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List of 10 news stories.
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Upper School Students Achieve Success in National French Contest
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Lower School Faculty Sponsors Pinwheel Place Garden to Raise Awareness
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Rutgers University Professor Visits Ranney Bands
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Sadie Bahr '29 Wins Harvard Political Review Essay Competition
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Lower School Students Accepted into CJMEA Treble Honors Chorus
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Lower School Ensembles Visit NJ Symphony
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Congratulations to National Chinese Talent Contest Winners
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Thomas Li '28 Accepted to NJ Regional Jazz Band
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US Club TAXI Fundraises for Doctors Without Borders
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FBLA Students Earn Recognition at State Level
Ranney School Lifer Jacquie Lee Excels in "The Voice" Top 3
Update: After 10-plus weeks of live television performances, Ranney junior Jacquie Lee made it all the way to the finale in Season 5 of NBC’s “The Voice.” She competed this week as the youngest of the top 3 contestants. Although she did not earn the Season 5 title, Jacquie’s soulful songs and humble outlook not only moved and inspired all of the students, faculty and family members of the Ranney community but they also touched America. Jacquie’s performances won America’s vote week after week this fall and her powerful voice earned several spots on iTunes’ top song charts. On December 5, NJ.com interviewed teachers at Ranney who know her best, from her earliest years in the Lower School. Read “The Voice' semifinalist Jacquie Lee a source of pride, inspiration for Ranney School”.
This fall, the entire Ranney community has been tuning in to NBC’s “The Voice,” patiently awaiting the familiar face of junior Jacquie Lee to appear on their television screen. The 16-year old Ranney “lifer” from Colts Neck, NJ, has a passion for charity, athletics—including as a member of the Varsity Field Hockey and Softball teams, and of course, singing. Many members of the community remember Jacquie for her role in the Lower School Musical “Mulan Jr.” in the Spring of 2008 as well as her solo performances during choral ensemble concerts and her soulful songs at the piano during evening Coffee Houses, including her powerful rendition of the latest James Bond theme “Skyfall.”
This fall, the entire Ranney community has been tuning in to NBC’s “The Voice,” patiently awaiting the familiar face of junior Jacquie Lee to appear on their television screen. The 16-year old Ranney “lifer” from Colts Neck, NJ, has a passion for charity, athletics—including as a member of the Varsity Field Hockey and Softball teams, and of course, singing. Many members of the community remember Jacquie for her role in the Lower School Musical “Mulan Jr.” in the Spring of 2008 as well as her solo performances during choral ensemble concerts and her soulful songs at the piano during evening Coffee Houses, including her powerful rendition of the latest James Bond theme “Skyfall.”
At the opening of the season of “The Voice” in September, Jacquie, who started at Ranney in the first grade, nailed a rendition of the late Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black.” Celebrity judges Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera turned their chairs, vying for Jacquie as one of their team members.
After picking Christina as her coach, Jacquie went on to win the first Battle Round against contestant Briana Cuoco, the sister of “The Big Bang Theory” actress Kaley Cuoco, with a powerful duet of “House of the Rising Sun.” Her November performance of “I Put a Spell on You”—another crowd-raiser—has been listed in the Top 20 iTunes singles chart. Only her family and a few individuals from the show knew that Jacquie went on stage that night while still recovering from a severe case of the flu and bronchitis. She had been unable to rehearse for a couple of days and, in fact, just moments before the live show, was not able to make it through the whole song without coughing. Feeling as though it may be the end of the road for her time on “The Voice,” she and her mom hugged each other and agreed that everything was in God’s hands. It had been an amazing ride and if it all ended that night, they felt at peace. And then, Jacquie went on stage and wowed the audience, turning in what many called the best performance of the night!
Last week, Jacquie’s version of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” earned her a standing ovation from celebrity coach Christina Aguilera and a Top 5 position on iTunes songs chart. Of note, Jacquie’s coach, Christina Aguilera, recorded the song “Reflection” for the Walt Disney film “Mulan” in 1998, a song that inspired Jacquie’s musical career when she played the character of “Mulan” on Ranney’s stage as a fifth grader in 2008.
At Ranney School, faculty and students across all divisions have been wearing red, a theme color of “The Voice” to support Jacquie Lee from afar on voting days in November and December. Red balloons and signs wishing her good luck have been displayed at the school’s entrance, the dining halls and in front of RSPA Panther Hall—the school’s performance and assembly space. Videos of Jacquie’s performances have also been shown at various places on campus. The Asbury Park Press came to campus in November to see the Ranney community spirit in support of “The Voice” first-hand and to interview a few of Jacquie’s classmates and teachers. You can read the article here and watch the video segment here.
Jacquie competed this week in the finale as the youngest of the top 3 contestants, singing three songs, including “Back to Black,” which turned the judges’ chairs back at the beginning of the competition, Jennifer Hudson’s “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls” and a powerful duet of “We Remain” from the hit movie “The Hunger Games” with her coach, Christina Aguilera. Although she did not earn the Season 5 title, which was announced on the evening of December 17, Jacquie’s soulful songs and humble outlook have not only moved and inspired all of the students, faculty and family members of the Ranney community but they have also touched America. Jacquie’s performances won America’s vote week after week this fall and her powerful voice earned several spots on iTunes’ top song charts. We are so proud of her! (See student Mollie Tobin’s recap of the finale.)
More than 100 students, parents, faculty and friends of the community gathered together at Ranney School’s campus to watch the final performances on December 16 and to cheer on their fellow student and friend. They rooted for Jacquie throughout the night with smiles, claps and even some dance moves.
Last week, Jacquie’s version of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” earned her a standing ovation from celebrity coach Christina Aguilera and a Top 5 position on iTunes songs chart. Of note, Jacquie’s coach, Christina Aguilera, recorded the song “Reflection” for the Walt Disney film “Mulan” in 1998, a song that inspired Jacquie’s musical career when she played the character of “Mulan” on Ranney’s stage as a fifth grader in 2008.
At Ranney School, faculty and students across all divisions have been wearing red, a theme color of “The Voice” to support Jacquie Lee from afar on voting days in November and December. Red balloons and signs wishing her good luck have been displayed at the school’s entrance, the dining halls and in front of RSPA Panther Hall—the school’s performance and assembly space. Videos of Jacquie’s performances have also been shown at various places on campus. The Asbury Park Press came to campus in November to see the Ranney community spirit in support of “The Voice” first-hand and to interview a few of Jacquie’s classmates and teachers. You can read the article here and watch the video segment here.
"It's been absolutely crazy and chaotic,” said Mrs. Denise Lee, Jacquie’s mother, who has been staying with Jacquie in California for the show tapings. Jacquie goes to “school” every morning with a tutor and then participates in a full day and night of rehearsals, says her mom. “She is both exhilarated and exhausted! She has decorated the ceiling of her hotel room with her Ranney ‘Good Luck’ banner, made by her fellow classmates—it is the last thing she sees before she goes to sleep and the first thing she sees when she awakes.”
In addition to participating in sports at Ranney School, which she began attending as a first-grader, Jacquie is an active member of the Model United Nations team, Diversity Club, Science Research Club and Honors Chorus.
“I can think of no better ambassador to represent ‘The Voice’ than our dear, sweet Jacquie,” says Performing Arts Chair Tess Nielsen, who has worked with Jacquie through chorus and in music theory and appreciation classes since she was in the Lower School. “She is a young woman who sings and writes music which expresses her thoughts and views of the world. Even in the early grades, her teachers recognized she had something special. Her talent is authentic and natural. Jacquie has been able to reach the highest levels of vocal achievement because she has built upon her strong foundational skills.”
Lower School Head Patricia Marshall has also known Jacquie for more than 10 years. “When I see Jacquie Lee on the great stage of ‘The Voice,’ I find it refreshing that she still has the same smile as she did when she was a first grader new to Ranney School! Jacquie always embraced school experiences—her teachers, her friends, her course work and all the school had to offer. Her smile was sweet and sincere and her big brown eyes were always eager and endearing. Though Jacquie always enjoyed making others happy … she always stayed true to herself and to the values of her great family! These qualities, topped with her sweet voice, make her shine on stage. I will never forget the first time I saw her on stage—she had a surprise punch and an incredible presence that defined her passion for stage performance. And always behind the scenes was her mother supporting her and in the audience, straight from work, her father with a camera and smile of amazement that his daughter’s sweetness translated to an incredible power and a poise on stage! Jacquie, you make the Lower School so proud! We are all cheering you on!”
Jacquie’s current Upper School advisor, Dr. Nicole Martone, says, “I am proud to be Jacquie’s advisor and her English teacher again this year. In addition to being an extremely talented young woman, she is also very kind and humble. Jacquie is a loyal friend, a dedicated student and a wonderful human being.”
Adds her third-grade teacher and “Mulan Jr.” co-director Connie Congemi: “I remember Jacquie’s ‘outgoing spirit, sparkling personality, happy-go-lucky nature, and vivacious personality’–all words that I used to describe her in her report cards. When she auditioned for Mulan, I was totally blown away as was Music Teacher Mrs. Lillianne Torrente. She had the whole package—a great voice (who knew what was to come), great stage presence and an ability to handle the task in such a calm grown-up way. The night of the performance, her braces broke minutes before the opening act, but Jacquie did not lose her cool. She was such a trooper and smiled and giggled through the whole ordeal. Once we located a dentist in the audience and the brace was snipped off, she started the show without missing a beat. We were awed by not only her performance that night but also by her ability to maintain her composure. That was an incredible feat for someone that young. She continues to ‘wow’ us all, and I wish her all the best in the upcoming performances on ‘The Voice.’ I am so proud of all that she has accomplished.”
Lower School Head Patricia Marshall has also known Jacquie for more than 10 years. “When I see Jacquie Lee on the great stage of ‘The Voice,’ I find it refreshing that she still has the same smile as she did when she was a first grader new to Ranney School! Jacquie always embraced school experiences—her teachers, her friends, her course work and all the school had to offer. Her smile was sweet and sincere and her big brown eyes were always eager and endearing. Though Jacquie always enjoyed making others happy … she always stayed true to herself and to the values of her great family! These qualities, topped with her sweet voice, make her shine on stage. I will never forget the first time I saw her on stage—she had a surprise punch and an incredible presence that defined her passion for stage performance. And always behind the scenes was her mother supporting her and in the audience, straight from work, her father with a camera and smile of amazement that his daughter’s sweetness translated to an incredible power and a poise on stage! Jacquie, you make the Lower School so proud! We are all cheering you on!”
Jacquie’s current Upper School advisor, Dr. Nicole Martone, says, “I am proud to be Jacquie’s advisor and her English teacher again this year. In addition to being an extremely talented young woman, she is also very kind and humble. Jacquie is a loyal friend, a dedicated student and a wonderful human being.”
Her field hockey coach, Eileen McEnery, says, “Jacquie has always shown dedication and commitment to every activity she is a part of. Her infectious personality ignites a fire and motivates her entire team. Often, she arrives early to practice and stays late to perfect her skills in order to make the team stronger. This is obviously the case with her singing career as well. She is little but mighty! I wish her nothing but the absolute best!”
Mrs. Lee says she and her husband are thankful for the Ranney community. “Our Ranney family has been so supportive of Jacquie and we are thankful to have all the kind words and encouragement from the families, faculty, staff and administration. The school has kept her grounded through this process and we are grateful. It makes this journey that much more meaningful and special to know there are so many people close to her heart and home cheering her on!”
Jacquie’s father, Richard, and her siblings, 11-year-old Richie and 18-year-old Nicole, are equally excited by the turn of events.
Jacquie has been featured in USA Today, Asbury Park Press, The Two River Times, New Jersey News 12, NY Daily News, Star Ledger, a video clip from Asbury Park Press, a recent article and video clip from Asbury Park Press and several national news and entertainment websites. Watch a video from our Lower School students and faculty, cheering for Jacquie Lee!
Look for Jacquie Lee at these upcoming events:
--Singing the National Anthem at the final New York Giants home game versus the Washington Redskins (December 29, 2013) and at an upcoming New York Knicks game (Date TBD)
--California’s nationally televised Rose Parade (January 1, 2014)
On December 16, talented Ranney junior Jacquie Lee ’15 (Colts Neck) competed for the last time on the stage of “The Voice.” As NBC’s hit singing show, viewers tuned in nationwide to watch Jacquie and the two other finalists (Tessanne Chin and Will Champlin) compete for the Season 5 title. As host Carson Daly said, “Tonight, the entire season is at stake. It all comes down to your votes.”
Ranney School hosted a viewing party for our community and the media. Reporters from The Asbury Park Press and Two River Times flocked to RSPA Panther Hall, looking for thoughts about Jacquie’s progress and powerful voice from students, parents and faculty. To enhance the excitement of this big event, there were camera crew members from WNBC television and the radio station 1010 Wins.
To open the night on a high note, all four celebrity coaches (Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton) sang a version of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” with the original band members. After their energetic performance, it was time for each finalist to sing the song that earned them a spot on the show—their blind audition song. Viewers were able to reminisce to late September and see how far each contestant, especially Jacquie, had come. Up first was Tessanne singing “Try” by Pink. Next was Will who sang “Not Over You” by Gavin DeGraw. Last and certainly not least was our very own Jacquie with “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse. As the song that made two coaches turn their chairs for Jacquie, Coach Christina said, “I love this girl so much! I really get so much joy watching you do what you do! You make me smile, and you make me enjoy everything you do, and killing it. There’s something so special inside of you! We just have a good time together. I’m so proud of you. This girl is a gem! She is going to go so many places!”
During commercial breaks at the Ranney viewing party, the live show was muted and Jacquie’s former performance songs from “The Voice” were broadcasted on the speakers for all to hear. Jacquie’s stage presence and confidence level has definitely increased throughout the season, making it very enjoyable to watch her perform, noted the students.
Next up were duets performed by each contestant and his/her coach. Tessanne and Adam sang “Let It Be” by the Beatles before Jacquie got on stage with Christina to take the audience’s breath away. The two harmonized to “We Remain” from the hit movie “The Hunger Games.” With this, viewers were able to see the bond the two have made over the course of the show and the friendship that will remain. Adam and Will finished the duet portion of the night with Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” To bring the finalists together once more before the last performances of the night, Jacquie, Tessanne and Will sang “I’ll Be There” by Michael Jackson. They harmonized extremely well and were able to enjoy their last combined performance of the night. Opening for the finale’s performance, Tessanne sang “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston followed by Will’s performance of “Everything I Do, I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams.
To close the night was Christina’s “little girl, big voice” contestant and Ranney’s star, Jacquie. Before she sang, Coach Christina claimed, “I adore her. She’s like my little sister,” about Jacquie. As Christina’s first-ever contestant to get to the final 3, Jacquie claimed, “I’m so proud to be the one.” Jacquie sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Holliday, later sung by Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls.” Jacquie used her raw talent and polished vocal skills to blow the audience, coaches and viewers away. Her coach excitedly stated, “Wow! Jacquie! Oh my God! I am completely speechless. The amount of talent you have in that little 16-year-old body is just amazing! You have what it takes, and I want to see you get to that next level. You proved it to yourself and the rest of the world that Jacquie Lee is a force to be reckoned with.” Blake Shelton added, “To see your evolution on this show, that was amazing. Congratulations.”
Lady Gaga, one of the world’s most iconic celebrities on Twitter with 40.9 million followers tweeted twice about Jacquie prior to the show. First, “Been catching up on THE VOICE, I love @jacquieleemusic Beautiful girl with a beautiful voice! Vote for her monsters nbc.com/unlimited/vote” and later, “@jacquieleemusic good luck tonight, nothing like lil’ girl with BIG voice. Don’t be nervous, just be yourself!” Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson also tweeted support for Jacquie! As of December 17, Jacquie had 102,000 followers and fans on her own Twitter feed!
Ranney School was one of the many places holding viewing parties in honor of Jacquie’s final performance night. Balloons, drinks, refreshments and posters were all part of the school’s act to support our very own rising star. Senior Madeline Fabricant ‘14 stated, “It was amazing to watch Jacquie perform in the finals of ‘The Voice’ because it proved that if Jacquie can defy those odds, anything is possible.” We wish you the best Jacquie and could not be more proud of you and all of your accomplishments!
This article is current as of December 18, 2013.--California’s nationally televised Rose Parade (January 1, 2014)
This article was written by Mollie Tobin (Class of 2016)
On December 16, talented Ranney junior Jacquie Lee ’15 (Colts Neck) competed for the last time on the stage of “The Voice.” As NBC’s hit singing show, viewers tuned in nationwide to watch Jacquie and the two other finalists (Tessanne Chin and Will Champlin) compete for the Season 5 title. As host Carson Daly said, “Tonight, the entire season is at stake. It all comes down to your votes.”
Ranney School hosted a viewing party for our community and the media. Reporters from The Asbury Park Press and Two River Times flocked to RSPA Panther Hall, looking for thoughts about Jacquie’s progress and powerful voice from students, parents and faculty. To enhance the excitement of this big event, there were camera crew members from WNBC television and the radio station 1010 Wins.
To open the night on a high note, all four celebrity coaches (Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton) sang a version of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” with the original band members. After their energetic performance, it was time for each finalist to sing the song that earned them a spot on the show—their blind audition song. Viewers were able to reminisce to late September and see how far each contestant, especially Jacquie, had come. Up first was Tessanne singing “Try” by Pink. Next was Will who sang “Not Over You” by Gavin DeGraw. Last and certainly not least was our very own Jacquie with “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse. As the song that made two coaches turn their chairs for Jacquie, Coach Christina said, “I love this girl so much! I really get so much joy watching you do what you do! You make me smile, and you make me enjoy everything you do, and killing it. There’s something so special inside of you! We just have a good time together. I’m so proud of you. This girl is a gem! She is going to go so many places!”
During commercial breaks at the Ranney viewing party, the live show was muted and Jacquie’s former performance songs from “The Voice” were broadcasted on the speakers for all to hear. Jacquie’s stage presence and confidence level has definitely increased throughout the season, making it very enjoyable to watch her perform, noted the students.
Next up were duets performed by each contestant and his/her coach. Tessanne and Adam sang “Let It Be” by the Beatles before Jacquie got on stage with Christina to take the audience’s breath away. The two harmonized to “We Remain” from the hit movie “The Hunger Games.” With this, viewers were able to see the bond the two have made over the course of the show and the friendship that will remain. Adam and Will finished the duet portion of the night with Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” To bring the finalists together once more before the last performances of the night, Jacquie, Tessanne and Will sang “I’ll Be There” by Michael Jackson. They harmonized extremely well and were able to enjoy their last combined performance of the night. Opening for the finale’s performance, Tessanne sang “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston followed by Will’s performance of “Everything I Do, I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams.
To close the night was Christina’s “little girl, big voice” contestant and Ranney’s star, Jacquie. Before she sang, Coach Christina claimed, “I adore her. She’s like my little sister,” about Jacquie. As Christina’s first-ever contestant to get to the final 3, Jacquie claimed, “I’m so proud to be the one.” Jacquie sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Holliday, later sung by Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls.” Jacquie used her raw talent and polished vocal skills to blow the audience, coaches and viewers away. Her coach excitedly stated, “Wow! Jacquie! Oh my God! I am completely speechless. The amount of talent you have in that little 16-year-old body is just amazing! You have what it takes, and I want to see you get to that next level. You proved it to yourself and the rest of the world that Jacquie Lee is a force to be reckoned with.” Blake Shelton added, “To see your evolution on this show, that was amazing. Congratulations.”
Lady Gaga, one of the world’s most iconic celebrities on Twitter with 40.9 million followers tweeted twice about Jacquie prior to the show. First, “Been catching up on THE VOICE, I love @jacquieleemusic Beautiful girl with a beautiful voice! Vote for her monsters nbc.com/unlimited/vote” and later, “@jacquieleemusic good luck tonight, nothing like lil’ girl with BIG voice. Don’t be nervous, just be yourself!” Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson also tweeted support for Jacquie! As of December 17, Jacquie had 102,000 followers and fans on her own Twitter feed!
Ranney School was one of the many places holding viewing parties in honor of Jacquie’s final performance night. Balloons, drinks, refreshments and posters were all part of the school’s act to support our very own rising star. Senior Madeline Fabricant ‘14 stated, “It was amazing to watch Jacquie perform in the finals of ‘The Voice’ because it proved that if Jacquie can defy those odds, anything is possible.” We wish you the best Jacquie and could not be more proud of you and all of your accomplishments!
Ranney School
235 Hope RoadTinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
