Ranney Celebrates 45th Annual Commencement

Ranney School held its 45th annual commencement exercises on Thursday, June 11, awarding diplomas to our 58 graduating seniors, many of whom began their academic careers here at Ranney when they were just three-years-old. More than 500 proud faculty, family and friends gathered in Monmouth University’s Pollak Hall to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2009, and to bid a fond farewell to the graduates as they head off to some of the nation’s finest colleges and universities.
 
Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff opened the ceremony with an exuberant call for celebration. “Today, we reflect on the achievements, as well as the great promise and potential, of these 58 rising stars. Together, they represent an exquisite union of knowledge, vision and honor. The Class of 2009 has earned this magnificent tribute, which marks, not an ending, but the unfolding of a new chapter in their lives.”

As has been our school’s tradition for nearly 50 years, the graduating girls processed onto the stage wearing long white gowns and carrying bouquets of long-stemmed red roses, while the young men wore formal suits and ties. Dr. Daniel Goldberg, President of the Board of Trustees, told the gathering that tradition and community are the heart and soul of Ranney. “As we prepare to celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a school, there is no greater testament to the strength and endurance of Ranney School, than the multiple generations of families it continues to serve today,” Dr. Goldberg said, pointing to the large number of alumni families present at the ceremony.

Building on this theme of family, Emily Knopf Kuskin, Ranney Class of 2001, delivered the commencement address, recalling many of her own special memories as a Ranney student. Mrs. Knopf Kuskin, whose brother was about to become the fourth member of her immediate family to graduate Ranney School, and whose husband is an alumni of the Class of 2000, cautioned the new graduates to savor their upcoming college years. “Trust me, if you thought high school went by quickly, you can’t imagine how fast the next four years of your lives will go by!”

Following remarks by the class salutatorian, Katherine Adams, and valedictorian, Christina Henricks, members of the faculty, administration and Board of Trustees presented nine students with graduation awards, including:

The Headmaster’s Cup – Katherine Adams
The Ranney School Leadership Award – Jill Giunco
The Faculty Prize – Christina Henricks and Paul Allegra
The Ann Kappel Citizenship and Service Award – Elizabeth Natoli
The Robert Paulus Leadership and Perseverance Award – Sophie Wilkus
The Gershom Tomlinson Humanitarian Award – Aaron Absatz
The Margaret M. Mahon Award – Anna Mrzyglocki
The Eugenie B. Edwards Spirit of Tennis Scholarship – Alison Mancuso

Following the awards presentations, Head of Upper School John Lewis joined Dr. Sykoff and Dr. Goldberg on stage for the final conferring of the diplomas. Afterwards, the graduates processed out of the auditorium to take pictures, share memories and enjoy some light refreshments.

To read more from each of the above speakers, please read their complete speeches below:
Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff, Head of School
Commencement Address

Emily Knopf Kuskin, Class of 2001
Commencement Address

Christina Henricks, Valedictorian
Commencement Address

Katherine Adams, Salutatorian
Commencement Address



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