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"Crossing the Lawn" Presents New Opportunities to Class of 2019

An annual tradition at Ranney, the Lower School’s fifth grade class celebrated its transition to the Middle School division with a “Crossing the Lawn” ceremony on Friday, June 8, 2012.

Before making their symbolic passage across the lawn — a journey that begins in Ranney’s Lower School and ends at the Crescent each spring — the graduates first participated in a Hawaiian Luau held in the Commons on June 7. Organized by several parent-volunteers and faculty members, this year’s time-honored Luau included food, fun, dancing and games amidst brightly colored flowers and grass overhangs.

The following morning, the students once again gathered in the Commons, where they joined family and friends for an informal breakfast. The group then proceeded to RSPA Panther Hall for a “Crossing the Lawn” ceremony, which recognized the hard work and achievements of those 64 Lower School students from the Class of 2019. In his welcoming address, Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D. described the qualities that make this year’s fifth grade class so special. Of those characteristics mentioned, the two most important — in Dr. Sykoff’s eyes — were compassion and character. After sharing the story of a boy who discovers the true joy that comes from helping others, Dr. Sykoff then added that, like the boy in his story, each student representing the Class of 2019 is a special person with an abundance of goodness and character. “What makes you shine is the goodness in your hearts and the empathy you all have for others, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” he said.

While those faculty and administrators within the Lower School see “Crossing the Lawn” as a bittersweet transition — a time in which to say farewell to a fifth grade class that carries with it so many fond memories and smiling faces — they also recognize this event as monumental in the lives of Ranney's soon-to-be sixth graders. According to Head of the Lower School and Head for Academic Administration Patricia Marshall, “Crossing the Lawn” begins a new era of independence, evoking an excitement for the privileges that lie ahead in Middle School. “Take time to find your way, stay loyal to your hopes and dreams and find purpose in what you choose to explore, and Middle School will offer you many opportunities in return,” said Mrs. Marshall.

After discovering the unique interests and talents had by each graduating student through a video directed by one parent, Kulbir Anand (mother to Anmol ’19 and Amar Anand ’21), the Class of 2019 then received some very special advice from Ranney’s President Elect of the Student Council Jordan Hesslein ’13 and Vice President Elect of the Student Council Steven Parlamas ’14. According to Jordan, “Crossing the Lawn” signifies more than just a change in surroundings and new teachers. “It’s a time to use what you learned in Lower School…a time to discover what makes you, you,” said Jordan. “Be smart, act honorably, find your passions, and run with them.”

With that, Steven also challenged each graduate: “get involved and overwhelm yourself with opportunities.”

Although true that the Middle School division will lose an exceptional group of eighth grade students to the Upper School this spring, Head of the Middle School David Fischer noted that those incoming sixth graders certainly have what it takes to make this upcoming school year just as, if not more successful, than the last. In an effort to steer them in the right direction as they “Cross the Lawn” to Middle School, Mr. Fischer gave the following advice: “Try hard, be who you are, ask lots of questions, be nice to people, be active, try new things, make new friends, think ahead, and work ahead.”

Mr. Fischer also offered his sincere congratulations. “I find it a true honor to be in the presence of such a fine group of academic scholars, talented athletes and community leaders, and could not be more pleased that you will represent the future of the Ranney Middle School,” he said.

After performing the song “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars, the fifth grade class began its trek across the Great Lawn. Carrying several parting gifts including a Ranney laptop case, compliments of the RSPA, and school t-shirt, the Class of 2019 officially completed its transition to the Middle School by “Crossing the Lawn” lined with fellow classmates, family members, faculty and friends. A great way to not only look back at where their journey as Panthers first began, but to also confidently move forward through the next chapter of their academic careers, the procession ended with a class photo at the Crescent.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates!
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society. 

We envision Ranney School as a nurturing learning community, in which families, faculty, alumni, and all of Ranney’s constituents collaborate to know and value every child, foster individual talents, sustain powerful connections between children and adults, and graduate resilient, globally-minded citizens.