[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING RANNEY SCHOOL'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2010

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ranney 
School in Tinton Falls, New Jersey as they celebrate their 50th 
anniversary. Ranney School continues to promote academic excellence and 
encourages a well-rounded education, as well as the development of the 
student's intellectual, personal, creative and moral promise.
  Ranney School founder, Mr. Russel G. Ranney's visions have remained 
the foundation for the school's small class sizes, curriculum choices, 
student life activities and campus building expansion. Twelve years 
after opening the Rumson Reading Institute, Ranney School was founded 
with seven students and three full-time teachers. College preparation 
was the main focus of the curriculum. By 1963, Ranney School's 
increasing student body created the need for an Upper and Middle 
School, located at Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey. 
In 1965, Ranney School proudly conferred diplomas on the first class of 
graduates, which also included Ranney School's first National Merit 
finalist. Ranney School soon moved to its current location on Hope Road 
in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Renovations at the new location included 
work on the Annex, formerly utilized as a horse barn, and included the 
addition of the Searle Library and a science lab. A multi-purpose 
lunchroom, study hall and play area were built to further develop the 
theater arts program and accommodate the 375 enrolled students and 41 
teachers. In 1974, Ranney School became accredited by the New Jersey 
Association of Independent Schools and National Association of 
Independent Schools. Between 1975 and 1979, the facility, currently 
known as the Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics, was constructed to provide 
a recreation center for students. Enrollment soon reached an impressive 
549 students and plans for a full-service summer camp, to begin the 
summer of 1979, were later announced.
  In April 1987, Mr. Ranney passed away, leaving behind a firmly 
established and well respected institution. The Commons Building, which 
completed its construction on April 10, 1987, served as a fitting 
tribute to Mr. Ranney's life and work as an innovating educator and 
visionary. Margaret Mahon succeeded Mr. Ranney and served as Head of 
School until 1993. During her tenure, Ranney School achieved a number 
of ``firsts,'' including the establishment of the Ranney School Parents 
Association.
  In 1993, Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff assumed the position and currently 
presides as Head of School. Dr. Sykoff's vision has been to create an 
environment for every student to include a wide range of educational 
opportunities. The launch of the Foundations for Learning campaign 
further confirmed Dr. Sykoff's commitment to the future development and 
enhancement of Ranney School. Academic programs have expanded while an 
infusion of traditions and ceremonies have been brought forward to 
further enhance the Ranney School curriculum. Relationships with the 
Parents Association and alumni have also helped to expand and provide a 
community building, family interaction and school pride. Today, Ranney 
School is home to 800 students in three divisions, which range from 
beginners through grade 12.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ranney School as the 
students, faculty and staff celebrate its 50th anniversary. Ranney 
School has provided many years of unyielding commitment to academic 
achievement and is a tremendously valued academic institution.

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