Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News

Ransom Everglades upper school celebrated Brazilian Carnaval with historical reflections, traditional cuisine and Samba performances that got students on their feet. Many joined an impromptu conga line and made their way to the Lewis Family Auditorium stage, participating in several line dances and the limbo. The assembly organized by RE's Brazilian Culture Club and officers Carolina Linfante '26, Julia Leitao '26 and Ricardo Cury '26 combined information and entertainment, and it was followed by Brazilian specialties in the dining hall prepared by SAGE Dining.

Ransom Everglades celebrated Black History Month in February on both campuses with student reflections, special dance performances and traditional music. At the middle school, Faith Simmons ’29, Sydney Forrester ’29, Liv Brantley ’29 and Gillian Carvalho ’29 served as emcees for an event in the gymnasium that featured RE dance team members and the University of Miami Steppers. At the upper school, Black Students Association officers Mia Campbell '25 and Tariq Maduro '26 introduced a special dance performance – "Roots & Rhythms" by the Zest Collective and local choreographer Gentry Isaiah George – which followed a performance by the RE Jazz Band in the Lewis Family Auditorium.

Ransom Everglades celebrated the Lunar New Year and Year of the Snake with a vibrant showcase of music and dance at the upper school and various cultural activities at the middle school. Members of the Chinese Culture Club, several Chinese classes and the Chinese Parents Association worked together on the Feb. 5 centerpiece event at the upper school, which offered colorful costumes, captivating entertainment, historical background and delicious cuisine. Among the many highlights: performances by the Dragon Dance Team and traditional fan and ribbon dances. Photo Gallery

Holocaust survivor Allan J. Hall visited Ransom Everglades Middle School on International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, sharing the history of the Holocaust and his heart-wrenching story of survival with eighth-grade students. Introduced by his great niece, Emma Hall '30, he was one of three featured speakers on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp whose aim was to ensure that RE students never forget the atrocities of that period.

The six Ransom Everglades students who attended the 2024 Student Diversity Leadership Conference addressed middle school students during an assembly on Jan. 13, sharing personal highlights and meaningful moments from the national conference in Denver in December. Sofia Rhone-Fernandez '26, Carlos Horcasitas '25, Edwin Carr '26, Pierce Harris '26, Mia Campbell '25 and Jaerla Sajous '25 talked about their experiences engaging with many of the 2,000 conference attendees from independent schools across the nation.