RANNEY’S 2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

JOHN ANDREWS, CLASS OF 1972, DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD John Andrews entered Ranney’s Rumson Reading Institute as an eighth grader in 1967. By his junior year, he had become editor of the school’s newspaper, The Torch. After graduation, he attended Brown University, where he majored in Theater and English. He wrote two musicals for Brown’s theater groups and one for the Rhode Island Shakespeare Theater during college, while fitting in band tours as a musician. Mr. Andrews began his career in production and broadcast design/animation. Over the course of the 1980s, he won three Emmy Awards for his work on the PBS series “Adam Smith’s Money World” and served as a creative consultant on several Bill Moyers projects. His work came to the attention of MTV where, starting in 1992, he gained success as the producer of such animated series as “Beavis and Butt-head,” “Daria” and “Aeon Flux.” In 1998, Mr. Andrews moved to Los Angeles to work as an executive producer at Klasky Csupo Inc., home of such Nickelodeon series as “The Rugrats” and “The Wild Thornberrys.” In addition to working on commercials for consumer brands such as McDonald’s, he also produced several animated series for the web. Today, Mr. Andrews serves as the executive producer of a Chinese entertainment and theme-park company based in Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife, Patty, and their son, Harry.

JEFF BLUMENKRANTZ, CLASS OF 1982, DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Jeff Blumenkrantz began his Ranney career in 1976 as a seventh grader. He excelled in the theater program, including being named the Musical Director for (while also appearing in) Ranney’s Upper School production of Godspell as an eighth grader. After graduation, Mr. Blumenkrantz received his B.S. in Speech & Theater from Northwestern University and quickly moved on to Broadway. He has performed in Into the Woods (1987), Threepenny Opera (1989), Damn Yankees (1994), How to Succeed in Business (1995) and A Class Act (2001), as well as Off-Broadway and on camera, in shows such as “30 Rock,” “The Good Wife,” “Will and Grace,” and “Law and Order.” Also a musical theater composer/lyricist, Mr. Blumenkrantz received a Tony nomination as one of the co-writers of the score of Urban Cowboy. He received the 2011 Fred Ebb Award as well as several commissions from Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Originals, and Guggenheim Works and Process. Most recently, he released a CD titled I’ve Been Played: Alysha Umphress Swings Jeff Blumenkrantz. His songs have been recorded by Audra McDonald and Sutton Foster, among others.

DR. A’NDREA VAN SCHOICK, CLASS OF 1992, DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Dr. A’ndrea Van Schoick was a Ranney student “lifer,” having attended the school for 12 years. In her extra-curricular life, she served as an officer of the National Honor Society, Horizons yearbook editor, co-captain of the mock trial and BRITE teams, sang in the Ranney and All-Shore Choruses, and played on the school’s tennis and softball teams. Dr. Van Schoick was an AP Scholar with Honor and 4-year recipient of the In Search of Excellence scholarship. She earned her B.S. with Honors in Animal Science from Cornell University in 1996. After receiving a B.S. in Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Dean’s List Honors in 1998 and 2000, respectively, from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, she spent eight years in full-time private companion animal clinical practice in northern Virginia. Concurrently, she established a five-state locum tenens primary care and emergency companion animal veterinary practice, and has been recognized as a top veterinarian by the Washingtonian and Virginia Living. In 2008, Dr. Van Schoick accepted a position as a Veterinary Medical Officer in the Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation at FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). During her tenure, she was recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding New Reviewer Award, multiple FDA Human Capital Investment Awards, and the CVM Director’s Honor Award. A published researcher and conference speaker, Dr. Van Schoick assumed the role of Director, Scientific Curriculum for FDA CVM, in June 2015. In addition, she continues her clinical work and is an active leader within the professional and Cornell University communities. Originally from Wall Township, she now resides in Maryland.

RUSSELL G. RANNEY (POSTHUMOUSLY), DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD In 1945, Mr. Russell G. Ranney served as an officer of the United States Army, stationed in France with a family that had two young children. Mr. Ranney was amazed at how much emphasis the French placed on the three R’s: reading, writing and arithmetic. His experience in France laid the foundation for his vision of Ranney School. Prior to the war, Mr. Ranney was a public school math teacher. When he returned home, he became the Supervising Principal of the Shrewsbury Township Public Schools (known today as the Tinton Falls School District). As the superintendent, he vowed to do everything he could to see the children of Shrewsbury perform to the best of their ability. Mr. Ranney, as he was always called, and is still fondly remembered by our alumni, received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Reading Institute at New York University, where he later served as Associate Director. In 1948, Mr. Ranney founded the Rumson Reading Institute, which opened its doors with a class of five high school seniors who wanted to improve their College Board scores. The institute grew its enrollment to more than 300 students from across Rumson as well as Point Pleasant, Sea Girt, Bay Head and West Orange. Twelve years later, Ranney School was founded and, in 1965, graduated its first class with 11 students, including the school’s first National Merit Finalist. Ranney School moved to its current location on Hope Road, the former Guggenheim horse breeding farm owned by the Tufano family, in 1965. Mr. Ranney continued to improve facilities, curriculum and activities through the years before he passed away in 1987. His dedication to excellence and his drive to complete his vision brought Ranney School to the prestigious educational institution it is today.

LAURA GILLROY, DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD Laura Gillroy joined the Ranney community in 1988 as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher. She continued in the teaching role for 14 years before becoming the Assistant Head of the Lower School, a position she held until her retirement in 2011. Mrs. Gillroy’s students knew her as a caring and special teacher. Even after she left the classroom to move into Administration, her heart never left the students. She continually served as a mentor for younger teachers and leading special school-wide celebrations and class trips.

Since retiring, Mrs. Gillroy enjoys spending time with her husband, Dev, and traveling as much as possible. They have visited Ireland, France, Alaska and Canada. Most of their days are spent enjoying their three beautiful grandchildren, Alana, Maeve and Brady.

KATE GREENBERG, DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD Kate Greenberg began her career at Ranney in 1997 as a member of the Art Department and has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the Ranney arts program we know today. In 2000, Ms. Greenberg assumed the role of Department Chair for Fine and Performing Arts and, today, continues to chair the Visual Arts Department. Ms. Greenberg has also held the role of Dean of Students in the Upper School, where she was responsible for, among other things, student government, community service, discipline and the student advisory program. Today, Ms. Greenberg advises National Honor Society, GSA and Women’s Studies Activities, and serves as secretary of Ranney’s Cum Laude Society chapter. She is a member of the Dress Code Committee and co-chair of the Art Strategic Planning Committee. Ms. Greenberg has presented at numerous conferences over the years, sharing her knowledge and love for art. Her daughters, Erin and Sophia, graduated from Ranney School in 2006 and 2009, respectively.

GINNY SCHULER, DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD Ginny Schuler joined the Ranney faculty as an Upper School English and International Relations teacher in 1979, after meeting Mr. Ranney and then Upper School Principal Richard Collier (her son, Ernie, was a Ranney Pre-Kindergarten student at the time). In the mid-1980s, she moved into the Guidance Department as a College Counselor, a position she held until her retirement in 2001. Many alums, and their parents, credit Mrs. Schuler with their ability to get into some of the finest colleges and universities across the nation. After retiring with the graduating Class of 2001, Mrs. Schuler returned home to the Philadelphia suburbs and has established what has become a successful consulting business, assisting students in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey with college application preparations. She and her husband, Ed, have traveled to numerous countries and have two grandchildren, Evie and George. They live in Ft. Myers, Florida.

JACK YALE (POSTHUMOUSLY), DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD Upon graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1959, John “Jack” Yale grew so interested in agriculture that he started his own farm with several goats and a small garden. He then set his sights on pursuing another dream: educating students. He earned a master’s degree from Temple University in 1972 and began his teaching career, a career that spanned over 25 years. Mr. Yale spent many years at St. Mary’s Hall (now the Doane Academy) in Burlington, New Jersey before joining Ranney School in 1986. He served as the Middle School Principal for two years and then joined the faculty as a History teacher. In 1999, Ranney’s senior class named Mr. Yale their “Favorite Teacher”—an honor he treasured dearly. Along with teaching, Mr. Yale moderated the Mock Trail Club, Chess Club, History Club and served as senior class advisor. Over the summer months, he co-directed Ranney’s summer school program. Ranney was a place he called “home.” After 25-plus years of teaching and supervising children, Mr. Yale entered semi-retirement, but continued to substitute teach until he moved to Texas to be closer to his son, Wes, and his family.

LAURA CHURCH, CLASS OF 2010, PANTHER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Laura Church began her athletic journey at Ranney School in 2006 as a key member of the girls’ tennis program. She helped the team win the Patriot Conference Championship that first year and won the first of her four New Jersey Independent School (NJIS) State Championships by winning the first doubles championship. She also captured NJIS State Championships in 2007 at second doubles and in 2008 and 2009 in third singles. In 2008, Ms. Church helped to guide the Varsity Girls’ Tennis team to the Ranney’s first NJSIAA Sectional Championship and its first trip to a NJSIAA state final. Ms. Church graduated with a degree in Business and Marketing from Stockton University in 2014. During her time at Stockton, she was a collegiate athlete, excelling in tennis and maintaining a leadership role as an All-Conference championship player. She was selected to compete in the Northeast Regional Tournament in 2012, and named as part of the NJAC All-Conference 1st Team in 2012 and 2013. Ms. Church has conducted multiple marketing research studies for the NJ Futures, FEMA, the Townships of Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor. Her work earned her a Certificate of Appreciation from the Academic Recovery Team. As a collegiate athlete, she spent time with her team volunteering for nonprofit organizations, such as Relay for Life, and teaching tennis for the Women’s Sports Foundation. Today, Ms. Church works as a Sales & Marketing Coordinator for Conover Beyer Associates in Manasquan.

LAURA SMITH, CLASS OF 2007, PANTHER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Laura Smith came to Ranney School as a freshman in the fall of 2003 and immediately became involved in the athletic program. History Faculty Member Dr. Noel Delgado recruited her to be one of the few girls to form the school’s first full girls’ cross-country team. By her junior year, she was co-captain of the girl’s cross-country team and, during her senior year, led the pack of Ranney runners that won the 2006 Prep B State Championship. Ms. Smith placed second at the 2006 Patriot Conference Championship and served as a key member of the 2005 and 2006 Patriot Conference Championship softball teams. It was during these years she realized her passion for food and nutrition. Ms. Smith went on to graduate from New York University with a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics. She currently works as an Innovation Manager at Weight Watchers International in New York City where she develops, pilots and globally launches features of the company’s weight-loss program. She is also a part-time graduate student at the Teachers College of Columbia University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Nutrition Education.

ANNA ROSE JOHNSON, CLASS OF 2008, PANTHER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Anna Rose Johnson started as a Ranney student in 2004 and quickly became a three-sport star. She accumulated 12 varsity letters and numerous athletic awards, including the scholar-athlete award, during her Ranney career. Ms. Johnson was a key player in the 2006 Varsity Girls’ Soccer State Championship team and served as captain of the soccer, winter track and lacrosse teams during both her junior and senior years. Off the athletic fields, Ms. Johnson was a member of the Cum Laude Honor Society, the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society. She also received the Ranney School Leadership Award. Following graduation, she attended Tufts University, graduating summa cum laude with a double major in Spanish and Community Health. She was served as a contributing writer of the community health newsletter and romance language literary magazine. Ms. Johnson earned an M.P.H. in 2014 with delta omega honors and was awarded the presidential scholarship of academic excellence. She is currently in medical school at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson, where she is pursuing infectious disease epidemiology, including research in Honduras.

1974 VARSITY BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM, PANTHER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Under the guidance of third-year head coach Mark Samide, the 1974 Ranney Varsity Boys’ Soccer team earned the program’s first-ever NJISAA State Championship. The championship ride came to a close with 10 seconds remaining in overtime as Greg Wenz scored the winning goal over the St. Bernard’s School, earning Ranney its first championship trophy. Despite being a young team, with the majority of players being sophomores, they were very physical, which separated them from most prep school teams. A tight group both on and off the field, this group built the type of bond that can rarely be broken. Loaded with hard-working, inspired players, these students took advantage of the moment and made the most of the opportunity to be champions. Their success was not luck, but rather the way that they prepared for each game. These players were prepared to experience positive results.

Team members included: Chris Conover, Jack Benjamin, Geoff Bryant, Mark Weston, Tom Karaman, Steve Haness, Watson Berich, Paul Descioux, Chris Hill, Jim Meyer, Joe Demaria, Karl Mannik, Greg Wenz, Erik Must, Harold Tate, Frank Van Ness, Erich von Gehren and Coach Mark Samide.