Attending: Berkshire School
Hometown: New Milford, Connecticut
When Ripley stepped into the Blue Dog costume during his Ninth Grade year, the role suited him. He had been part of Rumsey for nearly his entire life, first visiting campus as a toddler with his older brother, then beginning his own Rumsey education in Kindergarten.
Across those years, Ripley learned how to be a stronger, more independent student. By Sixth Form, he was earning grades of 95 and above. He developed the confidence to seek help when he needed it, whether through summer tutoring or a review session with a teacher during lunch. Those close faculty relationships helped him strengthen his time management, take greater responsibility for his work, and prepare for the expectations of secondary school.
Ripley’s confidence grew outside the classroom, too. He played varsity tennis and soccer and served as a captain in both sports. He also joined Chorus, performed in the school play, and spent his final winter teaching tennis to Lower and Upper School students. “I was really shy in Kindergarten,” he said. “Now I’m not afraid to put myself out there and do different things.”
As the Blue Dog, Ripley loved visiting the Lower School and seeing younger students run toward him for hugs and high-fives. Before graduating, he helped plan tryouts for his successor, ensuring that another student could carry on the role.
Accepted by several secondary schools, Ripley chose Berkshire School for his next chapter. He left Rumsey ready to take on a demanding academic schedule, become involved in a new community, and continue trying things that once might have intimidated him.
