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Local architect extends RE's Environmental Sustainability Speaker Series

An expert in the construction of sustainable schools visited Ransom Everglades as part of RE's Environmental Sustainability Speaker Series, presenting an evening lecture on the topic of "Green Schools as Teaching Tools." Thorn Grafton shared insights on his work as Historic Preservation Architect and Sustainability Director at the firm Zyscovich, and he was joined in his presentation at the Posner Lecture Hall Nov. 20 by Connie Taudt-Ehrling '88, senior designer-manager at Zyscovich.
The pair were introduced by Alyssa Kriplen, the environmental sustainability chair for the Ransom Everglades Parents' Association who has a background in architecture and formerly worked with Grafton. The event was supported by RE's student Environmental Sustainability Council under President Dieter Manstein '25 and advisor Kelly Jackson, also RE's Director of Environmental Sustainability.

Grafton, a third generation Miami architect, shared examples of redesigned or rebuilt schools that combined environmentally friendly elements with opportunities for students to learn from those elements. He highlighted creative uses of solar panels, windows to allow views of design elements, hands-on features such as food gardens, built-in learning exhibits and more.

Taudt-Ehrling shared insight into the recent construction of improvements at Gulliver Prep, including a new center for student life. Both met with members of the audience and answered questions.
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Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.