The Argo - March 2024 Issue

The Argo

RPS Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams Win County Championships

On the afternoon of Saturday, February 17, 2024, both the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams won the Somerset County title at Montgomery High School. For the girls, it was their fourth consecutive Somerset County championship, and for the boys, it was their second. This event is monumental, as RPS boys’ basketball has never won consecutive county titles before, and both of these games’ outcomes were decided in the final minute.

The girls played against the Knights from Gill St. Bernard’s High School. As the score was tied nine times and the lead shifted 14 times, this game was extremely close and competitive from the jump. In addition, the Knights led by two points at halftime. Despite a breakout performance from the Knights’ Boston University commit Brooke Baisley, an 18-point showing from RPS’ Vanderbilt commit Mikayla Blakes ‘24 and a cohesive effort from the rest of the team enabled the RPS girls’ basketball team to defeat their opponents with a fi-

Every year, Spirit Week falls in the third week of February. This week is a great way to kick off the spring semester and help get students excited for a fresh start. Spirit week is not only a week of dressdown days but also an opportunity to show how much pride students have in each of their respective classes. Students put an immense amount of work into Spirit Week. Matthew Sauls ‘24, a Spirit Week Committee head, said, “It took a lot of planning with administrations from upper middle and lower schools as well as faculty such as Mr. Lamb.” This week truly highlighted the support we show for our class and our friends. When each person was up in the gym participating, you could hear their classmates shouting their names, encouraging them, and helping them, showcasing all that is wonderful within our

Michael Chang ‘25

nal score of 58-55. Reflecting on the game, according to Courier News, Gigi Battle ‘26 stated, “We played as a team, we worked together, and we did everything we could to execute.” This impressive display of teamwork resulted in the tenth girls’ basketball county championship in RPS history.

Less than an hour after the conclusion of the girls’ basketball county championship, the boys came to

boys’ team to start the game with a burst of energy, securing a 37-29 lead at halftime. Andrew Kretkowski ‘27 scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half, leading this hot start.

After spending most of halftime in the locker room, the Cougars came out with a sense of urgency. Feeding off the loud energy of the crowd, the Cougars finished the third quarter trailing by only five points. Steve Donahue and Bohdan

play in their county championship against the Montgomery Cougars. This matchup included two top-20 boys’ high school basketball teams. Although we did not have as many spectators as MHS, our passionate ArgoNation members inspired our

Biekietov led this surge and further fueled the energy of the Montgomery community. The fourth quarter was close and competitive until the final seconds when the Argonauts found themselves losing 57-61. After getting to the free-throw line

Spirit Week 2024

Kate Chung ‘25

school and community.

On Monday, the theme was “Pajama Day,” which is always a great way to start the week, comfy and ready to compete. During Morning Meeting, School Council President Zachary Burden ‘24 began the week with a trivia between the seniors and the sophomores. The senior class was prepared to battle, but the freshmen were not. By the end of the game, the seniors were leading with 11 points, and the freshmen were in last place with only two points.

The second day of Spirit Week was canceled due to the incoming snow. This was disappointing as it shifted the entire Spirit Week schedule, but it did not deflate the spirits of the students.

When the school returned on Wednesday, the entire Rutgers Prep Community brought dou-

ble the energy. In the morning, we continued with the trivia contest, this time with the juniors against the freshmen. The juniors pulled through with a major win, beating the freshman 10 to 4. However, the games were not over just yet. After community time, the entire school piled into the gym, all dressed in the grade-specific colors. The senior class chose white, juniors wore black, sophomores showed out in pink, and the freshman repped red. The entire Lower School also came together in the gym to join in competing in challenges like the hula hoop contest and musical chairs. The Upper School members participated in more games such as a knockout contest, dodgeball, and hungry-hungry hippos.

Thursday was “Intellects versus Athletes.” Some students dressed as nerds or scholars while

in rapid succession, the Argonauts went on a seven-to-zero run to close out the game. Amid the rambunctious noise produced by the Montgomery community in the gym, Andrew Kretkowski ‘27, Jacob Canton ‘27, and John Kelly ‘24 hit seven free throws to secure the 64-61 victory. Jacob Canton ‘27, keeping a calm demeanor under the tremendous pressure, scored with both of his clutch free throws, which had resulted from a last-minute technical foul called against Montgomery. As RPS head coach Matt Bloom concluded in a post-game interview, this thrilling championship teaches the team and the RPS community to be “comfortable in chaos.”

These two county championships of 2024 teach the RPS community profound lessons of perseverance, determination, and mental toughness. One should be calm in challenging situations to make history.

others dressed as their favorite sports players. The final round of trivia took place between the juniors and the seniors. They battled back and forth, but the seniors eventually came through with a win, adding more points to their tally.

The last day of Spirit Week was “Rhyme without Reason or Twin Day” with costumes like mapper and rapper, DJ and PJ, wild-west and princess, and many more. The theme lightened the competitive tension in the air among classes. During Morning Meeting, all grades competed in Guess That Song. Even with the hard fight put up by the rest of the school, the seniors pulled through with yet another win in the books, solidifying them as the winners of Spirit Week once again. Perhaps one day a different grade will come out victorious, but for now, the senior class remains undefeated.

RPS Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams | Photo Credit: Aidan Rico ‘27 (Fellas Photos)

2 Starting in March 2024, the SAT will transition from being on paper and pencil to a digital format. The digital SAT will be taken through Bluebook, the College Board’s digital testing app, on a personal or school-issued device. This new app will provide many noteworthy features, including a calculator, digital timer, highlighter, and “mark for review” button. Additionally, there will now only be two sections: one for Reading and Writing and one for Math. With there only being two sections, the digital

The Paper SAT vs. The Digital SAT

SAT will be shortened to just over two hours, allowing more time for each question. Furthermore, the digital SAT will feature shorter passages in the Reading and Writing section, with one question per passage. These shorter passages are used to expose students to many different writing styles, such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, giving colleges a better understanding of a student’s abilities. In the new Math section, a calculator will be allowed throughout the entire section, rather than having a “no calculator” and a

Suhani Jerath ‘25

“calculator” section.

One of the most notable differences between the paper SAT and the digital SAT is its adaptability. Although the digital SAT will be scored on the same 400–1600 scale, each section will now be broken up into two modules. The first module of each section will be a base module, which is standard for each student taking the digital SAT. Depending on how well the student does on the base module, they will proceed either to the “upper” module, which consists of more challeng-

ing questions, or the “lower” module, which consists of easier questions. The difficulty of the questions is a determining factor in how the raw score is converted to the scaled score.

Despite the shift in format, the content of the digital SAT is very similar to the paper SAT. The digital SAT will still test grammar, punctuation, analysis, and summary in the Reading and Writing section, but now instead of historical passages, the College Board has added poetry. They have also removed paragraph and

The Works Behind the Winter Ball

Kelli Chang ‘25

For four hours on February 2nd, students danced and ate to their heart's delight at the festive Winter Ball. From just the elegant winter decorations and clusters of ecstatic students, it would be hard to believe the Ball had previously been haunted by the shadow of a false title: “The dance that no one is going to.” Who knew where the rumor started?

The Winter Ball had been in the works for quite a while, with the dance initially proposed in council in May of the previous school year. While the idea of a dance had been met with great enthusiasm the year

before, when the Winter Ball was finally announced to the school this year, there had been much discontent.

Among the discontent was the major grumble regarding the dance’s price.

Although the price had been steeper in past years, at $25, students were dissatisfied with the current cost of $20. There were also numerous other reasons besides the price, from how the dance was taking place in the Dining Commons to how Olive Garden would be served.

Although the dance had been made with underclassmen in mind (due to them not being allowed to attend prom), it proved surprising-

ly unpopular in the Sophomore class. In the end, most attendees hailed from the Freshman and Senior classes, with few Sophomores attending. Although there was speculation of Sophomores speaking negatively about the dance during advisory, we may never know the true reason for the dance’s unpopularity in the grade.

There were a few bumps in the road while planning the dance, such as a change of DJs and concerns regarding the cost of decorations. On top of that, the date of the dance had been moved two weeks earlier than the set date due to scheduling conflicts, significantly cut-

ting preparation time for the committee.

Despite the hardships, committee members met extensively, not only discussing details on exam dates and every day for the week of the dance but also meeting with maintenance and other school personnel. With all the arrangements in place, all that was left was the execution.

School Council sprang into action as soon as school ended on the Friday of the dance. Watching students from a multitude of grades setting up decorations was quite a sight to behold. For four chaotic hours, School Council transformed the

sentence order questions. The Math section still tests the general topics of algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry; however, a smaller percentage of the questions will be multiple choice.

Although there are both pros and cons to the new digital SAT, it is important to remember that the SAT still aims to test college readiness, and colleges will look at the digital SAT the same way as the paper SAT.

Dining Commons into a winter wonderland, from beautiful fairy lights adorning the ceiling to birch trees and dainty snowflake ornament centerpieces.

For the Dance Committee Heads, the success of the Winter Ball was a relief. Despite not having had the chance to sit down at all during the four-hour setup, the completion of the dance was worth the effort. When Committee Head Shifa Eraj ‘24 was asked about her thoughts, she said jokingly, “The school should have to pay for my botox to cover the wrinkles formed from this dance.”

The Supreme Court Reconsiders Chevron Deference

Audrey Qian ‘24

After hearing arguments challenging a landmark 40-year-old doctrine on January 17th, the conservative-majority Supreme Court appears set to weaken or even overturn it entirely.

With over 18,000 citations, Chevron is the most cited case in administrative law. So what is the Chevron doctrine and why is the Supreme Court reconsidering it now?

The Chevron doctrine, also known as Chevron deference, essentially rules that court cases whose stances are silent or ambiguous on specific issues should be interpreted by federal agencies.

In Chevron’s namesake, the 1984 court case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (NRDC), the Supreme Court allowed the EPA to define an ambiguous term in the Clean Air Act. It resulted in the deregulation of the energy giant’s emission rates, which was unsurprisingly aligned with the Reagan administration at the time.

Though a great dis-

Federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), comprise experts responsible for managing domains, from consumer and environmental protections to public health and financial security.

appointment for environmentalists, the case set an important precedent with Chevron’s two-question framework. First, is Congress’ intent on the specific issue clearly stated? If so, that is the end of the matter. But if the statute is unclear or silent, it becomes a question of whether the agency’s interpretation is “permissible,” meaning reasonable.

The main idea supporting Chevron is that an agency’s years of experience within their area of research make them more qualified than court judges to decide on specialized issues.

Some, however, believe that unelected federal agency officials are too far removed from the public to justly reflect the interests

of Americans, particularly business owners. They want ambiguous cases instead to be deferred to court judges.

This sentiment came to a head in the past year when two cases against Chevron were brought together before the Supreme Court: Loper Bright Enterprises v. Gina Raimondo and Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce. In these cases, a group of fisheries is challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) right to make commercial fishing vessels pay the salaries of required observers on their boats (around $710 a day).

The SCOTUS justices against Chevron argue that it violates the separation of powers set in Article III of

the Constitution and the famous case Marbury v. Madison.

Meanwhile, most Democratic leaders worry that cutting down the administrative state’s power in this way could shock the system and hinder regulations that address pressing modern issues.

While many make predictions on what changing statutory construction could mean for healthcare programs, emerging tech policies, and climate law, there is no way to know the future implications for sure. With the Supreme Court’s decision expected to come before this July, we will just have to wait and see.

The Increasing Incidences of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer has mostly been seen as a disease that plagues the older members of our society, those in their late 60s and onward. However, recently there has been an alarming increase in incidences of colorectal cancer among those in a much younger demographic: young adults. Last March, The American Cancer Society reported that they expected the number of colorectal cancer diagnoses to increase to 153,000 in 2023. Of those, 13% would be for those under the age of 50, representing a 9% increase in cases in

LOY-001 is a drug, in injection form, designed to increase a dog’s lifespan. This drug is being made specifically for large, adult dogs, whose lifespans are generally shorter than those of small dogs. While the drug is not available yet, Loyal, the company creating the drug, has announced that LOY-001 could be available to the public as early as 2026.

The drug works by interacting with an insulin

this age group since 2020. A study published in August reported that, overall, cancer has increased in people under 50, with gastrointestinal cancer like colorectal cancer growing the most rapidly, which is in line with what was predicted in March. In a more recent study published in January, the American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer has moved from being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in people under 50 to being first in men and second in women.

But why is this happen-

Jenica Benneaser ‘25

ing? No one can pinpoint the exact cause of the distressing trend, but many doctors cite lifestyle choices. Obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, low-fiber high-fat diets, diets consisting primarily of processed meats, and a sedentary lifestyle are huge risk factors for colorectal cancer. Family history of the disease and genetics also play a part. Because colorectal cancer had never really been that common in those of a younger age group, many doctors don’t catch it until the symptoms have already become severe. This late diagnosis is why some

doctors believe that the cancer seems so much more brutal compared to the one diagnosed in older patients. There are many things you can do to lower your risk of colorectal cancer. First, follow a healthy diet. Try to limit processed meats and increase the amount of high-fiber fruits and vegetables that you eat. Second, do not smoke. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states that cigarettes have 70 chemicals that are known to increase the risk of cancer due to the damage it causes to the DNA inside the cells. Third, stay active.

Will Dogs Be Able to Live Longer?

growth factor hormone known as IGF-1, which is associated with aging and metabolism. IGF-1 is thought to cause dogs to grow and age faster. Because this insulin growth hormone is higher in large dogs, this drug is specifically targeted for them.

The injectable medication requires that a vetenarian administer it quarterly or biannually. As of right now, there are very mild side effects of the medication, in-

Suhani Jerath ‘25

cluding temporary gastrointestinal distress.

The creation of LOY001 has been very controversial surrounding the ethics of it. Some see the medication as unethical, feeling that giving dogs the ability to live longer comes with a cost. While the dog may live a longer life, the medication does not guarantee that those extended years are healthy.

However, before becoming available to the

public, the FDA must still approve LOY-001 for use. In the coming year, Loyal will complete clinical trials required by the FDA, as well as compute safety and manufacturing data.

This drug is already approved by the FDA to continue work on it, and if it gets approved for general use, this will mark the first time the FDA will approve an anti-aging drug. If this drug is fully approved by the FDA, Loyal CEO Ce-

Staying active helps regulate hormones that contribute to the development of cancer and helps keep your immune system in shape. Additionally, you should cut back on drinking and make sure to maintain a healthy weight.

Colorectal cancer is a plague that is slowly taking over our nation, but living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of getting it and promote your well-being. It’s important to take care of your body in the present so that you can have a better life in the future.

line Halioua says the drug would be a good model for a human’s longevity because of the similarity between dogs’ and humans’ aging patterns.

LOY-001, while still having to undergo an intensive process through clinical trials, could be the first medication to decrease aging speed in dogs.

How AI and Precision Agriculture are Transforming India’s Farming

A silent revolution is taking place on India's enormous farmlands: a novel combination of artificial intelligence and conventional farming methods is helping agriculture face up against ecological issues worldwide. In a nation where food security and economic stability are highly correlated with the agriculture sector, Indian researchers have begun to dramatically transform traditional methods for crop yield prediction and irrigation management by using AI technology, ushering in a new era of unprecedented agricultural stability, not only in India but worldwide.

Starting as early as the 1980s, India has faced economic and agricultural instability due to severe droughts, which are becoming more harmful and frequent every year in the farming regions of the southern coast of India, central Maharashtra, and the Indo-Gangetic plains.

The group most gravely impacted by these droughts are small-scale Indian farmers whose ability to support themselves is devastated by the resulting empty harvests. Additionally, these farmers plan and work at subsistence levels, causing these small-scale farmers' average income and savings to be already precariously low. With very few resources and a lack of insurance, it is arduous for these farmers to deal with the aftermath of droughts and ensure their basic needs are met.

One potential solution for farmers is the Internet of Things (IoT), a network of physical objects — like home appliances and wearable objects — that are connected to the Internet, is an AI technology mechanism that allows for better and more informed decision-making across various farming-related applications. Such sensors help gather large datasets to ver-

Sherwin Jiang ‘25

ify crop health and soil conditions and check weather forecasts for ideal farming conditions. Additionally, this data helps to maximize the available agricultural practices by controlling the use of fertilizers and irrigation concepts and protecting crops from insects. To communicate all this data, there is a precision agriculture startup application called Fasal, where farmers can receive notifications in their native languages, which helps them plan efficiently for all agricultural operations.

Additionally, the use of AI and IoT technology in Indian agriculture can assist the industry by creating productive solutions to all the long-standing problems of droughts and help increase sustainability and overall production. For example, Weather Risk Management Services (WRMS) is an agricultural risk management company seeking

to increase farmers' crop yield by implementing lowcost agriculture IoTs in Uttar Pradesh, India. Before these tools, Uttar Pradesh was one of the places most affected by droughts due to its main crops of sugarcane and rice being both highly climate-dependent.

Another sustainable farming solution is the SecuFarm Mobile Application, which aims to offer small-scale Indian farmers a guaranteed income by using sustainable farming practices that are downloadable as apps. These include soil health analysis and satellite imaging services, provided at an affordable cost to farmers. AI analyzes data taken from images and soil samples in order to generate alerts for weather, crop diseases, and pests at a much faster and more accurate rate than if analyzed by a human.

As a result, the farmers involved in this experiment

saw a return of 18% savings in water resources and a 20% decrease in all input costs. As shown by the introduction of WRMS's technology interventions, integrating new technologies in agriculture is vital for farmers combating droughts, helping them manage scarce water resources, and protecting their financial productivity.

So-called “agri-technology” is thus emerging as a worldwide phenomenon and an overdue solution to many of the agricultural issues brought on by climate change and climate instability. This AI-powered technology has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry and has already begun improving the lives of farmers in India. India looks to continue transitioning to a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable agrarian industry.

Some build muscle to attain a more sculpted physique; however, the advantages of increasing one's muscle mass extend beyond aesthetics. Having more muscle allows for great health benefits that enhance one’s physical and mental well-being. While visible improvements may be rewarding, it is crucial to understand the benefits of building muscle and how to do so properly before making any drastic changes to your workout regimen. Strength training, or resistance training, aims to increase muscle mass by forcing the muscles to work against varying amounts

Strength Training and a Stronger Being

of force or weight. A basic strength training routine consists of using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, or bodyweight when performing various exercises such as squats, pushups, glute bridges, planks, and deadlifts. It is advised to execute these types of exercises two to six times a week, concentrating on a different muscle group each time, to allow for proper recovery.

Before and after exercising, it is important to undergo warm-ups and cooldowns. Warm-ups facilitate blood flow to the muscles, making them malleable in order to prevent mus-

Avery San Filippo ‘25

cle tears from the extreme force put upon them. A typical warm-up may consist of walking or marching in place, stretching, or any movements to get the blood pumping. Meanwhile, cool-downs contain static stretches held for up to sixty seconds to maintain muscle length and flexibility. Both warm-ups and cool-downs are essential components that must be incorporated into each workout session to ensure optimal training and recovery. This is because they reduce muscle soreness as well as the possibility of injury.

Performing these exercises in addition to

other forms of physical activity can result in extraordinary health benefits. There is a wide range of benefits derived from strength training, one being stronger bones. Lifting weights puts stress on the skeletal system and precipitates the formation of denser bone tissue. An increase in bone density reduces the risk of acquiring osteoporosis and fractures. Furthermore, the fortification of new muscle tissue creates enhanced balance, which reduces the risk of injury from falling. In addition to the physical benefits, strength training leads to psychological boosts such as improved cognitive abil-

ities and decision-making skills.

For these reasons, strength training creates not only a toned appearance but also a healthier or more resilient lifestyle. Maintaining a consistent routine of strength training and other workouts yields stronger bones, stronger muscles, and a lower chance of injury. Despite the numerous benefits mentioned, implementing a drastic change in your workout routine may not be applicable to everyone, and it may be best to consult with a medical professional as to what would be best for you.

Mikayla Blakes ‘24 Announces Commitment to Vanderbilt University

“I truly enjoy the sisterhood developed with all of my teammates and the competition against phenomenal teams and players, and the overall life lessons taught through basketball,” Mikayla Blakes said.

Blakes’ journey with basketball began when she was just 11 years old. While she first began with dancing and transitioned to track at the age of 9, the activity that stuck with her was basketball. In her earliest years playing, she would shoot baskets and play one-onone against her older brother, Jaylen Blakes.

“Those summers together helped build my mindset that I can compete anywhere and play against anyone,” she stated.

Her commitment to

January 18th will become an unforgettable night in Rutger Prep’s sports history, not only shining a spotlight on Mary Klinger’s coaching prowess and firelike passion but also commemorating the success of our Girls’ Basketball Team. On this date in 2024, Rutgers Prep’s brilliant Girls’ Basketball Coach, Mary Klinger, remarkably achieved her 700th career win. The historic milestone took place in a home game against Ridge High School, with Rutgers Prep triumphantly winning with

Vanderbilt University was preceded by an array of accomplishments, each of which highlighted her commitment to and work ethic in the sport. In her sophomore year, she was able to help Rutgers Prep win its first Non-Public B state title since 2017. She was also selected to participate in the McDonald’s All-American and Nike Hoop Summit basketball games. This past summer, she played in three of New York City’s historic basketball locations and won MVP at every location.

The process of choosing a college included many official and unofficial college visits, observing several games, and conversations with coaches to determine a school with a good geographic location, strong ac-

Matthew Telyczka ‘24

ademics, and team playing style that matched her own. Vanderbilt University provided all of that and more for Mikayla. Blakes described a distinct feeling when she evaluated Vanderbilt that she hadn’t experienced anywhere else. Her connection with Coach Ralph at Vanderbilt and her reputation for winning championships showed her that Vanderbilt had a bright future for her. Additionally, Vanderbilt’s proximity to her relatives makes the place extra special, as it allows her to have supporters every step of the way.

She especially recognized the support of Coach Mary Klinger, who has been working at Rutgers Prep for 40 years. Klinger played basketball from second

grade and throughout college at Rutgers University and always knew she wanted to be a coach.

“The lesson I’ve learned from Mikayla is striving for greatness. She’s made me a better coach because of her level. I’ve had to continue to grow in order to help her grow,” she said.

Klinger’s first memory of Mikayla was in seventh grade when she was coaching an AAU team. From the moment Klinger saw Blakes playing, she knew she was going places.

“Every day that I get to coach is an accomplishment. There’s 700 wins, state championships, coaching, and USA awards which are all great. But, being here every day to impact these kids is my greatest accom-

Coach Klinger’s 700th Career Win

the score of 85 - 42. Memories were made that night, and a mark was etched into Rutgers Prep’s history that will set a standard for many generations to come. In this season alone, Mary Klinger has coached our Girls’ Basketball Team to a record of 25-5 and, even more impressively, has helped them to get #2 in the state. Of course, this phenomenal season is not just at the hands of Coach Klinger, but also to the countless hours the Girls’ Basketball Team has put into their practicing. They’ve been worked to

Mikaela Villajoaquin ‘25

the bone, from running up and down the court, playing scrimmage after scrimmage, and even cramming their homework on the bus ride to games. Through the team’s hard work and integrity, they always find a way to pay homage to their Coach Klinger. Her team describes her as a passionate, hardworking, and stern coach who never fails to make them sweat. Mary Klinger has not only been a steady rock for the girls but also has been extremely involved in basketball herself.

Coach Klinger has

been an Argonaut supporter throughout her career. She started at Rutgers Preparatory School in 1986 and graduated from Rutgers University, playing basketball the whole time. She has devoted her life to the Rutgers Prep community as the official athletic director. During these memorable 40 years at Prep, Klinger’s coaching and dedication have led our Girls’ Basketball team to ten Prep B State Championships and five Somerset County Tournament Championships. Apart from coaching the RPS

plishment,” she continued. Blakes expressed gratitude for every college offer and thanked all her high school coaches, her AAU programs, and AAU coaches throughout her basketball journey: Kevin Lynch, Coach Tony, Coach Talen, and her entire Philly Rise family; basketball and strength trainers; the entire RPS community for all the support and encouragement, and a special thank you to Coach Mary who has been in her life since 7th grade.

Girls’ Team, she also is the head coach for the New Jersey Cardinals. From being a star player throughout her school life to being a head coach of two successful basketball teams, Klinger continues to share her experience and skills with a new generation of young girls. Thanks to Mary Klinger, it’s safe to say that the future of the Rutgers Prep Girls’ Basketball team is safe and will continue to skyrocket!

Mikayla Blakes ‘24

Photo Credit: Instagram:

In the world of soccer, the Premier League is the most popular and the most competitive league around the world. The Premier League is home to some of the best soccer players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, Mohammed Salah, and many more.

The title race is fascinating this year, as five teams are all in a position to win it all.

Those five teams currently are Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

With 23 games played as of February 6th, 2024, only five points separate Tottenham who is currently in 5th place, and Manchester City who is currently in 2nd place, with Liverpool being ahead of both by a mere 2 points.

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, albeit a bit far from #1 place, shouldn’t go unnoticed when talking about the Premier League

The 2023-2024 Premier League Title Race

Title race. Both teams are very offense-oriented and have enjoyed success with this fun style of soccer. Players like Ollie Watkins of Villa and Son Heung-Min of Tottenham have stepped up to propel their respective teams in conversations regarding the league title, and both managers Unai Emery and Ange Postecoglou have been successful with their teams.

Liverpool is having a splendid year, considering their poor season last year, where they were unable to qualify for the Champions League. But, this failure has turned into their engine this season. After 23 games, and even after losing to competitor Arsenal, they are still leading with 51 points. Mohammed Salah has been their key man in the attack, contributing 22 goals, scoring 14 goals, and assisting with 8. Allison has been a force standing in between opponents and the soccer goal, proving year after year that he is the best goalkeep-

Davi Soares ‘25

er in the world. Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a resurgence, and players who looked a bit uncomfortable in the system have turned into world-beaters. Liverpool is back, and they are hungry for this title.

Arsenal is also a prominent force in the title race. After succumbing to the pressure the previous season, this young team is fiending to win this year. The fluidity of their attack has been aided most by the Captain, Martin Odegaard, who hasn’t shied away from the spotlight. Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are again proving their potential and skill, even at such young ages. Between the two players, they have contributed to 22 of Arsenal’s 47 goals. Additionally, the team’s defense has been nearly impossible to break down, with William Saliba and Gabriel showing their dominance throughout each game. With their strong squad depth and players like Timber coming back from

injury, it looks like Arsenal can finally win the title that has eluded them for more than ten years.

Finally, Manchester City, the recent winners, have not slowed down whatsoever. Erling Haaland is still the world’s best target man, scoring 14 goals, and assisting with 7. Their midfield is out of this planet, with Rodri, Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne, who is coming back from an injury. KDB has not slowed down, contributing to four goals in the last four games. Pep Guardiola’s intricate system is hard to break down, and

Rodri is the engine of this. Rodri has proven to be the best central defensive midfielder in the world, and he is the key to this system. The defense is rock solid as usual, and overall, Manchester City has ridiculous talent and a ridiculous coach, so it should be no surprise that they are in this race.

With the transfer deadline closing, the squads that are here are the final teams going into the final day of the season. This race is getting spicier by the second, with any of those five teams possibly winning the Premier League this season.

A Heartwarming Lunar New Year 2024 at Rutgers Prep

Even if you didn’t attend Rutgers Prep’s 2024 Lunar New Year show, you’ve definitely seen the festive decorations all around the school or classmates sporting their red RPS LNY sweatshirts. This year’s celebration was planned out to every last detail and even more brilliantly executed. This was especially thanks to Jianing Liu ‘25 and Buyu “Michael” Lyu ‘26, who organized everything and even emceed the show.

While New Year’s for most Americans takes place on January 1st, for Asian countries, Lunar New Year 2024 started on February 10th, which marks the beginning of a luck-filled year.

Audrey Qian ‘24 and Kelli Chang ‘25

In order to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, a joyous celebration took place in Rutgers Prep’s Dining Commons on February 8th.

The Dining Commons were adorned with red decorations, such as lanterns and paper cuttings, with every seat filled with friends and family of Rutgers Prep. Audience members grabbed delicious Chinese food before being treated to a variety of performances, from singing and dancing to numerous musical instruments.

With Jianning and Michael’s enthusiastic emceeing skills, they began the night by introducing the talented Linxin “Karina”

Ni ‘26 and Shuya “Nancy” Zhao ’26, who performed a stunningly traditional and graceful Chinese ribbon dance to “The Tale of Koi (锦鲤抄).” On top of their duet, both Karina and Nancy would also dance their own separate solos later on in the night.

Bringing gorgeous piano performances were students Calvin Lin ‘23‘32, who played an impressive duet with his teacher Yuki, and Alina Zhu ‘27, who did justice to a famous, traditional piece “Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon (彩云追 月).”

Halfway through the show, a lottery was held for audience members to try their luck at winning Asian goodies. Afterward, James Mallari ‘25 took to the stage with his drums playing Blink-182.

Students also sang many beautiful songs, from an evocative solo of “I Do + Seasons (四季)” by Jinji “Brad” Gu ‘27 to “Beautiful (手心的蔷薇)” by Ling

Yau Ge ‘25 and Karina Ni, which serenaded the audience with voices true to the song name.

Many students also combined their musical talents to perform in a string quartet (Kelli Chang ‘25, Ian Chang ‘27, Benjamin Lee ‘27, and Alina Zhu ‘27), a flute, violin, and piano trio (Keran Chen ‘26, Michael Luyu, Yifan Yao ‘24), and another quartet (Keran Chen, Lauren Lin ‘24, Michael Lyu, Christian Suh ‘25).

The band’s heart-warming rendition of “Night Life, Take Us to the Light (带我去找夜生活)” showcased the musical talents of Jincheng “Amber” Feng ‘25, Eliana Holerca ‘24, Michael Lyu ‘26, Karina Ni ‘26, Hongyi Shen ‘25, Yushi “Cecelia” Wang ‘24, and Xunzhe “Victor” Zhang ‘24. As lights dimmed, the audience even swayed their phones’ flashlights to the beat of the song, enhancing the magical experience.

To close off the night, a video was displayed for everyone to see, containing a surprise for international students. Ms. Zhou had communicated with family members of these international students to record heartfelt New Year's wishes and messages for them.

Special thanks to Mr. Cohen, Ms. Zhou, Ms. Burk, Dr. Chodl, and many members of the maintenance staff for making an unforgettable night possible.

Photo Credit: RPS Upper School Bulletin

Linxin “Karina” Ni ‘26

Photo Credit: RPS Upper School Bulletin

The Premier League Trophy

Photo Credit: The Premier League

A Holiday Harmony: A Review of the RPS Orchestra Winter Concert

As the last piece concluded, and the room filled with applause, it was clear that the Rutgers Prep Orchestra ensembles had combined exceptional talent and hard work into the Winter Concert. As a member of Rutgers Prep’s chamber orchestra myself, I have first handedly experienced the huge amount of hard work that goes into these memorable performances. The orchestra is a collaborative community led by director Lyssandra Stephenson, the teacher and conductor of all of RPS’ orchestra ensembles. For the chamber orchestra, she is the backbone of our group. She is passionate with each rehearsal, pointing out small details in an effort to perfect each piece, which encourages us to play and practice to our fullest potential. However,

Mrs. Stephenson’s leadership isn’t the only thing that makes orchestra performances special. Christian Suh ‘25, our principal cellist, believes that “the community supports each other well, and we help encourage each other to play to our full potential, which is crucial for our outstanding concerts.” This sense of community shines through in our performances on stage.

Starting off the concert was the middle school’s performance of “Brandenburg Concerto,” “North Star to Freedom,” and “Fantasia on a Theme from Thailand,” three very diverse pieces from quite different backgrounds. The middle school’s performance was a great success, and it was heartwarming to see the upperclassmen congratulate

Ben Ko ‘25

them after each song. The performance was a fantastic introduction to the concert and set the stage for the chamber orchestra. The chamber orchestra, led by concertmaster Chul Lee ‘24, nailed difficult pieces like “Waltz” and “Danse Negre,” all without the assistance of a conductor, which showcased their strong musical ability and talent. This fact was further noted by Avery Minion ‘25, a member of the Rutgers Prep band program, who said he was “incredibly impressed with how well the orchestra stayed together and how they were able to play proficiently without the help of a conductor.” The chamber orchestra’s epic performance ended off with “Tur-

tlewood Stomp,” a catchy piece that featured an impressive solo performed by violinist Chul Lee and bassist Carly Tomfohrde ‘24, leaving the audience in awe. Finishing off the concert was a combined performance with the Upper School orchestra and the chamber orchestra. The combined ensemble, led by concertmaster Michael Chang ‘25, played memorable tracks such as “Excerpts from Don Giovanni,” “Rainier Suite,” and “Terkisher Klezmer Fest,” which were all well-practiced and organized. Despite the fact that the chamber orchestra and upper school orchestra don’t primarily rehearse together, they played almost perfectly in harmony, with

the hard work and amazing conducting from Mrs. Stephenson. The final piece of the night was a holiday favorite, “Sleigh Ride,” which fit the holiday spirit of the concert perfectly. The highlight of the song was an iconic horse whinny played by band director Mrs. Peterson on the trumpet, which was a hilarious end to the performance. Through the loud applause, Mrs. Stephenson congratulated the musicians and thanked the audience with a smile on her face. The night concluded with a lighthearted speech from Dr. Loy, who congratulated the orchestra and left the audience with anticipation for the next wonderful performance.

Unraveling the Magic of Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse

In the introduction of the Across the Spider-Verse art book, author Ramin Zahed poses a thought-provoking question: How many barriers can we shatter? This question ignited a creative fire in the minds of Sony Animation’s one thousand-member team for the film Across the Spider-Verse. Their ambitious response? To break the record for the longest animated film ever. Not only that, but the film generated a remarkable six hundred million dollars in revenue with a budget of just one hundred million dollars. This achievement firmly established the project as Sony Pictures’ most successful endeavor to date. However, beyond the impressive statistics lies a collaborative effort and innovative spirit that infused Across the Spider-Verse with magic. Central to the film’s appeal is its exploration of the con-

cept of a multiverse. Each universe depicted in the movie is distinctly unique, offering a fresh visual experience for audiences. This is exemplified through both the diverse animation styles each character portrays, and the way frame rate is used throughout the film.

Furthermore, as the film ventures into various universes, viewers are treated to a captivating array of contrasting aesthetics. Consider, for instance, the portrayal of Miles Morales’ Brooklyn, which pays homage to the classic Marvel

Shaunak Bose ‘26

comic book style. Every frame of this universe is intricately shaded using BenDay dots, evoking a sense of nostalgia for vintage comic art. In contrast, Gwen Stacy's Brooklyn is depict-

ed with vibrant, swirling pastels that mirror her emotional journey, transforming her surroundings into a dynamic narrative device. Yet, these examples merely scratch the surface of the film's rich tapestry, which features nearly a thousand unique and individualized “Spider-People.” Each character contributes to the colorful and immersive world of the Spider-Verse, making it a captivating cinematic experience.

Even then, the way Sony decided to play around with frame rate, more specifi-

cally how many frames per second a certain character is animated on, is laudable. In a movie animated at twenty-four frames per second, characters usually move on “ones” or “twos.” If they're on one, the character moves every frame. Similarly, if they’re in twos, they move every other frame or are animated at twelve frames per second. Despite this, Spider-Punk is animated at eight frames per second, or “threes,” which plays into his character so well, since his main character trait is complete opposition to conformity.

In the wake of its groundbreaking achievements and innovative storytelling, Across the Spider-Verse emerges not only as a record-breaking animated spectacle but also as a testament to the boundless creativity and collaborative spirit that continue to push the limits of filmmaking.

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Animation

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Animation

RPS Middle School Orchestra

Photo Credit: YouTube: Rutgers Preparatory School

RPS Chamber and Upper School Orchestras | Photo Credit: YouTube: Rutgers Preparatory School

Why a Boys’ Volleyball Team Should Exist at RPS

Growing up, volleyball was a sport that my friends and family loved playing. So, when I heard that there was a volleyball club here at RPS, where men and women could play volleyball against each other during community time, I was pretty excited, to say the least.

Seeing all of my friends and other guys enjoy the sport made me realize two things: that volleyball was a popular sport amongst guys, and that although there was significant interest in volleyball, there was no official school team.

Eventually, the Volleyball Club died out because the school never made a men’s team. To me, this was upsetting; I truly felt that this club could turn into something more for Rutgers Prep.

The thought of starting a volleyball team did not cross my mind until spring break of 2023. One day I was asked if I was able to attend my cousin’s school's

Opinion Article Written by Davi Soares ‘25

volleyball game. The energy in the gymnasium was ridiculous, and I was so shocked to see the support that had come from a men’s volleyball game. Watching the game made me think about a team and how fun it would be to be a part of one.

baseball, or tennis, so this would subsequently lead to fewer players. Even if that were the case, however, there would still be high interest. I know some of my closest friends at RPS would have so much fun playing volleyball and would love

might have otherwise never made. My friend, James Mallari’25, had this to say when I asked him about his interest in Prep starting a volleyball team for boys: “I would definitely have fun playing volleyball at the school, but I feel as though

In New Jersey, men’s volleyball is held in the spring, and spring sports at RPS are very popular, so there would obviously be a decline in popularity regarding volleyball. A lot of boys at RPS play lacrosse,

to have the experience of a new team here. This community is about forming connections and creating bonds with one another, and this would be yet another opportunity for people to have these connections they

there aren't many people interested in the sport because the seasons for men's volleyball are usually during golf and baseball. Many people see this sport as an easy sport. I respect their opinion, but if I did play I

would want to show that there's more to it. The sport existing in the school would probably also introduce people to a new interest and if the school put effort into the program like it does with other sports, it could start recruiting people from different schools to make a good team. Another reason I think the school should start a team is because I go to different places for volleyball and a lot of people ask if I play for a school. I think it would probably give more recognition for the school to have a boy's volleyball team.”

I think a Boys' Volleyball team would be a great addition to Rutgers Prep sports. Years down the road, I think this sport could be another one of our many successful sports here. With a men’s volleyball team at Prep, we would have the opportunity to win championships, create new experiences, and continue to add to the rich history of RPS.

Passaic County Sheriff’s Death and its Larger Implications

January 23rd marked a tragic day in Passaic County history. At around 3:30 pm, first responders rushed into Toros, a Turkish Restaurant in Clifton. This was in response to a gunshot that rang through the restaurant just moments earlier. Scouring the building, the reality of the situation soon became crystal clear. Richard Berdnik, the beloved Sheriff of NJ Passaic County, was found dead due to self-inflicted wounds. Just moments before, he genially interacted with his constituents, engaging in conversion and posing for photos.

Opinion Article Written by Jay Chavan ‘26

Within a blink of an eye, he was gone. Berdnik was a true leader in Passaic County. A model professional, he was elected as sheriff for 5 terms and gave over 40 years of his life to public service as police officer and sheriff.

Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and citations for his exceptional character and excellence. As sheriff, he helped to increase enforcement of criminal activity and restructured the department’s policies and organization to increase efficiency. But more important than his ac-

colades was his contagious kindness and the illuminating effect he had on his co-workers and residents of Passaic County.

While the investigation into Richard Bernick’s unexpected suicide is ongoing, such an unfortunate event bodes larger conversations about the mental health of our public officials. In the past several years, there have been a lot of people critical of the police and other public servants. But it's important to remember that a couple of bad actors don’t define a whole field. And at the end of the day, we are all human beings and we shouldn’t forget that.

Police officers have one of the most stressful jobs, having to experience gruesome events all the time and having to make split-second decisions that could have massive consequences on their livelihoods and on their careers. This may come as a shock, but police officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. This is only made clearer by Sheriff

Berdnik’s death.

Now the question becomes: what can we do about such a terrible situation? I believe that a threepronged solution is necessary. First, routine wellness check-ins for every officer need to be implemented at police departments across the state. Communication is often the key to mitigating future consequences of mental health issues and such check-ups create an inclusive environment where one would be comfortable discussing such topics.

Also, while there are mental health resources available for law enforcement like “Cop2Cop” and “Copline”, there are numerous barriers that prevent cops from getting the therapy that they need. One way to tackle this issue involves expanding federal grant programs that actively fund mental health programs at police departments such as “LEMHWA” (Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act). The problem with such programs at this current moment is that they

are too narrow in scope and aren’t readily accessible to the large majority of departments. By expanding these programs, more and more departments will have adequate mental health resources to improve the well-being of our public officials.

The last thing that must be done is more universal. When you meet someone, let alone a police officer, treat them with kindness. Make yourself an approachable, empathic person willing to listen to the issues of your peers. You might not know if someone is dealing with a lot of turmoil in their personal or professional lives, so keeping a positive demeanor is essential to improving the mental health of those around you. After all, I’m sure that’s what Sheriff Richard Berdnik would’ve wanted.

Photo Credit: USA Volleyball

Sheriff Richard Berdnik

Photo Credit: USA Volleyball

Photo Credit: City of Passaic

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Kate Chung ‘25

Words to Search For:

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Faces

Justin Gregg ‘24

Previously Published in Excelsior

The century woman sometimes looks at me like I’m crazy

Her wrinkled eyes investigate, leering at my hair and skin

She strides to the other side of bee colored concrete

Because she has a purse and She thinks I’m a thief

Not a person

A beast eager to break loose I don’t hold grudges though Just face it, keep it pushing

Father says you’ve got to have a plan A and plan B

He also preaches you need a plan C and plan D

He grew intertwined with the century woman

They both think it a curse to be “soiled”

I couldn’t care

I tell them soil is the origin of baobab Just face it, keep it pushing

Every tribulation has a lesson

The 135th Editorial Board of The Argo Chief Editors

Renee Bou Mansour ‘25

Kelli Chang ‘25

Clare Maldony ‘25

Audrey Qian ‘24

Tech Editor

Michael Chang ‘25

Faculty Advisors

Dr. Morgart

Mx. Stewart

The Argo is the student-run newspaper of Rutgers Preparatory School. The opinions and views expressed within articles are not necessarily representative of the opinions and views held by The Argo or Rutgers Preparatory School.

All articles and student photos herein are copyright © The Argo 2024.

Interested in submitting an article, taking pictures, or drawing graphics? Have a complaint or concern? Notice an inaccurate fact or statement?

Reach us at theargo@rutgersprep.org.

Baobab Sunset

Photo Credit: Smithsonian Magazine