Ranney Bids a Warm Farewell to Class of 2010

Ranney parents, teachers and administrators gathered together on Wednesday, June 9 to not only celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates but also bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2010.

RSPA Panther Hall was the familiar yet intimate setting for this year’s Senior Farewell Celebration - an evening punctuated by tradition, warm reflection, and good humor.

Head of School John Lewis welcomed 275 guests at this year‘s celebration that began with the presentation of the Class Gift. Senior Class President Christopher Tomasetta presented a check for $6,083.07 for the Student-to-Student Scholarship to Heather Rudisi, Associate Head for Admissions and Marketing that, she said, “will assist families in our community to share in an exceptional educational experience.”

Graduating seniors Mary Breton and Stephen D’Onofrio also presented another gift to Ranney and Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff - the Class Shield. “This shield will help everyone remember the Class of 2010, as well as also help us celebrate the year 2010 which is a milestone in Ranney’s history,” said Breton. The shield,” explained D’Onofrio, “is a photo montage of both archival and current photos that reflect the history of our school.”

Following the presentation of the Class Shield, Dr. Skykoff addressed this year’s faculty and student lifers. He acknowledged those teachers who were recently honored at this year’s Faculty and Staff Honors Dinner and Celebration, as well as student lifers who represent 39% of the Class of 2010. “Collectively,” he said, “they have spent over 302 years of their life at Ranney School. “

Dr. Sykoff also welcomed several Ranney teachers to the Roberts Stage to share their vivid memories of this year’s lifers as young students and who they have become today. Amid much joy, fond memories and some tears, the strong bonds between Ranney students and their teachers was evident, as well as emotional. “These are electrifying experiences - the kinds of experiences you can’t find in a catalog,” concluded Dr. Sykoff.

Also on hand to celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduate was RSPA President Sue Grosso who, on behalf of the RSPA, presented them with personalized note cards adorned with their name and the name of their university. She urged students to make sure to write to their parents while they were away at college.

Russell Gartz, Director of Institutional Advancement at Ranney, also offered his congratulations to the Class of 2010. As he welcomed them to the Ranney alumni club, he reminded them “you are always welcome back home. “ Ranney parent Dr. David Lessing spoke to fellow parents and implored them to donate the financial bond they made on behalf of their child back to Ranney and “have a seat named for your child in Panther Hall.“

In the final presentation of the evening, Dr. Sykoff presented each senior with a special basket of gifts that included the coveted lifer t-shirt, among other items. He then called up several faculty advisors who spoke poignantly about their advisees and their experiences as Ranney.students.

Highlighting this year’s program was the presentation of the Senior Farewell Video, a warm retrospective of this year’s graduating seniors, in addition to several humorous skits that affectionately poked fun at both students and faculty. Senior Kara Santora had guests in stitches with her spot-on imitations of Ranney faculty, while Adam Materasso, Associate Director of College Guidance and Student Activities Director, and Upper School teachers Linda Abrams and Veronica Warren were a unique triumvirate of comedic talents as they presented a lively and entertaining skit about this year’s graduating class.

Amid much laughter, pride and reflection, this year’s Senior Farewell was an evening of celebration and great joy!

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