Dozens of honored, valedictorian and salutatorian named

Those announcements capped the Senior Class Awards Ceremony on April 29 at the Lewis Family Auditorium, which recognized members of the Class of 2025 for excellence in various realms including core values and service. The seniors’ last day of school is May 2, and commencement will take place on May 23. The event opened with an expression of gratitude and encouragement from Head of School Rachel Rodriguez.

“It is a joy to be with you today in a room filled with so much promise,” Rodriguez said. “As I look around the room, I am reminded of what makes this community so very special … You challenged yourself not just to do well, but to do good. You asked the hard questions, and you’ve been asked hard questions.

“Whether today you are cheering on a friend, receiving an award, or simply reflecting on your own journey this year and your accomplishments, I invite you to take in the spirit of the moment,” Rodriguez continued. “It is a beautiful moment that reminds us what we can achieve together when we lead with our values.”

Student Government Association President Hannah Zuckerman ’25 presented the annual SGA Faculty Award to history and social sciences teacher Stephen Allen, who received a standing ovation. Zuckerman took the opportunity to say a final goodbye to her peers, and she, too, was met with a rousing ovation.

“Ransom Everglades has given me so much to be grateful for,” Zuckerman said. “This community doesn’t just talk about its core values – it lives them. Joy and wellbeing, service and outreach, support and community, diversity and inclusion, honor and excellence – these principles have shaped my experience at Ransom Everglades and will continue to guide me as I move forward.” 

Though RE does not do class rankings, the students with the top grade-point averages are selected to be valedictorian and salutatorian. Gedde, president of the math team and member of RE Speech and Debate, is taking three AP courses, jazz band, advanced physics and two beyond-AP math classes. Jõeveer, who also received the National School Orchestra Award and was named to the all-state honors orchestra, is a violinist, dancer, math team member and track and field athlete with a heavy course load. Head of the Upper School Donald A. Cramp Jr. announced the students’ selection.

The event featured the second annual presentation of the school’s Core Values Awards by Chief Operating Officer David Clark ’86. Jaral Arroyo-Jefferson ’25 earned the Support & Community Award; Mia Campbell ’25 claimed the Diversity & Inclusion Award; Anna Lavernia ’25 received the Honor & Excellence Award; Jaerla Sajous ’25 won the Joy & Wellbeing Award; and Nina Tekriwal ’25 earned the Service & Outreach Award. 

Faculty member Laura Miller helped present service awards in honor of departed members of the RE community. Henry Berler ’25 received the Elliot Kayton '96 Award; Nina Rivera ’25 received the Ronni Weksler Bermont Service award from RE trustee Bill Bermont ’93; Zuckerman received the Robert Segall ’82 Leadership Award from Howard Srebnick ’82, who was joined by his brother Scott Srebnick ’83 and Robert’s son, Louis Segall ’12; and Lindsay Ng '25 received the Arthur Moses Student Award.

Vadia Morgenstern, one of two Head of School’s Award winners this year (the other will be announced in late May) was recognized for similar traits. Rodriguez described her as “a true ambassador for Ransom Everglades” who models The RE Way in all she does. Vadia Morgenstern, a founding member of the Everglades Steering Committee and in her fourth year on the RE alumni board, brings “energy, enthusiasm and a palpable love for the school,” Rodriguez said, that has “helped re-engage Everglades alumnae, reconnecting them to each other while also helping to create a new and powerful bond with current students.”

“I received a lot over my time at RE – my education, lifelong friends, a passion for learning and being of service to my community,” Vadia Morgenstern said. “Because of that, I feel honored and committed to staying involved and engaged in the Ransom Everglades community through whatever means I can.”

Ninth through 11th graders will be honored during a separate awards ceremony in late May.

Awards were presented by RE administrators and department chairs. See the full list of honorees below.