RE Log Fall 2016

FALL 2016 Ransom Everglades LOG 31 Class of 2016 Celebrates Seniors go out in style at 112th Commencement A Great Alumnus Recognized Greg Glass ’82 receives Head of School award Head of School Penny Townsend be- stowed the Head of School Award on Greg Glass ’82 in April 2016 during a luncheon on Alumni Weekend that drew more than 200 attendees. Glass received the award because he “has done a little bit of every- thing,” Townsend said. “When finished, he’s gone back and done it again.” The Head of School’s Award recognizes alumni whose commitment and service to the school serve as an inspiration to all alumni. Through their leadership, honor, attitude and dedication, they have left an indelible mark on Ransom Everglades School and its future. Glass, whose job allowed him to live anywhere, moved his family from Pennsylvania to Miami so his two children, Elizabeth and Will, then entering high school and middle school, could attend Ransom Everglades. Elizabeth graduated in 2013, Will is Class of 2016. Since his re- turn to South Florida, Glass has served as a member of the alumni board and helped identify and engage Legacy Alums. He represented alumni in the head-of-school search and as part of the SAIS accredita- tion, and created the Mangrove Society. “Mr. Glass has provided invaluable support to Ransom Everglades School through a range of volunteer and ser- vice efforts,” Townsend said. “He’s been involved in rallying alums, raising money, assisting with sports teams and the RE Band, and helping with REEF.” He also has been an annual fund Benefactor for seven years, contribut- ing a Chairman’s level gift – $50,000 – for the new pool. Mr. Glass served on the Benefactor Committee for the Annual Fund and was a Class of ’82 Valedictorian Erica Scott ’16 urged members of the Class of 2016 to hold onto their au- thentic selves, and speaker Maurice Ferré ’79 encouraged them to follow their passions with perseverance during Ransom Everglades’ 112th Commencement on May 27, 2016. Before a hail of blue and green RE balloons descended on the graduates from the rafters at the Lewis Family Auditorium, William Glass ’16 was recognized as salu- tatorian; Mariana Sanchez-Medina ’16 received the Head of School Award; Ahan Malhotra ’16 claimed the Faculty Cup; and Owen Zighelboim ’16 received the Paul C. Ransom Founder’s Cup. Scott also received the Marie B. Swenson Founder’s Cup, annually given to the senior girl who has demonstrated integrity, courage and leadership. During her valedictory ad- dress, she recalled her earliest days at Ransom Everglades when fitting in seemed more important than standing out. “Back then, we did a lot of things the same,” the Stanford-bound Scott said. “A lot of us were afraid to be different.... Those were the dark ages; now, we’re in the renaissance. “I’m absolutely blown away by the diverse talents and passions of this group,” she said. “I love that everyone has a thing, something they really love and do well.” Head of the Upper School Ken Mills called the name of every senior, summoning them across the stage to receive their diplomas from Head of School Penny Townsend and out- going Chair of the Board of Trustees Eric Mendelson. Mendelson reminded those gathered that Ransom Everglades “has been, continues to be and will always be the most sought-after school in Miami.” Townsend ticked off some of the myriad achievements of the 147-member senior class – all will attend one of 66 four-year colleges and universities after receiving more than 500 offers of admission. “It’s impossible to list all that you did during your time at Ransom Everglades,” she said. “We’re grateful for how you have enriched our lives, and our school.” Ferré, who received the 2016 RE Alumni Founders’ Award for his service to the Miami- Dade community through his businesses and volunteer work said his persistent pursuit of his passion – to help people – allowed him overcome various obstacles. (See full story page 20.) Through companies including INSIGHTEC and MAKO Corp., Ferré combined his medical background and interest in technology to bring forth innovative procedures that have improved countless lives. “The ability to keep a dream alive, even in its darkest days, has really served me well,” he said. “If you are fortunate enough to find a passion that really captures your imagina- tion, find the fortitude and courage to see it through.” The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Dan Leslie Bowden, the Advisor to the Head of School who was honored for his 60 years at Ransom Everglades at a special celebration on June 4, 2016. Each year the Head of School’s Alumni Award for Distinguished Service is given to an alumnus or alumna whose commitment and service to Ransom Everglades School and its alumni are an inspiration for the entire school community. To nominate a worthy alum, please go here http://www.ransomeverglades. org/Page/Alumni-Award-Nomination or email vwilliamson@ransomeverglades.org. representative. On campus, he has been the “jacket master” for the RE Band for the past two years. (The boys of the RE band wear green blazers, reminiscent of the ones worn at the Ransom boys’ school.) He helped revive the football program by organizing alums and driving support. Mr. Glass also has served as the official “weigh master” at REEF since the inception of this alumni fundraising event four years ago.