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Incoming Freshman Nicole Vaiani ’16 Promises to Fill the Void Left by Senior Fencers

While the Athletic Department will say a bittersweet farewell to one of its most successful varsity fencers — Thomas Hearne ’12 (Holmdel) — this spring, it eagerly welcomes the addition of a new teammate — Nicole Vaiani ’16 (Wall) — to its fencing program this fall. Both members at the Atlantic Fencing Academy, Tom and Nicole were recently given the NJ Cup, an award granted to that fencer with the top six finishers in his or her division throughout one season of Senior Open competitions.
While the Athletic Department will say a bittersweet farewell to one of its most successful varsity fencers — Thomas Hearne ’12 (Holmdel) — this spring, it eagerly welcomes the addition of a new teammate — Nicole Vaiani ’16 (Wall) — to its fencing program this fall.

Both members at the Atlantic Fencing Academy, Tom and Nicole were recently given the NJ Cup, an award granted to that fencer with the top six finishers in his or her division throughout one season of Senior Open competitions. Sponsored by the New Jersey Division of the US Fencing Association (USFA) and open to all fencers ages 13 and up, points earned to receive an NJ Cup vary based on the number of rated fencers a competitor can beat. For instance, while one receives seven points for defeating an A-rated fencer, he or she will earn six points for securing victory over a B-rated opponent.

Although defending a slim lead for gold at his last competition of the Senior Open on Sunday, May 27, Ranney’s varsity fencing co-captain and NJSIAA Bollinger District #2 Epee Champion Thomas Hearne confidently entered the Senior Men’s Epee Division, where he tied for first. In Nicole Vaiani’s first full year competing in the Senior Women’s Foil Division, she too placed first. Each will receive engraved crystal obelisks during a special presentation ceremony at the next Board Meeting of the NJ Division of the USFA, along with a small stipend to help defray costs of attending the Summer National Championships in Anaheim, California beginning this June.

As they diligently prepare for Summer Nationals, Thomas appears at the top of a list of 207 Senior Men Epeeists, and Nicole ranks among the top 83 Senior Women Foil duelists set to compete. While this tournament marks Tom’s final event before heading off to fence for Brandeis this fall, the upcoming school year signifies the very beginning of a successful fencing career for Nicole, who — although with big shoes to fill — will undoubtedly represent the Panthers with Knowledge, Vision and Honor. “We trust that Nicole will carry the Ranney torch and ‘sword’ in the future,” said Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff Ed.D. “With her skill, we will not only sustain our winning ways, but will also inspire many younger students to take up this great sport.”
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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.