PHOTO BY DEBRA OGUNBOWALE Ms. Ringen is the new vice principal at LHS. She started in her position on Nov. 11.
Dec. 6, 2024
By Debra Ogunbowale
Webmaster
The high school welcomed back a familiar face to its halls on Nov. 11. Ms. Ringen has returned to LHS after almost five years, but this time, she is taking on the role of vice principal.
Ringen joined LHS’ faculty in September 2012 as a gym teacher and head coach for the girls volleyball and softball teams before becoming the dean of students in September 2017.
“A big part of my dean of students role here was working hand in hand with [retiring vice principal] Mr. Venezia, who’s definitely a mentor to me, and [principal] Ms. Vuono,” Ringen said. “I was very interested in stepping into Mr. Venezia’s position. Just knowing the experience [I] had as dean of students, I felt prepared.”
In 2010, Ringen earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York Cortland. Seven years later, she graduated with a master’s in educational leadership from Ramapo College in Mahwah.
After leaving LHS in March 2020, Ringen served as the assistant principal at her alma mater, Pequannock Middle School.
She said the energy, positivity and pride of LHS made her want to return to Bear Country.
“I’ve had a lot of fun, good cherished memories, good learning experiences here, but it’s the culture of Lyndhurst that’s bringing me back,” Ringen said.
Reflecting on her transition back to LHS, Ringen said everyone has been warm and welcoming.
“I’m looking to be [Ms. Vuono’s] teammate again…. She’s ultimately the leader of this building, and I’m ready to work with her and collaborate with her,” Ringen said. “With all the teachers, it’s been nothing but such a warm, positive welcome.”
Physical education and driver’s education teacher Coach Tuero said he and Ringen formed a friendship as faculty in the Physical Education Department and co-advisors of the 9th and 10th Grade Honors Club, which they started in 2015.
“I always stayed in touch with Ms. Ringen, and when I found out she was coming back to Lyndhurst, I was ecstatic,” Tuero said.
He said Ringen is a major asset to LHS who will set students, faculty and staff up for success.
“To start as a teacher and coach, leave the district to pursue an opportunity as [assistant principal] and then come back to be the high school vice principal speaks volumes,” Tuero said. “She sets her goals and achieves them. Ms. Ringen is a born leader.”
Tuero said Ringen is one of the most selfless people he has ever worked with.
“Her No. 1 goal will be to serve our students and staff in any way that is beneficial for them,” Tuero said.
With over 87 applicants for the position, Vuono said the interview process was rigorous.
“I really wanted to have someone here who could hit the ground running, who didn’t necessarily need a lot of training and who knew what the position entails,” Vuono said. “I didn’t have time to train someone, so I was looking for someone who has had experience in an administrative position.”
Vuono said Ringen is filled with energy and good ideas.
“She sets her goals and achieves them. Ms. Ringen is a born leader.”
“She’s really taking on a huge leadership role in the building. She’s already been visible to all the student body [and] introduced herself to every single student through the gym classes, so everybody knows who she is,” Vuono said.
Senior Summer Caffrey said she was impressed by Ringen’s enthusiasm when she introduced herself to Caffrey’s gym class on Nov. 12.
“She came to speak to us about who she is, what her plans are for her future at Lyndhurst and how excited she is to meet all of us,” Caffrey said.
She said she also appreciated that Ringen took the time to visit her chorale class on Nov. 19.
“When she said she came in to listen [to us sing], the whole class was overjoyed,” Caffrey said. “We work so hard on our music, and her stopping in to listen to us… was really kind of her and is definitely a moment I will not forget.”
