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🌱 Patch AM: Ridgefield High School 2026 Valedictorian's Speech

Coming up on the Ridgefield Patch calendar: Free Juneteenth Celebration in New Canaan This Friday!

Thursday June 18th Patch AM

Greetings Ridgefield! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Read the full inspiring valedictorian speech from Ridgefield High
  • Ridgefield students celebrate former principal with creative reading challenge
  • Ridgefield finance board weighs school surplus policy and future debt limits

Also on today's calendar: Free Juneteenth Celebration in New Canaan This Friday! and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: What has to be broken before you can use it? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 82 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Friday: Clouds, then sun; less humid, temps: high: 78, low: 60.
  • Saturday: Breezy and nice with sunshine, with a high of 76 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Ridgefield High School 2026 Valedictorian's Speech (patch.com) — Ridgefield families can revisit a memorable moment from Wednesday night’s Ridgefield High School graduation, as valedictorian Henry Frates reflects on memory, learning, and friendships built over 13 years in town schools. His speech, delivered at Tiger Hollow Stadium, encourages classmates to keep creating new experiences while carrying forward the lessons and relationships formed in Ridgefield.    

2. Ridgefield Students Honor Former Principal With Reading Challenge (patch.com) — Ridgefield readers can see how Veterans Park Elementary students honored beloved former principal Ellen Tuckner through a three-month Great Ellen Tuckner Reading Challenge. The Ridgefield Public Schools project celebrated kids’ creativity, highlighted local winners like grand prize recipient Jaxon Griffin, and showed how Tuckner’s legacy continues to inspire a love of reading in town classrooms.    

3. Ridgefield Finance Board Raises Concerns About BOE Surplus Policy, Reviews Capital Planning (patch.com) — Ridgefield residents are getting a closer look at how town and school finances may be managed going forward, as the Board of Finance raised questions about a proposed Board of Education surplus rollover policy and continued crafting long-term capital and debt guidelines. Officials reviewed strong tax collections, a projected $1.5 million combined surplus, modest new state aid for Ridgefield, and reappointed CliftonLarsonAllen as auditor while coordinating with school facilities planning.    

4. Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board Advances Regulations Update, Releases 2 Planting Bonds (patch.com subscription) — Ridgefield’s Inland Wetlands Board has released more than $15,000 in planting bonds for completed projects while pushing toward final updates of the town’s wetlands and watercourses regulations. Members also debated native versus non-native plantings, reviewed a drainage violation on Bennetts Farm Road, and discussed a potential Taylor’s Pond dam removal that could affect local waterways and nearby neighbors.    

5. New Executive Director, Museum Milestone Mark Turning Point For Keeler Tavern (patch.com subscription) — Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center in Ridgefield is marking its 60th anniversary with a leadership change, appointing Ridgefield resident and school board chair Tina Malhotra as executive director. As longtime director Hildegard Grob retires, the museum celebrates record attendance, strong school programs, and a growing economic and cultural impact that brings visitors into Ridgefield’s restaurants, shops, and historic attractions.    


📸 Around Ridgefield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Make Music Ridgefield announces Ballard Park line up! —Ridgefield Arts Council Read on Patch
  • Hi, if anyone’s looking for a one bedroom one bathroom detached apartment on a private drive in Ridgefield CT.
    This price includes electricity, water, and trash removal. Please contact me if you know anyone who needs an apartment or I would like to take a tour… (Nextdoor Lakes Ridgefield)
  • Ridgefield Public Schools posted a job opening for Physical Education/Health Teacher in Ridgefield. Apply here.
  • Ridgefield Academy posted a job opening for Substitute Teacher in Ridgefield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ridgefield here.

Ok Ridgefield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: An egg (Thank you LaJean D. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


👉 Help make Patch AM better

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