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Class of 2017 Celebrated at Eighth Grade Rising Ceremony

On June 11, the students of the Class of 2017 celebrated the completion of Middle School at the Eighth Grade Rising Ceremony held in RSPA Panther Hall. One by one, the 77 students that make up the class processed into the ceremony, while their families, friends, teachers and administrators watched them with pride.

Liam Fitzmaurice led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Leigh Brandt reciting a Native American prayer as the Invocation. Head of the Middle School David Fischer welcomed everyone to this special day for the students, one he predicted they would always remember. As he reminisced about the many things they have experienced together and the memories they have shared, he also expressed how proud he was of the members of the Class of 2017 for their hard work and dedication. “Think about all of the challenges you have overcome—from academics, community service, performing arts, intense athletic practices and Capstone Projects,” he said. “I have been amazed by your growth and maturity over the years.”

The ceremony included several performances, including Christopher Nivera playing “Fantasy in D Minor” by Mozart on the piano and Evan Schultz singing “A Change in Me.”

Head of School Dr. Lawrence Sykoff also spoke, congratulating the soon-to-be freshmen. “The students today are not only well-educated and soon to be in possession of their promotion certificates, but they are infused with idealism, which is by far the greatest takeaway from their middle school education,” he said. “Take that idealism into the upper school and make sure you use it.” After acknowledging the teachers and parents for their encouragement and the students for their many accomplishments this year, Dr. Sykoff advised them to remember the old saying, “Think slightly of yourself and think deeply about the world.”

After Dr. Sykoff’s speech, several awards were presented. The Trustees’ Award for Excellence, which is awarded to three students each year whose academic excellence has distinguished them as Ranney scholars and who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to scholarship, was presented to Jillian Ross, Joseph Mahoney and James Wolfe.

The Tushar Bhatnagar Award was named in remembrance of a former Middle School student. The award is given each year to two eighth-grade students who demonstrate integrity and Tushar’s duel commitment to athletics and academics. This year, the Tushar Bhatnagar Award was presented to Liam Fitzmaurice and Taylor Gill.

The Middle School Leadership Award, given to two members of the eighth-grade class who demonstrate decisive and successful leadership that results in observable achievements and enhances the quality of life at school, was given to James Wolfe and Aidan Denver-Moore.

The Ann Kappel Memorial Award was presented to Max Chalnick, Evan Schultz, Christopher Nivera and Leigh Brandt in honor of former faculty member Ann Kappel. These students demonstrated the same generosity of spirit and thoughtfulness as the beloved teacher. Their devotion to the school and care and concern for fellow students has been instrumental in the building of community at Ranney.

The final award, presented by Dean of Learning Support and Forensics Coach Nancy Wade, was the Middle School Panther Perseverance Award. This award is given each year to students who have met life’s experiences with a positive spirit and good humor, thereby serving as an inspiration to the Ranney community. While facing academic or personal hurdles, they have achieved noteworthy academic improvement and personal growth. These award recipients, deemed as role models for fellow students, were Alanna Boland, Craig Callahan, Leigh Brandt and Anthony Moscato.

Before receiving their individual promotion certificates, James Wolfe, Aidan Denver-Moore and Julianna Pouppard provided reflections on the meanings of Knowledge, Vision and Honor, which make up the school’s motto. Eighth Grade Class Gift Fundraising Co-Chairs Brittany Hofferber and Kyra Conley presented the school with a check for $2,500 to contribute to the Student-to-Student Scholarship Fund. The funds were raised by the class during the course of the school year.

In addition, Student Council President and graduating senior Jordan Hesslein ’13 addressed the Class of 2017, saying “As you embark on this next journey, keep these three things in mind,” he said. “Don’t be afraid of a challenge, get involved in all of the opportunities that are offered to you and finally, get to know your teachers and advisors for they will be your support system over the next four years.”

After the presentation of certificates, Head of Upper School Paul Zanowski welcomed the students to the Upper School and assured them, “The next four years will bring you profound changes and endless opportunities to succeed.”

Eighth-grader Pooja Nayar gave the Benediction before the Class of 2017 processed out of RSPA Panther Hall as Middle School students for the last time.
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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.