Distingused Graduates

F.O.R.D. ANNOUNCES

2009 RIVER DELL

DISTINGUSED GRADUATES

It is with great pleasure that Cindy and I devote this newsletter exclusively to announcing and introducing you to the 2009 Distinguished Graduates of River Dell.

The committee received applications for many wonderful candidates, all of whom possessed qualities that would represent River Dell beyond words. The time and thoughtful insight that went into them was very much appreciated and did not go unnoticed. Those applications will be kept for our file for the next review.

So without any further ado….let’s meet our selections….this is only a very small snapshot of the multiple and diverse accomplishments of our graduates. We hope that you will take the opportunity to join us on April 2, 2009 as Season’s Restaurant so that you will be able to come and hear for yourself the many contributions that these men and this woman have made to society. They have come a long way from the lanky, skinny, awkward, teenagers we knew back when.

ANDRE VANDERZANDEN 1960

After graduating River Dell, Andre went on to graduate Cornell and College of NJ School of Medicine with his degree in Pediatrics. He completed his residency in Boston in Pediatrics In 1974; he joined a pediatric practice in Dover N.H. where he still practices today. Andre has served as Chief of Pediatrics for 25 years at Wentworth Douglass Hospital. He has served as a pediatric endocrinologist at a summer camp for diabetic children every year since 1975, traveled to Haiti and Peru to volunteer his medical services.

Andre is a musician and supporter of the arts and along with being a conservationist where he has donated 75 acres of his home farm to protect wildlife.

He has been married for 44 years with 2 daughters.

RONALD RISO 1963

After graduating River Dell, Ron went on to study electrical engineering at Cornell University. After using that training in the Peace Corps in Brazil, he returned to Cornell for his PhD in Neuroscience. This has led him to a career as a biomedical engineer and research scientist in the field of Neuroprostheses. He has been a faculty member at Case Western Reserve Univ. and Aalborg Univ in Denmark.

Ron’s research concerns the developing of techniques to electronically interface to the brain and peripheral nerves in disabled individuals so that communication can be established. By using electrical pulses to artificially activate the nerves in the arm, for example, paralyzed muscles can be made to contract and enable a quadriplegic person to regain some use of their hands. This is only one example of several breakthroughs that Ron’s research is working toward.

Ron currently lives near Boston where is working at a small technology start up company.

SHARON KARP MILCH 1966

After leaving River Dell, Sharon has found her way home to River Dell. It has been said that Sharon not only addresses students’ academic needs, but, maybe even more notably, she always recognizes those social and emotional needs of the students which often impede their ability to learn.

Sharon is an often recognized Teacher of the Year. She can often be found providing SAT/ACT tutoring for students on weekends and evenings at the River Edge library. Her students have gone on to become playwrights and accomplished literary artists and have acknowledged her at every opportunity.

Sharon currently lives locally and the students of River Dell wouldn’t have it any other way.

JAMES JOSEPH MCQUEENY 1967

After leaving River Dell, Jim went on to work for the Star Ledger as a copy boy. Ten years later he was White House Bureau Chief. You have probably seen him on the NBC Today Show, CBS This Morning and the Channel 12 Power and Politics as the current anchor offering his political analysis.

Jim shared in winning the Pulitzer Prize for his lead opinion editorial in 2005 on McGreevey’s resignation and his community work is evident with is work with America’s Promise, Colin Powel’s youth mentoring organization.

Jim currently lives in Mahwah.

PETER SELDIN 1972

After River Dell Peter went on to Princeton where he received an A.B. in economics and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Business School. He is the Independent Director of Tesco Corporation, Houston, TX and Calgary, AB, Canada

Peter serves on the board of directors of Tesco Corporation, an international oilfield equipment and service company with a market value of USD 1.2 billion listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. A veteran of the hedge-fund industry since the late 1980’s, Peter is the founder and managing member of Centennial Energy Partners LLC, a New York City-based investment firm.

Peter is the vice chair of St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, CT, where he has served in various board capacities since 1998. Married with two 20-something sons, Peter resides in New Canaan and is an avid, though average, golfer.

KEN COCHRAN 1976

After leaving River Dell, Ken joined the U.S. Coast Guard and went on to Aviation School. He became qualified as a Flight Mechanic/Search & Rescue Air crewman on rescue helicopters. While serving in Sitka Alaska he was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for a rescue saving 4 lives and also the Distinguished Flying Cross for another rescue he participated in. The Distinguished Flying Cross is the highest peacetime aviation award given by our country. He has served in Michigan, Massachusetts, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. Ken has received multiple Commendation Awards, Letters, Medals, and Ribbons along with the Prichard Award for his time in the service. He is credited with saving over 40 lives during his search and rescue missions.

Ken has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and has built 3 houses. He has served his country for 30 years and is now retired living in Prescott Valley Arizona with his wife and son.

CREIGHTON DRURY 1988

After graduating River Dell, Creighton graduated Rutgers and served as and assistant state director for former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley. He Graduated University of Virginia School of Law and went on to do civil rights litigation. One of his issues was the Abbott case. Creighton has worked for the New Jersey Community Development Corporation in Patterson since 2001. It is a non-profit organization which serves 1500 children and families through education, youth development, job training and housing initiatives. In 2008, Creighton was named first state wide prevention director for Gov Jon Corzine’s anti-crime strategy.

It is said of Creighton that he consistently demonstrates strong moral values and character and he serves the community with humility and continues to be an outstanding role model to the young people.

Creighton lives in Butler.

I would say that that is a very impressive list of graduates and I know that you have to agree with me after reading just VERY small glimpse into their bios. We are a very fortunate district to have such an accomplished group of individuals to have walked our halls. To think we have only scratched the surface. I can only imagine what will happen next time we ask you for nominees.

Now… LET’S CELEBRATE!

We would like you to come out and join us to hear these wonderful accomplishments and to talk about the old days. Meet some of your old teachers, coaches, and friends. It should be a night to remember.

Here is the information you need:

Thursday APRIL 2, 2009

SEASON’S RESTAURANT

644 Pascack Road Washington Township NJ 201-664-6141

Event starts promptly at 6:30pm

Tickets are $55.00 which includes dinner

Tables of 10 available

Make checks payable to FRIENDS OF RIVER DELL

Mail to:

Cindy Sherlock

682 Bogert Rd

River Edge NJ 07661

NO LATER THAN MARCH 21

The official invitation can be found and printed out from the website.

If you have any questions you can always contact cindy or myself janet we will get back to you asap.

Well that wraps up this newsletter. PLEASE come to the dinner we really would appreciate your support and more than that to come and celebrate and honor your fellow classmates.

Stop by the website It keeps changing. Thanks for your suggestions.

Hope to see you on the 2nd!!!!

Janet & Cindy