Ranney’s Top Seniors Honored

Ranney School recognized some of its most talented and dedicated seniors during the annual Upper School Honors Convocation on Thursday, May 21 in Panther Hall. Head of School Dr. Lawrence Sykoff along with Upper School Head John Lewis, Assistant Head of Upper School David Fischer and the entire Upper School faculty were on hand to present the senior awards, given to the top students in art history, history, economics, French, Spanish, English, science, computer science, math, performing arts, visual arts, theatre, music and communications.

The ceremony also recognized Ranney’s National Merit Scholarship Commended Students, Semifinalists, and Finalists, as wells as recipients of the AP Scholar Awards, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars Award, Scholar Athlete award, Ranney School Parents’ Association Award and Excellence in Citizenship Awards.

In his welcoming remarks to students and their families, Mr. Lewis told the story of a baby duck recently abandoned on campus and rescued by a very concerned group of students. Mr. Lewis said the story illustrated two things; that as students, they were often like the baby duckling in need of care, and that each of them possesses the ethic of care. “When we care deeply about something, we are motivated to pursue it,” Mr. Lewis said. “One of the most exciting aspects of the next stage of your life—College—is that you have much more flexibility to pursue those things that you care about. Be mindful not to neglect that calling that lies within you to pursue those things that are associated with this ethic of care.”

In addition to recognizing the achievements of Ranney’s seniors, the Honors Convocation ceremony also celebrates the finest qualities of Ranney School, one of which is the close relationship between students and faculty, reflected in the moving remarks given by the faculty about each award recipient.

In closing, Dr. Sykoff paid tribute to the senior’s parents, adding that they deserve their own awards for offering their children unconditional love and support, and providing what he termed, roots and wings. “All of our parents knew enough to nurture children like plants, giving them a strong foundation upon which the natural process of maturation could occur, in an atmosphere of stability and emotional nourishment,” Dr. Sykoff said. “I congratulate all of our parents, as well as the students and faculty in this celebration of achievement.”

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.