varsity athlete Laura Church ’10 began her Division III intercollegiate tennis career at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Upon

According to Laura, Ranney not only steered her in the right direction academically, but also encouraged that she get involved in as many ways possible. Throughout her time in the Upper School, Laura could be found volunteering at on-campus events including Ranney’s ever-popular Fall Festival, serving as a valued member of the yearbook staff, and playing for the varsity tennis team, of which she was also a team captain.

LAURA CHURCH

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

Laura obtained four consecutive Prep ‘B’ State Titles at 1st Doubles, 2nd Doubles and 3rd Singles while playing for the Panthers, as well as aided the team in earning both a Patriot Conference title and NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) State Sectional title in 2008, and an NJISAA (New Jersey Independent School Athletic Association) Prep ‘B’ State Championship title in 2009.

Ranney School graduate from the Class of 2008, Wes Powell played four years of Upper School boys’ soccer at the varsity level before trading in his blue and white for blue and gold at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

WES POWELL

After declining the opportunity to play professionally for the Celtic Football Club of Scotland, Wes instead decided to pursue an appointment in the United States Naval Academy. A midfielder while at Ranney, Wes now plays forward for the Division I Midshipmen. In maintaining Ranney’s tradition of academic excellence, Wes was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for his second straight season in the fall of 2010. To be eligible for this honor, a scholar-athlete must earn a 3.20 semester gradepoint average. Aside from excelling in the classroom his junior year, Wes also saw sensational success

Now an Osprey at Richard Stockton College, Laura spent this fall playing both 4th Singles, and 1st Doubles for her team. Laura managed to secure individual wins over opponents from Georgian Court, Manhattanville, Rutgers – Newark, Kean and Ramapo during the 2011 season. Meanwhile at Doubles, her fine performance with teammate Krystle Bendijo of Egg Harbor Township in the Ospreys’ 6-3 victory over Kean also helped bring Head Coach Phil Birnbaum to his 100th career win with Richard Stockton. Although juggling a tennis career with college work and other activities can be rather challenging, Laura leaves those aspiring athletes at Ranney with one very important piece of advice: “Participate in a college sport. It could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your college career.”

on the field. That same season, he appeared in 14 games with eight starts, and recorded 804 minutes of total playing time. While playing for the Panthers, Wes earned “Most Valuable Player” two years in a row, scored over 25 goals during his high school career and notched 47 assists to boot. Wes represented a true Ranney Panther whose willingness to learn and motivation to lead continue to contribute to his successes on the field, in the classroom and in life.

U.S. Naval Academy

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ATHLETIC Varsity Girls’ Tennis – Melissa Cantave ’12 named to the third girls’ tennis All-Shore team

MS Girls’ Tennis – perfect record of 6-0 Varsity Girls’ Tennis – captured fourth straight Non-Public ‘B’ South Championship title and played Shore Conference Tournament

Varsity Field Hockey – qualified for first-ever NJSIAA North 2 Group 1 Tournament and competed in Shore Conference Tournament 40

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MS Boys’ Soccer (Blue) – CJAL Soccer Champions

MS Swimming – perfect 11-0 season, boys and girls won second and third straight Annual Ranney Swim Invitational and broke eight meet and school records in the pool

CHAMPIONS MS Girls’ Soccer – CJAL Soccer Champions and undefeated 13-0 season

Varsity Fencing – 2011 team earned perfect 3-0 season; Ranney’s epee squad named 2010-2011 NJSIAA Champion at NJSIAA Bollinger Squad Championships

Tara Ryan ’17, Audra Smires ’16 and Zachary DiGiaro ’16 finish 7th, 2nd and 2nd at Gill’s Great Pumpkin Run

MS Girls’ Varsity Basketball – earned 2011 CJAL Championship title

Natalie Cantave ’12 won State Tennis Championship at 2nd Singles and was named 2011 NJ recipient of Wendy’s Heisman Award COLUMNS

‘‘

The Annual Fund contributions

enhance our athletic program and inspire our scholar-athletes to succeed. The pivotal role that athletics plays in the life of the school makes these

’’

donations all the more vital.

– Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D., Head of School /LIVIA 0ASQUALE

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Generous Donors

DIVE IN

To Support Renovations to the Aquatic Center by Lynn Lucarelli, Director of the Annual Fund

The Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics aids in fostering a positive Ranney experience as it provides a place for scholar-athletes to engage in physical fitness activities that build character and promote a healthy lifestyle. Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aquatic Center, located in the Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics, received renovations this past October as part of an ongoing fundraising campaign to provide novice and competitive swimmers with the highest quality equipment possible.

Aquatic Center Donors The following generous parents, alumni and faculty have made donations to support the Aquatic Center renovations: Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Abboud Mr. Eric Abraham and Mrs. Regina Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Philip Allen Ms. Geraldine Amoscato Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Boyan Mr. Anthony Cafaro and Ms. Hayley Lehrfeld Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Cantave Mr. Daniel F. Carrato â&#x20AC;&#x2122;04 Mr. and Mrs. John C. Crilly Mr. Terence Curley

Swimming lessons in the Aquatic Center are the cornerstone of the athletics program. These lessons have taught children ages three and up for over 36 years. To many, Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swimming pool is the place where the journey to success begins. With guidance from the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved Aquatic Director of 32 years and Panther Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Emmett Walling, countless children have successfully developed coordination, strength and confidence while in the pool.

Mr. Peter DeLisa (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;84)

As a result of these acquired skills, Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scholar-athletes mature into champions. Last winter alone marked 13 new school records from Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Middle School and varsity swim teams combined, as well as the Middle School teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second consecutive Ranney Swim Invitational Championship and perfect season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ranney aquatics program has come a long way since 1979, and improvements to our facility are now needed,â&#x20AC;? said Mr. Walling.

Dr. John Frattellone and Dr. Shari Kent

To provide the same wonderful opportunity to succeed for future generations of scholar-athletes, Ranney began a campaign aimed at enhancing its Aquatic Center. A key component of the $125,000 project included the installation of six new stateof-the-art swim blocks and a new bulkhead.

Mr. and Mrs. Doug Korey

Thanks to many caring donors from within the Ranney community, the swimming pool was transformed this past October into an aesthetically pleasing and safer facility that will surely improve the overall experiences of scholar-athletes. This important initiative signifies yet another milestone for the athletics program, made possible by caring donors of Ranney School who made special gifts through the Ranney Annual Fund.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Paasche

Ranney continues to see success because of support received from families who, for generations, have helped transform the school into the special place it is today. Fundraising to enhance the Aquatic Center continues and future renovations call for improvements to the building, replacement of windows, locker rooms and shower areas. To make a pledge, please visit: www.ranneyschool.org/giveonline, or contact Director of the Annual Fund, Lynn Lucarelli, at llucarelli@ranneyschool.org. Pictured bottom left: Coach Emmet Walling proudly shows off one of the new swim blocks to current parent and Ranney Alumnus, Peter DeLisa (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;84) with daughter Bella â&#x20AC;&#x2122;22. A lead donor in the recent !QUATIC #ENTER RENOVATIONS -R $E,ISA SWAM UNDER -R 7ALLING S DIRECTION AND NOW HIS DAUGHTER Bella benefits from Mr. Wallingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise. Commenting on his recent gift to the Annual Fund in honor of Mr. Walling, Mr. DeLisa simply states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just grateful.â&#x20AC;? Pictured bottom right: (left to right) 4AYLOR 2ICE AND /LIVIA 0ASQUALE WATCH AS #OACH 7ALLING instructs swimmer Jack Crilly â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam DelPresto Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeMarco Mr. and Mrs. William E. Dodge Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Fitzmaurice

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Geraghty Dr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. C. William Harris Mr. and Mrs. Timothy C. Hearne

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Kurdyla Ms. Lynn Lucarelli

Mr. David Poupard and Ms. Lucille Borelli Dr. and Mrs. Salvatore V. Raccuia Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Roberts â&#x20AC;&#x2122;79 Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rohl Mr. and Mrs. Chester Romano Dr. Anthony Sallustio and Dr. Claudine Carbone Mr. and Mrs. Steven Seneca Mr. and Mrs. Eric Silverstein Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stamer Dr. and Mrs. Sterling Wood Mr. Douglas Zagha â&#x20AC;&#x2122;96 Mr. Paul Zanowski Mr. Evan P. Zimmerman â&#x20AC;&#x2122;07 COLUMNS

Ranney Annual Fund Reaches Historic Milestone, Surpassing Goal in 2011 4HANK YOU 2ANNEY COMMUNITYx 9/5 MADE THE DIFFERENCE by Lynn Lucarelli, Director of the Annual Fund

$R $OROTHY 3OBIESKI DIRECTS 2ANNEY S -IDDLE 3CHOOL /RCHESTRA

he Ranney Annual Fund achieved a record-breaking $712,971 during 2010-11, thanks to the dedication and generosity of donors and volunteers throughout the entire school community. The Ranney Annual Fund, co-chaired by Alison and Christopher Fitzmaurice (parents of Liam â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17, Shana â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19 and Tyge â&#x20AC;&#x2122;23), is the cornerstone of philanthropic support for Ranney School. This past year, nearly 400 generous parents, grandparents, alumni and friends made gifts to support Annual Fund efforts. The success of the 2010-11 Annual Fund is notable as it is the largest amount raised in the history of Ranney School. Ranney School is thankful to the school community for demonstrating support of our students and faculty. Every gift has been essential to helping fulfill the Ranney mission, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support. The Ranney Annual Fund augments immediate expenses and helps all current programs and special activities. In addition, student programs, financial aid and faculty professional development are other areas of support within the Ranney Fund. Overall, funds are used to support almost every area of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operation.

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Oftentimes, dollars have been restricted to campaigns that enhance specific capital projects. Restricted gifts to the 2010-11 Annual Fund have provided noticeable campus enhancements such as the added lacrosse wall to our practice field and new quads and equipment for the crew team. In addition, renovation of the Aquatic Center recently took place. Replacement of the poolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bulkhead and the installation of six new swim blocks were all funded by generous donors of the Ranney Annual Fund. The 2010-11 Annual Fund also provided technological advancements throughout campus including a new digital media center in the Paulus Library, new equipment for athletics, the renovation of our swimming pool, increased opportunities for professional development for faculty, and so much more! Ranney is confident that the success of the 2010-11 Annual Fund will continue into the new fundraising year ahead. Ranney School is grateful to all donors for their continued generosity and is committed to good stewardship of Annual Fund resources. To make a gift to the Ranney Annual Fund visit: www.ranneyschool.org/giveonline.

2011 | 2012

R ANNEY A NNUAL F UND K N O R

10.

Supporting nearly every aspect of a Ranney education, the photos above depict the Annual Fund in action across campus. 1. New easel work stations for Fine Arts; 2. New iPads for Early Childhood Education; 3. New technology including mimioes, computers and new media in the Paulus Library; 4. Installation of LACROSSE AND SOCCER PRACTICE WALL 2ENOVATION OF !QUATIC #ENTER INCLUDING NEW BULKHEAD AND SIX SWIM BLOCKS .EW MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING A 9AMAHA CONCERT GRAND PIANO FOR 0ERFORMING !RTS &OUR NEW QUADS FOR CREW PROGRAM 0ROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR TALENTED FACULTY 3UPPORTS various clubs and activities throughout all divisions 10. Special performing arts program including theatrical productions and special musical guests.

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SEPTEMBER 11TH REMEMBERED by Megan Zakrzewski, Associate Communications Editor Sophia Jackman ’16

A community of students, faculty, family, friends and local heroes gathered on Ranney’s Guidone Track and Karagianakis Field to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, September 9, 2011. While memory of the tragic events that occurred 10 short years ago will forever live on, the morning’s memorial service brought to mind how the American spirit also lives on, regardless of the hardship its people encounter. Surrounded by first responders, local police officers, fire fighters and honored guest speaker State Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr., all in attendance were reminded of the extraordinary accomplishments that can be achieved when a community unites as a nation. The service opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mia Glass ’19 and a performance of Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Ranney’s Upper School Chorus. During his opening reflection on the value of remembering, Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff recalled the importance of thanking first responders for the role they played throughout the community after 9/11. “Just as we will never forget those lost in the events of 9/11, we must also never forget the local police, fire and EMS teams who risked their lives, and continue working to help those in need each and every day,” said Dr. Sykoff. With that, he thanked several of Ranney’s very own heroes who dedicate infinite amounts of time towards helping others throughout their local communities on a daily basis. These included Lower School teacher and EMT Jessica Atwood, Ranney Maintenance Staff Member and First Responder Antonio Vernuccio and First-Aid Member and Ranney School senior Eric Chiang. “These three Ranney folks are heroes for their contributions,” said Dr. Sykoff.

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He also thanked local public figures, including Senator Kyrillos, for their unyielding guidance through trying times. Senator Kyrillos referred to the morning’s service not only as a time to pray for the families of loved ones lost, but also to learn about self-sacrificing heroes of the United States. According to Senator Kyrillos, the many tears shed, flags hung high and candlelight vigils still held in memory of those who perished on that fateful day serve to tell the story of one nation’s undying courage to unite – even in the face of despair. “Although true that this community witnessed fear of terrorism, it also witnessed that which Americans are willing to do to help one another,” he said. Following his poignant speech on a country standing strong, Ranney students Hannah Simpson ’12 and Tor Miller ’12 performed the song “I’ll Stand by You.” In acknowledgement of their services to the community, Ranney then presented Senator Kyrillos, Middletown Mayor Anthony Fiore and former Tinton Falls Police Chief Gerry Turning with school medallions and framed letters of merit, as well as recognized Second Lieutenant of the Tinton Falls Fire Company Brendan Tobin for his service to the community. In addition, the school donated $500 to the Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Gardens – a memorial that honors 37 Middletown residents whose lives were taken as a result of the 9/11

attacks. According to Mayor Fiore, the tragic events of 9/11 taught not only Middletown, but also the nation, many lessons in character that will never be forgotten. “When you look at the flag, I ask that you remember we are Americans,” said Mayor Fiore. “We cannot be defeated, we remember and we rebuild.” In his remarks, Lieutenant Tobin encouraged students to visit Monmouth Battlefield State Park, where one of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place, in honor of the country’s history and determination not to succumb to fear. The service closed with a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” performed by Hannah Simpson ’12 and Joyce Sykoff, the recitation of a poem entitled “One” from Sophia Jackman ’16, a performance of “Amazing Grace” from Lower and Middle School parent John C. Crilly (father to Kate ’16, Jack ’19 and Tara ’20) on the bagpipes and a sing-along to “America the Beautiful.” Although many students at the service were too young to truly know of the turmoil and widespread fear felt throughout the nation on September 11, 2001, the morning’s memorial service provided a clear demonstration of the everlasting hope that still remains today. “I learned that people in America died, but that American spirit will never die,” said fourth grader Peter Taunov.

ONE As the soot and dirt and ash rained down, We became one color. As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building, We became one class. As we lit candles of waiting and hope, We became one generation. As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno, We became one gender. As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength, We became one faith. As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement, We spoke one language. As we gave our blood in lines a mile long, We became one body. As we mourned together the great loss, We became one family. As we cried tears of grief and loss, We became one soul. As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes, We become one people. 7E ARE /NE COLOR /NE CLASS /NE GENERATION /NE GENDER /NE FAITH /NE LANGUAGE /NE BODY /NE FAMILY /NE SOUL /NE PEOPLE 7E ARE 4HE 0OWER OF /NE 7E ARE 5NITED We are America. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Author Unknown

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RSPA Traditions Family Ties n 7ELCOMING NEW FAMILIES to the Ranney community each summer Fall Festival n &AMILY DAY CELEBRATING the start of a new school year Book Fairs n 3UPPORTING OUR STUDENTS love of reading while also benefitting the school’s libraries Staff Appreciation Day n #OOKIE $AY offering parents the chance to say “thank you” to the staff Fashion Show n ! FAMILY EVENING featuring students and faculty as models, supporting the divisional speaker program and faculty professional development Panther Ball n 4HE SOCIAL EVENT OF the year! Panther Cubs n ,ETTING OUR YOUNGEST students learn the skills needed for athletic development and teamwork from parent volunteer coaches and Middle and Upper School athletes Honorary Board n !CKNOWLEDGING THE longtime support of parents, past and present, who have served the RSPA as members of the executive board, providing a link to the organization’s past, while offering ways for past families to stay involved with the school

Pictured below: (from left) Michele Karagianakis; Sue Grosso and Mimi Keenan; Tonya Hammond and Amy Shay; and Connie Congemi Next page (from left) Janice Knopf; Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Margaret Mahon and Pat Kurdyla; Nicolette Tice; Teri Zimmerman and Mary Loizou

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Happy Birth Celebrating 25 Years of Parents as Partners As this year marks the Parents’ Association Silver Anniversary, the leaps and bounds the organization has made in its 25 years are commendable. From financial support and building an army of volunteers for their events, to welcoming new families, the RSPA is the life-line of our campus. Ranney School is often described as providing a “complete experience” in terms of offering a well-balanced educational environment that includes a small community, strong academic programs, competitive athletics and a comprehensive Fine and Performing Arts program. Since 1987, the Ranney School Parents’ Association (RSPA) has enhanced that experience by expanding the capacity of the school’s mission and making a difference for each and every child. The RSPA was established by Headmistress Margaret Mahon, along with the Board of Trustees, for parents who wanted to make a difference at the school by building community spirit through social events and fundraising. By virtue of paying tuition, parents of Ranney students were members of this inclusive group and had the opportunity to be involved at any level they felt comfortable. Twenty-five years later, the mission and purpose of the Ranney School Parents’ Association remains true to that original charge – building community spirit. Parents have devoted their time and talents to the RSPA, helping to build one of the strongest parent organizations in the independent school world. The RSPA works to create a welcoming and familial atmosphere for all parents.

Parents’ Association volunteers not only produce major social and fundraising events like the highly anticipated Panther Ball, which also celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, but are also the force behind family community service projects through Clean Ocean Action, Holiday Express and the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. They promote the importance of our libraries on campus, supporting them through the annual fall Book Fair and Reading for Ranney Day in the spring. They work to provide speakers for each division with the proceeds of Vendor Fair and Rock the Runway Fashion Show. Most of all, they believe in pulling the community together to share Panther Pride and the bond of being a part of the Ranney School family through the beloved tradition of Fall Festival and the newest addition to the repertoire, the school-wide Family Dance. Last year, the RSPA helped to meet major technology goals by providing nooks and ebooks from the proceeds of the Book Fair. Teri Zimmerman, former RSPA president explains, “RSPA brings a whole new dimension to Ranney School by strengthening the academic experience with student and familycentered events. RSPA helps to make Ranney School a community.”

hday RSPA! by Tracy Mutchiga, Associate Director of Special Events and Parent Relations Over the past 25 years, 12 extraordinary women have led the organization as president, starting with the first, Patricia Kurdyla, who continues to serve the Ranney School community as secretary of the Board of Trustees. These women did not lead RSPA alone – they had volunteer executive board members who supported the organization and helped to continually expand the group and its programming. Today, those dedicated parents, past and present, are recognized as RSPA Honorary Board Members. Many of these past and present parents continue their involvement in RSPA, attending events, manning tables at the Book Fair or the Spring Garden Sale or coming out to the general meetings to help recruit new volunteers and maintain their connection with the school, friends and RSPA. Former President Susan Grosso shares, “Parent volunteers are the breadth of the organization. Without their support and dedication, we could never have offered the amount of quality programs and events that we sponsor. We are a hands-on organization, and we encourage everyone to be involved!” Today, the group is led by President Mimi Keenan and eight other dedicated and talented Ranney parents on the Executive Board, along with an army of parent volunteers coordinating and assisting with the plethora of activities sponsored by RSPA. “Mimi has the vision and ideas that continue to strengthen the bond our Parents’ Association has with our school,” Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed. D.,

commented. “We are very lucky to have a dedicated and talented individual such as her at the helm of this organization during this celebratory year. Mimi will continue to carry the torch of success for the RSPA in the future.” Like many parent volunteers, Mrs. Keenan started out by helping RSPA with Panther Cubs on weekends, manning booths at Fall Festival or wrapping gifts for Panther Ball. Her passion for the organization grew with every event she worked on and, today, Ranney School is fortunate to count her among its top community leaders. “Over the years, there have been many tangible rewards through the time, energy, and creativity of hundreds of parent volunteers. But it is the intangible rewards of leadership and volunteering – the desire to give back to a school that has given so much to our children. The lasting friendships and the sense of accomplishment and fun we have through volunteering. There is also pride in watching the school grow and knowing RSPA has helped in that, and the pride our children feel in seeing their parents happily involved. This is why I am a member of the RSPA,” shared Mrs. Keenan. Happy Birthday, Parents’ Association, and here’s to 25 more years of dedicated volunteers, supportive families and a strong partnership with Ranney School!

RSPA Past Presidents The following women have devoted their time and talents to making the Parents’ Association successful. Without their leadership and vision, Ranney School and the RSPA would not be what they are today. Thank you! Patricia Kurdyla n Amy ’88 and Phillip ’94 Lea Webster Gregory (’96)

Patricia Kurdyla n Amy ’88 and Phillip ’94 Nicolette Tice n Justin ’94 and Tristan ’97 Connie Congemi n Marissa ’99 and Michael (’02) Janice Knopf n Emily ’01, Jennifer ’03, Laura ’06 and Max ’09 Mary Loizou n Georgette ’89, Elaina ’93 and Michael ’03 Tonya Hammond n Ashley (’12) and Brittany (’13) Teri Zimmerman Evan ’06

Amy Shay n Ashleigh ’13 and Alexandra ’15 Michele Karagianakis Alexander ’12

Susan Grosso n Christopher Grosso ’12 Mimi Keenan n PRESENT Conor ’13 and Shane ’17

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21st CENTURY ADMISSIONS

A Look from

Both Sides by Joseph Tweed, Director of Admissions

Alexander Lennon ’26

Mr. Johnson spoke candidly about being Director of Admissions at a highly selective private institution, saying his job is not to admit numbers or statistics, as many ranking magazines might have one believe; rather, his job is to admit students to a curriculum and people to a community – students and people who are unique to Columbia as an institution. Furthermore, it was essential in his mind that the Admissions Office effectively use technology and social media to make Columbia transparent to prospective students and families. These words resonated with me as I considered my new role at Ranney School, and the task of shaping the community that resides behind the white fence that lines Hope Road. While Mr. Johnson is not meeting in play groups with four-year-olds and deciding how they may one day impact Columbia, Ranney’s Admission team must work extra hard to find missionappropriate students who fit Ranney School’s 21st century curriculum, and properly evaluate those who will make a positive impact on the Ranney community.

[ [ ack in November, Ranney School welcomed

to campus a colleague of mine, Peter Johnson,

who is Director of Admissions at Columbia

University. Mr. Johnson spoke to a group of

Middle and Upper School parents about myths and trends within college admissions. While I

served as Director of College Guidance for years, 2011 marked my first on the other side of the

desk: Admissions. For many years, I said goodbye

to students as they moved on to their “perfect fit” college. Now, I say hello to students who prove themselves a perfect fit within this community.

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So, what does 21st century admissions at Ranney School mean? For me, there is a simple answer: putting the “know” in known and valued. The admissions process, at its finest, develops relationships with families and students. The admissions process is a fact-finding expedition. It is a time to know each studentapplicant and begin to envision how each can grow from and contribute to Ranney School. Learning about each child and family, and building those initial relationships, launches what becomes the mission-promise of our school. One must know someone before he or she can truly value that person, and this begins in an Admissions Office that is focused on the 21st century student and all the promise that each brings to the world.

Noah Lakind ’16 and Liam Fitzmaurice ’17

Samantha Chiarello ’15

In Robert Sternberg’s book, College Admissions for the 21st Century, he uses a kaleidoscope to articulate how admissions, both at the collegiate and private secondary school level, should approach evaluating the common applicant. While Mr. Sternberg acknowledges the reality that standardized testing and transcripts will always be part of the process, he believes that admissions officers need to expand their thinking in order to best evaluate students in totality. I happen to agree with Mr. Sternberg’s analysis that the world in which we are preparing our students to enter demands a diverse skill set, and the sooner one begins to develop these skills of leadership, analytical thinking, creativity, intelligence and vision, the better! A student, or in this case applicant, is as diverse and complex as the kaleidoscope. Ever-changing and dynamic, each student brings a wealth of experiences, abilities and potential to the community. When we evaluate our students, when we begin to know them as individuals, each student’s kaleidoscope is revealed.

entrepreneurs, philanthropists, engineers, scientists and humanitarians. We are looking for students who will embrace a 21st century education, filled with differentiated instruction, innovative technology, a Harkness discussion-based curriculum, and a firm belief that educating the whole child is a priority.

This is why we spend nearly a full day with each family that applies to Ranney School. Certainly, the student’s academic performance is very important, but we also want the student to have the opportunity to showcase his or her strengths, discuss any challenges and articulate passions for activities both in and outside the classroom. We want our teachers to meet each student and share his or her observations, and we want the student to experience the unique learning environment that is Ranney School. Just as Mr. Johnson suggested during his visit, finding the “right match” or the “perfect fit” is as important to Ranney as it is to Columbia. We want to admit students and families to a community of future doctors, teachers, lawyers,

For Ranney School, 21st century admissions means a great deal. It demands that we fulfill our mission-promise every day in all that we do… that every child be known and valued. The fulfillment of this promise begins the first time a family enters our campus. Certainly, in admissions we must implore a marketing strategy that informs our current families and their communities of the value of being a Ranney Panther. We use social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter to inform and reach out to our community on a daily basis. What has remained true throughout the changing century, however, is the fact that families and students choose an educational institution because of what it stands for – its mission, vision, and promise – not its bricks and mortar. Admissions in the 21st century at Ranney School thrives because our teachers are among the finest educators. Our students are encouraged to find their passions and reach for their dreams, and our community members know and value one another; people share this with new families each and every day.

At Ranney School we not only enroll a student; we enroll a family.

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Summer is an Exciting Time to be a Student! Audrey Wang â&#x20AC;&#x2122;26 (front) and Mara Manzella â&#x20AC;&#x2122;26

by Kathleen Deeken, Director of Summer Study

anney School has designed new

summer learning experiences that

will benefit and interest all children in 2012. Some experiences will engage studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; minds, while others will CELEBRATE THEIR UNIQUE CREATIVITY Students who attend Ranney Summer Programs receive many opportunities to broaden their knowledge and strengthen their skills. With new curriculum offerings in such subjects as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Ranney Summer Programs allow students at every age to learn a variety of subjects that go way beyond core-curriculum topics to prepare them to compete in the 21st century. Preschool Interactive Adventures allows preschoolers to focus on math, science and building skills that make learning relevant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and fun! In addition to last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science, math and art-focused offerings for younger learners, four new adventures will be added this summer, encouraging the development of talent in music, literature, science and engineering: Musical Instruments on Parade, Puppets on Parade in Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Literature, Under the Sea and Amazing Animal Architects! In this new century, students who develop the strongest interpersonal skills will not only excel in school but also become known leaders in their fields. Solving complex world problems requires critical and creative thinking power as well as strong communication and collaboration skills. The most prepared students have an edge as competent and confident thinkers who possess an aptitude to synthesize ideas and find solutions. These individuals are good communicators and collaborators; they have the social and cross-cultural skills and leadership abilities, among other skills, necessary to become successful in their field and career choices. They find opportunities for success.

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To this end, summer enrichment courses are designed to provide opportunities for critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and innovation. This year, giving students a curriculum that incorporates â&#x20AC;&#x153;real-worldâ&#x20AC;? applications to learning is also a major focus of summer study at Ranney. Courses offered in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) allow students to apply learning in cross-curricular subjects. Equally important are courses that promote creativity and spark innovative thinking, something the 21st century student will need to solve some of the most pressing global problems many nations face today! Creativity in mathematics guarantees that students approach problems from many angles and are comfortable using nonstandard solutions to find the answers. Mathematical creativity is also seen when children make origami and solve puzzles. Children can also flex their creative muscles in the arts by attending the Ranney School Music Conservatory and Performing Arts Academy with courses in Orchestra (strings), Band (drums and keyboard) and Theater. Summer learning at Ranney is challenging and fun, a place where children can discover their talents and interests in a relaxed and fun environment.

Ranney camper Sonya Pereldik

Below: Panthers and classmates Charles Sima â&#x20AC;&#x2122;23 and Ryan Banich â&#x20AC;&#x2122;23 make friends with a fellow Ranney camper.

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Ranney School Welcomes .%7 "/!2$ -%-"%23

K. Scott Fischer

Robert Chandler

+ 3#/44 &)3#(%2 K. Scott Fischer, his wife Veronika, and their three children, Veronika â&#x20AC;&#x2122;13, Francesca â&#x20AC;&#x2122;15 and Myles â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17, will earn Ranney â&#x20AC;&#x153;Liferâ&#x20AC;? status as they celebrate their 10th year as members within the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community this academic year. Mr. Fischer served as a member of Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial Planning Sub-Committee during the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-year strategic planning process completed in the winter of 2010, and now plays an integral role on the Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finance Committee. Similar to Mr. Fischer, Mrs. Fischer also plays an active role on campus as she is part of Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Middle School Parent-Teacher Advisory Council (PTAC), a volunteer with the Ranney School Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association and chairperson of the highly popular Gently-Used Uniform Sale held annually in the Margaret Mahon building. Outside of the board room, Mr. Fischer is busy running a private investment firm known as Fischer Capital Investments, which focuses on the acquisition and development of small market enterprises. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University in California and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He and his family live in Rumson.

2/"%24 #(!.$,%2 Robert Chandler and his family, including wife Pamela and children Jillian â&#x20AC;&#x2122;21, Morgan â&#x20AC;&#x2122;22 and Brooks, joined the Ranney community in 2007. Since then, both Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have served on Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-year Marketing and Admissions Committee aimed at developing the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Strategic Plan, which was launched in the winter of 2010. When 54

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Ann Ross, M.D.

not serving the Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Committee on Admissions and Marketing at Ranney, Mr. Chandler can be found working as a communications consultant in partner with Gianfranco Chicco at The Chandler-Chicco Agency â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a premiere healthcare public relations firm known for its longstanding reputation in the global communications industry. Mr. Chandler is also sole principal of Chandler-Chicco Companies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a number of complimentary organizations that focus on healthcare advertising, new media and branding. In addition, the insights-driven global healthcare leader known as inVentiv Health named Mr. Chandler to a new role as senior vice president of marketing and communications and head of inVentiv Health Communications/Europe in March of 2011. This new board member received his masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Journalism from Ohio University, and an M.B.A. in Health Services Administration from Wagner College of New York. He and his family currently reside in Rumson.

!.. 2/33 - $ Ranney School welcomes Ann Ross, M.D., as a member of the Board of Trusteesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and its Education Committee. Dr. Ross has contributed immensely to the betterment of the school and its students since joining the community in 2004. Aside from serving on the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Advisory Board, which uses the expertise of its members to provide guidance in such medicinal fields as pediatrics, emergency care and sports medicine, Dr. Ross also worked alongside Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D., to spearhead the development of an Upper School Internship Program launched in the summer of 2010. A huge hit among juniors and seniors

Frank Austin, Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x2122;88

interested in the field of medicine, Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Upper School Internship Program has since expanded to include summer study in business, finance and political occupations held by other Ranney families. As a neonatal specialist affiliated with Meridian Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six New Jersey hospitals, Dr. Ross earned her degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and Rutgers University. She and her husband, Jack, along with their two children Jillian â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17 and Nicholas â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17, live in Rumson.

FRANK AUSTIN, JR. â&#x20AC;&#x2122;88 Frank Austin, Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x2122;88, is managing director of the Bank of New York Mellonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corporate Treasury Group, where he is global head of asset liability management for the firm. A Ranney alumnus from the Class of 1988, Mr. Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superb athletic contributions to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseball, basketball and soccer programs earned him a spot in the Panther Athletics Hall of Fame in June of 2009. Mr. Austin was a sportsman of the highest integrity who exhibited tremendous work ethic along with school spirit during his Ranney career as a student. As Ranneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second alumni representative on the Board of Trustees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along with Douglas Roberts from the Class of 1979 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mr. Austin serves on the Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Investment Committee. He has also acted as chair of the Alumni Annual Fund Committee and as a member of the Alumni Advisory Council. Mr. Austin received his bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Economics and History from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, and a Master of Business Administration from New York University. He and his wife, Assunta Gaglione-Austin, reside in Caldwell, New Jersey.

Introducing Jamie Price

RANNEY SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2011 – 2012 Jamie Price President

Josephine Esquivel Vice President Daniel B. Goldberg, M.D. Past Chair Marshall Knopf Senior Vice President Patricia Kurdyla Secretary Carol Martin Educational Development Advisor Dr. Daniel Goldberg, Madison Price ’13, Stella Price and Jamie Price

Mr. Jamie Price was named Trustee President following Dr. Daniel Goldberg’s retirement from the Board in 2011. Jamie Price joined Ranney’s Board of Trustees in 2002. In demonstrating the real meaning of Panther Pride, Mr. Price not only served as a member of the school’s Executive Governance Committee but also as chair of its Development and Finance Committees. With a passion for fulfilling the best interests of the school and its students, Mr. Price confidently carries the torch of honor for all members within the Ranney community to follow. While devoting his own leadership to numerous committees, he also encourages each parent to join him in rallying behind the school as one community. “This will be our biggest advantage,” he said at the school’s New Parent Orientation – calling on all to contribute their time, treasure or talent to a relatively young school with tremendous opportunity. As Chief Operating Officer of 1-800-DOCTORS and a Managing Partner at the Sawtooth Group, Mr. Price also aided the school by volunteering to speak with juniors attending the Upper School’s 2011 Ethics Symposium to explain the value of ethics in the workplace. This Board of Trustees member reminded each student that no matter how pressured he or she may be, what matters at the end of the day “is that you do the right thing because that is what people remember you for.” Already making a positive impact on the lives of countless students at Ranney, Mr. Price’s dedication to the school and his family is one quality that will always be remembered. A loving father to sons Madison ’13 and Cameron, Mr. Price currently resides in Red Bank with his lovely wife Stella.

Brian Torpey, M.D. Strategic Planning Advisor Frank Austin, Jr. ’88 Robert Chandler K. Scott Fischer Christopher Fitzmaurice Kristen Gerhard M. Michael Jones, M.D. Tom Karagianakis Michael Oster Stephen Papetti Douglas Roberts ’79 Ann Ross, M.D. Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D. Head of School Ex-Ofﬁcio

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Craig

raig Slater â&#x20AC;&#x2122;12 was one of three rising high school seniors from across the nation chosen to compete at the 2011 Junior World Championships in Eton, Great Britain this past August, where he rowed a pair; a two-manned boat with each rower having one oar. Although competing in one of the most difficult rowing boats, Craig and his teammate Jason Elefant managed to place third behind teams from Germany and Italy. An overall exhilarating experience that culminated with a ceremony in which Craig was chosen to carry the American flag, the Athletic Department asked that he share his ambitions for rowing and impression of London with the entire Ranney community. This is what he had to say: When did you first take an interest in rowing and why?

What is your favorite part about racing or being out on the water?

My first encounter with rowing occurred in the spring of my freshman year when it started as a sport at Ranney. I wanted to try something new, and thought this would be an interesting sport in which to get involved. As I started training, I felt that with enough hard work I could achieve a lot in this sport. I knew I had the ability to put in the work.

The entire camaraderie of the sport is fascinating. If you ever attend a regatta, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll rarely find a rowdy crowd, and each person you race is one of your friends. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sportsmanship Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never witnessed in other sports, and knowing that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re racing against your friends is a great feeling. My favorite part about being on the water is the peacefulness of an early morning row, where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll watch the sun rise as I row and feel as one with nature.

Who would you consider your biggest role model when it comes to crew and why? -Y BIGGEST ROLE MODEL WOULD BE /NDREJ Synek of the Czech Republic, a single sculler (like me) who has won every World Championship this year and is A FAVORITE TO WIN THE /LYMPICS (E IS VERY TALL n ABOUT v n WHICH IS VERY difficult for a single sculler. For him to be proficient in the boat takes a lot of mental will and training, and I hope to progress to that level someday.

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How did London differ from the United States? It was wonderful over there. The biggest difference would be sport priorities. When I walked around London with my USA gear, many people asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, are you the guys rowing over at Dorney this week?â&#x20AC;? Many people there understand the sport of rowing. England is also very laid back. There arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as many restrictions in the public sphere, and the commonwealth is generally healthy and happy.

will be

rowing

for Ha

rvard

in the

Fall!

What was your most memorable moment in London? When the USA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4 won. This boat consisted of some very fast rowers, and three of the four women returned from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silver medal showing at the Junior World Championships. They had the race of their lives, leading from start to finish. It was a great experience watching them receive their medals and listening to our National Anthem in the background. What was it like to carry the American flag for your team and country? It was extraordinary. It was an honor to be selected to participate in this. It was the most patriotic experience Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever been a part of, and it was great to see the flags from 50 other countries waving with mine. It was a little nerve-wracking at first, since about 1,000 people were in the crowd watching us. As the opening ceremony progressed, though, I relaxed and it was a lot of fun. If you could do anything thus far in your rowing career differently, what would it be and why? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any regrets about what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done thus far in this sport. If I could change anything, I would have started rowing earlier. Some of my competition started their rowing careers in sixth or seventh grade, but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t learn about it until my freshman year.

Ranney students have matriculated to the following colleges and universities in the past five years: American University Babson College Bard College (3) Barnard College (6) Bentley University Boston College (2) Boston University (7) Brandeis University (3) Brown University Bryant University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University (8)

What other goals do you hope to accomplish before high school is over? I hope to win the Youth National Championships and SRAA National Championships in my senior year. It has been my goal since I began participating in this sport to become a national champion. How has Ranney School shaped who you are as an athlete, student and person? If it werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for Ranney, I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be ANSWERING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE 2ANNEY opened many opportunities scholastically and athletically that I would have never had at any other school. I am thankful that Ranney started a crew program in my freshman year because otherwise I would have never known about it. Ranney has also provided a comfortable environment to excel academically and athletically. What dreams do you hope to pursue following graduation from Ranney? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to row in college and pursue national team opportunities for years to come. Do you have any advice for other Panthers? If you have a dream, go after it. It may be a long and treacherous road to get there, but having regrets is worse. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about living life to the fullest potential, and being the best one can be.

Carnegie Mellon University The Catholic University of America

Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University (2)

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

Ithaca College

Rider University

Johns Hopkins University (4)

Ringling College of Art and Design

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Rutgers University (9)

Lehigh University (10)

Saint Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University (3)

Long Island University

Salve Regina University

Loyola Marymount University

San Diego State University

Loyola University Maryland (10) Lynchburg College Marist College

The University of Chicago

-ARQUETTE 5NIVERSITY

Colgate University (2)

University of Maryland, College Park (2)

Columbia College

University of Rochester

Lafayette College (6)

College of Charleston (5)

The University of Colorado at Boulder (3)

University of Rhode Island

Marymount Manhattan College

Santa Clara University School of the Art Institute of Chicago Skidmore College (3) University of St. Andrews, Scotland (2) St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Stanford University (2) Stevens Institute of Technology (7)

Columbia University (3)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Connecticut College

University of Miami (2)

Cornell University (7)

University of Michigan (4)

Dartmouth College (3)

Middlebury College (2)

University of Delaware

Monmouth University (2)

Dickinson College

Moravian College

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Mount Holyoke College

Duke University (5)

Muhlenberg College (6)

East Carolina University

The College of New Jersey (2)

United States Naval Academy (2)

Elon University (2)

New York University (26)

Ursinus College (3)

Emerson College (2)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Vassar College

Emory University (5) Fairfield University

Northeastern University

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Franklin & Marshall College (7)

University of Notre Dame (5)

George Mason University

University of Pennsylvania (2)

The George Washington University (9)

Pitzer College

Georgetown University (6) Gettysburg College Hamilton College (2) Hartwick College Harvard University

Pace University, NYC (2)

Polytechnic Institute of NYU Pratt Institute

The State University of New York at Binghamton 3USQUEHANNA 5NIVERSITY Syracuse University (3) The University of Scranton Tufts University (4) Tulane University (3) Union College

Villanova University (4) Virginia Commonwealth University Washington and Lee University Washington College Washington University in St. Louis (3) Williams College

Princeton University (4)

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Quinnipiac University

The College of Wooster

Rhode Island School of Design

Yale University COLUMNS

ALUMNI EVENTS

by Tracy Mutchiga, Associate Director of Special Events and Parent Relations

New York City Reception Ranney alumni spanning more than 25 years came out to visit with faculty and staff members at the Ninth Annual New York Alumni Reception, held at Blackstone’s on East 55th Street.

visit campus. Alumni Council member Lauren Betesh, Class of 2004, invited her fellow alumni to support the school through volunteerism and through the Alumni Annual Fund, which helps to contribute vital resources that provide students with extraordinary programs, opportunities and academic instruction.

The annual tradition allows classmates and friends to come and reconnect with one another over dinner and drinks. Tracy Mutchiga, Associate Director for Special Events and Parent Relations, welcomed the crowd and reflected on the increase in alumni support, which is important to the growth of the alumni program. Director of the Annual Fund, Lynn Lucarelli, touched on current happenings on campus, while Head of School Dr. Lawrence Sykoff invited everyone back to

In addition to the nearly 40 former students in attendance were members of the current faculty, including Tom Moriau, Director of Athletics, Emmett Walling, Aquatic Director, Kate Greenberg, Louise Dewar and Dr. Noel Delgado.

2. 1. Lauren Daniels ’05 and Jessica Absatz ’05 2. Adam Metzger ’04 and Rohit Nagpal ’04 3. Lindsay Minerva ’05, Sandy Shelton ’05, Bob McCoid ’03, Kate Greenberg, Fine Arts Department Chair, Lauren Betesh ’04 and Alexandra Betesh ’06 4. Margaret Morton ’06, Grace Lyttle ’06, Alexandra Betesh ’06 and Laura Knopf ’06

1. 3.

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Alumni Return to Red Bank for Annual Spring Reception On Friday, June 3, more than 75 alumni, faculty and friends met at The Downtown in Red Bank to celebrate an annual spring reception. Friends from as far back as 1979 up through 2010 spent the evening celebrating personal milestones and accomplishments, in addition to enjoying one another’s company and reminiscing about memories made on the Great Lawn or in the Commons.

The spring reception – now in its third year at The Downtown – has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on Ranney’s alumni calendar, and we look forward to catching up with even more alumni at the 2012 event on Friday, June 1st.

1. Joan Fernandez, Upper School English Faculty, and Greg Sparer ’05; 2. Ranney School and Babson College classmates Zac Gross ’06 and Ross Gale ’07; 3. Dr. Sykoff, Head of School, Justin Anderson ’07 and J.D. Wilgucki ’07; 4. Kate Fitzgerald ’07 and Alan Gordin ’07; 5. Tara Fay ’99, Matt Thornton ’01, Kate Roffler ’99, Allen Mueller and Jamie Unterman Mueller ’99; 6. Michael Ansell ’03 and Alicia Mukasa ’03; 7. Cathy Hicks, Upper School Registrar, Jay Connelly ’84, Chris Cafarell ’84 and Don Hicks ’87; 8. Samantha Halpern ’06, Tom Moriau, Athletic Director, and Ashley Lodato ’06; 9. Dr. Sykoff, Head of School, Alexandra Salani ’05, Dan Carrato ’04, Wes Lauer ’05 and Adam Metzger ’04

5. 4.

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Doug Borton Class of 1984

Arthur Wu Class of 1995

Doug Borton, Class of 1984

Arthur Wu, Class of 1995

Doug proved himself a passionate swimmer while attending Ranney. A versatile athlete who would compete at the highest level on a daily basis, his Ranney athletic career included qualification in the prestigious Eastern Swim Championships. Doug was a true team player who would do anything to bring his team success, and worked very hard to achieve the success that he did. This positive attitude made him a role model for all younger athletes to emulate. Upon graduating, this Ranney Panther continued his education at Slippery Rock University, where he obtained a B.S. in Public Health and master’s degree in Physical Therapy. Married with two children, Doug now lives in Hawaii, where he continues to practice Physical Therapy and also owns a small lawn mower repair business.

Arthur was an outstanding basketball player, who became the fourth member in Ranney’s “1,000 Point Club,” and contributed to the athletic program in many other ways. This well-rounded player not only made a lasting impression on the school’s basketball program but also on its academic program. His excelling in the classroom and on the court made him the ideal scholar-athlete. Upon graduation, Arthur continued to make marks in the classroom as he received his M.B.A. from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 2005. He now works as the product manager of a familyowned home furnishings manufacturing business.

Chuck Johnson, Class of 1985 Chuck played both soccer and basketball for Ranney School, leaving his mark as one of the most talented and skilled soccer players ever to graduate from the program. Chuck was a role model who set high standards for not only himself but also his team. Ready to meet every challenge with the same determination and mind-set, his passion for the game made everyone around him play better. Overall, Chuck represented himself, his team and Ranney School with pride. 60

Chuck Johnson Class of 1985

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Charles Kromann, Class of 2001 One of the best golfers Ranney School has ever seen, Charlie was a team leader who led by example. He worked year-round on his game, and did not stop after graduation. His hard work led to an outstanding collegiate golf career at Skidmore College, as well as a professional golf career. The perfect example of what dedication and commitment can accomplish, Charlie worked diligently to meet every challenge.

Eight new members were added to Ranney School’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. Each year, the Hall of Fame honors former Ranney athletes, past and present coaches and other members of the Ranney community who have played a positive role in the athletics program. This year’s ceremony recognized seven Ranney alumni, along with Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, for their exceptional contributions to Ranney athletics. Eligibility for nomination to the Panther Hall of Fame begins the fifth year after a nominee graduates from Ranney School. In addition to alumni, former outstanding teams can also be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Coaches and other school community members may also be nominated. While there is no waiting period for these individuals, they must have been involved in Ranney athletics for four years or more. All nominees must demonstrate outstanding character, integrity and good moral fiber while at Ranney School. The 2012 Induction Class will be announced March 8 at the New York City Reception.

Charles Kromann Class of 2001

Lynn Shelton Class of 2001

Justin Alpert Class of 2002

Michael Molina Class of 2003

Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D. Head of School

Lynn Shelton, Class of 2001

Michael Molina, Class of 2003

A year-round scholar-athlete, Lynn participated on Ranney’s soccer, swim and softball teams, confidently dedicating herself to excellence in everything she did. As a senior, Lynn was named “Athlete of the Year” for her motivation to become the elite Ranney athlete. Taking advantage of each and every opportunity thrown her way, she became a champion with a dream, a vision and desire. Lynn temporarily returned to Ranney as assistant softball coach and substitute teacher in the Fine Arts Department after graduating from Colorado College. She now resides in Colorado.

Michael participated in soccer, swim and lacrosse programs while at Ranney School. A true team leader and hard worker who excelled at everything that he did, Michael was a popular teammate and outstanding individual both on and off the field. This role model to younger athletes always believed in himself and his teammates – no matter what the situation. Following his graduating from Ranney, Michael continued his athletic career playing water polo at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

Justin Alpert, Class of 2002 Justin was an outstanding scholar-athlete, who led the tennis program to elite status after capturing the 2000 NJISAA 1st Singles Championship and 2002 Monmouth County Championship at 1st Singles. As a tennis player, he worked hard to reach his skill level, and also participated in soccer and basketball programs during his years at Ranney School. He was an asset to each team, and missed by all as he ventured off to Emory University School of Medicine and later to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). Justin is currently completing his radiology residency at UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D., Head of School Since his inauguration as Ranney’s Head of School in 1993, Dr. Sykoff has been a leading force in bringing Ranney School athletics to the forefront of independent competition. Under his leadership, the Panther athletic program has expanded to include new activities, improved facilities and increased participation at all levels. As Ranney’s “Head Panther,” his support and dedication to the athletic program is unparalleled as his vision for excellence continues to promote scholarship and character in all scholar-athletes.

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In Loving Memory EUGENE C. BRIGGS â&#x20AC;&#x2122;74

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The Ranney community mourns the loss of Eugene C. Briggs â&#x20AC;&#x2122;74, who passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. Geneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great pleasure was spending time with his immediate family; his daughters, Gigi and Ali Briggs and his former wife and close friend, 'INA "RIGGS /NE OF THE THINGS THAT 'ENE LOVED MOST WAS BEING A LOVING FATHER n a family role that he cherished. Through constant, active communication, anecdotal story-telling and sincere interest in and awareness of the details of his daughtersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives, he was consistently able to give wise, thoughtful and caring advice.

Ranney School mourns the passing of Tom Martin, beloved husband of Carol Martin, a member of the Ranney School Board of Trustees and devoted father of Elizabeth Martin, Class of 2014. His interest in his daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education led him to become an Executive Board member of the Ranney School Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association. A supporter of the school in many ways, Tom shared his hobbies and talents with the school. An avid wine enthusiast, he ran the Wine Auction for Ranney Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panther Ball for many years. He also supported his daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extra-curricular activities as a member of the Skating Committee at Navesink Country Club, and a Board member of the Garden State Skating Club. A Fair Haven native, Tom graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1972 and earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976. He also earned an M.S. in Industrial Administration (M.B.A.) from Carnegie Mellon University in 1978. He was a Vice President of Arthur D. Little, the management consulting firm in Cambridge, MA, where he ran the Artificial )NTELLIGENCE PRACTICE IN /PERATIONS Research from 1978 to 1990. Since 1990, he served as Vice President of C.P. Test Services at Valvco, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of engineering products. Tom was a member of the Navesink Country Club, Sands Beach Club, the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven and a class officer in the MIT Alumni Association. Mr. Martin will be deeply missed by the Ranney School community.

The Ranney community mourns the loss of David Jefferson Reby â&#x20AC;&#x2122;86, who passed away suddenly on Thursday, January, 26, 2012 in his home in Jackson, NJ. A beloved member of the Class of 1986, David was a successful businessman who had owned several businesses through the years and was most recently the owner of Players Billiards Cafe in Eatontown, NJ. David was a workaholic, but always made time for family and friends. He loved old movies, tennis, and Bugs Bunny. He had a fantastic sense of humor and was an avid reader. He was a devoted uncle and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. David is the son of Dr. Morris and Charlotte Reby. He is survived by his parents, sister Elizabeth and his brother-in-law John Calcitrai, his nephew JP and niece Rebecca, and his Aunt Betty Sturrock.

Upon graduating from Ranney, he started his own real estate appraising BUSINESS WHILE ATTENDING /CEAN #OUNTY College for his A.A. in Liberal Arts, then The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey for his B.A. in Political Science. He recently completed his M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgian Court University. Becoming a counselor was something for which he developed great passion, where he was able to help people with his sincere dedication and care for the individual as a whole. He had looked forward to continuing his education in pursuit of a Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. Always interested in learning new things, Gene enjoyed a wide range of activities including photography, opera, museums AND RIDING IN HIS MOTORCYCLE CLUB /NE of his greatest sources of happiness and enjoyment was the love he shared with his loyal, devoted West Highland White 4ERRIERS /VER HIS LIFETIME HE FOUND rescued and loved nine Westies; his baby angels.

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JACK YALE John â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jackâ&#x20AC;? Wesley Yale, Jr., 74, of Conroe, Texas (formerly of Toms River, New Jersey) was born on .OVEMBER IN /SWEGO .EW York and passed away in the arms of his loving family on Sunday, April 10, 2011 in Conroe, Texas. Jack proudly served his country in the Air Force as a First Class Airman from 1959-1963 and received full military honors. After serving, he began his lifelong career as an educator in New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Jack touched many lives through teaching and his ardent knowledge of history. He was dearly loved by both his colleagues and students alike and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him.

to southern culture, having moved here two years ago from Wisconsin!” Elizabeth looks forward to hearing about her Ranney friends and wishes Ranney all the best!

1973 John Dotolo ’73 writes in, telling us he is the Owner of Really Works Corporation in Florida.

1966

1967

Ron Beecher ’66 published his first novella in May and would love for you to check it out! Casco, listed on Goodreads.com, is a growing-up story and a murder mystery, though the death isn’t recognized as a murder for about 30 years. It’s a short summer or weekend read. Please read and write a review! The book is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Lawrence Vidaver ’67 would like to relay a fond memory of Mr. Russell Ranney. Lawrence says, “I remember hearing Mr. Ranney saying hair should be ‘not too long, not too short’”.

Frank Moorman ’66 spent the summer ransacking his way through Shakespeare in the farce, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, considered the fastest growing professional Shakespeare Company in the country. He has been with them since their first summer in 2003, playing the leads in King Lear and Cyrano de Bergerac, as well as many other parts. He also directed a “movable” production of Julius Caesar, in which the cast and audience moved through the historic ruins in Ellicott City, Maryland, where the theater does most of its performances. Frank has acted and directed for a number of other theaters, both professional and amateur, in the Maryland – D.C. area and appeared in a variety of independent films and videos. Pictured right, Frank Moorman and Ron Beecher had their own 45th reunion in Chicago in April, after reconnecting through Facebook.

Frank Moorman ’66 and Ron Beecher ’66

1969 Elizabeth Barrett Russell, M.D. ’69 presently is Acting Chief and Program Director in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Russell is very busy with these new administrative duties as well as seeing patients, teaching, and research. Although free time is sparse, Elizabeth enjoys gardening, sign language, and lace-making. In addition, she enjoyed visiting her eldest daughter in Malaysia this summer. Elizabeth says, “Still a northerner, I am trying to adjust

Dawn Franklin ’73 works for the federal government, awarding grants to public schools that have 15% or more military students enrolled. This past year, she awarded $70M in grants, alone. She also manages the Government Purchase Card and Payment Card for the Department of Defense Education Activity and handles approximately $300M in programs. She says, “It’s fun doing contracting for the government because I can play ‘bad cop’ while negotiating great deals for the taxpayers!” Dawn’s daughter, Victoria, just turned 20 and is in her second year of college at her alma mater, Wilson College. For those who remember, Dawn reminds us that this is where Miss Nevius’s father taught! She is very active in animal rights and rescues, and has five dogs, three bunnies, 40 cats, 30 birds, and a horse. She enjoys being in touch with Ranney alumni on Facebook and would love to hear from anyone else through her email at: NJGALNVA@ MSN.COM

1976 Living in San Jose, Costa Rica, Joseph De Maria ’76 says, “I have a wife, a kid, a dog, a Cape Cod house in the suburbs, a bunch of neckties and suits and a lawn mower, but if you ever see me driving a minivan, please shoot me.”

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Doug Borton ’77

1977 Doug Borton ’77 writes: “About three years ago, I thought my writing career was over. After two decades of steady employment as an author of psychological thrillers, I wasn’t able to get published anymore, because the book industry was radically changing. Then, a few months ago, I started putting out my older titles in ebook editions. Surprisingly, the ebook sales took off, and now exceed half a million copies. I’ve gotten back on the New York Times bestseller list, and have had as many as three self-published ebooks on the USA Today list at one time (all under my pen name, Michael

Karen Zalatel ’79

Prescott). It looks like F. Scott Fitzgerald was wrong when he said there are no second acts in American lives!” Recently, USA Today featured Doug in an article about ebook authors. When asked about influential teachers during his time at Ranney School, Doug says: “I have to say that Russell Ranney himself played an important role in my becoming a writer because he placed such a high emphasis on learning the fundamentals of grammar, punctuation, and clear expression. As you know, he taught writing skills to business professionals before starting Ranney School, and he used to drill our class in some of the same techniques. I also enjoyed literature

classes with Mrs. York, and I learned a lot about writing essays in Mrs. Tomlinson’s history classes.”

1979 Karen Zalatel ’79 tells us she is quite busy studying to be a Natural Health Consultant and is a candidate for NJ Senate with the “Keep Monmouth Green” coalition. She keeps busy by rollerskating, taking acting lessons (she auditioned for ABC-TV’s “One Life To Live”), serving as Secretary of the Historical Society and vacationing. She recently traveled to Atlantic City, Disney and Mohonk Mountain House where she celebrated her 50th birthday.

2012 EVENTS MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Alumni Annual New York City Regional Reception

Lower School Science Fair

RSPA’s Reading for Ranney Day

Upper School Advanced Placement Art Exhibition

RSPA’s Second Annual Family Dance

Admissions and Summer Programs Open House

Upper School Honors Societies Induction Ceremony

RSPA’s 25th Annual Panther Ball – Reach for the Stars

Upper School College Fair

Middle School Blue and White Promotion Dinner and Dance

Lower School Performing Arts Presents Spring Musical, Annie Jr.

Ranney Middle School Forensics Festival

15-17 Upper School Performing Arts Presents Spring Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood

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1987 Dara (Gumbs) Furlow ’87 is the Founder of “With Love, From Brooklyn,” a website you can find at: www.withlovefrombrooklyn.com, which she created to showcase the genius of local food artisans and artists. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, passionate foodie and Brooklyn resident for more than 12 years, she lives in Bed-Stuy with her husband and three daughters. Follow her on Twitter @withlovefrombk.

1988 Jennifer (Arnold) Delgado ’80

Quinn Barr, son of Heather and Kyle Barr ’91

1980

a total of five daughters in my life. Wish us luck Ranney alumni – you know I will be able to dance my first dance thanks to our Headmaster, Mr. Ranney!”

Jennifer (Arnold) Delgado ’80 writes: “I’m enjoying adult relationships with my adult children, and enjoying the teenage years with my other kids, and enjoying my son’s first child, a little power house who is in the format of a boy child. I fell in love with Hawaii and making music and keep busy here in NJ with the Monmouth Conservation Foundation. I love visiting and hanging with my high school mates, as you instantly feel like you are 17 again. Thank you for keeping us all in touch, Ranney School!” Elizabeth A. McCumsey ’80 writes: “I am so happy to announce I am marrying Tim Malanka Pomeroy. Soon I will have

JUNE

Peter Sills ’80 is working on a photo book about the State of New Mexico. He is hoping to complete this just after the beginning of the year. Peter will be heading to Cuba as part of a cultural exchange program in December to photograph the city of Havana and its culture with Leysis Quesada and Arien Chang (renowned Cuban photographers). Check out Peter’s blog at: www.petersills. wordpress.com

1984 Peter DeLisa (’84) is enjoying being a “Ranney Dad” these days with his daughter, Bella, now a second grade student at Ranney.

Spring Alumni Reception in Red Bank

1986

Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner and Art Show

Volunteer Recognition Dinner for Parents and Friends

Lower School Fifth Grade Crossing the Lawn Ceremony

Middle School Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony

Upper School Senior Celebration

Congratulations to Preet Bharara ’86 who has made it to the cover of the prestigious Time magazine (February 13, 2012 edition) for his crusade against Wall Street corruption and irregularities including insider trading. Preet is the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009.

Upper School 48th Annual Graduation Ceremony

This summer, Frank Austin, Jr. ’88 was selected to serve on the Ranney School Board of Trustees, joining fellow alumnus, Doug Roberts ’79.

1991 Heather and Kyle Barr ’91 welcomed baby Quinn who arrived on August 3, 2011, weighing nine pounds and measuring 21 inches long. Already a Ranney campus regular, he can’t wait to go to school with his big sisters, Taylor ’19, and Morgan ’21 and graduate with the Class of 2029! Shoshana Schiff ’91 writes: “For those of you who made it to the reunion on September 24, 2011, at the Downtown Café, it was a great to see all of you! We had 26 people, including Shaddy Younan ’91, Zyad Younan ’91, Salman Sheikh ’91, Cathy Gasiorowski ’91, Kyle Barr ’91 and Meghan Dunphy (’91). Samantha Weitzen (’91) and Marc Fuino ’91 flew up from Florida, and Raissa Villanueva ’91 and her husband came from Rochester, NY. For those of you who couldn’t make it, we missed you! For your viewing pleasure, here is the web address for my pictures from the reunion. www.ranneyclassof199120yearreunion.shutterfly.com Let’s not wait another 20 years to see each other!” Kanchan (Govil) Patel ’91 writes: “I just wanted to throw in a note to give BIG props to Shoshana Schiff ’91 for planning our 20-year reunion for the Class of 1991. She was able to dig up and contact COLUMNS

alumni and old friends that we hadn’t heard from in over 20 years and went to great lengths to do so... all the while being a mom and a successful lawyer. She deserves a lot of credit and great big THANKS!”

1995 Jonathan Gordon ’95 writes: “My wife Mimosa and I welcomed our son, Benjamin Alexander Gordon, on November 11, 2011. The family is doing great though our dog, Moose, misses the attention.” Nathan Ravitz ’95 writes: “It’s been a pretty exciting year in the Ravitz family. On June 5, my wife Andrea and I welcomed a baby girl, Daniella Grace. A month later, I was named Sr. Director of Premium and Fantasy Content for ESPN. And

just last week, it was announced that I will be inducted into the second class of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame, with the ceremony next month in Las Vegas.”

1997 Take a moment and listen to Jennifer Meagher’s ’97 Researcher of European Paintings for The Metropolitan Museum of Art podcast from the museum: www. metmuseum.org/connections/the_embrace#/Feature. Denise Wahba ’97 married George Chiang ’96 in September of 2010. Both are currently living and working in New York City. Congratulations to Natalie Ravitz ’97 who will be joining News Corp. and reporting directly to Chairman and CEO, Rupert Murdoch as the media mogul’s chief of staff. Formerly, Natalie was the Director of Communications for the New York City Department of Education.

1999 Adam Goldberg ’99 has just returned from a year’s assignment in Dubai. While Adam is glad to be coming back to the U.S., he is also grateful for the time he spent abroad as a bankruptcy law attorney specialist in that far-away place... and he is a better man for the time he spent in that region.

2001 Charlie Kromann ’01 enjoyed a day of golf at the 16th Annual Ranney School Golf and Tennis Classic this past October. Charlie led the “Beat the Pro/Beat the Panther” contest that afternoon, helping to raise funds in support of the Panther athletics program.

2002 Ilene Grossman ’02 is a Senior Accountant at Sirius XM Radio and will be doing a two-week off-Broadway run of the Hereafter musical in the Spring.

1998

2003

Aleksas Vitenas ’98 joins the club of Ranney legacy parents this year, as his son Lukas ’26 is now a Ranney Panther in the Beginners class!

Jeffrey Goldberg ’03 has been recently accepted to Denver University and he looks forward to pursuing studies in Accounting and an M.B.A. For the past four years, Jeff has had the unique opportunity to

Daniella Grace Ravitz

The happy couple Denise Wahba ’97 and George Chiang ’96 with friends at their September 2010 wedding.

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Benjamin Alexander Gordon

Charlie Kromann ’01 in action at the 16th Annual Ranney School Golf and Tennis Classic

work with several organizations that help to mentor young men and women, from all walks of life, to prepare these young people to survive in the mountains, in the desert and in their lives, going forward. Vin Gopal ’03 co-owns and operates Community Publications, a chain of community-based newspapers and magazines that reach over 40,000 homes and businesses throughout Monmouth County. He serves as the Business Manager for the publications’ day-to-day business-related operations and oversees the management of over 200 advertising accounts. He is also a co-owner of MarketME, a company that does embroidery, screenprinting, direct to garment printing, digital printing of signs and banners, full color printing, marketing and more. Their storefront location is in the Airport Plaza Shopping Center in Hazlet, NJ. Vin serves on the Board of Trustees for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, where he is Chairman of the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. He was also elected to a three-year term as President of the Hazlet Business Owners Association in January of 2010 and

Ilene Grossman ’02

serves as a member of the Bayshore Community Hospital’s Foundation Board for Meridian Health Services. Prior to being a small business owner, Vin worked in electoral politics and government, previously working as a legislative aide to two New Jersey state assembly members as well as working for a member of the Newark City Council. Michael H. Ansell ’03 is an Associate in the Civil Litigation and Personal Injury Department at Ansell, Grimm & Aaron in Ocean, NJ. He received his B.A. from Tufts University and his J.D. from The George Washington University and has concentrated his practice in the field of civil litigation, particularly labor and employment. Michael served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, Assignment Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court, Monmouth County. During his clerkship, he handled a variety of litigation matters including Megan’s Law, land use appeals, actions in lieu of prerogative writs, and emergent applications seeking temporary and

Pictured here, Dr. Sykoff enjoyed a visit with Vin Gopal ’03 and his parents during Vin’s campaign for State Assembly.

preliminary restraints. As part of his clerkship, he also served as a mediator in the Small Claims Division of the Special Civil Part. Michael is a member of the Labor and Employment Committee and the Professionalism Committee of the Monmouth Bar Association; a Barrister of the Haydn Proctor American Inn of Court; member of the New Jersey Association for Justice, the New Jersey State Bar Association, Monmouth Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, New York County Lawyers’ Association, and the American Bar Association. Michael is active in many civic, charitable and business organizations. He was recently elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties. COLUMNS

The Betesh sisters, Elizabeth ’11, Alexandra ’06 and Lauren ’04

Courtney (Siebert) Schellhorn ’07 and Ryan Schellhorn

2005 Lindsay Minerva ’05 is working on a master’s degree at the Columbia School of Journalism.

2006 Adam Lessing ’06 is enjoying his work in finance, employed at JP Morgan Chase. (Far right) Michael Ansell ’03 and Vin Gopal ’03 (second from left) at a recent Big Brothers Big Sisters event. Both are on the Board of Trustees.

Rishi Chhatwal ’03 is an attorney doing some interesting work representing immigrants who are being held in detention facilities.

2004 Lauren Betesh ’04 is studying journalism at Columbia. Despite the long hours, Fares Samra ’04 is doing well as a fourth-year medical student and is enjoying his work. Chris Payne ’04 is in his fourth year teaching; his second year at Ranney. Chris reports: “This year I’m teaching US History I and II as well as Modern Conflicts, some of the same classes I took here when I was a student. I’m also involved with coaching three sports, cross country, squash and golf.” Chris also represented the alumni as a member of the 16th Annual Golf and Tennis Classic this past October. 68

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Ben Turtel ’06 is a Financial Consultant at Quantitative Risk Management. Laura Knopf ’06 writes us: “I am currently attending Columbia University – Teacher’s College, getting my master’s in Inclusive Elementary Education. I am also currently working for Sesame Street, editing content and working with domestic research!”

2007 Kate Fitzgerald ’07 tells us: “I graduated from Princeton in the spring with a B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Engineering Biology. I’m currently living in New Brunswick and have started a Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers. My main research interest is the application of stem cells to cancer, and I’ve already become involved in interesting research!” A recent Gettysburg College graduate, Anskar Fosse ’07 was one of five Gettysburg students to receive a prestigious grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Program this past

spring. Living in Korea now, Anskar hopes to learn more about the nation’s film industry and gain footage for his graduate portfolio while teaching English to Korean students during his stay. An Eagle Scout himself, he will also volunteer with the Korea Scout Association. Courtney (Siebert) Schellhorn ’07 writes: “This year has brought many exciting milestones and accomplishments. In May, I graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Computer Science and was officially admitted into the ‘real world.’ The summer was spent planning my August 27th wedding, when I married my college sweetheart, Ryan Schellhorn from Annandale, NJ, at St. George’s by the River in Rumson with reception following at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club in Farmingdale. Ranney grads Kate Fitzgerald ’07 and Alexandra Neumann ’07 served as bridesmaids, and Ross Gale ’07, Alan Gordin ’07 and Evan Zimmerman ’07 were also in attendance. Hurricane Irene also made her presence known that day, but the wedding went off without a hitch aside from a few raindrops! Ryan and I, both passionate travelers, spent our honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast of Italy and then went to the Isle of Crete in Greece, marking Europe as my fifth continent visited. We arrived home mid-September to move into our new apartment in Stirling, NJ, and I began work as an Information Security Specialist at Broadridge Financial Solutions in Jersey City. We are enjoying a happilymarried life and look forward to what the future will bring.” Evan Zimmerman ’07 is busy in his first year of law school at Villanova University.

Class Notes Information Ranney School encourages communication from alumni regarding professional news, career changes, promotions, relocations, volunteer work, marriages, births, adoptions, special milestones, unique accomplishments, special recognitions or honors that may be of interest to fellow classmates, alumni, and the Ranney community. Diane Scavelli â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11

Diane is pictured with Ranney classmates Yousef Hozayen â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 and Manu Sharma â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 as they head BACK TO #ORNELL AFTER THEIR /CTOBER BREAK

2008

2011

Anna Rose Johnson â&#x20AC;&#x2122;08 writes: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a senior Spanish and Community Health double major at Tufts University. I was accepted into the B.A./M.P.H. program through Tufts University School of Medicine and will be concentrating in epidemiology. I am writing a senior honors thesis investigating the H-2B guest worker program and evaluating its efficacy as a model option for our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undocumented worker population. I also write for the Community Health (CHP) newsletter. Locally, I am a volunteer interpreter at the Parker Clinic in Red Bank, NJ. I am a member of the Tuftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marathon Team and anticipate running my third Boston Marathon this April.â&#x20AC;?

A recent Ranney graduate, Michelle Drappi â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 successfully completed a Capstone Project on Dental Anatomy and New Technologies before continuing her education at Franklin & Marshall College. An article on Michelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capstone work was recently published by a major dental magazine that is received by over 20,000 dentists. Michelle says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;College is going well! I love my classes and professors, but I miss my wonderful Ranney teachers like Mr. Piccirillo and Mr. Dunn and my advisor Dr. Delgado. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve visited and kept in touch.â&#x20AC;?

2009 Sophie Wilkus â&#x20AC;&#x2122;09 set off for a ninemonth study abroad program in India and China. Check out her blog: www. bhavacaminante.blogspot.com/

2010 Upon graduating from Ranney School, four-year varsity athlete Laura Church â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10 began her Division III intercollegiate tennis career at Stockton College in New Jersey. Laura spent this past fall playing both 4th Singles, and 1st Doubles for her team, and finished the 2011 season with an overall record of six wins and zero losses.

Congratulations to New York University student Grace Farren â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 who received an Aspiring Youth Award from the Southern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Golden Osprey Awards dinner this past October. Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award was bestowed upon her for the positive impact she has made on the community through exceptional academic capabilities, extra-curricular involvement in school and steadfast community outreach initiatives. Diane Scavelli â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 received the Gold Congressional Medal in June, 2011. She is pictured above with Paxton K. Baker, Chairman of the National Board of Directors for Congressional Award Medal Program, and one of the Senators.

In addition to news items sent by alumni, we receive press releases from businesses and other organizations announcing alumni achievements. The Ranney School Alumni Office also actively searches for alumni news online and from within our faculty community. We locate and edit this information and place it into the appropriate class section. How To Submit A Class Note Email: alumni@ranneyschool.org Complete the Class Notes form online on our website in the Alumni section â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep In Touchâ&#x20AC;? Mail: Ranney School Alumni Office 2ANNEY !LUMNI /FFICE Class Notes 235 Hope Road Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 To Submit A Picture We welcome submissions of photos of alumni for possible use in Columns Magazine. We prefer to receive digital photos. Please send high resolution of at LEAST DPI n THE LARGER THE BETTER Contact the Alumni Office We are located in the Annex Building ABOVE THE 3EARLE ,IBRARY n WE WOULD love to schedule a visit and tour if you are in the area, please give Lynn Lucarelli or Tracy Mutchiga a call at 732.542.4777. /R EMAIL US AT ALUMNI

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Jeremy Lessing â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10 is enjoying the pursuit of an environmental studies degree at Middlebury College. COLUMNS

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