"Through his various roles on the board, Rudy has taken RE into the future while helping to preserve our rich history," Head of School Rachel Rodriguez said. "With a generous spirit and a true devotion to Ransom Everglades, Rudy has joyfully given his time, treasure, and talent to our school."

Prio Touzet spoke briefly after accepting the award.

“The friendships and relationships and knowledge that you gain from each other – it’s probably what I take away the most,” he told students. “It’s been an honor to be here, it’s been an honor to serve. I recognize all of you and ask all of you to give back to the community and the school. It’s really made a difference in my life and I’m sure it will in yours.”

Besides honoring Prio Touzet, who will step off the board this summer after 15 years, RE recognized more than four dozen seniors. At the end of the event, Rodriguez pointedly expressed her gratitude to the entire Class of 2024 for their invaluable contributions to the school community during their years at RE.

"Thank you for inspiring the sophomores, juniors and freshmen," she said. "You have been an outstanding class, and for that we are grateful. Your achievements today serve as a testament to your unwavering commitment to our core values."

Chief Operating Officer and Interim Head of the Upper School David Clark ’86 announced that Chloe Alfonso ’24 would be the valedictorian and Elliot Gross ’24, the salutatorian. Though RE does not rank its students, the two students who finish with the highest grade-point averages after seven semesters earn those honors. The event provided the opportunity for a farewell address from Student Government Association President James Brown Urmeneta ’24, who received a standing ovation and presented the annual SGA Faculty Award to Adriana Sanchez, the Assistant Head of the Upper School.

A host of major awards were announced during emotional presentations: Bill Bermont ’93 presented the Ronnie Weksler Bermont Service Award to Diana Gonzalez ’24; Ashleigh Moses Lindenauer ’94 presented the Arthur Moses Student Award to Christine Keedy Brown ’24; Pam Kayton Posner ’92 awarded the Elliot Kayton ’96 Award to Sofia Rua ’24; and Howard Srebnick ’82 presented the Robert Segall ’82 Leadership Award to Scarlett Sable ’24. All relayed the moving stories behind their particular awards, and Posner and Srebnick summed up the emotion at the event:

"This school is a family affair with so many wonderful memories," Posner said.

Added Srebnick: "This is the legacy that Ransom Everglades builds: Relationships that will last a lifetime."

Ransom Everglades also introduced its inaugural core value awards, which recognize students who have made the RE community better through their notable commitment to The RE Way. Siona Dua ’24 received the Support & Community award, Tyira Jackson ’24 received the Diversity & Inclusion award, Daniel Figueroa ’24 earned the Honor & Excellence award, Jamora Arroyo-Jefferson ’24 received the Joy & Wellbeing award, and Kaitlyn Gonzalez ’24 received the Service & Outreach award. Dean of the 12th Grade Roger Caron presented those awards.

Department leaders Shawn Costantino, Director of the Arts; Jen Nero, Chair of the Humanities Department; James Monk, Chair of the World Languages Department; Mandira Bose-Nyberg, Mathematics and Computer Science Coordinator; Jay Salon, Science Department Coordinator; Laura Miller, Dean of Student Activities; John King, Associate Head of School; and Scott Berman, Director of Upper School Athletics served as presenters.

See the full list of award winners below: