RCDS Winter 2026 Newsletter
Dear RCDS Community, A new year has arrived, full of promise and opportunities. As we stand in a moment of new beginnings, our school-wide theme of COURAGE is our key. There is so much to achieve!
Mr. Dunn has continued his email series for parents and guardians titled On My Mind. In the October edition, he shared his areas of focus for the 2025-26 school year. Visit ryecountryday.org/onmymind to read On My Mind online.
Our students will have the courage to dive into learning new ideas and skills—from classwork and community work to the arts, athletics, and extracurriculars. Teachers will have the courage to guide our young learners and help them channel their energy and passion into purpose and academic excellence. Our parents will also celebrate our theme at this spring’s Legacy of Courage Benefit hosted by the Parents Association.
A Rye Country Day education is life changing, and it requires us all to make a difference. That is what we do on a day-to-day basis, and it takes courage!
Alumni, too, model courage. Hearing their stories at the Hall of Fame Dinner, Reunion, or the Winter Games & Family Reception, I am reminded that our alumni are terrific examples of leading lives of excellence and purpose. It is always such a privilege to welcome them back to this amazing community we all call home. Simply put, it takes courage to strive for excellence and to ask oneself, How can I be of service? This spirit is at the very heart of RCDS, and I am extremely grateful to our entire Wildcat family for the example we set every day. As you read this newsletter, I trust you will delight in looking back at some fall highlights—and that you will share my pride and excitement around everything Rye Country Day!
ON THE COVER
Happy New Year, Wildcats!
This year, Upper Schoolers have been sharing their wisdom and perspective on courage during Community Forum. These talks blend insight, honesty, and humor to deliver astute observations and commentary on the theme guiding the RCDS community in 2025-26. “Some lines literally gave me goosebumps,” shared US Interim Principal Jenny Heath. Those words are on the cover of this newsletter.
Randall Dunn Head of School
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Yours,
Excerpts from Courage Talks by May Hakimizadeh ’27, Mei Macintyre ’26, and Harry Moss ’26.
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OPENING CEREMONIES Kicking off RCDS’s 157th year, Opening Ceremonies included remarks from Mr. Dunn and Student Body President Nola Coady ’26. Both speakers emphasized COURAGE and asked students to reflect on what courage means to them. The Senior Class Officers presented Mr. Dunn with the Class of 2026 flag and they gifted Pre-K their Class of 2039 flag.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP SYMPOSIUM In September, 17 US students presented the social impact projects they completed during the summer in partnership with community organizations. The Community Engagement Fellowship gives students the opportunity to work alongside a nonprofit partner to propose, develop, and implement projects that meet the needs of local organizations dedicated to serving the greater good.
WILDCAT WEEKEND In the week leading up to Wildcat Weekend, RCDS was abuzz with excitement as students participated in Spirit Week and a pep rally. On Saturday, students, families, and employees happily gathered on campus for this festive community tradition celebrating Rye Country Day. The 1-mile Fun Run kicked off the festivities, as runners of all ages took to the eastern portion of campus in this culminating event of the Can-Do Food Drive. Upper School club leaders facilitated activities for the Fall Fair as younger Wildcats lined up to enjoy the fun. The Wildcats varsity teams showed out at five Wildcat Weekend home games, and the blue and gold crowd was ready to cheer them on.
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Talking About Tech
In October, Rye Country Day School welcomed parents and guardians to a series of programs exploring the fast-changing digital landscape and its impact on children and learning. Through a hands-on PA workshop, an ISACS author talk, and a conversation with the Head of School and Director of Academic Technology, RCDS demonstrated its commitment to fostering critical thinkers who model digital responsibility. “Bring Your Device to School” Workshop
On October 17, the PA Digital Responsibility Committee offered a workshop to explore the devices children use every day. The interactive program guided parents/guardians through settings, features, and parental controls on Chromebooks, iPads, iPhones, and popular games. Participants learned how to manage screen time, adjust privacy settings, and better understand the digital environments their children navigate. Led by Director of Academic Technology Daren Khairule, Director of the Makerspace Kevin Farrant, and Middle School Computer Science Teacher Maximo Perez, the session empowered parents/guardians with knowledge and tools to support healthy technology habits both at school and at home.
ISACS Speaker Series: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything + What We Can Do About It
Through an ongoing partnership with the New York State Association of Independent Schools, the RCDS Counseling Department offered families access to a thought-provoking Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) Parent Speaker Series event featuring social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of the NYT #1 bestseller The Anxious Generation. Mr. Haidt shared research on how the rise of smartphones and a “phone-based childhood” have reshaped children’s development, contributing to increased anxiety, decreased independence, and new social pressures. He also offered guidance on what families and schools can do to promote healthier developmental experiences in a tech-saturated world. Mr. Haidt applauded schools like RCDS that led the charge on going cell-phone free. This event complemented the various conversations RCDS counselors have been having with parents/ guardians at divisional Counselor Conversations around healthy tech usage.
Conversations with the Head: Education, Ethics, and Evolving Experiences in the Age of AI
To engage in a general discussion around AI and its far-reaching impact, Head of School Randall Dunn welcomed Director of Academic Technology Daren Khairule, current parent and NVIDIA Executive Communications alum Kevin Acocella P’39, and co-leader of the RCDS AI Club Felipe Quintero Ochoa ’27. The multi-generational panel explored the rapid evolution of AI and its growing influence on education, careers, and daily life, while also addressing questions of ethics, safety, privacy, and responsible use in an AI-driven future. “Our ongoing work in understanding and policysetting around AI reflects our commitment to developing adaptive thinkers, creative collaborators, and ethical leaders, ensuring that students are prepared to lead with both intellect and integrity in an AI-powered world,” shared Dr. Khairule.
In a follow-up note to parents/guardians, Dr. Khairule emphasized that human judgment is guiding the use of artificial intelligence at RCDS. He also shared the School’s belief that teachers should be transparent and ethical when helping students navigate AI because students must learn to question AI outputs and become critical tech users. Dr. Khairule’s note highlighted five essential skills that students must develop before using AI in order to remain in control of technology rather than passively relying on it: curiosity, resilience, systems thinking, learning how to learn, and asking critical questions. In the spring, the RCDS Academic Technology program will launch an AI Research & Resources webpage to support families and share more about the School’s commitment to academic excellence through ethical, student-centered innovation.
From Screens to Greens! In the Spring of 2025, US students in the Science & Sustainability of Food elective applied RCDS for the 2025 Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant. In the fall, thanks to their hard work, the School was awarded the grant for the 2025-26 school year, receiving $3,500 to support new and existing gardens on campus. The students’ proposal outlined plans to revitalize the Grandview Avenue Garden with new raised beds, planters, and materials to support its use as an outdoor classroom. Congratulations and thank you, Wildcats!
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CONNECTING LITERATURE AND LIVED HISTORY
DIP INTO THE
DIVISIONS HARVEST & GIVE
Fourth graders in the Sustainability Club put Not for Self, but for Service into action by harvesting a variety of vegetables from the Lower School Garden for donation to Meals on Main Street, in Port Chester. The harvest included carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, watermelon, beets, and peppers!
As part of the Grade 5 Language Arts curriculum, students read Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. The award-winning historical fiction book tells the tale of a Jewish family escaping persecution in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II. To deepen their understanding of the book’s themes and historical context, the fifth graders visited the Museum of Jewish Heritage and spent considerable time at the exhibit Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark. Through the exhibit’s immersive story-based experience, students learned about the history of the Jews in Denmark during World War II and the Danes who joined the movement to resist the Nazis. The fifth graders observed themes of separation, bravery, and resilience, while reflecting on the dangers of prejudice and silence. This impactful field trip, now in its third year, connects literature and lived history to foster a lasting appreciation for the power of kindness, inclusion, and courage in the face of injustice.
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD, CONNECT, AND LEARN
Excitement, community, and learning fill the room at Lower School Community Meetings! These bi-weekly alldivision meetings bring together students and faculty in Pre-K – Gr. 4 to connect, share updates, and explore certain themes and ideas. Guided by Ms. Rebate, groups of fourth graders serve as the hosts for the division meetings as they put together a full program, complete with rehearsed remarks and an engaging slideshow. By the end of the school year, every fourth grader will have co-hosted.
Kindness & Gratitude Robot Parade and Book Float Extravaganza Third graders welcomed their families to campus to share two integrated, cross-disciplinary projects that combined science, art, computer science, math, language arts, and social studies. The Robot Parade showcased messages of gratitude on robots the students built, coded, and decorated. The Book Floats highlighted student essays about the main characters of their favorite reads.
LIFE CYCLE OF BUTTERFLIES
Seventh graders welcomed Pre-K into their classroom to explore the life cycle of butterflies. The seventh graders guided their youngest schoolmates through learning about the stages of the life cycle and gave them a firsthand look at the pupa stage, as the soon-to-be butterflies hung in their chrysalises. Following the observation days with Pre-K, some seventh graders witnessed the emergence and release of the butterflies. This annual lesson is made possible by the University of Kansas’s Monarch Watch Program, which provides RCDS with tagged monarch butterflies to support research into migration patterns.
STRAW ROCKET SHIPS
Eighth graders in Introduction to Physical Science applied the scientific method by constructing rocket ships using straws and paper. Students observed how changing independent variables (height of the paper fin) would affect dependent variables (distance the straw rocket traveled). After a few documented rounds of trial and error, the Middle Schoolers discovered the impact of fin size on the distance their rockets traveled. Enlarging the fins slowed the ships; minimizing them sacrificed stability and directional accuracy. The conclusion: a precise fin size could control drag while providing stability.
CULTURAL LEARNING & COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
In the fall, the Rye Country Day community engaged in rich cultural learning experiences across all divisions, strengthening global awareness and celebrating the diverse traditions that shape the Wildcat family. The School honored Latine Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) through art displays, hallway celebrations, faculty discussions on language and identity, curated books, and student reflections on cultural pride and contribution.
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In October, the annual Priscilla M. Liebman Memorial Concert welcomed Àkójopò . . Music Foundation for a dynamic, Pan-African musical experience. Through energetic performances and lessons in rhythm, artistic tradition, and cultural storytelling, the ensemble showcased the power of music honor heritage and build connection.
In Chinese Language courses, students explored the Mid-Autumn Festival through moonthemed songs, brush painting, lanterns, and mooncakes, emphasizing the importance of reunion and gratitude under the full moon. Later in the season, Upper School presenters introduced the meaning of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, while Kindergartners crafted colorful diyas to symbolize joy and renewal. Across classrooms, students deepened their understanding of global celebrations and identities. Pre-Kindergartners learned about Native American traditions during a visit from Ms. Angela Monti, who shared her Apache heritage, read Be A Good Ancestor, and introduced traditional games such as the “Toe Toss” and “Hoop and Arrow.” In advisory, Middle School students participated in an activity centered on the importance of oral tradition in Native American cultures. Students were encouraged to interview some elders in their own families over Thanksgiving break.
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Wheel-Thrown Pottery
This year marks the first-ever Wheel-Thrown Pottery class in the Upper School. The semesterlong, wheel-only course offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the art of ceramics, focusing exclusively on the skill of centering clay and crafting forms on the pottery wheel. This hands-on experience not only encourages creativity but also cultivates patience, focus, and an appreciation for the process of making art.
ISOLATING MTDNA
Students in AP Biology and Computational Biology classes visited Regeneron’s DNA Learning Center, where they learned how to isolate and sequence mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the small amount of DNA found inside the cell’s mitochondria, (the body’s “powerhouses” for energy production). Back at RCDS, both classes used National Institutes of Health (NIH) DNA databases and their own Python programs to analyze their results, gaining insights into DNA sequencing technology and the evolution of modern humans. The hands-on experience deepened our students’ understanding of genetic research and sparked curiosity about biotechnology, computational analysis, and the role of genetics in human evolution.
RASSIAS AT RCDS
RCDS Oral Proficiency Interns (OPI) had the opportunity to learn directly from the family that pioneered the teaching method RCDS has been using for decades: The Rassias Method. In October, Helene Rassias conducted a two-hour training session for OPIs, offering firsthand insights and guidance. It was especially engaging for students to observe the dialogue Ms. Rassias led in Greek for our students, underscoring the method’s immersive and theatrical nature of the drills. The OPI program pairs US students with language learners from younger classes to create memorable opportunities for community and practice around language learning.
1788 CONSTITUTIONAL DEBATES
Seniors Cason Dean, Jack Dorin, Harry Moss, Ryan Pauta, and Caden Powers participated in Framing the Constitution: From Crisis to Closure, a program hosted by the Rye Historical Society and the Revolutionary Rye 250 Committee, to recreate the 1788 debates over whether New York should ratify the U.S. Constitution and replace the Articles of Confederation. Representing Federalists and Anti-Federalists, the seniors presented well-supported arguments, engaged the audience, and answered questions with insight. Ms. Clemmie Everett praised their performance, noting how they brought history to life.
SCIENCE AHOY
US students in Marine Ecology, AP Environmental Science, and Environmental Science courses embarked on a research trip on the teaching vessel for Science of the Sound, Schooner SoundWaters, to study the diverse ecosystem of the Long Island Sound. Aboard the 80-foot sailboat, students collected sediment from the benthic zone of Stamford Harbor using a ponar grab sampler, uncovering organisms such as snails and clams. In deeper waters, students casted a trawl net and examined species including squid, flounder, sea robin, silversides, a smooth dogfish shark, an Atlantic spot, and two horseshoe crabs. They also conducted water quality tests to measure temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, turbidity, and nitrates. Returning back to port, students observed a variety of coastal bird species, including mute swans, double-crested cormorants, mallards, and herring gulls.
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TRAVELING TUNES
On November 12, the Upper School Wind Ensemble and Honors Jazz Band traveled to New Canaan Country School (NCCS) in New Canaan, CT, for a special performance for students and faculty in the Band, Choral, and Orchestra programs. Organized in collaboration with RCDS Music Department Chair Mary Marcell, Upper School Music Teacher John Hager, and NCCS Band Director Andy Tyson, the visit offered an exciting opportunity to inspire NCCS’s fifth- through ninth-grade musicians to continue their musical careers through high school. It was a wonderful day of musical joy and connection. NCCS students listened with genuine excitement and our RCDS musicians thoroughly enjoyed sharing their talents to help their peers envision their futures in music. Many thanks to NCCS Band Director Andy Tyson for hosting our ensembles so graciously and for creating a rewarding experience for all.
TEAM UP TO CLEAN UP
The Edith Read Clean-Up Program is back for its fourth year! In October, the Upper School Cross Country team led a clean-up at Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, collecting 30 pounds of trash. In November, students from all three divisions, parents, faculty, and staff joined the monthly clean-up at Rye Nature Center, removing invasive Japanese Wisteria—Upper Schoolers even broke the record for the longest root removed at 40 feet, 10 inches! Co-sponsored by RCDS’s Sustainability and Public Purpose programs, these efforts engage students across divisions in environmental stewardship, teach leadership in sustainability, and empower the community to protect local ecosystems.
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Arts
Students in all three divisions shared their talents with the RCDS community. US FALL PLAY: CLUE
MS ART INSTALLATION
US PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
The Upper School Photography Exhibition was on display in four locations throughout campus and featured work from students in Photography I, II, and III, and AP Photography.
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The Winter Dance Choreography Showcase in December featured US and MS dancers and the Cedar Street Dance Company.
This fall, MS Art students created The Recycled Relief Mural, now on display in the Main Building. Inspired by Louise Nevelson’s assemblages, sixth graders led the collaboration, transforming recycled cardboard and paper rolls into monochromatic sculptural squares. Fifth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders contributed panels, building a unified installation. The project strengthened students’ composition and spatial planning skills, deepened their appreciation for recycled art, and introduced concepts of monochromatic design, abstraction, and the expressive possibilities of form and texture.
LS ART EXHIBIT
In December, paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and mixed media projects from Lower School students were on display in the Main Building. An inspiring collection!
CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
MS/US CHORAL & INSTRUMENTAL CONCERTS
In December, students in Grades 5-12 gave beautiful performances to adoring audiences in the Performing Arts Center.
ATHLETICS ATHLETICS SPIRIT AWARD • Clare Keating ’26, Richie Morrow ’26
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Upper School Fall Play, Clue. Based on the 1985 film inspired by the classic board game, Rye Country Day’s production delivered a theatrical “whodunit” full of twists, turns, fast-moving sets, slapstick moments, and audience-engaging comedy!
• Wildcat Award: Emily Hau ’29 • 2026 Captains: Willow Lane ’28, Alexandra Lynch ’27
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY • FAA All-League First Team: Marshall Brown ’28 • FAA All-League Second Team: Zain Ansari ’28, Jack Slovin ’28 • FAA Honorable Mention: David Lusman ’29 • NYS Federation Qualifier: Marshall Brown ’28 • Coaches Award: Andy Bhatt ’29 • Wildcat Award: Jack Slovin ’28 • 2026 Captains: Felix Mao ’27, Sebastian Rafferty ’27 , Jack Slovin ’28
FIELD HOCKEY • 2 025 NYSAIS Champions (14th Championship) •A ll-NEPSAC All-League: Clare Keating ’26 •A ll-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Meera Spencer ’27 •W NEPSFHA All-Star: Dylan Fenyes ’26, Greta Leslie ’27 •C oaches Award: Dylan Fenyes ’26 •W ildcat Award: Clare Keating ’26 • 2 026 Captains: Bailey Donovan ’27, Greta Leslie ’27
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY • FAA All-League First Team: Emily Hau ’29 • FAA Honorable Mention: Alexandra Lynch ’27 • NYS Federation Qualifier: Emily Hau ’29 • Coaches Award: Selena Zhang ’26
FOOTBALL • MIFL All-League: Hank Brown ’27, Cole Haft-Abromovitch ’28, William Hawkey ’27, Caiden Howard ’27, Charlie Pearle ’26, Milin Torgalkar ’26, Alex Vlasto ’28
FALL SPORTS AWARDS
Congratulations to the RCDS Wildcats on a terrific fall season! •C oaches Award: Milin Torgalkar ’26 •W ildcat Award: Charlie Pearle ’26 • 2 026 Captains: Hank Brown ’27, Cole Haft-Abromovitch ’28, Octavius Viera ’27, Alex Vlasto ’28 BOYS’ SOCCER • All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Nate Dunlop ’26 • FAA All-League First Team: Nate Dunlop ’26 • FAA All-League Second Team: Luke Werwaiss ’27 • FAA Honorable Mention: Richie Morrow ’26 • Coaches Award: Luke Werwaiss ’27 • Wildcat Award: Richie Morrow ’26 • 2026 Captains: Christopher Estill ’28, Adrian Lallemand ’27, Felipe Quintero Ochoa ’27, Luke Werwaiss ’27 GIRLS’ SOCCER • All-NEPSAC All-League: Caro Stronski ’27
CHAMPIONS! VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY WINS 14TH NYSAIS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
On Monday, November 3, the Varsity Field Hockey team secured its 14th NYSAIS title, defeating Hackley, 3-0, at Manhattanville University. It is the team’s third title in the last four years and concludes a fantastic 12-3-1 season for the Wildcats. The team had a strong showing at the NYSAIS Tournament, earning a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed and defeating Fieldston, 9-0, in the Semifinals. Congratulations to our student-athletes and coaches on a great season!
• All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Nola Coady ’26 • FAA All-League First Team: Caro Stronski ’27 • FAA All-League Second Team: Nola Coady ’26, Abigail Smith ’28 • F AA Honorable Mention: Claire Jiang ’26 •D ick Pike H’11 Coaches Award: Caro Stronski ’27 • Wildcat Award: Nola Coady ’26 • 2026 Captains: Caro Stronski ’27, Caroline Pereira ’27
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VOLLEYBALL • All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Reese Morrow ’28 • FAA Honorable Mention: Reese Morrow ’28 • Coaches Award: Sahana Bhat ’29 • Wildcat Award: Lavender Kerridge ’26 • 2026 Captains: Maleah Dunkley ’27, Reese Morrow ’28, Chase Tucker ’27
NEW ALUMNI EXECUTIVE BOARD LEADERSHIP
In the fall, RCDS announced Andrew Nathanson ’09 as the next President of the Alumni Executive Board (AEB). The son of Audrey Shuman Nathanson ’74 and an RCDS graduate himself, Andrew says that Rye Country Day has long been a happy fixture in his life. “As AEB President, my hope is to reintroduce alums to this amazing place as well as help them to reconnect and see how they can be involved in the life of the school. I’m especially eager to explore ways in which the board can facilitate interactions between current students and alumni, helping students to see alums as a resource and helping alums understand how they can give back to the school in interesting and meaningful ways.” Special thanks to Nicole Jackson Fanjul ‘02, P’33, P’38 for her dedicated leadership of the AEB. She now serves on the RCDS Board of Trustees.
REUNION 2025
ALUMNI NEWS
BLUE & GOLD BONDS ACROSS GENERATIONS
It was great to have you back home at RCDS, Wildcats! On Friday, October 17, at the Alumni Hall of Fame Reception, alumni, colleagues, family, and friends gathered to recognize our newest inductees. The ceremony was a moving demonstration of Rye Country Day excellence and the caring relationships that make the RCDS community a lifelong, adoring family. 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees: •V irginia La Grange Hearon ’64 (W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award) •C hris Britt ’91 (Academic/ Professional Achievement Award) • Clay Enos ’87 (Arts Award) •C oach Georgette Summers & the 2015 Undefeated Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Team (R. Adrian Walters III ’91 Athletic Award) • Tony Stein ’81 (Service Award) • Joseph Rue (Special Award) Read more at ryecountryday.org/HOF
RECOGNITIONS
• Marshall Brown ’28: 5th place finish for the boys’ team, with a time of 16:29.8, earning FAA AllLeague First Team honors. • Jack Slovin ’28: 13th place finish for the boys’ team, with a time of 18:04.5, earning FAA AllLeague Second Team honors. • Zain Ansari ’28: 14th place finish for the boys’ team, with a time of 18:10.1, earning FAA All-League Second Team honors.
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FAA LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALISTS • Emily Hau ’29: 4th place finish for the girls’ team, with a time of 19:19.3, earning FAA All-League First Team honors.
Caro Stronski ’27 was named one of 18 Elite Club National League U16 All-Americans, New England Conference Player of the Year, and New England All-Conference First Team honoree.
LOHUD WATCHES THE WILDCATS! Hank Brown ’27 and Milin Torgalkar ’26 (2025 High School Football NYSAIS Watch List); Dylan Fenyes ’26, Clare Keating ’26, Alexandra Lund ’28, Louisa M. ’30, and Meera Spencer ’27 (2025 Field Hockey Watch List); Caro Stronski ’27 (2025 Girls’ Soccer Watch List) U.S. Squash named Winn Metrailler ’26 a High School Squash All-American and a recipient of the Scholar-Athlete Award.
CLASS OF 2020 MAKE-UP PROM A special part of the 2025 Reunion festivities was the Make-Up Prom for the Class of 2020. When the world reeled from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and senior class celebrations around the globe were put on hold, RCDS promised to deliver the Class of 2020 their high school prom experience at their five-year Reunion. Fast forward five years, on October 17, 2025, the School kept its promise with this joyful celebration!
GOLDEN ALUMNI & REUNION COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS On Saturday, October 18, members of the Class of 1975 gathered to celebrate their 50th reunion. Alumni with class years ending in 0 and 5 also gathered in the PAC Foyer to catch up, make new connections, and celebrate shared RCDS bonds. Current/former faculty and staff members also joined the festivities.
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Maya Torgalkar ’27 was named one of the 45 five-star recruits nationwide in the Class of 2027 by Inside Lacrosse. g
Grace Feng ’29 was selected for the U.S. Cadet Women’s Foil Team for the 2025-26 international season. At the European Cadet Circuit, she earned an individual bronze medal in the Women’s U17 foil and helped Team USA secure a silver medal in the Women’s U17 foil team event. Keira Lauri ’26 was named a First Team USA Fencing High School All-American in U20 sabre. With multiple international medals, including 3 golds, she has secured her spot on the 2026 U.S. U20 International Team.
*Students who are in the RCDS Middle School at the time of publication are listed with their first names and last initials.
DIVISION I COLLEGE BOUND At a special National Signing Day ceremony in November, RCDS honored Marlena Masucci ’26, who will row at Duke University, and Joseph Rafferty ’26, who will play lacrosse at the United States Military Academy at West Point. SEASON STANDOUTS At the 2025 Cross Country NYSAIS Championship, Marshall Brown ’28 placed seventh in the boys’ race with a time of 16:46.0, while Emily Hau ’29 finished sixth in the girls’ race with a time of 20:16.9. Both athletes placed within the top-25 finishers. Marshall and Emily went on to represent RCDS at the 2025 NYS Federation Cross Country Championships. At the FAA League Championship, MS Cross Country runner Ria D. ’31 took first place in the Girls’ Seventh Grade Division. Ria placed top five in five consecutive meets to conclude the season. Alexander J. ’31, Walker B. ’31, and Declan M. ’30 had impressive regular seasons, finishing in the top five in every FAA League meet.
Amanda Gui’s ’27 original short film “Grace” was selected for the AllAmerican High School Film Festival.
Veer B. ’31 competed in the 2025 Duel of the East Coast, a USA Fencing tournament, and won the bronze medal in the Division II Men’s Epee. Catie Colao ’26 received the Larchmont Rotary Club’s 2024 Blum Award for her leadership in making a difference in the local community and beyond. Dominique Alvarez ’26, Chaaranath Badrinath ’26, Ishana Kumar ’26, and Xindi Liu ’26 were named to Moffly Media’s “Teens to Watch” lists in Greenwich, Stamford, and Darien, CT. Aarush Dey ’27, Felix Mao ’27, Felipe Quintero Ochoa ’27, and George Zhan ’27 earned a Meritorious Award in the 2025 International Mathematical Modeling Challenge. Felipe and George traveled to Hong Kong to present their model and participate in the IM²C Summit and awards events. Jack Dorin ’26 attended the U.N.’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.
Drew Mulderry ’26 had an outstanding second-place finish in the New York Classical Club’s 2025 High School Latin Sight Translation Competition. He translated passages from Cicero’s In Catilinam (Latin Prose Competition) and Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Latin Poetry Competition). Chaaranath Badrinath ’26, Tyler Hatstadt ’26 (Captain), Charles Iwanski ’26, Illaria Liedtke ’27, Tancrede Weinstein ’27, and Arav Ramaswamy ’26 represented RCDS as Team Wildcats at the prestigious Harvard-MIT Math Tournament Competition. Lex Goldstein ’27, Tyler Hatstadt ’26, Marlena Masucci ’26, Arav Ramaswamy ’26, Nicholas Riley ’27, Devon Smith ’26, and Juliet Tuncer ’27 competed at the 2025 Head of the Charles Regatta. Marlena won gold with a course record, Juliet won U17 gold and placed 5th overall, Nicholas placed 3rd, Arav 7th, Tyler 16th, and Devon and Lex finished 27th in the Men’s Youth Eights. William Z. ’31 won the Boys’ U13 Championship in the Fall Junior Bronze Squash Tournament. Malhaar S. ’32 earned Girls’ U13 Finalist honors at the 2025 Lifetime Westchester Junior Gold Tournament and qualified for her first Junior Championship Tournament. 14 RCDS seniors were named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program based on their exceptional results from the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: Arjun Arora, James Ding, Lincoln Feng, Alexander Gurion, Helen Halvorson, Tyler Hatstadt, Claire Jiang, Xindi Liu, Jason Ren, Steven Ren, Jane Wang, Emily Williams, Selena Zhang, and Leon Zhou. Additionally, 30 RCDS students received Letters of Commendation.
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PA Appreciation & Gratitude
What an incredible few months it has been for our RCDS community. This fall, parents and guardians have come together in so many meaningful ways— connecting at social events, cheering on our students in performances and athletic competitions, jumping in to volunteer, supporting community drives, and showing up for one another day after day. We are deeply grateful for the time, enthusiasm, and spirit you bring to every corner of the School. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that 2026 will bring! Thanks for helping with these community events and so much more!
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Leon Zhou ’26 published research papers in 3 major journals: ACS Omega, Open Journal of Business and Management, and JESTI.
The Larchmont Committee of the Arts gave Juliette Moore ’27 the 2025 Liz Kaprow Memorial Youth Art Award for her original work, skill, and vision in the fine arts (photography).
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14 student musicians were selected for the Westchester County School Music Association All-State ensembles: Bianca Arencibia ’28 (Soprano), Eda Buyuk ’27 (Alto), Aarush Dey ’27 (Baritone), Elaine Fong ’27 (Harp), Sadie Kolodner ’28 (Viola), Emma Maini ’27 (Violin), Juliette Moore ’27 (Soprano), Nicholas Neubardt ’28 (Bass Clarinet), Chaim Sciamma ’27 (Baritone), Thomas Yan ’28 (Violin), Xindi Liu ’26 (Clarinet), Vreeland Tuncer ’26 (Alto), Peter Valenton ’27 (Tenor), Leon Zhou ’26 (Viola). Xindi, Vreeland, Peter, and Leon were selected to participate in the New York State School Music Association All-State Ensembles.
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The 2025 Annual Giving Challenge raised $4.27M from 1,172 DONORS, unlocking $300,000 in challenge grants. THIS WAS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CHALLENGE IN RCDS HISTORY! CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU, WILDCATS! The challenge was an inspiring example of Wildcat pride and commitment to the School. The dedication of our current parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, and friends enabled us to achieve truly outstanding results! Haven’t made your 2025-26 Annual Fund gift? Visit ryecountryday.org/give
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Shawn Wei ’26 co-published a paper in Materials in Electronics, tackling the problem of microplastic pollution by developing an effective photocatalyst for breaking down polyethylene microplastics.
At the Advantage Testing Foundation/ Jane Street Math Prize for Girls held at MIT, Melody Wu ’28 tied for sixth place, qualifying for the Math Prize for Girls Olympiad for the second year in a row.
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CONGRATS
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am Fest
SAVE THE DATE Rye Country Day’s Biennial Benefit A LEGACY OF COURAGE - April 18, 2026
Join us to honor the strength that has shaped our school and ensure it continues for generations to come. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, and both live and silent auctions. There are MANY ways for our community to get involved, including donating auction items, hosting sign-up parties, and helping underwrite the event. Want to help? Scan the QR Code or reach out at benefit@ryecountryday.org.
HIGH MARKS FOR RCDS!
Niche, a leading resource for researching K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and graduate programs, has again given RCDS an A+ rating in its 2026 Best School rankings.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY • #1 Best Private K-12 School (seventh consecutive year) •# 1 Best Private High Schools •# 1 Best College Prep Private High Schools •# 1 Best High Schools for STEM
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In addition, RCDS was ranked the #6 Best Private K-12 school in New York State and the NYC Area and the #7 Best Private K-12 school in the United States.
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Support RCDS! Scan to read more news from RCDS!
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ryecountryday.org/give Venmo @RyeCountryDay