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Faculty and Staff Honored at Awards Dinner

Ranney’s faculty, staff and administration joined together in celebration on June 6 for the Faculty and Staff Honors Dinner in RSPA Panther Hall. The evening consisted of milestone recognitions, high achievements and acknowledgement of the continued efforts by a dedicated staff to advance the school’s mission–promise that every child will be known and valued.

The evening started with a performance by junior Sabrina Palazzolo, who sang one of her original songs, “You’re The One” while playing the guitar. Following her performance, Associate Head for Academic Administration and Head of Lower School Patricia Marshall welcomed everyone and recognized faculty mentors, farewells, celebrations and appreciations.

This year, eight distinguished members of the faculty, staff and administration were recognized as “Faculty Lifers,” which means they have served Ranney for 10 years. Three additional faculty members qualified for the “Faculty Circle” for 15 years or service, one for 20 years and two for 25+ years. Mrs. Marshall, along with Head of Middle School David Fischer and other faculty members, also acknowledged and shared heartfelt appreciations for Middle School Dean of Learning Support and Forensics Coach Mrs. Nancy Wade and Pre-Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Mary Puorro, both of whom will be retiring at the end of this school year. One of Mrs. Wade’s forensics students, freshman Karl Brand, then took the stage to perform one of his award-winning forensics pieces.

Next, major awards were presented in recognition of those faculty members who portray excellence in teaching and empathy toward others; embody the values of Knowledge, Vision, Honor; and demonstrate the qualities of a true leader and value the school’s mission–promise. The Blue Ribbon Award was also presented this year for the first time after being established in 2012, to one or more faculty members who demonstrate a visionary approach to teaching. (See the list of award recipients below.)

During the second portion of the event, Mrs. Marshall recognized Dr. Sykoff for his 20 years of service to Ranney School. Several members of the faculty joined her at the podium to share their personal reflections and fond memories. Aquatics Director Emmett Walling, Director of Athletics Tom Moriau and Lower School faculty members Connie Congemi, Doreen Fowlkes and Jeanette Cordero, along with Mr. Fischer and Head of Upper School Paul Zanowski, commended Dr. Sykoff for his dedication, enthusiasm and of course, his vision that has transformed Ranney into the premier school it is today.

Before Anthony Dennis ’14 performed his unique rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” on the violin, accompanied by Ilayda Takil ’15 on the piano, for the final student performance of the evening, Dr. Sykoff spoke about the year’s events and thanked everyone for their contributions. “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “I loved my entire time at this great school, and the friendships I have made that will last forever.” He continued to explain in detail his journey and what he has learned from being Head of School at Ranney. In closing, he asked for one last thing: “Continue to nurture this great school with imagination, endless love and dedication. In doing so, you will keep alive your own dreams and the dreams of our students.”

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Carol Ann Presley Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching

Joan Fernandez

The Faculty Panther Prize

Meg Moruzzi

Lawrence S. Sykoff Faculty Fellowship Award

Connie Congemi

Head of School Award for Outstanding Leadership

Ranney School Parents’ Association (RSPA) Executive Board

Daniel B. Goldberg, M.D. Mission-Promise Award

Lillianne Torrente

Blue Ribbon Award

Barbara Levine
Tom Allen

Faculty Lifers and Faculty Circle- 2013 Honorees

10 Years

Daniel Cushing
Susan Freedman
Barbara Levine
Wendy Martinez
Adam Materasso
Tracy Mutchiga
Dennis Myers
Rita Silverio

15 Years
Lorraine Benditt
Connie Congemi
Jennifer McDermott

20 Years
Dr. Lawrence Sykoff

25+ Years
Doreen Fowlkes
Tom Moriau
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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.