Ranney Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary With ‘Golden Gala’

More than 400 family and friends of the Ranney School community came out to celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary at the RSPA Panther Ball on Saturday, May 1.

The annual gala is the RSPA’s signature fundraising event of the year and benefits a multitude of educational programs for Ranney students.

The black-tie affair, which was held at Addison Park in Aberdeen, NJ, included entertainment by popular Monmouth County musician and restaurateur Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, as well as silent and live auctions. Melissa Stevenson chaired and Alicia Knoop co-chaired this year’s event, and Sue Grosso and Mimi Keenan served as the committee’s liaison to the RSPA.

Guests enjoyed a regal and ‘golden’ evening that included a lively cocktail hour, followed by an elegant dinner and dancing. In anticipation of Ranney School’s milestone, students from all three divisions prepared specially designed crafts and other unique items for this year’s silent auction. From memory boxes and a rocking chair adorned with names, fingerprints and hand prints from Ranney’s youngest Panthers, three-year-old ‘Beginners,’ to photo collages and a hand painted bookcase, there was something for everyone at this year’s celebration.

The evening’s live auction was a resounding success as guests had the opportunity to bid on a wide variety of items that included a deluxe New York City package replete with dinner, a Broadway show, and a helicopter ride around Manhattan, as well as a wine-tasting tour of Monmouth County and week-long trip to Cabo San Lucas, just to name a few. Also among the items offered was the chance to become Ranney “Headmaster for the Day.”

In a celebratory toast, Dr. Daniel Goldberg, president of Ranney’s Board of Trustees, paid tribute to all the teachers, parents, administrators and trustees who have given so generously of themselves Because of them, he added, “the foundation for our cherished traditions remains strong. May we continue to work together to ensure that the future for Ranney children is brimming with boundless opportunity, peace and goodwill.”

Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff thanked the RSPA for its ongoing support of Ranney, as well as the Board of Trustees for its vision and leadership. He also acknowledged Ranney parents for supporting the school’s mission and values. Said Dr. Sykoff, “It has been a great year marked by robust enrollment, exemplary teachers, and outstanding student achievement. Because of the extraordinary partnership with our parents, our future looks as bright and as strong as ever.”

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