RE Log Spring 2022

SPRING 2022 Ransom Everglades LOG 3 We are proud of our continued relationship with the Health Information Project (HIP) and founder Risa Berrin ’98 , who is profiled on page 12. Students love HIP, which empowers upperclassmen to administer a health curriculum to freshmen; by filling a need in public schools, Risa’s idea has transformed health and wellness education in South Florida schools. Our upper school students now have a wellness garden – a gift from the Class of 2019 – and the Lampen Family Wellness Center. This year brought the return of Outward Bound, a signature trip that for some 30-plus years has been an essential piece of the freshman experience at RE. Learn more on page 18. Last fall, Ransom Everglades inaugurated the Holzman Center of Applied Ethics, which places ethical and moral growth on par with our students’ intellectual development. Our newest center of excellence (page 32) launched with a trio of prominent speakers, and we have every reason to believe that the center will become a defining component of a Ransom Everglades education Our incredible students have a significant voice in this magazine. We are delighted at the installation of 305 solar panels on the roof of the Henry H. Anderson Jr., ’38 Gymnasium this spring, and even more proud that four students pushed us toward this important milestone. Hear from Students for Solar, Madison Munroe ’22, Wirth Munroe ’22, Daniel Stancioff ’22 and Julian Stancioff ’23 , on page 34. Will Charouhis ’24 , an environmental advocate whose knowledge belies his age, shared his experience at the Glasgow Climate Conference last November (page 23). Lauren Zanarini ’22 writes about her experience as a Teaching Fellow at Breakthrough Miami, which is still hosted at Ransom Everglades and is celebrating its 30th anniversary (page 24). Will, Lauren and the Students for Solar kids illustrate the rewards available to students who are engaged outside of the classroom, encouraged to pursue their passions and supported in their efforts. The past two years have tested Ransom Everglades in new ways, but they have also helped us grow. I am proud to work at a school that never rests on its laurels, that is always striving to improve excellence in education, even as that definition broadens. Diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and student wellness are top of mind and among our highest priorities. When we measure our progress as a school, it always comes back to our students. COVID-19 reminded us how fragile good health is, and how central it is to student success. We push our students, we challenge our students, and we also take care of them. The whole child matters to us. Penny Townsend Head of School The past two years have tested Ransom Everglades in new ways, but they have also helped us grow. I am proud to work at a school that never rests on its laurels, that is always striving to improve excellence in education, even as that definition broadens.” “ Head of School Penny Townsend with her dog, Buie, and middle school students