Convocation Honors Outstanding Seniors

Outstanding members of this year’s Class of 2010 were recently honored at the annual Honors Convocation on Friday, May 14. Held in Panther Hall, this year’s exceptional seniors were presented awards by Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, John Lewis, Head of Upper School, members of Ranney’s Upper School faculty and administration.

Graduating seniors who demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and service to the community were honored in the areas of history, art history, economics, English, science, computer science, mathematics, French, Spanish, Chinese, music, theatre and the visual arts.

Among the special awards presented during the two-hour ceremony were the Ram Sheila Bharara Communications Award, AP Scholar Awards, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar Award, Ranney School Parents’ Association (RSPA) Award, Excellence in Citizenship Awards.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Sykoff acknowledged that the Honors Convocation is a celebration of not only “the high expectations of our students but also our school’s values.” Praising this year’s graduates for their hard work, he told members of the senior class, “you are perfect examples of persistence and deliberate practice.”

Special commendations were also presented to two students - Christopher Tomasetta and Diane Scavelli. Tomasetta, a Coca-Cola Scholar, was recognized by the Coca-Cola Foundation for his outstanding leadership, academic achievement and community involvement. The award, which also recognizes ‘the teacher behind the student’ acknowledged the powerful impact of Ranney teacher Linda Abrams. Said Tomasetta, “Mrs. Abrams has had a very positive influence on me. She is a teacher who taught us how to think.” Tomasetta also received the Presidential Spirit of Community Award from Prudential Financial for his outstanding volunteer service. Diane Scavelli was also honored by the American Red Cross as the Youth Volunteer of the Year for making a difference in people’s lives and for her outstanding community service.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Sykoff told those in attendance he was “humbled by the diversity of talent” among this year’s graduates. He also expressed his gratitude to Ranney teachers for their exemplary contributions as educators. “Today’s ceremony,” he said, “would not be possible without our faculty.”

Dr. Sykoff also acknowledged the many years of service John Lewis has given to Ranney as Head of Upper School. Lewis, who will leave Ranney next month to become Headmaster of the Gunston Day School in Maryland, was commended by Dr. Sykoff for his many contributions.

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