As their parents, teachers, administrators and classmates lined the pathway on the Great Lawn to cheer them on, the Class of 2015 offi cially “crossed the lawn” from Lower School to Middle School. At the annual Crossing the Lawn ceremony held on Friday, May 30, sixty fi fth graders bid the Lower School their fi nal farewell and advanced to the next chapter in their Ranney careers.

The fi rst of many signifi cant academic traditions, the Crossing the Lawn ceremony symbolizes the values learned and instilled in Lower School. To begin the ceremony, members of the Class of 2015 treated the audience to a performance of “On My Way,” composed and written by Phil Collins, followed by an original fi fth grade promotion cheer – a new tradition initiated by the class – that the students created themselves to celebrate their years in Lower School.

Head of Lower School Mrs. Patricia Marshall wished the students an affectionate farewell: “Crossing the Lawn is a tradition that symbolizes the fi rst of many signifi cant academic milestones for our students… The symbolism of our journey entices students away from the comfort of reciting the basic skills and specifi c facts they have known in the Lower School and encourages them to venture towards a more conceptual level of thinking in the Middle School.”

Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Head of School, also congratulated the students with a traditional story for the occasion. This year, he told a story about a King and his two sons – one hard working and the other not so much. Illustrating the difference between fi rst-rate work and second-rate effort, Dr. Sykoff charged the students to apply the tale’s

lesson to the hard work and commitment that will be required of them next year. “As you move into Middle School, I’m not sure that you will meet any real kings, but your teachers will recognize you, just as the King did, for your intelligence, enthusiasm and eagerness to do well,” he said.

The students were also welcomed to the Middle School by Maura

Guyler ’12, who served as an Honor Code Offi cer. “Three years ago, as I graduated from fi fth grade, I remember being excited, yet nervous, about entering Middle School because I didn’t know what to expect. But, I’m telling you, expect fun! Middle School is marked by increased indepen-dence, academic and extracurricular opportunities.” George Thomas ’14

also welcomed the new sixth grade class and concurred with Maura about experiencing a mix of emotions just one year ago: “I was nervous, too. I was fi lled with happiness because I was now entering the Middle School. I was nervous because I didn’t know what Middle School had in store for me, and I was sad because I was leaving Lower School. The Great Lawn is not only a physical divider between the Lower School and Middle School buildings, but it is also a divider between the Lower School and Middle School way of life.” Maura also shared, “Friendships are an important part of the middle school experience. You will meet new friends and grow closer to your old ones. You begin to grow into your own person in a loving and nurturing environment, identifying what you excel at, what you like and who your real friends are. Enjoy every minute because the years go by quickly,” she added.

Near the ceremony’s closing, Mrs. Kathleen Deeken, Head of Middle School, warmly welcomed the students to the Middle School, which will become their new home in September: “I am proud to welcome you into the Middle School as the class of 2015, a class of caring friends and eager students – just the kind of learners we love in middle school. As a group, the power you have together is the sum of the strength each of you brings to this class. Striving to be successful together is a quality that defi nes you, and you should all be very proud of that distinction.”

Before introducing the much-anticipated fi fth grade video, a Ranney tradition that features photographs of the graduating class throughout the years set to music, fi fth grade teacher Mrs. Doreen Fowlkes presented the Class of 2015 with their farewell gifts: a tote bag courtesy of the Ranney School Parents’ Association, a Ranney t-shirt and a copy of the fi fth grade video.

The ceremony ended with a fi nale student performance of “You are the Sunshine of My Life,” by Stevie Wonder, and by 11:30 a.m., the Class of 2015 assembled on the Ranney Crescent for photos with family and friends, offi cially joining the ranks of the Ranney Middle School student body.

Crossing the Lawn: A Ranney Milestone for the Class of 2015

“Crossing the Lawn at Ranney “Crossing the Lawn at Ranney School is a tradition that School is a tradition that symbolizes the fi rst of many symbolizes the fi rst of many signifi cant milestones for our signifi cant milestones for our students. It is a collective students. It is a collective celebration that brings this celebration that brings this graduating class to the next graduating class to the next level in their academic careers.”level in their academic careers.”

– Patricia MarshallHead of Lower School

Middle School AwardsThe following students were recognized for academic and extracurricular excellence:

The Trustees’ Awards for Excellence – Lauren Harris and Julian Lockhart

Tushar Bhatnagar Award – Craig Slater and Natalie Cantave

Ann Kappel Memorial Award – Katie Villany and Melissa Cantave

Community Service Award – Evelyn Giovine, Helly Kharkover, Neha Nayyar, Mike Palmeri, Hannah Simpson, Sam Springsteen

Citizenship Award – Jood Ani, Walter Cuje, Evelyn Giovine, Maura Guyler, Tom Hearne, Helly Kharkover, Caitlin Klein, Yasmin Meleis, Neha Nayyar, Chris Schwake, Hannah Simpson, Sam Springsteen, Victoria Triolo

Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award – Jamil Ahmed, Alex Breton, Missy Cantave, Natalie Cantave, Alex Collado, Maura Guyler, Lauren Harris, Caitlin Klein, Sophia Lee, Julian Lockhart, Yasmin Meleis, Niket Patel, Jon Rosenthal, Kat Sharp, Sanjit Sashi, Hannah Simpson, Craig Slater, Vishal Vala, Katie Villany

National Spanish Award – Maura Guyler, Lauren Harris, Val Kharkover, Julian Lockhart, Katelyn Villany

National French Award – Missy Cantave, Natalie Cantave, Evan Glazman, Sophia Lee, Jonathan Rosenthal, Katherine Sharp, Hannah Simpson

Transitions: The Eighth Grade Promotion CeremonyParents, teachers and students gathered as Ranney School’s Class of

2012 offi cially transitioned to the Upper School on June 9 during the eighth grade Promotion Ceremony, held at the Robert B. Meyner Reception Center in Holmdel. The Middle School Promotion Ceremony marks the fi nal farewell to the eighth grade as they prepare to cross the lobby next fall, joining the Upper School as freshman.

Student Council President Michael Palmeri ’12 led the “Pledge of Allegiance,” and the Middle School Chorus, led by Choral Director Lilly Torrente, followed with their rendition of “America, Of Thee I Sing.” Eighth Grade Team Leader Lorrie Benditt gave the invocation before Mrs. Kathleen Deeken, Head of Middle School, welcomed guests and addressed the student body, wishing them well as they enter Upper School and the next phase of their Ranney education. “As individuals, students in this class have set their sights on the pursuit of knowledge as a means to share their thoughts, dreams and talents,” said Mrs. Deeken. “They have exercised their ability to reason, question and comment for the advancement of ideas and the expression of their individual and collective interests. This is a class of thinkers and dreamers, do-ers and givers.”

Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Head of School, congratulated the students and parents: “I see many families who have been part of the Ranney community for eleven years, as some of these students entered Ranney as Beginners and preschoolers. The time has indeed passed by quickly, and we look at these young men and women with great pride. During the Middle School years, each and every student experienced personal and intellectual growth and now emerges infi nitely qualifi ed to continue this personal voyage at the Upper School level.”

In her promotion address, Evelyn Giovine ’12, President of the Honor Code Committee, described the Honor Code at Ranney as an authentic statement of how we try to treat each other: “The Honor Code is not just a committee in the Middle School: it is part of the way we learn. There are moments in all of our lives when we have the option to choose the honorable or dishonorable route. Ranney’s Honor Code gives us ways to discuss these moments and try to understand them better so that, when it is our turn, we can make honorable choices. It has been amazing to spend three years in Middle School where adults–teachers and administrators–set honorable examples for us every day. The Class of 2012 now graduates from Ranney Middle School truly understanding that others come fi rst.”

Sam Springsteen ’12, President of the Community Service Organization,elaborated on this concept by speaking of the power students have as citizens and human beings to impact lives less fortunate, both locally and globally. “Through these actions, we take responsibility, not just for our lives but for the lives of our friends, neighbors and people all across the world. Anyone

who has the ability to reach out their hand to another human and help them stand and walk as a free, independent person, who can support themselves and their family, should take that power and use it. You can give them hope, and they will give you purpose. And to me…that sounds like a pretty good deal.”

On behalf of the eighth grade class, Student Council President Michael

Palmeri ’12 and Vice President Kaitlyn Bovino ’12 presented a class gift to Dr. Sykoff – a check in the amount of $1,262.83, to be combined with the Upper School gift to help fund a student scholarship program.

True to Ranney tradition, the fi ve eighth grade advisors, John Doyle, Marcia Hernandez, David Ketcham, Nancy Wade and Betty Williams, added a personal touch to the ceremony by sharing individual accounts of their student advisees, highlighting achievements and personalities, as students received their promotion certifi cates from Mrs. Deeken and Dr. Sykoff.

Indeed, as a group, the Class of 2012 has had another banner year fi lled with many outstanding achievements including: eighth grade individual Capstone Projects highlighting unique student interests and talents; Math League won second place in the annual CBA Competition; the Science Olympiad Team won sixth place in the Regional Competition; the boys’ basketball team came in second place in the Central Jersey Athletic League Championship and a third place win for the girls’ basketball team; the Jr. Tri-M Music Honor Society was named second runner-up for the 2007-08 Tri-M National Chapter of the Year; the Forensics Team won an unprecedented thirty-two awards; the Community Service Club raised over $4,000 for local and global service initiatives and the annual mathathon raised over $3,000 for St. Jude’s Hospital. The literary magazine, The MAG, won a repeat gold medal in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and a fi rst place with special merit in the American Scholastic Press Association competition.

Dr. Sykoff thanked parents for their support: “Our students will grow with poise, confi dence and with an emerging sense of humanity because they have secured faith in your values…values that are augmented with those of the school. An education that unleashes promise and potential is an education that brings forth freedom and independence. Your partnership with us to reach that shared end point is one of the hallmarks of our school.”

During the promotion exercises, Mrs. Tess Nielsen, director of the Middle and Upper School Music program, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The Ranney Middle School Chorus sang, “Whenever You Remember” by Diane Warren, and the Ranney Band Ensemble performed both the processional, “Rondeau” by John-Joseph Mouret and the recessional, Beethoven’s “Joyful, Joyful.” Then, following the band’s cue, the Class of 2012 fi led off stage to a thunderous reception from families, friends, faculty, staff and administration and into their next exciting phase of educational development.

All fi fty-seven members of the Class of 2008 were honored by faculty, administration, friends and family at the annual Senior Farewell Dinner on Tuesday, June 10, at Branches restaurant in West Long Branch. This capstone event is one of the most anticipated evenings of the school year and provides another opportunity for seniors and their families to make some more memories and celebrate their hard work.

The festivity included long-standing Ranney traditions, such as: displays of the Senior Tiles; the “Lifer” recognition; the presentation of the Class Gift and the Class Shield; and the screening of the highly anticipated Senior Farewell video. Implementing a noted Ranney tradition, each senior advisor offered personal remarks about every student in the graduating class. In fact, those who had the pleasure of attending the event got the chance to catch a rare outside glimpse of the unique student-teacher relationship. Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, Head of School, expanded on this Ranney hallmark: “The comments offered by the advisors about their advisees refl ect a very personal, very real insight into the character and personality of each child. It is not often that teachers have the opportunity to get to know their students in this context. I have always said that Ranney is a coveted place where children learn, but Ranney is also a wonderful place to teach. Our teachers are the centerpieces of each child’s success, extraordinary men and women who share a professional dedication to our students and the school.”

This year, students, faculty and administrators started a new tradition by forming a line throughout the hallways of the Upper School leading outdoors to the senior parking lot as a unique Ranney send-off to the Class of 2008. At the end of the line, Dr. Sykoff presented them with silver keys to the school. This brand new tradition resonates perfectly with the long-standing customs of Ranney, epitomizing the mutual respect and admiration that students share for one another and is a way of solidifying the already strong bond between all classes of the Ranney community. Student representatives from as early as grade one offered their well wishes and farewells as a show of solidarity to let the seniors know that their Ranney family is behind them, even as they leave to pursue their own separate futures.

The road to earning a Ranney diploma and college acceptance can be rigorous, challenging and, at times, quite serious. Duly noted, the Senior Farewell Dinner took on a light-hearted tone to celebrate each student as an individual, complete with a surprise skit. This year, the Hope Road Trio (Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, David Fischer and a very disruptive and disheveled “Johnny Lewis”)

CELEBRATING SENIORS:

A Ranney Farewell

Catie Gainor ’08, Aisha Masud ’08, Kristine Rodriguez ’08 and Anna Rose Johnson ’08 present the Class Gift.

Left: After performing a hilarious skit at Senior Dinner, the Hope Road Trio made their musical debut. From left: Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, John Lewis (in character) and David Fisher.

COMING THIS FALL...

THE NEW ranneyschool.orgThe new Ranney School Web site, launching this Fall, will put the latest school news, information and resources at the fi ngertips of students, parents and faculty.

Featuring attractive page design, streamlined navigation and enhancements that improve communications throughout the Ranney community.

made their auspicious musical debut. After interrupting Dr. Sykoff at the podium, the Head of the Upper School’s alter ego, Johnny Lewis, was out of dress code, out of control and full of excuses about his untucked shirt claiming, “It just fell out!” After which, David Fisher, the perfect straight man and Dr. Sykoff, the perfect foil quipped to the audience, “John Lewis is a problem. It must be because he has two fi rst names.” The trio then performed a clever tongue-in-cheek parody of a Ranney graduate who professes not to know much about history or geography, although the senior AP History test scores certainly prove otherwise!

The evening also included the presenta-tion of the “Lifer” t-shirts to students who have attended Ranney School for at least ten years. This year, sixteen seniors were honored as “Lifers”: Chelsea Castellano, Christos Chrysanthou, Juliet Donaghy, Erika Flashburg, Paul Gale, Sandeep

Gourkanti, Joey Kuskin, Suzanne Lee, Jeremy Lesser, Dustin Molina, Kristine

Rodriguez, Meera Sahni, Jennifer Tendler, Stephanie Tomasetta, Katie Vitale and Jeffrey Wyckoff.

While each senior was presented with the traditional Ranney parting gift – a college survival kit, including a laundry hamper fi lled with Ranney mementos – the Ranney Parents’ Association also presented the students with personalized stationery emblazoned with each student’s college seal. Catherine Gainor, President of the senior class,announced the Class 2008 Gift, a seat in the new Panther Hall and a donation to support the student-to-student academic scholarship. Seniors Alexandra Pappas and Kristine Rodriguez followed with the presentation of the Class Shield 2008 to be displayed in the Paulus Library.

The ceremony concluded with a simultaneous hello and good-bye, a brand new alumni welcome from Kimberly Gittines, Associate Director for Alumni Relations and the presentation of the Senior Farewell Video by faculty member Dr. Noel Delgado.

Kristine Rodriguez ’08 presents the Senior Shield that she created with Alexandra Pappas ’08

RANNEY SCHOOL235 Hope Road

Tinton Falls, NJ 07724

732-542-4777

Below: In a skit performed at Senior Dinner, “Johnny Lewis” is reprimanded by David Fisher, School Dean of Students, for interrupting the Head of School at the podium.

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

Ann Kappel Citizenship and Service Award – Crosby Newcomer-Falk

The Ranney School Leadership Award – Anna Rose Johnson

Faculty Prize – Jeb Harmon and Kristine Rodriguez

Gershom Tomlinson Humanitarian Award – John Gale

Robert Paulus Leadership and Perseverance Award – Alex Marcus

Headmaster’s Cup – Catherine Gainor

The Margaret M. Mahon Award – Jennifer Tendler

Eugenie B. Edwards Spirit of Tennis Scholarship – Katherine Lowry

Ranney School’s forty-fourth commencement ceremony took place at the Pollak Theater at Monmouth University on Thursday, June 12, where all fi fty-seven members of Ranney School’s graduating senior class were issued their diplomas. More than fi ve hundred proud parents, relatives and friends looked on as faculty, administrators and trustees processed into the Pollak theater in full academic regalia, followed by the members of the Class of 2008. As is the school’s custom, the graduating girls each wore white dresses and carried bouquets of long-stem red roses, while the boys were dressed in the traditional dark suits and boutonnières.

The entire Ranney School community came together to observe the outstanding accomplishments of this graduating class and to wish them well in their future academic endeavors at some of the nation’s most selective universities. In his opening remarks, Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff praised the new graduates for their extraordinary achievements. “You are fi fty-seven of the very best graduates Ranney has to offer, each confi dent in your own unique abilities and talents, yet joined through the collective experience of your Ranney education. Today, we salute not only who you are, and what you achieved, but what you stand for…an exquisite union of character and mind.”

Offering a congratulatory message to the class, Board of Trustees president Dr. Daniel Goldberg expressed similar sentiment in his remarks: “Impressive college acceptances aside, these students share the confi dence, skills and courage to put their intellect into action by applying what they have learned at Ranney School for the greater good.” Dr. Goldberg also used the occasion to recognize one of Ranney’s long-standing Board members, Cynthia Sparer, who has served for the past thirteen years and is retiring from the Board this year. “Thank you, Cynthia, for your time and commitment to Ranney School. We are grateful for your contribution, and we will miss your great energy and expertise.”

Dr. Goldberg also congratulated Dr. Sykoff on completing his 15th year as Head of Ranney School, “Our success is the result of many people working together under the leadership of Dr. Lawrence Sykoff. Ranney School has undergone a renaissance, most evident from the numerous transformations over the years. From brand new buildings and athletic facilities, to an ever-growing student population, Dr. Sykoff’s clear vision has brought Ranney to a new level of excellence.”

Indeed, the Class of 2008 has achieved at the highest levels, amassing an impressive collection of honors and landing them at some of the country’s fi nest colleges. Notable achievements from Ranney’s most recent graduates include: 29 students who were eligible for the President’s Award for Educational Excellence; 26 National Honor Society members; 20 AP Scholars; 14 inaugural senior Capstone Presenta-tions; 10 Cum Laude Society inductees; 5 Bloustein Distinguished Scholars; 3 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship nominees; 4 Division I recruited athletes; 3 National Merit Commended Scholars; 2 Naval Academy appointees and 1 National Hispanic Scholar. Together, they have collectively accrued more than 2.3 million dollars in academic and athletic scholarships.

The Class of 2008 also includes sixteen “Lifers” – students who have spent ten or more years at Ranney School. These students were recognized

at the Senior Celebration and graced the cover of

Columns alumni magazine earlier in the year. Thirty-fi ve graduates have Ranney siblings, nineteen of whom are Ranney alumni.

Ranney’s seniors have been taught and nurtured to harness and expand their potential, acquiring both creative and analytical thinking skills—skills that are perhaps more important today than ever before and will prepare them for the world beyond school.

This year’s commence-ment speaker, Adam

Metzger, a member of Ranney’s Class of 2004, is a prime example of how a well-rounded Ranney School education

prepares our students for a future of continued success in the global world. A recent Yale graduate, Adam charged his fellow alumni to savor their upcoming college years. “College is about enjoying the harvest. Taste the mysterious fruit of each tree, and see what you like best. Only then will you know how to best grow your garden in the years ahead to suit your taste and skill. Tend to it carefully, and it will fl ourish beyond the horizon.”

In addition to celebrating achievement and future promise, commencement is also a time to acknowledge the special friendships that have grown over the years. Catie Gainor, this year’s Salutatorian, captured the bond of the close-knit community: “If I had time, I could tell you how every single one of us infl uences the whole…Each of us remarkable in more ways than one. What has always struck me about our class is how willing we are to help each other and to share.” Jennifer Tendler, the Class of 2008’s Valedictorian, considered the future journey of her classmates within the context of

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel The Great Gatsby: “Leave Ranney School with the confi dence that you will succeed. Just remember that your future is akin to the green light in The Great Gatsby. We will, as Fitzgerald said, run faster and stretch our arms out farther but also know that the green light that Gatsby watched from his home in West Egg was distant and faint, inspiring uncertainty, desire and ambition. Good luck and congratulations.”

Under the musical direction of Mrs. Tess Nielsen, Chair of the Performing Arts Department, the Upper School chorus sang the “National Anthem” (with soloist Paul Gale ’08), “Pacem,” by Lee Dengler (with fl ute accompaniment by Christina Henricks ’09) and “You are the Light,” by Leo Arnaud and Pamela Martin. The Flute Ensemble performed Mussorgsky’s “Promenade” from Pictures at an Exhibition and St. Peter’s Brass played Harmer’s “Trumpet Voluntary” for the processional and recessional and opened the ceremony with the traditional piece, “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Sharing and learning together, the Class of 2008 has experienced the traditions and standards for learning and for life that will serve them well in the exciting, challenging years ahead. Today’s graduates — tomorrow’s leaders— are poised for bright futures. “These dynamic young men and women have traveled this road together and have arrived successfully today at the celebration of their graduation,” said Dr. Sykoff. “One of the great aspects about Ranney is that you were all, at times, encouraged to undertake new things…to seek out new experiences. This prepared you for the inevitable changes that life brings. At the same time, this pursuit of adventure…the change that evokes such joy…also brings some sadness because it is never easy to say goodbye.”

This year’s commencement ceremony, like the forty-three ceremonies before it, will remain a proud, cherished and bittersweet family moment.

“I’ve had a wonderful time and I’m honored to have known all of you.”

—Catherine “Catie” Gainor ’08

Middle School Major AwardsOutstanding Middle School Athlete Award – Natalie Cantave ’12, Michael Palmeri ’12

Panther Pride Award – Craig Slater ’12, Melissa Cantave ’12, Anike Oladeji ’12, Anthony Papetti ’12

Athletic Director Award – Alex Breton ’12, Alexis Volpe ’12, Sam Tkach ’12, Hannah Simpson ’12

Sportsmanship Award – Sam Springsteen ’12, Yasmin Meleis ’12, Madison Price ’13, Joseph Murphy ’14, Rachel Burstiner ’13, Alessandra Johnson ’14

Young Panthers in TrainingPanther Cubs, an athletic enrichment program

sponsored by the Ranney School Parents’ Associa-tion, is open to students in kindergarten through fi fth grade and is an excellent way for our youngest athletes to sample a variety of sports throughout the school year. The popular program lays the groundwork for students to move up into the Middle and Upper School Panther athletics programs. “The Panther Cubs are the future because eventually these children make their way to the Middle and Upper School teams. The success and popularity of Panther Cubs has positively impacted our athletic teams in the higher grades and everyone has benefi ted,” said Athletic Director Tom Moriau.

Panther Cubs runs Saturday mornings during all three seasons. A parent-driven program, Panther Cubs gives our younger students the chance to work as part of a team, build individual skills and learn about good sports-manship in a structured, coed setting. Most important, the children have an opportunity to interact with their classmates outside of school in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Upper School students are also encouraged to join the program as assistant coaches, and parent volunteers are always welcomed as sport co-chairs, coaches, assistant coaches and team parents. The program also gives parents the opportunity to build connections with other Ranney parents, a win-win situation for all.

FALL

Soccer is offered in the fall for students in K-5.

WINTER

Winter brings the fun indoors, offering basketball to grades K-5, while the swim program is available to second through fi fth graders.

SPRING

Baseball is open to grades K-5 in the spring, and the lacrosse program is available to students in grades two through fi ve.

To register your little Panther, visit the RSPA section of the Ranney web site at ranneyschool.org.

2007–08 Athletic HighlightsCongratulations to all of our student athletes for an outstanding

year in athletics. The 2007-08 year was marked with many athletic highlights, including:• NJISAA State Tennis Championship, 2nd Doubles – Laura Church ’10

and Alison Mancuso ’09

• Patriot Conference Championship, Swim (500 Freestyle) – Jacqueline Korey ’11

• Dedication of the Kelly Tennis Center and the Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics

• Patriot Conference Championship and NJISAA State Track Championship, Track and Field (Long Jump) – Molly Wilgucki ’09

• NJISAA State Track Championship, Track and Field (High Jump) – Stephen D’Onofrio ’10

• Improved training facilities through the generous gift from The Walker Family

• Athletes completed fi rst full year on theKaragianakis Field and Guidone Track

Four outstanding graduating senior athletes head off to several of the nation’s most prestigious universities, including:

Kathryn Lowry ’08 Duke University Crew

Katherine Rennie ’08 University of North Carolina Crew

Allen-Wesley Powell ’08 Naval Academy Soccer

Emily Rotolo ’08 Georgetown University Softball

Ranney School Joins New Jersey State Interscholastic Association (NJSIAA)

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), a voluntary, non-profi t organization, governs all high school sports throughout New Jersey and is comprised of 425 schools, including accredited public, private, parochial and a growing number of independent schools. This fall, Ranney athletes will compete in more tournaments – including NJSIAA state tournaments – and competitions in twenty sports, and will have the potential to earn additional athletic honors. Ranney School’s NJSIAA Classifi cation is Non-Public South B.

Dr. Sykoff surrounded by a group of Ranney cubs

Katherine Rennie ’08 and Kathryn Lowry ’08

Upper School Major Awards Headmaster’s Senior Award – Kristine Rodriguez and John Gale

The Athlete of the Year Award – Anna Rose Johnson ’08 and Jeffrey Wyckoff ’08

Junior Coaches Cup Award – Lauren Hoffman, Alyson Halpern, Paul Allegra

Panther Pride Dedication and Commitment Award – Kelly Harmon ’09, Aaron Absatz ’09; Stephen D’Onofrio ’10, Taylor Swanner ’10; Evan Springsteen ’08, Kaitlyn Petrillo ’08; Sunny Shah ’11 and Grace Farren ’11

Blue & White Leadership Award – Anna Rose Johnson ’08 and Dustin Molina ’08

Golden “R” Prize – Wes Powell ’08, Anna Rose Johnson ’08 and Dustin Molina ’08

Athletic Director’s Award – Alexis Wyckoff ’11 and Charles Cerami-Nucci ’11, Taylor Swanner ’10 and Eric Hurd ’10, Aaron Absatz ’09 and Molly Wilgucki ’09, and Dustin Molina ’08 and Kaitlyn Petrillo ’08

On the Cutting “Edge” of AthleticsWith the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, Ranney’s sports program

will have a real “edge” over other schools due to its new partnership with Edge Sports Academy and Health Club, located only a short distance from campus in Tinton Falls. Edge offers the latest in sports conditioning techniques, individualized instruction and modern facilities, and its close proximity to

school makes it a real benefi t for Ranney student athletes.

“This summer has been a busy one for Ranney athletes. Our coaching staff, along with Alex Winnicker, our strength and conditioning coach, has been conducting summer workouts for athletes involved in summer leagues and sports camps. We are helping them to

achieve optimum performance levels in terms of speed, agility and strength,” said Athletic Director Tom Moriau. Coach Winnicker has been training student athletes of various ages to improve their overall fi tness, both as teams and individuals. The collaboration with Edge is akin to what we stress in our sports at Ranney: individual preparation and teamwork leads to success. “The Edge has been a great experience for the athletes, and it is a huge leap forward for the athletic program in terms of doing what must be done to create highly competitive teams,” remarked Coach Winnicker. “Starting this partnership shows our commitment to sports at the school, and this commit-ment will continue until we achieve the success we desire. This is what the top teams in the state are doing, and we are right there with them, on the cutting edge of sports training.”

One unique aspect of the Edge program is that it offers athletes the opportunity to work and train with their fellow teammates, not only helping improve athleticism, but also helping to motivate students by building team spirit and attitude. Although the main goal is to improve overall athletic fi tness, Edge’s innovative program is also customized for individual sports. The focus on speed, agility, quickness, strength and power is, therefore, done with specifi c regard to movements of the individual sports. This customization

gives athletes the sport-specifi c training they need in order to consistently achieve peak performance levels.

Since injury prevention and preseason and post season conditioning are key components of a successful performance training program, the Edge partnership offers a range of conditioning tools and intensive drills to achieve this goal, including everything from sprint mechanics adjustment, reaction time and recognition training, to jump training and refl exive muscle action. It is also a great way for students to develop their bodies as well as their minds in an atmosphere devoted to health and well-being.

Ranney’s partnership with Edge is a timely addition to an athletic program that has seen many signifi cant facility and program enhancements during the past year, and will continue to advance in the near future. Special rowing machines have been installed in Ranney’s new weight training room in the Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics, which also houses the school’s 25-meter indoor swimming pool and new tennis courts and a new professional-grade track and fi eld, make it an exciting time to be a Ranney athlete!

The Edge Sports Academy and Health Club is located at 749 Hope Road, Tinton Falls.

Ranney athletes use medicine balls at the Edge Sports Academy to closely simulate their individual sport’s pattern and speed of movement. Ranney will partner with the

Navesink River Rowing Club in Red Bank to offer rowing as a club sport for boys and girls in the spring.“ A dynamic athletic program of student activities is vital and we are always striving to increase the variety of athletic experiences for our students,” stated Tom Moriau. “Athletics is an integral part of the total curriculum and offers opportunities to develop skills in team-work, sportsmanship and citizenship.”

Save the Date – September 20081st Offi ces Closed for Labor Day4th First Day of School9th Lower School and Panther Hall Grand

Opening Student Celebration 10th RSPA General Meeting and Welcome

Back Coffee10th-12th Upper School Retreats13th Panther Cubs Soccer Program Begins15th 13th Annual Ranney School Golf Classic19th Lower School and Panther Hall Grand

Opening Parent Celebration20th Headmaster’s Fun Run and RSPA

Fall Festival23rd Lower School Back to School Night25th Upper School Back to School Night30th School and Offi ces Closed for

Rosh Hashanah

October 2008 1st Middle School Back to School Night7th Upper School Fall Convocation7th Songwriters Circle Recital9th School and Offi ces Closed for

Yom Kippur11th Admissions Open House15th RSPA Broadway Bound Trip – “Gypsy”27th-31st RSPA School-wide Book Fair28th RSPA Book Club Meeting30th Alumni Reception in Washington, D.C.31st Halloween Spooktacular Parade

As we near the end of the Foundations for Learning campaign, our children’s future in the new facilities begins!

Once an ambitious vision for our students and faculty, the new Lower School Complex and Panther Hall is now an educational reality, and it is all thanks to the support and participation of our families and friends.

During the past three years, the Ranney community has taken the opportunity to invest in one of the most important capital expansion initiatives in the school’s nearly half-century history – Foundations for Learning – Phase II. As the campaign nears

its close, we have reached an unprecedented level of support that now stands at $11.3 million. Exceeding the original goal by $3.8 million, Foundations for Learning has been an extraordinary community success.

Please join us on September 19, 2008, for the Grand Opening

Celebration and tour our new facility. As we celebrate in our new, modern Lower School Academic Complex and Panther Hall, our multi-purpose auditorium with seating capacity of 450, we can all be proud of what we have created together for our students, faculty and community.

Faculty and Staff HonoreesBlue and White Lifer Society (achieved 10 years at Ranney)Lorraine BendittConnie CongemiJennifer McDermott

Faculty Circle (achieved 20 years at Ranney)Doreen Fowlkes Tom MoriauLaura Gillroy Bev Sirianni

Special Recognition:Noel Delgado achieved his PhD in Medieval History from the University of MinnesotaJohn Doyle attended Fulbright program in Japan Dr. Lawrence Sykoff was honored for 15 years as Head of Ranney School

Faculty and Staff MilestonesBirthsMichelle Andrews (boy)Tiffany Caruso (boy)David and Dana Fischer (boy)Kristen Kapcsos (boy)David and Lori Ketcham (boy)Sean Lang (girl)John Lewis (girl)Melanie Litzinger (boy)Janine Mitreuter (boy)Amanda Ruiz (girl)Stephanie Wilkins (girl) Karen Wojciak (boy)Chris Zraly (girl)

WeddingEileen (McEnery) Wilton

Faculty AwardsCarol Ann Presley Award – Linda Foster, Betty Williams Faculty Panther Prize – Nancy Wade, John DoyleHead of School Award for Outstanding Leadership – Patricia Marshall, Heather RudisiLawrence S. Sykoff Faculty Fellowship – David Fischer

New FacultyLower SchoolKirsten Harrington, Fourth GradeBridget Looney, Curriculum Coordinator

Middle SchoolJustin Campbell, World HistoryChris Meharg, Life ScienceFran Reinhold, Latin FoundationsLaurie Rozzo, Earth Science

Upper SchoolKevin Cotter, MusicBrian Daly, MathChristine Repoli, MathKathleen Walsh, Student Activities

Coordinator/Spanish

Name School Destination

Linda Abrams Upper SchoolAP Institute for US History Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Jersey

Marie Curry Upper School Summer Institute on International Affairs Washington, D.C.

Connie Congemi Lower SchoolJunior Teaching Intensive Professional Development Program New York City

Louise Dewar Upper SchoolPractical Applications of Cognitive Science Lawrenceville School Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Marcia Hernandez Middle School Software and Network Solutions Technology Workshop Framingham, Massachusetts

Alan Hurd Middle School Software and Network Solutions Technology Workshop Framingham, Massachusetts

Marnie Jones Upper School Princeton University Institute for BiologyPrinceton, New Jersey

David Ketcham Middle SchoolPractical Applications of Cognitive ScienceLawrenceville SchoolLawrenceville, New Jersey

Nancy King Lower SchoolPractical Applications of Cognitive ScienceLawrenceville SchoolLawrenceville, New Jersey

Wendy Martinez Lower School The Responsive ClassroomColts Neck, New Jersey

Adam Materasso Upper School Harvard Summer Institute on College AdmissionsWaltham, Massachusetts

Leslie Mildenberg Lower School The Responsive ClassroomColts Neck, New Jersey

Christine Merten Lower School The Responsive ClassroomColts Neck, New Jersey

Miriam Pfl eger Lower School The Responsive ClassroomColts Neck, New Jersey

Meg Moruzzi Lower School The Responsive ClassroomColts Neck, New Jersey

Mary Puorro Lower School The Responsive ClassroomColts Neck, New Jersey

Lillianne Torrente Lower SchoolJunior Teaching Intensive Professional Development ProgramNew York City

Ranney Teachers in Action:Summer study opportunities taken:

Lower School by the numbersLower School by the numbers• 22 classrooms• 9 Bathrooms• 36,000 total square feet• 450 seats in Panther Hall • 4 Blue and White Galleries• 22 Smartboards

Nadia Adam – Columbia CollegeArika Aggarwal – Lehigh UniversityAnika Bahra – Skidmore CollegeChelsea Castellano – University of Colorado at BoulderChristos Chrysanthou – New York UniversityChloe Coniaris – University of St. Andrews (Scotland)Alisa Doctor – University of MiamiJuliet Donaghy – Emerson CollegeDaniel Dunnemann – George Mason UniversityEdward Epple – Lafayette CollegeErika Flashburg – Connecticut CollegeCatherine Gainor – Washington University in St. LouisJohn Gale – United States Naval AcademyPaul Gale – Brandeis UniversityShannon Gelson – Saint Joseph’s UniversitySandeep Gourkanti – Syracuse UniversityKathryn Guidone – University of St. Andrews (Scotland)Jeb Harmon – American UniversityAnna Rose Johnson – Tufts UniversityPadma Krishnan – Cornell UniversityJoey Kuskin – University of Colorado at BoulderSuzanne Lee – Rutgers UniversityNicole Lenge – Emerson CollegeJeremy Lesser – New York UniversityKathryn Lowry – Duke UniversityMatthew Marberry – University of Maryland, College ParkAlexander Marcus – Fordham UniversityAisha Masud – Cornell UniversityWilliam McGinty – Lehigh University

Elizabeth Mirovich – Boston UniversityDustin Molina – Vassar CollegeJena Moriau – East Carolina UniversityJohn Mucher – Loyola College in MarylandSachin Nagpal – Emory UniversityCrosby Newcomer-Falk – New York UniversityAlexandra Pappas – Franklin and Marshall CollegeAadit Parikh – New York UniversityBindi Patel – New York UniversityManali Patel – University of Notre DamePariket Patel – The George Washington UniversityKaitlyn Petrillo – Salve Regina UniversityAllen-Wesley Powell – United States Naval AcademySarena Rabinowitz – Pratt InstituteKatherine Rennie – University of North Carolina, Chapel HillKristine Rodriguez – Rhode Island School of DesignEmily Rotolo – Georgetown UniversityMeera Sahni – Barnard CollegeSunil Seelamsetty – Washington University in St. LouisMillie Shah – Lehigh UniversitySuzanne Slinin – Long Island University, Brooklyn CampusNeil Sondhi – Virginia Commonwealth UniversityEvan Springsteen – Boston CollegeJennifer Tendler – Colgate UniversityStephanie Tomasetta – Stanford UniversityDmitry Vagner – Brown UniversityKatie Vitale – Boston UniversityJeffrey Wyckoff – Loyola College in Maryland

The Class The Class of 2008 will of 2008 will be attending be attending these fi ne these fi ne institutions institutions in the fall!in the fall!

Ranney Life is published for parents, alumni and friends of Ranney School. Questions, comments and ideas may be submitted to Kristin Geisler, Managing Editor, in the Publica-tions Offi ce at 732-542-4777 or kgeisler@ranneyschool.org.

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