Ninth Grade Portfolio Projects

Jay Ashforth

“The biggest highlight of ninth grade was finishing the thesis paper and knowing we just wrote 10 pages – and knowing how hard we worked. I want to give a huge thanks to Mr. Hart. He was a great teacher for me for Humanities and for my TED Talk. He was always there for me and he is one of my favorite teachers at Ripp.”

Thesis: “The Debate: College Athletes Should Not Get Paid”
TED Talk: "Lymes Disease"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Jay's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Luke Bai

“I would like to thank Mr. Tocco for being an amazing hockey coach the past few years and Mr. Fornara for helping me with my Portfolio interview and for being my band teacher.”

Thesis: “A World in Flames: Why We Need Our Oceans”
TED Talk: "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Luke's TED Talk
Click HERE to view Luke's portfolio artwork
Ninth Grade Reflection

Margo Clough

“The highlight of my ninth grade year was the process of creating such great bonds with all my teachers throughout the year. I want to thank Ms. Schnell and Ms. Sperling for the unconditional support they provided me with and for treating me like one of their best friends.”

Thesis: “How Social Media Is Negatively Affecting Adolescents”
TED Talk: "Body Image"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Margo's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Mya Dias

“One highlight of my time in the ninth grade was Ripp Rally Day because I enjoyed spending time with the Lower School students and revisiting my previous teachers. I would like to thank my teachers this year for not only pushing me to be my best academic self but for supporting me during my journey this year.”

Thesis: “Gene Editing: A Disease-Free Future”
TED Talk: "Cancer"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Mya's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Eve Doran

“The highlight of my ninth grade year was definitely being able to connect with my classmates more than I ever could in all my years at Ripp. All my teachers have gotten me to where I am today and I could not be more grateful for all the opportunities and knowledge they have all given me.”

Thesis: “Distracted from What Distracts: How Can Anxiety Be Helped in Society?”
TED Talk: "A World of Anxiety"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Eve's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Will Ghriskey

“One highlight of the ninth grade year for me was going on LIDs. I thought LIDs were a fun way to get out of the classroom, and still learn about things we were doing in school.I want to thank all the teachers I had at Ripp.”

Thesis: “The Shameful Impeachment Process”
TED Talk: "Exercise and the Brain"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Will's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Charlie Gordon

“One of the highlights of my ninth grade year was being able to form new and more mature relationships with people I might never have thought to talk with before. Thank you, Mr. Hart, for pushing me beyond my limits because without you I probably would’ve given up a long time ago. So thank you.”

Thesis: “The Death of a Planet: The Failing of a People to Protect and Care for Their Environment”
TED Talk: "Addiction"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Charlie's TED Talk

Ninth Grade Reflection

Clara Guettel

“There were so many highlights and amazing parts of ninth grade, but some of my favorite memories are from LIDS we went on with the whole ninth grade. I want to thank everyone at RCS for making all of my years here so amazing and unforgettable. I've made so many incredible friends and relationships here that I will carry with me long after I leave RCS and that is all thanks to the wonderful people that make up the RCS community.”

Thesis: “Drowning in Delusion: An Insight Into Neglected Minds”
TED Talk: "Community and Well-being"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Clara's TED Talk
Click HERE to view Clara's portfolio video
Ninth Grade Reflection

Juliet Kaufmann

“One of my highlights of ninth grade has to be one day before Thesis class where we all played catch outside, and Ms. Schnell and Ms. Sperling came outside and saw us and started recording us playing. It was just a very fun moment with everyone. Another moment I loved was in Manhattan when we all were at a little diner just sitting and talking together. I'm going to miss moments like those the most. My message is more of a general thanks to all the teachers who have supported me through my years at Ripp, and helped me grow as a student and as a person. I actually do have a message for all of the students, which is to value the time you have left at Ripp, and appreciate how much your teachers do for you. Every teacher at Ripp cares so much about you and always wants you to do your best.”

Thesis: “Imprisoned in the Land of the Free: Analyzing the Injustices in the United States Justice System”
TED Talk: "Depression"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Juliet's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Rowan McGinnis

“I definitely think the highlights of this ninth grade year were the various leadership and academic opportunities we had such as Red/Blue Team captains, TED Talks, ninth grade thesis, and the Portfolio projects, which have allowed me to grow as a student and as a person tremendously. Another highlight of this year was our freedom as students as well as the trust we gained from our teachers. Those are only a few highlights; there are so many more. Overall, I thank the entire RCS community for building me into the student, leader, and person I am today. I am so thankful to have had all my outstanding teachers who have helped guide me through my ninth grade year.”

Thesis: “Fashion as a Mirror: The Reflection of Society and What We Wear”
TED Talk: "The Power of Now"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Rowan's TED Talk
Click HERE to view Rowan's portfolio artwork
Ninth Grade Reflection

Bryce O'Brien

“One of my highlights during my final year was my hockey season with Mr. Tocco. To Rippowam, thank you for the lessons I have learned, the people I have met, and the friendships I have made.”

Thesis: “Our Future Is Red”
TED Talk: "CTE: The Hidden Risk of Playing Contact Sports"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Bryce's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Lila O'Brien

“Definitely the Midnight Run. I am so grateful for everything I have, so giving back and seeing the appreciative looks on the New Yorkers’ faces when giving them a simple thing like a sweatshirt or sandwich was a memory I’ll have forever. Thank you to Mr. Hart for being the best role model anyone could ask for.”

Thesis: “The Lost Truth”
TED Talk: "The Injustice of Bail"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Lila's TED Talk
Click HERE to view Lila's portfolio artwork
Ninth Grade Reflection

Nora Rodgers

“Since starting at Ripp in fifth grade, the teachers have always believed in me, and supported me in every way they could. I thank them tremendously for building me into the student I am today. The amount of love and care they have for all their students is truly amazing and I can't even put into words the appreciation I have for all the Rippowam Cisqua School faculty. One of my favorite highlights of the ninth grade was definitely all the LIDs, and the times we all gathered outside the Ninth Grade House playing keep away and basketball together. Ripp will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget the memories I have made and people I have met here.”

Thesis: “Dreams and Nightmares: The World Within Your Mind”
TED Talk: "Why Can't You Sleep"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Nora's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Harry Whitman

“I would say my best Ripp memory would be last year’s Washington, D.C. trip. That was such a great experience, and it was just a lot of fun. I want to say a big thank you to all my teachers who worked with me throughout my time at Ripp. I would not be half the student I am today without you, so a big thank you!”

Thesis: “What Are We Going to Do About It?

Why The United States Needs to Follow in the Footsteps of Their Allies and Ban Assault Rifles”

TED Talk: "Performance Enhancing Drugs"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Harry's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Anna Ziegler

“There are many highlights such as the LIDs or even day-to-day classes, but what stands out the most is either being able to do the TED Talks or Revels. Most of my teachers have practically watched me grow up and I just want to say thank you to Ripp, mostly the teachers, for shaping me into the person I am today.”

Thesis: “The Abuse of Power by Monopolies: Amazon and Apple Controlling the Market”
TED Talk: "The Long Goodbye"
Click HERE to view an excerpt of Anna's TED Talk
Ninth Grade Reflection

Rippowam Cisqua School
439 Cantitoe Street
Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250

Rippowam Cisqua School is a PreK-Grade 9 independent day school in Westchester County, New York. RCS offers challenging academics built on innovation, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, wellness, leadership, service learning, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.