ACTIVE PROJECTS
The Alumni Association proudly supports Ridgewood High School capital projects of all sizes, with a focus on the Four A’s—Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities. Our goal is to develop and champion initiatives that reach the widest audience and make the greatest impact on the student experience.
2025-2026
RHS Alumni Square
The Alumni Association is actively working with RHS Principal Jeff Nyhuis, and the Board of Education, to develop a dedicated outdoor space for RHS alumni to gather around special events and activities such as Homecoming Weekend, Class Reunions, Graduation, or any other time of the year.
To bring this special project to life, the Alumni Association has partnered with RHS graduates Mike Tarleton ’92 of TLC Landscaping and Kelly Masterson ’95 of Northwoods Associates, an outdoor living design firm. Together, they will help transform this open space into a permanent, meaningful fixture on the RHS campus.
The area will feature fresh landscaping, new benches, tree plantings, commemorative bricks, and custom signage. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project continues to take shape.
2025
Ho-Ho-Kus Brook Riparian Restoration
The Class of 1974 marked their 50th reunion during Homecoming Weekend 2024—and chose to celebrate with a lasting legacy. Led by reunion co-chairs Pam Perron and Gail Leach Ansheles, the class came together to make a meaningful gift to the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association (RHSAA), raising more than $2,200 in support.
The donation was earmarked for student-led environmental initiatives at RHS, under the guidance of Environmental Science teacher Mr. Miles Luo and the RHS Green Club. This collaboration between Mr. Luo, the Green Club, and the RHSAA led to the creation of a new environmental project: Ho-Ho-Kus Brook Riparian Restoration.
As part of this project, students helped protect newly planted trees along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook by Stevens Field by installing protective fencing. They also planted sedge plugs along the brook to help prevent erosion caused by flooding. Together, these efforts further the school’s commitment to sustainability and student-driven impact.
Thank you to everyone involved—and of course to the Class of 1974 for making this possible.
RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS
2022
The Duffield STEAM Initiative
The Duffield STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Initiative represents a trio of transformative projects made possible by the incredible generosity of esteemed alumnus David Duffield ’58 and the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
Launched in May 2021, the initiative began when the Alumni Association facilitated a landmark $635,000 grant—the largest single donation in the history of Ridgewood Public Schools. This extraordinary gift brought cutting-edge, 21st-century learning environments to life, including:
- The Innovation & Makerspace Lab – A high-tech, hands-on workspace that fosters creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
- The Media Lab: TV & Recording Studios – A modernized media suite featuring digital video equipment and a professional-grade recording booth.
- The Culinary Arts Lab – A complete transformation of an outdated foods lab into a dynamic space for students to explore culinary careers and life skills.
These spaces offer immersive, experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school—whether in higher education, the workforce, or entrepreneurial ventures.
The Duffield STEAM Initiative is a transformative project that will benefit Ridgewood High School students and faculty for generations to come. This extraordinary gift has elevated the entire RHS community, and we are deeply grateful to Dave and Cheryl Duffield for their vision and generosity.
More ways to Support
Discover ways to support the Alumni Association or give back to one of the Four A’s: Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities.
Join a dedicated network of donors—individuals, families, businesses, and alumni classes—who are making a lasting impact at RHS.
Join the Alumni Association
Stay connected to the community that shaped you—reunite with classmates at Homecoming Weekend or your next class reunion, support current students by sharing your time or giving back, and leave a lasting impact. Help inspire the next generation of Maroons. Sign up today!
