Alumni in the News
A new feature on our Alumni page, featuring RHS alumni.
RHS Class of 1974 Makes Green Donation to the Alumni Association through its 50th Class Reunion
Earlier this fall, 140+ members of the Class of 1974 returned to their alma mater to walk the halls one more time, honor their school’s Distinguished Alumni, and celebrate their class reunion.
Led by Reunion Committee Co-chairs, Pam Perron and Gail Leach Ansheles, the Class of 1974 was able to meet and surpass its goal of donating $2,000 to RHSAA as a result of their 50th reunion.
The class requested that the bulk of these funds go towards the student-led environmental efforts at Ridgewood High School under the direction of RHS Environmental Sciences teacher, Mr. Miles Luo, and the RHS Green Club.
The Alumni Association, working together with Mr. Lou and the RHS Green Club, will tackle one of the following projects this spring:
• The Grass Study - Pearl's Premium Grass is a new strain of grass that is sold as having roots that grow eight feet deep and requires much less watering than regular grass. The students want to demonstrate how Pearl's Premium Grass might look attractive while consuming far fewer resources. They would focus on water demands, appearance, and root length. The funds would be used to buy growing containers, soil, and potentially lights.
• Meadow signage - The Green Club planted a meadow on East Ridgewood Avenue by the RHS tennis courts this past spring. It bloomed beautifully and was a delight to behold. The students would like to get a proper sign explaining the benefits that meadows bring to RHS property.
• Tree Fencing - Last year, students planted several new trees along the HoHoKus Brook by Stevens Field. In order to protect them, and any of the new trees they intend to plant, protective fencing is advisable.
• A fourth initiative came to our attention directly from two students in the Advanced Placement Environmental Sciences class, rather than from the Green Club. This proposal entails planting sedge plugs along the HoHoKus Brook to mitigate erosion of the banks due to flooding.
With several viable options to pursue, the group has their work cut out for them and we will report back in a few months which project was chosen and how the project turned out.
If you would like to make a donation to the RHS Alumni Association and support projects like this, tap on the link to make your donation today:
RHS Athletic Hall of Fame
RHSAHOF induction dinner: October 26th
Our Hall Of Fame portrait gallery and Hall Of fame window recognizes all RHS athletes past present and future, noting the impact of their involvement in athletics at RHS.
This year, we honored and inducted retired head football coach Chuck Johnson - RHS Class of 1970, Lacrosse player Brett Sowers - RHS Class of 1994, track star Lynne Collazo - RHS class of 1989, Lacrosse standout Kelci Smesko - RHS Class of 2012, Basketball and Football standout Tyler Rhoten - RHS Class of 2002 and gymnastics athlete and head gymnastics coach Tricia Piotrowski - RHS class of 1996.