Ranney School kicks off 50th anniversary celebration

TINTON FALLS — Ranney School parents, faculty, alumni and friends will officially kick off the celebration of Ranney's Golden Anniversary in 2009-10 with a launch party Friday.

A cocktail reception for approximately 200 members of the Ranney campus community will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in RSPA Panther Hall and the gallery, located in the Lower School Academic Complex.

The event begins a yearlong celebration of activities, programs and speakers commemorating Ranney School's 50 years of academic excellence, according to a press release from the school.

Founded by Russell G. Ranney, a respected educator dedicated to helping children reach their full potential as scholars, the Ranney School opened its doors in 1960 to seven students and three teachers. Today, Ranney serves more than 800 boys and girls from 3-year-old beginners through the 12th grade, and its graduates are accepted at many of the country's finest colleges.

The celebration will continue on Saturday with the annual Fall Festival and homecoming from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, on the school's campus. Ranney families, alumni and friends will be on campus for an afternoon of food, rides, games and fun. Festival favorites will include the annual School Uniform Swap, a Panther Pride Food Drive, hayrides, pumpkin painting and games and crafts for all ages.

The Ranney School Parents'Association's 11th annual tuition raffle, which supports the Professional Development Program for Ranney faculty, will also take place at the festival. Only 200 tickets will be sold, and the winner will receive a $20,000 tuition credit, toward either 2010-11 tuition at Ranney School or at any college or university for a graduating senior.