Say hello to our ‘New Principal’ Senior Internship Ridge Clubs & Sports #New&ReinventedTRADITIONS Editors: Prachi Jain and Aditi Tandon From the Desk of Submissions may be made via email to [email protected] the Principal RidgePTO.com

Greetings Students and Families of RHS! INSIDE THIS ISSUE This is a time for giving thanks. As we finish the first mark- ing period of this anything-but-normal school year, there is A Word from the PTO...... 2 nothing more apropos than to give thanks. PTO Executive Board...... 2 PTO Initiatives ...... 3 Thank you to everyone for the welcome you have extended Reimagining Traditions...... 4-5 to me as I joined the RHS and BTSD communities. The Counseling News ...... 6 warmth and heart and collaboration have been incredi- School Spirit ...... 7 ble. A transition can be fraught with challenges, especially School Connection- Internship..... 8 during an unprecedented pandemic, but, from my first day, the interactions I have Ridge Recognition ...... 8 had with staff, students, and community members have been characterized by opti- Scholarship & American Legion....9 mism, commitment, and hope. It is a pleasure to work here. Music Department -Band...... 10 Drama Club News...... 11 Dance...... 12 We must thank our staff for the unending energy, thinking, creativity, and flexibility Forensic...... 13 they have devoted to their work. Thank you to the members of the larger BTSD com- Cross Country - Boys...... 14 munity who have donated their time and resources and heart to our work. Thank you Cross Country - Girls...... 15 to the families of our students who have endured endless emails, new schedules, Soccer - Girls...... 16 construction, and health advisories and have continued to partner with us to keep Cheer...... 17 our students learning. Thank you to our students for showing maturity and resilience Field Hockey - Girls...... 18 beyond anything we should have to ask of them. I see our students every day and Athletes of the Month ...... 19 from their smiles and their conversations to their costumes and their questions, they consistently raise us up and energize our staff. Togetherness We have made it through a first marking period unlike any other because we have Tenacity made choices. We have chosen to stay positive, to have fun, to make sacrifices, to focus on what is most important, and to stay together. Never before has what we Traditions do outside of school so dramatically impacted our ability to run the school. We must continue to make sound, safe decisions, both inside and outside of the building. Only through this collective commitment can we ensure our best opportunity to preserve the traditions of high school for our current students.

We must stay committed to self-care. Please use our School Counseling site. It is filled with supportive resources. We must stay committed to communication. Please read the emails, use our Distance Learning Hub, and watch the Ridge High Minutes. Please continue to share your ideas, your perspectives, and your feedback. All ideas matter.

If these first months of the school year have proven anything, it is that this year will be what we make it. We have the opportunity to be a community that soars, even in uncertain times. We have the resources; we have the ingenuity, and we have the people. Together we must continue to make the most of our opportunities, of our school, and of ourselves. Here at Ridge, there truly is plenty to be thankful for. Stay safe. - Russell Lazovick 1 A Word from our PTO

able to deliver the directories to your Welcome to the school year doorstep. Thank you to everyone that 2020-’21! RidgePTO.com made this possible. To say that the past months have been to your grade level parent representa- There are still some copies available - if uniquely challenging, would be an un- tive. All PAC members are listed in the you would like to sign up for member- derstatement but we are grateful for the Ridge directory and on the Ridge PTO ship please email us. wonderful community we are in and es- website. pecially for the students, parents, staff, To all those who volunteered for the and administration that make up the We welcome the almost 700 families many Fall events that didn’t take place, amazing fabric that is Ridge. and teachers that joined the Ridge your interest to commit time to help is PTO this year! With your support, we appreciated. Thanks to our VP Vol- On behalf of the Ridge High School are able to provide for mini-grants, gifts unteers Alicia Martine and Danielle parent body, we would like to extend a to school that benefit our students, and Abrutyn, most of the committee chair warm welcome to Dr. Lazovick as the teacher appreciation luncheons. We positions are filled but if you’d like to Principal at the high school. Since his would also like to extend our gratitude volunteer you can still sign up as a gen- arrival at Ridge in August, the PTO has to the local businesses that advertised eral or committee volunteer. Check the been working closely to communicate in the directory. This has been a hard link on the PTO page. concerns and queries from the commu- year for many and we so appreciate all nity to the administration and vice ver- the support that you have given. Be sure to follow the Ridge PTO Face- sa. We look forward to continuing this book page and visit our website. Our as we hopefully return to more normal Thank you to Ridge PTO Directory VP of Digital Communications & Social times. Chair, Sarah Bonnefoi - who not only Media, Cathy Cheo-Isaacs gets the promised a hard copy directory, but credit to keep them both updated and The Ridge PAC has been meeting also was sure they could be hand-de- current. For any comments, concerns monthly with Dr. Lazovick to discuss livered in the absence of an in-person or questions feel free to reach out to us. grade level and school-wide issues and Back to School Night. And for the lat- concerns. A variety of topics are dis- ter, a shout out to Betsy Riddiford - who From both of us, the warmest wishes cussed at each meeting and the min- made this delivery of 700 plus possi- for 2021! utes posted to the Ridge PTO website. ble, by mapping out delivery routes by If you have a concern that you would neighborhood. With the help of some Achint Kaur and Becca Moussally like addressed, please reach out amazing volunteer drivers, we were Ridge PTO Co-Presidents

2020-2021 Ridge PTO Executive Board Class Parents Freshman Junior Ryan Parker Heather Olivo Co-Presidents Treasurer Karen Santonastaso Achint Kaur Chau Shearer Becca Moussally Sophomore Senior Vice President Alexandra Schwarz Doreen Beim Recording Secretary Programs Kris Leopold Zaida Harrison Lisa McNey Tissiana Oliva Stacey Irvine (PEC)

Vice President Co-Vice Presidents Class Advisors Digital Communications Newsletters Freshman Junior & Social Media Aditi Tandon Linda Valera Danielle Lehmann Cathy Cheo Isaacs Prachi Jain Marie Wurtenberg Lauren Baker

Co-Vice Presidents Board of Education Sophomore Senior Volunteers Representatives Christina Onorato Janine Quimby Alicia Martine Elaine DiDario Michaela Stoudemayer Emily Lipnick Danielle Abrutyn Christina Marshall Bernards PEC Representatives Lisa McNey Board members may be emailed here Marisa Taormina-Podwats 2 PTO Initiatives

A Surprise for Teachers An Enterprising Freshman Class on their first day! Teen Walkthrough Face Shields made and do- he teachers found this little sur- nated to the PTO by Raunak To welcome the Freshman Tprise in their mailboxes on the Singh, a 9th grader, for Ridge Class, a banner with mes- first day of in-person instruction. teachers & staff. sages of encouragement Thank you to everyone who donat- and good wishes from the ed the lottery tickets last year and to graduating Class of 2020 Hillary Walters-Reynolds @Baba- was displayed at the en- dooDesigns for the super cute tags! trance.

Follow the Ridge High School PTO on Facebook

The volunteers are the ones that made this Junior Class fundraiser a success.

Thank you to the hard working com- mittee: Sundari Rao, Betsy Riddiford, Cathy Cheo Issaacs, Doreen Beim, and Tina Del Giorno.

Balloons in June The Class of 2020 missed out on many things this Spring - but Balloons in June was one tradition that stayed afloat!! Orders came in from families, friends, and the community, and almost 5,300 balloons were delivered!

Using the Lyons UPS Store as a base, at least 70 volunteers came together to process the orders, inflate ALL of the balloons, and deliver them across town. All this was done while working under strict guidelines to keep every- one safe. Looking out at the mailbox- es from their houses during quarantine definitely made for some smiles for the graduates!!

3 REIMAGINING Traditions

Reimagining Traditions

My family is making two dinners and bringing one of them to the VA Hospital. My kids are actually excited about being in the kitchen the entire day. We are also planning a zoom game with the family Traditions are one of the ways that couldn’t come to our house. in which we humans shape our Zoomsgiving ... we can experience. These are habits - The Sblendorio Family that become accepted and en- be together from afar ! trenched as family norms. - The Hodges Family But then, along came 2020 and we were forced to re- invigorate our family tradi- tions, resurface forgotten norms, and create entirely new customs.

We asked our Ridge Families- what family traditions have helped them ride the COVID Doing home improve- tide? Have they reinstated any? ment projects together. Have they started new ones?

- The Moussally Family We discovered the joys of sewing: cre- Enjoy their answers ... ating the new and mending the old, And we often cook up a storm together! Jigsaw Puzzle Tradition - The Tandon Family Our family has always loved doing jigsaw puzzles together, but rarely have the time. The pandemic caused us to clear off the din- ing room table for nonstop puzzling. When With the lockdown started mid-March - we com- everyone pleted about 15 jigsaw puzzles (1000-2000 pieces each) in the first month. Once we re- home ... lots of alized we would all be home for much longer - we dusted off a 18,000 piece puzzle that we good fights. bought 18 years ago. About 4 months later - the 9ftx7ft puzzle was completed, taking up - The McCabe Family most of our living room floor! -The Riddiford Family

4 REIMAGINING Traditions

Our family started a few things like baking fresh bread, pizza (big hit!!), and cookies. The Reimagining twins have started playing table tennis daily with their grandpa. We also started a Sun- Traditions day evening fun family time where the twins It’s a simple fact that all parents in enjoy a game of UNO & play board games. I every family have found, especially look forward to that Sunday game time as everyone laughs and we all have a As children grow up, it gets more great time together. I have started acrylic difficult to gather them around. painting by taking online YouTube instruc- tions and I am having fun!! So we’ll give thanks each day and Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and blessed build new traditions cheerfully, holiday season. ‘Cos we love to be surrounded by -The Gill/Sidhu Family our friends and family.

Dinners as a family every night. No commutes and We look up less activities have definitely given us more quality family song lyrics and time and I’m eternally grate- sing aloud. ful. -The Jain Family

Though I am bummed about the restrictions, I love being able to have family dinners every night. Since my boys really play sports or have ac- tivities year round, we all ate dinner whenever we could ... rarely together. So that’s a positive!

-The Harrison Family Nightly family walks and weekend hikes have helped us to get through quarantine and will hopefully become lasting traditions.

-The Martine Family

I put my Christmas tree up 96 weeks early.

-Anonymous

Want to share your TRADITIONS? Putting on LOUD music picked by the kids and dancing like crazy as a family. It’s a great stress Join the and loneliness buster. conversation on Facebook -The Dadlani Family

5 COUNSELING NEWS

News and Notes from the Ridge Counseling Department ic copy of the Senior Post-Secondary are posted on Naviance. While many Dear Handbook and various supporting tu- are geared toward juniors and seniors, Ridge torial videos can be found on our flyer. there are a number that any student, grades 9 through 12, can apply for. Log Community Sophomore Careers Informa- in; click “Colleges,” then “Scholarship List” to see the current offerings. Check tion Virtual Rep Visits back often, as we post new opportuni- Counselors will meet with sophomores ties as soon as we receive them Juniors and seniors have been en- upon return from the winter break for a couraged to sign up for College Repre- career exploration presentation. Soph- sentative visits to Ridge, which began omores have received access to their Social & Emotional Supports to taper off in early December. Dates, personal Naviance account via a previ- and Resources times, and registration for college vis- ously sent electronic communication. If its are on Naviance. If your child lost you have not logged in, please contact Please be sure to check out our coun- his/her Naviance username or pass- your counselor and the counseling sec- seling website for various resourc- word, please ask him/her to see one retaries can help you. es including our Distance Learning of the counseling secretaries. Please Site, SAC Site, and Virtual Relaxation also note that parents cannot sign their Room! There are many resources ded- children up for College Visits; students Seniors Naviance Check-Ins icated towards supporting the social, must log on themselves, register, and emotional, and mental well-being of print out the confirmation page. Stu- Seniors will work with their school students too -- check it out! dents must also ask their teacher for counselors in January to update any permission to attend at least a day in responses they have had from colleges advance. Information on these virtual in Naviance. This “Midyear Naviance visits can be found on our flyer. Check-In” and system clean-up allows the Counseling Department Staff to Junior Year Post-Secondary send midyear grades Planning more efficiently and ef- fectively. Counselors met with all juniors to re- The Counseling Depart- view the Junior Post-Secondary Plan- ment will automatically ning Handbook on November 19th. All send mid-year grades juniors and families are invited to view to any college to which our virtual Q&A panel event for juniors you have applied, after and families, live on Youtube on De- second marking period cember 9th at 7pm! Please check the grades are published. counseling website for more informa- No additional requests tion and the link to view. The Junior are required, and we Post-Secondary Planning Handbook do not need any ad- can be found on our flyer. ditional forms. These midyear reports go out The College Application Pro- in mid-February. Since most colleges require cess Continues for Seniors them, so there is no “opt- During the month of December, coun- ing out.” selors continue to process college ap- plications for Rolling, Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadlines. Scholarships and Remember to request transcripts for Special Programs schools with early January deadlines well before the winter break, as staff All scholarships and spe- will not be available to send materials cial programs received over the holiday break. The electron- by the Counseling Office

6 SCHOOL SPIRIT - Halloween Fun

Reimagine School Spirit

Step

Aside.

I’m gonna

show my

RIDGE PRIDE.

7 School Connection Announcing the Ridge Senior Internship Program who are looking for internships? Virtual Rep Visits The Ridge Senior Internship Program Internship hosts are key to supporting provides opportunities for seniors who the success of our interns. If you own meet the eligibility requirements to a business or work in a business that source local unpaid internships to fur- would be interested in hosting one or ther develop skills and knowledge and more of our seniors we would love to gain valuable hands-on experiences in speak with you. Internship hosts from a potential career or area of interest. last year commented “count us in for next year”, and “our experience with The Senior Internship Program will run guidelines, a calendar of SIP key dates, Ridge’s Senior Interns and the program this academic year from Monday, May and internship accountabilities while was very positive, and we would host 17 through Friday, June 11, 2021. Stu- on the job can be found on the Ridge an intern again.” dents who are eligible will be asked to High School website. Once there scroll either self-design an internship or apply down to “Counseling” and then to the Please email Mr. Brum, the SIP Pro- for posted internships in the SIP data- “Senior Internship Program.” Complet- gram Coordinator, if you are interested base. Although there are exceptions, ed application packets can be dropped in learning more about our Program seniors who participate in the program off to Mrs. Fiorini in the Guidance Office and/or how to be an internship host. will report to their internship versus anytime between Monday, November Ridge for the entire extent of the pro- 16, 2020 – Friday, January 29, 2021. Ridge Recognition gram. We are also looking for internship Additional details about the Senior hosts. Are you interested in hosting - Internship Program including eligibil- smart, creative, resilient, driven, and outstanding Ridge High School seniors 2/7/20 ity requirements, internship selection Krystie and Frank Fiorilli - Joseph Louis joins big brother Matthew Meet the Team Franco 5/9/20 Jackie Coyne and husband - Avery Denise

6/7/20 Rachel and Chris Miranda - Juliana Adeline joins big sister Gabriella Ann

8/22/20 Linda and Vincent Cuccaro - Blake Everly joins Jude Tyler and Brynn

9/26/20 Nicole and Joe Simms - CJ joins Hailey Annmarie

9/30/20 Vivian and Michael Longo - Vivian Penelope

Ridge Administration 10/8/20 Left to right: Paul and Jessica Galipeau - Mila joins Cheryl Howarth, Assistant Principal, 10th (kneeling) big sister Ara Scott Graber, Assistant Principal, 12th Russell Lazovick, Principal (kneeling) 11/20 Kathleen Dusebout, Assistant Principal, 9th JP and Meghan Mahoney - Twins Scott Thompson, Assistant Principal, 11th Clare and Timothy join Agnes, Bre- Also photographed: Hank Werner, Director of District Security (Far Left) anne, and MaryEllen

8 School Connection the award’s purpose – honoring the past noon is devoted to intramural sports. by supporting the future.” It’s a college-level program run in five Ridge Alumni busy days starting with the election of Memorial Scholarship Graduating Ridge seniors can learn mayors on Monday and a governor and more at the Ridge AMS website, two senators on Friday followed by a RidgeAMS.org, or by contacting RHS family picnic. The student-delegates CHARACTER AND NONTRA- Guidance counselors. Applications will run their own city-governments with the be accepted via email (instructions ap- help of our volunteers. DITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS pear on the website). CAN EARN A RIDGE SENIOR The 2020 session wasn’t held due to $21,000 IN 2021 The deadline for applications is Mon- the pandemic. It’s postponed until June day, March 1, 2021. 2021 when a joint session will be held It doesn’t take a 4.5 GPA and 1600 with 2021 juniors and those selected to SATs to receive a scholarship. Ridge AMS is a 501(C)(3) funded en- attend in June 2020. Uncertainty about tirely by donations. Ridge AMS contri- the future makes planning for next June The 2021 Ridge Alumni Memorial butions are tax-deductible. hard, but please consider if your son Scholarship is looking for seniors who would benefit by going and let the guid- have demonstrated “character, deter- ance department know you’d like your mination, and nontraditional achieve- son to be considered. ments” during their tenure at RHS. This year’s award is $21,000, the group’s Additional information can be found at largest to date. www.aljbs.org. Boys’ State begins on Father’s Day June 20, 2021, and ends The award recipient may use the funds the following Friday. for virtually any educational, vocation- al, or personal growth expenses: tui- Laila Boyd and Nick Stoto Feel free to call me with questions. The tion, a gap year, a car to get to work, Legion requires that candidates have studio time, or —something a senior will finished their junior year of high school, need that hasn’t yet occurred to Ridge American Legion maintain an excellent academic stand- AMS organizers. ing, and have no serious disciplinary issues. The Ridge Guidance Dept. will Last year, Ridge AMS organizers made Dear Parents: contact me to come to Ridge and speak the unprecedented decision to award to those interested in going to Boys‘ two $20,000 grants to seniors Laila I am the committee chairman for the State, so speak to them first if your son Boyd and Nick Stoto. The grants were Boys State program for American Le- is interested. I think it’s safe to say any the largest scholarships presented at gion Post 12 in Somerville. We’ve sent in-person meetings are undecided right Ridge’s 2019 Awards Night, other than a few junior boys from Ridge to Boys now. ones restricted to a particular college or State over the past few years and university. would like to send more. Frank Higbie, American Legion Post 12 (732) 356-0271. “For the first time in 15 years, the AMS Boys State seeks to educate our future Selection Committee simply had to leaders in the duties, rights, and privi- indhu Nagarakanti of Ridge High fund a second award,” according to leges of US citizenship. We aim to pro- SSchool was one of just 478 people Jane Cullinan (RHS ’67), who chairs vide an understanding of our system of receiving the Congressional Award the Ridge AMS Board of Trustees. government: how it works and how the Gold Medal, Congress’ highest honor “COVID-19 had just hit as we were re- various people elected to the public of- for civilian youth, during a virtual cere- viewing applications, and it was clear fice go about making decisions, getting mony on Sept. 26. that a scholarship could be even more support for it, and signing the resulting important to candidates. We were de- legislation into law. lighted to acknowledge the character and determination of both Laila and Each day there are seminars given by Nick.” She added, “We’re grateful for people from various lines of work. A the support of Ridge alumni and com- college fair is held that has drawn as munity, which allows us to continue many as 80 colleges from all over the our work. We’re committed to making a country, a newspaper published, and meaningful contribution to a deserving a concert band performs. Weather and senior’s future again this year. That’s time permitting, a part of each after-

9 MUSIC DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Ridge Marching Band

Ridge Marching Band: Show- ing Spirit on and off the field in 2020 Each season, the award-winning Ridge High School Marching Band creates the musical pulse and infus- es pride in Basking Ridge through its creative musical arrangements and pageantry. However, in 2020 Ridge Marching Band (RMB) was sidelined During this unusual season, the school veloped as a member of the Marching by COVID-19 to perform a full season, musicians and Color Guard perform- Band are life-long memories of being like many student athletes and student ers also dedicated their spirit and en- a part of this elite musical ensemble. activities. The RMB typical season usu- ergy to supporting the local community As the 20 graduating Seniors end this ally kicks off with a two-week, intense and a good cause. The RMB families season on a different note than in the Band Camp in August followed by up moblized and collected food and toi- past, they can fondly look back on their to 15 performances that include home letries for Volunteers of America Del- four years in RMB and always say, “It’s aware Valley’s and a Great Day for Marching Band!” The Agape House in Somerville. Lisa Best of luck to our graduating Seniors: Spitzner, an RMB Leana Bashar, Theo Bonnefoi, Tori mom, organized a Dalton, Anthony Del Giorno, Mariel week-long food drive Ganes, Yumeng Guo, David Hilferty, surrounding Band Nupur Khanvilkar, Sophie Kramer, rehearsals. Lisa Janak Munshi, Esha Nauman, and her graduating Brianna Nemes, Megha Parikh, Beth RMB musician, Cole Polito, Elizabeth Reynolds, Maeve football games, a rigorous competi- Spitzner, proudly delivered a very full Rhatican, Abby Siegel, Cole Spitzner, tion schedule among area high school carload of donated supplies. Edison Tong, Katie Vollmar. bands and community events like the Memorial Day Parade and Field of “Even though the 2020 competition cir- Honor celebration for our Veterans. cuits were canceled, RMB members brought spirit to every practice and Unlike other years, there was no Band home football game,” commented Kelly Camp, no theme, no fully-orchestrated Law, Ridge High School Band Asso- show, no traditional Home Competi- ciation Co-President. “They are an tion, no elaborate props and uniforms, incredibly talented group of students. no community appearances. Instead, From the food drive to fundraisers, we the RMB members lined up in 2020 to truly appreciate the amazing support of simply lift team spirit and infuse posi- RMB families this season.” tive energy at home football games. Thank you for your leadership to RMB The musical talents, the friendships, Katie, Samhita & our nine Student All 74 Band members remained dedi- and the life experiences that are all de- Leaders: Tori Dalton, Band Manager; cated throughout the 2020 Megha Parikh and Thaddeus season, showing spirit both Kopczynski, Woodwinds; on the field and off. Under the Samantha Larsen and Raj Gill, direction of Clay Beyert and Brass; Cole Spitzner, Battery; Beth a team of skilled instructors, Polito, Pit; Brianna Nemes and Drum Majors Katie Vollmar Maeve Rhatican, Color Guard. & Samhita Tatvarty and nine student leaders led the Band Photo Credits: Rebecca Jones through an upbeat season of Logo designed by Kelly Law, RMB performances on Lee Field. Parent Association Co-President

10 RIDGE CLUBS- DRAMA recently completed a community ser- An Eventful Season vice project entitled the “Literature to Though things look a little different this ously virtually and in-person and social- Life” program, where members per- year, Ridge Drama Club is working ly-distant, with different small groups of formed various elementary children’s hard to keep theatre alive and flour- students rotating so that all who wanted books. This project was recorded and ishing at Ridge High School. We may to, had a chance to design, build, and edited by members, then sent out to the not always know exactly what’s next focus lights in person. The students elementary school teachers around the but led passionately by our staff mem- district. It was an overall success and bers as well as our student officers, we brought so much joy to the elementa- know that the Drama Club will continue ry school students. In addition, I.T.S. to adapt and innovate to keep sharing completed a community outreach food stories with the community. drive through the state chapter entitled “Trick or Treat so Tots Can Eat.” Over This year, our Fall Play looked a little 150 pounds of donated goods were col- bit different but brought just as much lected and then given to the Somerset joy to audience members as it has in County Food Network to help those past years. The Amphitheater at Pleas- affected by food insecurity. Coming ant Valley Park became a winter won- up next for Troupe 7742 is the annual derland as students came together to performed and rehearsed outdoors and state festival where members compete present two holiday classics: “A Christ- socially distant, providing the unique and workshop their talents, as well as mas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” opportunity to create and present live audition for scholarships and summer in the style of 1940s live radio shows. theatre during such unprecedented programs. This festival is held in Janu- times. ary and will be all virtual this year. Simultaneously, the Drama Club has been keeping mem- bers busy in other ways. Meet- ing twice a month, holding vir- tual workshops with Broadway performers, and even enjoying an outdoor retreat for all mem- bers in October! We’ve got all sorts of new merchandise so that members can represent the club. Interested in joining the Drama Club?

Another way the Drama Club We would love to have you! Go to our Under the direction of Mrs. Martha Har- gives students an opportunity newly updated website! It has all the vey, a handful of actors, inhabiting the to nourish their theatrical love is by of- information you need to be an active roles of radio actors, brought dozens of fering an honors society for theatre stu- member of the club: How you can join, characters to the stage, as each famil- dents through the International Thespi- what we do, information on the different iar story unfolded. At their microphones an Society’s New Jersey chapter. We crews, and our contact information! Go with a few costume piec- are proud to represent to www.ridgedramaclub.com! es, live sound effects, and Troupe 7742 on behalf live musical underscoring, of Ridge High School. Though the future is uncertain in so these holiday classics To be inducted, mem- many ways, the leadership of the Dra- came alive. The stage, bers must complete ma Club has been working tirelessly tech, and costume crews over 100 hours of the- in their commitment to making this an under the leadership of atre participation, and incredible year of theatrical exploration Mr. Jason Stewart, Mr. complete one main- and creation for students. Dallas Harvey, and Ms. stage with Ridge Drama We will continue to find ways to share Seana Benz, respectively, Club. After induction, the theatrical experience with the com- worked tirelessly to make members will complete munity in new ways. We will continue the production authentic various service initia- to provide a home for students in our to the time period and a tives and community big school. We will continue to tell sto- dazzling, festive evening. outreach projects. For ries that will impact others this year and They worked simultane- example, Troupe 7742 beyond.

11 RIDGE CLUBS- DANCE What is Happening in the Ridge Dance Department? Ridge Dance Classes Prepare for the Winter Dance Show- case 2021: Step In Time

While Mrs. Miranda is on maternity leave, the Ridge Dance Department is being led by Ms. Julia Shicatano who is preparing students for their upcoming dance showcase. Students in Dance I, Dance III, Social Skills Dance, as well as, the Ridge Dance extracurriculars Hadleigh Buckingham, Claudia Corda- will be performing. The students in Ridge Dance Collective Collabo- no, Leah D’Altilia, Emily Stuart, Marina the Dance 8 elective at William Annin rates on Choreography for the Win- Zunin. Congratulations to our new in- Middle School will also join the per- ter Dance Showcase 2021: Step In ductees and we can’t wait to see how formance. The Winter Dance Show- Time case 2021 is on January 22, 2021, at you spread the joy of Dance throughout 7 pm/Location:TBD. Every dance is a Ridge Dance Collective is preparing the Ridge High School community! chronological “Step In Time” through two inspiring and innovative dances In addition, current NHSDA members dance movies, musicals, and pop cul- for the Winter Dance Showcase all via Stephanie Aiello and Kelly Cimaglia ture. We hope you join us on our jour- Zoom! For the first time in Ridge Dance were published in the national news- ney through the decades! Collective history, students are choreo- letter, Dance Arts, Now! Cimaglia was graphing & rehearsing entirely virtually published in the Summer 2020 issue and Aiello was published in the Fall Ridge Dance Team Prepares for the from the beginning of the creative pro- 2020 issue. Upcoming Season cess through the finished piece. Their work ethic and desire to succeed are Congratulations dancers! This fall, the Ridge Dance Team truly admirable. This worked with Jude Cassion and Rachel is a modern dance Brown to learn choreography for the group that consists of team’s competition season this spring. students from William Cassion and Brown are both profes- Annin Middle School sional choreographers. Cassion cho- and Ridge High reographs in New York City for Jude School. Students in Cassion Productions and various Hip this afterschool pro- Hop projects. Brown is an adjunct pro- gram collaboratively fessor in the Dance and Theater De- choreograph their partments at Montclair State University own dances under and Kean University. She is also on the advisement of staff at Broadway Artists Alliance in Mrs. Miranda. The New York City and has choreographed students are looking for numerous theatres, schools, and forward to an amaz- studios throughout NJ. ing performance!

Working with both choreographers has National Honor So- provided the Ridge Dance Team mem- ciety for Dance Arts bers an invaluable opportunity to net- Happenings work with professionals in the industry of dance and compete with unique and This fall, the Nation- entertaining performances this spring. al Honor Society for Cassion’s dances are inspired by The Dance Arts (NHS- Addams Family and Charlie’s Angels. DA), inducted new Brown’s dance is inspired by legendary members into their choreographer Bob Fosse. The danc- chapter. The newest ers look forward to a wonderful season! NHSDA members are

12 RIDGE CLUBS- FORENSICS

An Eventful Season- Ridge Speech and Debate Succeeds On the Local and National Level

ond place overall at the New York City he states. “In addition, many schools Ridge Forensics continues to Invitational. Ten students advanced to are participating in New Jersey and tri- shine both locally and elimination rounds with senior Divya state region tournaments from across nationally. Krishnan and sophomore Jocelyn Tan the globe, including China and Taiwan. advancing to the final rounds in their While the future remains uncertain for events. Ridge had six students ad- In December, the Ridge Forensics many school activities, the Ridge Fo- vance to elimination rounds at the Uni- team will be competing in online events rensics Team, Ridge High School’s in- versity of Florida Blue Key Invitational. hosted by Princeton University, George terscholastic speech and debate team,

has continued the Fall and Winter sea- The Ridge Forensics team has also Mason University, Summit High School, sons virtually, competing every week- had students advance at Newark Cath- and the Blake School in Minnesota. In end at local and national online tourna- olic Forensics League tournaments, addition, Ridge will be hosting a re- ments. the Phillipsburg Fall Invitational, the gional debate tournament. Yastremski William Tennent Invitational, the Dal- comments, “normally, our tournament The team has succeeded on the na- lastown Invitational, the Scarsdale Invi- has a regional draw of about fifty teams tional circuit at competitions such as tational, the Randolph Fall Invitational, from the New England and Mid-Atlan- the Byram Hills Invitational, New York and the Kentucky ‘Extra Gravy’ Invita- tic area. This year, we have received City Invitational, University of Florida tional. entries from nearly seventy teams, rep- Blue Key Invitational, and the Villiger resenting 13 states, including the west Tournament at St. Joseph’s Universi- Mr. Yastremski, director of the Ridge coast.” ty. At Byram Hills, the Ridge team had Forensics team, comments, “the online three competitors advance to finals with tournament experience has opened so For full results and more information, sophomore Yejin Lee and Kevin Li win- many doors for our students to experi- visit www.ridgeforensics.com. ning their events. Ridge received sec- ence tournaments across the country,”

13 RIDGE CROSS COUNTRY - BOYS points, narrowly defeating #3 Westfield, at the Colt Invite at Holmdel Park. The 2020: GO RIDGE #4 Co