Each winter, our students are busy discovering ways to solve problems, create solutions, and express their authentic voices. The Pennington Fund supports these activities—and all that goes into making this winter a season filled with learning and innovation.
Support what is most meaningful to you! Did you know that when you make a gift to the Pennington Fund, you can indicate where you want to have the greatest impact? Simply designate your gift to an area of the School that is most meaninful to you!
pennington.org/support | For more information, please contact Director of the Pennington Fund Brooke Buchanan at brooke.buchanan@pennington.org or 609.559.5203.
Dear Pennington Families and Friends,
As this magazine goes to press in January, I am filled with gratitude for all we at Pennington have enjoyed together so far this year. In November, I was fortunate enough to travel to China with Sharon Jarboe, our director of admission, to meet with the parents of many of our international boarding students. The incredibly warm greeting we received at every stop made us feel so welcome, and we love the opportunity to visit with these parents in their home country. We were also able to meet prospective families that are very interested in coming to Pennington as our strong reputation has grown exponentially over the past few years.
Speaking of Pennington's reputation, you may already know that all of our faculty and staff have worked for more than a year on a self-study of our entire School operation in preparation for an accreditation visit from the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) visiting team. That 270-page report covered every aspect of The Pennington School—from our academic program to governance to the physical campus to finances— and preceded the visit that took place the week after Thanksgiving break, at the beginning of December.
I am delighted to report that the accreditation visit went very well, and although we do not yet have the written report from our ten-member visiting team, they were able to share some details with me and with the entire staff at the end of the day on December 6. The visiting team was so impressed by the growth we have experienced in our application numbers and the increase we have had in our selectivity and our enrollment yield. Combined with our high retention rate, these numbers mean we must continue to keep a close eye on both the Pennington
student experience and attracting and retaining our topnotch faculty and staff. These two elements are the pillars of the School’s current comprehensive campaign, Forever Pennington , which is well underway.
In this issue, you will find several articles about events that took place this fall at our beloved School as well as many updates on our growing community of distinguished alumni. I hope you enjoy reading about so many aspects of life on our campus.
Yours in Pennington,
William S. Hawkey, PhD Head of School
For his love of Pennington...
Celebrating Francis Harvey Green Society Member
RALPH VEENSTRA
A beloved member of the Pennington community, Ralph Veenstra served as a dedicated employee for over thirty-five years. Longtime operations department teammate Carmen Williamson recalls the enjoyment Veenstra took from his work, “Ralph loved being part of this School and was like a brother to all of us. He particularly enjoyed tending to the baseball field every time he came back from working on it, he would come into the office and say, ‘Let’s play ball!’ We miss him dearly.” Ralph was also known for his role as Pennington’s official bell-ringer, every year tolling the Old Main chimes during Commencement.
For Ralph, Pennington was family. During his long tenure in the operations department, Ralph made deep connections with alumni, families, and his colleagues across campus. When he retired in 2015, the community gathered to celebrate his service and generosity.
Forever connected to the School he loved, his loyalty had no end. Ralph was a modest man who quietly became a member of the Francis Harvey Green Society, naming The Pennington School as a beneficiary of his estate. Upon Ralph’s passing in 2022, he bequeathed an extremely generous and meaningful gift to Pennington in support of Harold Poore Field.
Ralph Veenstra embodied honor, virtue, and humility. For his love of Pennington, for his tireless service, for his legacy and memory, we are forever grateful.
Head of School
William S. Hawkey, PhD
Editor
Lori G. Lipsky
Director of Communications and Marketing llipsky@pennington.org
Communications Team
Michael Russo, digital media marketing associate
Jennifer Taverney, publications manager
Monica Vagnozzi Vogel, senior graphic designer
Robert E. Martini Associate Head of School
Chad Bridges
Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives
Charles D. Brown
Director of Admission and Financial Aid
Sharon Jarboe
Head of Middle School
Maria Capelle-Burny
Contributing Writers
Karen Balerna, Maria Capelle-Burny, Peter Chase, Jane Bott Childrey ’89, Jacqui Coppola, William Dingee, Dolores Eaton, Sasha Hanewald ’25, William S. Hawkey, Lisa Houston, Suzanne Houston, Holly Jones, Shona Karp ’27, Tracy Kuser, Lori Lipsky, Adam Materasso, Matthew Passalacqua ’25, Alicia Reed, Karin Sanderson P’25 ’28, Jennifer Taverney, Raymond Valdez ’25, Sue Wirsig
Contributing Photographers/Artists
Karen Balerna, Simonne Blunt ’25, Maria Capelle-Burny, Lia Brunetti-Carroll ’25, Lida Castro, Jenny Chase, Stephanie Cohen, Jacqui Coppola, Dolores Eaton, Stephanie Heyeck, Holly Jones, Sonja Karp P’25, Susy Kim, Shannon Kimmel P’25 ’29, Tracy Kuser, Joselle Lamoutte, Chelsi Meyerson, Lizabel Mónica, Patrick Murphy ’80, Michael Russo, Karin Sanderson P’25 ’28, Mike Schwartz, Tim Scott, Peter Secrest ’13, Amy Sullivan P’30, Jennifer Taverney, Monica Vagnozzi Vogel, Jessica Lockhart Vincent P’26, John Vogel, Shengkai (Tim) Wang ’28, Sue Wirsig
The Pennington School 112 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, NJ 08534 609.737.1838 | www.pennington.org
The Pennington School admits students of any race, religion, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression or identity, physical disability, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, employment policies, and athletic and other School-administered programs.
JOURNALISM AT PENNINGTON GETS A GLOW UP! The Penntonian goes digital and is energized by a redesigned journalism class. Read more about the process and examples of students’ work from the fall semester!
HOMECOMING
AND REUNIONS take center stage on campus in early October 2024.
FACULTY TRAVEL
TO CHINA Four faculty members and their spouses traveled to China for an immersive cultural experience in June 2024.
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUNG ALUMNI IN THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
From the big screen to local theatre, and from lighting design to scriptwriting, this next generation of creators is making its mark.
Printing: Prism Color Corporation
he Pennington School formally began its academic year with the 187th annual Convocation ceremony, held on Friday, September 6, on O’Hanlon Green.
The ceremony featured remarks from Chaplain David Hallgren and Teacher of Science Ryan Vogt, as well as speeches from students including Middle Schoolers Sophia Chrnelich ’29 and Kayla Turner ’29. Senior Aidan Prestigiacomo also spoke about the transformative role Pennington has had during these pivotal high school years, saying “Looking back on my last two years and the decision to attend Pennington, I now know that I was given something special. Pennington has allowed me to become the person I envisioned being when I enrolled three years ago. During my time here, I have made relationships with people that I feel will last for the rest of my life. The football team has allowed me to become not only a better player but also, and even more importantly, a better person and leader.”
It has become a beloved Pennington tradition to hear from Head of School Bill Hawkey about the School community’s theme for the year during the convocation address. This year, Dr. Hawkey introduced “The Power of Connections" as the theme. He said, “Our community is truly a microcosm of our increasingly interconnected world. We are reminded constantly of the profound
shifts occurring in and around the globe, which highlight the importance of the connections we develop across cultures and continents.”
Dr. Hawkey outlined the global diversity of this year’s student body, mentioning that for 2024-25, Pennington students represent 28 countries and collectively speak more than a dozen languages. Among our 143 new pupils this year, we have students from two countries new in the School’s history: Iceland and The Gambia.
The theme of “the power of connections” takes on added significance as the School has implemented a new cell phone policy this year, with students refraining from phone use during the school day. “In this increasingly interconnected world, where screens far too often mediate our interactions, the value of genuine human connections has never been more profound,” said Dr. Hawkey. “This year I want to challenge each of you to rediscover and strengthen these connections with each other, with our environment, and with the broader Pennington community. Together, we can build a stronger Pennington—one connection at a time.”
The program then concluded with a benediction from Chaplain Hallgren before a reception for attendees on the MMAC plaza.
CONVOCATION
“ Remember that the strongest connections are those we forge with each other. Every person under this tent—your classmates, parents, your teachers, our staff— has a unique story, a wealth of experiences, and perspectives to share that can enrich your own. By actively seeking to understand and connect with one another, we build a stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient community.”
—Dr. William S. Hawkey, Head of School
PENNINGTON WELCOMES THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
This fall, The Pennington School welcomed ten new faculty members: Alexander Ahn, Carleigh Alpert, Katherine Cormier, Laura Cunningham, Jennifer Fava DeLorenzo, Jaclyn Kephart, Lauren Lareau, Adisa Phillips, Jacqueline Rivera, and Jenna Vecchione. Additionally, Kate Bowman and Alonzo Dunagan have joined the staff.
Alex Ahn first came to The Pennington School last January as a maternity replacement in the School’s math department. Ahn graduated from Swarthmore College with a bachelor's degree in biology; he then went on to Temple University to earn a master’s in mathematics.
Carleigh Alpert joins Pennington as a new teacher of compensatory skills in the Cervone Center for Learning. She earned her bachelor's degree at Rutgers University and is a certified English and special education teacher. She earned her master’s in psychology in December 2024. Her background includes student teaching and working for ten years in the Bordentown Regional school district.
Kate Bowman ’03 is the newest addition to the advancement office and serves as Pennington’s
assistant director of alumni relations. Bowman received her communications degree from Chapman University and a master of education degree in San Diego. She has worked as both a school counselor and as a teacher, including here at Pennington.
Katherine Cormier, a former elementary school counselor from Vermont, comes to Pennington to serve as a teacher of compensatory skills. Cormier has worked as an educator in six states over her career and started her professional life as a learning skills teacher at Proctor Academy. Most recently, she has worked as a substitute teacher at both Princeton Day School and Princeton Middle School.
Laura Cunningham steps into the role of school librarian/media and information specialist at Pennington. Cunningham obtained
her undergraduate degree in English literature from Fordham University and her master of information in library science from Rutgers University. For the past five years, she has worked at The Lawrenceville School as their outreach librarian.
Jennifer Fava DeLorenzo brings 31 years of classroom experience to her new position as a teacher of compensatory skills at Pennington. A Trenton State College graduate, Fava DeLorenzo went on to earn her master of education from Gratz College. Previously, she taught at Hillsborough Middle School and Crossroads North Middle School in South Brunswick.
Alonzo Dunagan joins the School’s Operations department as a groundskeeper/maintenance mechanic. Dunagan was born and raised in Trenton, NJ. His previous employers include Rezkom
Enterprises and S&M Landscaping Lighting. In addition to his responsibilities at Pennington, Dunagan is studying to be an aviation mechanic.
Jaclyn Kephart joins the Cervone Center as a teacher of compensatory skills. Kephart is a graduate of The College of New Jersey, where she earned her BS in special education and English with a minor in speech pathology and audiology and her MAT in special education. She has worked with students of all ages; her most recent position was at the middle school level.
Lauren Lareau is a teacher of compensatory skills. Lareau attended McGill University for two years before wrapping up her degree in psychology at Florida International University in 2003. She later obtained her master's degree at the University
of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. Previously, she both taught and coached at the George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Adisa Phillips graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a degree in information technology and a minor in digital communication information media. Before joining Pennington, he worked at Icode Bridgewater, a smaller learning facility for children in grades K-8, where technology was introduced through students' interests in activities such as playing video games and flying drones. Phillips is teaching the ninth- and tenth-grade technology units in the grade-level seminar classes. He also coaches Middle School soccer and spring track.
Jacqueline Rivera serves as Pennington’s new director of diversity, equity, and inclusion and
as a teacher of academic skills tutorial classes. Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and her master of education from the University of Pennsylvania. She began her career at Christina Seix Academy and most recently worked in the admission and DEI offices at the Peddie School.
Jenna Vecchione joins the School as a new teacher of compensatory skills. Vecchione completed her undergraduate studies in secondary education and history at Rider University and achieved her master’s degree in special education from Kean University. She previously worked as a special education teacher at Columbia High School and, more recently, at Hunterdon Prep School.
Faculty members (left to right): Katherine Cormier, Jennifer Fava DeLorenzo, Carleigh Alpert, Jacqueline Rivera, Carlos Jeremie, Jenna Vecchione, Jaclyn Kephart, Alonzo Dunagan, Maria Capelle-Burny, Lauren Lareau, Laura Cunningham. Not pictured: Alex Ahn, Kate Bowman '03, Adisa Phillips
CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
INDUCTION
On Tuesday, October 15, twelve Pennington School seniors were inducted as new members of the School's chapter of the Cum Laude Society: Olivia Cano, Caleb Collins, Nina Feder, Olivia Kaczynska, Sophia May, Shreya Mookherjee, Benjamin Pearlberg, Jinxuan Qi, Siyi Yang, Xiaona Zhu, Dingtong Zou, and Moyang Zou. Students inducted are within the top ten percent of their class, and the School views selection for membership as one of the highest honors it can confer.
The fall induction ceremony was held in the Pennington United Methodist Church as part of that week’s Chapel program. After an invocation from the Reverend David Hallgren, soon-to-be inductees Xiaona “Jenny” Zhu and Siyi Yang shared a musical piece for those in attendance. The piece, an arrangement of a Chinese song entitled “South of the Yangtze River during Springtime (Jiangnan Chun Se),” featured Zhu on the erhu—a Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument similar to a fiddle—and Yang on the piano.
Head of School William S. Hawkey, PhD followed the performance with a welcome address, telling the honored students, “We celebrate your achievements as a community.” Information about the Cum Laude Society's history and motto was provided by Teacher of Music Donald Dolan, and Dean of Academic Affairs Scott Peeler introduced the faculty members in Pennington’s Cum Laude chapter. Science Department Chair Stephanie Heyeck then introduced the ceremony speaker, Teacher of History Jason Harding. In his remarks, Harding encouraged the students to think about their education beyond mere grades: “I urge you to find the subject,
SPANISH STUDENT EXCHANGE
On October 11, Pennington welcomed a group of eleven students and one teacher from Jesus Maria School in Madrid as part of our homestay exchange program. This visit was an opportunity to host a group of students from Jesus Maria following the trip our students took in March 2024. The Spanish students visited through Friday, October 25.
Throughout their stay, they participated in various activities, including trips to New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as short visits to local places of interest. The students also attended classes with their hosts on five separate days before departing for the airport on the final day.
the topic, the cause that inspires you to achieve academic excellence and that will hopefully make a positive difference in this world. Use your talents, your hard work, your inspiration for something that is larger than you, something that is bigger than yourself and your GPA,” he instructed.
Following those remarks, Cum Laude Chapter President Lisa Houston formally inducted each of the twelve new student members into the chapter. Another group of seniors will be inducted in the spring. The Cum Laude Society is an international organization dedicated to recognizing academic achievement in secondary schools. The Society consists of over 380 institutions, mostly independent schools, located across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, France, Spain, and the Philippines. Annually, approximately 4,000 new student members are welcomed into the Society.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
SENIORS HONORED IN THE 2024 NATIONAL MERIT® SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Three Pennington seniors were semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program; it is a distinction held by less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Shreya Mookherjee, Anirudh Suren, and Siyi Yang were among the semifinalists who continued on in the competition in pursuit of nearly 7,000 scholarships that will be awarded in the spring. Students typically take the PSAT in their junior year.
Ten members of Pennington's Class of 2025 were also named "commended students" by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Although commended students do not continue on in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some may be candidates for special scholarships offered by corporate business sponsors. Less than 5% of high school seniors qualify for this “commended” distinction.
The Pennington seniors who were recognized for their outstanding achievement as commended students are Caleb Collins, Nina Feder, Layten Hoffman, Olivia Kaczynska, Xinran Li, Sophia May, Lucas Medina, Benjamin Pearlberg, Dhruv Ramaswamy, and Moyang Zou.
NMSC® was established in 1955 with the goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. According to the organization, “Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.”
In recognizing the students, Director of College Counseling Adam Materasso said, “Being named a National Merit Semifinalist goes beyond that one test. We are proud of our three semifinalists as they pursue academic excellence on a daily basis and raise the level of discourse in the classroom. Please join me in congratulating them on this tremendous honor."
STUDENTS FROM PENNINGTON "BLOOM" AT INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CONFERENCE
DESIGNED TO FOSTER GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
Several students from Pennington’s Upper School attended the 56th annual Round Square International Conference, which was held in Bogota, Colombia this year! This annual event, for students aged 16-18, moves around the world with different schools hosting each time; last year’s conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya at the Brookhouse School.
This year’s theme, "Blooming from the Past," was an invitation to explore the ways in which building a better future must be cultivated from both an understanding and acceptance of the past. Joint hosts Colegio Anglo Colombiano, Colegio Gran Bretaña, Colegio Los Nogales, Gimnasio Campestre, and The English School encouraged participants to “reflect on their roots, learn from the past, and channel those lessons into personal and collective growth.”
During the week-long conference, the Pennington delegation attended sessions with keynote speakers, breakout discussions, and cultural activities and performances. Additionally, students traveled beyond Bogota to Boyacá to take part in adventure and community service experiences. The main themes or IDEALS of the Round Square approach to education— Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service—were interwoven into each day with a unique blend of activities designed to foster camaraderie, stimulate intellect, and ignite a passion for positive change. This was Pennington’s first time attending the Round Square conference, and plans are already underway for the 2025 conference. Applications for students to attend the 2025 conference in Dubai will open in March.
LATIN STUDENTS VISIT NEW YORK’S METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Thirty-seven students from Grades 6 to 12 in Latin classes at The Pennington School took a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on November 14 to view its collection of Greek and Roman art. The cost of this trip was defrayed with a grant from the Classical Association of the Atlantic States, Inc. following an application from Latin teacher William Dingee.
The ongoing closure of the Princeton Art Museum has deprived students in central New Jersey of convenient access to a first-rate collection of artifacts from the ancient Mediterranean world, so this field trip provided an incredible opportunity to experience similar artifacts firsthand. Students who participated in the trip researched an item in the museum’s collection in advance and then gave a brief in-class presentation on the artifact before the trip to the museum.
Once at the museum, students broke into smaller groups for an interactive guided tour of the collection. Nishka Vyas ’26 said, “I felt like I was really able to connect what I had learned in the classroom to a hands-on experience. For example, we did a project in Mr. Secrest’s class on how ancient statues, which we think of as white, had actually been painted. At the museum, we got to see traces of paint on an actual ancient statue.” This type of experiential learning helps bring classroom discussion to life!
Journalism at Pennington Gets a Glow Up! by Lisa
Houston
The Penntonian student newspaper has been the hub of news and information for this community for many years. It has operated as a student-directed club that had to carve out meeting time after hours and during club periods…until this year! The revamped Journalism class in the English department has given a whole new look and feel to the newspaper in an exciting digital format.
It had become obvious that The Penntonian needed something a little extra to attract more writers, as students found themselves pulled in many directions with academics, athletics, activities, and other clubs. Former English faculty member and Penntonian coadvisor William Burke re-designed
and taught the semester-long course for a few years postpandemic to provide lessons on the essential skills of journalism: interviewing, writing, and editing. The articles created in class were added to those of the club member writers. The newspaper then had to be designed and
printed, which added more time to production and prevented news from feeling timely at distribution. In addition, consumers in the digital age now mostly obtain news through phones and screens rather than in a paper format, so it seemed another change was necessary to remain relevant.
This year, along with the shift to a digital format, the teaching team of Rachel Burke (Penntonian advisor), Lisa Houston, and Blair Thompson were tasked with taking over the course to establish more of a “newsroom” feel. In addition to course content in basic journalistic skills such as structuring different types of articles, interviewing, photojournalism, and the danger of unchecked bias in news, students have worked in teams to brainstorm, research, write, and edit op-ed, news, and features articles. Articles are posted on the Penntonian ’s SnoSite platform, which also has video capability. Students have taken advantage of the video option to interview people on campus about timely topics such as Halloween costume choices and holiday plans.
The journalism class was also visited by alumnus Chris DeRose ‘03, a news reporter in Pittsburgh, PA, who shared his knowledge and insights on journalism as a career. The course has encouraged students to step out of their
comfort zone to write on topics that aren’t in their direct scope of experience, as well as to reach out to people around campus to capture interviews and quotes. An added bonus of the course has been the interaction that students have with the digital site. Peers can leave supportive comments for the writers, and the students featured have a sense of pride when they appear in articles, photos, or videos. All in all, the revamped course is charting a strong path forward for the cherished Penntonian.
The digital newspaper is so impressive that we wanted to reprint some fall articles by the students in the pages of this magazine. Please
enjoy them at https://tpspenntonian.org/ and use the username and password reader to view more articles and content all year.
The course has encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone to write on topics that aren’t in their direct scope of experience, as well as to reach out to people around campus to capture interviews and quotes.
A New Year of No Phones Brings Mixed Reactions Among Students and Teachers
By Matthew Passalacqua ’25
At The Pennington School, a newly implemented no-phone policy has sparked diverse reactions from students and teachers. Designed to bring greater focus and social engagement, the policy prohibits phone use throughout the school day, pushing students and faculty to adapt to a phone-free environment.
For Nina Feder, a senior, the nophone policy has been a surprising boost to her focus and productivity. “I think it’s made me a lot better at focusing in class,” she said, adding that life without her phone is starting to feel normal as the year progresses. Feder noted that the policy not only helps her focus at School but also makes her more
intentional about study time at home, “I’m better at home, too, with being able to put it [phone] away and get my work done.”
However, Feder admits the policy isn’t without its challenges. “It’s tough during my free periods because I can’t communicate with people as easily, or find friends on campus,” she explained. Despite these frustrations, she sees the longterm value and believes the policy will remain. “People are going to find ways to evade it,” she noted, “but overall, it’s here to stay.”
Mr. Sulton, an English teacher and member of the faculty committee behind the policy, has observed positive changes in his classroom: “People are talking to each other more,” he noted. “Before, students would come in and immediately look at their phones, barely interacting. Now, they’re socializing, and that’s exactly what we were hoping to encourage.” For Sulton, the policy’s biggest benefit is the way it fosters face-to-face interactions that were, before, often overshadowed by screen time.
The policy also requires teachers to follow the same guidelines, and Sulton takes this responsibility seriously. “We’ve discussed as a full faculty the importance of following the policy ourselves,” he explained. “It’s a matter of equity, and we know it would look bad if we weren’t following the same rules we’re asking students to follow.”
Sulton believes that this shared commitment will help reinforce the policy’s impact and longevity within the community.
Not every student has had an easy transition, though. José Ponce de Leon, a junior, has found certain
aspects of the no-phone rule challenging: “I think the biggest thing is not knowing the time. I don’t have my phone on me, and that kind of stresses me out,” he shared. Ponce de Leon noted that, although he didn’t use his phone much during class before, he does miss checking it between periods and capturing moments with friends on video. “We [friends] would take random pictures and videos of each other walking around campus. It was a funny part of the day; I miss it.” He’s also noticed that some students still discreetly use their phones, which frustrates him. “If I’m following the rules, I feel like everyone else should too,” he said, echoing a sentiment shared by many students committed to respecting the policy.
As Pennington continues to adjust to the no-phone policy, students and teachers alike are experiencing shifts in how they interact and engage. For many, the benefits—improved focus, more face-to-face interaction, and a stronger sense of community— make the challenges worthwhile. Reflecting on the policy’s impact, Mr. Sulton summed it up: “It’s had a great impact on the School community, on the environment, and on the atmosphere here, which is exactly why we implemented it in the first place.” •
Accreditation: The Most Important Thing You Didn’t Know About
By Raymond Valdez ’25
Accreditation might not be at the top of students' minds at The Pennington School, but it plays a huge role in maintaining the quality of education offered here. As the School prepared for its evaluation visit from December 3-6, 2024, understanding this process was very important for students and the broader community.
What is accreditation? Accreditation is a formal validation process that evaluates educational institutions against established standards. At Pennington, this evaluation is conducted by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS), which oversees accreditation for about 90 schools across the state.
The importance of accreditation cannot be overlooked. It provides independent validation that The Pennington School meets recognized standards of academic excellence, assuring students and parents of the advancement of education. The process examines all aspects of the School, including academics, governance, safety, and student life, highlighting both strengths and areas for growth. By fostering a culture of self-reflection and external review, accreditation encourages the School to constantly improve.
As Ms. Jo Prockop, director of the Cervone Center for Learning and co-chair of the accreditation steering committee, emphasized, “When I think about what makes this the best school, I think about the Pennington community. That’s where my mind always goes.” This perspective underlines how important community is to the School’s identity, especially during the accreditation process.
“To look at community is really such an integral part of who we are as a School and what makes us, I think, so incredibly special,” she added.
The accreditation cycle at Pennington spans ten years and begins with a comprehensive self-study. During this phase, faculty and administrators assess their performance against NJAIS’s 68 standards, covering a wide range of areas, from academic programs to safety measures.
This self-study involves answering key questions about the School’s mission, programs, and community engagement, allowing the faculty and administration to identify strengths and areas for development. Dean of Academic Affairs and co-chair of the steering committee Scott Peeler said, “The best thing that can happen is that we’re transparently ourselves, so that the visiting team can come and see who we are and what we’re about. I don’t usually think of it in terms of perfection, more just transparency and authenticity.”
Following their receipt of the study that was completed in June 2024, NJAIS created a visiting team composed of educators from other independent schools. This team visited the campus to observe classrooms, meet with students and faculty, and assess the School’s operations firsthand. After their evaluation, they provide a report that highlights commendations and
offers suggestions for improvement. While the accreditation process may seem administrative, its effects are extensive in reach for students. Graduating from an accredited institution ensures that students receive diplomas recognized by colleges and universities, affirming the quality of their education. Accreditation also unlocks access to various programs and resources, enhancing the overall educational experience. Furthermore, the process encourages student involvement and input, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for Pennington’s success.
As Pennington approached its accreditation review, small groups of students had opportunities to engage in discussions about the significance of accreditation and its implications for their education. The visiting team visited every single classroom in the days on campus. Class meetings were held on November 18 to answer questions and provide insights into the process in advance of the visit.
Ms. Prockop emphasized the importance of being welcoming during this time, noting, “It’s important to be aware of what’s going on when we have visitors on campus, whether they’re part of the visiting team or not. We always want to be welcoming. It’s the same as when you have visitors in your home.”
In conclusion, accreditation is not just a formality; it is a cornerstone of The Pennington School’s commitment to excellence. As the School navigated this evaluation, students were encouraged to recognize their role in shaping the future of their educational community. Understanding the accreditation process empowers students to appreciate the value of their experience and the collaborative efforts that ensure the School’s continued success. •
The Power of Music Harmonizes Pennington Community
By Shona Karp ’27
Pennington students are all familiar with Mr. Horan’s Chapel preludes, but this year, he is widening the Chapel circle of music, bringing in students and staff to share their own favorites. Whether it’s the singing Houston sisters reliving a memorable melody from their childhood; Xiaona “Jenny” Zhu and Siyi Yang performing a selection representing their Chinese culture; or Mr. Reilly reflecting on the strength imparted by a special song from the Poozies, the community is consistently being exposed to new aspects of itself through music.
Choosing a theme each year is a tradition that Dr. Hawkey learned from one of his mentors, former Head of School Lyle D. Rigg. For him, “the theme represented a guidepost, kind of like a bit of the foundation.” Dr. Hawkey looked up to Lyle D. Rigg greatly, as many did, and continued his annual tradition of announcing at Convocation a theme to focus the School year. This year, he hopes to “reestablish connections with each other…and also the spaces and places where we live.”
With this in mind, Mr. Horan and Reverend Hallgren decided to bring the Pennington community together using music, inviting individuals to share pieces of music with which they have personal ties. Mr. Horan, the vocal director, has always played a piece to start Chapel, but this year he wants to “capitalize on the fact that no matter what your age is, and no matter what your background is, and no matter what your prior experiences are, music has that power to transport you back to a certain place, memory, or person.” By expressing the ways a certain song is personal to oneself, individuals can reveal a little bit about themselves. As more songs are shared, people begin to not only learn more and more about each other but also find commonalities that relate to themselves.
Alongside Dr. Hawkey, Reverend Hallgren has his own personal goal for the School, which he calls “inspired to excellence.” He believes that music plays a powerful role in working towards community with both themes and goals because it is “evocative and inspirational and connects us emotionally and psychologically.”
Many people use music as a way to express emotions, whether they be sad or happy, or as a way to dictate their mood. Music has the power to energize a group or lull someone to sleep. As Mr. Horan says, “The first thing that music does is provide a personal opportunity to connect with a lot of personal feelings.” Once we
connect with our own feelings, others can begin to relate and feel them together, deepening relationships.
While talking about his hopes for the theme, Dr. Hawkey said, “You hope that people will remember it when they're working on something or they're applying something to their own goals." Dr. Hawkey will be happy to know that Mr. Horan and Reverend Hallgren did just that when adding song connections to the Chapel procedure. Mr. Horan said it best: “Music at Chapel unifies. It inspires, and allows us to stop the everyday worries and stresses that we all have in this society so that we can really focus on our community spirit. And for me, music is the integral part of setting that atmosphere and achieving that goal.” •
What’s New with the Winter Holiday Candlelight Celebration
By Sasha Hanewald ’ 25
The Presbyterian Church was filled with members of the Pennington community on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m. for the annual winter holiday candlelight celebration. What was once a more traditional service called “Lessons and Carols” is now a gathering that recognizes all the different voices from our School’s community from around the world. For Matthew Passalacqua ’25, “The event is an hour-long service that just brings people together and boosts the holiday spirit during a busy time.” Matt has been performing at the event since he was in seventh grade as a trumpet player for the orchestra and part of the wind and the brass ensemble. The musical aspect of the service is highly appreciated by Passalacqua. “Even though I’m an instrumentalist, the choir and the vocal performances are always really nice to hear. At this concert, I think their talents are showcased and their hard work is appreciated. When I’m not playing, it’s always nice to listen to the choir. That brings a lot of nostalgia.”
Reverend Hallgren has been in charge of this event for many years and was responsible for the change in the nature of this celebration. Hallgren said, ”When I first started, we did a traditional ‘Lessons and Carols’ service, up until two years ago. I proposed to change it up a little bit to have it fit the community a little bit better [into] a candlelight service ‘around the world,’ so students
can share traditions from their own culture or religious traditions. It’s all centered around the theme of lights, and students will speak and share things they do to celebrate meals or different family practices.” He believes that this celebration really honors the diversity of our School beautifully.
Dr. Dolan is the instrumental music program director and has also played a large role in the preparation of the candlelight celebration for the past 17 years. He agrees with Rev. Hallgren, adding, “It’s really nice to involve more students and more viewpoints. We have a much more diverse campus [now] and it just makes sense to incorporate this into the program." The service is filled with music and Dr. Dolan explains that it has changed over the years. “In the beginning, there wasn’t a lot of space for instrumental music, so I just had some brass players play some of the hymns. But as the instrumental program has grown, we’ve had more and more things for them to do. This year we have about a dozen string players and twenty wind and brass ensemble players.” Dr. Dolan continues to explain that the type of music has also changed, “Now we don’t just have carols and vocal numbers, but we have a lot of congregational singing. We also have some more secular songs. I really do enjoy having the brass play with the organ for the carols with the whole congregation singing. I think it’s nice having everyone doing something together. Just having everyone participate together and being excited about the holiday is the best part about the night.”
The Winter Holiday Candlelight Celebration is held at night and the boarders are required to attend. Assistant Director of Residential Life and Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Peter Secrest is a huge fan of this event and shares, “I think it is a
very nice tradition for us to be able to gather as a community before we go off for winter break.” He also prefers the event to be held at night because to him it feels more special and formal. He also believes that holding the event at night elevates its significance because daytime events can feel like chores. Mr. Secrest appreciates this event, explaining that, “People share about their winter celebrations around the world. So it [feels] very personal and it’s centered more around our community and our students.”
Having the service held at night is also appreciated by the parents and the performers. It allows performers’ parents to watch and not miss work and allows students to still attend their after-school activities. The winter celebration is important for boarders in the evening because there is a formal dinner before the service that sets the tone for the candlelight celebration.
Passalacqua shares, “I think it’s nice at night because it makes for a more intimate and peaceful environment. Because it is at the end of the day, it’s a time to reflect and I think that’s what the service is all about, to be thankful and reflect on the many blessings and what we have to be grateful for. He continues to add, “It’s my favorite time of the year, and favorite event to play at. It’s exciting because that’s when the holidays start to feel like the holidays for me.” •
MS LAUNCH
Every fall, the Junior Proctors welcome new and returning Middle School students back to campus with a special orientation program that we call Launch! Held over two days, activities include ice-breakers, outdoor activities, time in the pool, and opportunities to connect with teachers and one another. It is also a great time to explore the campus and all it has to offer for our younger students.
MS RETREAT
The Middle School Retreat is a bedrock fall tradition that takes place annually halfway through the first quarter. On Wednesday, October 9, the entire Middle School spent the day at the Princeton-Blairstown Center to enjoy quality time in small groups and advisories to work through problem-solving skills, attempt physical feats, and build community. While the sixthand seventh-graders returned to Pennington at the end of the first day to resume regular programming for the rest of the week, the eighth-grade students spent two additional days to complete hikes in the area, enjoy team-building activities, and reflect on the themes of eighth grade: leadership and identity. This year, we had the extraordinary luck of seeing the Northern Lights, which brought an additional element of magic to the experience.
FIELD TRIP
On Wednesday, October 24, a group of English 8 students and their teachers traveled to NYC to see The Outsiders on Broadway as part of their study of the novel. They also met one of the lead actors (Brent Comer, pictured in the back row)!
HALLOWEEN
On Friday, October 25, the Junior Proctors created a thrilling haunted house experience for the Middle School students, which they named “Radioactive Lab,” filled with spooky decorations and jump scares around every corner. Screams and laughter were heard throughout the halls as everyone had a fun, fright-filled time. Students also enjoyed a screening of It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! On October 31, students dressed in costume and Middle School held a parade to celebrate the holiday.
HONOR CODE WEEK
Honor Week, a yearly week-long deep dive and exploration of Pennington’s Honor Code, is yet another way that Pennington students interact and engage with our community values: honor, virtue, and humility. In Advisory groups, students created and performed skits to illustrate key aspects of the code. The examples ranged from inappropriate phone use to bullying, littering, and cheating, and each group used a creative framework with which to deliver their messaging, from a lively rap song detailing what it means to be a part of the Pennington community to a Shark Tank-themed skit wherein the winning product was an invention honoring humility called “Humble Pie.” The culminating project involved each student creating a handprint with their name on it. Students could also include any additional words or phrases that helped to embody the Honor Code philosophy for them. The handprints—prominently hung within the main foyer of the Middle School—are a tangible pledge that represents each student’s acceptance of the Honor Code and their personal commitment to work towards those core values each and every day.
SOCCER
Head Coach: Chauncey Farrington
Assistant Coaches: Lauren Lareau, Adisa Phillips, Peter Puleo
• Middle School Soccer A and B teams both showed great teamwork, learning the game together and supporting each other along the way.
• A team went undefeated, showing a strong effort and working well together in each game. Their success highlighted their skills and their commitment to helping each other grow as players.
• B team also made steady progress, closing out the season with two hard-earned wins. Their improvement was clear as they learned to play together more effectively each week.
• Both teams created a positive and encouraging environment that made this season a memorable one. Congratulations to all the players for their dedication and teamwork!
FIELD HOCKEY
Head Coach: Jennifer DeLorenzo
Assistant Coach: Marisa Fraser-Pauls
• Great season! Finished season 6-2-2
• Outscored opponents 33-8
• Goalie Gemma Kuser ’29 saved 63 shots!
• Leading scorer was Wynn Dupee ’29 with 17 goals
• Most assists were by Dilyn Elmore ’29 with 10
CROSS COUNTRY
Head Coach: Alexander Gibbons
Assistant Coach: Isabel Berko
• The MS Cross Country team had a busy and outstanding season. Five returning runners welcomed ten new athletes.
• Students challenged themselves on a variety of arduous courses. They persevered through heat, mud, hills, and mileage.
• Throughout the season, runners dominated personal goals and set new personal records.
• The team was led by the following eighth-graders: Hank Van Yperen, Mark Dong, Kate Kazlouski, Olivia Wang, and Maddy Cabot.
• We are thankful to have spent such a wonderful season having fun and building memories with an amazing team!
FALL HAPPENINGS
SEPTEMBER 5: Senior Sunrise: Class of 2025 students gathered together on campus to experience the dawn of their final year at Pennington.
SEPTEMBER 17: The staff and faculty of the Hispanic Affinity Group, along with the DEI office, got together with Hispanic and Latino students to kick off the new academic year and celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with a fabulous dinner and inspirational music.
OCTOBER 8: To kickstart Breast Cancer Awareness Month, students and faculty shared stories and experiences during a special Chapel, called for empathy and understanding, and inspired action by creating fundraisers for two worthy charities.
OCTOBER 11: Five students from Pennington’s Muslim Student Alliance (MSA) spent the day at Noor Ul-Iman to build connections with local Muslim students. This event was the first in a series of collaborations the MSA is planning for this school year. Two months later, on December 11, students from Noor Ul-Iman made a return visit to Pennington’s campus!
OCTOBER 18: Pennington’s South Asian Student Society (SASS) organized a Garba Night, a traditional Indian celebration featuring lively folk music and dancing.
OCTOBER 20: Pennington’s Green Team participated in a cleanup as part of Clean Ocean Action’s Belmar Beach Sweep, ridding the beach of hundreds of pieces of garbage and helping to document the effort to better assist in legislative changes to safeguard our water.
OCTOBER 28: The PJC celebrated Sukkot with faculty joining students and their families at the home of generous parent hosts. Sukkot is a fall harvest festival characterized by special meals enjoyed in a hut or temporary dwelling.
NOVEMBER 13: National Letter of Intent Signing: The Pennington School celebrates its senior athletes who have committed to colleges or universities for the fall of 2025. The following students will be playing DI soccer: Maya Raghunandanan from Newtown, PA will attend the University of Michigan, Kayla Raghunandanan, also from Newton, PA, will attend Villanova University; and Bacary Tandjigora from Thies, Senegal will attend the University of Virginia. Riley Edge of Flemington, NJ will attend Fairfield University for DI swimming, and Joseph Liftsted from Huntingdon Valley, PA will play DII Baseball at West Chester University. Two students are headed to schools for DI Crew: Sasha Hanewald from Princeton, NJ will attend the University of Rhode Island, and LJ Justus from Lawrence Township, NJ will attend Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
DECEMBER 10 AND 11: History Honors research seminar students spent the day researching and working on their papers in the Princeton University Firestone Library The class also toured the Princeton Chapel, where they discussed the architecture and history of this beautiful space.
DECEMBER 18: Grade 10 students took an American Identities class trip to see Our Town in New York City.
The Pennington School community
was treated to presentations by a number of speakers this fall.
SEPTEMBER 26: Walter Loh P’26 ’27 spoke to Pennington students in the Applied Science Certificate Program and shared his professional journey, which combines a passion for math and science with business and finance.
OCTOBER 11: Pennington parent Edward Craig P’26 ‘26 spoke with students in the School's Applied Science program about some key elements for success on Wall Street, especially reading and relationships.
OCTOBER 14: Stephen Hill, a renowned national speaker on mental health awareness and substance use prevention, shared an important message with Upper School and Grade 8 students, encouraging them to make smart choices in their own lives.
OCTOBER 16: Educator Mike Hanewald P’25 ’25 shared his love of learning and international experiences with Upper School students currently enrolled in the Global Studies Certificate Program.
OCTOBER 17: Evolutionary biologist Cara Weisman recently visited The Pennington School to lead a “day in the life” type of lecture and Q&A with students in the Applied Science program.
OCTOBER 22: Princeton Theological Seminary’s Dr. Nate Stucky joined Pennington Religion Chair Nathaniel Van Yperen at Chapel. The two discussed the ways in which our connection to the earth and its seasons can inform our understanding of life and faith.
NOVEMBER 1: The Global Studies Certificate Program held a panel discussion with faculty members, School counselors, and student peers to discuss strategies and tools for navigating tumultuous times and the stress that can arise from complex world issues.
NOVEMBER 5: Dean of Faculty
Debbie Fermo talked about her career in the Navy and Teacher of English Stephanie Cohen talked about service opportunities at Pennington during a special Chapel on November 5 that focused on empathy and service.
NOVEMBER 12: US Chapel Speaker Dr. Michael Olin, dean of Mathey College at Princeton, participated in a Q&A with Rev. Hallgren about the meaning of “inspired to excellence.”
NOVEMBER 12: Actor, singer, and songwriter Michael Lee Brown ’11 stopped by to work with drama students on acting fundamentals and how to prepare for a musical audition. Brown starred on Broadway in Dear Evan Hansen and has appeared in Prodigal Son and Happyish
NOVEMBER 14: Applied Science Certificate speaker Ritesh Mehra P’26 discussed how applied mathematics can drive business decisions.
NOVEMBER 15: Global Studies
speaker Paul Fermo P’23 ’25 is vice president of business development for Ascent AeroSystems, a U.S. aerospace and defense company that manufactures small unmanned aerial systems for mission-critical operations. He is a retired U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter pilot and spoke to students about the roles human connection and relationship-building play in any global studies field.
DECEMBER 6: Dr. Lisa Espinoza P’23 ’26 gave a lecture to Applied Science students called "Pimples and Laser Beams: The Science Behind Cosmetic Dermatology and Innovation."
DECEMBER 12: Global Studies
Speaker Dr. Joseph Youngblood P’26 visited Pennington to discuss his career in international development and his work with organizations that seek to leverage their resources to improve lives around the world.
HOMECOMING
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2024 was filled with special moments and lasting memories. Let’s take a look back at all the action…
This fall, alumni from class years ending in 4s and 9s celebrated milestone reunions. The Class of 1974 marked their 50th with a memorable dinner at Emily’s Café in Pennington.
AND REUNION
W EEK END REPLAY!
Friends from across the decades reconnected during Friday night’s Brews and Barbecue reunion festivities, and the Class of 2019 showed up in full force, claiming a Battle for the Bus victory!
Scan this QR code to view more photos from the weekend.
The Head of School Breakfast brought former classmates, teachers, and coaches together to celebrate this year’s alumni award recipients and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. Gold Guard alumni (classes of 1974 and earlier) gathered for their annual luncheon and tour of the Meckler Library archives. Finishing strong, Gerrit Garry ’19 led the pack in the Alumni 5K, and all generations ended the weekend festivities together at Corson House for the All-Alumni Party.
SOARING WITH SCHOOL SPIRIT
Friday night’s Pep Rally was a kickoff to the weekend, with faculty and students coming together for some spectacular student performances. Spirits soared as a new Harvey the Hawk mascot costume was unveiled, which was made possible by a generous gift from Robert Carroll ’79. Student groups and clubs kept guests fueled with refreshments at Homecoming Row, and crowds filled the stands cheering as the Red Hawks took the field for a full slate of Homecoming games.
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is a time when the whole community comes together and everyone gets involved! Pennington parents and families joined in the fun—grandparent volunteers handed out pretzels and Parents for Pennington (PfP) hosted its annual tailgate party for families after the football game. Current and former parents, faculty, and staff also gathered to honor former head of school Lyle D. Rigg and celebrate his remarkable life and legacy.
CONGRATULATIONS!
to this year’s remarkable Alumni Award recipients and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees who were honored at the Head of School Breakfast during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.
Three distinguished alumni won awards for their accomplishments and service in 2024: Representative Dan Frankel ’74 received the Alumni Service Award; Mr. Neal Manowitz ’89 (not in attendance) was presented with the Alumni Achievement Award; and Dr. Julia Weeder ’14 was recognized with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
CONGRATULATIONS!
This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame inductees included: Kimberly Borden Perry ’92 (softball), Vincent “Vinny” DiFazio ’04 (baseball), the late Jesse “JJ” Williams ’89 (track and field), and the 1974 Baseball Team, represented by Jerry Eure ’75, Bryan Lee ’76, Rob Riensenberger Jr. ’74, and William Turner ’75.
2024 UPPER SCHOOL FALL ATHLETICS
CHEER
Head Coach: Lisa O'Neil
• The team had a record number of twenty-seven girls cheering this year; this sets the foundation for an even brighter future for the cheer team.
• Preseason was full of both fun and hard work, learning dances and more than forty cheers in a few short days.
• The senior game was a success, highlighted by our senior captains Michela McCagg and Marie Ancil and their incredible leadership this year. Dedication and commitment were shown by all of our experienced seniors: Sarah Birkenstock, Sophia May, Chisom Okeoma, Eliza O’Neil, Sasha Rogankov, and Lydia Sperry-Fernandez.
• Our Homecoming dance was extra special as it was choreographed by members of the Sixers dance team!
FOOTBALL
Head Coach: Mike Watkins
Assistant Coaches: Blair Thompson, Adam Cooley, David Hallgren, David Garrison, Tom Bock, Gary Postell
• Team’s first season in MAPL league; record of 2-1 in MAPL
• Team of thirty-two led by nine seniors; offense led by quarterback Aidan Prestigiacomo and running back Keon Kenner, the senior co-captains.
• Massive offensive line anchored by senior co-captain Brody Bock and Jack Fermo, juniors AJ Cartusciello and Nisaiah Maldonado, and sophomore standout Sidney Rouleau
• Senior co-captain Frank Marchese did a lot of the offense's dirty work from the tight end position, while junior wide receiver Bryce Werner led the team in touchdown receptions.
• Offense seemed to click and come together with the dangerous backfield combination of Kenner alongside phenom Tahmere Brown ’28 and Tommy Surtz ’26
• Pennington was able to close out the season with a win at Notre Dame 33-7 and ran the ball for an eye-popping 496 yards!
• Pennington’s defense was stellar: Linebacker Joe Lifsted ’25 led the defense in tackles while Bryce Williams ’26 anchored the back end of the defense from his safety position. Braydon Bonfig ’27 showed that he was a lockdown defender from the cornerback position while newcomer Hubert Kvachek ’25 held down the corner position opposite of Bonfig. Michael Fingerman ’25 was a major part of the defensive line rotation with a number of others stepping up. Special team contributions came from linebacker Tomáš Buriánek ’25, linebacker Luca Saurman ’27, who was excellent as a punter, and Oliver Scriven ’28, who stepped in to kick some extra points.
• This season was a wild ride. There were ups and downs but the team came together in the end and played as one. The Red Hawks finished with a 7-3 record. This is the first seven-win season since 2018. Pennington Football is on the rise!
BOYS' SOCCER
Head Coach: Chad Bridges ’96
Assistant Coaches: Sean Davies, Ryan Stokes, Tim Summiel, Lucas Palker, Joey Jingoli
• Another remarkable season with a record of 16-1
• Clinched multiple titles, including Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) Championship and NJISAA Prep A State Championship for the second consecutive year
• Finished season with 6-1 victory over Hun School in Prep A championship game
• Won inaugural Cappelli Cup Championship at Woodstock Academy, marking a successful debut in this national tournament
• Elvis Appiah '25 named Times of Trenton Player of the Year
• The team's success was built upon an extraordinary group of fourteen seniors who not only set the tone with their leadership but also contributed heavily on both ends of the field.
• Pennington’s offense was explosive, scoring an impressive 95 goals throughout the season, while the defense conceded just 15.
• With back-to-back state titles, a MAPL championship, and a Cappelli Cup to their name, this team will be remembered as one of the most successful in Pennington soccer history!
GIRLS' SOCCER
Head Coaches: Bill Hawkey, Patrick Murphy ’80
Assistant Coach: Tim Summiel
• Strong season; finished with 11-2-1 record
• Captured co-championship of NJISAA Prep A state title following a suspenseful game with Pingry School that ended in a 1-1 tie
• Our Red Hawks bounced back strong after going 1-2 in the first three matches of the season and won ten games in a row before the state final.
• Big Homecoming night win (2-0) over nationallyranked McDonogh School in Maryland
• Second straight MAPL league championship title
• Coaches Hawkey and Murphy and the team bid a fond farewell to our eight seniors: Meg Balerna, Simonne Blunt, Lia Brunetti-Carroll, Ava Burns, Caelin CheeWah, Arden Galvelis, Kayla Raghunandanan, and Maya Raghunandanan.
• Megan Balerna '25 named Times of Trenton Player of the Year; Sara Chrnelich ’26 named Trentonian Player of the Year
• Varsity Girls’ Tennis had another strong season and finished with a winning record. All players contributed with hard work, dedication, and team unity.
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• Praslin Hayes ’25 went undefeated with a 12-0 record and finished as the best player in the MAPL league this year. She won the MAPL #1 singles championship without dropping a set.
• A big thank-you to all of our players who competed so well all season: seniors Praslin Hayes, Juliet Walton, and Stephanie Zhao, as well as Lina Cortes ’26, Grace Craig ’26, Olivia Craig ’26, Heidi Shi ’27, and our two ninth-graders, Cassandra Hanstveit and Cheryl Lyu.
GIRLS' TENNIS
Head Coach: Ken Palumbo
FIELD HOCKEY
Head Coach: Kristin McCarthy
Assistant Coaches: Lauran Hocquaux, Kate Cormier, Jaclyn Kephart
• Season record 11-6-1
• Went to NJISAA prep finals; lost 3-1 in a game that was much closer than indicated by final score
• Win over local rival Hun School in an exciting game that went into overtime
• Talented team spiced with some of the area's top individual field hockey players
• Pennington junior Genevieve Vallieres 26 scored 27 goals and was named Trentonian Prep Player of the Year.
• Olivia Cano 25 was named Trentonian Defensive Player of the Year.
CROSS COUNTRY
Head Coach: Richard Ritter
Assistant Coaches: Elizabeth Roehm
• Preseason set the tone and laid a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
• Competitions were a combination of six large invitational meets and six double-dual meets, which started at Kutztown University for the HS Invitational.
• During regular season meets, the team more than held its own. The boys’ team ended with a 6-4 record and the girls' team with a 10-4 record.
• Instead of running at the Shore Coaches Invitational, the team opted for the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University. This was a very big meet and was a great experience for the team, which ran among over 100 competitors. It was also a benefit to have many major college teams there warming up for their races on the same course.
• Team traveled to Philadelphia for the Briarwood Invitational at Fairmount Park and conquered the infamous Parachute Hill!
• Though the team did not fare as well at the state meet (boys’ were sixth and girls’ were seventh) and logistical problems prevented the team from getting to Mercersburg for the MAPL meet, Pennington did, indeed, perform well in those dual competitions against other teams in the MAPL and Preps.
• At states, Alex Burton ’25 took fourth place in a time of 17:56, and Lilia Phillips ’27 came in tenth at 22:49.
• This was yet another gratifying season for Pennington Cross Country...HARAMBEE!
Holly Jones
—by
PERU
n June, five intrepid Pennington students embarked on a ten-day journey to Peru, immersing themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Andes. The adventure began in the Sacred Valley, north of Cusco, with Ollantaytambo as their base. The town, named after the Incan general Ollanta and the Quechua word tambo ("resting place"), was a critical stop for 16th-century travelers between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Despite varying levels of hiking experience, the students challenged themselves daily, making steep and strenuous climbs to well-preserved Incan fortresses, storehouses, and temples. The highlight of this leg of the trip was a rainy visit to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
The journey then shifted to Cusco, the ninthhighest city in the world. While in Cusco, students marveled at the Incan temple Saqsaywaman and the waterworks at Tambomachay. They also ventured to the Maras salt flats, the experimental farming terraces of Moray, and the bustling Pisac market. Additional day trips included visits to the Incan water temple Tipon, the pre-Incan Wari city Pikillaqta, and the 17th-century Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Andahuaylillas, considered the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas."
A particularly adventurous excursion on a rainy and then snowy morning found the students crossing the Incan Q'eswachaka rope bridge on foot, another UNESCO-designated site which is located at an altitude of 13,000 feet across a gorge fifty feet above the Apurimac River. A visit to the Cusco planetarium provided a unique perspective on southern hemisphere constellations and Incan cosmology, and the daily celebrations in advance of the Inti Raymi festival gave students the opportunity to see parade floats and traditional Inca dances by costumed performers in the streets of Cusco.
Beyond historical exploration, students also sampled Andean cuisine, including a traditional Pachamanca lunch cooked over buried hot stones and a five-course "taste of the Andes" meal featuring alpaca and rocoto pepper-infused desserts. They tried cuy (guinea pig), chicha morada (a purple-corn drink), various Andean herbal teas, and Inca Kola.
Overall, the trip was transformative, challenging students daily to step outside their comfort zones, to push beyond their physical and emotional boundaries, and to embrace new experiences. In the end, they were left with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty, history, and culture of the Andes. •
n June, fifteen students traveled to Malawi to continue their applied science project work in the field. They used STEM skills learned in the classroom to design, build, and deliver innovative solutions to low-resource communities in Malawi.
This time, on Pennington’s fourth trip to the region, students continued to work on their designs for a water filter and a hybrid sanitary napkin, along with a plan for a supportive economic infrastructure that can provide an income stream to the local people who adopt it. During this 2024-25 academic year, students will also design a solar power phone charger to bring to Malawi in June 2025. The trips to Malawi are open to all Upper School students
MALAWI
who work on at least one of the Malawi projects during the academic year.
While executing their project work, students engaged in cultural and educational activities. They enjoyed group yoga sessions, a tour of a banana farm, a shopping visit to the refugee art market, and a trip to the Feeding Garden. They also participated in a cooking class and enjoyed dinner and music with local artists and musicians.
The Pennington students led menstrual health lessons for teen refugee girls and set up the testing of their water filters in two communities. The Pennington contingent presented their water
filter design to the United Nations Development Program and the students are currently collaborating with the UN to connect the filter to a water pump in northern Malawi. The Pennington team also participated in an opening ceremony for the outdoor musical playspace they designed for a hospital last school year. The culturally representative stage, instruments, and play area all used recyclable materials.
Finally, the team brought another classroom set of Pennington-designed desks, which are raised up off the ground; this ensures comfortable learning spaces for another hundred refugee students at the school. •
—by Susan Wirsig
TRIP OF A LIFETIME: FACULTY EXPERIENCE IN CHINA
his past June, six Pennington travelers including faculty members and their spouses were selected to take part in an immersive cultural experience in China. Lida Castro and her husband, Guillermo Lopez, Tom Horsley, along with his wife Suzanne, and Lisa Houston, with her husband and fellow faculty member Jason Harding, spent two weeks in Beijing and Shanghai for a unique professional development opportunity.
This life-changing experience was made possible through the generous funding and careful planning provided by Xin Wang and Chairman Wei Liu P’19, who conceived of the idea in 2018 and covered the cost of the inaugural faculty trip to China in the summer of 2019. China is home for many of Pennington’s international students, and the objective of these faculty immersion trips is to help Pennington’s teachers increase their
global awareness and learn more about Chinese culture, history, and traditions.
The six travelers started their journey in Beijing, visiting famous landmarks including the Forbidden City, Yonghe (Lama) Temple, the National Museum, and Tiananmen Square. In Shanghai, they visited Longhua Temple, toured the stunning Yu Gardens, and had lunch at the famous Huxinting Tea House.
Each member of the group came away with memories of awe-inducing moments from their travels. Castro recalled visiting the Lama Temple. “We were part of a spiritual experience with thousands of strangers in an environment that invited peace and unity. It truly moved me and has left a lasting impression.” For Houston, seeing the dazzling Peking Opera was a standout moment. “What an honor to see this
world-famous performance,” she says. “The style is so unique and eclectic, and the National Theatre is one of the most stunning buildings I have ever seen. My theater cup was filled!” Horsley was similarly captivated by the historic sights and also appreciative of the modern infrastructure and transportation they experienced. He says, “I have always been fascinated by mass transit, and both Beijing and Shanghai have truly amazing subway systems!”
The trip was packed with wonderful Pennington connections, exceptional hospitality, and warm welcomes. Chairman Liu graciously hosted the group and introduced them to dignitaries in the community, and key members of his staff served as knowledgeable and attentive guides. The faculty group gathered with a number of current students and their families for delicious
CHINA
meals and fun outings, and spent time with fellow Pennington teacher Zuyi Wang. Castro spoke for all in the group as she shared their deep gratitude, “Our many hosts and Pennington families made us feel extremely welcome and they generously shared their legacy and traditions, all of which was profoundly enriching.”
The spirituality, tenacity, love of family, and pride for their heritage that distinguish the Chinese people was evidenced throughout the entire journey. In addition, each faculty member developed a greater appreciation for the experience of our Chinese students, who travel half a world away to join our community in Pennington. Horsley reflected on this cultural awareness, saying, “I have come back with a much better understanding of what our Chinese students must give up to come to school here. I hope to be an advocate on their behalf to bring some of their customs and daily
experiences to Pennington. I can now more deeply appreciate the grit, determination, and the many sacrifices that our Chinese students make to attend The Pennington School.”
The teachers also came back with practical takeaways to incorporate into their classes. For example, Houston bought new books of poetry and plans to incorporate more Chinese poetry into her teaching.
Castro, Houston, Horsley, and Harding, along with their fellow travelers, were personally affected by these experiences, and the trip made a deep impact on each of them as educators. They are filled with immense gratitude for the people, beauty, and culture of China. “The things we saw, experienced, heard, and tasted, will not be forgotten,” says Houston. “We are so grateful to have spent quality time in such an amazing country with such a long, vibrant history and proud culture.”
In China, we found a place that welcomed us with open arms. We had the privilege of meeting many amazing people who shared their time and love for their country with us. What I loved most about the trip was the people and their unwavering, generous attitude to serve and share with us. We not only traveled to different places but also contemplated and lived our experiences profoundly."
—Lida Castro, director of cross-cultural experiential learning and teacher of Spanish
Dr. Lizabel Mónica
r. Lizabel Mónica’s journey is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and passion that have defined her life and career. Born in Cuba, Mónica, who is in her second year at Pennington, was deeply involved in the country’s ideological and literary movements and carved a unique space for herself in a tightly controlled environment. Her work in journalism and creative writing not only challenged the status quo but also offered a voice to those who dared to question it.
Her early years were marked by involvement in a nomadic literary group, an alternative circle not sanctioned by the government. This group, composed of like-minded individuals, became a generation of writers who pushed the boundaries of Cuban literature. They
felt empowered within their own space despite knowing that the authorities were paying attention. "We were young and didn’t give much thought to the consequences," Mónica recalls, highlighting the fearless spirit that defined her youth.
Dr. Mónica’s contributions to journalism, often under the pseudonym Patricia Fontanar, were crucial in documenting the reality of life in Cuba. Her historical reports covered cultural events, offering an intellectual perspective on the shifting landscape. However, the risks were significant. As she became more prominent, her work drew the attention of security agents. Friends and colleagues were frequently arrested, sometimes three times a week, as the government sought to silence them through intimidation.
Despite the dangers, Mónica continued her work until the situation became untenable. After receiving a special exit permit from Cuba in order to give talks at some U.S. colleges and universities, she applied to American doctoral programs while she was in the United States and was accepted to Princeton University. However, her request to leave Cuba once again to pursue her doctorate was denied. For this reason, Mónica didn’t return to Cuba, a decision that would become even more heartwrenching when her father, who had been ill, suddenly died. The brutal irony was that these travel restrictions would be lifted only a few years later.
After leaving Cuba, Mónica’s passion for literature and education did not wane. She completed a master’s degree
in Caribbean literature and a PhD in Latin American Studies at Princeton University. Her dissertation, “Literatura Por Otros Medios: Tecnología Digital y Campo Literario en la Cuba Contemporánea,” explored the impact of digital technology on Cuban literature, visual arts, and music. This work is a significant contribution to understanding how a new generation of Cuban artists and writers use technology to reach a broader audience, even as the government attempts to control information. Mónica received the 2022 Dissertation Prize from the Center for Digital Humanities at Princeton for her work. Her work with Princeton continues; she founded and maintains the Cuban 27N Movement Web Archive, a collaborative project with Princeton's Firestone Library and the Ivy Plus Libraries Confederation; and she will be the guest speaker and study leader for the university’s 2025 Cuban Princeton Journeys initiative.
Dr. Mónica also produces literary works, including a poetry collection and an upcoming novel. Entitled Tim sin Tina, the book intertwines three stories connected by the elusive character, Tina. Set in Cuba, the novel, which takes place in the years between 2000 and the present, reflects the complexities of Cuban life and culture. Although not autobiographical, the novel illustrates Mónica's connection to Cuba, even as she navigates the challenges of living away from home.
In addition to her literary achievements, Mónica enjoys her role as a teacher. She has taught advanced Spanish courses at Princeton University and the Lawrenceville School, sharing her knowledge and passion with students for over five years. At Pennington, she teaches Spanish III and IV Honors, often incorporating art and creativity into her teaching. Her students learn not only the language, but also how to critique art, conduct research, and engage with cultural texts critically.
Mónica’s commitment to empowering the next generation extends beyond the classroom. In 2018, she co-founded a feminist organization in Cuba with musician Damarys Benavides. This community project focuses on working with vulnerable children in Havana, particularly those whose parents are or have been imprisoned. Through music and poetry, the organization teaches literacy, rhyme schemes, and different ways of communication, helping these children to build self-esteem and to envision a future beyond their current circumstances.
Mónica is part of Pennington’s boarding family, and her own family is very much a part of Pennington, too. Her partner, Mr. Denis, is a member of the history department, and their daughter Lucy is a sixth-grader. Despite the challenges and the risks she has faced, Mónica’s story is a pursuit of truth and justice through the power of words. Together with her students, we all look forward to hearing what she has to say next!
—by Peter Chase
Teachers Earn Global Competency Certificates
everal Pennington teachers completed training last year with AFS Intercultural Programs to earn its Global Competence Certificate for educators. The teachers were Jessie Shaffer, Alex Lyttle, Mark Reilly, Adrián López-Denis, Lizabel Mónica, and Kendra Sisserson. The purpose of this program is to give our teachers the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to develop and demonstrate global and intercultural competencies for their students in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
AFS (originally American Field Service) Intercultural Programs describes itself on its website as “an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.” It operates in more than sixty countries worldwide. The AFS Intercultural Programs' Global Competence Certificate is earned by completing a program that includes asynchronous online coursework as well as dialogues with GEBG-certified (Global Education Benchmark Group) educators. The program has three units of study and the teachers who participated learned about how to better handle conflict, communicate effectively, understand inequality, take action, and incorporate globally competent teaching into their practice.
Caroline Hall
aroline Hall, a teacher at The Pennington School since 2002, has made an indelible mark on Pennington’s art program. She earned her BS in fine arts from SUNY Geneseo in New York and later completed her master’s degree in art and design education at the Pratt Institute. Before joining Pennington, Hall spent a year teaching at her own high school in her native town of Arcade (near Buffalo, NY). It was during this time that she was able to teach alongside her former teacher, Mr. Miller, who years earlier had sparked her love for ceramics and painting.
Initially joining Pennington as a maternity leave replacement, Hall has since taken on a variety of leadership roles at the School. She served as a dorm head for Buck Hall and spent several years as the assistant director of residential life. For the past two years, Hall has chaired Pennington’s Arts Department, overseeing not just art, but also music and theater. She currently teaches a variety of classes, including Art I, II, III, IV, and AP Studio Art.
Hall's teaching philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, as seen in her co-creation of unique courses like
MAHA (Modern History and Art), which she developed and co-taught with a number of history teachers over the years. Another beloved course is Artorama, a Middle School class that blends art and drama. Co-created by Lisa Houston and Dolores Eaton, this hands-on class has been taught by Hall for nearly twenty years. She believes in the importance of showing students that art is not an isolated discipline, but interconnected with all aspects of learning.
Hall’s involvement in the local art community further demonstrates her commitment to both teaching and creating art. A longtime member of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, she participates annually in the region’s pumpkin-carving festival, even winning "Best in Show" four years ago. She and her students also took part in the “Stampede of Oxen,” an initiative that resulted in Pennington’s beautifully painted Arty the Ox, which proudly stands in front of the Martini Center for Music, Arts, and Community. She has also been involved in many other HVAC initiatives.
Most recently, Hall joined her colleague Jameson Moore in the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s Tour des Arts, and then exhibited a few of her paintings throughout October at the Ottoburger gallery in Hopewell. This exhibition follows her earlier work in Pennington’s own Silva Gallery, where she presented a collection titled "Nature and Experience" alongside Eaton and Mark Ross.
Hall’s personal artwork often centers on themes of nature— flowers, trees, and people she encounters. However, she encourages her students to explore whatever subjects speak to them, whether it be faces, places, or objects. Her goal is to teach students not only to focus on their central subject but also to notice what’s happening around it, a skill she believes applies to any field they may pursue.
Her students’ successes reflect the lasting impact of her teaching. Many of Hall’s former students have pursued careers in art education, architecture, graphic design, painting, fashion, photography, and even makeup artistry. Some have returned to Pennington to assist with classes or critique student work, while others have taught in the Summers at Pennington program and have served as long-term substitute teachers. Outside the classroom, Hall enjoys life on campus with her husband Matt and young son Thaddeus in Becher Hall. In fact, Matt is the baker behind the brownies which Becher residents occasionally enjoy!
With her dedication to both art and her students, Caroline Hall continues to inspire creativity and passion within the Pennington community!
—by Peter Chase
PHILANTHROPIC INVESTMENTS
Spotlight on New STUDENT EXPERIENCE
PRESTIGIOUS EDWARD E. FORD GRANT AWARDED FOR THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE FUND
The Pennington School was awarded a prestigious $100,000 grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation to support the student experience at Pennington. The grant was awarded in June 2024 through a competitive application process and requires that the School raise an additional $200,000 in support for the Student Assistance Fund over the coming year. Pennington was one of only twelve independent schools and two associations worldwide to receive a grant from the Foundation in June.
The Edward E. Ford Foundation was established in 1957 and seeks to improve secondary education by supporting independent schools and encouraging promising practices, awarding over $127 million since its inception. Pennington’s Student Assistance Fund was an excellent match for the foundation’s mission. The Student Assistance Fund was
started in 2016, recognizing that while traditional financial aid funding provides access, it does not cover the full cost of attendance. For qualifying students in need, it helps to cover expenses such as school supplies, athletic equipment, and activity fees and provides access to the full range of experiences available to our students. Thanks to generous gifts from donors to help build the fund, it has grown to currently support fifty-plus students each year. The new $100,000 grant, which will be received once Pennington has secured the matching funds, will provide annual support for students over a threeyear period.
Head of School William S. Hawkey, PhD reflected on the important impact of the grant saying, “The Student Assistance Fund is core to our mission. It ensures that financial
If you are interested in the Student Assistance Fund, the Rigg Endowment, or other ways you can support the student experience and faculty excellence at Pennington, please contact Director of Development Christen Jones at christen.jones@pennington.org or 609–559–5033.
barriers don’t prohibit our students from developing individual excellence. It reinforces the strong web of support and care that allows all students to reach their full potential.”
FACULTY EXCELLENCE
FACULTY SUPPORT ENDOWMENT FUND ESTABLISHED IN HONOR OF LYLE RIGG
yle D. Rigg was a beloved former Head of School at Pennington who served from 1998 to 2006. Upon Rigg’s passing in 2024, the School community united to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy at Pennington. Rigg was revered for the mentorship, care, and empathy he showed to all faculty members. In a fitting tribute, the School's Board of Trustees voted in April 2024 to create The Lyle D. Rigg Endowment Fund for Faculty Support with an initial gift of $100,000.
Former Board Chair John McGuire P'98 lauded Rigg’s impact, saying “He provided essential leadership, experience, and vision that brought Pennington into a new era." During Rigg’s tenure, the School invested significantly in the faculty, completed a $6.5 million capital campaign to build the campus center (now known as the MMAC), and ushered in a new era of full enrollment. His annual themes, including “Raise the Bar,” “Make a Difference,” “Take the First Step,” and “Keep Rowing,” played an important role in building Pennington’s strong culture of community.
This newly created Lyle D. Rigg Endowment Fund for Faculty Support is one of more than 50 named and restricted endowments at Pennington, which have been established by donors over the years to support faculty excellence, student scholarships, educational programs, and campus facilities. These funds collectively make up approximately 30% of the School’s overall endowment, while the majority of the School’s endowment remains unrestricted.
As the endowment grows, the fund will provide an ever-increasing annual draw to support faculty professional development. The School’s commitment to faculty professional development takes many forms, including the new teacher exchange program unveiled in 2023-24, which is designed to provide unique opportunities for teachers to learn and grow from on-the-ground international experiences. L
PARENTS FOR PENNINGTON
Parents for Pennington, the parent association at Pennington, has hit the ground running with a full slate of activities this fall. Boarding families were welcomed to campus with a snack bag and an opportunity to hear about PfP’s plans for the year. On opening day, PfP held its annual Middle School Polo Sale, where parents could purchase gently used polo shirts that fit the dress code. PfP’s senior leadership also addressed Grade 9 parents, welcomed new families to Pennington, and outlined PfP’s mission, leadership, and programs.
The annual General Meeting in late September had a record turnout. The 2024-25 PfP board members were introduced and gave a brief presentation about their roles and responsibilities. An interest form delivered via a QR code yielded a great response and smoothed the way for a good fit between parents’ interests and opportunities to get involved. Two parent coffees were held in October. Dr. Lida Castro elaborated on student travel opportunities and exchange programs open to students, and Mr. Ken Coakley presented the various mediums used for School communications and how parents can best use them. PfP looks forward to hosting more coffee gatherings, which are usually held after drop-off, on campus during the winter and spring.
Grade-specific welcome parties, hosted by parents in their homes, were held throughout the fall, with Dr. and Mrs.
Hawkey hosting the parties for Grades 6 and 9. Parents enjoyed meeting new families and reconnecting with old friends. PfP greatly enjoyed partnering with all of the host families to create lasting memories. PfP also held the Monster Mash Halloween Dance for the Middle School on campus. The small gym was transformed into a spooktacular venue, and students were treated to treats and goody bags after a night of dancing.
The first weekend of October rang in PfP’s Homecoming Potluck. Current Pennington families gathered in the dining hall for hearty barbecue fare complemented by potluck contributions. With over 120 members of the parent community in attendance, it was a wonderful opportunity to refuel and reconnect between the soccer and football games. Another social opportunity for all parents took place in mid-November when PfP hosted an evening of axe-throwing featuring barbecue fare at Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Princeton.
PfP’s Facebook page is a wonderful way for parents to see what events are coming up, as is the weekly news section in Pennington Postings, where parents can sign up for all upcoming events. Parents are encouraged to email pfp@pennington.org with any questions. We look forward to a full winter of programming and all parents are always welcome to get involved and join in the fun. We hope to see old and new faces at our next events!
You can now follow along on Instagram @parentsforpennington
B PfP decorating the small gym for the MS Halloween dance C Homecoming potluck for parents
D Parent welcome party E PfP boarding parent treat bags F MS Pennington polo sale
G PfP group photo from MS Halloween dance
ARTS @ PENNINGTON DIRECTOR'S NOTE
The Winter’s Tale
by Suzanne Houston
“A sad tale’s best for winter,” states young Mamillius when his mother, Queen Hermione, asks him to tell her a story. In Shakespeare’s day, a “winter’s tale” was traditionally told around a fire to liven up a cold, winter’s night. These tales often ended happily but were not always rooted in reality. In many ways, Shakespeare took the basic idea of a winter’s tale and sculpted it into a much more hopeful tale of jealousy, loss, redemption, and reconciliation. Written towards the end of his career, this play demonstrates his experiment with how to construct a play. The meter varies in length and is not consistently iambic pentameter; the character’s thoughts shift unexpectedly and more frequently than in his earlier plays; and—in the middle of the play—we jump ahead sixteen years.
So, why did I choose this complex, lesser-known Shakespearean play for our Fall Play? I have been fortunate to have worked on it four times previously with other middle and high school students, and every time it was a wonderful adventure. As a result, it is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and includes my favorite Shakespeare monologue. It has more than one strong, fully developed, and complex female character. It has romance, tragedy, comedy, a character named Time, and a bit of magic. As an educator, director, and performer, what’s not to love?
By the end of the play, several massive events have transpired and the audience has jumped through time. We are brought to Paulina’s chapel, where she announces to members of the two kingdoms, “It is required you awake your faith,” before she brings Hermione back to reunite with her family. You may find yourself wondering, “Is this real? Is it magic?” And there is not a simple answer to those questions other than to say—it is up to the viewer to decide.
Whenever an audience steps into a theater, we are asked to awaken our faith, suspend our disbelief, and lean into the realities or fantasies presented on stage. We gather in a room full of strangers but when we share the same experience, we form a unique connection. We leave the theater having changed on some level; we’ve been transformed.
In The Winter’s Tale, through Paulina and her act of craftsmanship, the characters in the play are transformed, as well as those who are watching.
FALL CONCERTS
A trio of concerts helped brighten fall days at Pennington. The first was a performance by the Thalea String Quartet on Friday, October 18, in Meckler Library. The concert was open to the public. Through generous funding from past parents Brenda Martini O'loughlin P'19 and Thomas O'loughlin P'19, the Thalea String Quartet spent several days on campus as part of a three-day musiciansin-residence program. Students in an assortment of classes and groups—from music theory, orchestra, songwriting, and jazz band—benefited from special “masterclasses” that combined demonstrations and interactive instruction. There was even a special concert performed for the Middle School students.
The Fall Instrumental Concert took place on November 18. The evening featured various
instrumental groups at Pennington including the string ensemble, wind ensemble, jazz band, rock ensemble, instrumental lab class, and full orchestra. The audience was treated to an eclectic assortment of music, ranging from a Brahms sonata to music from Disney’s Frozen , a rollicking Sonny Rollins tune, and various collegiate fight songs.
A vocal concert entitled Sounds of the Season took place on December 11 with some traditional holiday tunes. This program showcased diverse talents spread across the School’s various vocal groups: the Pennington Singers, SoundProof, and the Treble Tones.
A highlight of the night was a senior jazz trio sing-along led by Lucas Medina ’25 on piano, Xiaona (Jenny) Zhu ’25 on bass, and Yufei (Rain) Piao ’25 on drums.
SILVA GALLERY
Contemporary Visual Artist Alia Bensliman Showcases Work at Pennington’s Silva Gallery of Art
The Pennington School hosted From North Africa to North America , an exhibition of work by Alia Bensliman, from October 11 through December 19, 2024, in the Silva Gallery.
Growing up in Tunisia in North Africa, Bensliman’s art reflects a fusion of East and West with a passion for North African, Islamic, and Amazigh art. Her drawings are full of symbols and meaning that illuminate milestones in her life and draw from both her past experiences and her everyday life. The intricate level of detail in each piece allows the viewer to discover additional details and make new interpretations each time they view a piece. In this exhibit, Bensliman’s work mirrors her view of life and her sentiments about the current state of our world: socio-political issues, taboos, religious views, relationships, health concerns, and human rights. Using combinations of intricate lines, shapes, and repetitive patterns, Bensliman enhances her designs with color, ink, gold and silver paint, and handmade, environmentallyfriendly watercolors that she creates herself. Focused on sharing her art in academic settings, Bensliman’s recent exhibits included a show at the Princeton University Art Museum.
Prominent in the exhibition is a series of Amazigh and North
African women’s portraits with backgrounds of arabesque geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy. These elements echo the architecture, colors, and landscape of the artist’s childhood and early adulthood in Tunisia. Bensliman embarked on this series during the pandemic, a time of great nostalgia for her roots and this work evoked happy memories at a time when she needed to feel connection.
In addition to meeting faculty and students during the opening reception, Bensliman spent time with Pennington advanced-level art students, teaching them how to produce their own watercolor paints using all-natural materials in a three-hour workshop during a Tuesday open studio night. After learning how to grind earth pigments with a glass muller into a binder of vegetable glycerin, honey, and cloves, students were able to create a variety of unique personal hues. Students were then given time to create artwork with their newly created watercolors while continuing to converse with the artist as they worked. Bensliman returned to campus again to host gallery talks with eighth-grade and Art I classes during which students took a deep dive into Amazigh culture. Bensliman also hosted talks for Global Studies as well as French IV students; during the language classes, Bensliman spoke only French, allowing for real-world practice of the language.
Pennington’s graduates who are currently pursuing careers in performing and visual arts (and artsadjacent fields) are shining examples of our School’s powerful mission. From the big screen to local theatre, and from lighting design to scriptwriting, this next generation of creators is making its mark.
Inspired by so many alumni who have found success and fulfillment pursuing their passions, these young people are building paths to individual excellence in every sector imaginable—evolving their trades and expanding their reach along the way. It is clear from their stories that the grit, creativity, and flexibility gained from the Pennington experience has bolstered confidence and fortified the dogged pursuit of endeavors within very competitive and often unpredictable arenas. While the spotlights in this issue provide a glimpse into the breadth of professions within which our alumni have found success, they merely scratch the surface! For example, Michael Lee Brown ’11 has continued his impressive work on the Broadway stage; James Fleming ’10 is a successful theatre and opera director; Henry Sheeran ’14 is a rising playwright, actor, and director; both Andy Ridings ’03 and Alex Magliaro ’99 can be seen frequently on hit TV shows; and Swann Gruen ’04 is a featured actor on television and has found success as a sketch
lights, camera, action! SPOTLIGHT ON YOUNG ALUMNI IN THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
Pennington’s graduates who are currently pursuing careers in performing and visual arts (and arts-adjacent fields) are shining examples of our School’s powerful mission. From the big screen to local theatre, and from lighting design to scriptwriting, this next generation of creators is making its mark.
Pennington’s graduates who are currently pursuing careers in performing and visual arts (and arts-adjacent fields) are shining examples of our School’s powerful mission. From the big screen to local theatre, and from lighting design to scriptwriting, this next generation of creators is making its mark.
Pennington’s graduates who are currently pursuing careers in performing and visual arts (and arts-adjacent fields) are shining examples of our School’s powerful mission. From the big screen to local theatre, and from lighting design to scriptwriting, this next generation of creators is making its mark.
comedy writer. Hope MacKenzie ’13 is a manager of franchise strategy for Walt Disney Studios and Tess McGuinness ’13 is a rising star in the industry as a creative executive for Red Wagon Entertainment. The list goes on and on!
Inspired by so many alumni who have found success and fulfillment pursuing their passions, these young people are
Inspired by so many alumni who have found success and fulfillment pursuing their passions, these young people are
We are proud of the hundreds of alumni from every generation who have followed their dreams and wowed us with their creative expression, and we are grateful that Pennington has been part of their journey.
Inspired by so many alumni who have found success and fulfillment pursuing their passions, these young people are
Photo by Brittany Kunkel 08
Oil Painting by Kayi Lau 19
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUNG ALUMNI IN THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
1.
ANDREW
AGRESS ’13
is a writer, experience designer, and dramaturg based in New York City. He received his MFA from Columbia University and is passionate about storytelling that actively engages audiences. Agress creates interactive live shows, including the Witching Hour theater programs and the comedy show entitled The Fantastical Fellowship: Final Quest for the Crisis Crystal XXVII, which enjoyed several sold-out performances and received praise from The Theatre Times and other critics. His latest production, Raiders of the Local Adventure, is an interactive outdoor spoof show going to the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which he first attended while visiting as a Pennington student in 2012. Agress is also a contributing journalist to publications covering theatre, gaming, and film, and he has written and produced a number of stage shows, including his historical comedy
show Taking Ages, which received the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Award for Best Original Play. Along this journey, which started with a public speaking class with Lisa Houston, Agress has embraced a simple and effective mantra of “Say yes to opportunity!”
2.
DANIELLE BANCROFT ’21
is a filmmaker, media producer, and a charter member of The Portal, a student creative agency. Bancroft, who plans to move to New York City after college to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, has been flexing her entrepreneurial wings as she concludes her final year at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Along with creating her own films, she co-founded The Portal, a student-run, non-profit, creative agency dedicated to providing hands-on, professional experience in media production and offering tailored video content and
social media management services. Bancroft credits Pennington's theatre program with helping her build confidence in her unique voice and strength in her convictions. Even as a senior at Pennington, she saw these lessons as gifts and noted them in the reflections she shared with faculty member Suzanne Houston: “Through Pennington drama I have learned the importance of standing your ground in times of doubt. As an artist, I know that my future will consist of having to prove myself [often] and that used to scare me. This program gave me a space to confront obstacles and has shaped me into a strong-willed, determined woman.”
3. ANNIE BRUNNER ’17
is an Emmy®-award winning associate producer, currently working at Studio RX. The firm is an in-house production company for medical advertising and marketing agencies under
IPG Health, where Brunner began working in July 2023. She works from pre-production to project completion with clients on product photoshoots, demonstration videos, doctor and patient interviews, live broadcasts, and much more. Before Studio RX, Brunner worked at MLB Network as a broadcast associate and then associate producer for various shows and social media platforms, and received an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Studio Show—Daily for her work on MLB Tonight. Brunner is grateful for her time at Pennington, education at Ithaca College, and every opportunity she has had along the way. She says, “Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with talented teams and have discovered my passion for creative collaboration. Each experience has helped me better understand who I am as a colleague and producer, and has fueled my passion for storytelling.”
offered a job as a daily feature reporter on You & Me, a morning show on
the station. Earlier this year, he visited campus to share his experience
is an engineering supervisor
provider of collaborative audio video technologies, integrated solutions, and managed AV services for businesses and organizations. Keating, who received a BS in sound engineering from Full Sail University, previously worked at SiriusXM as an audio producer. He has now been at AVI-SPL for three years, in which time he has received four promotions! In his current role, he works with teams to oversee the installation and integration of complicated enterprise systems for clients, like outfitting 900+ office spaces at Disney corporate headquarters with state-of-the-art video conferencing solutions.
Keating loves the fastpaced and ever-evolving nature of technology. With clients who are often Fortune 100 companies, he needs to deliver cutting-edge solutions for video conferencing and telepresence, digital media systems, audio, and security systems. Keating has remained connected to Pennington and has shown his appreciation for his experience by serving as a member of the Pennington Leadership Council and supporting the Pennington Fund each year. He also attributes his love of problemsolving, teamwork, and perseverance to skills and lessons he gleaned from his experience at Pennington.
4.
KAYI (ADA)
LAU ’19
is a visual artist and painter who graduated from RISD with a BFA in painting in 2023. Now living back in
around the country. She also just completed her second year playing Jingles the Elf as part of “Christmas at the Princess,” an immersive holiday experience at the
aesthetics. Opera design allows for the outrageous to thrive, and I adore working in that environment.” She took away valuable lessons from the last four years, including learning from industry professionals at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Rossi's gratitude for the experience at Pennington is clear. “It is so meaningful to see my former Pennington teachers sitting in the theater for my productions today, rooting for me even years after graduation. They helped me grow exponentially as an artist and person—thank you!”
10. TIM SECREST ’14
is a freelance lighting director and programmer specializing in concert tours, who recently wrapped up work on The Celebration Tour, Madonna's latest worldwide production. Among his resume highlights, Secrest worked as crew chief for Phoebe Bridger’s tour, was a gaffer for The Howard Stern Show, and was lighting designer and programmer for Mayer Hawthorne. Secrest ensures the integrity of the lighting design for each show as a tour moves from venue to venue, so that everything is perfectly synchronized. With a growing number of credits to his name, Secrest hopes to eventually start an official lighting design firm of his own. Looking back at his time at Pennington, he noted, “Jason Harding is one of the best teachers
and mentors I ever had. In tech crew, he taught me foundational skills that have turned into a rewarding career, and he bestowed life lessons, like the importance of critical thinking and how to be a good team member. Most importantly, both Jason and Lisa [Houston] saw my passion for this work and let me run with it. I would spend hours hanging lights in the Black Box, programming cues in the booths, and experimenting with new technical elements. I can't thank them enough!”
11. NOAH SILVERMAN ’17
is a music and sound engineer who recently wrapped domestic and world touring with AJR for The Maybe Man Tour. He is a member of the team at Clair Global, an audio provider that works with speakers and mixing, and he helps sync the band’s instruments with the audio system. He began at Clair Global in 2021 and has toured with Charlie Puth, John Mayer, Carrie Underwood, and Machine Gun Kelly. Silverman’s passion for music blossomed at Pennington, an experience which he says fed his creative spirit. He frequently hung out in the MMAC hallways and practice rooms, creating music with fellow students. Silverman is excited for the future and encourages others
to look under the surface of possible careers in the music industry. He says, “There are so many different roles to explore—lighting, production, management, tour scheduling—to name just a few. There is somewhere for everyone in this huge industry if you take the time to look.”
12. ADAM
TOLTZIS ’06
has been a screenwriter for over a decade, and is currently a writer for the television show Will Trent on ABC. Based in Los Angeles, CA, he has been a writer, director, and producer for numerous TV and film projects, including Happy Face, which will premiere this year on Paramount+, @midnight on Comedy Central, and Funny or Die Toltzis relies on the lessons of persistence and collaboration that were a critical component of his Pennington experience with faculty members like Lisa Houston and Terry Burns to help advance his career. Toltzis says, “The best work is almost always a product of collaboration. There is nothing more fun and gratifying than experiencing the collective creative spark in a writers' room.” He also attributes his success in the field to hard work, discipline, and perseverance, often calling upon a favorite piece of advice he got along
the way from Pennington basketball coach, Bernie Gurick, “Shoot till you're hot; and when you're hot, keep shooting.”
13. EVAN WAITE ’98
is currently a co-executive producer on Family Guy and has had an impressive career as a comedy writer. Among many other TV projects, Waite wrote for the Emmy-nominated final season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. He honed his craft as a contributor to The Onion, The New Yorker, and MAD Magazine, and last year, his first humor book, Life Wants You Dead, was published by Chronicle Books. Although Waite only attended Pennington for his senior year, it was a formative one that deepened his love for creative writing. His experience also reinforced the importance of teamwork and community—elements Waite believes are crucial to converting a passion for creative endeavors into a sustaining career. “Reaching out to get to know people who are doing the work you are interested in and being genuinely curious in their business helps develop connections and networks. Don’t be afraid to send an email to let someone know you admire their work and want to learn from them.”
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM OUR ALUMNI!
If you have a career highlight, recent accomplishment, or want to be in touch to let us know your latest news, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@pennington.org or call us at 609.559.5311.
Hanukkah
Party
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Students Prepare for Holiday Celebrations
Winter CandlelightHoliday Celebration
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS SHINE BRIGHTLY AT PENNINGTON
Through events both large and small, members of the Pennington community took time this season to celebrate and share holiday traditions with one another. On December 14, the 30th annual HomeFront Holiday Party was held in Sparks Gymnasium. Hundreds of guests joined the festivities and shared a delicious turkey dinner, enjoyed music, arts and crafts, a reading nook, and photos with Santa, and every family went home with a bag of wrapped gifts and warm gloves and hats collected by the Peer Leaders in the weeks leading up to the event.
On December 17, Hanukkah took center stage at a Middle School assembly focused on winter holidays and festivals of light. Students took turns lighting the candles on the menorah, and everyone was treated to some delicious latkes. Middle Schoolers also celebrated the holidays with a Secret Snowflake gift exchange that week.
The Winter Holiday Candlelight Celebration was held on the evening of December 17 in Pennington Presbyterian Church, and featured both shared winter holiday traditions and musical performances from members of the Pennington community. The following afternoon, the PJC (Pennington Jewish Community) hosted a Hanukkah party in the Silva Gallery of Art. Len Leib, one of the club’s co-advisors, explained, “The planning and execution of the party was a true community effort between our Jewish student leaders and an assist from our supportive PJC parents, as well as a member of our alumni community.” Leib was referring to John Cramer ’74 of Cramer's Bakery in Yardley, PA, who generously supplied an assortment of treats such as sufganiyot (jelly donuts) for the party. Students, faculty, and staff joined in to spin the dreidel, light the menorah, and share donuts and latkes.
And as students and teachers departed for winter break on December 20, the first flakes of snow began to fall on campus, heralding the arrival of the winter season at Pennington.
Abraham Abadi ’62 moved to Florida five years ago following his retirement in 2016 after thirty years teaching in Boston public schools and ten years as a professor at the Lesley University Graduate School of Education. He is currently working on two projects: writing a memoir about his experiences in education and improving his ability to hit a golf ball long and straight. He is also intermittently in touch with Ben Shinn ’62 and Bill Wilson ’62.
Lewis Pollack ’64 returned in July from a visit and mission to Poland and western Ukraine. His next trip will be to Argentina, Chile, and Patagonia, which is planned for March 2025. In between travels, he spends winters in Delray Beach, FL, and summers in Lenox, MA. He would love to hear from anyone who might be in the neighborhood.
Bruce Engblom ’69, a retired airline mechanic, is living in South Carolina and enjoying his retirement. He has a passion for restoring cars and his pride and joy is the Pontiac GTO he restored, which is the same car he drove when he attended Pennington!
11. Marcella Nehrbass ’05
Cristina Boyle Quinn ’12 wedding
Daniel Silva ’09
1970s
Daryl Taylor ’71 won gold in the Vet-70 Men's Epee 2024 World Championship this past October, earning his first world title in his fifth appearance at Vet Worlds. Taylor’s gold contributed to more than 25 medals, the highest-ever tally for Team USA at the Veteran Fencing World Championships.
1980s
Rita Cintron Colon ’83 has been living in Puerto Rico and enjoying the beaches and natural beauty of the island. With the onslaught of recent hurricanes, storms, and the 2019 earthquake, she is grateful for the strong bonds she experiences within her community.
Raul Ascarrunz ’84 made a stop at Pennington this past fall while visiting from Bolivia. On his first trip back to his alma mater after forty years, Ascarrunz was delighted to visit with Dr. Hawkey and tour campus with his wife Claudia and son Ignacio.
Michael Briehler ’75 and his family are residents of Pennington and he is excited to be celebrating his 50th reunion this year. He enjoys staying connected to the School and often compares notes with former classmate Jerry Eure ’75, director of athletics, about football and the latest news from Pennington. Briehler is proud to share that his son, Kole, has committed to Stanford University to continue his nationally-ranked football achievements and academic pursuits. Briehler’s younger son, Cooper, is following in his brother's footsteps and is already on the radar of several universities.
Karen Martindell Buxton ’79 and her husband, former faculty member Terry Buxton, welcomed their first granddaughter, Elliott Lou Monaghan, in September 2024. Buxton coaches at Greensboro College and says that visiting her new granddaughter in Rye, NY, is “the best nine-hour car ride” that any grandparent can take!
Brian Alderson ’87 recently became a grandfather...twice! He welcomed his new granddaughter Nora James in May 2024 and grandson Whittaker Eric in June and reports that all are doing well. He still lives and works in southwest Virginia and is enjoying life in the Blue Ridge mountains.
1990s
Frank Hohmann ’90 and his former Pennington roommate Neal Manowitz ’89 reunited in New York City after thirty-five years.
Erin Larkin ’97 welcomed her second child, Max, who joins big sister Corinna. Larkin is adjusting to life with two young children while working as the general manager at Dogs & Cats Rule in Pennington, just miles from campus!
Gregg Hilzer ’96 recently moved back to Bucks County, PA, with his family and also made a professional move, joining the law firm of Stevens & Lee and working primarily out of the firm's office in Princeton, NJ.
2000s
Clark Mulheren ’00, Nick Long ’00, and George Ward ’88 met up in Red Bank, NJ, for lunch and shared memories from their time on the swim team.
Oliver Cox ’05 and his wife Allee Cox own Pearl’s Bagels and were thrilled that The Washington Post named their shop the best bagels in the DC metro area! Stop by for fantastic bagels and sandwiches the next time you’re in the nation’s capital!
Drew Rucks ’01 was recently promoted to the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
John Wright ’02 and wife Kelly Wright welcomed a new daughter; Sloane Wright was born on September 13, 2023.
Brandon Stoneking ’02 and his wife Daniela Stoneking welcomed daughter Leah Grace on September 11, 2024. Ava is now a sweet big sister!
Joe Persichetti ’03 and his wife Pam Persichetti welcomed their daughter Paige Christine in July 2024. Paige is pictured with big brother Joey, age 2.
Marcella Nehrbass ’05 and her husband Joshua Sellke are pleased to announce they welcomed a daughter, Marenna, in September 2023. Marenna joins big brother Christian. The family continues to reside in Scottsdale, AZ.
Daniel Silva ’09 and Jordan Napolski were married on May 25, 2024. Pennington friends in attendance included Troy Vile ’15, Rachel Costas-Vile ’14, Dustin Vile ’09, Lee Whipple ’09, Michael Allen ’09, James Osterstock ’09, Matt Liwosz ’09, Hank Littlefield ’09, and Kimberly Gravalis ’09.
2010s
Todd Carson ’10 was married to Chelsea Mattson in August 2024. Many Pennington friends and family were part of the celebration including brothers J.C. Carson ’04 and Andrew Carson ’06, and former classmates Will Croghan ’10, Jake Dinger ’10, Brian Kiley ’10, Ben Markison ’10, and Joey McNeill ’10.
Austin Jarboe ’10 and Tara Jarboe are the proud parents of new baby Dean, who came into the world in September 2024 weighing in at a stellar 9 lbs., 10 oz. and, with a big stretch, hit the 22-inch-long mark.
Joey McNeill ’10 ran into former Pennington staff member Maureen Iorio at the Jersey shore this past summer when he was in the area to attend the wedding of former classmate Todd Carson ’10
Carly Gurick Thompson ’11 and her husband welcomed daughter Grace Jacqueline Thompson on August 22, 2024. Faculty members Bernie and Missy Gurick are proud new grandparents.
Cristina Boyle Quinn ’12 married Sean Quinn on September 14, 2024. She also graduated with a master’s degree in analytics from Villanova University in May 2024.
Rebecca Reidy Bunn ’13 completed her PhD in clinical psychology with the New School for Social Research in the summer of 2024. Next up is a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology!
Mary Kate Freeman ‘13 and her spouse Tyler joyfully welcomed their second son to the family this year. Leon, their oldest, is now a happy big brother!
Connor Donovan ’13 married Alexis Gannon in Avalon, NJ, this past September. Donovan is vice president, client advisor at Simon Quick Advisors, LLC, and Gannon is chief resident in the emergency medicine program at ChristianaCare in Delaware. Donovan was an allpatriot league baseball player at Lehigh University and Gannon was an all-patriot league soccer player at Bucknell University. The couple was introduced by former Pennington soccer player Jessica Ratner ’13, a teammate at Bucknell.
Lukas DiGiacomo ’15 married Megan Haltmeier on October 5, 2024. In attendance were Pennington family, friends, and faculty members including Matt Appio, Caroline Hall, Jason Harding, Lisa Houston, father Mark DiGiacomo, brother Jordan ’09, Maureen Iorio, Liz Clancy-Healy, and Jamie Moore ’03
Ian Moini ’17, who coaches distance running at UNC, met up with coach Rick Ritter while both were attending a cross country meet at Princeton University. Moini joined the UNC track and field and cross country coaching staff in 2021.
Melissa LeDonne ’18 and Edward Bucci ’18 were engaged in July. They reside in Greensboro, NC, where Edward is attending Elon University School of Law. Melissa works on major motion pictures as a visual effects (VFX) artist.
2020s
Anita Yang ‘20 and Lily Childrey ‘18 met for lunch in New York City while Yang was interning at Deutsche Bank this past summer. She is excited to report she received a return offer upon her graduation from Emory University.
Kaela Colyar ’18, who is a JD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, is serving as a judicial intern to Justice Christine Donohue at the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania this semester. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from Justice Donohue and her clerks.
Sara Weinberg ’18 is excited to share that after completing her MEd at Widener University this winter, she began her new role as an earth and environmental science teacher at the Burlington Township school district in New Jersey.
Leanne Griffiths ’23 ran into Mark DiGiacomo and his grandson Jai at Melba’s Creamery in Lawrenceville, NJ. Griffiths is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying political science. She shares that her Pennington history classes prepared her well for her studies!
Hadrian Lynn ’24 was delighted to see Kerri Ward and Sarah Zoll, members of Pennington’s college counseling office, when they stopped by Chapman University during the annual National Association for College Admission Counseling Conference. They also took time to visit with Summer Partridge ’23 and Adam Fisher ’24 at San Diego State University.
Emma Garry ’19 was elected to the Board of Directors for the DC-area branch of the International Dyslexia Association!
Gold Stars for YOUNG ALUMNI ATHLETES
Four impressive alumni athletes have been in sports news in recent months. Join us to cheer them on as they make headlines with their talent and grit!
David Curtiss ’21 made a splash with his stellar swimming, making it to the 2024 Olympic trials for Team USA @usaswimming.
Nicholas D'Amour ’19 earned a spot in the field for the 2024 Olympics in men’s archery and competed at the 2024 Paris Games with impressive results, ranking 16 in the field of 64 competitors.
Morgan Kotch ’24, who has been making a name for herself this fall as a member of the Villanova University soccer team, was honored as Gatorade's New Jersey Girls’ Soccer 2024 Player of the Year. The award, which celebrates the nation’s top high school athletes for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, distinguished Kotch as the state’s best high school girls' soccer player for 2023-24.
Bryce Meccage ’24 was selected in the second round by the Milwaukee Brewers in the MLB draft! He had an incredible baseball career at Pennington that saw him break the School record for strikeouts (158) while posting an astounding 1.06 ERA over 79.2 innings pitched.
This fall and winter, we hit the road to visit with alumni. It was wonderful to see so many alumni from these recent Pennington on the Road regional events!
Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
She answered that call while a member of Sharp Street Memorial UMC in Baltimore, which was her great-grandfather’s church and the church that sent her father into ministry. Her husband of three years, the Reverend Raphael Koikoi, currently serves as pastor there.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Karin Sanderson P’25 ’28
Bishop Moore-Koikoi earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Loyola College in Maryland in 1988, and a master of arts and advanced certification in school psychology from the University of Maryland in 1992. She worked as a school psychologist for Anne Arundel County Public Schools for seventeen years, serving in leadership roles as a layperson before answering her call to the ordained ministry.
Sanderson is the current president of Parents for Pennington (PfP), the School’s parents association. She received an undergraduate degree and a master’s in economics from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. She has served in senior roles as a behavioral economist at Nielsen Media, where she provided insights into consumer behavior and marketing information, with clients primarily in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
Moore-Koikoi also serves as resident bishop for two conferences: Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey.
Sanderson also served as volunteer philanthropy chair on the board of District 49, a youth childcare center in Umkomaas, South Africa. Since emigrating to the United States, Sanderson worked as a loan officer at the Bank of Tampa. The 2024-25 school year is the Sanderson family’s fourth year at Pennington; they are the parents of senior Matthew and ninth-grader Charlotte “Skye.” The family resides in Newtown, PA.
remembering
Bishop Everingham ’40
Frank P. Houpt ’42
John F. Petrone ’46
Richard R. Karlen ’47
Roger H. Sweeney ’49
Victor J. Barnett ’50
Pat Beckett S’52
Vincent F. Rockel ’52
Edmund C. Craft, Jr. ’58
Stephen W. Hendershott ’71
Ralph G. Caldwell ’72
Lorenzo Fletcher, Jr. P’74
Madge Fletcher P’74
Gary J. Baker ’80
Ester Buck P’80 GP’19
Raymond Buck P’80 GP’19
Gerold C. Coucoulas ’81
Jose Cintron Villaronga P’83
Lynne Long P’86 ’88 ’91 ’00 GP’12 ’16 ’17
Jesse Williams P’89
Terrence P. Burns P’91 ’93 ’98 ’00 FF
Patricia Erdie GP’99 GGP’28 ’31
Sharon K. Brooks P’03 ’08
Susan DiMemmo GP’06 ’08
Gandolfo Totaro GP’10 ’14 ’18
Hannah Lipsky GP’19 ’21
Cora Eng GP’20
George Mertz GP’20
Ruth Bachike GP’24
Sharad Doshi GP’26
Peter Giller GP’26 ’27
Alexander B. Vincent, Jr. GP’26
Richard Kemp GP’28
Jack V. Johnson FT
With heartfelt remembrance, we recognize members of the Pennington community whose passing we have learned of since the last issue of our magazine.
S–Spouse; P–Parent; GP–Grandparent; FF–Former Faculty/Staff; FT–Former Trustee; FHS–Former Head of School Spouse; FTS–Former Trustee Spouse
