2 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2026 From The Pagoda Although AI has the potential to change our trajectory, at least for now, when we look at AI, creativity will need to be prominent in our lives. This issue pays homage to cREativity at Ransom Everglades. Creativity sees beyond the ordinary and imagines something extraordinary. It pushes limits and challenges conventions. Even as we adapt to the growing influence of artificial intelligence on the educational landscape, we stake our hope in our students’ capacity for creative thinking. For more than a century, creativity has driven educational innovation and advancement at Ransom Everglades, and that continues today. The alumni featured in this magazine illustrate the profound impact of cREative thinking. In our cover story, you will learn how Danny Lafuente ’05 doggedly pursued his quest for ethical entrepreneurship, brainstorming about business plans that would address food insecurity until landing on the idea of sustainably made spirits. One of the cofounders of LAB Miami in Wynwood, Danny founded Simple Spirits after making frequent visits to Miami Rescue Mission to drop off food donations. Read more in the story by award-winning journalist Linda Robertson that starts on page 6. Our feature on Allison Freidin ’03 highlights another creative spirit. Inspired by the graffiti in Wynwood while working at the state attorney’s office in Miami, Allison sought to tell the story of this important and often misunderstood urban art form. Teaming up with a renowned historian on graffiti, Allison helped found one of the world’s most unique museums: the Museum of Graffiti. Learn more in the colorful story by Sofia Andrade ’19 on page 12. A thoughtful, reflective piece by English Department Coordinator Matt Margini – The Art of Writing on page 18 – explores the art of the written word at Ransom Everglades, and how it continues to bolster and distinguish our humanities curriculum. The story features engaging interviews with some of our most creative alumni, and gorgeous illustrations by current student and burgeoning graphic artist Noa Garcia ’27. That story provides a seamless segue into the column on page 22 by Jess Merrick, RE’s new Director of Teaching & Learning. Jess provides insight into RE’s strategic approach to crafting an impactful curriculum that helps our students develop the skills and creative approaches that will help them flourish in the world. We have striven to incorporate Creative Thinking at Ransom Everglades Creativity sees beyond the ordinary and imagines something extraordinary.” “
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