Not one student talked about a particular class or discipline. Some described moments with particular teachers, and others shared stories of personal growth. “Each time I encounter something that’s difficult,” one said, “I have learned to ask myself: How can I learn to love this?” Another said: “Small classes taught me that I had to learn to be vulnerable in an academic space without feeling overwhelmed.” Another: “I learned that my learning is not programmatic or transactional. My learning is not linear, and it can happen in and out of the classroom.”

This magazine provides a particular insight into the RE community and the growth mindset that has evolved and strengthened our school across decades. Our teachers understand this mindset better than anyone. The art of teaching requires creativity and a deep emotional connection to students. Our faculty know when to challenge our students and when to nurture them, and they are able to transform a simple lesson into a moment of magical inspiration. They turn every classroom into a community, where students feel safe to express themselves, take risks and – most importantly – grow. 

You will read about 2024 Founders’ Award winner Joshua Williams ’18, who has been at work reimagining the very organization, the Joshua’s Heart Foundation, that has brought him extraordinary recognition and accolades from South Florida to the White House. In his years working to end global hunger, Joshua has learned. Even as he has acquired myriad awards, he remains engaged by the search for solutions. That’s a mindset he acquired at RE and carried with him. One of the best parts of this story: It was written by fellow young alum, Sofia Andrade ’19, a recent Harvard graduate and one of our earliest Dan Leslie Bowden Fellows in the Humanities.

You will also learn about the return of Dr. Donald Cramp to Ransom Everglades as Head of the Upper School in a piece written by English Department faculty member Dr. Matt Margini. Don was so fascinated by the history of our school that he studied it for his dissertation. During his educational journey, he became passionate about the concept of an “Ethic of Care,” and he has brought that with him to RE. Just a year after our board of trustees unveiled our new mission and core values, The RE Way, Don has arrived to help us live it out. We will continue to grow stronger as a community with his care and guidance. 

I hope you enjoy the retrospective story about the arrival of coeducation. Fifty years ago, the Ransom School merged with the Everglades School for Girls, taking two beloved schools and incorporating the best parts of each to allow for the gradual formation of the incredible Ransom Everglades of today. There was reluctance at the time, particularly from those at Everglades, and yet our community adapted, came together, grew together and flourished. When we talk about the art of teaching, there are two teachers who all but perfected it: Henry Stavisky ’85, who retired last spring after 25 years, and Greg Siegler, who departed after 37 years. Each left an extraordinary legacy of influence, inspiration and involvement in our children’s lives. Both joined our esteemed faculty emeriti community. You can read more about how our professional community honored them. 

In a column, Dr. John A. King Jr., Associate Head of School, shares insight into the exciting evolution in our curriculum, which has gone well beyond AP courses to ensure that our students demonstrate their ability to analyze, synthesize and communicate at the highest academic levels. And James Weaver ’90, a trustee who is the chair of the board’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee, explains how Ransom Everglades is working to ensure that as our community grows, we grow together – not apart. With passion, thoughtfulness and commitment, James and his peers on the DEI committee are working to ensure that everyone who steps on our campuses feels welcome and has opportunities to succeed.

In Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, he reminds us that success is not just about talent, it’s also about the environment and support systems that allow our students to thrive. At Ransom Everglades, we are committed to creating that environment: a place where every student is seen and valued, and sees the world as offering limitless opportunities. We want to help them grow in confidence and excellence, so they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Rachel Rodriguez
Head of School