Upper School Athletes Honored at Year-End Celebration

The gathering of athletes, coaches and parents at the May 28 Upper School Athletic Awards may have marked the end of a active year in sports, but as is the tradition, it was also a time to celebrate the achievements of Ranney’s student athletes, as well as introduce a brand new tradition – the induction of Ranney’s first Hall of Fame recipients.

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

Ranney was honored to have Olympic Bronze Medalist Tom Wilkens as the keynote speaker for the evening. He is certainly someone who understands the importance of sports in developing character and leadership skills, having medaled in the 200 Individual Medley in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, where he served as captain of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Swim Team. An athlete of exceptional achievement, Tom is also a world-champion record holder in the 400 Individual Medley, 17-time U.S. National Champion, five-time NCAA champion for Stanford University, and was selected to the Pac-10 Conference All-Academic Team. More importantly, is he a member of Ranney’s extended family and is married to Ranney 4th grade teacher Stephanie Wilkens. Tom’s inspirational presentation was followed by a video year in review, created by teacher and coach Dr. Noel Delgado.

Major sports awards for 2008/2009 were presented to the following:

Headmaster Senior Award
Presented to a male and female senior athlete for their outstanding contributions on and off the field to the athletic department during their years in the Upper School.

Recipients: Jessica Sugarman and Aaron Absatz

The Golden “R” Prize
Presented to a male and female captain who best demonstrate the qualities of leadership and demonstrate the qualities of a Ranney captain.

Recipients: Lauren Hoffman and Eric Hurd

Panther Pride Dedication and Commitment Award
Presented to a member of each of the four Upper School classes who best demonstrates the values of dedication and commitment.

Recipients: Melissa Cantave (9th grade), Charlotte Fleming (10th grade), Matt Haines (11th grade), Kelli White (12th grade)

Blue and White Leadership Award
Presented to the senior athlete who has demonstrated leadership throughout his or her athletic career at Ranney School.

Recipient: Lauren Hoffman

Junior Coaches Cup Award
Presented to a junior male and female athlete that has demonstrated sportsmanship, leadership, self-discipline, cooperation and enthusiasm throughout his/her junior athletic year.

Recipients: Eric Hurd and Taylor Swanner

Athletic Director Awards
Presented to a male and female student in each of the four Upper School grades for being named “Athlete of the Year” by the coaching staff in their grade level.

Recipients: Craig Slater, Natalie Cantave (9th grade), Alexis Wyckoff, Kyle Reid (10th grade), Taylor Swanner, Matt Haines (11th grade), Kelly Harmon, Aaron Absatz (12th grade)

Athlete of the Year
Presented to one male and one female athletic that have excelled in at least two varsity sports during the school year.

Recipients: Molly Wilgucki and Mo Albana

Following a closing by Upper School Head John Lewis, athletes and their guests headed home in anticipation of an even more successful 2009-2010 sports year at Ranney School.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.