Wednesday, June 12, Ridgefield Academy graduated 26 members of the Class of 2019 during a beautiful outdoor ceremony in RA’s Graduation Garden. Eleven of the graduates were “lifers”, having attended RA since Kindergarten.
Graduates from Norwalk are Gus MacInnes, Jordyn Sesler and Henry Kolani.
Tom Main, Head of School addressed the audience by saying, “The Class of 2019 will exist for me as a class, in perpetuity, of what an RA class can aspire to be. This group is intellectually accomplished, socially conscious, athletically talented, artistic, and clever. They have a lot of fun and truly enjoy each other.”
Tradition runs deep at Ridgefield Academy and it was evident during commencement. Each graduate processed to the stage with his or her “Kindergarten Buddy” and spoke to the audience about their RA journey, its meaning to them, and how it has prepared them to approach future academic and life experiences.
The ceremony concluded as the Class of 2019 recessed down the aisle and one by one rang the Patriot Bell for the last time, signifying the end of their days at RA and the beginning of new life adventures. In his closing remarks, Mr. Main had a message for the graduates and said, “The high school education you are about to begin is full of opportunity and will require your very best. I want to impart to you four pieces of advice: 1. Take risks over the next four years; 2. Be involved and pursue things that you are passionate about and that interest you; 3. Be in charge of your own life; and 4. Continue to concentrate on developing into a person of character, integrity and generosity. Value the successes, the memories, the friends, the fun, the challenges you have overcome, the obstacles you have conquered, the risks you have already taken and use them as the foundation for the next four years and beyond. Good luck and best wishes Class of 2019! I look forward to hearing about your new experiences.”
The graduates were not the only ones celebrated. Ridgefield Academy also honored two of its families, Eric and Nancy Heaton and David and Lucy Heaton, with the James P. Heus Distinguished Service Award for their extraordinary dedication and service to Ridgefield Academy. Eric Heaton is currently on the Board of Trustees and served as Chair from 2015-2018. His wife Nancy was the RAPA President from 2012-14, served in several RAPA Vice President roles, managed the school store and chaired several Fall Family Days. Together, Eric and Nancy chaired the Patriot Legacy Fund in its inception year of 2016. David Heaton is a current Board of Trustees member and has held the position of Board Treasurer for the last 4 years. His wife, Lucy has participated in school focus groups, has been a huge supporter of the arts, and a dedicated parent of RA. Both Heaton families have sons in this year’s graduating class.
Ridgefield Academy is a coeducational, private day school for students from Preschool through Grade 8. Founded in 1975, the school cultivates a love of learning and preparedness for advanced academics. For more information, please visit www.ridgefieldacademy.org.