Faculty and Staff Celebrate Achievements and Service

Close to 125 Ranney faculty and staff gathered together on Tuesday, June 1 in Panther Hall to pay tribute to those educators who exemplify the best of their profession, as well as celebrate service anniversaries of faculty, staff and administration.

Opening this year’s Faculty and Staff Honors Dinner Celebration was a musical showcase by members of the Lower and Middle School Performing Arts. Along with an excerpt from the Lower School’s dazzling presentation of The King and I, under the direction of music teacher Lilly Torrente, faculty and staff also enjoyed musical selections performed by the Middle School Orchestra led by strings teacher Dr. Dorothy Sobieski.

In her welcoming remarks, Patricia Marshall, Head of Lower School, spoke of the lasting impact teachers have on their students. “Student excellence,” she said, “is dependent on teacher excellence.” She jokingly said in a nod to a familiar song, “You can’t have one without the other.”

Following her address, Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, praised the faculty and staff members who have contributed their time, dedication and commitment to making Ranney School so special. He reflected on the many programs, events and special moments that occur throughout the school year, such as the recent Senior Farewell where “our students realize how much the school has touched their hearts.” He urged the Ranney community to “not forget these touching moments that set us apart from other schools.” As he recalled Ranney’s rich and vibrant history, Dr. Sykoff addressed the many recent initiatives such as Project L.E.A.D., a teacher-driven program that encourages the development of best practices through the sharing of experiences, mentoring, modeling and dialoguing. Also mentioned was the new Strategic Plan that “will help shape and guide us in the next three to five years … and keep us at the forefront in education.”

Following the video presentation, Dr. Sykoff acknowledged those members of the faculty, staff and administration celebrating 10, 15 and 20 year milestones this year. Three new members became Faculty Circle Honorees this year with the inclusion of Lower School teacher Linda Foster and Heather Rudisi, Associate Head for Admissions and Marketing who were both acknowledged for their 25 years of service. Also honored was Aquatics Director and Swim Coach Emmett Walling who celebrates 30 years of service to Ranney this year. To the amusement of those present, video testimonials were shown reflecting on Heather and Emmett’s years of service at Ranney, including photos of their early years at school along with a few humorous moments that focused on their unique personalities and interests.

Following a brief intermission that included coffee and dessert, the evening’s awards began with the presentation of the Carol Ann Presley Memorial Award to Lower School teacher Katie Miller who was recognized for her exceptional excellence in teaching. Adam Materrasso, associate director of the College Office and student activities coordinator, received the Faculty Panther Prize for making a lasting and meaningful impact on the personal and character development of his students, as well as enhancing the reputation and profile of Ranney School in the wider community.

Also, Upper School history teacher Louise Dewar was this year’s recipient of the Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff Faculty Fellowship Award for leading the charge of “Knowledge, Vision and Honor” during the school year.

In the final recognition of the evening, the Head of School Award for Outstanding Leadership was presented to Performing Arts Chair Tess Nielsen and the Ranney School Parents’ Association (RSPA).

Nielsen was lauded for her role in launching the department’s role within the community, as well has encouraging her faculty and students to shine in the spotlight. Sue Grosso, RSPA president, accepted the award on behalf of the RSPA for advancing the school’s mission, providing support for professional development for Ranney faculty, as well as working collaboratively with the school community on a wide variety of special service projects, as well as its largest fundraising event, the Panther Ball. Because of RSPA’s exceptional efforts, this year’s Panther Ball raised approximately $400,000, thus fulfilling its large capital campaign commitment, which funded the construction of RSPA Panther Hall.

Click here to view the Faculty Awards page.

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