Celebratory Welcome for Ryan S. Dahlem Ushers in Friday Night Lights

A spirited Red & White competition started off the day, with topics ranging from “California” to “Famous Ryans” to “Name That Tune,” all centered around the theme of Ryan Dahlem. Following the competition, students and professional community members got an extra dose of Rivers spirit under the tent on Carlin Green, with red Fan Zone T-shirts for all attendees and a special Rivers cupcake treat (from Mr. Dahlem) before lunch. 

As evening rolled around, students bedecked with foam fingers and spirit wear gathered outside in the Fan Zone to enjoy a cookout under the tent. Inside Kraft Dining Hall, guests gathered, mingled, and made introductions while Rivers Select 1 Combo played, led by jazz program director Philippe Crettien. 

Opening the formal speaking program portion of the evening, Board President Alan D. Rose, Jr. ’87 gave a brief introduction. He welcomed the crowd and introduced Dahlem’s family—including his parents, both retired educators who flew out from California for the event and who played an important role in Dahlem’s career path and educational philosophy.

“When the search committee unanimously chose Ryan, we knew he was right for Rivers, and Ryan knew Rivers was right for him,” said Rose. “Now that he’s here, he has been quick to embrace Excellence with Humanity, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store as we all work together to create Rivers’ next chapter.”

“When Ryan led the strategic planning effort at his last school, the result was a dynamic, innovative approach that won national recognition from the National Association of Independent Schools,” he continued. “Ryan blazed a trail in taking a student-centered, design-thinking approach—an approach that resonates at Rivers, where relationships have always been paramount and students have a powerful voice in shaping their own educational journeys.”

Next, student body co-presidents Leila Saponaro ’24 and Jack Renaud ’24 shared a few thoughts for Dahlem. They referenced a recent assembly where Dahlem talked about his vision for the future, including this advice from his 9-year-old son Colin: “Make Rivers a Dream School” and “Be You.” 

Saponaro offered her advice for the new head: “Get to know our community and culture, and support us as we forge even stronger bonds and reach our highest potential as a community.”

Added Renaud, “Never lose sight of the joy, excitement, and engagement that bring us together in this shared endeavor. Never forget to find the good.”

And then Dahlem took the podium to address the assembled crowd of parents, trustees, professional community members, and alumni—for many in attendance, their first in-person view of the new head of school. He began by thanking the members of the jazz combo and offered his heartfelt gratitude to his family members, noting that it was a year to the day since he was announced as Rivers’ ninth head of school. And he extended his thanks to all in the room: “I see tonight as a celebration of this entire remarkable community. This is the reason we are all here. It’s the main reason my family and I chose Rivers. It’s because of all of you—students, parents and caregivers, members of our professional community, board of trustees, and alumni. Thank you for coming to campus tonight and bringing your Red Wing spirit in full force.”

He went on to reinforce Rose’s earlier remarks, demonstrating how readily he has embraced the Rivers philosophy. “The wheels are in motion for an outstanding year,” said Dahlem. “It is wonderful to see what initially attracted me to Rivers, especially the philosophy of Excellence with Humanity, coming to life in our classrooms, labs, studios, rehearsal spaces, and athletic fields. That philosophy is the essence of this place: the balance of having high expectations for students and challenging them to become the best versions of themselves, all in the context of close, caring relationships with supportive adults. We have a broader approach to human formation here. We care about the people our students are becoming. It’s a special balance, Excellence with Humanity, that is uniquely Rivers.” 

Finally, he addressed the school’s future and his boundless optimism about its next chapter. “I feel like my life’s journey has brought me to this moment, here in this very special place. At the same time, I know all of your paths have brought you to Rivers as well, and our journeys are interconnected. Together we will move Rivers forward into a very bright future.”

And then, it was time for the inaugural game of the Friday Night Lights season, as the boys’ varsity soccer team took on Tabor Academy. As with much of the evening’s festivities, students were at the forefront, with musical theater Conservatory Program students Ally Giebutowski ’25, Ceci Giebutowski ’25, and Jordan Felice ’25 providing a treble-voiced a cappella version of the national anthem to kick off the game. The crisp fall weather held through the evening, which ended with a thrilling 3–2 Rivers win on a last-second penalty kick made by Adam Prince ’24. All in all, as many of the day’s speakers had noted, it was a great day to be a Red Wing.

View a photo gallery from the event.