Student Athletes Honored At Upper School Athletics Convocation

The Upper School held its annual Athletic Awards Convocation on Thursday, May 27 in RSPA Panther Hall following induction ceremonies honoring new members into Ranney’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

This year’s Athletic Awards program recognized outstanding student athletes in nine separate award categories. Christopher Tomasetta received one of the highest honors the athletic department can give to a student-athlete- the 2010 NJISAA Scholar-Athlete Award. Tomasetta was one of 32 nominees from numerous independent schools selected for this prestigious honor and is also the fourth Ranney student to win this award. Considered a role model by students, teachers and administrators, Tomasetta is a member of numerous honor societies.

Tomasetta also received the 2010 Headmaster Senior Award, along with Veronica Maccia. A competitive three-sport varsity athlete, Maccia will continue her love of sports, in particular, lacrosse, as she takes the field as a NCAA Division III lacrosse player at Muhlenberg College next year. Tomasetta, who has earned twelve varsity letters, is on his way to Stanford University in the fall.

Also receiving awards that evening were Jeremy Lessing and Krista Irons who were named Golden “R” Prize recipients for best demonstrating qualities of leadership. Alexis Wyckoff and Josh Penn were presented with the Junior Coaches Cup Award for their sportsmanship, leadership and self-discipline throughout their junior years.

Laura Church was named this year’s Eugenie B. Edwards Spirit of Tennis Scholarship recipient. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating female senior who best exhibits qualities of sportsmanship, team spirit and enthusiasm towards tennis and Ranney School. It is given in memory of Genie Edwards ’88, who demonstrated these qualities as a member and co-captain of the Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team.

Student athletes from each of the four Upper School classes received the Panther Pride Dedication & Commitment Award. They were Ashleigh Shah, Melissa Cantave, Jacqueline Korey, and John Zipp.

Eric Hurd was this year’s recipient of the Blue & White Leadership Award that is presented to a senior athlete who has demonstrated leadership throughout his athletic career at Ranney.

Eight Ranney students each received the Athletic Director Award. Presented to a male and female student from each of the four Upper School grade levels who was named “Athlete of the Year” by the coaching staff, this year’s recipients included Taryn Pontolillo, Matt Haines, Alexis Wyckoff, Kyle Reid, Natalie Cantave, Anthony Papetti, Madison Price and Erika Serhus.

Taylor Swanner and Pat Fermo received the 2010 Athlete of the Year Award that is presented to one male and one female athlete for excelling in two or more Varsity sports throughout the year.

In addition to award presentations, the program also included a video of “The Year in Review” by Dr. Noel Delgado, as well as a closing reflection on “The Ranney Athletic Experience” by senior Taylor Swanner.

Congratulations to all this year’s student athletes!

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