The RCDS Parents Association's Legacy of Courage Benefit was a terrific night to remember! Parents/guardians, alumni, and employees came together with Wildcat spirit and a shared commitment to supporting Rye Country Day’s strength.

The evening also included moving tributes to beloved retiring faculty members Ginny Black and John Hager, who have dedicated 48 and 26 years of outstanding service to the School respectively.

Three alumni who are also current parents—Matt Humbaugh '96, Blair Metrailler '96, and Robin Ponticelli '94—along with Mrs. Black’s daughter, Samantha Black ’03, read an original poem they wrote for their legendary Language Arts teacher!

Mr. Hager’s daughter, Dani (RCDS Class of 2002), dedicated her beautiful performance “Unforgettable” to her father.

Head of School Randall Dunn spoke to the evening’s theme, A Legacy of Courage, and how courage defines the core of an RCDS education. “At RCDS, courage is not just something we celebrate every now and again—it is something we practice. Every day,” he shared.

Mr. Dunn also spoke to the importance of courage to the partnership between families and schools. “It takes courage from families to partner so deeply with us: to trust, to engage, to ask questions, and to stay connected through the ups and downs of a child’s journey,” observed Mr. Dunn. “Our partnership tells students they are not alone, that they are surrounded by adults—at home and at school—who believe in them, support them, and are committed to their growth as good people of strong character.”
 

Upper School students, Dominique Alvarez ’26, Vreeland Tuncer ’26, and Chaim Sciamma ’27, delighted the audience with their musical talents. During cocktail hour, Lucius Lui ’26 played the piano.

Current Lower School Principal, Current RCDS Senior Parent, and Incoming Interim Head of School Dr. Stacey Sotirhos honored her fellow senior parents with a special toast, celebrating their preparation for one of the proudest moments of parenthood: high school graduation!

A special video showcased how our students practice and view courage within their school experience.

Through event underwriting, silent and live auctions and a special appeal to support financial aid, the event raised over $900,000. Almost 500 community members attended, and hundreds others supported from afar.  As the PA's largest fundraiser, the biennial benefit supports financial aid, faculty professional development, equipment grants, and enriching PA programs that make the Wildcat experience extraordinary.

The night concluded with an energetic after-party, which featured remarks from a special guest, RCDS’s coolest grandparent LL Cool J! LL spoke to the power of the RCDS community gathering in support of their children’s education. As a special thank you, a group of courageous RCDS moms performed a special dance to Headsprung by LL Cool J.

Recognizing the inspiring community effort that it took to make the evening a success, the Benefit Event Chairs—Lynelle Chang P'30, P'34, P'37, Jaclyn Shanahan P'34, P'36, P'39, and Jessica Testa P’24, P’28—shared, “Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the Benefit Committee members for their enthusiastic commitment to RCDS—and their tireless energy in bringing this event to life! Special thanks also to the many RCDS faculty and staff, and our 13 outstanding student greeters and performers, who partnered with the PA to make it a fantastic benefit for our school. This night was an inspiring example of community, teamwork, and excellence.”