Crossing The Lawn Celebrates Students’ Achievements

Sixty-three fifth graders solemnly entered Panther Hall and within a few hours had successfully and jubilantly made the formal transition from Lower to Middle School to begin the next chapter of their academic journey here at Ranney.

So it was for the Class of 2017 during the school’s annual Crossing the Lawn ceremony held on Thursday, June 3.

The day began with an informal breakfast in RSPA Panther Gallery. On hand to salute this year’s graduating class for their achievements were close to 350 family, friends and members of the Ranney community.

Fifth graders Victor Chu and Alexander Short opened this year’s program by welcoming everyone as they led them in the pledge of allegiance.

Head of Lower School Patricia Marshall congratulated this year’s graduating class with a rousing and familiar cheer – “You made it.” She reflected on what a remarkable journey it has been for each student and what it took to reach this moment. “The Class of 2017,“ she said, “is not only bright and talented but they also have an entrepreneurial spirit,” as evidenced by the many initiatives they have undertaken that have benefited countless organizations such as the ASPCA, American Red Cross (Haitian Relief Efforts), Trinity Episcopal Church Holiday Gift Drive, among others. In her concluding remarks, she said crossing the lawn “is about being proud of yourself, your friends, and your families who have joined you in celebrating this moment.”

Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff began his address by welcoming the many parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles of this year’s graduates. As he congratulated the Class of 2017 for reaching this academic milestone, he asked those in attendance to “look at these young children and you will know that the future is as bright as ever.” “In their eyes,” he said, “we see possibility and in their hearts we know there are dreams to be fulfilled." Because of them, he added, we know that “the future is bursting with potential and promise.” He offered his deep gratitude to Mrs. Marshall and Laura Gillroy, Assistant Head of Lower School, and the fifth grade teaching team, for their leadership and dedication. “It takes a whole village to guide children, including parents.”

In his address to students, Dr. Sykoff read from an ancient Indian story entitled The Lion Makers that was specifically written for children of royalty so they would learn to grow up and lead like their parents. The moral of the story, said Dr. Sykoff, is that really intelligent people listen carefully to others to become more intelligent and that genuine intelligence also includes “good old-fashioned common sense.” “Never look down on those who appear less scholarly or different,” he added, “because everyone has something important to offer.” He implored students to “appreciate the unique talent in one other,” adding that to be a great Ranney student requires both scholarship and character. He also challenged students to become more intelligent this summer and get “lots of common sense.” “You can do this,” he added, "by thinking about what your teachers taught you this year and what your parents tell you each and every day.”

This year’s ceremony also included the Class of 2017 performing a moving rendition of the song “We Are the World” for their parents, followed by the ever-popular fifth grade video. A time-honored Ranney tradition, the video is a poignant compilation of family and school photos capturing fifth graders and their journey from infancy to the present.

As the Class of 2017 officially said goodbye to the Lower School, they received a warm and heartfelt welcome from David Fischer, Head of Middle School, who commended them for their “years of dedication and hard work that have brought them to this position.” “You are,” he said, “the future of the Middle School.”

The promotion ceremony concluded with the fifth grade class joining together for another rousing performance - “Do I Make You Proud” by Taylor Hicks.

Finally, it was time for fifth graders to officially cross the lawn and make their way to Middle School to assemble on the Ranney crescent for pictures and light refreshments. The moment had arrived. The Class of 2017 had successfully graduated from Lower to Middle School.

Congratulations to this year’s graduates!

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