Alumni Weekend a Resounding Success

For many alumni who attended Ranney School’s Spring Alumni Weekend, it was the chance to catch up with familiar friends, share school memories, update their former classmates on their busy lives, and reconnect with former teachers who made an important and lasting impact in their young lives. For the Class of 1988 and other alumni, it was also an opportunity to pay tribute to a former alumna who left rich and lasting memories among those who had the good fortune to know her.

For everyone who took part in Ranney’s Spring Alumni Weekend on May 21 and 22, they had a chance to do both as they made their way back ‘home’ and the Ranney community.

Alumni Spring Weekend Begins at The Downtown in Red Bank

On Friday, May 21, alumni gathered together in a relaxed and informal setting at The Downtown in Red Bank as part of their annual spring reception. Over the course of the evening, alumni traded stories about their days at Ranney, their college experiences and their lives today. Judging by the various comments heard by several alumni, the evening was a resounding success. Jay Connelly ’84 said it was an “excellent night” and McKenna Kingdon ’90 echoed his sentiments, adding, “I had a great time and laughed all night.”

In addition to exchanging personal updates on families and friends, the night was also an opportunity for alumni to network and forge professional partnerships. For Alumni Council member Sarah Widman, she had the opportunity to not only “look forward to Ranney events but to also catch up with old friends” and build relationships that will help her in her field.

This year also saw alumni taking part in the weekend festivities like Holly Annarella Flego and Phil Pollack ’84 and McKenna Kingdon and Kerrin Rosenthal ’90 who came back to reminisce about their Ranney years and see familiar faces for the very first time. With more than 65 alumni, faculty and friends in attendance, Ranney Pride was clearly in abundance throughout the night. The Classes of 2004 and 2005 had the best showing of school pride with more than 10% of their class on hand.

Along with countless alums, the evening also included several Ranney faculty members, among them Dr. Noel Delgado, Cathy and Rich Piccirillo, Tom Moriau, Barbara Bongiovani, Myra Simpson, Anna Lazic and Emmett Walling. Walling, a 30-year Ranney veteran teacher, was among several Ranney faculty, along with John Jaravata, Lindsey Minerva and Alex Solani, who were also recognized for their induction in this year’s Panther Athletics Hall of Fame, which took place on May 27 during the Sports Convocation in Panther Hall. Also in attendance at the Red Bank event was Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff who enjoyed reconnecting with former students. “Although they have graduated, our alumni are, and will continue to be, valued and important members of our Ranney family,” he said.

Russell Gartz, Ranney School’s Director of Advancement, marveled at this year’s alumni turnout. “The response of our alumni this evening is truly encouraging. We are working diligently to continue to increase and improve our alumni participation and support. We recognize and value the outstanding contributions of our alumni and look forward to a long and promising partnership with them in the years ahead.”

This year’s event, said Gartz, was made possible through the ongoing efforts of members of the Ranney Alumni Council, a group of alumni leaders who help guide events, participation and alumni support with their time and commitment. Says Gartz, “As our alumni support continues to grow, this council will grow into an alumni association with its own by laws and leadership.” The Alumni Council welcomes new members and individuals interested in joining the Council may contact Russell Gartz at Rgartz@ranneyschool.org.

Center Court Dedicated to Alumna Eugenie B. Edwards

The following day, members of the Class of 1988, along with other alumni came back to the Ranney campus to pay tribute to the memory of alumna Eugenie B. Edwards ’88, one of Ranney’s most outstanding female tennis players. Upon her death in March, 1997, the Ranney community created a scholarship in her name.

In a moving and poignant ceremony, the center court of the Kelly Tennis Center was dedicated in Genie’s memory with her mother and step-mother proudly joining countless Ranney faculty and friends looking on. The morning program also included several of Genie’s former classmates, among them Heather Daesener Cadranell, Frank Austin, Paul Stonick and Jodi Armstrong Turko. Pat Kurdyla, a member of Ranney’s Board of Trustees, along with her husband Ted, also attended since Pat’s daughter Amy was a dear friend of Genie.

Also present at the May 22 program was Lauren Betesh, who spoke at the dedication and was the first recipient of The Eugenie B. Edwards Spirit of Tennis Scholarship. Although she never met Genie, she thanked Genie and her family for leaving Ranney with a wonderful memory, and for being such an exemplary role model and source of inspiration. “Being the first Genie Edwards Scholarship recipient means a lot to me,” said Lauren. “I respect her qualities and her outlook on life very much, and I can only hope to be like her.” Now, another fitting memorial carries Genie’s name – center court of the Kelly Tennis Center.

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