In continuing Ranney’s longstanding tradition of honoring those students who demonstrate characteristics of scholarship and leadership, the Middle School hosted its 8th annual Junior Tri-M Music Honor Society® Induction and Awards Ceremony on the morning of Tuesday, May 8, 2012.
As the only honor society offered to Middle School students, Jr. Tri-M® recognizes those individuals — grades six through eight — who possess qualities of leadership, service and, most importantly, musicianship. A former trumpet player and previous chorus member, as well as current guitarist himself, Head of the Middle School David Fischer noted the importance of identifying one’s passions and actively pursuing them. “There is something special about the pursuit of musicianship,” said Mr. Fischer.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by chapter president Ruchi Raval '16 and an address from Chapter 4410 officers Sana Zaidi ’16, Nikhil Lakhani ’16 and Shruthi Vaidyaselvan ’16, who briefly explained the meaning of the three M’s in “Tri-M:” modern, music and master, Middle School Dean of Students David Ketcham then introduced the society’s nine new student-members, selected for their scholarship, character and participation in the division’s orchestra, chorus or band programs. After receiving certificates and pins signifying their acceptance into Jr. Tri-M®, the society’s new inductees were then congratulated by officers Tessa Payer ’16 and Kyra Citron ’16, who read a message from the Tri-M Music Honor Society® National staff.
Next, Middle School band director Kevin Cotter welcomed the ceremony’s 28 continuing members, whose actions strongly support the ideals and aspirations of Jr. Tri-M®. There to speak on behalf of 15 continuing members with two consecutive years of service to the society were Pooja Nayyar ’17 and Jerome Cohen ’16. While each touched on various community service projects completed this school year, Jerome admitted that some of his greatest Middle School memories have stemmed from Jr. Tri-M® projects with his peers. Regardless of whether it was shopping for “Toys for Tots” or decorating the Dining Hall before a “Blackout Dance,” the tasks that Jerome performed with help from his classmates have positively impacted his Middle School experience.
Before inducting 13 continuing members with three years of service, who truly demonstrate what it means to be a master musician, orchestra director Dorothy Sobieski, D.M.A., first called on members Sophia Jackman’16 and Karl Brand ’16 to share with the audience what inclusion in Jr. Tri-M® has meant to them. While according to Sophia, Tri-M® signifies a dedication to music and celebrating a love for making music, it is Karl’s belief that membership in Tri-M® provides all inductees with a motivation for keeping up with art, grades and honor. “These kids remind us why values like balance, contribution and commitment are so important,” said Mr. Ketcham in his closing remarks.
After reciting the Jr. Tri-M Honor Society® pledge of membership as led by public relations officer Megan Singh ’16, several students then received recognition through awards given by chapter advisor Lilly Torrente. One award for outstanding service, which distinguishes those who willingly work to help others, was presented to the following eight members: Jerome Cohen, Sophia Jackman, Sallie Haas ’16, Nikhil Lakhani, Tessa Payer, Ruchi Raval, Megan Singh and Sana Zaidi. Meanwhile, a leadership award was bestowed upon Ruchi Raval, who was selected in honor of her hard work, dedication and forward thinking. As Jr. Tri-M® president, “Ruchi paves the way for national recognition,” said Mrs. Torrente.
The morning’s ceremony concluded with a performance from Ranney’s Middle School Chorus, which sang Greg Gilpin’s Why We Sing, while accompanied by Sarah Killian ’18 on piano. In addition, on behalf of the entire society and its members, Sana Zaidi, Ruchi Raval and Audra Smires ’16 thanked Mrs. Torrente for being the driving force behind all Tri-M® activities. “She is someone we all look up to as a great teacher, gifted musician and selfless person,” they said.
To view the morning’s program and a full list of inductees, please click
here.