From Our Graduates

Class of 2018

Jack D.

One of my greatest accomplishments at RA has been mastering the art of public speaking…This all culminated in 8th grade when we embraced the task of leading morning meetings and speaking at the all school assembly. I know that being comfortable with public speaking will help me throughout high school and in the future so I am very thankful to RA for developing this skill in me.

Mae C.

To me being a Patriot is to be independent, supportive, and confident. I am a Patriot for RA. I am loyal and will always love and treasure RA. Throughout my years as a Patriot at Ridgefield Academy, I have been taught how to expand my interests, become an independent thinker, and step out of my comfort zone. I have been taught how to make my voice heard, and now, I am prepared as a Patriot to meet my next challenge.

Maximilien L.

My first year here at Ridgefield Academy was not an easy one, leaving an all French school to join an only English speaking school was quite a challenge…Without the help of very dedicated teachers who were always looking to ensure I not only felt a part of my new community, but spent the extra time educating me across all subjects. This was quite an experience but I am glad to have done it because it taught me to persevere even if the road ahead is filled with pot holes and rocks.

Georgia M.

I am so grateful for all the opportunities RA has given me. Being a faculty kid has helped me realize the inner workings of an institution where teachers pull together because they truly want what is best for the students and I have learned to truly take nothing for granted. If home truly is where your family is - then Ridgefield Academy has always been my second home and always will be.

Scott C.

It’s pretty simple. It’s about how RA makes me feel. It’s about happiness, friendships, and my favorite memories. Now, when put together, they make a beautiful collage of recollections…Wherever I may end up, I just know, I’ll be the lucky kid with the best friends and teachers, and memories to last a lifetime.

Elizabeth K.

I have to say goodbye to what feels like a lifetime of memories.  I honestly always thought it would be years before I had to stand here and say goodbye to my home and all the memories I have created.  I guess that day has come sooner than I thought. But I am happy to report that I am now graduating on a high and positive point in a life of constant ups and downs and I am grateful for everyone at Ridgefield Academy for helping me get to this point.

Henry R.

During my three short years here at RA, I have grown as a student, as an athlete, and as a friend, more than during my time in public school…Here at RA, the teachers do the same, and then go the extra hundred miles to get us prepared, build strong relationships, and even caught when we fall behind.

Jackson S.

Ridgefield Academy has taught me to always use and follow my moral compass. I have learned that there will be opportunities as we go on in life to take a stance for what is just and right. All of us students here are the global future and it is so important to lead by example. Whether it is staying true to your own beliefs or standing up for someone, people should hear your opinion.

Luke B.

An important aspect of my journey was providing assistance to others. I am grateful for the many service learning opportunities that I was involved in at RA. My favorite was YSOP (Youth Services Opportunities Projects) which involved working in homeless shelters and soup kitchens in NYC. It’s an awesome feeling when you can make a difference and provide a positive impact on those less fortunate.

Michael C.

Today I am more outgoing, a more comfortable public speaker and I have grown as a student, developing an academic voice of my own. Four years ago, I would not be able to be up here today and speak confidently. But with the immense amount of public speaking opportunities I have had here, I am able to stand here with confidence. I attribute this to Ridgefield Academy.

Olivia T.

I am very thankful for the incredible friends I have made here, I know those friendships will last a lifetime. And lastly, I am grateful for my teachers and coaches, who have taught me how to be a friend, a teammate, and a classmate. For the teachers who have helped me to realize that learning can be fun and exciting.  I am so grateful that I have been given the amazing opportunity to be an RA student, and have been able to be a part of this wonderful community.

Lily C.

Throughout my RA journey, I have tried to hold onto the piece of me that smiles at the simplest things, and standing here today, I can say with confidence that although many special moments have become memories…Today is the end of the beginning, the start of something new, but this incredible moment is made of thousands upon thousands of small moments at RA, each of which possesses its own unique beauty…I will never let a single one slip from my memory.

Isabella K.

Although this is the end of my time at Ridgefield Academy, it is the beginning of my life somewhere else.  So, enjoy your time here while it lasts, because it does go by very quickly… So, goodbye RA, and thank you for giving me amazing opportunities and helping creating memories that I will never forget.

Elijah G.

I myself am happy with the people I’ve surrounded myself with at RA. They’ve steered me in the right direction and have driven me to work harder in academics, athletics, and many other things. They’ve filled me with humor and joy, and I am happy to have been surrounded by them for the last three years.

Patrick F.

With the community at RA and my new friends that I’ve made in the past 12 years I’m ready and prepared to leave this school and move on in life. Thank you Ridgefield Academy for providing a large role in creating my identity.

Sophia H.

I’ve tried to google how to leave somewhere you love, how to be a better person, how to start a new path. It’s hard to move on, to go write another story, to create another search history. But what RA has taught me is that your life is yours to write. No one will be able to write it for you.

Emily C.

My amazing friends who helped me along the way, my teachers, especially Ms. Reid, that helped me through the rough patches, and the people that put me through the hard times, I thank you because if you hadn’t been a part of my journey here, I would have turned out to be a different person. So thank you mom, dad, my friends, teachers, and Mr. Heus because I know because of this school I will do great things in the future.

Liam H.

Not only have I grown physically, not that much but a little, but I’ve also grown as a person. I’ve matured, become smarter, more empathetic, and a better friend, and I have grown into the person I am today. I have spent almost half of my life at this school, and it has become more than just a school for me. Because of all the things RA has taught me and done for me, I’m now ready for the next big change in my life.

Elisha J.

My journey at Ridgefield Academy has been like a long bus ride. Being on the highway for hours, driving on a bumping road, and even crashing, but I am thankful that I was at RA because if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have had some of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Rishi S.

The thing I take away from my days at RA is that everyone is treated equally and that it is important to treat everyone with kindness. It really doesn’t matter what color someone is, or how big or small their house is or what culture they come from because we are all people and it is far better to celebrate our differences and learn from each other.

CLASS OF 2017

I will miss something about each person I have met at RA because whether in a small or significant way, they have made a difference that has shaped me into a better person, one that will be prepared for the future because of their dedication.Olivia A.
I have gone through a lot while being at Ridgefield Academy. From times of great happiness, where nothing could possibly go wrong, to times when almost everything went wrong, RA has provided the support to keep me going through any situation.Sophie A.
I came to RA in the Three’s and even though I can’t remember my first day here, I had a great time meeting my new friends, some of whom are behind me right now. I remember watching all the past 8th graders giving their speech on this very stage, wondering if I would ever be in their place and here I am, a “lifer”.Andrew A.
I always imagined myself standing up here, giving my speech, and saying my goodbyes. But this is not what I had imagined it would be. My journey at this school has been full of challenges, discoveries, happiness, success, and also trial and error, but that is how you learn.Ryan A.
I’ve learned so many things about life and academics during my time here that it would be impossible to fit into this short speech. But through my time here not all of those lessons came easy which leads into one of the most important things I learned at RA and that is to never give up.Will B.
From learning trigonometry with Mrs. D. to European history with Mrs. Reid, I’ve had my fair share of late night study sessions. Now though, no matter where life takes us all, we’ll have a great foundation to build upon.Liza B.
I think optimism is a key factor that determines success in your life. It can determine minor things like the grade you get on a test, or it can determine something major. Thanks to my experiences at RA, I learned to look on the bright side.William B.
Please take a moment to behold the extraordinary view to your right. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to have that view be an immense part of my life for the past eleven years.Zoie B.
The most magical things in life can be forgotten if we fail to see their significance…. Throughout my RA journey, I have tried to hold onto the piece of me that smiles at the simplest things, and standing here today, I can say with confidence that although many special moments have become memories, I will cherish them for years to come.Lily C.
I heard a saying once that “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Well, I myself cannot sail. But you don’t need to be a sailor to see the author’s point: Take Risks.Alaina C.
I don’t believe by any stretch of my imagination everyone here will remember me or my speech, but that's alright because I promise not to forget a single one of you. Because without you, RA is just a building, just like how a home without a family is just a house. So sincerely thank you for making RA my home.Neil C.
Change has been a very big part of my life and will continue to be, shaping me for the new environments and obstacles to come. I look forward to embracing the changes ahead. They keep you sharp, keep you growing, keep you learning- with change comes opportunity.Chris C.
At the end of my time here at RA I wonder why can’t I go back to grade 1? Back to Mrs. Khanna’s class? To the art room? The band room? Mrs. Reid’s couch? But as Christopher Robin points out “all stories have an ending.”… I’ll continue to explore and adventure but this place will always be my origin and I am forever grateful for that.Stella D.
Today, being my last day of Ridgefield Academy, will require a lot of breathing. If I don't keep taking deep breaths I'm positive I will start sobbing because I am so sad to leave all of the people I love. My friends, my teachers, my peer leadership kids, and my kindergarten buddy Abby have all made this year better than it ever could’ve been.Hannah G.
Mr. Nash’s lower school science class was one of my first memories of really loving learning. And just a few weeks ago, I was able to teach by Mr. Nash’s side and get to see the faces of his students really loving learning. That will be one of my final RA memories that will last a lifetime.Ryan H.
My life is changing at a rapid pace and I will have to adapt to because in eighty-five days I will be attending my new high school, Avon Old Farms. I will have to adjust to the new setting and find new friends. RA has prepared me to do that and make a positive impact in the world.Xan H.
So while I may not love waking up early every morning, Ridgefield Academy has prepared me for the future. It has helped me develop not only into a smart student, but into a contributing member of society. I look forward to the challenges life holds for me.Pete H.
As I look out at this horizon, it reminds me of every day at school we have had the opportunity to appreciate this incredible view, and although the sun is setting on my time at RA, I know that after the sun sets here, it rises over another place.Rex J.

At Ridgefield Academy, I am leaving behind a lil’ bit of me with: the strength of the tiger, the healing qualities of the tigerlily, and the hope for tomorrow. I hope that when any of you see a tigerlily flower blooming, you will think of me out there, embracing new challenges and blooming in all sorts of ways.Tigerlily J.
I have graduated from RA, and am on my way to a new challenge in my journey called life. But wow, when I think back to when I first started going here in 6th grade, it feels like those years went by in the blink of an eye. However, in those years, I know I’ve progressed leaps and bounds.Evan K.

It feels as if I was just a shy second grader entering a classroom filled with a bunch of new faces for the first time. In those seven years, I have learned many valuable lessons from my teachers and peers, but I’ve also made amazing friendships.Isabella K.

Being an eighth grader, my classmates and I are “the leaders of the school” …. Over this year I got to know my buddy Luke and in peer leadership I worked with Mrs. Hirsh’s first grade class who always put a smile on my face. I hope have taught them how to be better people.Archie M.
RA has given me new experiences that I never would have had otherwise.. ….Throughout this one short year I have grown more than I could ever have imagined. My time here has been short but impactful and I cannot imagine where I would be now without it.Kaela M.
I’ve learned during my time here that yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery and today is a gift…..Although I sometimes feel like each day here at RA is just like the one before it, I still experience something new and inspiring every single day.Cate M.
To me, the alma mater means it’s time, time to execute, flourish, and continue to grow….These lyrics brought out the best in me, the worst in me, the power, the passion, confidence, and freedom. RA is my song and will forever be a part of my story.Simone M.
And now I stand here, with much to tell
Of good times and adventures on which to dwell
All of my life has been a blast
And I’m hoping all of the fun times will lastElla N.
I realize now that I am only exhausted at the end of every day because Ridgefield Academy has helped me become stronger, smarter, and more independent. As stated in the school’s alma mater, it is true, Ridgefield Academy really does prepare promised lives.Jonah P.
You have all been there for me through the ups and downs and have helped me make everyday a good day. Now as graduation concludes, I will be walking down the aisle for the third time, but this time it will be my last. I will continue to make everyday a good one and I encourage you all to do the same.Sophia P.
But through the good grades and the bad ones I have had the best guidance through it all, my friends. My friends have made attending school everyday not just easier, but lots of fun. Each of you in your own way have challenged me, encouraged me, and most importantly, taught me the value of friendship.Talia R.
When I started here in fifth grade as one of five new kids, I was originally worried about finding friends and fitting in. RA made that very easy for me and I could focus on other new things that I wanted to try.Neil S.
One day you will walk down these halls for the last time. One day you will drive off this campus forever…One day, this won’t be your life anymore and when that day comes, make sure you wouldn’t change a thing.Abigail S.
Because of this school, I learned to make decisions I would have been too afraid to make -- decisions like I do today, such as joining the fencing team. I’ve tried new things and want to continue to try new things too.Julian S.
But the construction of my building is not complete and I will continue to grow with the years that await me in my next school. Just as all buildings need a solid foundation, I know that Ridgefield Academy has done an excellent job giving me a strong foundation that I can continue to add levels upon for the rest of my life.Gabriel S.
But, what I think truly stands out and makes this school special, are the people, especially Mrs. Dominicus. I have not only gotten to know her as my teacher, but also as my advisor. She makes me think outside the box and go beyond my comfort zone everyday, making me work hard for everything in her class.Maeve S.
Definitely, 100%, make the most of your time here. Ridgefield Academy is a special place with so many opportunities, such as field trips, taking languages, and even a Farm to Table lunch program. Time is so precious. We only have so many years in our lives, and we have to spend them carefully.Chris S.
From day one, it was clear that the academics were always going to be tough…But the one thing that made it better was the help and moral support of the teachers…They aided me, and now I’m no longer a shy student who only knows a few people.William S.
Happiness has no age limit, so you should never stop doing what makes you happy. If you believe in yourself, no one can stand in your way, because anyone's happily ever after can come true with hard work and occasionally a little bit of magic.Margaret T.
As I take my last steps here at Ridgefield Academy, I start a new path in high school. I’ll be taking my first steps all over again, only this time I’ll be prepared for whatever’s coming, and that is largely thanks to RA.Sofia Y.
While attending RA, I have developed very strong relationships with each of the graduates that stand before you today and I am happy that they were the ones to help me get through my toughest moments and problems with their inspiring words and actions.Max Z.