RE Log - Spring 2024

2 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2024 From The Pagoda I often say that I am the most privileged person at Ransom Everglades. I have had the opportunity to work as a teacher, an advisor, the Middle School Assistant Division Head, the Middle School Division Head, the Interim Head of School and the Head of School. I have also walked the journey with my own children, alums from the classes of ’10 and ’14. During my time at the middle school, I recall welcoming apprehensive and wide-eyed children on the first day of sixth grade and sending them off to the upper school three years later as capable and confident young adolescents. Participating in their middle school journeys was pure joy. I found out this winter how gratifying it is to glimpse the other side of those journeys. I had the honor of mingling with young alumni (and not-quite-as-young alumni) in New York and San Francisco during our annual alumni events in the hearts of both cities. Alumni I knew as shy children arrived in business attire after a day at the office, or from universities where they are pursuing advanced degrees. They shared their personal stories, listened attentively to each other and reminisced. I felt slightly in awe: what an impressive, talented and welcoming group of young adults. It was heartening to see the varied and exciting paths our alumni have chosen, and it was heartwarming to see them reconnect so seamlessly with their classmates and school. That reconnection is the focus of this magazine. For many alumni, some of the best moments at Ransom Everglades are those that happen after they graduate. It is the hallmark of a great community: the longer you are connected, the stronger the bonds grow. Like me, other RE parents feel the power of those connections as their children make their way through our great school. And for many parents, those connections continue even after their children graduate. Liz Fitzpatrick, a parent of two RE alumni, helped organize and launch a new REconnect Task Force designed to open the arms of our community even wider. The task force's goal: to ensure that all who love Ransom Everglades feel welcomed and connected. This magazine takes a closer look at REconnecting at Ransom Everglades. In the cover story that begins on page 6, you will see exciting examples of these reconnections: alumni hiring alumni, and the strengthening of ties among our Everglades School for Girls alumnae and Black alumni. You will read on page 24 about Nathaniel Johansson ’14 , an alumnus who has circled the globe by plane – and even survived an ocean landing – and still returns to RE whenever he can. REconnection The student experience at Ransom Everglades is just the beginning During my time at the middle school, I recall welcoming apprehensive and wide-eyed children on the first day of sixth grade and sending them off to the upper school three years later as capable and confident young adolescents. Participating in their middle school journeys was pure joy.” “