Volunteers Honored at Annual Breakfast

“The importance of giving” was the theme of this year’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on Tuesday, May 4. Ranney honored more than 40 volunteers for their selfless contributions to the Ranney community and beyond at a breakfast ceremony held in Panther Hall.

The annual event is Ranney School’s way of formally thanking each volunteer who has contributed their time, talent and energy to various fundraising and school activities throughout the year.

This year’s program began with a special musical presentation by the Lower School Strings Ensemble performing works by Handel, as well as Beethoven, under the direction of Ranney music teacher Dr. Dorothy Sobieski. Tracy Mutchiga, Associate Director for Special Events, provided welcoming remarks and thanked volunteers for their ongoing contributions and service.

Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff also expressed his words of gratitude to the many parents who have tirelessly given their time and energy to Ranney School. He acknowledged that a great school is one that has a great partnership with parents, adding that Ranney’s success is the result of such a successful partnership. He praised Ranney parents and other family members for their unwavering support of the Ranney mission – to provide a quality education that is going to make a difference in a child’s life- and thanked them for being such “an integral part of the life of our school.”

Also on hand to address “the importance of giving” was special guest Tim McLoone, Founder and President of Holiday Express, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing much needed support and entertainment throughout the year to those less fortunate. Described by Dr. Sykoff as a “true humanitarian” who understands the meaning of giving back, McLoone spoke about his work with Holiday Express and its early beginnings. “Holiday Express began with my parents who always demonstrated their generosity,” he said. During a difficult time in his personal life, McLoone visited individuals in need and quickly realized that offering support to them, “wasn’t something I chose to do, it was something I had to do.” He spoke poignantly about the countless thousands of poor, ill and disabled individuals he has encountered through his work with Holiday Express. Despite the “startling depths of need” he still sees today, McLoone is grateful for the opportunity and honor “to be allowed into people’s lives.” In his concluding remarks, he also expressed his appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Ranney community for their continued support of the Holiday Express mission.

Russell Gartz, Director of Institutional Advancement at Ranney, also commended this year’s volunteers for their faithful service. “Thank you for continuing to maintain the vitality of our community and for enriching the lives of others through your work,” he said. Adding volunteerism is deeply rooted in the Ranney culture, Gartz thanked parents for continuing the important tradition of volunteerism. “Your volunteer example will encourage new volunteers in the future.”

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