Alumni
RE Log Magazine
The Veterans: Thompson, Mauro, Kappelman and Siegler keep RE on course
Four Ransom Everglades teachers with a combined 152 years of experience have helped RE stay grounded and connected to important traditions even as the school leaps boldly into the future. Karen Thompson, in her 41st year; Joe Mauro, in his 38th; Don Kappelman, in his 37th; and Greg Siegler, in his 36th, bring as much energy and enthusiasm to their various roles as they do experience – and their experience is remarkable. Besides serving as full-time teachers, all serve as advisors, and all have held leadership posts at various times.
“All fit the definition of ‘at your service,’” Interim Head of School Rachel Rodriguez said. “They put students first, and they also strive to be there for their colleagues. They are beloved by alumni and are nothing short of the foundation of this institution. We are proud and fortunate to call them our faculty.”
The four arrived to RE within five years of each other, landing in the ’80s when Ransom Everglades was a much smaller school. When Thompson joined the faculty, she was the youngest on campus. Siegler was mentored by Ginny Onorati, who retired in 2021 after 47 years at RE. Mauro’s mentor was a World War II veteran, and Siegler interviewed with the late Frank Hogan.
Thompson served as Interim Head of the Middle School last year. Mauro previously served as Assistant Director of the Middle School and Middle School Athletic Director. Kappelman has served as Dean of the Eighth Grade and RE Summer Camp Director (as did Mauro and Siegler). Siegler has been Middle School Director of Student Activities, Dean of Students and even Director of Admission. And those are just the big jobs – Thompson, Kappelman and Mauro also coach clubs or sports, and all have taken on other roles. Kappelman, Mauro and Siegler also have received the Arthur Moses Faculty Award, the highest award given to RE teachers.
Read about them here: Karen Thompson, Joe Mauro, Don Kappelman, Greg Siegler
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 460 8800
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.