Ridgefield Academy Celebrates the Class of 2021
Nineteen students graduated from Ridgefield Academy on Thursday in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on Heus Field. Grade 8 students and families were present on campus, while many others joined in the celebration via live stream. Eight members of the Class of 2021 were “lifers”, having attended RA for ten years or more.
Graduates from Ridgefield are Lily Archibald, Chloe Carroll, Griffin Joo, Violet Liebowitz, Thibault Petit, Kiran Rao, John Schachinger, Emily Schippert, and Aniseh Siewert.
The commencement ceremony was rich with RA traditions. During their final year at RA, Grade 8 students are paired up with Kindergarten “Buddies”. These Kindergarten Buddies accompanied the graduates as they processed into graduation. As the culminating public speaking event of their RA careers, each graduate delivered a commencement speech about the experiences they have had and lessons they have learned while at Ridgefield Academy. At the close of the ceremony, the graduates rang the Patriot Bell to mark the official end of their RA journeys.
Head of School Tom Main encouraged the students to take advantage of the world ahead of them by pursuing success through involvement.
“Whether you choose drama, athletics, electives, community service, choir, yearbook, the school paper, or political office, so much will be available to you,” Head of School Tom Main said. “If you’re going to be the most successful and learn the most, you have to pursue that success.”
RA's Class of 2021 will attend private day schools, local public high schools, and boarding schools. Congratulations to all RA graduates and best wishes in your pursuits of success!
In addition to recognizing the graduates, Head of School Tom Main presented the Distinguished Service Award to an adult whose service at the school goes “above and beyond the call of duty”. Laura Clark, RN was recognized for her immeasurable dedication to serving the families of Ridgefield Academy and significant, positive impact on the school community.