The Pingry Record - November 2018

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Volume CXLV, Number 1

The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

An Inside Look at the Head of School Search

By AVIDAN SHAH (IV)

Pingry’s Head of School, M r. Nathaniel Conard, announced his resignation this past June after a 13-year tenure. Head of School Conard has made leaps and bounds towards improving our school and the quality of life for Pingry students, one of his

greatest achievements being the extremely successful Blueprint for the Future campaign, which raised a record $75 million.

With his departure, Pingry has launched a fullscale search for its next Head of School. The search is currently spearheaded by a committee comprised of Board of Trustees members Stuart Lederman, Katharine Wyman Procter, Arlyn Davich, Jeffrey Edwards, Denise Grant, Dev Ittycheria, and Steven Lipper.

Mr. Lederman and Mrs. Procter are co-chairing this committee.

In terms of seeking out prospective candidates, it is a multi-step process.

The executive search and leadership consulting firm Spencer Stuart has been hired by the committee to

aid Pingry in its search.

Upper School Director Ananya Chatterji explains why this firm was hired, saying that, “They identify great candidates. The search firm’s job is to identify who the best people would be [for a position].”

The firm will factor in many different variables when looking for a new Head of School, includ-

Women in (Student) Government By Alessia Zanobini (p. 2) Notes From the Summer White House By Caroline Santoro (p. 3) Columns: Fashion, Thrift Stores, and So Much More!

By Kristine Fu (p. 5) Sports: Field Hockey Pushes Forward

By Josie Jahng (p. 16)

Pingry Pride at Homecoming Reaches New Heights

On a typical Saturday morning at Pingry, the halls are mostly vacant, the sports fields are soaking in the sun, and the parking lots are barren, black expanses of tarmac dotted with the occasional car. However, bright and early on Saturday, September 29, the school was flooded with hundreds of parents eager to meet with their child’s teachers, tour the school, and visit their child’s classes for Back to School Day. After classes, parents, students, and alumni crowded under the tents and onto the sweltering bleachers. They enjoyed foods divided into categories labeled American, Texan, and Italian, along with various desserts and refreshing drinks. Many members of the community were there to cheer on the sports teams showcased on Pingry’s state-of-the-art athletic fields. The football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, field hockey, ing the results from the Courtesy of Pingry Communications and water polo teams all demonstrated their skill, teamwork, and survey that was sent out to will then interview.

When asked if any can- dedication. all students. This survey Pingry’s teams put forth their

seven goals against Pennington, while girls’ soccer played a close game against The Peddie School, winning 2-1. Girls’ varsity tennis played North Hunterdon High School, where they won all five matches.

“Homecoming provided such a great atmosphere, and having family, friends, and alumni as spectators truly motivated us to win,” says first singles player Gia Graziano (IV) of the matches. “Celebrating afterward was one of the best moments of the season.”

Inside the school, the varsity and junior varsity water polo teams spent Homecoming in the pool, winning high-scoring matches against The Friends’ Central School. The football team fought hard throughout their game but lost by just one point in a nail-biting final quarter, with the score ending at 42-43.

However, the game was a great chance for the Pingry community to crowd into the bleachers and bond through their support of the team.

While the focus of the enter-

best effort and enjoyed a handful of successes. Boys’ soccer had an impressive victory against Staten Island Academy. The opposing team was unable to score a single goal, while Pingry scored six. Field hockey also shut out their opponent, scoring

tainment was Pingry Athletics, students and alumni embraced the spirit and energy of their peers, showing school pride by taking pictures with Big Blue Bear, grabbing Homecoming 2018 T-shirts, and having their faces painted. “I

asked students what qualities they expected from the next Head of School, as well as what skills they have developed the most while at Pingry and what resources they have utilized the most. The firm also held private meetings with Honor Board and senior Student Government members to have conversations about what they would like to see change in the school as student leaders.

Naturally, the firm has many connections and contacts with potential candidates at different schools.

They are in contact with people whom they believe would be viable options for the job. Spencer Stuart

Inside The Record

Op-Eds:

has also put together a position description where candidates can reach out to the firm and apply themselves, rather than being contacted by the firm. The firm is currently compiling its list; once it is complete, they will present the Search Committee with their final portfolio of potential candidates whom the school

October 29, 2018

Cherilyn Reynolds

Meet Our New Faculty! (p.

7-11) School News:

Convocation Emphasizes Community With an Open Mind By Rhea Kapur (p. 12) Chef Won Works Won-ders in the Kitchen By Justin Li (p. 14)

Sections

Commentary............................2-4 Columns....................................5 Summer Experiences.............................6-7 New Faculty...................................8-11 News.............................12-14 Class Trips........................................15 Sports.........................................16

didates from Pingry were being considered for the position, Dean Chatterji explains, “Spencer Stuart does what is called a ‘closed search’, meaning they do not publicize the names of the candidates that are in the pool.” With that said, candidates from within Pingry is a possibility.

After rounds of interviews, the entire Board of Trustees will make the final decision, advised by the Search Committee.

This arduous process will be complete by the end of the school year. At that point, the final choice for the Head of School will be publicized to the student body, faculty, and staff.

By EVA SCHILLER (IV)

Courtesy of Pingry Communications

loved watching the school band together in school spirit,” says Hannah Guglin (VI). “The sports really brought out the best in the students.”

As the sunny afternoon turned into evening, students returned home to dress up for the Home-

Courtesy of Pingry Communications

coming dance. The theme this year was “Superheroes and Supervillains.” They returned donning creative costumes, ranging from the Powerpuff Girls to characters from The Incredibles.

“I thought the superhero theme was really creative!” commented Rhea Kapur (IV).

In the gymnasium, the students relaxed after the stressful first few weeks of school. Student government collected five dollars for admission and encouraged dance attendees to donate extra minute for hurricane relief.

Throughout the week, the student body had been building up to Homecoming with Spirit Week. The themes were Pajama Day, Halloween Day, Pingry Day, Multiples Day, and Spirit Day. On Spirit Day, everyone dressed in their grade’s color and celebrated at a Pep Rally run by the Student Activity Committee. Homecoming and the week leading up to it displayed the infectious energy of the community. It was a great opportunity for students, parents, and alumni alike to show their Pingry pride.

Tony Hoffman Shares His Journey from Addiction to Sobriety shortcuts in life in order to reach was internally struggling with his achievement as quickly as undiagnosed social anxiety and On Tuesday, October 9, Mid- possible. After realizing that depression. These issues, he dle and Upper School students his basketball hopes would not explained, made it extremely and faculty members convened come to fruition, Mr. Hoffman difficult for him to achieve his in Hauser Auditorium to hear goals.

Mr. Tony Hoffman, a speaker In addition to his success in from Common Ground Speaks. the BMX world, Mr. Hoffman He shared his journey of sufferwas presented with another ing through addiction to evenopportunity prior to graduatually achieving sobriety. Mr. tion. He was offered a position Hoffman’s story began in the as a network administrator seventh grade when he was first with a six-figure salary. At that exposed to marijuana. It was moment, it appeared he had in high school when his use of everything: money, respect, drugs, alcohol, and prescription and a chance to excel profespainkillers began to impact his sionally. In actuality, he felt life. Mr. Hoffman candidly helpless, struggling through his discussed how his drug abuse mental illness. Mr. Hoffman’s progressed from marijuana drug addiction continued to usage, the drug he identifies as intensify and soon enough his a “gateway drug,” to heroin, accomplishments began to discrack, and opiates. appear. With his drug addiction Prior to becoming a drug spiraling out of his control, Mr. addict, Mr. Hoffman described Courtesy of Pingry Communications Hoffman began to see his loved himself as a gifted athlete with set his sights on BMX racing, a ones and financial stability leavaspirations to play professional sport he had always excelled at. ing him. He resorted to robbery basketball for the NBA. How- Soon, he was recognized for his to pay for the drugs fueling ever, he now admits that he did talent, receiving sponsors and his addiction and was arrested not put forth the effort needed endorsements by his senior year and imprisoned for two years. to make this dream a reality. in high school. While his family While serving his sentence, Mr. He further described his child- and friends envisioned a future Hoffman dedicated himself to hood attitude as entitled; he of success for Mr. Hoffman due self-betterment, knowing he was always looking to take to his natural talent in BMX, he had entered a “door” with only

By BRYNN WEISHOLTZ (V)

two exits: death or changing everything in his life. He chose the latter.

Upon his release from prison, Mr. Hoffman set forth to achieve the goals he created while behind bars. He was invited to a BMX Olympic training center, started a nonprofit foundation, became a coach for BMX Olympians, and, most importantly, he has stayed sober. He kept the attention of students throughout the full hour; Varun Seetamraju (VI) said, “It was great and informative, and I feel like he addressed a topic that needs to be talked about.” Students found his story enthralling, and Drew Beckman (VI) said, “Mr. Hoffman presented his story in a down-to-earth way that allowed the students to connect with him.” Mr. Tony Hoffman has been sober since May 17th, 2007; he now spends his time speaking at different high schools throughout the country helping turn students away from substance abuse and inspiring them to live their lives with purpose.

2 THE PINGRY RECORD

EDITORIAL

Don’t Torschlusspanik

As of late, I’ve been feeling a great deal of Torschlusspanik, a natural but debilitating illness for seniors that often goes undiagnosed. Torschlusspanik is a German word translating directly to “close door panic”; it’s the pang of regret that kicks in as you wind down one chapter of your life and think about all the things you wish you did or wish you did differently. My Torschlusspanik plagues me both in the context of college admissions and on a completely personal level.

I wish I went about my SAT studying more effectively, choosing one test date to settle down with instead of taking a handful of half-baked sittings. I wish I put more time into project A and never signed up for club B. I wish I put a tiny bit more effort in Honors Chemistry. With equal regret, I wish I had a better relationship with athletics instead of floundering back and forth on swimming for 1.5 years. I wish I never gave up drama, something I showed talent in as a child but never followed through with. I wish I handled different social situations in completely different ways.

In the worst moments of Torschlusspanik, I tell myself that there’s no use in worrying about what I did or didn’t do. I tell myself to be present. But here’s the catch: senior year makes it very hard to be in the present. During the bleak weeks when I and many of my peers are forced to clock six or fewer hours of sleep and when each assessment has a very real and immediate effect on our interims (and therefore college applications), the stress of living in the moment is next to unbearable. So, my mind wanders into the past, attempting to distract from the stress, and suddenly, I see a hole in my Common App that could’ve been patched by doing something differently two or three years ago. Cue the regret.

It’s a toxic mindset, but perhaps even more toxic is living in the future. Romanticizing that, in a few months from now, you’ll be living out the dream high school life that you were too busy to pursue earlier is quite possibly setting yourself up for the ultimate devastation. The number of variables that could change our timeline in the college process makes this tantalizing future just a mirage.

So, if you’ve had trouble verbalizing why this stretch of months feels like something of a purgatory, this may be the answer. This initial span of time can feel like we are waiting on a platform for a train that, seemingly, may never come. What does one do about it? How can we re-calibrate our mindsets to exist as happier and more productive high schoolers?

My first, more simple solution is for underclassmen. I don’t need to restate the exhausted axiom, “Do what makes you happy.” But I would like to insert a clause: “It is never too late to do what makes you happy.” The greatest source of my Torschlusspanik comes from failing to pursue things because I thought it was too late in the game. I know now that joining the play in your junior year or making up with an ex-friend months after the fallout is completely fine, and it will work wonders against your Torschlusspanik when you become a senior.

For seniors, it’s important to contextualize our current struggle. It only seems like we are reaching the end because what comes beyond high school is unbeknownst to all of us. Yes, the things we never did in our youth may haunt us, but in less than a year, we are going to be freshmen all over again. We’ll be the youngest in our schools with completely fresh slates in terms of workload; we will get the chance to fill up our empty, infant schedules with a slew of fresh courses and extracurriculars. I imagine we’ll have the youthful, ambitious energy of a high school freshman at their first club fair, feeling in some ways younger than we do now.

There will be chances to try the things we never tried and be the person we never got to be. The big reset button is coming up soon. Until then, try and enjoy senior year’s detours.

Although the feeling of Torschlusspanik is painfully real, it is conceptually just an illusion. The proverbial door is not behind us. It is right in front of us; the challenge now is working hard to break it open and face the next stage of our lives.

—Miroslav

COMMENTARY OCTOBER 29, 2018

Women in (Student) Government

By ALESSIA ZANOBINI (VI)

I firmly believe that involvement in government and politics should start from a young age, whether that consists of reading the newspaper or running for student government. Early political engagement leads to informed voters and experienced legislators. Even if this commitment is just at a school-level, I am proud of my peers for being involved in democracy. However, last year’s student body presidential election and our subsequent senior class presidential election made me rethink if everyone was truly involved. As I looked at the students running, I couldn’t help but wonder: where were the female candidates?

For the newly elected 2018-2019 student government, girls hold just five of the twenty-two seats, and last year, each class had roughly the same ratio. As we go higher up in student government leadership positions, the number of women decreases even more. Last year, only one of our Upper School class presidents and vice presidents was female.

For 2018-2019, all of the class and vice presidents are male. Most strikingly, in the 44 years Pingry has been coeducational, we have only ever had four female student body presidents. Last year’s all male group of candidates for student body president as well as the candidates for Form VI’s class president was clearly not a fluke and part of a larger problematic pattern here at Pingry.

When I talked about the

By NAVA LEVENE-HARVELL (VI)

Senior year has begun for Pingry’s class of 2019. Somewhere on the horizon, college acceptances, rejections, and a great deal of stress all await my classmates and me. Now, the many awards ceremonies I used to think of as only annoyances are essential. These awards have the possibility of being the “cherries on top”

Bergam (VI)

Number 1

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and didn’t want to be one of the only people who didn’t get elected (ten people were running for eight spots). The two most common answers I heard from people were, “I’m too busy,” or, “I wouldn’t win.”

Clearly, none of my female peers are to blame individually as their reasoning is valid. In fact, no one stated that sexism or systemic challenges are personally holding them back from running or being elected.

However, a trend emerged of women saying that they didn’t run because they thought they would never be elected.

Perhaps women lacked the confidence to run in the first place - or more likely, the lack of women on our current student government discourages women from running in the

Collin Wen (V)

future. Several women told me they think that only a certain type of woman -- polite, intelligent, and uncontroversial, for example -- gets elected to student government, if at all.

If a potential candidate feels she doesn’t fit this image, she might not run.

I argue that this issue goes beyond the Pingry commu-

nity, though. How will Pingry women be encouraged to run if they don’t have the role models in our real government?

In the U.S. government, there are currently 84 women in the House of Representatives (out of 535 members) and only 22 women in the Senate (out of 100 members), making around 20% of the members of congress women. Cassie Yermack (Form V) mentioned that when she pictures a politician, she pictures “a man like Ted Cruz or Richard Nixon - white, commanding, and opinionated. That image is just not female.” Maybe women at Pingry feel discouraged from pursuing a career in politics and therefore spend time pursuing other college preparatory and career-oriented activities. This can also explain the other reasoning for not running (the “too busy” argument). In this case, perhaps Pingry has done all it can to encourage gender equality within the community, and the problems reach further than any one school can solve.

I am hesitant to label Pingry student government, or Pingry itself, as sexist; at the same time, I cannot ignore the blatant pattern of young men controlling Pingry’s student government. The lack of women in student government hurts the whole community, as the group of leaders have a duty to represent the student body, and without women, that representation is impossible to achieve. As always, I encourage everyone -- especially my fellow women -- to get engaged in politics in whatever way they can to benefit themselves, their female peers, and the larger community.

The Cum Laude Question

Volume CXLV

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lack of women in student government to fellow peers, many told me that had more women run, there would be more women on student government. There weren’t many girls on their class ballots in the first place. Why weren’t women running, then?

First, I had to personally reflect on why I hadn’t run.

After all, I am knowledgeable and interested in politics and government. I hold similar leadership positions as the male presidential candidates and I’m involved in the same variety of activities. Thus, shouldn’t I share some of the guilt, as I am a qualified woman who voluntary chose not to run? My reasoning for not running was this: by election season - mid-Junior year - I had already committed to other leadership roles (Journal Club and the Student Diversity Leadership Committee, for example) and I’m more interested in those organizations than I am in student government. I didn’t feel discouraged nor did I lack the confidence to run; rather, I had already dedicated myself to other activities.

However, when I spoke to other women in the community, their answers sounded similar to mine. Allie Matthias (Form VI), a class representative, was hesitant to even run for student body president because of the potential stress and time commitment, but ultimately was the only female in our grade on the ballot, in part so that there “would be a woman on stage”. Cassie Yermack (Form VI) also didn’t run for Student Government because she didn’t think she’d win

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in college applications, and one in particular takes the cake over all of the others: Cum Laude.

Before the Fall Awards Assembly on Friday, September 21, I heard several people talking about the school deciding not to induct half of their Cum Laude selection in the fall, as done in previous years. At first, I participated in these conversations thinking it was merely speculation, but the assembly fully

students by placing more emphasis on their performance than before.

For those who might oppose this argument, I offer this: if people are driven to be the best and strive to prove that to themselves and others, Cum Laude would be their opportunity. This type of incentive, to encourage students to push themselves until they reach their goal in spite of all obstacles, might otherwise be admirable but

confirmed that fact for the whole school.

I believe that Pingry’s choice to postpone this induction to the spring has hurt student morale more than it has helped. The awards ceremonies reward people for their achievements from the year before, and Cum Laude is no different. Yes, there is the obvious fact that seniors inducted in the spring cannot put it on their college applications; however, this is not unique to the Cum Laude induction. All of the awards given during the spring award ceremony cannot be included on a senior’s college application. By changing the policy for Cum Laude and doing the full induction in the spring, Pingry increases stress for

in fact it runs the risk of making students’ mental health collateral damage during an already high-stress time.

The school previously helped prevent this by inducting only half of the students in the fall, but now all students will undergo an elongated period of stress.

The Cum Laude change does offer the possibility of opening up a dialogue about a larger issue. The choice, one that directly affects students, was made without the current students’ input. Ms. Chatterji has made it obvious that the Board of Trustees is beginning to try to make student voices more involved in their decisions, exemplified by the survey she mentioned during morning meeting regarding

Collin Wen (V)

the new Head of school. Yet, the fact that the induction policy was changed without even making an announcement to the student body is problematic, being that Cum Laude is so important to the student body.

While this was a lapse in the school’s judgment, they have the chance to rectify this situation by developing a way to involve students in events that directly affect them. I mentioned the survey from the Board of Trustees earlier because actions like that are a start. I want to make it clear that I do not think that every decision the administration makes needs student input.

However, there are going to be topics that directly affect students, topics that students are more inclined to give their opinions about, and those must be taken into account. As students at this school, we deserve a say in issues that directly affect our experiences.

With improved methods of making decisions directly involving students, the probabilities of something like this happening again will decrease. The Cum Laude choice should reveal how choices made on their own can negatively impact the community. Going forward, the choice should show the Board of Trustees that it needs to convey a clearer message to students that their voices matter. Surveys, chances to talk at length in person, and even emails could be a start.

3 THE PINGRY RECORD

COMMENTARY OCTOBER 29, 2018

Notes From the Summer White House

more than the owner of the Mr. Kushner’s role in the

By CAROLINE SANTORO (VI) club. Sure, there were secu- 2016 election, I have many The first time I met my rity checkpoints and Secret misgivings about his political boss, he was accompanied choices. However, by a swarm of Secret Service I still appreciate agents, and I was wearing a that he greets me bright red bathing suit. Given every morning, my reputation as the “ethics eagerly asks my girl,” people react pretty opinion on the club strongly when they hear that sunscreen selecfor the past two summers, tion, and thanks all I have worked as a lifeof the lifeguards at guard for President Trump the end of each day. at the Trump National Golf The best part of Club in Bedminster. Some my experience at people are fascinated by Trump National my brushes with celebrities, Golf Club has uneager to know what Melania deniably been my orders for lunch or whether interaction with the I ever had to rescue Barron Secret Service. All from the pool. Others are I had known about critical or supportive of my these men and job based on their political women was that views. With these reactions, in eleven seconds whether shaming or praising they could shoot me, I feel guilty because I down a plane in the am not trying to make a pono-fly zone around litical statement through my the golf course. employment. I feel obligated Quite frankly, I to make excuses, noting thought of them that it just happens to be the as robots, trained closest pool at which I could to jump in front of work or that I applied for the bullets and defuse job in September before he bombs. Every day was elected. From my many I worked at Trump, hours on the lifeguard stand, I realized just how I have gotten a glimpse into ignorant that perthe Trumps’ private lives and ception was. I first gained a much more complex Collin Wen (V) talked to an agent understanding of them and Service agents everywhere, myself. but greeting me, he was just while (again) taking the dirty On my first day of work, a boss making sure that ev- towel bin to the laundry room.

I was giving my best effort to I was pushing an unwieldy erything ran smoothly. bin of dirty towels when Ivanka Trump and Jared lift the heavy bin over a door dozens of men in suits came Kushner spend many days at frame, with no luck. Seemingly rushing into the pool area, their cottage on the property out of nowhere, a muscular talking frantically into their by the pool. If you didn’t man in sunglasses appeared earpieces. All of a sudden, recognize them, you wouldn’t behind me and lifted the bin in strolled the president in think they are different from effortlessly, chuckling and his golf whites, greeting me any other family. Ivanka is commending my effort.

Since that day, Joel has beand asking how I was doing. just a mom, chasing her kids I was freaking out. Here was around the pool in a bathing come my favorite colleague. the President of the United suit and coverup, and Jared is His face lights up when I walk States, much taller and less just a dad on a lounge chair, into work, and he always has orange than I anticipated. throwing his daughter rings something encouraging to Seeing him there, removed to retrieve in the water. After say, cheering me on for dofrom his place on the global a year full of news regarding ing a great job because, as he stage, he seemed like nothing

puts it, “no one’s drowned yet.” He tells me about his family in Michigan, and I realize that not only are these people working one of the most difficult jobs in the world, but they are sacrificing so much to do it. I had complained about missing social events when I had to work late, but then I heard a phone call between an agent from San Francisco and his six-year-old son, who was sobbing because his dad missed his very first soccer game. Despite these tough circumstances, the agents are friendly, passionate, and funny, whether they are raving about the subs at Bedminster Pizza or fighting over college football rivalries. Their fun and mischievous nature make them my favorite part of work; I can’t forget how they pranked me by telling me that the bomb-sniffing dog found narcotics in my car.

Some people think that by working for Trump, I am supporting his policies and the way he treats people.

After my summers as a lifeguard, I have learned that I can completely disagree with him but still appreciate the great aspects of my job — ­­ I’m getting paid to be in a beautiful place, keep people safe, and hang out with some pretty cool friends (who happen to be able to shoot down a plane in eleven seconds). I’ll still feel conflicted with every tweet and speech, but I know that instead of running away from my job, I can use it as an opportunity to learn to understand people with whom I don’t agree and see people not as caricatures but instead as the complex human beings they really are.

Speak Up and Embrace Failure

By NOAH BERGAM (IV)

Upon re-entering Pingry during this back-toschool season, I noticed that, in my discussionbased classes, I tend to find myself fighting total classroom silence.

That’s not to say I am the only one participating – there are plenty of other students who add to the discussion without qualms. But there are also so many students who rarely, if ever, speak up. Some are shy outside the classroom. Some are pretty talkative once you get to know them. Some work hard, some hardly work, some are outright geniuses.

This lack of participation did not totally surprise me, but it struck me as rather impractical.

I understood, however, after discussing it with some friends, that the reasoning behind staying silent was simple: why risk failure and judgement from others?

I could certainly grasp the fear; after two failed campaigns for class pres-

ident and plenty of slipups in class of which I am not particularly proud, I’ve had some taste of public failure. Those experiences were not pleasant in the moments immediately following, but in the long run, I feel they have helped me improve in various ways and ultimately build up my confidence.

So, I believe that a fear of failure that hinders class participation – and participation in general – is one that can and should be conquered. Failure is what matures us. We learn what we do wrong and we chase the correct answer or thought process that may prepare ourselves for future slip-ups. This cycle of failure can lead to success inside and outside the classroom, an enlightening and motivating process once fully set in motion.

The problem that many face is how to begin the cycle: how do you put yourself out there and risk judgement? This can be difficult at our school,

where we are constantly pressured to fit the model of the elite Pingry student. I’m referring to the all-star scholars, athletes, and artists we see all around us – the kids who are called ‘exceptional’, who win awards in Hauser auditorium, and wield an almost legendary status for us, even if they have already graduated from Pingry. These figures both inspire and intimidate us; they set a precedent of excellence that can drive us to try harder but can also scare us away from following in their footsteps.

In order to beat the pressure present in the classroom and beyond, one must accept failure as a prerequisite for greater success. These inspirational student figures had to experience failure to get the results they desired. If they did everything right every time, there would be no progress.

We have a limited time in the small Pingry community. High school

makes up a practically insignificant portion of our lives. So, why not speak up while we’re here?

Why not learn and make the most of this experience while it is still in our fingertips? The classroom is the best place to start.

EDITORIAL

Pace Yourself

I’m now four months into being a 17-year-old and I still don’t have my learner’s permit. The more time that passes since my 16th birthday, the more outraged people are when they learn that I am nowhere close to getting my license. By now, I’ve developed a conveniently packaged excuse for those who question why I’m so behind in learning how to drive. It usually starts with something like: “Well, I never took Driver’s Ed at Pingry, and everything just snowballed from there…”

Nothing in my pre-packaged excuse is a fallacy – it’s true that I never took Driver’s Ed, and perhaps I’d be on schedule if I did. But beyond not having taken the class, the truth is, learning how to drive is something I’ve been taking on at my own pace. As my previously-fellow juniors and now-fellow seniors can attest, things are busy. The idea of learning how to operate a vehicle while juggling school, testing, and college applications continuously offers more stress than it does excitement. Whether this is due to a lack of time or maybe even a slight fear of such newfound independence, I’ve accepted the fact that learning how to drive is something I’m not quite ready to do right now.

Moving at one’s own pace is an important concept when applied to more than just my lack of learner’s permit. Pingry is nothing other than a high-speed environment. There were many familiar rushes over the years that seemed to sweep up almost everyone in their initial excitement. The race to join a science research team or run for student government in the first two weeks of high school were prominent ones.

They were made prominent by the fear of falling behind the pack.

But following these rushes robs us of the time to reflect on what is actually important to us and when it’s important to us. We lose the chance to consider how we want to spend our high school years. Not everyone who’s destined for SDLC needs to know that when they’re a freshman. Or maybe that student is destined for something completely different instead. There’s no wrong combination of ways to invest your time provided that it’s conducive to selffulfillment and personal growth. But finding the way that’s right for you becomes difficult when we fail to do it at our own paces.

I’ve certainly feared that my late start in driving will lead to my being a full-blown adult who’s made dependent on others by her inability to drive.

I understand that moving at one’s own pace can be terrifying as you imagine others zooming past you.

But a balance between this fear and what’s right for you must be struck. How else will you deviate from the beaten path by letting yourself explore all of your options? How else will you pursue certain goals when you are best fit to do so?

Moving at your own speed within the high-speed environment of Pingry is difficult. It’s easy to second-guess the decisions you make when you’re constantly surrounded by the high achievements of your peers. But remember that, as much as we may be told otherwise, there’s no hard-and-fast definition of the “right” path. For a path to be “right,” it has to be right for you, so, so taking things at your own pace can only do you good in the long run.

—Ketaki

Tavan (VI)

Collin Wen (V)

4 THE PINGRY RECORD

COMMENTARY OCTOBER 29, 2018

Dr. Seuss before All Heck Breaks Loose

By ARMANI DAVIDSON (VI)

With application deadlines on the horizon, stress mounting, and college less than a year away, seniors are looking for guidance anywhere.

I believe some answers for the overworked grade may be hiding in an unexpected source: here are ten reasons why the Class of 2019 should read The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss in preparation for college.

Above everything, the book is short. College is going to be full of lengthy books, but you can finish The Cat in the Hat in 10 minutes.

The book opens with two children looking out of a window after their mother leaves; suddenly the Cat enters their house. On a metaphoric level, this is how college will be: your parents will

leave and strangers will enter your life.

The Cat asks the children to play a game with him and breaks their toys.

The Cat has no remorse for his actions and ignores the children’s feelings. There will always be people that will put themselves before you and break things, whether they be physical or ideological, that you value.

The children “did not know what to say” to the Cat because their mother was not home. When the Cat first enters the house, the Fish tells him to leave.

The Fish serves as the children’s conscious; every time he speaks he references their mother’s absence. Without your parents giving you guidance or rules, you have to be able to trust your own intuition. When some-

thing does not feel right, you need to listen to your conscious, or else someone, like the Cat, will take advantage of you.

The Cat distracts the children from the mess he created by bringing Thing 1 and Thing 2. Things 1

and 2 continue to destroy the house and ignore the children begging them to stop. Although distractions are fun at first, they can lead to destruction.

The Fish continues to tell the Cat to leave, as the children say nothing, but the Cat ignores him because he “likes it here.” The Cat, selfishly, focuses on himself and puts his own feelings before the children’s. If someone thrives at your expense, then they’re not a true friend.

The children speak for the first time after Thing 1 and Thing 2 use their mother’s dress as a kite.

The children finally yell at the Cat and tell him to leave, which successfully causes him to clean up his mess. You have to speak up for yourself to get what you want.

The children eventually catch Thing 1 and Thing 2 in a net and forcibly remove them from their house when they see their mother approaching the house. The children take action because they are afraid of what their mother will say.

Unlike this situation, you are alone at college. You can’t wait for your parents to come to clean up your mess; you have to know your own limits.

In the end, the mother asks the children, “What did you do?”

The reader is left with a question: what would you say if this was your mother? When you come home from college, will you tell your parents everything you did?

Word in the Hall: “What is the single most important quality you would like to see in Pingry’s new headmaster?”

“The quality that I want to see most in the new headmaster is the ability to view subjects from other people’s perspectives.

Our headmaster should be able to understand everyone’s opinion to make an unbiased decision that will benefit most, if not all, of the Pingry community. They should tie the students, faculty, and Board of Trustees together to work on making Pingry a better place.” - Guan Liang (IV)

“I would love for the new headmaster to be a good public speaker. They should be able to communicate important information to the community easily and efficiently.” - Angelina Mayers (VI)

“I’d like a headmaster that is caring and has a big smile on their face.

Also, I hope they give quizbowl enough funding. Lots of funding.

Lots!” - Brian Li (V)

“Though hard to sum up in a single word, our new headmaster should be a visionary.”- Señora Frances Mecartty-Dunlap

“I’d like to have the new “One word: warmth.”- Ms. Victoria headmaster be someone who’s really involved in the community. Grant They shouldn’t just be in the headmaster’s house, but interact with the students.” - Ajunè Richardson (IV)

“Someone that fosters the community and supports student life and clubs.”- Mr.Christofer Leone

“Someone who understands the student body.”- Dilan Mushayandebvu (VI)

“We need someone who is willing to cooperate with the whole community. We all have vastly different ideas for improving the school, and it is their responsibility to listen.” - Grace Barral (III)

“I think the most important thing is the relationship between the faculty and the students, to have someone who is going to be accessible and communicative with faculty and students and open and transparent.”- Mr. Alan Van Antwerp

“Probably approachability and mutual respect.” - James Raincsuk

“Understanding what the students need and what they want, and knowing the difference!”- Anna Stowe (III)

THE PINGRY RECORD

5

COLUMNS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Kimchi, Bibimbap, and Sing and Dance Along in Your Seats to Soondubu - Oh My! Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again!

By FELICIA HO (VI)

Looking for a quick bite after a long morning of running errands at Costco on Route 10 in East Hanover? Instead of reaching for a mountain of greasy fries from Five Guys, take a minute to walk just a bit further and stop by So Gong Dong (S.G.D.) Dubu Tofu and BBQ. Once inside, you will be greeted by a simply decorated yet spacious room lined with traditional Korean brushstroke characters on all sides. At your seat, take a peek at the paper table mat to learn more about soondobu, S.G.D.’s prized tofu stew dish, and how it can reduce cancer risk—who knew you could learn so much at a restaurant?

The menu is very easy to follow as it is split into four primary components: soondobu, the tofu stew; bibimbap, a mixture of rice, kimchi, and meat or vegetables; Korean BBQ, a bowl of pork, beef, or chicken; and dishes to share.

S.G.D. also gives you the power to choose how spicy your dishes will be to fit your preferences.

For those of you who are just venturing into the world of Korean cuisine, I highly recommend the vegetable bibimbap on a hot stone plate. The rice, egg, squash, mushrooms, bean curds, and kimchi will come out a little toasted on the bottom of the plate, adding a surprisingly pleasant crunch. Do not panic when your bibimbap arrives unmixed! Your job is to mix it all together and add as much gochujang, or Korean hot sauce, as you would like. Then, dig in – even if the dish may be as simple as putting white rice together with cooked vegetables, all the flavors will erupt in your mouth and truly warm you up.

The seafood pancake is a great choice to share with others. Similar to the spring onion pancake in Chinese cuisine, it is a fried pancake bursting with squid, chives, shrimp, and more. Brave the thin shimmer of oil and take a bite— you will not regret it!

Although you cannot grill your own pork, chicken, or beef at S.G.D., the Korean BBQ that is grilled in the kitchen and served in a steaming plate is fantastic. The meat is tender and chewy, melting in your mouth as you let out that sigh of happiness. Be sure to check out the onions tossed in to the plate as they have also been infused with that unique Korean spice and are super crispy.

In addition to the main plates, banchan, little cold Korean side dishes, will also be served with an egg drop soup. Banchan options range from sweet bean curds to cucumbers covered with gochujang. Even if you do not like spicy food, give the kimchi banchan a shot. Rather than numbing your mouth with an overpowering kick, the kimchi, combined with a dash of vinegar, gives more of a gentle nudge.

All items on the menu range in price from around 10 to 20 dollars, making S.G.D. an affordable place for lunch from newcomers to those who eat Korean food every day of their lives. As there are few Korean restaurants outside of Edison, Fort Lee, and K-Town in New York City, S.G.D. in East Hanover has always been a wonderful place for me to indulge in spicy kimchi without suffering in traffic. As the temperatures drop and the wind picks up, save that hot chocolate packet for later and instead look for the S.G.D. sign (indeed, it has several locations nationwide) to warm yourself up with a fresh and spicy bowl of bibimbap or tofu stew.

Felicia Ho (VI)

By KRISTINE FU (VI)

Despite this season’s dreary weather, fall fashion is as colorful and vibrant as ever. This season, pastel-colored corduroy skirts, shearling sweaters, and studded ankle boots are in vogue, while floral sundresses and denim shorts have become a distant summer memory. In women’s fashion, Brandy Melville persists as the most popular clothing brand, as students opt for flowy Tilden pants and comfortable striped tops. Zara’s stylish skirts and dresses are also seen frequently in the halls. In men’s fashion, Vineyard Vines shirts, Patagonia sweaters, and Sperry Top-Siders remain wardrobe staples.

One easy way to spice up your look is with a statement piece. A pair of tassel earrings or chunky

By MARTHA LEWAND (V)

Ever since the movie Mamma Mia was released, fans (including myself) have been anxiously waiting for a sequel.

Ten highly-anticipated years later, Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again! is finally here!

Directed by Ol Parker, the film had my friends and I singing joyously and dancing out of our seats in the movie theater.

The movie includes two concurring storylines, one of young Donna Sheridan (played

by Lily James) and the other of her daughter Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfreid) in current times. Circa late 1970s, young Donna has just graduated from university and is eager for adventure. The story details how she meets young Bill (Josh Dylan), Harry (Hugh Skinner), and Sam (Jeremy Irvine) trekking through Europe and ultimately makes her way to the Greek island of Kalokairi. In present day, Sophie grapples with her mother’s (Meryl Streep) recent death, the responsibility of reopening the hotel her mother started, relationship troubles with her husband Sky (Dominic Cooper), and an impending storm potentially preventing her two

fathers, Harry (Colin Firth) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgard), from attending the reopening.

No doubt, the best part of the film is the musical numbers.

Covers of songs from the first movie are beautifully sung

wheeling waiters, and French Revolution-esque costumes stealing the show. The corniness of the new “Waterloo” adds an amusing, engaging charm the older version did not possess.

with their own twists while still respecting the original versions. Classics such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and, most notably, “Waterloo” all come to life again under the new direction. In the first version, the ABBA tune “Waterloo” was played during the closing credits as the cast danced and sang along. In the sequel, the song is revised in a scene that takes place in a local Parisian cafe with young Donna and Harry. The song is performed in an elaborate fashion, with berets, baguettes, cart-

While acknowledging the musical foundation of the first film, Mamma Mia 2 is able to create new songs that fit seamlessly in the plot and are remarkably catchy. When young Donna graduates from college, she performs “When I Kissed the Teacher,” a song that represents the provocative, audacious, and spunky side of Donna’s character to which we are just being introduced.

Lily James superbly embodies young Donna’s free spirit throughout her quality vocal

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performances.

To offer a point of criticism, although I respect Ol Parker’s decision to take on the massive plot, the constant back and forth between time periods is confusing to follow at times.

With that being said, however, what I admire most about Mamma Mia 2 is its goal to not attempt to recreate the plot and success of the first movie. For example, most people disagree with the inclusion of Meryl Streep-as-Donna’s death and argue that the exclusion of the actress hurts the movie. But after viewing the film, I conclude that it was a shrewd decision.

Even though it was risky to remove an icon like Meryl Streep, the entire movie pays homage to her; the retelling and glorification of Donna’s life story is the most prominent and sentimental element of the whole movie.

The amazing collaboration of the new and old casts, catchy music, and a complex plot with twists and turns throughout make Mamma Mia 2 a hit.

If you are ever in the mood to dance and sing along to some classic, uplifting tunes, I strongly recommend seeing Mamma Mia 2 as soon as possible.

Karuppur Keeps up With the Tech World

By ANEESH KARUPPUR (IV)

Back to school means new teachers, new courses, and, of course, new technology. This past summer at Pingry, members of STC interned with the Technology Department. Under the guidance of Mr. Frantz, Mr. Azar, and Mr. Burkhart, two teams completed various projects to prepare the school for a new year.

The hardware-oriented tech team installed projectors and Roku streaming devices, prepared old equipment to be sold, repaired faculty computers, and completed a variety of other projects. The software-oriented code team successfully completed a more efficient version of the Pingry event approval system, taught the Python programming language to faculty, and designed a new curriculum for Pingry’s existing computer science courses.

Aditya Gollapudi (VI), a member of the Code Team, said this about the experience: “[We] felt very lucky to have so much trust placed in us by the [Computer Science] department. Not only were we given control over

design decisions in a product that will hopefully be used by much of the administration, but we were also allowed to help shape the high school, middle school, and elementary school CS curricula. To have that level of trust in a high schooler is unique to places like Pingry.”

Noah Bergam (IV) also commented about his time as a member of the Tech Team: “ P i n g r y ’s tech internship was a lot more than just installing projectors and sorting inventory. As we worked and went on breaks, we were able to have interesting conversations about the tech world at large, about topics ranging from cryptocurrency to cars to Facebook’s data scandal. In these little conversations, I was able to learn a lot from my coworkers.”

Some exciting technology news has transpired in the world at large in the last few months.

In September, Apple held its much anticipated iPhone and Apple Watch launch event. The new phones are the XR, XS, and XS Max. The iPhone XR, Apple claims, boasts the most advanced LCD in the industry. The iPhone XS and XS Max are Apple’s flagship phones this year, featuring sharper OLED screens. All of the phones use the Apple-designed A12 Bionic chip, which includes Apple’s Neural Engine for augmented reality and advanced camera capabilities. The XS features an improved rear dualcamera setup that Google Images expands on last year’s iPhone X, while the XR features a single rear camera.

The Apple Watch Series 4 features a 30% larger screen and a thinner design. As with last year’s model, it is available with cellular connectivity. It includes more activities to track workouts and can be equipped with an ECG (electrocardiogram) to determine

your heart’s electrical activity.

This makes it easier to monitor your heart and enables it to help alert you of any problems.

In August, Samsung released its flagship Galaxy Note 9 smartphone. It features an enormous amount of onboard storage, so you won’t have to worry about running out of space on your phone again. The phone also comes with its trademark S Pen, a stylus that can be used to write on the phone.

Finally, in July, Apple suddenly released its new line of MacBook Pros . . . and then immediately apologized once reports of overheating started rolling in. They soon after released a bug fix; the overheating is no longer much of an issue. They feature Apple’s in-house T2 chip, which bundles stronger security features with other (previously separate) controllers. I offer a word of warning about these new MacBooks: Apple has removed the data recovery port that was present in earlier MacBook Pros.

If the logic board fails and you do not have a backup, your data may be lost.

Fashion, Thrift Stores, and So Much More!

bracelets from Francesca’s can complete almost any basic outfit.

At Zara, you can find striking and creative shoe styles, such as snake-print ankle boots, tweed ballet flats, and platform sneakers.

As an eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion, thrift shopping has been making a comeback! Especially because 90’s fashion is now à la mode, shop at your local thrift store for all the latest trends: mom jeans, Tommy Hilfiger polos, and velvet tops. Don a pair of matrixstyle or cat-eye sunglasses from the 90’s for a retro look, rather than a cliché and overpriced pair of Kurt Cobain clout sunglasses from Urban Outfitters. For true haute-couture lovers, many thrift stores sell designer clothing for less. I love to visit The Realreal in SoHo, New York and try on vintage Valentino dresses and Yves

Saint Laurent leather jackets.

Thrift stores are museums of past trends. So, keep an open mind and take your time exploring all the quirky and unique pieces.

Nia Phillips describes her look in the photo to the right: “My jacket is actually from my mom’s closet and I distressed the pocket.

My pants are from a thrift store in Bound Brook. My shoes are from Nordstrom Rack, and my shirt is from GAP.” For first-time thrift shoppers, Nia recommends shopping at major cities where you can find a variety of styles.

As John Galliano famously declared, “the joy of dressing is an art.” Whether your style is inspired by the gorgeous autumn palette or by chic looks from 90’s, stay bold and creative!

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Google Images

Kristine Fu (VI)

6

THE PINGRY RECORD SUMMER EXPERIENCES OCTOBER 29, 2018

Road Tripping through the US: Matthias’s Insight Into Being a Cross-Country Journey Medical Doctor

By ALLIE MATTHIAS (VI)

On the Fourth of July, I paddled up the Mississippi River as part of a New York Times Student Journey. The late afternoon sun-baked the canoe as sweat dripped down my back. My heart pounded, my eyes stung from melted sunscreen, and my arms began to feel like jelly as we pushed against the current.

Isaac, the curly-haired leader of our canoe, sat in front of me while the rest of our group, a diverse mix of boys and girls from all across the country, sat behind me with their paddles ready. Isaac began paddling and the rest of us followed, trying to coordinate with his movements. Everyone grew tired as we reached the Arkansas border and some took a rest. Thinking, “this is good practice for the upcoming tennis season,” I kept pushing forward, but my arms grew heavier and heavier as more and more of my friends stopped paddling. I trusted myself to keep moving, but we needed everyone to propel us forward. On this journey, we examined social justice, specifically racial injustices, in the American South. We explored heavy issues that required us to be honest and vulnerable to broaden our understandings of each other.

Canoeing was like having one of our conversations. We all had to work together to push forward into new ideas or new

states of mind. Whitney, our group leader, suggested that we sing together to make the ride a little easier to endure.

So, we joined together, paddling and singing Sweet Caroline in unison as we drifted towards a little island in the middle of the Mississippi. We trusted each other to give all our effort to paddling, and, in those moments, I was able to let myself go.

Smoky Mountains, and stayed at the majestic and eery Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. This was a part of the country that I’ve never been to before; the farthest south I had previously traveled in the U.S. was Florida (which barely counts as Southern). In West Virginia, I saw the embrace of Southern white tradition in the over-patterned and

For me, this summer was the summer of exploring the United States and my role as a U.S. citizen. I witnessed both the beautiful and the ugly of this country by beginning and ending my summer in national parks and traveling through the South in between.

I began my summer with a family road trip through Appalachia, where I drove through the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiked Shenandoah National Park and the

well-groomed Greenbrier, a monolith of golf courses and sweet tea. In Eastern Tennessee, I biked through a town ravaged with confederate flags and trucks. Yet, on the other side of all of this was the physical beauty of the Smoky Mountains that pulsed with both an intricate ecosystem of animals and enthusiastic environmentalists.

I ventured deeper into the

South with the New York Times to dive into the racial injustices and the culture that was derived from it. From New Orleans to Clarksdale, Mississippi, I saw how there is great diversity and art pulsating throughout, from the blues music to theater groups.

At the same time, in every city we ventured through, history was knocking. We visited the lynching memorial in Montgomery, walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, and toured a plantation that memorialized slave lives in Louisiana. There is so much to learn about the South, not just from physical buildings, but from people too, as they are the ones who lived through these stories.

I ended my survey of the U.S. in the Pacific Northwest, taking a ferry through the San Juan Islands and hiking in North Cascades and Olympic National Park. With my senior year closing in, I felt thankful for this breath of fresh air in an environment so distinct from New Jersey.

More than anything, my summer revealed the duality of this country, from the arts and culture to the racism and discrimination. In each state I traveled through, I considered how there has been so much progress, but there is still so much more to do. Most of all, I learned about myself as an American, what it means, and my identity in this country.

had had it around my age.

Once she said this, I was reminded of Emma’s earlier comment. I could just hear her saying that she was right over and over again in my head. We soon rushed to the hospital and waited until I was admitted to a room. The pain was in full force, as if there was a war going on in my stomach.

Finally, the drugs that the nurse gave me kicked in. I was starting to feel a little better, and thought that this was all a mistake and that there was nothing wrong with me. After many hours of testing, nothing showed up - that is, until they tried a CAT scan.

Once the scan was complete, the nurse came back and said that it was, in f a c t , a p p e n d icitis. Sighing i n d i s m a y, I decided to accept my fate and prepared for the surgery. I was not on the list L. Drzala (IV) of surgeries that day so I did not know when I could get this little monster out of me. So, I decided to get comfortable and watch TV for the remainder of the time. I mainly enjoyed HGTV, talking to my mom about how the couples chose the wrong house. I do

not think that she was as invested as I was, after seeing the concern on her face. Finally, the doctors came in and wheeled me into the operating room.

The doctors began to give me anesthesia. In about 10 seconds, I was out like a light. I woke up being wheeled back to my room and being set on my bed. “It’s over,” I thought.

Wr o n g . T h e r e m a i n d e r of the night consisted of doctors coming in and out of my room every single hour, checking my heart beat and asking me how I was feeling. I can certainly say that that was the worst sleep I have ever had. The following morning the doctors finally said I could go home and told me that I couldn’t do any physical activity for a while. The next few weeks consisted of me lounging around, hunching down on my stomach so it wouldn’t hurt, and watching movie after movie, including the whole Harry Potter series. I think that we can all agree that Dolores Umbridge, the “Lady in Pink,” was a far worse threat to Harry Potter than Voldemort. Fast forward to August, and I was finally starting to feel like myself again. I wish that I could say that, at the end, I learned more about myself or that I am a changed person, but I am not. I am still the same Lauren, just minus an appendix.

A. Matthias (VI)

Drzala Takes On Appendicitis

By LAUREN DRZALA (IV)

July 23, 2018 will be a day I will always remember. After finishing my lunch for the day, I began to feel sharp pains in my stomach and immediately thought - “this is very unusual for me.” Hours passed and the pain just kept getting worse. I was becoming desperate and anxiety crept in, so naturally, I turned to Google for some reliable advice on a homemade remedy. Long story short, the apple cider vinegar nor the lemon juice with ginger did my stomach any justice. I decided to call a friend, willing to try anything. She said that her mom usually gave her warm milk with turmeric.

Immediately, I was a bit hesitant because I had no idea what turmeric would taste like. Looking back on it, I should have listened to my first instinct while I was chugging down a glass of that concoction. When I thought all hope was lost, I swallowed my pride and went to the people that I should have gone to in the very beginning: my parents. My dad gave me two Motrin and told me to wait.

Nothing happened. My mom didn’t even believe that there was anything wrong with me, thinking I made the pain up. As I was counting down the hours to the never-ending day, my sister Emma approached my room, think-

ing she could give me some insight. “Hey Lauren, where is the pain, because it might be appendicitis.”

I angrily responded, “Go away, Emma. It’s not app e n d i c i t i s . I t i s n ’t t h a t bad.” Something actually being wrong with me was the last thing on my mind.

In the end, I decided the best thing to do was to go to sleep and wait for the pain to subside.

At 2 a.m., I woke up to what felt like someone stabbing me in the stom-

ach. Immediately, I went to my parents, knowing that there something was terribly wrong. My dad, as any physician would do, asked me to describe the pain and its location. I pointed to my lower left abdomen.

My mom suggested appendicitis, remarking that she

By ANJALI KAPOOR (V)

I’ve always wanted to follow in my uncle’s footsteps and become a doctor. My uncle is an orthopedic surgeon with his own hospital in India and I was always mesmerized by the dozens of patients and doctors swarming the halls. While I knew that I liked and excelled in biology, and it’s always been my childhood dream to study medicine, I didn’t exactly know what being a doctor entailed.

This summer, I set out to learn more about the field — I was going to conduct hands-on research and shadow doctors.

For the first half of the summer, I worked in Dr. Pandey’s lab at Rutgers University researching Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and is spread through contaminated blood. It is the leading cause for hepatocellular carcinoma, a common form of liver cancer. While vaccines exist for the related diseases Hepatitis A and B, there is no existing vaccine for Hepatitis C. In particular, Dr. Pandey’s lab was looking at the Fuse Binding Protein 1 (FBP1) and its interaction with the p53 tumor suppressor gene, an important gene that regulates the cell cycle.

In previous research, Dr. Pandey found that the FBP1 inhibits the p53 gene by binding to some part of its DNA sequence and, when p53 is inhibited, the likelihood that a cancerous tumor forms increases. Based on that research, we were trying to determine the exact portion of the DNA sequence of the p53 gene that FBP1 binds to. Dr. Pandey’s plan to solve this consisted of cutting the DNA sequence into many different pieces and testing each piece to see if it would bind to FBP1, slowly narrowing the DNA sequence to find the exact base pairs that were binding to FBP1. My role in this project was preparing and testing one of these pieces of DNA to see if it would bind to FBP1.

This involved cell cultures, transformations, restriction digests, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. While I was not able to see the project through to completion, his doctoral candidates will continue the proje c t a n d D r. P a n d e y hopes to publish a paper on this research by

November.

For the second half of the summer, I shadowed three different types of doctors: a general/vascular surgeon, a dermatologist, and a plastic surgeon.

It was really interesting to learn about the three different careers, and from the doctor’s perspective rather than the patient’s.

When I shadowed the general/vascular surgeon, I saw generally older patients with varicose veins, hernias, and gallstones. I learned about vein stripping procedures, angioplasties, and colonoscopies — it’s amazing how so many of these procedures can be done robotically! Next, I shadowed a dermatologist for a few days and saw people of all ages with dozens of skin issues ranging from common acne to severe skin cancers. I also was able to watch multiple skin cancer surgeries (I definitely learned the importance of sunscreen!) and got to cut my first stitch. He also showed me cosmetic procedures such as how to inject botox and fillers, along with how a new machine trims fat.

Lastly, I shadowed a plastic surgeon who focuses on hand reconstructions. I saw many people who had sliced their hand or gotten it stuck in a door and required surgery. All three doctors were very encouraging and gave me advice on how to choose a field and pursue medicine.

Overall, both research and shadowing were great experiences that helped me gain exposure into the world of biology and medicine. It was especially interesting as I got to see both sides of medicine: the scientists doing the early cell research and the doctors treating the diseases based on what the scientists find.

While it’s clear becoming a doctor will take many years of studying, learning more about the field and their day-to-day lives has only strengthened my resolve to someday join their profession!

Anjali Kapoor (V)

THE PINGRY RECORD SUMMER EXPERIENCES OCTOBER 29, 2018

By CHASE BARNES (VI)

Predicaments in Camp Counseling

There were many constants for me this summer. Begrudgingly rolling out of bed every day at 6 AM, relentless heat and humidity, crazy parents, and, of course, children. This summer, for seven weeks, I was a camp counselor at a local YMCA. Reflecting on my experience, I think about all the times I complained and how close I was to quitting after three weeks. It was a lot of responsibility and repetition mixed with some stressful unpredictability, and at some points I just couldn’t take it. At the same time, I honestly cannot put into words how amazing it was to have so many positive, and sometimes quite strange, interactions with parents and kids over the course of those seven weeks.

Some of those experiences were so crazy that you wouldn’t even believe me.

Just trust me on this one; I have quite some stories to tell from that camp.

And while there were both highs and lows, I learned a lot about myself as well as about working with other people. I feel that I have become more proactive, flexible, and patient. One day it would be sunny all day, and then at noon it would start pouring, so we had to spontaneously figure out what activities to do next. Day by day,

situation by situation, we had a responsibility to continue the fun for the kids. I guess this is a good transition into the rather poor management of the camp itself. From what I heard from returning counselors, there was really no organization and activities were not thought out very well.

Luckily, the kids didn’t notice, but there were times during the day when we, the counselors, literally had nothing to do with the kids. We would have to make up a game or find another activity to do because we weren’t provided with a great schedule or alternative activities. For example, one of the themes of the summer was STEM, and every Wednesday we were supposed to do some science-related arts and crafts. By that I mean we did one arts and crafts project the first week, and the rest of camp there was no activity.

It all cycled back to a lack of proactiveness, considering that what we did do instead was go to the playground for three hours and watch the kids tire themselves out until it was time to go home.

Another day, one of my campers was stung by a bee and while she was screaming and crying the other campers were crowding around us and jumping around yelling, “Chase, Chase, Chase.”

I had to deal with all of the kids as well as write an incident report, call a parent, and take the stinger out of her leg.

This was one of the many challenging situations I faced at the camp, but of course, everything worked out in the end.

I learned quite a lot and wouldn’t change it for anything. I made a lot of friends, met a lot of great kids, and went to places I’ve never been.

For that, I can say it was a good experience.

Chase Barnes (VI)

The Personal Development of a Campaign Intern

By NOAH BERGAM (IV)

In the last few weeks of summer, as bored as anyone on a lazy August afternoon might be, I decided to intern at my local Democratic congressional campaign.

In some ways, I felt pressured; my parents kept telling me I should try something new – something that was not about technology or robotics. I was hesitant at first, although deep down I felt that taking a break from my tech-oriented agenda would be good for me. I have always had an interest in politics, which had thus far only manifested itself in reading news on my phone. I decided to take that a step further.

Ironically enough, upon starting my internship, I felt more robotic than I had ever before. Upon my entrance into the paper, poster, and map-ridden headquarters, barely welcomed and surrounded by strangers who seemed to know exactly what they were doing, I was immediately tasked with three and a half hours of phone banking.

Without knowing much of my candidate’s policies aside from the fact that he was a Democrat, I was responsible for calling lists of possible voters (most of whom did not pick up), and convincing them to vote for Tom Malinowski. I was equipped with a script, mediocre conversational skills, and a roughly ten-minute training.

It was a humbling experience. I

had always seen politics as something uplifting, something active that puts you in the news and brings about change in society. However, I had somehow found myself here, on the bottom of the campaign staff hierarchy, making calls to convince people to vote for a man I had never met, who I supported (at least in the beginning) solely due to a (relatively weak) party affiliation.

Call after call (and house after house, when we went into the real world for canvassing), I discovered so many different people and reactions. I proved to myself the importance of slow and clear speaking, welcoming body language, and smiling and staying optimistic even when faced with challenging reactions.

I also spent time during my lunch breaks learning more about my candidate’s politics through online articles and conversations with fellow interns. In doing so, I came to better appreciate the cause for which I was fighting. I was more determined accomplish my task of contacting voters. I might not be Tom Malinowski, but I could still appreciate the fact

A Truly UnBeliezable Trip

By GRACE WANG (IV)

Everyone on that boat and I have an everlasting connection because, in our hearts, we’re still on the boat together. I can still sense everything so clearly, though putting these senses into words can’t capture the essence of the trip.

Being underwater, especially in a reef, is a surreal experience. The salt lifts you up and carries you through the water. Life below water and on land are two different universes.

The dichotomy between them is what made each of them so special.

On land, we were in our universe. On land, everything is centralized around people.

Everything about land has been tweaked and changed to conform to us.

Carson Shilts (IV) Being under-

I took the trip of my life this summer nowhere other than Belize. Making some of my best friends and experiencing nature in an unmatchable environment, the trip changed my life and gave me an opportunity to experience life to the fullest.

I can still envision the sun’s rays peeking through the clearest water I have ever seen. I can still taste the sea on the tip of my tongue. I still feel the water flowing through my fingers. When my eyes are closed and I lay in bed at night I can still imagine myself on the Goliath rocking up and down.

water for hours at a time In the waters of Belize, introduced me to so much it’s important to preserve more than just the ocean. the reef. We learned to appreciate and understand that humans can’t disturb an environment that isn’t ours. As a group, we worked with Belize TREC on a research project in order to disSydney Saunders (VI), Dylan Stein (VI), Caroline Friend (VI)

When we were underwater, we were on a different planet. The ocean doesn’t change for us; we have to change for the ocean. Seeing all the different species of fish, coral, eel, shellfish, turtles, stingrays, manatees, and sharks, it was clear that for the first time in our lives, we weren’t the center of nature. The ocean is not for us, the ocean is for everything.

7

c o v e r w h e t h e r p r e s e r ving the waters of Belize truly benefits the species of underwater life. As we researched, we not only uncovered more about the reefs of Belize, we grew closer, developing into a tight-knit family.

Fellow trip-goer Carson Shilts (IV) said, “In Belize, not only was I able to experience a whole different culture, but I also made friends with people who

I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t gone to Belize. The people on the trip made it 10 times better and I cannot even explain how glad I am that I met them and went on that trip.”

Carolyn Coyne (IV) remarked that, “Belize was honestly the best trip I’ve ever been on. From our first time snorkeling and eating bean dip on the boat to playing UNO during our flight delay coming home, I was constantly having the time of my life. It’s hard to describe the trip in words— to really understand how amazing it was. I will be so sad if we don’t go back for ISP.” In retrospect, I learned so many life lessons on the trip. I’ve learned to relax, to take in life and let it soak. I’ve learned to go with the flow and to not fight the current. I’ve learned to respect the environment. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I can do so

that my work might make a difference in who represents my congressional district next year. And if not, so be it. I would still get so much more out of the experience than that.

Calls and canvases became personal endeavors; I was no longer a robot, but a dedicated person trying to respectfully convince others of my beliefs. That is a skill that I appreciate developing– making a difference in the world means changing minds, little by little, and this internship was just the beginning.

As I continue to volunteer with the campaign, I am more than ever glad that I took the chance apply myself to it in the first place. I feel that my work is rewarding, not only because Tom Malinowski may win a spot in Congress this November, but because of my own personal confidence, rhetoric, and knowledge of American politics have benefitted.

If I learned one thing with the campaign, it’s there’s always more to discover once you leave your comfort zone. I was able to pick up on skills that I now know I was lacking in the past because I dove into my personal unknown.

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much more than I thought I could do. From diving through dark caves and swimming with stingrays and sharks to friendship bracelets and inside jokes, I will never forget this experience.

When I tell people about the trip in all its beauty and complexity, it’s hard for them belize it.

But, I’ll never forget the trip of my life.

Grave Wang (IV), Jerry O’Mara (IV), Carson Shilts (IV)

8 THE PINGRY RECORD

NEW TEACHERS OCTOBER 29, 2018

The Spanish Department Welcomes Ms. Hall

By VICKY GU (V)

This year, Ms. Sara Hall joins the Middle School as a new teacher in the Spanish Department. She will teach Spanish levels 1A and 2.

Before coming to Pingry, Ms. Hall taught Spanish for 9 years in Illinois and Connecticut, mostly in urban public schools. She has also taught at various charter and magnet schools.

Most recently, she taught Spanish at Southern Connecticut State University for two years. Ms. Hall has taught to a wide range of age groups, from kindergarteners to college students. Except for one year in which she taught English Language Arts, Ms. Hall has always taught Spanish throughout her career.

Conversations with Assistant Headmaster Delvin Dinkins and World Languages Department Chair Steve Benoit first sparked Ms. Hall’s interest in working at Pingry. She found through speaking with them that Pingry matched her educational philosophy in important aspects that her last school didn’t share, such as Pingry’s goal to develop the “whole child” instead of just their academic side. She appreciates that Pingry recognizes this and teaches both character and social development to its students in addition to its curriculum.

The emphasis on diversity at Pingry further resonated with Ms. Hall. “I absolutely love the focus on diversity and inclusion,” she said. As someone in an interracial relationship

with multiracial children, “it means everything to me.”

Her favorite part of the rigorous interview process was talking to Dr. Artis and the Diversity and Inclusion Department, because they know “there are unconscious biases that we need to overcome. Lots of adults don’t know that they have those biases or are uncomfortable with addressing them.” She agrees that the school needs to make sure that everyone has these important conversations.

As a teaching assistant for sophomores in an English class in her senior year of high school, Ms. Hall first

convey to her students that anyone can become good at Spanish. “My father’s from Indonesia but never taught me his language,” she said.

Ms. Hall has one Mexican cousin, but she does not speak Spanish natively. She hopes to show that she is “living proof that you can come from a different language background” and still be able to love and become fluent at a language.

One of Ms. Hall’s goals this year is to focus on utilizing the Spanish language as much as possible. She realizes that some are hesitant to use the language because they’re afraid that they won’t

found her love for teaching and sparking interest in students. “It felt so natural — I knew at that moment it was for me. . . . There’s this lightbulb. Sometimes the light’s already been lit, and sometimes the light ignites later on. But being part of igniting that light is the reason,” Ms. Hall said.

Though she only started learning Spanish during her sophomore year of high school, Ms. Hall hopes to

use it correctly. Ms. Hall hopes to eliminate this barrier between different levels of proficiencies among her students. “Conference Period is a huge factor in this challenge,” she says, as it allows students to see her for extra help. Ms. Hall hopes that she will be able to teach students to be proactive about coming to see her for extra help to identify their weaknesses.

coordinator and a director of counseling centers.

When he decided to search for a new environment, he found Pingry. Dr. Rosen welcomes the challenges of a different environment.

Now, he hopes to use his previous experiences with college students to work with Pingry’s students. He noted that though there is a large age gap, there are similarities in the challenges both age groups face and he strives to use his knowledge of college students to combat them.

When asked why he became involved with Pingry specifically, he touched on the idea of how “the newness of working with younger students and also in a different setting is definitely appealing.” Within the first few weeks of

school, Dr. Rosen already appreciated the new setting.

He has enjoyed getting to know all of the students he has met. He then added that “the staff has been very supportive” with his transition into the new environment.

Dr. Rosen stated that the contrast between the atmospheres of Pingry and the many college campuses he has worked at excites him, and he appreciates the fresh change.

This year, Dr. Rosen says that the most important goal for him is to “make counseling and health and wellness something that’s accessible and comfortable for all students.” He understands that students’ comfort levels vary, but he is also aware that high school is a stressful environment and everyone has moments when he or she struggles or needs

Pingry Communications

Mr. Fulco, an English Teacher of Many Talents

By VICKY CHEN (VI)

This fall, Mr. Richard Fulco joined the Upper School English Department where he will be teaching a wide variety of students. He is teaching two sections of ninth grade English, three sections of twelfth grade World Literature, and Creative Writing in the spring. He is the advisor of the creative writing club, plans on coaching baseball in the spring, and hopes to get involved in Pingry theater at some point.

Mr. Fulco received a Bachelor of the Arts at Pace University, a Masters Degree from CUNY College of Staten Island, and a Master of Fine Arts in playwriting from Brooklyn College.

He has been teaching for 20 years, and he began his teaching career in the New York City public school system, teaching at Brooklyn Tech High School and Hunter College. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Pace University, Columbia University, and Montclair State University while he was finishing up his book and raising his children before moving to the WardlawHartridge High School in New Jersey.

When asked why he decided to teach, he said, “I knew when I was a senior in high school that I wanted to teach. I didn’t teach right when I got out of college, but I always knew I was going to end up teaching. I like the performance element of

it, I like the literature element, and I enjoy working with young people.”

Mr. Fulco spends the bulk of his free time

writing. He is currently editing a second book, and he hopes to publish it in the upcoming year. He writes every day, sometimes at 5 AM before the start of school. He loves hanging out with his 7-yearold twins and playing games, reading, writing, and playing piano with them. Mr. Fulco plays guitar, as well, and tries to work music into his life. He was playing in a band last year. On the topic of music, he reflected that, “I love music and it is a big part of me. I wish I could do more of it.”

This upcoming school year, Mr. Fulco hopes

to “keep up with the students’ motivation, intellect, capacity, and enthusiasm for learning.” He has been focusing on acclimating

Pingry Communications

to the culture of Pingry among both the student body and his teaching colleagues. When reflecting on his transition into the community, Mr. Fulco said, “I love it. I feel like I fell right into this place. I haven’t had much of an adjustment period — I felt ready to be here and work with Pingry students.

My classes have really trusted me from day one, and they accepted my idiosyncrasies and teaching style.”

Dr. Rosen Joins the Pingry Counseling Department

By BROOKE PAN (IV)

This fall, the Pingry Upper and Middle Schools welcome Dr. Adam Rosen to the campus’s Counseling Department. Dr. Rosen will work both in the office as a counselor and outside his office on projects to help aid the Pingry community.

Dr. Rosen attended the University of Michigan, where he received his B.A. in Communications. After graduating, Dr. Rosen attended the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, receiving a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Prior to arriving at Pingry, Dr. Rosen spent roughly 20 years working in counseling centers of multiple universities. He has a wide range of perspectives, having worked in various positions, including as a

support. He notes that it may be difficult for students to open up to someone new, and he looks to combat that.

During his time here, Dr. Rosen hopes to make his office available to any student who may need it and to break the stigma associated with counseling.

He noted that, “People may not only feel uncomfortable but also may have certain perceptions about counseling that aren’t exactly clarified, so I want to help to demystify counseling for most people and make sure that if they’re struggling, they never have to do it silently.”

Dr. Rosen welcomes the new challenges and is grateful for the opportunities he will have during his first year at Pingry.

Rhea Kapur (IV)

9

THE PINGRY RECORD NEW TEACHERS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Dr. R. Johnson Joins the Spanish Department Bienvenue à Pingry, Madame Changeux!

By VICKY GU (V)

This fall, Dr. Ryan Johnson joins the Upper School’s Spanish Department, teaching Spanish 6 Honors and Spanish 3.

Most recently, Dr. Johnson lived in South Carolina, teaching at Hilton Head Preparatory School for two years. Before that, he taught undergraduates for five years at the University of Virginia while working on his doctorate.

Dr. Johnson first heard about Pingry from his wife, Dr. Johnson. While talking to friends who lived in New Jersey, he learned about Pingry and its “amazing reputation.” Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Johnson also decided that it would be nice to live near his family.

Regarding the origins of his passion for teaching Spanish, Dr. Johnson says that he first started taking Spanish in middle school

Vicky Gu (V)

and continued studying it through high school. At the time, he realized he loved learning the language and culture, and knew he wanted to keep studying Spanish in college, even if it wasn’t his major. The more Spanish classes he took, though, the more he wanted to continue learning not only the Spanish language, but the history and culture of Spanish-speaking

countries.

After graduating, Dr. Johnson worked in Santiago, Chile teaching English and living with a host family for a year. He then further fulfilled his love for learning Spanish by studying Spanish Literature in graduate school. While in college, Dr. Johnson was inspired by his professors and recognized that he wanted to teach as well. He had tutored in high school and college and found that his naturally patient character suited his role as a teacher.

Though this will be his first year teaching high school students, Dr. Johnson is encouraged by the atmosphere of the Upper School at Pingry. “Students are becoming more independent and, at least at Pingry, are very self motivated and intellectually curious. I really respond to that,” he says. He finds it rewarding to “help kids on this

path to developing critical thinking and an appreciation for Spanish literature and language.”

In terms of his goals for this year, Dr. Johnson hopes to make the material he teaches as engaging as possible to create enthusiasm among his students. Because Spanish 3 and 6 Honors are also new classes for him, he will strive to get a sense of the curriculum by finding what the previous level has learned and the next level’s expectations. Essentially, Dr. Johnson hopes to effectively transition students to their next level of Spanish learning.

In his free time, Dr. Johnson loves to read, run, and hike. He generally likes to be outside, and really appreciates the vast number of hiking trails that can be found throughout New Jersey, especially near Basking Ridge.

every day and noted how delicious our served lunch is. Regarding the students, Dr. Johnson said, “It feels like students here want to learn and are willing to work hard to accomplish their

goals.” The motivation of the students is inspiring to her and she cannot wait to get to know the students and faculty even more. Her main goal for the school year is learning the school song, “Old John Pingry,” so she will be able to sing it with the rest of the community.

Dr. Johnson has limited free time due to her sevenmonth-old daughter, who she loves spending time with. Besides being a mom, she enjoys running and spending time outdoors.

Señora Johnson, as she is referred to by her students, is thrilled to be a part of the Pingry community and is eager to spread her passion for Spanish, and learning in general, throughout the school.

By FELICIA HO (VI)

Madame Anne Changeux joins the Middle and Upper School foreign language department to teach French 1, 2, and 4 Honors in the Upper School and French 2 in the Middle School.

She is also the French coordinator for the French-American global programs.

Madame Changeux has twenty-two years of experience in teaching French. She started

¡Bienvenido a Doctora G. Johnson!

By BRYNN WEISHOLTZ (V)

Among the twenty new faculty welcomed to Pingry this year is Dr. Gillian Johnson, who hails from Hilton Head, South Carolina, where she taught at Hilton Head Preparatory School. She is a graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, and she went on to receive her master’s degree and PhD in Spanish literature from the University of Virginia.

Dr. Johnson is inspired by both her parents, her grandfather, and her greatgrandfather, all of whom had a career in academia. Raised in a family of educators, she has a passion for helping and motivating students to reach their full potential.

Dr. Johnson said, “I want

to help students develop the same love and appreciation of the Spanish language and culture that I have.”

At Pingry, Dr. Johnson will be teaching Spanish 5, AP Spanish 5, and Spanish 7. She is also the Junior Varsity Field Hockey Assistant Coach. When asked what she likes best about Pingry thus far, Dr. Johnson stated that her favorite parts of the school are the block schedule, lunch, and the students. She shared that the block schedule provides ample time to efficiently prepare for each class, along with some relaxing down-time in between. She loves not having to pack lunch

Brynn Weisholtz (V)

Sra. López Joins the World Language and Diversity and Inclusion Departments

lingual/Bicultural Education When a friend asked her to from the Teacher’s College at teach a Spanish course, Sra. Columbia University in New López obliged and, realizing This fall, Sra. Alexa López York. her love for teaching, left her joins Pingry as a Spanish teacher and the Assistant to the Chair of the Department of Diversity and Inclusion.

As a member of the World Languages Department, she teaches two sections of Spanish 2 in the Upper School. In her role within the Department of Diversity and Inclusion, she teaches one section of the sixth grade Cultural Competency class. In addition, as the Assistant to the Chair to this department, Sra. López works with affinity groups to provide the “resources [students] need to have great conversations” as well as with the Multicultural Teams to make sure that they “have the tools they need to work with all children.”

Sra. López holds a B.S. in Business and Marketing from New Jersey’s Kean University and a Master of Arts in BiBy ANEESH KARUPPUR (IV)

by teaching the “language of love” to adult foreigners in France. Most recently, she taught nine years at The Peck School and nine years at Millburn High School. Her love for French has expanded beyond teaching her students basic grammar and vocabulary in a classroom. At The Peck School, she established the Lower School’s French curriculum, and at Millburn High School, Madame Changeux was the advisor for the French magazine and a chaperone for the French exchange program.

Born and raised in France, Madame Changeux naturally fell in love with her native language. Not only has she always been interested in French, but she has also wanted to become a teacher for as long as she can remember. Pursuing these two

work in business. For the next seven years, Sra. López taught at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, New York and at the Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York.

A native Puerto Rican, Sra. López is a native speaker of Spanish and understands that many nuances of the language can sometimes be overlooked in school curriculum.

When asked about how that immersive experience of growing up in a Spanishspeaking territory shaped her teaching, Sra.López said that she grew up “immersed in English first and then immersed in only Spanish and back and forth, and so I believe that you have to be in the language as much

Aneesh Karuppur (IV)

as possible to be able to absorb it and use it. I try to put myself in a place of just absorbing language and try to give that to my students.”

When asked about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Pingry community, Sra. López said, “I think it’s one of the most important things… it’s one of our four pillars of the school.

And rightfully so, because there are people here with all kinds of backgrounds, and we welcome more.” She understands that everyone wants to “feel needed and known for who they are.” One of her main goals for working in the Department of Diversity and Inclusion is to “offer more exposure to affinity groups…

I want students to know how helpful [affinity groups] are. I really want to get to know the community, first of all, and then adapt from there.”

Sra. López’s outside inter-

passions, Madame Changeux graduated from the University of Nanterre near Paris, France, with a Master’s in French Literature with distinction and a Master’s in Teaching of French as a Foreign Language. The University of Nanterre, or simply known as Nanterre, has a distinguished list of alumni, including Emmanuel Macron, the current President of France, and Nicolas Sarkozy, a former president of France.

After moving to the United States twenty years ago, M a d a m e Changeux has enjoyed teaching French to high school students of all levels, from beginner to advanced. After teaching at The Peck School, she began to truly value the close relationships she has the opportunity to build with students in a small class size environment.

This aspect is a uniquely private school Felicia Ho (VI)

experience, offering a lower teacher-to-student ratio compared to most public schools.

Now at Pingry, another private institution, she is excited to embrace these connections again as she is able to spend more time with individual students helping them with everything from their French homework to how to prepare for a study abroad program in France.

In addition to teaching French, Madame Changeux loves to read French and English books every night. An avid dancer, she takes both jazz and flamenco classes every week.

Looking to the year ahead, she is “very excited to join the Pingry team!”

ests include reading books that discuss topics that combine her work and her personal lives, such as the subject of identity development. Sra. Lopez enjoys vacationing and spending time with family and friends.

So far, Sra. López has truly been enjoying Pingry, explaining that “this campus offers so many resources that I haven’t had in other campuses.” She appreciates that everybody’s health and wellness “are really promoted here… and everybody’s so kind.” Of course, another important part of the Pingry experience is the food.

When asked about the lunch, Sra. López said, “The lunch is going to get me in trouble because I’m having way too much of it.”

10 THE PINGRY RECORD NEW TEACHERS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Ms. Boone Teaches Art to Middle and Upper School Students

By SOPHIA LEWIS (III)

This fall, the Pingry Visual Arts department welcomes Ms. Melody Boone to Pingry as a new faculty member. She will be teaching Art Fundamentals and Architecture to Upper School students, as well as an Art and Nature class to Middle School students. In addition, she will run an open studio art class for the middle school and the middle school yearbook.

Ms. Boone w e n t t o Vi rg i n i a Commonwealth University where she earned her

B.F.A in Painting and Printmaking. After this, she attended Pratt Institute where she earned her M.F.A. in Painting. Before coming to Pingry, Ms. Boone was a teacher of Photography and Art Fundamentals at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Virginia for seven years, and she taught an eighth grade art class at the same school for one year.

When asked what inspired her to become a teacher, Ms. Boone said: “I have been an artist my whole life, and I want to be able to share what I love with others. It’s a good thing to be able to

share something that you love to do with other people.” When she has free time, she likes to make her own art. “I haven’t had

Coach Braun Joins the Athletic Department

By ASHLEIGH PROVOOST (III)

This year, Coach Julia Braun joins the Pingry faculty as a fitness teacher and resident coach. She will be teaching Intro to Fitness and Fitness Education, while also coaching soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She will be working with those sports for the girls’ varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams.

Coach Braun completed her undergraduate studies at Bucknell University before receiving her M.S. in Exercise Physiology. Before working at Pingry, she worked at T3 Lacrosse in Morristown, New Jersey as a girls’ lacrosse coach.

She currently plays for Baltimore Ride during the summer, a professional lacrosse team in association with the United Women’s Lacrosse League.

Coach Braun’s real passion lies in lacrosse.

She was a two-time lacrosse captain at Bucknell, a Division I school.

Though she continues to play, she now finds fulfillment in coaching her favorite sport.

“I fell in love with coaching when I was sixteen,” she recalled. She

much time to make art recently since I have been so busy getting acclimated to the Pingry environment, figuring

Sophia Lewis (III)

out where everything is and getting used to classes. I hope that I can find some time to start making more art again.” She especially likes using many different medias in her work.

Looking forward, Ms. Boone’s goal is to make it through the year and find her place at Pingry, as the school is still relatively new to her.

“I’m still getting used to Pingry – I want the year to run smoothly for me.” On top of that, at some point during the school year, she wants to be able to find a time to do some three-dimensional printing, either on her

own or with one of her classes. She would also like to spend some time playing with materials in the art rooms that she teaches in. When asked about her experience at Pingry, Ms. Boone said that she “likes it here so far.” She also commented on the bustling, fast moving nature of the school: “Everyone here is so busy! It feels like Pingry is always buzzing– there is always something to do or somewhere to be.” Ms. Boone hopes to have a great first year!

Dr. Chin-Shefi Joins Language Department

were awesome.”

By EVA SCHILLER (IV) described the moment Coach Braun truly bewhen she realized how This year, Pingry lieves Pingry is a special much of an “impact she place. “Everyone at Pin- welcomes Dr. Sawas able to have on the gry was so warm and brina Chin-Shefi into people [she] coached.” the Middle and Upper School Language Departments, where she will be teaching Chinese 2, Chinese 5, and Chinese 7. Eager to get more involved in the Pingry community, she has already explored several committee meetings and will eventually decide which ones she is interested in. She is also very excited to be helping out as a producer for the upcoming school play.

Dr. Chin-Shefi attended Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, where she earned a B.A. in English Literature and Language; she went on to receive an M.S. in Instructional Ashleigh Provost (III) Media at Indiana State She also enjoys teaching; she loves learning and welcoming,” she said. University and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Insharing her knowledge “I had never worked at a struction from Kansas about exercise and the place where the students State University. Before were so kind to each other science behind it. coming to Pingry, she When asked why she and to the faculty. I never was a Chinese teacher chose to work at Pingry, had a bad interaction with and overseer of variCoach Braun described anyone here; I only had ous Chinese programs her first impression of the genuine and honest con- at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, school. “Before I started versations.”

Tennessee. Even before working here, I volun- She is looking forward she worked in America, teered at the weight room; to the upcoming year and Dr. Chin-Shefi worked I really enjoyed the envi- meeting all of the students with students at the ronment here,” she said. in the community. Wel- Chinese University of Hong Kong as a lec“Everyone was very nice come, Coach Braun! turer and participant in to me, and the students

professional committee boards.

Despite her years of experience, she notes that adapting to Pingry

ter.” Besides teaching, Dr. Chin-Shefi loves traveling, as well as visiting her friends and loved ones. “I also like to do some gardening work,” she added.

W h e n asked about what inspired her to teach, Dr. Chin-Shefi answered right away: “because I love teaching,” she laughed.

However, her choice of profeslife is not the easiest.Pingry Communications sion goes much deep“I find the schedule is my biggest challenge,” er than that. “I enjoy said Dr. Chin-Shefi, communicating with especially when work- people about concepts ing with the conflicting because it’s concepts schedules of the Middle that determine where and Upper School. In we’re headed,” she spite of these minor dif- remarked. “We have ficulties, Dr. Chin-Shefi to constantly adapt maintains that she feels by learning from othvery welcomed into the ers and reflecting on Pingry community and ourselves.” With her that her experience has insightfulness and been “so far so good!” dedication, Dr. ChinAs she continues to Shefi has already eswork with her students, tablished herself as a she plans to “do the best valued member of the that [she] possibly can, Pingry community. and help those who are taking [her] classes to be able to do bet-

11

THE PINGRY RECORD NEW TEACHERS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Middle School Welcomes Mr. David Rushforth Excited to Teach Financial Literacy Both Inside and Outside of the Classroom Ms. Babilonia as New Art Teacher

By FELICIA HO (VI)

By MAILE WINTERBOTTOM (IV)

This fall, the Pingry community welcomes Ms. Xiomara Babilonia as the new Middle School art teacher. She teaches sixth and seventh-grade art, introductory art courses where students are able to learn new techniques using different materials. Before coming to Pingry, she taught art in the Camden school district for fifteen years. She received her B.A. in sculpture at Rutgers University and then went on to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she got her M.A. in ceramics. In the spring, she plans to be the assistant Middle School softball coach. “I love softball; I played in high school and my daughter plays little league,” she added.

When speaking about why she became a teacher, she said, “I’ve always loved to share my knowledge and inspire excitement in other people.” During her time teaching in Camden, she taught a class for local

This fall, Mr. David Rushforth joins the Pingry community to teach the Financial Literacy curriculum. Outside of the classroom, he coaches the Upper School Boys’ third Soccer team and the Middle School Girls’ Tennis teams. He also advises the Credit Union Team, the Entrepreneurship Club, and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Previously, Mr. Rushforth worked as a financial analyst in Fixed Income Asset Management for fifteen years, mostly at Prudential. During his time there, he was also able to spend time on the Money Market, Global/FX, Municipal Bond, and Mortgage trading desks.

Most recently, he spent two years teaching as a substitute in the Bernards Township School District.

Mr. Rushforth first became interested in finance after watching how his parents reacted to and handled their family economics during the “Black Friday” stock market crash of 1989. In college, even though he was a declared

History major, he found that he was enjoying many of the economics and business classes that he had originally chosen to take just for fun. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College with a B.A. in History, but later pursued business by graduating with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Rutgers Business School. After his then to-be wife moved to New Jersey, “everything fell into place with a job in finance.”

After spending several years in Prudential, Mr. Rushforth began to realize his love for teaching—a love that he had since his high school years. In fact, when he was asked to help in developing and implementing a training program for new associates at Prudential, he became one of the main mentors. It was in this experience that the “teaching ‘fire’ was re-started in earnest.” Soon after, he began to seriously consider and reflect on his dreams of becoming a teacher.

In his transition to teaching, Mr. Rushforth attended Bergen Community Col-

lege and completed the New Pathways to Teaching program. Afterwards, he began to substitute for teachers in the Bernards Township School District.

At Pingry, he loves to see students take initiative in making their own learning experiences as innovating and interesting as possible.

He appreciates how Pingry encourages its students to go beyond the classroom to grow into exceptional leaders and citizens of the world. In reflecting upon his first few

from the US.” She thinks it is important to “take away the things that I think are great from those cultures and try to implement them into my life.” From a more environmental perspective, Ms. Zimmerman acknowledges that “environmental challenges can be different throughout the world” and she finds it interesting to see other cultures’ perspectives on these issues.

In her free time, Ms. Zimmerman enjoys working out, taking dance classes, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family. Notably, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2016.

One of the most interesting things she’s done in her adult life, according to Ms. Zimmerman, was building a model designed to see how climate change would affect elephants’

weeks at Pingry, he described it as a “whirlwind, but from the first time I walked through the front doors for an interview back in late August, I felt right at home.”

Outside of Pingry, he is a member of the Oak Street School Parents Leadership Committee, helping to develop and implement programs for students and parents that emphasize the value of leadership, and a chair of the school’s Roald Dahl Day. He loves cooking and being outdoors, whether through fishing, hiking, or biking. He is also a USA Swimming official at the Berkeley Aquatic Club, where his daughter swims. Having been raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts where he worked as a pilgrim at the Plantation as a kid, he is an avid New England sports fan.

Mr. Rushforth is excited to be joining the Pingry community, and would like to share his favorite question with students: What would you do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?

Pingry Communications

Ms. Zimmerman Inspires Environmental Curiosity

By JOSIE ALSTON (IV)

Pingry Communications

high school students at the Tyler School of Art where she helped them find out if art was a path they wanted to pursue. “It was kind of a program for them to feel it out,” she adds. Ms. Babilonia loves Pingry so far, describing it as “a very cool environment– there’s a lot of support from the teachers and staff.”

One other thing Ms. Babilonia did before Pingry was help run a project called the ‘Claymobile’; “it was a van filled with all types of supplies for ceramics, and we would go to different schools, and do ceramics projects with the students.” She says that this program led her to discover that she wanted to be a teacher. Her main goal for this year is to try to expand the Middle School ceramics program – in the future, she hopes that more attention can be brought to Middle School ceramics, and even plans to advocate for the creation of a Middle School ceramics studio.

The first project she did with the students this year was, unsurprisingly, a ceramics project. Right away, the students “started getting dirty and creative.”

One of her main interests outside of school is traveling. She also says that she is a big foodie, and loves to combine these passions: “Wherever I travel, I love to find really good eats, places that are off the beaten path.”

She has an eleven-year-old daughter and a sixyear-old son. Ms. Babalonia also runs a party entertainment business where she does henna, face paint, and other exciting art forms. Ms. Babalonia is “excited to get [her] feet wet and learn the ins and outs of Pingry!”

This school year, Ms. Madeline Zimmerman joins the Middle School as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher. She will also be the assistant coach of the Middle School swimming and water polo teams.

Ms. Zimmerman earned her B.S. in Environmental Studies at Yale University with a concentration in Biodiversity and Conservation. Her motivation in pursuing her major was “the passion of others in the major, each class ending with a sense of hope, and a group of people coming together to want to make a world a better place.”

Ms. Zimmerman has been a swimmer since she was five years old and was on Yale’s swimming and diving teams.

She studied abroad in Tanzania at the School for Field Studies’ Center for Wildlife Management, worked at a food supply company in Rwanda, and researched conservation efforts of the elephant in Thailand.

When asked why she chose to travel so much, Ms. Zimmerman responded, “I just love immersing myself in new cultures and learning about the world and seeing how different it is

prime habitats. She found that climate change is actually healthier for the animals and would create a more hospitable environment for them. This example stands out for her because it was “a glimmer of happiness within the sad topic [of climate change].” Her experience has shaped her as a teacher because “it helps me see that things aren’t always black and white.

Even though something could seem bad or something can seem great, you have to always consider that there are other factors that are going on that can change the way that you view something.”

Ms. Zimmerman was quick to share that she loves Pingry because it is such a “diverse and exciting community” where the people are passionate and the faculty and staff are incredibly welcoming. She loves that the students have energy to spare and “every day, I’m doing something new.” She hopes that as a teacher she will be able to share her love for science and encourage her students to have a feeling of wonder and curiosity for the world around them.

Pingry Communications

Other Faculty and Staff Joining Pingry This Year Emma Liu, Lower School music teacher Shalini Parikh, second-grade teacher Nadielle McArthur, Lower School Administrative Assistant Alex Bonner, School Store and Online Auxiliary Store Associate Soroya Campbell, Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship Alicia Sharma, Accounting Supervisor

Mary Whithed, Major Gifts Officer (Institutional Advancement) Elizabeth Breidinger, Director of Institutional Advancement Michael Ciampa (SAGE), Food Service Director Kim Needham (SAGE), Assistant Food Service Director/Catering Won Ho (SAGE), Executive Chef

12

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Convocation Emphasizes Community with Word an Open Mind in the Hall

By RHEA KAPUR (IV)

On September 7th, Upper and Middle School students and faculty came together in Hauser Auditorium to commemorate the beginning of the new school year with the annual Convocation ceremony. A traditional, deeplyvalued event in the community, Convocation allows all students and faculty to formally recognize the Honor Code and set the tone for the upcoming school year with a number of speeches.

The ceremony was led by senior faculty member Mr. Miller Bugliari ‘52 with the Invocation where he encouraged students and faculty to have “the ability to see the big picture” and to “anticipate outcomes so you are able to make good decisions” this year. He was followed by Student Body President Andrew Cowen (VI) who emphasized his strong belief in the collective community and his desire to contribute, as well as his driving motivations to be a student leader. Acknowl-

edging the many amazing figures who have addressed the community on Hauser’s stage before and recognizing his own relative standing, Cowen shared his reasons for and thoughts on his place on stage. He spoke to how every one of us “want[s] to be a part of something bigger than ourselves,” namely, the Pingry

Pingry Communications community. He also encouraged students and faculty to “think tour, emphasizing the value about what we can accomplish” of a supportive community. He during this upcoming school year. encouraged students to “have

Pingry Rallies Around Football at Friday Night Lights

By NOAH BERGAM (IV)

The Big Blue football team had an impressive 20-0 win against Montclair Kimberley Academy at the PSPA’s annual Friday Night Lights event on October 12. Students and Faculty from both campuses came to support and cheer the team on to victory.

Middle and Upper School singers kicked off the evening with the National Anthem, and, thanks to Middle School Athletics Director Gerry Vanasse, young fans enjoyed a variety of games, activities, and prize giveaways before and during the game. Middle Schoolers ran an impressive flag rush, as well as a MegaV-Ball game, at half time.

Nate Hefner (VI) and

Next, Honor Board Chairperson Drew Beckmen (VI) spoke to the immeasurable support, comfort, and guidance a strong community can offer.

He used a story about how a group of complete strangers had remained by his side when his bike broke down during a 24-kilometer bike

the courage to ask questions” and remember that “the Honor Code represents a promise to support those around you. By lifting each other up, we realize our own potential.”

Board of Trustees Chairperson Mr. Jeffrey Edwards ‘78, P ‘12, P ‘14, P ‘18 began his speech by asking the audience about whether our large variety of perspectives on a plastic water bottle shed light onto our personalities. He spoke to how there will be many different viewpoints for students to consider this academic year, but he advised that “when interacting with people, and in your academics, consider possibilities, perspectives, and nuance.”

Lastly, Headmaster Mr. Nathaniel Conard P ‘09, P ‘11 spoke about and connected the lives of John McCain and Aretha Franklin, two unforgettable icons that had different views on the world and recently passed

Annual Fall Awards Assembly Celebrates Student Effort and Achievement

By LAUREN TAYLOR (V)

Zach Dobson (VI) led the team to an impressive +4 on turnovers. Scorers included Luke Engelke (III), James Wong (V), and Joe Shilts (VI) in the 2nd quarter, and Peter Nicoletti (VI) in the 3rd quarter. Pingry football had a great showing, on both offense and defense, according to Head Coach Christopher Shilts.

Meanwhile, under the tent, students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni enjoyed a mouth-watering tailgate of pizza, meatballs, mozzarella sticks, pigs in a blanket, wings, hot apple cider, and a wide range of desserts, all provided by the PSPA It was a fun night for everyone.

Congratulations to Big Blue football, and thanks to all the Pingry fans for their support!

Noah Bergam (IV)

away. Mr. Conard spoke to our own tendency to surround ourselves with those whose opinions are similar to ours.

He encouraged the community to “walk out of any echo chamber in which you find yourself, to engage with each other and with each other’s ideas in a respectful manner, to entertain the possibility that you might be wrong, and to assume good intentions on the part of others.”

New student Zoe Wang (III) offered her take on the event, saying it was “a memorable start to the school year and a wonderful tradition that I’ll look forward to for the next three years.” The ceremony closed with a rendition of “Old John Pingry” to establish a thoughtful and energetic start to this school year.

On Friday, September 21, Upper School students gathered in Hauser Auditorium to celebrate students who have exhibited exemplary academic achievement in the previous school year.

The ceremony began by recognizing the Pingry seniors who received an honor from the National Merit Scholarship Program for exceptional scores on last year ’s PSAT exam. This year, 41 Pingry students were named National Merit Commended Students. Out of that group, 10 Pingry seniors were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists and granted the opportunity to advance as finalists in the spring. Those students were seniors Andrew Beckman, Miroslav Bergam, Abigail Berger, Felicia Ho, Annette Jones, Matthew Keller, Jackson Lubke, Kevin Ma, Paige Maultsby, and Ketaki Tavan.

Following these recognitions, Upper School Director Ananya Chatterji presented the Citizenship Prize, which is given to one recipient from each grade who best embodies the community spirit of the Honor Code.

Headmaster Nat Conard presented the Faculty Prize to one recipient from each grade who has shown commendable effort and commitment the past academic year. Finally, Upper School Director Chatterji presented the Scholarship Prize to the student in each grade with

the highest academic GPA. Next, seniors who excelled in math and science were presented with various awards from the respective departments.

These awards included the Rensselaer Mathematics and Science Award, as well as the Whitlock Prize for Math.

Mr. Conard then presented the College Book Awards. Each College Book Award is presented to the member of the senior class who best embodies the qualities and values of the particular college named. Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Mount Holyoke, Penn, Princeton, Smith, Wellesley, Williams, and Yale were the 11 colleges represented this year for the awards.

On behalf of The Justin Society Creative Writing Contest, Ms.

Christine Taylor, the chair of the English Department, then announced the winners of the annual competition.

Writers submitted their entries last spring, which were then reviewed by the English Department. During the assembly, writers and poets from every grade received awards and honorable mentions for their works of creative writing, poetry, historical fiction, and more.

Breaking tradition, the Cum Laude Society did not announce its new members for the fall of 2018. Rather, all of its members will be inducted in the spring.

The ceremony served as a wonderful reminder of the commendable energies that Pingry students and faculty bring to the school every day. The Pingry community congratulates all of the students honored at the ceremony and looks

Pingry Communications

13

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Pingry Entrepreneurship Club Ready For Exciting Second Year

By MADELINE SKAPPER (V)

By MEGHAN DURKIN (IV)

This fall, the Pingry Entrepreneurship Club is gearing up for an exciting second year. The club, led by Noopur Bhatt (V), Madeline Skapper (V), and Nicole Gilbert (V), focuses on providing students with a foundation of entrepreneurial topics to help students create their own business ideas to eventually form their own startup companies.

Last year, the club participated in the MIT LaunchX Mid-Atlantic Regional Event in New York City, an entrepreneurial event

to the five judges who gave out four awards.

Pingry brought two teams to present at the event.

MyEcoWears, LLC. is an online sustainable clothing company founded by Bhatt, Skapper, Gilbert, and Emma Huang (IV).

Petgradable is a company that advertises environmentally conscious pet products created by Rita Harrobin (V), Alesia Paliwoda (IV), and Kate Overdeck (IV). (Udochi Emeghara (VI) was a part

where students from across the East Coast gathered to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. Twentythree teams comprised of groups of high school students pitched their ideas

of Petgradable as well, but was not able to attend.) The MyEcoWears, LLC. team won the “Most Customer Engagement” award at the

Madeline Skapper (V)

event for the business plan pitch.

This year, the club is looking for more students interested in entrepreneurship or business to join and form their novel company ideas. The club plans to host an entrepreneurial panel as well as attend entrepreneurship events during the year where students will have the opportunity to present their own company ideas.

These opportunities provide students with unique experiences in the world of business, which are not accessible to every high school student. The events are also an effective way to practice public speaking, as the pitches are presented to a large audience and judges.

The successful 20172018 school year was a great introduction for the Entrepreneurship Club, and they know this year will be even better. The club will adapt based on last year’s successes, as they plan to spend more time on the business creation process and learning about entrepreneurial concepts. The club is excited to see what creative company ideas students will come up with this year.

National Coming Out Day Brings LGBT Stories to Light

By VICKY GU (V)

On October 11,

an array of guest speakers increased awareness about the realities of being LGBTQ+ by sharing their coming out stories for National Coming Out Day at Pingry. The event also included time for students and faculty to volunteer to share their past and present stories. Although the nature of the speeches and discussions was serious, there were plenty of lighthearted moments. Overall, the event was not only informative, but fun and enjoyable as well.

In addition to shared stories, the event, held in the multi-arts room, also included food and rainbowcolored desserts like cake, cookies, and cupcakes. Fun music helped to enliven the atmosphere as well. Instead of only receiving a lecture about the difficulties of being LGBTQ+, the audience received first-hand accounts of its realities. These realities were sometimes about very sensitive and difficult times, such as when a speaker was realizing for the first time that they were gay. As one student said, “the hardest part for me was coming out to myself.” However, the accounts were sometimes cheerful as well, such as when a speaker came out to their family, and they accepted them wholeheartedly. “A lot of times, we hear about only the bad side” about being LGBTQ+,

Students Take the Classroom Abroad

says Ethan Malzberg (VI), who leads the Gay-Straight Alliance along with Veronica Williams (VI) at Pingry. “A lot of times, there are good, happy parts as well.”

This year, National Coming Out Day at Pingry emphasized this more positive aspect of being and learning about being LGBTQ+, and the atmosphere was thus extremely conducive to both learning and sharing personal experiences. “It’s a time of both learning and fun,” Ethan says. The leaders of the GayStraight Alliance at Pingry wanted it to be an “overall happy event”, and they were more than successful with that.

The leaders of the GayStraight Alliance hope that people who aren’t a part of the LGBTQ+ community will be able to be able to better sympathize with those who share their s t o r i e s . To those who are LGBTQ+, they hope that the event will help remind them that they are not alone. To everyone not out of the closet yet, no matter

O v e r t h e s u m m e r, groups of Pingry students traveled to Peru, Belize, Croatia, Bosnia, and Germany to learn about and explore these countries’ cultures outside of the classroom. Whether by meeting locals, visiting cultural sites, or exploring the sea, these travelers immersed themselves in their research. This year, for the first time, students received academic credit for their learning abroad.

Students in Belize spent most of their time exploring coral reefs in order to research how changing environmental factors have affected the reefs and the aquatic life that surrounds them. Between snorkeling and collecting data, the group worked to compile their research for a final project.

In Germany, another group traveled to discover the differences between how Germany handles immigration and the Syrian refugee crisis compared to the United States. Students immersed themselves in German culture during homestays, visited Berlin, and spent time at a local German school. Zara Jacob (IV), reflecting on her experience throughout her time in Germany, explained that she learned, “America is not the center

of the world.”

In Peru, students investigated the work of nonprofit organizations and their missions of sustainability while visiting Lima, Uratari, and Machu Picchu. Working with the Denan Project, a nonprofit that assists isolated communities in countries like Peru, Ethiopia, and Mongolia, students examined these organizations while enjoying a parade in their honor, an invitation to the Peruvian Congress, and homestays.

While in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, another group of students talked with locals and explored cities to learn more about nationalism and national identity in the Balkans. Within the Croatian cities of Zagreb and Dubrovnik and Bosnian cities of Sarajevo

Madeline Skapper (V)

and Mostar, they investigated the impact of the countries’ history on their state today.

Mr. Jewett, the Director of Global Education, led the cause in allowing academic credit to be given to the trip-goers in order to “increase the curricular connection between offcampus programs and oncampus ones.” He wishes to offer students “a good chance to reflect on something they learned.” Along with the academic goal of each individual trip, Mr. Jewett strongly emphasized the critical life skills that develop while students are abroad. In addition to independence, travelers “build empathy, recognizing that other people in the world have perspectives about the world that are different than yours”.

their situation, the leaders hope they will be inspired by others who have shared their stories to someday come out when it feels appropriate for them.

The event also made clear that the LGBTQ+ affinity group is not limited to those who have come out but also welcomes those who are questioning their identities.

The overarching goals of Pingry’s Gay-Straight Alliance are essentially to identify and increase the visibility of issues concerning those within the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside of Pingry. As Annaya Baynes summarized, “you just have to be who you are,” and National Coming Out Day tries to help address that struggle each year.

Vicky Gu (V)

By GEORGIA LIU (VI)

14

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Mr. Crowley-Delman Educates Physics Wing Revamped This Fall Students Beyond the Smartboards

By ZACH TRICHAS (VI)

By BRANDON LANE (V)

Mr. John Crowley-Delman is a World 9 History teacher at Pingry. He is also a wilderness “addict” who enjoys hiking and backpacking. Most recently he was appointed to a new role: Pingry’s Director of Experiential Education.

While experiential education does not have a hard-and-fast definition, it is essentially, as Mr. Crowley-Delman explains it, “learning by doing.”

Experiential education has always been a part of Mr. Crowley-Delman’s life, beginning at a young age by spending summers at Camp Treetops, an outdoor learning institution for boys and girls near Lake Placid. His experiences continued over the years, and in 2017, he led two travel opportunities for Pingry students: Winter in the North Woods in the Adirondacks and City of Rock in Utah. All of these activities helped shape his passion and ultimately his teaching methods.

“Why do we study history?” This was the first question he asked in World 9 History class. Students took their time developing complex answers with the hope of impressing their teacher.

Then he shocked the room by saying, “Studying history doesn’t matter. It’s experiencing it that’s important.”

Mr. Crowley-Delman was laying the groundwork for

his students to learn handson and then reflect independently on what was learned.

These are the principles of experiential education.

The main goals Mr. Crowley-Delman has for this year in his new role are to “shine a light on how experiential learning is already happening at Pingry, expand opportunities, and improve the program as a whole.” He believes students need to experience a “wow moment” or have a realization about that which they are learning. This occurs through reflection.

Global Programs is an example of how Pingry is providing experiential opportunities for its students.

For example, the City of Rock Program was a backpacking adventure through Utah’s canyon wilderness that brought students into

contact with some of the best preserved Ancestral Puebloan rock art and cliffdwellings in existence. To see and feel pieces of ancient history, photograph them, and reflect on what was learned helped bring the material to life--something that doesn’t easily happen in a classroom listening to a lecture or watching a PowerPoint.

The principles of experiential education are founded upon the process of conceptualizing, experimentation, experience, and reflection.

Mr. Crowley-Delman will work to merge traditional teaching styles with these principles. With a new hybrid in place, he hopes the opportunities Pingry provides will encourage students to pursue experiential education not only while they are on its campus but for years to come.

With the start of the new school year, Pingry’s physics wing has been completely redone. The first floor of the wing now offers a collaborative area, with wall-mounted desks underneath the stairs. Unlike the previous stairwell, the new stairs are positioned in order to streamline traffic in the area.

These stairs are wider and allow more students to be on it at one time. Next to the stairs, an elevator is currently being built.

Inside the classrooms, there have been a number of changes. Everything, including the walls, desks, chairs, and equipment have been renovated.

The classic black chairs that were seen around the physics wing have been replaced by newer blue chairs that offer more flexibility. The rooms have also been restocked with new cutting-edge equipment, which will be used for labs and demonstrations. The older equipment has been moved to the hallway, where it has been placed inside glass cabinets. These now serve as mementos of Pingry’s past.

Other major changes in the physics wing include the office spaces. Before, a majority

Brandon Lane (V)

of the physics teachers were in a single room, while Mr. Drew Burns, Mrs. Jill Law, and Mr. Graham Touhey were in a smaller office that required students to walk through a classroom to get to them.

Mrs. Law loves the new changes, remarking that the space “feels open and collaborative.” Now, the

offices are spread out on two seperate levels. The office on the second floor also has a new meeting room, similar to the one in the biology wing.

Returning students may also find that the English room on the second floor has been turned into a science room. Previously, this room was used by Dr. Susan Dineen, who retired last year. The room has a plethora of tools, including diagrams and models of the human body and various geological samples.

These samples are for the recently added Advanced Geoscience course. The course is divided into two semesters, with one focusing on climate change and atmospheric disasters and the other focusing on tectonic disasters.

The renovations for the physics wing have been well received, with

Zach Trichas (VI)

students appreciating how flexible the new space is. “I honestly think the new physics wing is great,” said Evan Taylor (VI). “It feels like there’s a lot more space, and it feels really modern.” The new community spaces and flexible classrooms promote collaboration, and are a welcome addition to the school.

Chef Won Works Won-ders in the Kitchen

By JUSTIN LI (IV)

Among numerous rousing announcements during the first morning meeting of the year, students seemed to cheer the loudest at the introduction of the new head chef, Won Ho. The collective reaction indicated how members of the community were craving a change in the cafeteria, and in these first few weeks of school, he and his team have proven that the excitement surrounding his arrival had been well-warranted.

One of the most noticeable improvements that students and faculty are enjoying is the upgraded salad, panini, and pasta bars in the center of the dining hall.

With shelves for plates, bowls, and cups built into their sides, the stations radiate modernity and are one of many changes that have made Pingry’s dining experience more streamlined. The addition of a second pasta bar with pre-tossed pasta helped

solve the endless lines of previous years, although the new sauces and near-daily breadsticks seem to keep these lines long. Pre-assembled paninis at the panini bar have also addressed the same problem.

Along with these layout changes comes the more frequently-appearing build-your-own station that has established itself to the right of the old panini presses, where students can customize foods like stir-fry noodles and baked potatoes with a plethora of sauces, seasonings, and toppings.

Despite these exciting upgrades, the biggest and most important improvement has been the food itself. When asked about his goals for the year, Chef Won says that he hopes to “give the food more variety, more selection, and to improve the speed and quality.” It is safe to say that he and the Sage Dining staff have already succeeded in resolving difficulties that have plagued the school for years. In regards to

variety and selection, the Upper School has enjoyed new dishes such as chicken and waffles, gnocchi with butternut squash, and customizable Korean rice bowls. Brownies, chocolate-chip cookie bars, and new frozen treats have been integrated into the dessert rotation as well. As the year goes on, Pingry students and faculty can be sure that SAGE Dining will continue to surprise them with new choices. Chef Won says his favorite part about cooking is “the food and the culture. It’s always the culture. Different styles of cooking, different flavored foods, different spices,” and the eclectic range of food he has prepared this year reflects these cultural influences.

Overall, the products that leave the kitchen taste fresher, better seasoned, and more polished than foods from previous years, which can be largely attributed to Chef Won’s leadership. In his own words, “I’m just making sure that everyone’s tasting their food, working with individuals, training them,

creating their resume, and making them stronger. Some members of [the staff] have been here for a long time, and I’m just giving them the tools they need to improve and making little adjustments.” This year, Chef Won has made sure that students are well-fed for their classes, sports, and activities every day, and with his team’s work, the dining hall seems busier than it has ever been.

Pingry Communications

15

THE PINGRY RECORD CLASS TRIPS OCTOBER 29, 2018

Peer Retreat to Camp Bryn Mawr Class of 2019 Brings in the New Starts Off Year for Freshmen School Year With the Senior Retreat

By NATALIE DEVITO (III)

On the morning of August 29th, a large party of anxious freshmen and eager seniors departed from Pingry. They crowded into four buses and enjoyed a long drive across state lines, bound for the Bryn Mawr Mountain Retreat and Conference Center in Pennsylvania. Here, the freshmen would take on challenges meant to help them connect

as a class.

When the freshmen emerged from the buses at Bryn Mawr, the stifling late August heat was obvious, and they realized within minutes that none of them were dressed properly for the weather! Despite this, the students pushed forward and unpacked at their cabins, ready for the first set of challenges.

Working in groups consisting of two senior leaders and eight freshmen, the students collaborated to construct chariots capable of holding a freshman.

Each group also decorated a banner that reflected their peer group pride!

By PRAESANA DANNER (VI)

The next obstacle peer groups faced was a stretch of woods dubbed ‘The Gauntlet,’ a trail with an array of challenges that tested their logic, strategic skills, and stamina.

Everyone spread out around the course and raced to finish with the lowest time. Although we were not the fastest team by far, my peer group had a blast;

Natalie Devito (III)

we were all cracking jokes together, even though many of the students had just met. The stress of competition helped us break down barriers and trust each other more.

The biggest surprise of the trip was the impromptu dance held in the dining hall that night where the freshmen all found the energy to get on the dance floor and have fun. Adding to the surprise, the seniors, in costume, ran onto the floor when the freshmen least expected it and started dancing. Sarah Kloss (III) says, “The seniors

really brightened up the dance and added excitement.” Another student enjoyed “kicking off the school year with a really happy and entertaining festival.” Others, including Evan Berger (III), were happy to share some quiet time outside the dance, but everyone found a way to enjoy the late-night festivities.

The next morning, everyone woke up early and tested their constructions from the day before, including chariots made from PVC pipe and blankets. As the “lucky” freshman who was forced into my peer group’s chariot, the chariot race was an event that I certainly won’t forget!

All too soon, it was time to depart Bryn Mawr, but not before reflecting on the trip together as we sat on the grass.

My classmates came forward with their favorite moments – Samuel Henriques (III) recognized every experience in the trip as valuable, “even at night, when we suffered together in cabins with no air conditioning.” Ram Doraswamy (III) took the opportunity to get to know new members of the grade (and of course, play Heads Up) during the long bus ride. Zoe Wang (III) says, “I got to see what the Pingry community is like outside of school.

As a new student, it opened up my eyes.” The freshmen class relished the chance to connect with their peers, let loose, and prepare themselves for the year ahead!

The Juniors Go to Philly

By BRYNN WEISHOLTZ (V)

On a mighty first day of class trips, the junior class explored the historical sites of Philadelphia and a renowned museum.

Arriving bright and early on an unseasonably hot September morning, the junior class prepared to board coach buses and embark on a trip to Philadelphia. The students gathered in their advisory groups and, upon arriving in the City of Brotherly Love, began a gradewide scavenger hunt.

Walking around Philadelphia on a search for historical artifacts and buildings, students rekindled friendships from last year while finding everything from jumbo-sized puzzle pieces to the famous Prince Music Theater.

Following the scavenger hunt, the students and faculty made their way to the acclaimed Reading Terminal Market.

Celebrating 125 years in existence, the Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s largest

and oldest public markets, offering its visitors a wide selection of produce, meats, poultry, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and much more.

The market is not only a source of locally grown and exotic food choices – it is home to a variety of restaurants and, more

importantly, is regarded as a piece of Philadelphian history that draws tourists and locals year round.

As they ate their lunch in the National Historic Landmark Building, which is home to the Reading Terminal Market, the students took some time to relax and rest after their hunt around Philly.

The final stop of the day was to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the students had an opportunity to walk the halls of the quiet museum and take in all the beautiful works, especially noting the serene water lily paintings and antique Chinese artifacts.

Brynn Weisholtz (V)

After a full day of touring Philadelphia and spending time learning and laughing with classmates, the students and faculty were ready to return to campus.

The students’ day in Philadelphia was undoubtedly the perfect outing to kick off junior year at Pingry.

On September 4th, the class of 2019 began their first unofficial day of school at the Pocono Valley Resort in Reeders, Pennsylvania. The seniors were able to kick off their final year of Pingry by bonding, relaxing, and beginning the college application process on their overnight Senior Retreat.

The seniors arrived by noon after an hourand-a-half drive; they were then set free to enjoy all of the activities the camp had to offer, including ziplining, rock climbing, volleyball, and playing on obstacle courses and inflatables. Some even took a dip in the pool!

A favorite amongst the seniors was the zipline – “I went on the zipline twice. The first time I was pretty scared, and then the second time I was a pro,” said Nicole Toney (VI).

After dinner, everyone ran back to their cabins to get their costumes ready for the royalty-themed dance (inspired by the Class o f 2 0 1 9 ’s s l o g a n “RE19N”). Tutus and glitter were everywhere

as students dressed up as Disney princesses, the kings and queens on playing cards, and many other variations of the dance theme.

After the dance, the whole grade met around the campfire to make s’mores before going to bed. “It was a ton of fun hanging out with people who I had known for four years, as our time together is coming to an end; they feel like family for me,” said Nabeel Jan (VI).

The next morning, students were divided into three groups and shuffled between various college workshops led by college counselors Mrs. Amy Cooperman, Mrs. Meghan Finegan, Mrs. Cherilyn Reynolds, Mrs. Susan Kinney, and Mr. Timothy Lear. One workshop dealt with working on college essays

and crafting the perfect first line and another involved a Q&A about the truths of the college process. The third workshop dealt with leadership roles and our privileges as both students and leaders of the Pingry community, which was led by assistants within the diversity and inclusion department, Ms. Alexa Lopez and Mrs. Eva Ostrowsky.

After these workshops, the seniors had one last meal before heading home, ready to ease into their first official day of school.

Overall, the experience “was such a fun way to start off the year!

We got to reunite with friends and relax together. It was great to get our minds off the college process,” said Ethan Malzberg (VI).

Praesana Danner (VI)

New York Trip Provides an Exciting Start for Sophomores

By ZARA JACOB (IV)

The class of 2021 eased into their sophomore year with a trip to New York City, exploring exhibits in the Museum of Natural History and and seeing the Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”

With not a single textbook or laptop in hand, the grade split up onto four buses and headed on a 90-minute ride to the city. After reaching the museum, they were divided by advisories, perusing the various exhibits at the museum. Unlike previous years, where a scavenger hunt was assigned, the students had the freedom to pick which exhibits they wanted to visit with their advisories. Many of the students appreciated this change; Meghan Durkin (IV) explains, “I enjoyed the museum more than I anticipated because I got to see exhibits that I thought were interesting, as opposed to a plan created by our advisors.” From fossils to dioramas filled with cavemen, the first segment of the trip maintained a good balance of fun and education.

After eating lunch in the museum, the students made their way back to the buses and headed to the theater.

Despite a slight accidental detour, all 150 sophomores

eventually made it to the correct theater, where they watched the 2 o’clock showing of “Dear Evan Hansen.”

As the students crowded up the stairs, many stopped for snacks, waiting anxiously for the musical to begin.

“Dear Evan Hansen” tackles themes of bullying, loneliness, and suicide -daunting topics that many teenagers face today. Sanjana Biswas (IV) says, “the musical was relevant to the modern times we live in, and the portrayal of social media and its platform was very accurate.”

The musical begins with showing two teenage boys who struggle with depression and anxiety. Evan, the protagonist of the musical, desperately seeks to step out of the shadows and be noticed. We see Evan’s yearning for true care and appreciation through the passionate performance of his song, “Waving through a Window.” His mother, juggling school and work, struggles to be there for Evan, and his therapist suggests he write letters to himself to help his self-confidence (hence the name “Dear Evan Hansen”). The other teenage boy, Connor Murphy, is briefly introduced to the audience before committing suicide.

Through a series of unfortunate events, one of Evan’s letters to himself, which discusses his troubling thoughts and anxieties, is with Connor on the day he commits suicide, and is misconstrued as Connor’s last words being addressed to Evan. Stuck in an impossible situation, Evan hopes for everything to blow over, but ends up meeting with Connor’s family almost every day and pretends to have known Connor as a best friend. All of Evan’s dreams begin to come true – he lands the girl of his dreams, feels the warmth of a loving, present family, and becomes famous on social media. To know how Evan fares throughout the rest of the musical, you will have to go and see it. From the actors to the captivating music, it is no wonder that “Dear Evan Hansen” has won so many awards.After the show, the sophomores headed back to Pingry, their first day of school having come to an

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16 Page

Volume CXLV, Number 1

By Josie Jhang (VI), Jeffrey Xiao (VI), Noah Bergam (IV), Walker Johnson (IV), Lauren Taylor (V), Ryan Geller (V), Justin Li (IV)

BOYS’ SOCCER 11-3-1

The Pingry boys’ soccer team is aiming high this season. With expectations to win the county championship and make a run at the Non-Public “A” title, the team has maintained an impressive 5-0 record so far.

Captain Drew Beckmen (VI) recognizes that “alhough we lost our goalkeeper and two all-county

SportS The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

prepare for their upcoming games as well as for the county and state tournaments that start later this month.

FIELD HOCKEY 7-9 The girls’ varsity field hockey team is off to a solid start. Led by captains Avery Didden (VI), Josie Jahng (VI), and Margot Present (VI), the team has held an even 4-4 record as they head into county games later this month.

Despite graduating a strong senior class, many players are stepping up and taking advantage of the newlyopen opportunities. Didden addressed this development by saying, “this first month, we have been getting back into the swing of our play and re-bonding as a team again after the summer.”

By focusing on fundamentals during each practice, “such as stick skills, as well as game-like positioning,” everyone on the team has greatly improved their play in recent games.

This growth was clearly highlighted in a recent Homecoming game against Pennington; the team won 7-0 and six different players scored. The players are optimistic about the rest of the season, with important games against Basking Ridge High School, Bridgewater-Raritan High School and Hunterdon Central High School coming up.

Didden noted that “everyone on the team this year is very committed, and we know this intensity is going to take us far, especially during those big games and tournament time!”

defenders to graduation, we have an extremely talented junior class and strong senior leadership leading the way this year. Hopefully, we can combine our strong defense and dynamic attack to be one of the strongest teams in the state.”

The team looks promising, but the hardest is yet to come. Hunterdon Central, a big Group 4 school, and Peddie, which Pingry has not beaten in two years, will provide some serious competition in coming weeks. Recently, the boys defeated Staten Island Academy with a score of 6-0 during Homecoming, on the 90th anniversary of the program’s inception.

Beckmen added that in regards to the Non-Public “A” championships, “We have come up short to Delbarton two years in a row in States, so we are determined to beat them this year. Though Non-Public “A” features the best soccer talent in the state, including the boys attending Seton Hall Prep, Christian BrothGIRLS’ TENNIS ers Academy, and Delbarton, we are confident that 11-4 we can compete with these teams. Hopefully, our good The girls’ varsity tennis play will continue, and we can continue to show the team is off to a remarkable state that we are a team to start this year, winning the Somerset County Tournabe reckoned with.” ment on Saturday, September 22. In addition to their GIRLS’ SOCCER tournament win, the team 8-4-1 holds a winning 3-1 record.

Their goals, according to Starting off the season with a winning record of 5-2-1, the varsity girls’ soccer team is off to a strong start. Led by Captains Abby Beckmen (VI), Ava Dziadzio (VI), and Caroline Friend (VI), the team has held their own in the Skyland Conference. Dziadzio noted that “our team has clearly proven that we are up there with some of the big-name programs.” Recent highlights include crucial wins against Ridge High School and Hunterdon Central High School, as well as a hard-fought 2-3 loss against BridgewaterRaritan High School. The team has been working hard on the field and in the weight room, which has translated to strong performances in games.

“This season should be particularly successful, especially with the return of several skilled players from the Academy program and an overall deep, talented roster,” said Dziadzio. As Emma Capanna (V) for now, the girls are putting in lots of effort to

Coach Marion Weber, “are to finish in the top 3 of the conference, win the county tournament, win sectionals, and make it to the group finals.”

The team has changed considerably since last y e a r, w i t h k e y s e n i o r s graduating and three talented freshmen joining the team. Captains Nicole Kloss (VI) and Allie Matthias (VI) are focused on working with the new team to achieve the goals set by their coach. However, in light of their early achievements, it seems that the team has a good chance of not only achieving their goals but exceeding them.

With much of the season still to be played, the team looks to carry its earlier success into sectionals and the group finals. Above all, Coach Weber is most excited about having “a fun and competitive season.”

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

Led by captains Cathleen Parker (VI) and Nicole Vanasse (V), the varsity girls’ cross country team is looking forward to another fantastic season. “Expectations are high for this team,” Head Coach Tim Grant remarked, with the girls coming into preseason ranked ninth in the state.

Unfortunately, the team has faced some challenges along the way, with Ryan Davi (IV) and Elina Irvine (IV), two of the team’s strongest runners, both currently injured.

Still, Coach Grant and the team captains have ambitious goals for the season. Coach Grant declared, “Our main goal this year is to qualify for the Meet of Champions and to try to advance to Non-Public A State Championships.” To do this, the team will have to have strong performances at the Shore Coaches Invitational in early October, the Prep State Championship at the end of October,

Photo by Bruce Morrison

Nicole Kloss (VI), Caeley Feeney (IV) and then the Groups Meet in November. The team A championship for the placed at all of these meets third consecutive year and last season and they hope break the top three at Nonto defend their title at the Public A Championships, Prep State Championships. among others.”

Captain Nikki Vanasse, along with the rest of the team, is “really excited for FOOTBALL the upcoming meets. . . The 3-3 team has been training hard and we’re excited to see it pay off!”

The Pingry football team is heading into its second year in the Metropolitan BOYS’ CROSS Independent League with a new sense of confidence COUNTRY and excitement. Coming off the team’s first winDespite losing two var- ning season since 2003, sity runners, the boys’ cross head coach Mr. Christopher country team, led by cap- Shilts looks to continue his tains Tom Drzik (VI) and recent success alongside senior captains Nate Hefner (VI) and Zach Dobson (VI)

Kevin Ma (VI) Jeffrey Xiao (VI), is look- as well as co-captains Jack ing forward to another suc- Baulig (VI) and Joe Shilts (VI). The team replaces the cessful season. position of Obi Nnaeto ‘18, Even after last year ’s who rushed for 1,526 yards record-breaking season, and 18 touchdowns, with a the team still fields one new group of running backs of its strongest teams in led by Hefner and Brian recent memory, thanks to Benson (VI). “It’s nice to its chemistry and depth. have a different kind of According to Drzik, “the mindset, not hoping to win team currently has a tight anymore, but expecting to pack consisting of 8 or 9 win. Our goal is to be the runners. During all prac- best Pingry team ever,” tices, everyone works to said Mr. Shilts. He means stay as close to each other business.

The team has started as possible.”

The team has already the season 2-2 after beatshown strong potential ing Newark Academy and when it opened the season Morristown-Beard. Pingry on September 11th with lost 43-42 to Pennington a home meet win against in a hard-fought battle at Bernards, Somerville, Im- Homecoming. Next, the maculata, and Gill St. Ber- team will face Montclairnards. Since then, Coaches K i m b e r l e y A c a d e m y a t Matt Horesta and Tim Lear Friday Night Lights. Howhave helped the team gear ever, Mr. Shilts’ philosophy up for October ’s cham- remains the same, which pionship meets through a is to always focus on “the variety of road runs and next one.” workouts.

“As for the rest of the season,” Xiao said, “the team hopes to win the Prep

October 29, 2018

Photo by Bruce Morrison

WATER POLO 7-3

In a few ways, varsity co-ed water polo has been reborn.

Weeks before preseason started, previous Head Coach Misha Klochkov unexpectedly departed to coach water polo at the Lawrenceville School.

With a number of strong seniors and underclassmen leaving as well, much of the team’s firepower and leadership seemingly vanished.

However, under new Head Coach Aleksander Brezikar and captains Kevin Ma (VI), Grace O’Mara (VI), and Ben Ingrassia (VI), the team is ready is bounce

Photo by Bruce Morrison

back and rebuild its ranks.

They opened the season with convincing wins against St. Peter ’s Prep and Choate Rosemary Hall, performances that have allowed Kevin Ma to state with confidence, “Despite the setbacks we have faced, we may be capable of much more than first expected.”

When it came time to face their former coach and his more experienced Lawrenceville team, Pingry held down a tied score into the third quarter. Although they ultimately did not emerge from the competitive game with a win, the team will train for their home rematch later this season.

To onlookers, water polo may seem to be only a shell of last year’s team, but the resilience the young team has exhibited so far proves there is more than meets the eye.

All scores are current as of October 22nd.

Go Big Blue!