Schools

Ranney School Class of 2011 Graduates 56

The commencement ceremony was held June 17

A news release from Ranney School in Tinton Falls:

Ranney conducted its 47th Commencement Ceremony at the campus of Monmouth University on Friday, June 17. Surrounded by proud parents, alumni, teachers and friends, Ranney’s 56 graduating seniors of the Class of 2011 jubilantly bid farewell to the school that has been a second home to some for as many as 15 years.

More than 700 invited guests were on hand to help celebrate the accomplishments of members from the Class of 2011. In keeping with Ranney’s longstanding tradition, 32 girls wore white gowns and carried long-stemmed red roses, while 24 boys donned formal suits and ties as they processed down the corridors of the University’s Pollak Hall.

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During his celebratory address, Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff offered congratulations to each graduate. According to Dr. Sykoff, teachers and administrators see the school’s Commencement Ceremony as the conclusion to a unique journey with a talented group of students. For the young adults from this year’s class, however, the journey will continue. “You are now taking the wheel,” said Dr. Sykoff, “about to take a ride like no other you have taken before.”

In preparing them for the remainder of this journey, he left them with three pieces of advice for the road ahead: to nurture friendships, take to heart the value of having a mentor, and be mindful. Dr. Sykoff described members of this 2011 class as part of the nation’s next “greatest generation,” comparing them to a generation that survived the Great Depression and wars in Europe and the Pacific. “They answered the call when their nation needed them most.” This generation is reminiscent of that one, and has a rendezvous with destiny awaiting them, he said.

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He ended with, “Look back in the rearview mirror and thank those who have helped along the way, and look ahead through the front window and recognize the true potential that lies in store.”

Also during his remarks, Dr. Sykoff spoke of the retiring president from Ranney’s Board of Trustees Dr. Daniel B. Goldberg. Dr. Goldberg has been instrumental in the growth of Ranney since his inauguration as president of the Board in 2001. In honor of his longstanding dedication to service and leadership, Dr. Sykoff announced the creation of a “Daniel B. Goldberg Mission-Promise Award.” Starting in 2012, the award will be presented annually to a member of the faculty with 10 or more years of service to the school, recognizing those who demonstrate sustained leadership and pave the way for others to reach their full potential while following the school’s motto and mission-promise.

This year’s Commencement speaker and Director of the Digital Communications Group for Sard Verbinnen & Co. in New York City, Tracy Greenberger Schwartz ’93 — a former All-State catcher on the softball team and member of the inaugural Panther Athletics Hall of Fame — spoke fondly of the lessons learned during her educational journey at Ranney. In noting that mistakes are a natural part of life, Mrs. Greenberger Schwartz shared with the audience her own lessons learned while attending Ranney. After getting her car stuck in mud on the school’s softball field as she and her friends tried for three hours to get it out and eventually called a tow truck, Mrs. Greenberger Schwartz learned that mistakes happen. “Sometimes you’re the driver, sometimes you’re the passenger, sometimes you’re the brawn, sometimes you’re the brain, and sometimes you’re the tow truck,” said Mrs. Greenberger Schwartz. “Vision, friendship, advocacy, strategy and execution — every role has its part — and in my story, no one was a bystander. A Ranney graduate’s responsibility is to never be a bystander,” she added.

Following remarks by the class salutatorian Alyssa Staats (Colts Neck) and later from valedictorian Charlotte Fleming (Rumson), eight students were presented with graduation awards, including:

  • The Headmaster’s Cup – Michelle Drappi (Colts Neck)
  • The Gershom Tomlinson Humanitarian Award – Grace Farren (Manasquan) & Diane Scavelli (Colts Neck)
  • The Faculty Prize – Charlotte Fleming (Rumson) & Stephen Triano (Lincroft)
  • The Ann Kappel Citizenship and Service Award –Jacqueline Korey (Locust)
  • The Robert Paulus Leadership and Perseverance Award – Devin Green (Colts Neck)
  • The Margaret Mahon Award – Lara Wolkomir (Rumson)
  • The Ranney School Leadership Award – McCall Torpey (Colts Neck)


The commencement ceremony concluded with Dr. Sykoff and Dr. Goldberg conferring diplomas on 56 seniors who proudly processed out of Pollak Hall to be greeted by congratulatory hugs, handshakes, and smiles from their family and friends.


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