The annual Ramapo High School Music Awards Dinner, which took place on May 27th, served as the grand culmination of years of dedication, celebrating the immense growth of Ramapo’s music program. Ramapo’s band director, Mr. Sloezen, noted that the evening represents not just one year of effort, but a multi-year journey for all returning students. This year’s ceremony held a particularly deep meaning for Mr. Sloezen, as it marked his very first graduating class of seniors whom he has taught since their freshman year. In a bittersweet reflection, he shared, “I am proud beyond words of what they have helped shape the band program into: the ability to play increasingly difficult music each year, more students practicing outside of class, creating a welcoming culture, and setting a high standard of excellence for what the Ramapo Band should be. It has been great seeing them start the program as freshman and then grow into the leaders of the program. While I am sad to see them go, I know they have given the younger students a standard to strive for and are off to accomplish great things in college and beyond!”
Students receive honors at the dinner; when choosing the night’s top senior awards and scholarships, Mr. Sloezen evaluated each student’s character, peer mentorship, independent work ethic, and musical talent over their entire four-year high school career. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of prestigious awards to the following talented musicians: senior flute player Sarah Acosta was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award, senior trumpet player Giada Gareffa was awarded both the Patrick S. Gilmore Award and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, senior piccolo player Julia Grogan was awarded The Henry Burr Director’s Award, and senior trumpet player Cole Bickford was awarded the Ethel F. Wilcox accolade. The National School Marching Band Award recognized the collective excellence of Giada Gareffa, Sarah Acosta, Julia Grogan, and Cole Bickford. Additionally, senior color guard captain and base clarinet player Emerson Hupart was recognized with the National School Color Guard Award, and the Music Parents’ Awards were granted to Saira Sandhu, Chloe Lee, Leia Gomez, Olivia Pakosinski, Simone Fischer, and Claire Carpenter. Chorister Julia Elliott was awarded the Woody Herman Jazz Award, Michalea Cherry was awarded the Ethel F. Wilcox Award for Choir, Gabriella Almanza was awarded the Chora Director’s Award, and both Alyssa De Valle and Alexis Ulmer were awarded the National School Choral Award. Lastly, senior cellist Emma Ufakacar was awarded the National School Orchestra Award. Katherine Kuhe, a junior member of Ramapo’s choir, attended the dinner and shared, “Ramapo’s Music Department this year was truly amazing! I am so proud of my fellow musicians and wish the best to all of the graduating seniors – and of course, a big thank you for all of their years of dedication to the program!”
While saying goodbye to this exceptionally talented senior class is difficult, they leave behind a legacy and a standard of excellence that will inspire Ramapo’s younger musicians for years to come.
