Ranney Students Heed National Call to Service Year-Round

Now that the holidays are over, many individuals and organizations in need of support and assistance will be on their own until the next holiday season. Unfortunately, for many charities in need, this year promises to be a difficult one as the impact of the economy, after-holiday drop-off and recent devastation in Haiti will significantly reduce much needed giving and support.

At Ranney School, community service is a year-round commitment and institutional philosophy that embodies the true spirit and character of our students and campus community.

In addition to providing our students with a strong academic foundation, a strong commitment and dedication to helping others is instilled in Ranney students at an early age. It is this core belief that is at the heart of our institutional mission – a belief that has a longstanding and significant impact on how our students grow and develop as future leaders in our society. As Ranney celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we believe it is more important than ever to impart this philosophy to our students so that they may continue the Ranney tradition of service to future generations.

As in previous years, Ranney students opened their hearts this holiday season and selflessly donated their time and support to a wide variety of community service projects benefiting numerous organizations within the Monmouth County area. The spirit of giving was evident throughout all three of our academic divisions. Whether it was our Lower School students making holiday cards for patients in local hospitals, our Middle School Students collecting canned goods and raising funds to purchase turkeys for Lunch Break in Red Bank, or our Upper School students sponsoring a canned food drive to benefit the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties, Ranney students mobilized their hearts and energy to help those less fortunate.

As a nation we are all asked to heed the “call to service” by participating in as many service projects as possible, finding meaning in something greater than ourselves.  Ranney students not only ‘stepped up to the plate’ this holiday season but continued to heed the “call to service” year-round. Last October, our Upper School students participated in the annual Red Bank Crop Walk, which supports 15 local programs to alleviate hunger, as well as global programs in over 80 countries worldwide. That same month, they participated in the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Point Pleasant Beach. Last fall, Upper Schoolers traveled to Villanova University, PA, serving as volunteers at the Special Olympics Fall Festival. Collectively, Ranney students collaborated on two major community service projects involving Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park – where Ranney School began 50 years ago – and Holiday Express, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to the underprivileged, disabled and ill.

Most recently, our students responded to the relief effort in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti. From bake sales in our Lower School to dress down day fundraisers in our Middle and Upper Schools, our students were ready, willing and able to do their part in assisting organizations such as the American Red Cross in their relief efforts.

As Head of School, I am gratified to know that from the moment Ranney students enter our doors, they are encouraged to explore and find meaning in something greater than themselves. It is my sincerest wish that every school heed this national call to service year-round. In doing so, we can instill in our next generation of leaders an important and valuable message of community and hope.

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

Click here to read this article as it appeared in the Editorial and Commentary section of the February 12-19, 2010 issue of the Two River Times.