RE LOG Spring '25

SPRING 2025 Ransom Everglades LOG 33 in school culture. The justice and equity fund has supported upper school campus visits by Jessica Lam from Safe Schools South Florida, who addressed topics including respect, dignity, affirmation and creating an inclusive learning environment, and State Senator Shevrin D. Jones, the first openly gay Florida senator who shared his personal journey and experiences in state politics. The fund also supported the performance of Michael Fosberg’s autobiographical one-man play “Incognito,” which was performed for upper school students, and it has helped students and professional community members attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference and People of Color Conference, which are held annually by the National Association of Independent Schools. When I asked how RE could best honor Doug’s life, Dutch noted the significance of continued programming and intentionality when it comes to outreach and inclusion. “We need to reinforce the idea that inclusivity includes all. As a community of scholars, [RE] kids should give credence to all views, which means all voices must be present and invited to speak.” She added, “The kids at RE are so talented already. It is about outreach, going out to the community to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.” Her explanation was easily understood, yet equally meaningful. Dutch’s vision for the endowment aligns not only with RE’s current core values of inclusion and service; but what is more profound is her vision derives from what was instilled in her while a student at Everglades School for Girls. When I asked her to tell me about her experience at Everglades School for Girls, she emphatically said, “It was a haven!” Her memories at what was today’s middle school campus, a campus that then extended from Tigertail Avenue all the way to Biscayne Bay, are of playing field hockey, strict headmistresses and entrenched feelings of being nurtured and deeply cared for. Some 60 years later, these same feelings are what Dutch hopes the endowment can ensure. With the Douglas Vogt Dutcher ’80 Fund for Equity & Justice, Dutch secures her legacy as an ally of those who are historically “othered” by making a positive impact on how RE’s school culture includes and celebrates these voices. “The hard work is building the culture and sense of belonging needed to support those who are being invited in,” Dutch said. “Inclusion won’t work without it.” Undoubtedly, Dutch has captured the essence of this vital work. The Office of Inclusion and Community Engagement is proud to work with the Dutcher family to create the type of programming and service opportunities that enhance our school culture. Douglas Vogt Dutcher ’80 12th-grade yearbook photo Douglas Vogt Dutcher ’80 (right) with classmates L-R: Dave Dutcher, Art Dutcher ’69, Darrow Dutcher Hodges ’63 , Bill Hodges, Florence Dutcher, David Dutcher Sr., Doug Vogt Dutcher ’80, June and William Hodges Sr. Jessica Lam For information on how you can support this legacy of inclusion through the Douglas Vogt Dutcher ’80 Fund for Equity & Justice, please contact Vicki Williamson Carbonell ’88 at vwilliamson@ransomeverglades.org or 305 460 8826