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Cum Laude Society Inducts New Members

The Ranney School Cum Laude Society inducted 10 new students, one faculty member, Mrs. Barbara Levine, and the first distinguished family to receive this honor, the Bhararas, into its chapter during a ceremony in RSPA Panther Hall on March 11, 2013.

Founded in 1906, the national society known as Cum Laude recognizes the scholastic achievements of students in academically superior secondary schools. Since Ranney's introduction to Cum Laude, made possible by its founder Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D., in 2001, the school has inducted approximately 117 seniors and 17 faculty members into its chapter. According to Chapter President and Head of the Middle School David Fischer, this induction represents the highest academic honor Ranney School can bestow upon its students.

Following a family breakfast, the proud inductees proceeded to RSPA Panther Hall where they were greeted by family and friends, and an opening procession, “Te Deum,” played by Ranney strings students led by Dr. Dorothy Sobieski and Dr. Scott Woska (Evan ’21 and Jason ’24) on the oboe.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Student Council President Jordan Hesslein ’13, and an opening reflection on knowledge from Judicial Review Board member Kendall Torpey ‘13, who acknowledged her fellow inductees and members of the Cum Laude Society in saying, “they have committed themselves to their studies, but more than that, to the notion that knowledge can enrich one’s life as well as propel it forward.”

After learning about the Cum Laude tradition from Mr. Fischer, Dr. Sykoff took to the podium to share his reflections of Nil Sine Magno Vita Labore Dedit Mortalibus, a Latin slogan embedded in the school’s emblem taken from the ancient poet Horace by the school’s founding Headmaster, Mr. Russell G. Ranney. When translated to English, the slogan reads “Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.” “This slogan not only defines Mr. Ranney’s belief in hard work, but also defined him as a person,” explained Dr. Sykoff. After sharing stories about Mr. Ranney, Dr. Sykoff declared him as the perfect example of hard work and its translation into a full life imbued with meaning, integrity, compassion and contribution. While congratulating the newest inductees, he expressed his gratitude for their hard work and for making Nil Sine Magno Vita Labore Dedit Mortalibus a timeless statement with enduring meaning.

Following Dr. Sykoff’s inspiring words, he accompanied Mr. Fischer and Fine Arts Chair and Chapter Secretary Kate Greenberg to present Rachel Burstiner*, Roey Hadar, Christina Kalinowski, Molly O’Neill, Erika Serhus*, Rishi Sharma, James Soldati*, Paul Sondhi*, Kendall Torpey* and Taylor Veralli with pins, plaques and certificates signifying their induction into the Cum Laude Society.

Recognized as a leader by her teachers and peers, Taylor Veralli shared her reflections on the value of learning. She addressed the crowd with a situation regarding a magic pill that could provide all of the knowledge within the universe to those who swallow it, “Would you take it?” she questioned. As she elaborated on why she would not take the easy way out, Taylor stated “this would be the death of learning, the abandonment of hard work … we are most appreciative of the things we have to work hardest for.” Throughout her time at Ranney, Taylor has completed a rigorous academic program, with 11 AP courses and 7 Honors classes on her schedule. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Taylor is a member of the French National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. Her contributions to four academic squads and the Varsity Crew program for the past three years have made her a respected member of the Ranney School community.

Ranney lifer Paul Sondhi was the second inductee to share his reflections with his fellow students, parents and faculty in the audience. In his remarks, Paul spoke about the true definition of scholarship, saying, “The point of scholarship shouldn’t be to discover the meaning of life, or learning all there is to know. Indeed, it is much simpler than those highbrowed concepts; the point of scholarship is to pursue what interests you in a way that will benefit your understanding of the world.” With an impressive record of academic and extracurricular accomplishments, Paul has pursued a demanding academic program by taking 10 AP courses and 9 Honors classes. Recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended Student and member of Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society, Paul has illustrated his academic achievements across multiple disciplines. Along with his participation in several academic squads on campus, Paul is a leader on the Diversity Board, Treasurer of the Student Council and a volunteer at Monmouth Medical Center.

As the audience applauded the inductees, Kate Greenberg made her way to the podium to introduce the Faculty Inductee, Barbara Levine. “During her tenure at Ranney School, Mrs. Levine has played a key role in the development of the art program and has modeled the professionalism and collaborative spirit we value so highly. And personally, I consider myself uniquely lucky to work with her every day.”

The Lower School art teacher and dedicated member of the Visual Arts Department has devoted her talents and knowledge to teaching and has inspired countless students to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. A professional artist herself, Ms. Levine focuses her curriculum on classic and modern art styles along with English Literature and children’s books. Her curriculum which incorporates STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and is nationally recognized by Rubicon Atlas Curriculum Mapper.

Following a few words by Ms. Levine, Dr. Sykoff introduced the honorary inductees: Dr. Jagdish and Mrs. Desh Sudha Sondhi Bharara and their two sons, Preet and Vinit, as the first family to ever be inducted into the Cum Laude Society. Dr. Jagdish Bharara built a successful pediatric medical practice in Asbury Park when he and his wife brought their two sons to Monmouth County, NJ in the early 1970s. Dr. Bharara served on the Ranney School Board of Trustees, retiring in 1999. Mrs. Bharara was an active parent throughout her sons’ time at Ranney, always supporting and encouraging them.

Preet ’86 matriculated to Harvard University to study Government, followed by Columbia University School of Law, where he earned his J.D. in 1993. He has served as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York since 2009 and previously served as the Chief Counsel to Senator Charles Schumer (NY) on the US Senate Judiciary Committee, as Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and as a Litigation Associate. Last year, Preet was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Vinit ’89 attended the University of Pennsylvania and followed in his older brother’s footsteps to receive his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 1996. After much success, Vinit currently served as the Co-founder, COO and General Counsel of Quidsi Inc., which owns and operates several leading websites including: Diapers.com, Soap.com, Vine.com, Afterschool.com and Bookworm.com. He and Quidsi Co-Founder Marc Lore, a Ranney graduate, recently sold the company to Amazon.com, but remain involved in operations. Preet and Vinit addressed the crowd, reminiscing about their time at Ranney and providing advice to students about continued success.

Violin Soloist Sabrina Park ’15 and accompanist Christopher Farkough ’14 played “Allegro non Molto ‘Winter’” from the Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi before closing remarks from Ranney lifer and Judicial Review Board Member James Soldati ’13. The Class President left his fellow peers with words of encouragement, saying “Beyond this ceremony, we must continue to strive for brilliance and, in the process, lead the most successful lives in the years to come.”

Afterward, all families were invited to morning tea and refreshments at a celebration in the Searle Library.

* Designates a Ranney lifer
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.