Stories
<p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This afternoon, the Ridgefield High School Class of 2025 crossed the final threshold of their Ridgefield Public Schools journey—graduation. Held at Tiger Hollow Stadium, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of learning, growth, and community. We are proud to share the words of Valedictorian Will Carter, whose speech captured both the spirit of the moment and the strength of the class.</span></p><p><em>My name is Will Carter, and I’m here because I didn’t go outside for four years, but apparently that means I have to talk about the “academic journey” or something like that. If you asked me how I got here, I would say I drove to the parking lot and then walked down the hill, but that doesn’t make a great speech, so I guess I have to make up something a little more sentimental.</em></p><p><em>Eighteen years ago, Apple released the first iPhone, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet, and the Class of 2025 was born.</em></p><p><em> Thirteen years ago, the Class of 2025 set foot in a classroom for the first time. We learned the alphabet, counted on our fingers, and formed bonds that last to this day.</em></p><p><em> Seven years ago, the Class of 2025 moved up to middle school. We read poetry and The Hate U Give, memorized the quadratic formula, and began practicing the scientific method. We learned to use Google Meet and Zoom, spent weeks in online games, and yearned for normalcy.</em></p><p><em>Four years ago, the Class of 2025 became a part of the Ridgefield High School community. We picked our first classes and stressed over midterms. We joined teams and clubs. We attended our first homecoming dance. Everything seemed so big back then: the school, the assignments, the seniors. Graduation seemed an eternity away.</em></p><p><em>Three years ago, the Class of 2025 stepped up a rank. We felt more comfortable and began to challenge ourselves, taking our first AP or honors classes. We made RHS our home and looked down at the freshmen below us.</em></p><p><em>Two years ago, the Class of 2025 pushed itself to its limits. We took on our hardest courseloads and studied for standardized tests. We worked late into the night, getting most of our sleep in long physics labs. We earned a hard-fought victory in Spirit Week. We learned time management and how to survive our parents complaining about our time management. We began looking at colleges and building our resumes. For the first time, our futures seemed real.</em></p><p><em>One year ago, the Class of 2025 began its final push. We labored to keep up grades through January and wrote far too many essays for college. We could finally see the finish line, with a few glances back and a whole lot of photos to remind ourselves of the journey.</em></p><p><em>Two minutes ago, the Class of 2025 was already bored of this speech. Too bad.</em></p><p><em>Today, we look back on everything that has brought us to this moment. Of course, we can’t take all of the credit. Each piece of reassuring encouragement or unsolicited advice that maybe turned out to be true played an essential role in our development. We all owe an incredible amount of gratitude to the parents, siblings, friends, teachers, coaches, and supporters that have enabled us to become ourselves.</em></p><p><em>In our own lives, there has been a lot—both good and bad—that has led us here. Every one of us has had moments that we don’t want to leave behind and others we wish we could forget. But every challenge we have faced is evidence of our ability. We’ve experienced academic disasters, athletic setbacks, and social changes. I remember thinking my future was over when I got a 70 on a history midterm. Few of us would be able to say that this is exactly how we envisioned ourselves four, seven, or thirteen years ago. And yet here we are, beyond every hurdle that once seemed a mile high.</em></p><p><em>After this day, we chart our own courses, each one of us taking their own unique path into the future. Many of us will continue our educational journey, attending schools across 31 states and three countries. Many will sit in similar robes in four years, listening to a more eloquent speech, now experts in enterprise risk management, philosophy, and nuclear engineering. Some will still be working towards mastery in neuroscience or education. Some will already be building their careers.</em></p><p><em>These paths will not be smooth. We will face challenges that make us once again feel like kindergarteners. In those times, we will think back to this moment as proof that we can confront every obstacle and live to tell the tale.</em></p><p><strong><em>Ten years from now, the Class of 2025 will change the world. Congratulations, Class of 2025!</em></strong></p>
<p>Fairfield County nonprofit, SOAR Together, is recognizing June’s Worldwide Loneliness Awareness through the dedication of a community bench on Main Street to celebrate the legacy of Ed Brennan, a man who loved community and conversation.</p><p>With a mission of helping elevate levels of contentment through planned and impromptu opportunities for social connection, this week’s dedication of a bench in Ed’s name marks a beautiful testament to a joyful husband, father, friend, and coach to all who crossed his path.</p><p>“Chris and I are deeply honored to celebrate Ed’s legacy of joyful connection and Suzanne’s lifelong commitment to community connection through this bench,” says Smith, adding, “Suzanne’s journey is one of epic strength, courage, and resilience in the face of life-changing loss, and her leadership by immersive example and ongoing service is an inspiration to all.”</p><p>The deepest passion for SOAR Together Founder, Ginger Smith, is systemic social change, driven by grassroots community work and collaborations that begin with seed planting and sparks of connection, resulting in exponential lives touched and elevated outcomes over time. The goal, from a macro-change perspective, is to create literal and proverbial places of belonging where change ultimately happens naturally. Strategically positioned public benches, from a placemaking perspective, provide community members of all ages and stages the opportunity to pause and connect with one another while spending time outside, both correlating to a reduction in loneliness and improved health outcomes.</p><p>"It is such a joy to work with my friend Ginger and SOAR Together as we both strive to bring community together and foster joyful connections. SOAR’s recent gift of a bench in celebration of Ed is a heartfelt expression of this compassionate work, encouraging such conversations and connections. Ginger and I share the same wish to bring people together through simple but meaningful social interaction. As you stroll Main Street, we hope you’ll take a moment to sit, chat, and get to know one another. That is the soul of community.</p><p>Thank you, Ginger and SOAR, for this beautiful gift. We are ‘Celebrating Ed Brennan, whose love for conversation was unmatched. </p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wooster School held its Commencement Exercises on Friday, June 13 to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025. These seniors join more than 3,000 alumni who have graduated since Wooster's founding in 1926. Ridgefield resident graduates include: Brady Carpenter, Christos Chiotis, Ava Cilento, Austin Etzbach, Vega Farro, and Charlotte Purkiss.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">President of the Wooster School Board of Trustees, Allen Purkiss, offered remarks to Wooster's soon-to-be graduates. “Today is a day full of hope. This graduation is a ritual to mark the day. It is a day that we look back and at the same time it is a day that we look forward.” Purkiss added, “Life is full of opportunity, if you are looking for it. The next four or five years, no matter where you go and what you do, will be a time of abundant opportunity. Take advantage of it!”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Class orator Ryan Vincent ‘25 delivered some heartfelt remarks. “Looking out at all of you today, I’m reminded that this class is more than a group of students, we are a community of fighters, dreamers, and overcomers.” Vincent added, “So go out there, Class of 2025, and change the world - or at least make it a little funnier and a little bit better then when you got there.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Before the seniors received their diplomas, Head of School Matt Byrnes spoke to the graduating class. “As you set off, most of you to a college campus, the best thing that you can do is to start by meeting your fears every day – see them, recognize them, embrace them, even – all while refusing to let them interfere with the process of you living your good life.” Byrnes concluded, “If you are living right, you’ll have all kinds of challenges, fears, trepidations, nervousness in your life. Fear will be a frequent companion, but you can be in control. The alternative – succumbing to fear, being controlled by it, hiding from it, always saying no, second guessing yourself, never taking chances – is simply not tenable. It isn’t a life. So start saying yes and keep saying it!”</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p>The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield (BGCR) is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of its newest location, The Danbury Clubhouse, at 12 Boughton Street, right off Main Street in the heart of downtown Danbury. Expected to open in January 2026, this significant expansion marks a pivotal milestone in BGCR’s mission to ensure every young person has a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive.</p><p>This expansion is the result of deep collaboration with local leaders, community partners, and stakeholders committed to creating more opportunities for youth. BGCR has partnered with Connecticut Institute for Communities (CIFC) to manage the current Danbury Community Center, located at 12 Boughton Street. </p><p>"CIFC has been a true partner and leader in making this vision a reality,” said Michael Flynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. “Their leadership and expertise have been instrumental in creating this new opportunity for youth and families in Danbury.”</p><p>Flynn went on to say “We are also grateful to Mayor Alves’ for his supportive welcome. We look forward to continuing to build on our partnership with the City of Danbury and forging strong relationships with other community leaders, youth-serving organizations, and, of course, Danbury Public Schools. We are excited to deepen our connection within the Danbury community.”</p><p>“CIFC could not have found a better partner for the operation of the Danbury Community Center than the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield,” said Katie Curran, CIFC President & CEO. “We are thrilled at the forthcoming opening of the Danbury Clubhouse because we know that its opening will fulfill CIFC’s original vision for the space, which is a place where children will learn, play, and grow as individuals outside of school. Having such a space is essential to building a strong, healthy community.” </p><p>In alignment with BGCR’s motto, “When school is out, the Club is in,” the Danbury Clubhouse will operate after school and on school vacation days for youth in grades 1 through 12. The Danbury Clubhouse will offer high-quality programming across its five core areas of youth development, designed to build character, support academic success, promote healthy lifestyles, and prepare the next generation of leaders. Future plans include introducing meal services to ensure all youth have access to healthy food while expanding community support initiatives such as mentoring programs, family engagement activities, and access to vital social services—creating a welcoming hub where youth and families can access essential resources, enrichment opportunities, and a strong network of care.</p><p>This newly reimagined space is backed by the Ridgefield Club’s award-winning leadership and a proven track record of excellence. Nationally recognized as one of the most accomplished Clubs in the country, the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield has received numerous BGCA National Program Awards, including Best Overall Program, Character & Leadership, The Arts, Health & Life Skills, and Education. This legacy of impact and commitment to excellence will now extend to Danbury.</p><p>“We’ve been honored to serve youth in Ridgefield for decades—and our expansion into Danbury is a natural next step to meet the growing need for year-round youth programming in the community,” continued Flynn. “While we’ve served a significant number of Danbury youth during the summer, this new site will allow us to provide consistent, high-quality support throughout the school year. This is a community full of potential, and we’re excited to help young people here realize their great futures”.</p><p>Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves’ echoed this excitement: <span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">“The Danbury Clubhouse will fill a long-needed void in our community, giving our kids and young adults the space to gain critical life skills, academic support, and engagement. We are excited for the Boys & Girls Club to gain a footprint here in Danbury and give our kids and families the opportunities they deserve. CIFC is a strong partner and I am certain the Boys & Girls Club will be as well. We all share an aligned vision for the betterment and health of our kids and our community.”</span></p><p>“As someone who was born and raised in Danbury, this Clubhouse is deeply personal to me,” added Kristin Goncalves, Associate Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. “Bringing the life-changing opportunities of the Club to Danbury has been a shared dream for our leadership team for many years. We’re so proud to see it coming to life and can’t wait to open our doors to the kids and families of this incredible city.”</p><p>Curran echoed this sentiment: “The real winners in this partnership are the children and families of Danbury, who will be gaining an invaluable resource in the Danbury Clubhouse, which is premised on the outstanding success and track record of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield.” </p><p>“The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield is a model Club in our national movement,” says Sam Gray, Northeast Regional Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Their expansion into Danbury represents not just a new building, but a new opportunity for impact—and we’re excited to see this respected team bring the same level of excellence to more young people in Connecticut. This opportunity aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s long-standing goal to establish a presence in Danbury, a city where our programs and services are greatly needed”.</p><p>Leading up to the opening, the Boys & Girls Club will host open houses for Danbury families at the Danbury Clubhouse to share information and gather input from families, educators, and local residents. Details on a ribbon cutting and open houses will be announced soon.</p><p>Initial funding and ongoing support are critical to the success of the Danbury Clubhouse. For more information on how to get involved or support this exciting new chapter, please reach out to Michael Flynn at <a href="mailto:mflynn@bgcridgefield.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mflynn@bgcridgefield.org</a> or call 203-438-8822 ext 9. Together, we can make sure every child in Danbury has a place to belong, to be inspired, and to become their best selves.</p>
<p>Last week, Ridgefield High School honored its seniors who received awards and scholarships.</p><p>Read the Scholarship winners <a href="https://out.smore.com/e/trqs6/8s0smG?__%24u__" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 110, 152);">here</a>.</p><p>Read the Awards <a href="https://out.smore.com/e/trqs6/ssjD1X?__%24u__" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 110, 152);">here</a>.</p><p>Photo above: Four Ridgefield Thrift Shop scholarship recipients. The Thrift Shop awarded $7500 scholarships to twelve RPS students. Congrats to all. Thank you!</p><p>*Information courtesy RPS weekly newsletter. Read it <a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/trqs6-rps-update?ref=email" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Recently, </span><em style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">RPS Update</em><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);"> connected with senior Lloyd Mills to reflect on his time here at RPS and his many accomplishments. You might have seen him as the Scarecrow in RHS's production of </span><em style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">The Wizard of Oz</em><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">, in a previous newsletter as a CABE award winner, in today’s newsletter as one of the Top 10 students, or you might see him tonight, delivering a speech at graduation as the chosen class speaker. Lloyd’s involvement in our community and our senior class is impressive, and we wanted to highlight how he has grown into a well-rounded and dedicated individual over the years. He was chosen as our speaker for a good reason. His words and perspective represented the class’s experience and essence as a whole, and we couldn’t think of a better individual to highlight as this year comes to a close, and we say a heartfelt goodbye to our seniors. Please read the full </span><a href="https://out.smore.com/e/trqs6/lDNi6J?__%24u__" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 110, 152);">Q&A</a><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);"> here.</span></p>
<p><strong><em>Stacey Schibli and Terry McManus, co-chairs of the inaugural Ridgefield Garden Tour, sponsored by the Ridgefield Historical Society and the Ridgefield Garden Club, were grateful following the June 8 event:</em></strong></p><p>What a perfect day we had at the 2025 Ridgefield Garden Tour on June 8! The weather was just right—not too hot, no rain—so we could fully enjoy the beauty of each garden.</p><p>We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to <strong>every guest</strong> who joined us. Your enthusiasm and smiles brought each garden to life, and to those we had an opportunity to chat with, it was a pleasure to meet you! You came from all over Fairfield County, Westchester, New York City and Rhode Island and beyond!</p><p>A huge shout-out to our <strong>wonderful volunteers</strong>—thanks to you, the tour flowed seamlessly. Whether you greeted guests, assisted at registration, parking and the buses, or were one of the amazing Garden Captains or volunteers in the gardens, you made it all possible.</p><p>We’re deeply grateful to our <strong>garden owners</strong>, who generously opened their personal sanctuaries to us. Your kindness allowed us to share these unique spaces with our community—you truly made this tour special. </p><p>A special thank you for the generous support of our presenting sponsor, Anita & Nick Donofrio. To our premier sponsors Karla Murtaugh Homes, Purkiss Capital Advisors and Philip and Christine Lodewick, and to <strong>all our sponsors and donors</strong> listed <a href="https://9gun6loab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AyYhr9shH71YS1Y7PT4CACgDQ3l1dS9ofhh4iif4oGe83_7kxLqgrr46PLItO_ytMW8H09mNzuU1t-3aVoTWQlz-9wq_vXx98xdip9qallYm1t76pQ6OiyHvii7hzuu09m_iak_qnmr1TuEssypO1JOHpmBjQaLPRlSlvgsIxNXqDJZ-OjujXLhl5B6WEZv2&c=EojQlGjhV9zc3de6umUCkOJXiclXilTm0T5aKerEBDLKJWsIhrdh6Q==&ch=Zj9l1S8RhNe_rZ3mrbyUTvXBVII_fXK5h4LCdL8w3DGaQ8uBE_hEgg==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, your generosity made this event possible. We are so grateful to Mark Riser and Harriet Hanlon for opening up their beautiful historic home for our pre-tour Spring Soirée, making it truly a night to remember. </p><p>The weekend was a true celebration of community spirit, beauty, and collaboration to benefit the Ridgefield Garden Club and the Ridgefield Historical Society.</p><p>We thank all who participated for being part of the 2025 inaugural Ridgefield Garden Tour!</p>