As the school year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on all the successes and hard work of all Ramapo students, and there is definitely one name that stands out when it comes to well-rounded students: Lauren Fleissner. Between dancing and singing, playing both the oboe and clarinet, and maintaining impeccable grades in challenging course loads, she truly seems to do it all.
Her journey as a performer began at the age of two, when she began taking dance lessons. Today, she takes advanced classes in ballet, jazz, and tap at Studio 691 School of Dance. She began playing instruments in the fourth grade and started singing in school groups in the seventh grade. Lauren attributes her love for music to her family. Whether it was family members singing and playing instruments with one another or sitting by the piano singing songs from “Tangled” with her dad, there never seemed to be a moment where she was not surrounded by music.
As a Ramapo student, Lauren has been part of the Ramapo Choir, the selective Ramapo Jazz Band, the Ramapo Symphonic Band, and the selective Wind Ensemble. And of course, this means numerous performances at the amazing winter and spring concerts and jazz nights we have here. Throughout her high school career, Lauren has amassed an impressive collection of awards to match all of her accomplishments, such as the Instrumentalist Magazine Musicianship Award, the Instrumentalist Magazine Merit Award, the Musicianship Award for Choir, and the 10th Annual YMCA Terry Battaglia “Above and Beyond” Award. Outside of school this year, she has been part of the Bergen County Choir and was even ranked first in Alto 2.
Mr. Sloezen has been Lauren’s band director for the past two years and has nothing but amazing things to say about her. He shares, “Not only is Lauren an exceptional musician, but she is also a student that you can count on to enter class with a smile and make others feel welcome in the band room. When an ambassador/spokesperson is needed to either talk about the music department or mentor someone else who is new, Lauren is often the first name that comes to mind.” Mr. Sloezen adds that “she always strives for excellence” in everything she is involved in, and there is certainly no doubt about that.
Similarly, Mrs. Ritter Ramapo’s chorus director says that Lauren is not only the most mature student she has encountered in her 11 years of teaching, but an “unstoppable force in the music department”. She shares that Lauren is able to persevere through difficult moments and excel despite intense pressure as a singer. Mrs. Ritter can’t help but mention her “infectious energy” and her ability to make her fellow musicians comfortable, musicans who all have a deep respect for Lauren. “She makes each rehearsal, performance, and day better just by being herself,” Mrs. Ritter adds, “I couldn’t think more highly of her.”
Not only does Lauren excel musically, but academically as well. Being on the superintendent’s list throughout high school is not an easy feat, but Lauren managed to do it! Lauren herself points out, “My own perfectionism was (and still is) often my biggest obstacle … However, I’ve begun the uphill battle of breaking that mindset and learning to see that I have a lot to be proud of.”
This coming fall, Lauren will be attending Fordham University as an Integrative Neuroscience major and a member of their very selective Honors Program. She plans to continue performing in college, with hopes of joining bands, music groups, and even starting her very own tap dance group. Lauren admits, “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let it go. Performing will follow me wherever life takes me.”
We have no doubt that Lauren will succeed and thrive wherever life takes her, and we wish her all the best as she waves goodbye to her high school career! Good luck, Lauren!
