RE Log - Fall 2021

Dughi, Onorati join RE’s faculty emeriti English teacher Tom Dughi, who departed Ransom Everglades in June 2021 after 25 years, and Ginny Onorati, who retired after 47, joined the school’s faculty emeriti, those who served Ransom Everglades for 25 years or more. During end-of-year celebrations among students and faculty, Dughi and Onorati were recognized for their excellence as educators and commitment to Ransom Everglades. Dughi served as an English teacher and tennis coach, and Onorati taught math and computer science and coached the math team. Associate Head of School John A. King, Jr., offered a tribute to both during the annual upper school awards ceremony in the spring, and colleagues recognized the pair during a faculty and staff recognition event in June. “None of us will forget the skill, dedication and friendship that Tom and Ginny have offered so many colleagues and students over the years,” King said. “I’m grateful for the time I have spent with both … I thank Tom and Ginny for everything they have given to Ransom Everglades, and wish both well in retirement.” Dughi was also lauded by Humanities Department Chair Jen Nero for his meticulous attention to student essays and writing, student and faculty mentoring and gentle demeanor. “He’s moving on at the top of his game,” Nero said. “He is the gold standard.” Faculty member Joe Mauro shared reflections on his longtime colleague and friend Onorati; please see the preceding pages. Other end-of-year honorees included Head of the Middle School Rachel Rodriguez, who departed RE after 16 years of dedicated service, and science teacher Don Kappelman, who reached his 35th anniversary. Dughi and Onorati bring the number of faculty emeriti at RE to 21, joining this esteemed group: Jose Rodriguez, John Lewis, Guillermo Urbina, Penny Matthews, Jean Duty, Robert “Doc” Crabtree, Barbara Lester, George Kasyan, Ann Goesel, Marian Turk, Kenia Rebozo Mestre, Michael Stokes, Suzanne Borona-Polson, Jane Dolkart, Owen Paris, Susan Felz, Catherine “Kitty” Proenza, Jacqueline Collaso and Jerry Exum. could ever want. Whether on a bus to Orlando with middle school band students or on a plane to San Francisco with eighth graders, Ginny always appeared to be having more fun than the students.” Greg Noblet, middle school history and social sciences faculty: “Ginny has been great to our family. She knew we had no family here and acted as a surrogate grandmother. She would drive the kids home from daycare and give them snacks for the ride home. She would babysit for free and watch our dog when we were out of town.” I myself have many fond memories of Ginny traveling with me on field trips to Boston, Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Va., and Washington, D.C. Forty-seven years of teaching is a record that few teachers anywhere can match. And now, Ginny, in my mind, you join Dan Bowden and Mike Stokes on the Mount Rushmore of RE teachers. One last cheer – this one is for everyone. We used to say “Hey all you Raider fans, stand up and clap your hands.” I’m going to ask all of you now: “Hey all you Ginny fans, stand up and clap your hands.” “We loved having you as teacher.” – Josh Unger ’92 Photo by Suzanne Kores FALL 2021 Ransom Everglades LOG 19