April 4, 2025

A Message from the Superintendent

Hello RIH Families, Students, and Staff,

As spring unfolds, this week's newsletter highlights our district's many achievements that reflect our commitment to excellence.

First, congratulations to two of our teachers that were recognized as "Teacher of the Year" and a "Women’s History Month Honoree". We sincerely appreciate their contributions that embody leadership, and serve to inspire our students.

We also celebrate the valedictorians and salutatorians from both schools, whose perseverance and talent exemplify the rewards of hard work.

Thank you to our students, staff, families, and supporters for fostering an environment of achievement. Let us continue to support and inspire one another.

Yours in Education,

Shauna DeMarco

Our newsletter overflows with great content!

Click 'View Entire Message' at the bottom so you don't miss out.

The Administration and Faculty of Ramapo High School are excited to announce and

congratulate Gabriela Stephens, who has earned the honor and distinction of Valedictorian

for the Class of 2025. Gabriela, or Ela as she's affectionately known, consistently challenges herself to achieve academic excellence and finds ways to connect what she has learned to interests outside the classroom. Science has always been a top interest of Ela’s, specifically in the areas of biology and neurology and she hopes to explore a pre-med or pre-PA track while in college. Ela has been volunteering with Valley Hospital, both in the Hospital and at the Kireker Center for Child Development, for years where she has seamlessly connected with patients and their families. Ela continues to give back to the surrounding community and has contributed greatly to Oasis, a women and children’s shelter. Ela’s work creating Families need Families where she developed and coordinates a sustainable program to provide nutritious homemade meals to community members has touched the lives of many. Ela is also an accomplished soccer player having played for competitive clubs as well as on the Ramapo Varsity team, where her resilience and positivity have bolstered the team’s success, and she has shared her love for the sport as a volunteer soccer coach and camp counselor. Ela is in the process of finalizing her college decision. We are so proud of all she has accomplished.

Congratulations to Hudson Beauchamp on being named Salutatorian of Ramapo High School!

Hudson has demonstrated both intellectual curiosity, responsibility and an unwavering dedication to academic excellence. He is humble, laid-back and down to earth—qualities that make him well-respected by all. Hudson is a dedicated athlete, playing for both Ramapo’s JV and Varsity basketball teams, as well as an AAU travel team. His passion for the sport extends beyond competition—he finds fulfillment in volunteering with Bounce Out the Stigma camps, where he teaches basketball to autistic children with cognitive and physical challenges, many of whom are non-verbal. He takes personal pride as a volunteer for the Crohn’s & Colitis Take Steps Walk and as a leader at Camp Oasis with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. As a certified PADI diver, he has participated in deep-sea cleanups with Dive Against Debris. Growing up in a large close-knit family has exposed Hudson to a wide range of ethnic, political, social, religious, and economic perspectives which has shaped him into an open-minded, thoughtful, and empathetic individual. Wherever Hudson chooses to continue his education, he will undoubtedly bring excellence, leadership, and kindness to a community that values diverse perspectives.

The Administration and Faculty of Indian Hills High School are excited to announce and

congratulate Jia Chen, who has earned the honor and distinction of Valedictorian

for the Class of 2025! Jia is enrolled in the Science, Medicine, and Research University Program. She was a member of the school's State Championship Girls Fencing team in her freshman year and has been a part of our community service club, Interact, throughout high school, serving as the Recording Director of the Neverland Project in her freshman year. Jia also serves as a Senior Ambassador mentoring groups of students through our monthly Freshman Outreach sessions. Outside of school, Jia is a committed and highly accomplished fencer. She has traveled worldwide for fencing competitions. Her greatest accomplishment as a fencer was making the Cadet World Team, an elite team that only selects the top three fencers of each weapon used during the competitions (foil, saber, or epee) and age group in the world. She has competed in the World Championships, finishing in 6th place, and earned a bronze medal at the Cadet World Cup. Jia will continue her illustrious academic and athletic career at Yale University next year, where she plans to follow a pre-med track. 

Congratulations to Justin Vitale on being named Salutatorian of Indian Hills High School! Justin is enrolled in the Science, Medicine, and Research University Program. He is a member of DECA, winning regionals and qualifying for States in financial team decision-making in his junior year. Justin recently placed 3rd in States with his partner in his senior year, qualifying them for Nationals. Aside from his stellar academics, Justin is a tremendous athlete, leader, and mentor. He has been a three-sport varsity athlete since his freshman year, running for our cross country and winter track teams and playing on our boys’ lacrosse team, serving as captain of all three sports over the past two years. Justin has also been a part of Student Council since his sophomore year, a member of the leadership team for the annual Relay for Life event throughout high school, and a peer leader through our Senior Ambassador program and Teens Need Teens. While Justin initially thought he would pursue a pre-med path after high school, his experience with DECA and an internship with a financial analyst last summer further fueled his desire to pursue his future studies in the business field with a concentration in finance and accounting. 

Stay up-to-date with the latest schedules and scores on the rSchool Today app, available for download on Apple and Google Play.

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