The Pingry Record - June 2024

FOUNDED 1895 • THE NATION’S OLDEST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Volume CXLIX — No. IV

record.pingry.org

COMMENCEMENT 2024

Seniors Embark On ISPs After completing their classes in early May,

THE FUTURE OF ORTHOPEDICS:

behind the scenes. She also sat in on a

CANCER ON THE OUTSIDE:

143 seniors pursued Independent Senior

PREDICTING AND ANALYZING

few surgeries where she learned about

A COLLABORATION WITH

she turned this project into a journey of

Projects (ISPs). These projects allowed

THE TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS

the causes of certain problems and the

CROSSROADS4HOPE

self-discovery at the intersection of food,

seniors to explore their interests in the

IN ORTHOPEDIC CARE

procedures to cure it.

Sophia Odunsi learned about the

culture, and personal identity.

final months of their high school careers.

Sophia Deeney conducted independent research reviewing

THE THOREAU EXPERIENCE

exploring all the resources individuals

PINGRY PAVILION PROJECT

ADVANCEMENTS IN MOLECULAR

medical journals, publications, and

Mike Holloman drew from Henry

affected by cancer need. She also

Sebastian Talarek and Sebastian

BIOLOGY RESEARCH AT PINGRY

other scholarly sources to ultimately

David Thoreau’s book Walden, where

engaged in various organization

Salvatore built a pavilion at the Pingry

During their ISP, Britney Alfieri,

craft a 20-page research paper on novel

he went out into the woods to live in

affairs and helped with their annual

farm.

Madeline Alfieri, and Coco Simon

trends and innovations in the field of

solitude and in nature for two years.

Wings of Hope event. Her deliverable

recipes and film production. Ultimately,

processes of running a non-profit and

built on the work from their Methods

orthopedics. She interviewed three

In Holloman’s version, he lived in the

was assisting with a piece or form of

in Molecular Biology Research 1 and 2

orthopedic surgeons about what they saw

woods for two days, and built his own

marketing material for the organization.

classes. With Dr. D’Ausilio’s mentorship,

as critical trends and innovations in the

shelter.

they tackled the 6 phases of the

field and incorporated their insights into

TINY THINKERS AND THE

CLOTHING

Methods in Molecular Biology Research

her paper. She constructed a slideshow

ENGLISH IN ECUADOR

POWER OF PLAY

Jada Watson worked at a sustainable

curriculum, delivering a comprehensive

presentation which she presented at the

Saniya Kamat travelled to Ecuador

Chelsea Peng spent her days with 4-5

clothing company called Brown Mill

poster detailing their findings.

ISP Open House.

to teach English to children while

year olds at St. John’s Nursery School,

where she flipped her old clothes and

living with a host family in the town.

which is known for having project-based

made new stylish ones! She learned how

FISHY BUSINESS

TEENAGE DIARIES GOES TO

In addition to improving her Spanish

and play-based learning, hoping to gain

to sew and recycle different materials.

Jules Amorosi researched the

WORK

and learning Ecuadorian customs, she

a first-person perspective on childhood

“WHERE’D YOU GET THAT?!”

- DEVOTED TO CREATING FASHIONABLE, SUSTAINABLE

overfishing of oysters on the Jersey

Julia Eng interned at Byline, an

shared stories and traditions of her own,

education. Between the classroom and

TEACHER FOR A MONTH!

Shore and conch shells in the Bahamas.

editorial magazine based in New York.

both from the United States and from

the administrative area, she took over

Maisy Webster assisted third graders

lessons and brainstormed new projects

in various subjects such as math, writing,

She looked at the threats each species

She wrote a column for Byline, helped to

India. She was able to better herself

faces, how regulations have affected the

put out their next issue, and assisted on

as a teacher, to learn Spanish through

and games for the children to engage

reading, and history. As a teacher’s

species populations, and the impacts

some of their collaborative projects.

immersion, and to better understand

in. Ultimately, she worked to formulate

assistant, she supported the needs of

the community and culture of Ecuador

effective educational strategies for

the classroom teacher in a variety of

through her time there.

improved teaching methods and better

ways, utilizing their strengths while

parenting practices.

learning key skills such as assessment,

overharvesting regulations have had on local fisheries and economies.

ACCEL GOLF Eshaan Golchha worked as an intern

INTERNSHIP WITH SWEE GOLF

on an app for serious golfers to track

BRINE BOYS 2: ELECTRIC

Michael Caratzola interned at a

their statistics to create foci to improve

BOOGALOO

company called Swee AI. This company

their game. He learned skills in app

is developing an app that uses artificial

development and HTML.

intelligence to help people improve their

time management, working as a team, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE

and experiencing the joy of being an

Max Naseef and Leon Zhou traveled

INTERN

educator.

down the shore to assess water quality

Greta Pew dove back into the archives

around storm drains in the Barnegat

of House Beautiful, finding interesting

TWINNING TUNES: A COUPLE OF

golf swing. He tested the app for bugs,

DIOR ON A BUDGET

Bay. They aimed to study water quality

and fun stories from the past to bring

NOTES ON MUSIC

reached out to influencers to promote

Sarah Gu recreated the Junon Dior

trends using their collected data and

back. She also wrote a piece with House

Francesca Zarbin and Isabel Zarbin

the app, and completed video annotation

couture dress. First she drafted patterns,

see if activities like oyster farming are

Beautiful on what would be in an 18

wrote a song — including writing lyrics,

to train the AI.

created mock-ups, and researched its

feasible given the current conditions.

year-old’s dream bedroom.

recording background music (like

materials and assembly. After observing

piano, background vocals, or viola),

INKING WORLDS: A VIDEO GAME

the dress in-person, she created small

DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE

SPICE AND SAPORE

and recording/creating a vocal melody.

EXPLORATION OF IDENTITY

tests on the real fabric before moving

HISTORY OF REEVES REED

Jessica Poprik explored cultural roots

They did a cover of a barbershop quartet

Kelly Cao and Nick Meng created

onto the actual assembly.

a video game exploring identity and and the importance of imagination.

ARBORETUM

through the lens of food, aiming to

called “Hello Ma Baby.” Throughout

Ngozi Nnaeto made a presentation

understand the impact of colonization,

their ISP, they vlogged their experiences

geography, and cultural exchange on

and compiled the videos on a website to showcase our journey.

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING

outlineing the 50 year long history of

Their game is a 3rd-person platform

HEALTHCARE

Reeves Reed arboretum. She interviewed

culinary traditions in India and Italy.

combining both 3D and 2D art styles.

Sasha Gupta shadowed Dr. Sinha, a

early member and supporters to learn

She produced both a fusion cookbook

spinal surgeon, at his office to gain a

about their perspective.

and a documentary, stepping out of her

better understanding of what happens

comfort zones to explore unfamiliar

.

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 9, 2024

2

Prom 2024 OLIVIA BUVONOVA (V)

Family, friends, and dates

included burgers, fries, and

the age-old magic of Prom

and shared memories that

took photos and socialized.

various pastas with different

night remains the same. And

both students and faculty

On April 18, the annual

When it started to drizzle,

sauces. The Shirley Temples

it’s the only chance I get to

enjoyed this year’s Prom.

Prom for juniors and seniors

students packed into cars,

and strawberry daiquiris

wear a tuxedo anymore!”

Aside from painful heels and

was held at Stone House at

party buses, and limousines for

were, per usual, a major

As the clock struck 9:30 and

uncomfortable dress shoes,

Stirling Ridge in Warren.

a magical ride to Stone House.

hit amongst the students.

the event began to wind down,

Prom was a definite success

The day was filled with much

After students walked in,

When the grand ballroom

students left with unforgettable

filled with fun, laughter,

anticipation and preparation.

the chaperones greeted them,

finally opened, students were

memories from a special night.

and hundreds of photos —

Hair and nails needed to be

including college counselors

met with beautiful lavender,

It was obvious through pictures

truly a night to remember.

done, dresses and tuxedos had

Mrs. Amy Cooperman, Mrs.

white, and gold decorations.

to be ironed, and corsages and

Meghan Finegan, Mr. Joe

They took photos at the

boutonnieres were exchanged.

Kinney, Mrs. Sue Kinney,

photo booth and partied on

Before the dance, families of

Mrs. Cynthia Santiago, Dr.

the dance floor early on.

juniors and seniors attended

Zachary Wakefield, and Mr.

The DJ played a mix of popular

their respective pre-party

Robert Hoepfl, amongst others.

music, such as “Princess

celebrations. Juniors and

Students feasted on Stone

Diana” by Ice Spice, “Sweet

their families celebrated

House’s offerings of hors-

Caroline” by Neil Diamond,

at the Short Hills Country

d’oeuvres ranging from cheese

“CARNIVAL” by Kanye West,

Club, and seniors went to the

and fruit plates to cracker

and “Cotton Eye Joe” by

Primavera Regency in Sterling.

assortments. The dinner buffet

Rednex. According to Malcolm Adejouma (V), “The DJ at prom was great – significantly better than prior school events.”

But no Prom night is complete without the arrival of beloved English teacher Mr. Tom Keating. The rest of the night, Mr. Keating had a line of students waiting to get a picture with him. He commented on this tradition: “I have been attending Pingry proms, off and on, since 1988.

Fashions have changed, venues too, and so has the music. But

Research Week 2024 SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (V) Organized by Dr. Morgan D’Ausilio, the 12th annual Research Week was held from April 8 to April 12. Research Week is a yearly opportunity for students to present their research inside and outside of the classroom to the Pingry community. The week was kicked off with an assembly which detailed scheduling and logistics. It began with a short video directed by FYI Sci, in which Sophia Odunsi (VI) and Sriya Tallapragada (V) asked the Pingry community science facts. After a few announcements from student research clubs (e . g. PCR , A n a t omy C lub , HIRT), the presentations began!

Evan Xie (VI) presented his computer science research experience, both within IRT and with professors over the summer, speaking about his interest in the applications of computational tools to tackle biomedical

challenges. Next, Julia Eng (VI), Grace Fernicola (VI), and Ali Santana (VI) presented their experiences in the American Modernism HIRT, as well as how their passion for American Modernism and the complexity of the literature has influenced their outlook on life. Finally, an alumni speaker, Bridget Harrison ‘15, spoke about how her interest in biology and her involvement in biology research at Pingry led her to a career at a prestigious biotechnology company.

Over four days, various groups presented their research experiences to the community.

For example, FYI Sci ran several demonstrations about basic science concepts and played science-related movies. AP Biology classes presented their group projects in Bristol Gym, sharing creative science research projects with the audience. The Independent Research Team (IRT) groups broke down their complicated research into

understandable results and shared it with others. In the Hyde and Watson Gymnasium, the Robotics team presented their robots and drones.

In total, over 180 students presented this year, featuring

programs including the Independent Research Team (IRT), SMART Team, Humanities IRT (HIRT), High School and Middle School Robotics, Computer Science, AP Biology, Anatomy Club, FYI Sci,

Pingry Community Research (PCR), Green Team, Green Key, and The Parker Road Review.

Thank you to Dr. D’Ausilio and everyone involved with Research Week for making it another yearly success!

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 9, 2024

3

Celebrating Culture and Identity: 2024’s AAPI Assembly JULIANNA ZHANG (III)

bipartisan organization aiming to integrate Asian American

In honor of Asian American

history into the K-12 curriculum

and Pacific Islander Heritage

to prevent anti-Asian violence.

Month, the Upper School

Terpstra’s mother experienced

held its annual AAPI

an anti-Asian hate crime

Heritage Month Assembly

that went unaddressed by

on May 2. Various members

local officers, sparking his

of the community, including

interest in combating

Upper and Middle School

anti-Asian hate crimes.

students, faculty, and staff,

Middle School students

participated in the empowering

Charlotte Hao (II), Maddie

celebration sharing the talents

Zhu (II), and Rachel Bai (I)

and cultural traditions

sang “Peng You”, or “Friend,”

of the AAPI community.

accompanied by instrumentals

The assembly commenced

by Anika Gupta (I), Cyra

with a game of “Guess Who”

Sachan (I), and Sanvi Jain

about Asian American leaders

(I) on the piano, flute, and

led by Kayla Chin (III), Kaylie

guitar, respectively. The

Gao (III), and Jasmine Zhou

performance then segwayed

(III). This segment highlighted

into a demonstration by

influential leaders such as

two brothers, Jude Escaño

Bruce Lee and Dwayne “the

(I) and Blaise Escaño

Rock” Johnson. Next, Middle

(Grade 6), of the traditional

School students performed

Filipino martial art, Kali.

a Garba dance from Gujarat,

Upper School faculty

India, which commonly honors

participated in a compelling

the Hindu goddess Durga.

“AAPI Trivia,” where Mr. Saad

Following the COVID-19

Toor’s group won against

pandemic, an alarming rise

the group led by Dean Julia

of hate crimes against the

Dunbar. After their assembly

AAPI community led to the

the week prior, Taiko

founding of the Stop Asian Hate

Drumming members Alex

movement, which advocates

Wong (V) and Cyra Sachan (I)

against violence and racial

presented a slideshow focusing

injustice. Alex Terpstra (IV)

o n the hi sto r y of Taik o.

introduced “Make Us Visible,” a

Following the presentation,

Upper School’s Indian Dance

various AAPI countries to

Mayo, and the Hawaiian New

Club performed a captivating

accompany the performance.

Year, Makahiki, are two of

combination of a Kathak dance

The Purple Swan Dance group,

the many traditional holidays

to a remix of “Samjhawan,” a

composed of Pingry parents,

spotlighted. A successful

Bollywood dance to “Nachde

performed a traditional

assembly requires lots of hard

Ne Saare,” and a Bharatnatyam

dance titled “Dance of the

work and dedication. Three-

dance to “Aigiri Nandini.”

Yao Ethnic Group in China.”

time participant Jasmine Zhou

Middle School students

To conclude the assembly,

(III) said, “I was extremely

Trisha Kannan (Grade 6) and

Middle School students Sahana

happy to present a culture

Isa Wang (Grade 6) performed

Kakar (II), Nikhil Shah (II),

special to me. It was thrilling

a piano and violin cover of

Radhya Shah (II), and Sahana

celebrating AAPI Heritage

“Flower” by BLACKPINK’s

Bhat (I) presented some AAPI

Month with my community,

Jisoo. The projector displayed

festivals and traditions with

and inspiring to see all the hard

the Middle School’s AI Art

the help of volunteers. The

work everyone put into it.”

Club’s flower artworks from

Filipino holiday, Flores de

Pingry Taiko: Creating a Performance NORA SOUYAH (III) On April 30, Pingry Taiko seized the stage for its third annual performance. Introduced in 2015 with just a few students, the Pingry Taiko club has since multiplied to encompass over 20 enthusiastic members.

The group has performed at countless events, including the Lunar New Year assembly and Celebrate Pingry. This year, Taiko performed four compositions: “Kamaitachi,” “River,” “Shimabayashi,” and “Dokokara.”

“Dokokara” is an original piece composed by Precious Anyanwu (IV) and Som Ghatak (III). When asked about the composition process, Anyanwu answered, “In February, Som Ghatak and I composed “Rhythm of Honor” at the Taiko Overnight in Pottersville.

We had less than 24 hours to complete this piece, which

kind of stressed us out, but Mr. [Christofer] Leone was very patient with us, and we didn’t feel pressured.”

A month later, Anyanwu and Ghatak began polishing the piece in order to perform it for the Taiko Drumming Assembly in April, essentially rewriting the entire piece and going through each part to alter whatever was unfinished.

The group set a high bar for themselves following last year’s exciting performance. When inquired, Alex Wong (V) stated, “With the expectations already set by last year, we knew that we’d have to hit the ground running in September in order to put on a good show in May.” Brynne Dragert (III) shared her thoughts on the mental aspect of performing: “When I’m performing on stage, I feel so energized and enthusiastic about my playing. The mere presence of an entire audience

of Pingry students and faculty/ staff sometimes frightens me, but that fear only motivates me to put myself out there and play my best.” She also shared that

staying positive helped to boost her confidence and give her faith in her ability to play well.

Overall, Pingry Taiko’s performance was outstanding,

and the Pingry community hopes to see many more in the years to come.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 9, 2024

4

Renowned Harvard Professor Dr. Gregory Mankiw Returns to Pingry JINGJING LUO (V)

On April 5, the Robert M. Beren Professor of Economics at Harvard University, Dr. Gregory Mankiw ’76, spoke to students about his experiences and beliefs in economics.

Delivering a powerful message regarding the severe problem of government debt, Dr. Mankiw bestowed the responsibility to the students, saying, “It’s a problem that your generation is going to have to solve.”

After completing degrees at Princeton and MIT, Dr. Mankiw served in the President’s Council of Economic Advisers under President Ronald Reagan from 1982 to 1983 and as the Chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers under President George W. Bush from 2003 to 2005. He has been a National Bureau of Economic Research research associate and an adviser to the Congressional Budget Office and the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston and New York. A prolific writer, Dr. Mankiw has published his research and opinions in academic journals

such as the American Economic

presentation, explaining that

In addition to attending

often be viewed as polarizing.”

Review, Journal of Political

while the government earns

an AP Government class

He suggested that everyone

Econom y, and Q uar ter ly

money through taxes and

during the day, Dr. Mankiw

take a course in economics,

Journal of Economics, as well

borrowing, the debt rises due

also conducted a Q&A session

regardless of one’s chosen

as The New York Times, The

to wars and economic crises.

with a panel of AP Economics

career, since economics is “the

Washington Post, The Wall

Furthermore, social programs

students after the presentation.

foundation for being a good

Street Journal, and Fortune.

such as Social Security,

Melinda Xu (V), who was on

citizen and an intelligent voter.”

Above all, Dr. Mankiw’s two

Medicare, and Medicaid make

the panel, reflected, “It was

Though an earthquake

books, Macroeconomics and

up most of the expenditure.

extremely interesting seeing his

may have cut short his

Principles of Economics, have

Still, people are not inclined

perspective on pressing issues,

presentation, Dr. Mankiw

sold over two million copies

to give up these services in

especially considering his

undoubtedly left an indelible

and have been translated

return for a decreased debt.

expertise in the field, which can

mark on the student body.

into twenty languages.

In addition to his success in politics and writing, Dr. Mankiw has been a lifelong educator. He has taught courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, statistics, and principles of economics at Harvard since 1985. He joined Pingry’s Board of Trustees in 2018, and his return was met with excitement from both faculty and students.

During the assembly, Dr. Mankiw gave students a taste of what it’s like to take a seminar from a renowned Harvard professor. He illustrated the dilemma concerning government debt in an engaging and inspiring

Night of Noise UMA MENON (V)

On May 1 in the Attic Theater, the Balladeers continued their tradition of Night of Noise, which former Director of Service Learning and Civic Engagement Mrs. Shelley Hartz started eight years ago, and has been hosted by the a cappella group for the past three years.

The event was organized by the group’s juniors, Uma Menon (V) and Mykah Weckesser (V). It featured a variety of performances from students in all grades, and a bake sale which raised over 250 dollars for charity.

There were over twenty performances throughout the night. They ranged from original poetry recited by Mark Mason

(VI), group performances by

members through a five-dollar

health and educational

with a successful audience

students like Kelly Cao (VI)

entry fee and a bake sale

resources for victims of human

turnout. Next year, the

who sang “Not Strong Enough”

featuring treats made by the

trafficking in the Kalighat

Balladeers will be hosting the

by Boygenius, and an amazing

organizers. The proceeds went

district of Kolkata, India.

same event and are excited

whistling performance from

to the Krishnaa Foundation,

The event was a huge

to share their musical talents

vocal teacher and World

an organization that provides

achievement for the Balladeers

with the rest of the community.

Whistling Champion Mr. Jay Winston. Isabel Zarbin (VI) and Mykah Weckesser (V) also performed. The night ended with a spectacular band performance by Menon, Will Pertsemlidis (V), Ziv Shah (V), and outside guest Gus Goyal, who is also a junior, performing original music with live instruments as well as a cover of “Be Quiet and Drive” by Deftones.

In addition to showcasing the school’s artistic talent, the event also served as a fundraiser, collecting money from audience Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications, Mykah Weckesser (V)

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY JUNE 9, 2024

5

Farewell Letter From the Honor Board Chair DIVYA SUBRAMANIAN (VI)

Dear Pingry, I have made some of my fondest memories and closest connections here, and it still feels surreal that my 6-yearlong journey at this school is coming to an end. I came to Pingry in 7th grade, an “off year” for Pingry admissions, yet I distinctly remember the warmth with which the community embraced me. My classmates quickly brought me into their circles, and my teachers were incredibly supportive. It was this warm welcome that made me first understand the true meaning of our Honor Code.

Transitioning into the Upper School, I realized that instead of being told how to behave, we were trusted to determine that on our own. This trust in students inspired me to join the Honor Board my freshman year.

I have been a member of the Honor Board throughout my four years of high school, and in my senior year, I had the privilege of serving as the Honor Board Chairperson. My time on the Honor Board has taught me invaluable lessons and helped me grow in numerous ways.

Being in this group allowed me to reflect on myself and my personal values. Surrounded by peers and teachers who constantly inspired me, I developed a stronger sense of integrity and leadership.

This year, the Honor Board focused on increasing our presence within the Pingry community. At Convocation, we emphasized the idea of “small

blue moments,” reminding ourselves that while we have accomplished so many major goals, we should also focus on the small aspects of our day, like reaching out to a new student or showing up to support a friend. These moments define our Pingry experience.

That is why one of my favorite initiatives this year was the Honor Board Shoutouts.

E v e r y

Monday morning, it w a s a l w a y s exciting to read the shoutouts, whether silly or serious, written by fellow students and teachers. It highlighted small acts of kindness in our community while bringing a more playful and humorous light to the Honor Board.

To further increase our transparency within the school, we introduced two new initiatives. First, we launched a column in The Pingry Record.

Much like “The Ethicist” in the New York Times, in this regular

feature, Honor Board members wrote short responses to students’ questions or questions of our own on issues ranging from working with friends to plagiarism. In addition, we created an Honor Board website where students can ask

questions to current Honor Board members and watch recordings of our Honor Board Speakers. Through this initiative, we can directly engage with the student body and increase our transparency.

Our trips to the Lower School were always a highlight.

Through skits, games, and other activities, we taught the Lower School students about the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect. This year we revived our visit to the Middle School, meeting with

8th grade advisories. During these visits, we explained the role of the Honor Board and aimed to spark their interest in applying next year. We even conducted a fun mock case to help them understand how punishments work and how the role of the Honor Code evolves as they prepare to enter the Upper School. These visits allowed us to connect with the younger

students, fostering a stronger bond across the entire student body.

The goals of the Honor Board are constantly changing and growing, one of which is increased engagement with parents. The principles that guide our students often stem from the values instilled in them by their families. If we can encourage the parents in our community to reinforce the Honor Code at home,

we can establish a strong foundation for our students, encompassing all facets of their lives. Therefore, to foster a more ethical and inclusive school community, we must involve parents in the work of the Honor Board. I am so excited to see how the Honor Board continues to grow and impact our wonderful community.

As I conclude my journey at Pingry, I want to leave you with the message of always striving to be a better version of yourself in all aspects of life.

High school is a transformative period where you have the opportunity to grow and refine your values. Always seek out role models to look up to as they can inspire and guide you. For me, the seniors on the Honor Board were my biggest role models. As I think about important lessons I have learned, I am reminded of this quotation: “The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions.

Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life.” This quotation has always grabbed my attention, as it was not said by a famous philosopher, as one would expect, but from Albert Einstein!

Though I am leaving the Pingry community, what I have learned here will stay with me forever. I am so beyond grateful for the guidance and support I have received.

Sincerely, Divya

Farewell Letter From the Student Body President JADA WATSON (VI) Dear Pingry Record Readers,

an air-conditioned building by then.

athletic feats (shoutout to Girls’

When I socialize and make a new

Ice Hockey!). I am so grateful to

friend, finish a painstakingly long

have been a part of this amazing

It feels weird to be writing to you on

project, or converse with a new college

year and am excited to see what

such an occasion. I’ve been at Pingry

professor, I will also feel like I’m back

the future holds. I will miss all my

since third grade, and in the ten years

at Pingry again; having learned so

amazingly talented peers, teachers,

that I’ve been a student here, there

many lessons here on how to navigate

mentors, and, yes, even Sage Dining.

has always been something new and

academics and the world at large, and

The people that I am surrounded

exciting to look forward to in my next

I plan on making the most of that.

with have helped guide me all of

year, whether that be moving up to

Comparing other schools to Pingry,

these years. Being a Pingry student

the Basking Ridge campus in sixth

I realize that the opportunities here

is a badge of honor that I will

grade or getting a new Head of School

are special for every student. There

proudly carry throughout my life.

in sophomore year. This year, as you

are so many experiences available

For those who are still students

know, I’ll be graduating. It’s almost

and open to us, and I encourage all of

and writing their own Pingry story,

uncanny that I won’t have the same

you readers out there to get involved

here’s a piece of advice I would give

anticipation that a Pingry student has

with whatever opportunities you

you: don’t take the little things for

for a new year: hoping to get into AP

can. As cliché as it sounds, I would

granted. High school goes by fast,

Psych, scrambling for a Convocation

not be who I am today without

and it’s hard sometimes to stop and

outfit, or feeling the relief of finally

the experiences I’ve had at Pingry.

appreciate the community around us.

moving out of the junior area.

This year has been amazing for us.

Thank you for allowing me to

I’ve been reflecting on my time

We’ve introduced new community

be your Student Body President

at Pingry recently. I’ve realized that

members like Mrs. Lauren Kelly

this year. I can’t wait to see all

Pingry will always fit into my life after

and Ms. Melanie Weyland, put on

of the amazing things Pingry

I graduate. I’ll definitely come back

incredible drama productions, and

has in store for the future!

and visit, and, luckily, we will have

even experienced record-breaking

Your Friend, Jada

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Sheryl Chen (IV), Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 9, 2024

6

Earth Day Assembly TINGTING LUO (IV)

On April 18, Pingry held its annual Earth Day assembly in Hauser, hosted by Green Team members Sia Ghatak (V) and Ella Wunderlich (V).

Since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated in the United States to demonstrate support for protecting the environment. Pingry has taken up a responsibility to educate students about the importance of protecting the Earth and to provide opportunities for students to engage in various sustainability initiatives.

As students filed into Hauser, the Rock Band club, Uma Menon (V), Will Pertsemlidis (V), Ziv

Shah (V), and Ashley Gao (IV) performed “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. To kick off the assembly, Vaissnavi Gautam (II), Nina Hassimi (II), Sophia Smith (II), Anika Gupta (I), Rian Subbiah (Grade 6), and Aadya Tripathy (Grade 6) presented a “Composting Update.” The Middle School environmentalists shared that student efforts contributed to composting 13,500 pounds of food in the Pingry composter, preventing over 9,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Next, Verna Mae Lange (VI) and Tingting Luo (IV) hosted an Earth Day Trivia to test the community’s

knowledge of national parks and endangered species. To show how plastic waste can directly affect the community, Ethan Geppel (IV) created a simulation of 200,000 plastic water bottles flooding Pingry. Hannah Diao (IV) described the video as a “truly eye-opening experience” that educated students on how significant the plastic waste problem is. Eshaan Jain (V) then presented a short video from the Climate Summit, which Pingry hosted at the Pottersville Campus.

Hannah Diao and Kathryn Flanigan (IV) presented the “Adults of Pingry Fashion Show,” featuring teachers from various departments sporting clothes

they thrifted. The faculty showed off their thrifted outfits, which ranged from luxury brands like Gucci to everyday clothing from department stores. Then, Francesca and Isabel Zarbin (VI), leaders of the Food for Thought club, shared about their club’s initiative to achieve food justice.

Finally, Vinav Shah (V) announced Earth Week activities for the whole school to participate in, including the Raritan Headwaters River Cleanup and the 5K run/ walk at the Duke Lemur Center.

When asked about the purpose of the assembly, Ghatak stated that they wanted to “share the projects and progress of students

that have been working to make Pingry a more sustainable place while also inspiring more people to get involved and sharing ways to do that.” The assembly was the product of the collaborative effort of Mrs. Lauren Kelly, Ms. Olivia Tandon, and many student and teacher volunteers.

The Earth Day Assembly provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to learn more about sustainability at Pingry and the surrounding community. The Pingry community not only celebrated Earth Day in the assembly but also engaged in various environmental efforts throughout the week.

Looking At The Past To Plan For The Future ZIV SHAH (V)

Dear Pingry Community, Over the past three years, I’ve watched you put on excellent performances, both on the field and on stage. Your seemingly infinite talent amazes me daily, and I’m thankful to be a part of this community. You’ve helped me through my highs and lows, and I will forever be grateful for all you have done for me. Over the past few years, our community has grown together through the return of Friday Night Lights and Homecoming, but I want to do more. Next year, I want to give back to you by bringing our community closer together and highlighting our school’s abundance of amazing talent.

Coming into Pingry, I had no idea what to expect. Walking onto an enormous, unknown campus, I was nervous for my first day. I barely knew anyone, but I couldn’t wait to

start. The first people I ever met at Pingry, my cross-country captains, were super friendly and caring.

They helped me tremendously during my first couple of days here, and immediately made me feel welcome. They set the stage perfectly for the rest of the community, as I soon learned that everyone at Pingry is just as caring. By bringing the community closer together next year, I want to ensure every kid feels at home here.

Thanks to Giles, Jada, and JP, school spirit has been on the rise for the past few years. However, I know we can do more. Pingry kids are so busy that it is often hard to find the time to attend sports games, concerts, or performances.

Next year, I want to place an emphasis on making sure that we support our peers more, not just during senior nights and big games, but during all the small home games and performances too.

Pingry has proved to have no

lack of talent. From musical to artistic to athletic talent, we have it all. You’d be surprised at how much talent the teachers have, too.

I recently learned that Mr. William Lagarde is an amazing singer and piano player. Starting with an upgraded song of the week, I want to highlight our talent at Pingry to unite the community and inspire more people. The best home crowd is one packed with students, and I want our athletes and artists to experience more of that.

I believe in doing the small things to make a big difference.

Whether it’s working to help sleep-deprived students or making Morning Meetings more exciting, sometimes the small stuff is the most important and can make the biggest difference.

Simply changing attitudes from loathing Morning Meetings to excitement for each week’s performance can help students and teachers be more excited for

next week and maybe, just maybe, inspire fewer people to fall asleep.

Over this next year, I can’t wait to start helping you, the Pingry community, come together and

have your best year yet. I’ll always be there to fight for you, and never hesitate to say ‘hi’ in the halls or stop me if you have a suggestion.

Best, Ziv Shah

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications, Saniya Kamat (IV)

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 9, 2024

7

Pingry’s Holi Celebration: A Festival of Color and Fun SAMAYA SHAH (III)

Over time, Holi has evolved

bringing in sweet and savory

in the Upper School came to

event was more than just

into a festival that transcends

snacks and drinks. Mango

celebrate regardless if they were

a celebration; it was an

Students enjoyed a vibrant

cultural and religious

lassi, a popular yogurt-based

South Asian or not. It was so

opportunity for students to

and joyous celebration of Holi

boundaries, bringing people

drink, was a hit among the

much fun, and I really enjoyed

learn and immerse themselves

on April 22. Otherwise known

together in the spirit of joy.

students, as was bhel puri, a

playing with my brother and

in a cultural tradition that many

as the Festival of Colors, Holi

This year’s Holi celebration

tangy and crunchy snack. Aria

friends while listening to Indian

might not have known of before.

marks the arrival of spring

included students from both

Saksena (III), a participant

music. My favorite food was

It highlighted the school’s

and the triumph of good

the Middle and Upper School,

in Holi celebrations for a few

obviously the mango lassi, but

inclusive community which

over evil. It is a time when

with students from diverse

years now, noted, “A lot of

I enjoyed the bhel puri too!”

appreciates, acknowledges, and

people come together to throw

backgrounds joining the

people from different grades

Overall, the successful

celebrates diverse traditions.

colorful powders, dance to

festivities. The main activity

music, and savor delicious

students participated in was

foods. This year, the Upper

throwing colored powder at

School’s Holi celebration

each other. Tables were set up

was a blend of tradition,

with cups filled with holi powder

fun, and community spirit.

in various colors. Students took

Holi has deep historical

multiple cups at a time and then

roots in South Asia and

covered their friends in colors,

commemorates the legend of

leading to chases across the

Prahlad and Holika. According

grass area. The air was filled

to the legend, Prahlad’s devotion

with laughter and shouts of

to Lord Vishnu saved him from

surprise as students became

a fire set by Prahlad’s evil aunt,

unrecognizable with colored

Holika. Holika wanted to kill

powder all over their faces.

Prahlad, but she ended up

Food played a big role in

perishing in the flames. His

the celebration as well. Pingry

escape from death symbolizes

parents offered students and

the victory of good over evil.

faculty a taste of Indian cuisine,

Balladeers Benefit Concert AANVI TRIVEDI (IV)

One More Time” by Britney

each senior was given a solo.

(IV). After the performance,

and the Balladeers moved on

Spears, arranged by Uma

Once finished, the Balladeers

Mr. Winston gave three more

to their senior tribute song

On May 23, the Balladeers

Menon (V), featuring soloist

performed another one of their

senior speeches before moving

arranged by juniors Weckesser

hosted their annual Benefit

Sarah Clevenger (III). Next,

serenades, titled “Kiss Me” by

on to the next song, “Skyfall” by

and Uma Menon. The song was

Concert in the Lower Commons,

they performed another one of

Sixpence None The Richer, with

Adele. The song was arranged

a mix of “End of Beginning”

surrounded by family, friends,

their serenades, “I Knew You

soloists Uma Menon and Ananya

by Durga Menon and featured

by Djo and “You’re On Your

and teachers. The Benefit

Own, Kid” by Taylor Swift.

Concert is the annual charity

Kamat reflected on hearing

performance featuring the

the senior tribute, recalling,

group’s repertoire throughout

“The senior tribute made me

the year. It also serves as a

start crying immediately. It was

tribute to the groups’ seniors,

so weird sitting on the bench

who are celebrated through

right in front of everyone and

speeches and songs throughout

watching the group sing goodbye

the concert. This year, the

to us for the first time, instead of

Benefit Concert generated funds

being the one singing goodbye.”

through the sale of baked goods

The tribute was followed by

and optional donations which

the Pitch Perfect medley with

went to their charity of choice,

soloists Kamat, Francesca Zarbin

the Krishnaa Foundation.

(VI), Weckesser, Durga Menon,

This nonprofit organization

Clevenger, and Zoe Snider (III).

provides support for trafficking

The Balladeers topped off their

victims and marginalized

Benefit Concert with “God’s Gift

women and children in India.

To Women” by Rory Block, a

The Balladeers opened their

song the group has performed

concert with a mashup of “Just

Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift,

Sanyal (VI), as well as beatboxer

soloists Marques and Izzy Berger

for many years. During the

The Way You Are” by Bruno

arranged by Mykah Weckesser

Fiona Rovito (III). The song was

(III). Afterwards, the Balladeers

song, Balladeers alumni Isabel

Mars and “Born This Way” by

(V) and featuring soloist Brielle

arranged by alum Ashley Jackson

performed a group classic,

DeVito ‘19 and Natalie DeVito

Lady Gaga, arranged by Upper

Marques (VI). Then, Mr.

‘04, this year’s winner of the

“Boy” by Little Mix, originally

‘22 were invited to sing with

School music teacher Mr. Jay

Winston selected three seniors

Achievement in the Arts Award.

performed by the Balladeers two

the group. Many Balladeers’

Winston and the Balladeers

and shared anecdotes about

The Balladeers performed

years ago, brought back for this

friends and family believe it

Music Director Saniya Kamat

them. Once the three speeches

another extended serenade,

year’s Balladeers Assembly and

was a “sweet and reminiscent

(VI). After that, the Balladeers

were completed, the Balladeers

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by

the Benefit Concert. Following

way to end the concert on a

moved into an extended version

performed the song “One Fine

Frankie Valli, arranged by Uma

this classic, Mr. Winston gave his

positive note.” Congratulations

of one of their serenades, “Baby

Day” by The Chiffons, in which

Menon with soloist Durga Menon

remaining two senior speeches,

on all their hard work!

Photo Credits: Pingry C ommunications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 9, 2024

8

The Solar Eclipse JASMINE ZHOU (III) On Monday, April 8, the second total solar eclipse of the century moved across the United States. Students were able to come together after classes to witness the celestial event.

Assortments of snacks, chips, and beverages were provided at the clocktower to celebrate.

To ensure protection from eye damage, students were reminded to pick up solar eclipse glasses before viewing the eclipse. Glasses were distributed to students and faculty at all exits of the school.

By 3:10 p.m., most people had already gathered outside the clock tower with their glasses and snacks, anticipating the eclipse.

From 3:20 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., watchers witnessed peak viewing

time with an estimated 85% to 90% totality, as New Jersey was not in the eclipse’s direct path. While sipping lemonade and snacking on popcorn, many students took pictures of the eclipse and selfies with their friends to remember the moment.

By 3:40 p.m., students started to head back inside or head home.

The last total solar eclipse in the United States was in August 2017.

New Jersey experienced 70% to 80% totality for 2017’s eclipse.

News outlets noted this year’s eclipse would be much darker and more visible because the eclipse path was closer to New Jersey.

Due to high expectations leading up to the eclipse, it disappointed some. Iris Prahl (III) stated, “I expected more; I thought 90% [totality] was going to be darker.”

Despite that, the eclipse was still a great way to kick off the week.

Amelia Liu (III) said, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Leon Zhou (VI) explained how

he was “really excited that Pingry not only gave us the opportunity to but also actively encouraged us to experience the eclipse. It shows that Pingry really wants us to gain

meaningful experiences inside and outside the classroom as well.”

The next U.S. total solar eclipse will be in 2045.

Spotlight on Students: Cabaret 2024 DURGA MENON (V)

After two months of unwavering dedication and hard work, students brought the Cabaret to life in the Attic Theater on May 2! This entirely studentled musical production was directed by Brielle Marques (VI), Lauren Poprik (VI), Sylvia Ardon (V), and Uma Menon (V).

This year's theme was detention.

Cabaret is a compilation of many musical theater numbers from different genres of Broadway shows that ultimately fit the theme. After holding auditions a week after closing night for the Winter Musical, 26 people were cast from all four Upper School forms. After spring break, rehearsals for the show began. The students met once or twice a week during conference period or after school. The cast spent this time learning the music, choreography, and blocking, all led by Marques, Poprik, Ardon, and Menon.

Not only was the acting portion student-led, but the tech aspect

of the performance was also completely student-organized.

Led by Sia Ghatak (IV) and Jonathan Robustelli (IV), the tech team added sound, microphones, lighting, and other elements to improve the show. Aanya Subbiah (IV) took pictures for the show, which can be found on the school website.

The house was filled with an enthusiastic and supportive crowd. Cabaret emphasized every student’s talents and capabilities, from solos and duets to small group performances.

In this year’s Cabaret, the music ranged from “Meet the Plastics” from Mean Girls to “She Used To Be Mine” from Waitress to “Therapy” from Tick Tick Boom. Furthermore, Marques performed a beautiful cover of “Pure as the Driven Snow” from The Hunger Games during intermission.

Another new aspect of Cabaret this year was having a select ensemble. Compared to last year’s show, this year, a select number of students were on

stage the whole time, providing a more relaxed atmosphere for the performers. The host of this year’s Cabaret was Amara Obaray (III), who kept the show humorous and the flow going.

After the show, Poprik reflected, “I am so proud of everyone’s work. We all put so much effort into the production, and it couldn’t have turned

Congratulations New Student Government Representatives!

Form VI

Student Body President

Form IV

Malcolm Adejouma*

Ziv Shah

Moeed Khan Ishaan Kumar*

Jack Buckley Eddy Chen

Form V

Riya Prabhu

Mena Khan

Hanah Abdi

Bridget Troy

Kiera Troy

Sebastian Jin*

Maeve Webster

William Overdeck Stella Reheman Jack Sherman

out better. The audience loved it, I had fun directing it, and I can’t wait to see where the program goes in the future.”

Upper School Performing Arts Teacher Mr. Alan Van Antwerp described his favorite part about Cabaret: “What I love most about Cabaret is how all the students take ownership of their performances. The entire

concept was student-centered, so seeing all the students work hard and buy into their work is great.”

The student directors are extremely grateful to the Drama Department for all their help in putting this show together. The student-led 2024 Cabaret was a success in the arts community for the 2023–2024 season.

Congratulations Honor Board Members!

Form VI Alexis Glasofer Nick Henry** Katherine Shea

Form IV Sarah Clevenger Sophie Schachter

Ishaan Sinha

Alex Wong Form V Sari Berman Chloe Huang Jordan McDonald Alex Terpstra

* = Class President

** = Chairperson of the Honor Board

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD FACULTY DEPARTURES JUNE 9, 2024

9

Mr. Miles Boyd JINGJING LUO (V)

asked about what his best

and mediums. Aside from being

your invaluable contributions

with. You will be deeply missed

memories at the school have

an educator, he is also an artist.

to the Arts at Pingry and you

throughout the community,

After 30 years at Pingry, Mr.

been, Mr. Boyd says “I will think

Mr. Boyd has exhibited his work

have truly made an impact on

and we wish you the best in

Miles Boyd, who is a member

of wonderful students who are

in national and international

every student you have worked

retirement!

of the Magistri faculty, will be

exciting to teach, amazing,

collections prior to Pingry. Not

retiring at the end of this year.

intellectual, committed teachers,

only has he excelled in the Visual

Beloved by any student who has

a supportive administration,

Arts, but he has also worked in the

taken an Arts course, Mr. Boyd is

a visionary Board of Trustees,

music industry, managing small

the Visual Arts Department Chair

remarkable alumni, art, drama,

to arena-size concerts in rock,

and an art teacher, taking on

and music colleagues that always

jazz, and blues, and collected

classes ranging from Photography

felt like family.” Thanks to his

antiques. After retirement, Mr.

I and II to Portfolio Development.

continued efforts to improve the

Boyd says he will continue to

Outside the classroom, he has

Arts at Pingry and the support

“make even more art in my studio,

advised various senior ISPs,

of students and faculty, the Arts

travel, sleep late, listen to lots of

hosted the Achievement in the

Department has expanded over

music, and spend more time with

Arts Awards, and worked with

the years, and he truly values this

my family and friends.”

students to create art portfolios

“special community that believes

As a life-long artist, Mr. Boyd

for college applications.

in the value of an arts education.”

wants to leave students with a

Mr. Boyd is an integral part

Mr. Boyd has inspired students,

message: “Having an artistic

of the community, and he has

many of whom have never even

life or passion that goes beyond

developed a close relationship

considered themselves to be

Pingry will enrich your life

with many in the school. When

artistic, to pursue new techniques

immeasurably.” Thank you for

Dr. Zachary Wakefield OLIVIA BUVANOVA (V)

in the World History 9 and AP

always catches me by surprise the

remember: there’s nothing wrong

your contributions to the history!

with working hard.”

department and beyond — you will

United States History courses.

complexity of the things they say

After five years of teaching

Dr. Wakefield also took on the

in class; it keeps me on my toes!”

history, Dr. Zachary Wakefield

role of faculty advisor for Politics

Dr. Wakefield is known for his

will be leaving in June to take the

Club, became an ISP mentor for a

rigorous but worthwhile teaching

next step in his career. He will be

food and history ISP, created the

methods, which, as his students can

relocating to the Virginia Episcopal

Food Truck spring intensive, and

attest to, involve taking paper notes

School in Lynchburg, Virginia,

instructed the Food Fights summer

instead of electronic, using active

where he will be promoted to Head

global program.

recall to comprehend complex

of the History Department.

When asked what he would miss

historical analysis beyond surface-

Dr. Wakefield attended Juniata

most about Pingry, Dr. Wakefield

level memorization, and cold-

College, where he earned a

answered, “The students and

calling. In fact, Dr. Wakefield was

Bachelor’s Degree in history. He

faculty — they’re what makes

one of the first teachers to require

then went on to earn his M.A. and

this job exciting, fulfilling, and

students to place their phones in

Ph.D at Auburn University, both in

sometimes even unpredictable.”

a phone bin at the start of class;

history as well. Before joining the

Dr. Wakefield goes on to say that

he introduced this long before the

community, he spent four years

walking into class every day, he

school made it a common practice

working as a history teacher and

would not know what to expect

throughout all classes. His courses

coach at a boarding school.

from his students. He ponders,

are known to be challenging and

For the past five years, Dr.

““Unique to Pingry, most students

rigorous, but nothing short of

Wakefield has been actively

are so smart and well-read that

rewarding. In parting with the

involved in the community, both in

their responses are much more

Pingry community, Dr. Wakefield

and out of the classroom. Within the

formulated and advanced than an

comments, “A lot of people say to

history department, he specialized

average high school teenager — it

work smarter and not harder, but

Thank you, Dr. Wakefield, for

be missed!

Ms. Aye Thuzar SOPHIA ODUNSI (VI) I have had the pleasure to work with Ms. Thuzar during the varsity fencing season and in my Computer Science Principles class. In appreciation, I asked her a couple of questions about her time here, before she leaves Pingry.

Prior to coming to Pingry, Ms. Thuzar was pursuing a Master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education at the University of Pennsylvania. She was inspired to become a teacher because of her love for learning (which she developed when she was young) and enthusiasm for being part of academic institutions. Her favorite aspect of being in a school environment is being surrounded by people constantly learning new things or different ways to communicate the same ideas.

Over the last 13 years, she has taught

Geometry, Algebra, Geometry Honors, Intermediate Algebra and Geometry, Discrete Mathematics, Survey of Computer Science, Programming, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, Data Structures in Java, Programming Languages and Design, Programming Languages and Design in C++, Advanced Topics: Data Science in R, and Advanced Topics: Algorithms.

As a teacher, she is constantly learning from her colleagues and students, who inspire her every day.

She has also been a club advisor for the Robotics Club, NJ Math Competitions, Anime Club, Competitive Programming Club, FBLA, and Girl Code. Lastly, she has been an assistant fencing coach for 7 years. Although she cannot pick a favorite memory over the last 13 years, she shared that working with her

students, curriculum development opportunities, learning to fence, taking pictures of fencing meets and fencers, and teaching a spring intensive course make up her core memories at Pingry.

The entire Pingry community is sad to see Ms. Thuzar go as she continues her education, by finishing her Master’s in Data Science at NJIT. She will then join the University of Oregon as an instructor in the Computer Science department.

Ms. Thuzar has been one of my favorite teachers throughout my time at Pingry because of her overwhelming kindness and unwavering support in all areas. Her teaching style helped me overcome my fear of coding and encouraged me to overcome challenges in other areas. Further, the light that she brought to the fencing team will always be remembered.

As she leaves Pingry, Ms. Thuzar

wants to share that “Pingry has been a home for me for over a decade. I am going to miss Pingry and everyone at Pingry.” I’d

like the Pingry community to wish Ms. Thuzar good fortune on her future endeavors and grant her with kind goodbyes.

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD FACULTY DEPARTURES JUNE 9, 2024

10

Mrs. Jill Law ‘04 TINGTING LUO (IV)

in Physics at the University

and coaching of a sport.”

of Richmond. Originally an

When asked about her future

After working at Pingry for

aspiring mechanical engineer,

journey, Mrs. Law stated

16 years, Mrs. Jill Law ‘04 has

the three years Mrs. Law spent

that she is “looking forward

announced her departure from

as a resident assistant in college

to finding other things [she]

teaching. Throughout her time

helped steer her toward a career

might enjoy and be good at.” She

here, Mrs. Law has taught

in education, and she decided to

expressed her deep gratitude

science in the Middle School and

pursue her master’s degree in

for the Pingry community and

physics in the Upper School as

Teaching at Miami University.

will greatly miss her colleagues,

well as coached the Girls’ Soccer

Mrs. Law came to Pingry right

who have become her best

and Softball Teams. Although

after graduation to “help ensure

friends during her time here.

she will no longer teach at

that today’s students have as

We thank Mrs. Law for her

Pingry, Mrs. Law will continue

positive an experience here as

positivity and dedication,

to assume her responsibilities

[she] did.” Throughout her time

which have influenced many

as a Girls’ Softball Team coach.

at Pingry, Mrs. Law has received

in our community. We will

Mrs. Law graduated from

the Greig Family Endowed

miss you, Mrs. Law, and we

Pingry as a member of the Class

Faculty Chair, recognizing her

wish you the best of luck in

of 2004. She earned her B.A.

“excellence in both teaching

your future endeavors!

Mr. Jared Slaymaker

Mr. Ethan Boll

Jared Slaymaker, affectionately

to Singapore with his family to

dubbed “JaySlay” by his students,

teach overseas. Thank you to Mr.

is a lower school music teacher

Slaymaker for all of his contributions!

well-known for his high energy and

Thank You!

Having been at Pingry for two

who will begin UCLA Law School. We

years, Mr. Ethan Boll has had

wish him the best of luck in his future

various positions, taking on the

endeavors, and he will be missed!

role of Theatrical Master Carpenter,

boundless positivity. He has taught

We will also be saying goodbye

at Pingry for three years, and in

to Ms. Breanna Bundschuh,

that time, he has transformed the

Ms. Shengjie Chen, Ms. Regina

He has helped build the sets for the

Lower School arts experience through

Hardatt, and Dr. Gozde Unal.

plays and musicals along with Mr.

Drama and Music Departments Coordinator, and substitute teacher.

games, music, and teamwork. When

Joseph Napolitano and the student

asked about his favorite memory

technical teams. Next fall, he will

at Pingry, he said it was “making

begin his Master of Architecture

students laugh.” He will be heading

degree at UCLA along with his fiancée,

Faculty Features

Music of the ‘50s and ‘60s: 2024’s Annual Spring Festival SARAH CLEVENGER (III)

In this case, the majority of the

and St. Paul’s “Suite in C Major”

senior tributes for each group.

music was of the 1950s and 1960s,

Op. 29, No. 2 by Gustave Holst.

The Buttondowns, directed by Dr.

During the evening of May

and we celebrated a variety of

The Upper Voices Glee Club

Moore, sang solos in their senior

15, various music ensembles

styles from that era such as doo-

then sang “Aquarius” from

tribute song, “Happy Together”

came together to perform in the

wop, musical theater, and soul.”

the movie Hair and “Bridge

by the Turtles (arr. Chris Freslone

Spring Festival Concert, with

The evening started with the

Over Troubled Water” by Paul

‘92). The Balladeers then took the

the theme of “Music of the ’50s

Lower Voices Glee Club, a choral

Simon, featuring Verna Mae

stage and performed their senior

and ’60s.” The Jazz Ensemble,

group led by Dr. Andrew Moore,

Lange (VI), Izzy Berger (III), and

tribute, “One Fine Day” by Gerry

String Orchestra, Glee Clubs,

inviting the audience to join in for

Lauren Poprik (VI) as soloists.

Cottin and Carole King (arr.

Chamber Choir, Balladeers,

the first song, “All I Have to Do

Continuing the flow of the

Balladeers alumnae). Continuing

and Buttondowns performed an

is Dream” by Boudleaux Bryant

night, the String Quartet played

the pattern of senior tributes,

impressive repertoire of songs,

(arr. Steve Yook ‘97). The night’s

“Divertimento in F. Major, K. 138”

the Jazz Ensemble played “Dat

showcasing Pingry’s talented

lighthearted ‘50s and ‘60s theme

by Mozart and “Eleanor Rigby” by

Dere” by Bobby Timmons, “So

musicians. According to the

was beautifully captured in the

the Beatles, with Poprik as soloist.

What” by Charles Mingus, and

“The finale of the evening,

Director of Upper Voices Glee

next song, “Come Go with Me”

The Balladeers and Buttondowns

“Boogie Stop Shuffle” by Miles

where the combined Glee Clubs

Club, Chamber Choir, and

by C.E. Quick (arr. Steve Yook

then came together to sing a

Davis, which also featured

performed a medley from West

Balladeers, Mr. Jay Winston,

‘97), with Will Overdeck (IV) as

rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain

the talents of senior soloists.

Side Story accompanied by Dr.

“This was the first year in a while

a soloist. The string orchestra

High Enough” by Nickolas

To finish the night, the Chamber

Moore on piano, Will Pertsemlidis

where we chose a theme. The fun

then took the stage, delivering

Ashford and Valerie Simpson

Choir sang “Blackbird” by the

(V) on drums, and Ziv Shah

of the theme is the continuity

two poignant pieces: “Andante

(arr. Roger Emerson). The

Beatles. Mr. Winston perfectly

(V) on bass was exuberant.”

of style throughout the concert.

for Strings” by John Cacavas

performance then segued into

captures the night’s end, saying,

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY JUNE 9, 2024

11

Giggles

SANIYA KAMAT (VI)

I’ve gone by many nicknames throughout my life: “Dolly” (to my mom), “San-San” (to my dad), “Di” (to my brother), and “Sanu” (to close family and friends). Then there’s “S” (to Ziv), “Ayinas” (to Ananya), “Muffin” (to Jess), “Snaily” (to Anika), and my all-time favorite, “Giggles” (you’ll find out why below).

When I was younger, I had a bit of what one might call a laughing problem. Whenever I started laughing, no matter the reason, I couldn’t stop. I have abundant memories of laughing with something in my mouth and then rushing to the trash bin or sink so that I wouldn’t choke or spew out food, immediately erupting in hysterics afterward. Or falling on the floor clutching my abdomen because I was laughing way too hard — whether at home, at a fancy restaurant, or in the middle of Mrs. Finkelstein’s

sixth-grade history class. One time in middle school, we had a urologist from the Class of ‘69 visit our advisory. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say that unlike the other kids in my grade, I did not have the self-control to keep a poker face through all of their not-sosubtle jokes. It didn’t end well.

These frequent bouts of laughter throughout my childhood earned me the nickname “Giggles.”

Then high school came along, and my uncontrollable fits of laughter started to wane. While my familiarly fond name could be considered a reflection of my immature tendencies, it had begun to feel like a piece of who I was. I liked being known for the irrepressible bits of joy that consumed me entirely, sometimes for no particular reason. But at some point in high school, I stopped laughing like I used to. Not in the tiny nervous way when a friend teases you about a crush, or in the awkward forced way when a classmate makes a bad joke, but in the uninhibited, stomachpaining, gasping-for-air kind of way about the most random things. I had lost my Giggles.

Although I may have just outgrown my childish bursts of delight, it felt like a sign. A few friends continued to use the name, and maybe I was still

perceived as carefree or joyful, but it no longer felt genuine.

I no longer felt deserving of the title. My nickname used to be connected to happiness, but high school seemed to have taken that away.

While I will always have a special place in my heart for the hobbies and friends I’ve found here, the high school stress and struggle of balancing both academic and social success with a reasonable sleep schedule were simply too draining to manage.

Sure, there were ups and downs, and some parts definitely feel nostalgic when I look back, but I know realistically that I tearfully dragged myself through more late nights than I can count, and that there were plenty of times when a lack of an invite to a hangout or party made me feel disheartened or left out. I appreciate my time and effort over the last four years solely because they got me where I needed to go. And I thank my 15-year-old self for somehow doing what needed to be done without completely falling apart.

What I will miss, however, are activities like performing onstage and playing water polo that helped me discover some of the best parts of myself — and of course, the people.

Like every grade before us, our class grew up together.

I’ll miss the faces I’ve grown accustomed to seeing daily for so long, even though we may have only shared a few words.

I’ll always remember the “side characters” in my story: the girl I thought was intimidating until I tutored her in Spanish, the guy I went to Snowball with in sophomore year and then never spoke to again, or the friends I cherished silly sleepovers with in middle school whom I’ve long drifted away

from. I hope they’ll remember me as a fleeting character in their Pingry chapter too.

It is only now that I’m done with the pressure of high school that I’m actively trying to find who I am and what I want to do with my life without the constant workload hanging over me. I hope that I’m able to maintain more of a balance in the years to come. And slowly but surely, I’m confident that I’m getting back my Giggles.

See You Soon JINGJING LUO (V)

I have always believed that “new” things and experiences are adventures. The desire to find opportunity in the “new” is inherent to humans — we seek change and action. Another school year is coming to a close, and I know that for three months, I won’t be smelling the same Sage Dining from the Junior Area, and as each day passes, I will have one less chance to say Hi! to Ms. Thuzar in the hallways. While I, like many others, enjoy exerting the privileges of driving to the local Starbucks, I am finding it more of a “privilege” to stay, as the number of days we have left with each other reaches the single digits.

Something about the routine of coming in at 8:28 a.m., going to classes, and dawdling

ends is comforting: to know

- proclaimed guru selling me

that I will see the same people,

a mass - produced paperback.

some I know while others only

When I say that I am content

being recognizable in passing.

with this routine, it is because

Soon, the seniors will be gone.

my senior friends are constantly

In a time like now, I want

transforming me, teaching me

to put down those self - help

from their experiences, even

books and simply talk to those

when they don’t realize it. So

around me. From those who I

there is change after all. While

have known since my first days

I don’t believe I will no longer

at Pingry to those who I have

be friends with them after

met along the way, my senior

graduation, I will reminisce

friends are slowly dispersing

on the days we have spent

into the histories of high school.

stuck in this routine, as it has

Yet their stories, laughter, and

been forever changing. I will

friendship are lessons far more

wait for the day when I can

valuable than those from a self

say, once again, See you soon!

Volume CXLIX — No. IV

Editors-in-Chief Julia Eng Saniya Kamat Rising Editors-in-Chief Jingjing Luo Sriya Tallapragada Faculty Advisors Ms. Lynne Cattafi Ms. Sara Courtney Senior Assistant Editors Vanya Shah Carolyn Zhou Assistant Editors Gabriel Raykin Simrin Shah Head Layout Editors Jingjing Luo Vanya Shah Sriya Tallapragada

Copy Editors Olivia Buvonova Chloe Huang Ella Karch Amelia Liu Leila Souyah Aanvi Trivedi Sophie Schachter Tingting Luo Victoria Xie Durga Menon Leah Holmes Shanti Swadia Cartoon Editors Sheryl Chen Anna Ojo Head Layout Editors Jingjing Luo Vanya Shah Sriya Tallapragada Layout Editors

in the building after the day Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Saniya Kamat (VI), Sheryl Chen (IV)

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY JUNE 9, 2024

12

Field Day Relays and Lessons in Sisterhood

JULIA ENG (VI)

At the end of the first six years I spent at Pingry, all of the pent up competition and angst of PE class would culminate in Field Day. For some, Field Day was like a cathartic release; slathered in blue or white face paint, they would come to school armed with chants and cheers, Gatorade, and sweatbands, ready for what the day might bring. I, on the other hand, was not so enthusiastic about competing.

I have always been the type of girl that you would yell at for not catching the dodgeball to revive a teammate sitting out. I was

usually the last player standing, not because I was nimble or fast; I hid behind my classmates to avoid getting hit or participating.

There’s a sort of promise that all kindergarteners make together, as well as to themselves, regardless of their athleticism (or lack thereof) — as seniors, they promise to come back to volunteer for what will be their final Field Day. This promise held me accountable, and my youngest sister, Elizabeth, was running the last leg of the white team’s fifth - grade relay. I always joke that the Lower School seems to shrink each time I return; watching my sister, eleven but going on 27, move through its hallways seemed to dwarf the Lower School even further; it seemed that she’d already outgrown it herself.

It was soon time for the fifth grade girls’ relay, and I watched nervously as the gap between the blue and the white teams grew.

Elizabeth began the final leg a quarter of a lap behind the blue team’s runner, grabbed the baton, and bounded away. I watched

in awe as she flew around the same field that I had struggled to complete a singular lap on as a child. The white ribbon in her hair, which my mother had tied around her ponytail in our kitchen, streamed behind her like a silken banner. I had never really seen her run before but had always known how fast she was; even in preschool, she could run circles around anyone, including her teachers. I was stunned by how easy she made it look, how she cut through the humid afternoon air with her high, scraped knees.

I was in awe of how beautiful she made the act of running appear, and then suddenly, I was in awe of her beauty itself.

But as the gap closed to three or four stride lengths, and she approached the end, I realized that she would not be able to catch her opponent. Crossing the finish line, her legs ceased to pump. She put her hands over her flushed cheeks and began to cry. I’ve comforted my crying siblings hundreds of times, and they’ve done the same

for me. Being the oldest of four means knowing how to clean and bandage a cut, how to wipe tears with Kleenex, and how to swaddle a baby who won’t stop wailing. I’d even held a rag over Elizabeth’s bloodied hair and called 911 when she cracked her head open on our living room coffee table.

But nothing prepares you to save your siblings from those different kind of tears: the ones that come with disappointment, not in others, but in oneself.

I walked towards her, stunned in some ways. I didn’t know what my job was anymore. The closer I got to her, the more I realized how little I could do to comfort her. But this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Right before my eyes, she had grown from being just a younger sister into a peer, which is perhaps the most special, terrifying, and beautiful thing siblings can ever experience. Her classmates, from both the blue and the white team, were already surrounding her in a group hug that was three kids deep.

I took a deep breath and saw

it all laid out before me. My entire life, she had seemed like an extension of me, copying my mannerisms and running after me like a puppy at my heel. As she stood in that field twenty feet from me and out of my reach, her talents, her friends, and her life were all completely hers. I hated that she didn’t feel pride for all of her hard work, accomplishments, and amazing attributes that make her who she is, but I realized that this was something that she would have to reconcile on her own.

Although I would always be there for her, she no longer needed me to hold her hand, and as her friends slowly began to leave her one by one, she finally wiped her own tears away with the back of her hand. She walked back to me and politely thanked me for attending her race. Standing in front of me, tall and independent, she tightened the ribbon in her hair and shyly smiled.

That day, I walked back to my car in the Lower School parking lot with my sunglasses on; I was crying too.

Summer Crossword!

Our Behavior Relies on

Please email your responses to jluo2025@pingry.org or stallapragada2025@pingry.org. If you are

Technology

the first to respond, we will contact you about a prize!

ARIELLA ALLARIEZ (III)

Does being too reliant on technology affect our behavior?

Technology impacts our daily lives with its various functions.

Many applications and websites have a function that alters our day - to-day routine. Is it a good idea to rely on technology so much?

According to a study by the New York Times, “The idea is to show that tech is really everything and that it’s shaping our world in ways that we may not necessarily see.

These changes in technology are influencing our behavior in ways that we may not necessarily be aware of.” By becoming reliant on technology, our behavior is changing. For instance, technology allows students to gain access to education through online courses, digital textbooks, educational videos, and more. With a smartphone and the internet, anyone can learn more about anything that might interest them, anywhere and anytime.

As many use technology to relieve stress, technology in the form of social media also affects our behavior. After a busy day at school or work, social media serves as a break. However, too much of this break can lead to a decrease in productivity since procrastination can arise.

Technology can interrupt the ability of teens to focus and

complete their work. The New York Times explained that “teenagers told us they spend a significant portion of their lives online — most said somewhere between 16 and 62 hours a week. Where do they spend all that time? Apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube came up again and again…” Social media has become addictive for teens, who have become dependent on technology for entertainment.

By being too dependent on technology, young adults will not appreciate the present moment because they are too focused on their screens. While using apps to take photos, we capture a beautiful moment on screen but could miss the present moment and reality.

A New York Times writer Ms. Shira Ovide claims, “Right now, there’s only life mediated through technology. So in a way, it’s made it much more clear how much we rely on technology in ways that are both good and bad.” Technology impacts many due to its advancements. We can continue informing others, educating many, and learning from technology. However, we should also find other ways to be entertained and stay in touch with reality. By doing so, we can practice self - control by relying less on technology and more on ourselves.

Photo Credits: Carolyn Zhou (V)

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY JUNE 9, 2024

13

Peace and the Writing Experience SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (V)

the state of Kashmir unfolded

the soldier). Living in a time

world of madness.” Her passion

It serves as a way to exchange

throughout her childhood, her

of such hate and violence

for writing continued as she

ideas and perspectives, allowing

There’s a photo of my

area (being a border state to

couldn’t have been easy, and

graduated from college, married

for nuance and a back - and -

grandmother that hangs right

Kashmir) was often a target

my grandmother often struggled

my grandfather, became a

forth that leads to consensus.

next to my mirror; 17 years old

for air strikes, ground battles,

to understand her identity amid

mother to three daughters, and

It can transcend geographical

at the time, she leans against a

and military action. Day after

such conflict. Her response?

eventually moved to Hyderabad,

and cultural boundaries,

balcony, staring solemnly into

day, my grandmother observed

Inspired by popular Indian

away from the conflict.

leading to greater empathy in

the camera, her hair slicked

human rights violations,

Authors like Sarojini Naidu and

Now, at 70 years of age, my

our community. Although our

back with coconut oil and

restrictions to freedom of

Rabindranath Thakur whom

grandmother’s hands shake with

bubble in suburban NJ is far

a bindi placed neatly in the

speech, and violence take over

she read in the classroom, my

arthritis, and she can no longer

different than life in Kashmir,

center of her forehead. While

her community. The presence

grandmother bought a notebook

put pen to paper. Still, as I sit

in the midst of chaos and

the picture looks completely

of hate was rampant: quite

and fountain pen from a local

with her and communicate in

violence present in the world,

peaceful, my grandmother’s life

often, her neighbors would host

vendor and began writing

my broken Telugu, I am inspired

discourse through writing and

was anything but. As the conflict

public burnings of the Pakistani

poems about her peace. This

by the way writing allowed her to

communication is necessary

between India and Pakistan over

flag, chanting “jai jawan” (hail

allowed her to “stay sane in a

understand cultural inclusivity.

for us to become global citizens.

To Sleep or To Study VICTORIA XIE (IV) My surroundings blur and my mind becomes blissfully clear as I temporarily leave the present until a sense of urgency fills me.

It’s 1:00 a.m. — I’m supposed to be typing my English essay, but I keep zoning out due to a lack of sleep. I’ve been like this everyday for the past week, in a cycle of sleep deprivation and non - stop work. If I want to get a good grade on this assignment, I have to keep staying up late, right?

When we find people talking about their “success stories” online, we often hear about their 4:00 a.m. morning routines and their 11 - hour - long workdays.

We almost never hear about a nine - hour sleep schedule.

Sleep deprivation has become inextricably tied to success in today’s world, and it is even reflected in students’ lives.

Students feel pressure to take as many AP classes as possible, have enough extracurriculars, and hand in quality work before the deadline.

The pressure for students to perform well is incredibly high.

For them, being productive is a necessity, whereas getting enough rest is a choice. But sleep is not optional, especially for students whose brains are still developing. According to Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, a researcher who studies sleep, a lack of sleep can negatively impact brain development. It can also lead to higher chances of cancer,

as well as an increased risk for heart disease and depression.

Even a week of sleep deprivation has consequences.

Then, how can students win back their sleep? There is no way to solve this problem overnight, as this is partly due to a flaw within the education system and society itself. However, as individuals, we can alleviate it.

First, sleep deprivation should be recognized as a real problem. Oftentimes, students are told that it is “normal” for them to stay up late doing homework, or even that it is “good” that they are working so hard. This type of wording takes the urgency of the problem away and labels it as something positive. Teachers could be more lenient on deadlines for

large assignments, especially if students have two or more large assignments due on the same day. I like the idea of a “Three Major Assignment Rule,” instead of simply a “Three Assessment Rule.”

Finally, the next time

students find themselves up at 1:00 a.m. and zoning out every few minutes or so, I’d like them to first ask themselves this question: to sleep or to study? And, hopefully, they will start making the choice “to sleep” more often.

Is Music Dead in the World of AI? SHANTI SWADIA (III)

don’t just play music—they

is undermining their creativity,

artificial string of words.

question of our generation is: will

can also program it. The AI

these artists will not find the

Lastly, let’s consider the

human creativity and storytelling

Imagine you could create an

software in Udio.com generates

inspiration to write or dedicate

implications for musicians’

be superseded by artificial

entirely new song within seconds.

patterns found in existing music.

themselves to songwriting. They

copyrights and financial stability.

intelligence? Or is AI simply

Now stop imagining because

These patterns are becoming

may even start to use the AI to

I believe AI in music production

the next step in our creative

you can do it right now. Udio.

increasingly effective, and in time,

enhance their creative process.

will complicate the lives of artists

evolution, acting as a tool that

com is a generative AI platform

they will rival any songwriter.

A machine can give them the

because it will be difficult or nearly

can enhance our lives? Tools like

where anyone, even an untrained

Today’s AI is not at that stage; it

same number of hits, if not

impossible for them to claim ideas

Udio.com are so dynamic that

musician, can “write” songs

is simply a copilot for creatives.

more, so why spend time working

as their own. The prevalence of AI

there is no way to predict their

by simply giving the AI a few

However, it is unclear what will

through their writer’s block?

will also negatively affect the

impact on music, let alone the

prompts, like “’80s style pop with

happen in the coming years.

Second, let’s consider the

financial stability of talented

human race. We can only theorize

bass and drum accompaniments”

The emergence of this new AI

emotional impact of music. For

musical artists. Their skills will

about their effects and how fast

or “futuristic jazz with male

software raises many essential

many of us, music is the most

be commoditized, and their

our lives will change, but who

vocalist.” The AI will compose the

questions, but I will outline

authentic way of storytelling.

basic livelihoods will be at stake.

knows? Check back in with me in

lyrics, add the accompaniments,

only three of them below.

It’s a direct line to our

Ultimately, the most critical

five years… or maybe one month.

a major or minor key, a

First, will this new AI replace the

emotions, a way for musicians

time signature, and more.

human creativity we appreciate

to communicate their inner

Music began embracing a

in artists? For now, consumers

thoughts to another human

digital existence in the ‘80s when

may still attend concerts of the

being. The lyrics of our favorite

artists started recording all music

popular musicians who have

songs pull at our emotional

on hard drives. Consumers today

earned their fame, but after

heartstrings because they are

listen to music through apps like

some time, they will become

tales of the human experience.

Apple Music and Spotify, but

impatient for their favorite

However, a computer algorithm

artificial intelligence takes it a

artist’s next hit and “create” the

reduces a personal piece of

step further. Now, musicians

hit themselves. Because the AI

storytelling to an impersonal,

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Sheryl Chen (IV), Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY JUNE 9, 2024

14

Starting Ninth Grade Right SARAH GU (VI) It’s 103 degrees. I take the thermometer from my ear and place it next to my murmuring computer. On the screen is a twenty - second clip of a woman quickly explaining how to cut wispy bangs. After watching two other similar videos, I take a pair of scissors and run to the bathroom.

I’ve always been a little religious

about my hair. It’s a constant frizzy mess that I try to tame with a new conditioner brand every month — never mind that I shampoo my sweaty hair every day after practice until it’s fried.

I know that good, healthy hair is a sacrifice I must make as a student - athlete. Every haircut is left to a barber alumnus to keep it from looking worse. I have never drastically trimmed my hair.

Until now. It’s March of my senior year. It’s a massive moment for me to be cutting my bangs. And after a couple of snips, I realize I’ve perhaps cut them a little too short, the parting off - center, and the side parts uneven. I try to salvage my hair with a flat iron or adjust the front strands until they become oily with my fingers.

When I was a sophomore, I watched as an upperclassman gave a speech about how his disappointing perm allowed him to realize no one cared how he looked. I had known ruined hair wasn’t a big deal and that owning it was better than worrying about it. It didn’t make sense, and it was the slightest bit of hair that would grow out within two months. Still, I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. But after walking into school, no one acted like anything was out of place. My friends had made good - hearted comments about a haircut, but no one

gave me a double - take. I truly felt that it didn’t matter at all.

During my time in high school, I followed the same concept. I had spent much of my underclassmen semesters in the library. I’m lucky my friends loved the library space as much as I did. But still, after pestering upperclassmen for advice — which boiled down to talking to everyone, meeting new people, and making new friends (accompanied by the classic “see your teachers” and “manage your time”) — I had completely ignored everything I was told except for the advice I was already following. It felt natural to work away, only reaching out to a new face when they approached first. Of course, I don’t intend to begin my first year of college the same way. I’m grateful I had followed my gut, however.

It was a big mistake that gave me a brutal wake - up call in the middle of my high school years.

There are many ways I could

view my first semesters and feel regret. However, the point of experience is that we must feel an idea before genuinely learning it. For me, gaining experience means getting wake - up call after wake - up call. That idea would otherwise fly through my head passively. A random 100 - year - old man’s words aren’t going to do anything because you don’t feel his lessons affect you.

I ignored my upperclassmen’s words because I didn’t understand I was missing out on people who had so much to share.

If I were to start high school all over again, I would tell freshman Sarah to trust herself, even if she is wrong, because those lessons would arrive when she is ready. I would let her make the same mistakes and fall into the same traps and obsessions so she could feel those lessons as deeply as possible. And maybe I could even convince her to cut her bangs sooner.

The Last Laugh ADAM ELAYAN (VI)

that did not mean my parents would

Mrs. Julia Dunbar with the subject

Pingry interview 14 years ago (yes,

let my sister outshine me. In what

line “Awards Assembly Tomorrow,”

they made me wait another

If you were a kid with limited artistic

was either a sympathetic gesture to

I didn’t bother to open it. Only

year). There is

talent like me, your parents probably

salvage my ego or a brilliant effort

Thursday morning, after I had

no more

hung your art on your fridge. My

to compare my sister’s intelligence

arrived bright and early (at 9:30)

parents had to frame mine to save

to mine, they hung my last - place

to work on my ISP (watch baseball

my pride. For context, my sister was

dinosaur trainwreck (frame and

highlights in the library), I found

the Michael Jordan of the Lower

everything) next to my sister’s 2014

out my attendance was required at

School Book Fair Art Competition.

first - place winner, whose theme

the assembly. I got comfortable five

Every year, she won first or second

was “Peace in the Middle East.”

minutes later, clad in my brightest

prize, and every year, Pingry sent

Middle and high school were more

red polyester t - shirt, and sat

us a framed version of the winning

of the same. Ceremonies and plaques

in the front row. As the school’s

drawing to go with the honor. While

replaced art contests and framed

resident music critic and one of

she piled up the hardware, I was

drawings. Sitting at the back of the

four Advanced Topics II French

turning in head - scratcher after

auditorium, I could usually catch

students, I knew I would be up for

head - scratcher, submitting work

up on my sleep unnoticed during

a couple of awards, but I felt no

that, if reviewed, would most aptly

the STEM and athletics portions of

sense of dread. After all, how could

be described as “anti - art” and

the assemblies. I always perked up

I possibly get embarrassed now?

“anti - book.” Still, I waited with

during the announcements of the

You’ve all seen the picture they

bated breath every year while they

humanities awards; hoping for a little

used of me for The Flex. As my

announced the contest winners,

bit of nepotism, I was secretly ready

friends love to remind me and anyone

hoping that this year my depiction

to hear my name called. Determined

who will listen, my role on varsity

of a dinosaur throwing a hotdog

to betray me, my mom never cheated

baseball last year was scoreboard

over a rainbow would net me at least

the system on my behalf, and I went

operator. I wore rainbow Vans to

an honorable mention. To no one’s

home empty - handed year after year.

school in seventh grade. In a fitting

surprise but mine, I never won, but

So, when I saw an email from

introduction, I threw a tantrum in my

school, just to add to the absurdity.

You could

embarrassment.

So, sitting in my front-

laugh

row seat on Thursday, I hoped

at me, and I could laugh at

my name would get called, and I

me, and we could laugh at this

could walk on stage in my bright red

for a long time after. To hell with

shirt and gym shorts. I could have

my ego. I just wanted one more.

my picture taken before the whole

thing to smile about when I leave.

Looking Back on the Bigger Picture KELLY CAO (VI)

It’s April of my junior year, when the inevitable pressure of college has just begun to truly set in, and I check my inbox to see an email from creynolds@pingry.org for teacher recommendations. As I scroll through the form attached, I answer every question rather easily, until I reach the following prompt: “Give an example of when you felt you really contributed to a conversation, lesson, group project, etc.” I tried to recall the most significant moments of my classes only to find that nothing specific could come to mind, only a vague sense of feeling that accompanied

each day. After all, how was I supposed to remember every single time that I’d made some sort of contribution to a discussion when I spent every day talking in classes, then with my friends, then with my family? Even now, when I ruminate on my memories of what I have been doing the past four years, I can maybe state specific instances that felt good, like winning some competition or overcoming a monumental obstacle. But in hindsight, these times fade like bubbles in seafoam, receding back into my mind as nothing more than a story for me to bring up during some class reunion in the future. It is hard to define an experience in

a singular moment, because “high school” felt like less than two words and more of an endless script, like one of those books that, when you reach the end, you forget how it began. I can remember submitting my final college application and hoping to experience the most lifechanging sense of accomplishment, but instead just feeling a heavy burden released off my back.

This was the same feeling that haunted me throughout high school, whenever I finally submitted an English essay that was two weeks late, or went to a meeting for a club that I at first had a genuine reason to miss, then felt too guilty to return to. I attribute

most of these blunders though not to laziness, but rather to my “perfectionism procrastination.”

Because I attached my academic worth to these moments, to these essays and club meetings, I could not handle the feeling of not participating to my best ability.

Instead of focusing on the overall feeling that high school could give me, I was focusing on these minute mistakes, when I felt like my world would end if I didn’t give it my all. As a result, I pushed back my assignments, telling myself that I would do it tomorrow when I felt like I could churn out a perfect piece in one sitting. I told myself that I’d catch up on the dozens

of readings I’d missed for a club meeting, only to never do them.

However, one singular essay would not be the highlight of my high school career, or of my entire life.

This too was simply a moment among the many that I would have, a bubble in the seafoam of my high school years. Looking back, all these moments were trivial – I don’t remember every single English essay I wrote or all the club meetings I should have attended – but I do wish that I could have been able to write them earlier, or that I had the courage to go to those club meetings, because those were the moments and feelings that I missed out on.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Sheryl Chen (IV), Anna Ojo (III)

THE PINGRY RECORD SENIOR PAGES JUNE 9, 2024

Class of 2024: Off to College

Boston College

Boston University Brown University Clemson University Colby College Colgate University Colorado College Columbia University

Loyola Marymount University

University of California, Irvine

Marist College

University of California, San Diego

MIT Muhlenberg College New York University Northeastern University

University of Miami

Northwestern University

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Cornell University Dartmouth College

Princeton University

Davidson College

Providence College

Denison University

Purdue University

Drexel University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Emory University

University of Chicago University of Colorado Boulder

Pennsylvania State University

Duke University

15

Rutgers University Skidmore College

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Richmond University of Rochester University of Southern California University of St Andrews

Smith College

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Spelman College

Vanderbilt University

Stanford University

Vassar College

Syracuse University

Wake Forest University

The Ohio State University

Washington University in St. Louis

Indiana University

The University of Texas at Austin

Williams College

Johns Hopkins University

Trinity College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Lafayette College

Tufts University

Lehigh University

Tulane University

Fairfield University Georgetown University Harvard University Haverford College High Point University Howard University

Yale University

THE PINGRY RECORD SENIOR PAGES JUNE 9, 2024

16

Senior Awards

Cum Laude Society

Math, Science, Technology

Computer Science Prize Laura Liu, Alan Zhong John R. Whittemore ‘47 Biology Award Max Naseef, Leon Zhou Ernest C. Shawcross Chemistry Award Verna Mae Lange, Francesca Zarbin The Physics Award Evan Xie

Science Book Award Britney Alfieri, Annabelle Shilling Science Research Award Juliana Amorosi Science in Society Award Sydney Shilts, Delaney Swain Whitlock Prize for Math Laura Liu, Evan Xie

Advanced Math Prize Verna Mae Lange Economics Prize Divya Subramanian, Alan Zhong Robotics Prize Keira Chen, Laura Liu

Saniya Kamat Chelsea Peng Daniela Karnaugh Lauren Poprik Verna Mae Lange Avery Santomassimo Laura Liu Annabelle Shilling Katherine Marine Colette Simon Nicholas Meng Allison Smith Ngozi Nnaeto Divya Subramanian

Yearbook Award Annabelle Mahoney Jean S. MacDonald History Prize Julia Eng, Francesca Zarbin Psychology Prize Mark Mason, Delaney Swain

Nicholas Meng Divya Subramanian

Language Prize

Chinese: Sasha Gupta French: Evan Xie German: Brennan McVey

Latin: Alexandra Alston Spanish: Kain Wang

Advanced Language Prize

Chinese: Theodore Strelecky French: Julia Eng Latin: Verna Mae Lange

Spanish: Annabelle Shilling, Francesca Zarbin The DeGryse Prize in World Languages: Samuel Gonzalez

Brendan J. Donahue '79 Memorial Prize for Fine Arts Isabelle Baird, Emily Gao Brendan J. Donahue '79 Memorial Prize for Pottery and Sculpture Alexandra Rudnik Barbara Berlin Prize in Art History Sydney Shilts Music Award Francesca Zarbin

Daniela Henriques

Ngozi Nnaeto

Special Awards

Elizabeth Allan Smith '83 Memorial Pingry-Duke Scholarship Prize Jada Watson C.B. Newton Pingry-Princeton Scholarship Prize Nicholas Meng The Faculty Prize Damilare Shote Charles B. Atwater Valedictory Prize Verna Mae Lange Francesca Zarbin

Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction Katherine Krishtopa Sarina Lalin Verna Lange Lauren Poprik

Ananya Sanyal Aanya Shah Annika Shekdar Allison Smith

Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor Ethan Boroditsky Kelly Cao Keira Chen Emily Gao Laura Liu

Kate Marine Divya Subramanian Nicholas Meng Rohan Variankaval Chelsea Peng Kain Wang Annabelle Shilling Kyle Wang Anika Sinha Margaret Wu

Evan Xie Hansen Zhang Alan Zhong Leon Zhou

Advanced Placement Scholar Designation Britney Alfieri Madeline Alfieri Juliana Amorosi Valerie Bremm Aiden de Asla Sophia Deeney

Maggie Ellsworth Grace Fernicola Eshaan Golchha Daniela Henriques Matteo Littman Sophia Odunsi

Marcus Wilson

Ethan Boroditsky Kelly Cao Michael Caratzola Brian Chin Aiden de Asla Julia Eng Emily Gao Sarah Gu Saniya Kamat Miles Kelly

Alice Santana Colette Simon Theo Strelecky Delaney Swain Mehr Takkar Aarav Vaidya

Katherine Krishtopa Verna Lange Laura Liu Katherine Marine Olivia Murray Max Naseef Mitchell Oldham Chelsea Peng Ananya Sanyal Annabelle Shilling

Colette Simon Mehr Takkar Sebastian Talarek Kain Wang Kyle Wang Margaret Wu Francesca Zarbin Hansen Zhang Alan Zhong

National Merit - Semifinalists Keira Chen Nicholas Meng

Divya Subramanian Rohan Variankaval

Evan Xie Leon Zhou

National Merit Finalists Keira Chen Nicholas Meng

Divya Subramanian Rohan Variankaval

Evan Xie Leon Zhou

National Merit Scholarship Recipients Keira Chen

Evan Xie Laura Liu

Michael Jupka Jr. '76 Blue Key Award John Taylor Babbitt '07 Award Matthew Lombardo Alex Payne Community and Civic Engagement Award Student Government Achievement Award Isabel Zarbin Jada Watson Paul R. Leary '90 Award Allison Smith

Sasha Gupta Rahil Kakar Saniya Kamat Miles Kelly

Verna Lange

National Merit Special Scholarship Recipients

School Service and Leadership

Abigail Baird Aviv Cohen Julia Eng Sarah Gu

Leon Zhou

National Recognition Awards Rural and Small Town/Hispanic/African American/ Indigenous People

Arts and Drama

The 1902 Emblem Award Jada Watson The Magistri Laudandi Award Evan Xie The Legacy Cup Daniela Karnaugh Centennial Cup - Gift of the Class of '61 Graham Stevens Class of '26 Reese Williams Award Matteo Littman Sandy Apruzzese Big Blue Award Mark Mason

Kain Wang Evan Xie

National Merit - Commended

Word and Classical Languages

Director's Award for Achievement in Dramatic Arts Gabrielle Marques Drama Department Award for Musical Theatre Lauren Poprik, Damilare Shote Prize for Technical Theatre Samuel Gonzelez Michael E. Popp Photography Prize Alice Santana, Delaney Swain

Benjamin Tran Kain Wang Maisy Webster Evan Xie Francesca Zarbin Hansen Zhang Alan Zhong

U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists Ethan Boroditsky Saniya Kamat

Humanities

Union College Casmir A. France Award for Excellence in English Laura Liu, Francesca Zarbin Paul H. and Sarah Rouslin Excellence in English Award Julia Eng, Annabelle Shilling Martin B. O’Connor ‘26 Journalism Award Adam Elayan

Juliana Amorosi Kelly Cao Keira Chen Aiden de Asla Julia Eng Emily Gao Sarah Gu

Andrew Vilarin Thomas Yanez Francesca Zarbin Isabel Zarbin

Scholar-Athletic Awards

Cipriano Family Scholar-Athlete Somerset County Principals Award Delaney Swain Daniela Karnaugh NJSIAA State Skyland Conference Scholar Athlete Emily Gao Olivia Murray NJISAA Prep McKenna Dwyer

Athletic Awards

Girls' Cross Country Award Joe LaValley Boys' Michael Jupka, Jr. '76 Ollvia Murray Basketball Award Wrestling Award Graham Stevens Charles Levine, Matteo Boys' Cross Country Award Littman Andrew Vilarin David M. Allan Memorial Girls' Basketball Award Winter Track Award Andrea Montague Field Ngozi Nnaeto Olivia Murray, Sydney Hockey Award Shilts, Sebastian Talarek McKenna Dwyer Virginia Nazario Fencing Award Class of 1935 Graham Tom Boyer Football Award Nikita Kogan, Delaney Churchill Baseball Award Joshua Woodford Swain Alex Payne Michael Jupka Jr., '76 Pingry School Varsity Boys' Boys' Golf Award Football Award Ice Hockey Award Eshaan Golchha Carson DeRoner Charles Sherman Girls' Golf Award Timothy C. Cornwall Girls' Ice Hockey Award Ella Murti '64 Boys' Soccer Charlotte Diemar Sportsmanship Award Richard C. Weiler Boys' Anthony Bugliari, Thomas Girls' Ski Team Award Lacrosse Award Yanez Katherine Krishtopa Graham Stevens Dick Gradwohl Boys' Boys' Ski Team Award Pingry Girls' Lacrosse Soccer Cup for Most Team Dylan Jay, Matthew Sportsmanship Award Spirit Lombardo McKenna Dwyer, Martin Fields, Mitchell Milligan Clark-Schoeb Girls' Squash Team Award Oldham, Paul Salerno Kelly Cao, Francesca Pingry Girls' Lacrosse Cup Resiliency Award Zarbin, Isabel Zarbin Annabelle Mahoney, Margaret Pew Charlotte Diemar Boys' Squash Team Award Elizabeth Allan Smith '83 Benjamin Tran Pingry Softball Award Girls' Soccer Award Delaney Swain Steven Todd Golf '95 Boys' Delaney Swain Swimming Award Boys' Tennis Award Girls Volleyball Award Derek Cheng Aviv Cohen, Miles Kelly Colette Simon Ashley G. Marsh and Boys' Track Award Water Polo Award Family Swimming Award Damilare Shote Emily Gao Emily Gao, Daniela Richard G. Gradwohl Girls' Karnaugh Frank L. Romano Boys' Track Award Basketball Award Olivia Murray Trey Maultsby, Joshua Woodford

THE PINGRY RECORD SENIOR PAGES JUNE 9, 2024

The 1902 Emblem

17

The Class of 1902 Emblem is awarded to Jada Watson of the Class of 2024, who, while at The Pingry School, by the efficiency and the amount of service and loyalty of attitude has done the most for the school, and who has been judged therefore by schoolfellows and faculty to have shown of them all the greatest amount of school spirit.

The Class of 1902 Emblem represents the highest ideals of The Pingry School. The nominees chosen by their classmates and faculty are considered to embody the very principles of integrity and service that lie at the heart of the institution. Thus, even to be nominated for this award is regarded as a paramount honor.

E&M How many years have you attended Pingry? 10 What are your trademark characteristics? I would say i’m dependable, aprochable, and hardworking What Pingry activities are you involved with? Student government, bridges outreach, french club, blue key, lacrosse, indoor track What are your college plans? I’m going to Duke to major Psychology and minor in French Career possibilities? Industrial Organizational Psychology (more specifically consulting) What is your senior year song? Beautiful Day by U2 What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Giving my speech at convocation What will you take away from Pingry? From Pingry I think i’ll take away the sense of wonder that it has instilled in me. I think I’ll continue to be open to trying new things and working with others. On top of that, I will take away the ability to work hard, socialize with peers, and get up after making mistakes.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Advice I have for under classmen is to not take Pingry for granted and try as much as you can.

There are so many incredible opportunities at Pingry that you can’t get at other schools and that you might not even know of if you don’t get out there and try new things!

JADA WATSON

The Magistri Laudandi Award In every class, there is one student who graciously gives of him/herself to help the school and fellow students, who demonstrates a personal integrity and generosity that inspire the best in others. This person’s own achievements are many, yet his/her sense of purpose is to the greater good. While others may be identified as “the student most likely to succeed,” this person is prized as “the student who helps all succeed.”

The Magistri Laudandi Award is awarded to Evan Xie.

M How many years have you attended Pingry? 4 What are your trademark characteristics? Hardworking, personable, disciplined, and sincere.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Hockey, Math Team, PCR, the Pingry Record, and SmartHeart IRT What are your college plans? Princeton University Career possibilities? I’m hoping to pursue a career in biotechnology and entrepreneurship.

What is your senior year song? “Lose Yourself” by Eminem What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Winning the Skyland Conference Championship this year in front of a huge crowd of friends classmates, and teachers.

What will you take away from Pingry? Invaluable relationships. Friends, peers, teachers, coaches, and mentors have supported me throughout high school, helping me discover my passions and identity. I’ll be sure to keep in touch with this close circle as I enter the next stage of my life—while simultaneously putting myself out there and meeting new people.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Don’t always be so fixated on the future—your report card, extracurriculars, or college applications.

Even if you have extremely ambitious goals, it’s important to take the time

EVAN XIE

to cherish the present moment. After all, the process is always more fulfilling than the destination.

THE PINGRY RECORD SENIOR PAGES JUNE 9, 2024

18

Nominees for 1902 Emblem (E) and Magistri Laudandi (M) Awards

JULES AMOROSI

EMILY GAO

SARAH GU

M

E&M

M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

How many years have you attended Pingry? 7

How many years have you attended Pingry? 9

What are your trademark characteristics? passionate, focused, loyal, supportive

What are your trademark characteristics? curious, passionate, kind

What are your trademark characteristics? Hardworking, outspoken, sloweater

What Pingry activities are you involved with? PETase IRT, Journal Club, Blue Key, Clayworing Club, Belize Trip What are your college plans? I will be attending Tufts University as a biology major.

Career possibilities? Molecular biology researcher, marine biologist What is your senior year song? Silver Lining - Mt. Joy What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite memory from Pingry is going on Belize Marine biology trip as it was not only super fun but it also grew my interest in marine research.

What will you take away from Pingry? Pingry has taught me how valuable it is to grow passions and care about what you learn. ability to ask for help and to appreciate the people who support me.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Make sure to create strong relationships with your teachers because they want to help you. Also, be willing to get involved in a lot of activities.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Swimming, water polo, Student government, IRT, Overlook Hospital Foundation junior board What are your college plans? Georgetown University Career possibilities? A lot of different things, from being a painter to being a researcher studying therapeutic cloning. I am still deciding!

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Asian Student Union, Pingry Record, Pingry Community Research Journal, Fencing What are your college plans? Fencing for the Harvard team Career possibilities? Maybe a doctor or an engineer? Undecided!

What is your senior year song? Man in the Mirror by Micheal Jackson

What is your senior year song? “Here With Me” by d4vd

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? When my math class came in on the Saturday before the BC AP exam and reviewed together with Mr. Lagarde, we took a break and he played the piano to us. I unexpectedly got really emotional, even though I usually don’t feel nostalgic about “lasts”.

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Watching the sunrise and going on walks with my friends, singing “You Belong with Me” with the whole school at the Balladeers karaoke, and filming a spicy ramen trivia video with ASU.

What will you take away from Pingry? A lot of gratitude. Discipline. Being self-assured. A couple diaries full of memories to look back on when I am older and want to remind myself of who I was when I was getting started.

What will you take away from Pingry? This school has taught me that everyone has so much I can learn from. I’m constantly amazed by all the people around me, in the biggest accomplishments and the smallest acts of kindness. It’s so special to be in a place where everyone wants to help each other.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? To proudly do what you love. Your effort never goes to waste. Even if you don’t see the direct payoff immediately, you grow a little each time you push past your discomfort.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? I would definitely recommend reaching out to your classmates, especially the ones you haven’t talked to before. Having a really fun class makes all the difference.

MARK MASON

SANIYA KAMAT

DANIELA KARNAUGH

E&M

E&M

M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13 - Lifer

How many years have you attended Pingry? 7

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

What are your trademark characteristics? I am extroverted, engaging, athleic, smart, hardworking, curious, loving, multifaceted, and kind.

What are your trademark characteristics? Joyful, Compassionate, Resilient, Adventurous, Driven, Inquisitive, Open-minded, Sincere

What are your trademark characteristics? Passionate, driven, energetic, persevering, and really enjoys talking to anyone about anything.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? I am most involved with the football team, the track team, black student union, black affinity group, PSAAC, and Peer Leadership.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? The Musical, Balladeers, The Pingry Record, Water Polo, South Asian Affinity Group, Indian Dance Club, Cabaret, Glee Club, Chamber Choir, iRT, and Writing Center

What Pingry activities are you involved with? I’m a part of the Pingry Swim Team and the VirF Independent Research Team. I’m also the leader of Girls in Sport Club, ENGin Club, and Slavic Student Union.

What are your college plans? In the fall I will be attending the University of Southern California with a double major of Psychology and Gerontolog.

Career possibilities? I am looking to be a clinical therapist and work with people of all ages, but especially people from under-resourced communities.

What is your senior year song? Million Dollar Baby by Tommy Richman What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite memory from Pingry is going down to the lower school the day of Friday Night Lights to greet the kids at the door What will you take away from Pingry? Learning how to branch out to those who you don’t usually engage with. .

What advice do you have for underclassmen? To truly just “Be where your feet are” (Chris Maxey) engaging in what and who is around you is so incredibly important. Also, to prioritize your mental health, we attend one of the most academically rigorous schools in the country, it is understandable to need a break from time to time. Lastly, enjoy your time here, having fun, and don’t let anything or anyone hold you back.

What are your college plans? Attending Brown University in the fall Career possibilities? Undecided What is your senior year song? Slipping Through My Fingers What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Watching the musicals with my friends for the last time on closing night from backstage.

What will you take away from Pingry? I’ve learned to just do what makes me happy and found some of my closest friends along the way.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Try everything.

What are your college plans? I plan to major in Molecular Life Sciences at Indiana University and will swim for their Varsity Swim Team while I’m there.

Career possibilities? After pursuing a PhD/MD, I want to do research in the field of Pharmaceutical Oncology.

What is your senior year song? “Green Light” by Lorde What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Some of our last senior moments together - like Snowball 2024 or the Senior Sleepout - have been really special to me. This past swim season was also memorable, especially when Pingry won the Prep Championship for the second year in a row!

What will you take away from Pingry? Pingry has taught me how to reach out and take advantage of every opportunity. Wherever you go, there will always be doors to open; I now have the confidence to open these doors.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Remember to stop and smell the flowers! While they are important, there is more to life than just your goals and constant hard work. Also, don’t ever be afraid - to be yourself, or to ask for help. The people around you are more welcoming than you know.

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Nominees for 1902 Emblem (E) and Magistri Laudandi (M) Awards

LAUREN POPRIK

ANNABELLE SHILLING

DAMILARE SHOTE

E

M

E

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4 What are your trademark characteristics? Kind, hard working, passionate, driven, curious What Pingry activities are you involved with? The Musical, Field Hockey, Cabaret director, IRT, SMART team, Model UN, Blue Key, Covenant House Student leader, Belize Ecology Program What are your college plans? Washington University in St. Louis Career possibilities? Doctor or Lawyer What is your senior year song? Sundress by Zoo Culture What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Either the closing night of the musical or field hockey semi finals. Both experiences were filled with spirit, positivity, and the warmth of a group that I felt connected to at Pingry.

What will you take away from Pingry? I will take away my unique love of learning new things which I didn’t have prior to entering Pingry.

Throughout these past four years, I have learned how to be intrigued by new subjects, and open minded to new academic opportunities.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Try as much as you can and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? I love to give my friends hug: three hugs a day keeps the doctor away, a medically undisputed truth!

What are your trademark characteristics? Authenticity, Liveliness, Spontaneity

What Pingry activities are you involved with? PCR, IRT, GSA, Affinity Group, HIRT, Creative Writing Club, Fencing

What Pingry activities are you involved with? The Buttondowns, musicals and plays, throwing for track and field

What are your college plans? Stanford University (Bioengineering or Biophysics & Computational Biology).

What are your college plans? I’m going to Muhlenberg to study Theatre!

Career possibilities? I’m eager to pursue a career in academia, although I imagine four full years in Silicon Valley will sell me on a biotech startup.

What is your senior year song? “Sundress” by Zoo Culture

What is your senior year song? ”Safe” by Westlife What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite memory was in freshman year, climbing over a snow bank with Brielle. Our socks got soggy and the cold nipped at our fingers, but we laughed the whole way through.

What will you take away from Pingry? I enjoyed the flowering passions my teachers had for their respective disciplines. Precalculus became less about learning geometric series, and more about their applications in Koch snowflake fractals: Mr. Brown loved that. AP Biology was a whirlwind of concepts, but Mrs. Farrell shared one of her favorites-natural selection’s relationship with illness--by sharing a book she liked: “Survival of the Sickest.”

Career possibilities? Actor, singer, environmental scientist What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite memory from Pingry definitely has to be in 4th grade when I won the field day relay race even though I was behind half a lap.

What will you take away from Pingry? From Pingry, I’ll definitely take away the importance of helping others succeed. In an environment as competitive as Pingry, being there to lift others up goes a long way especially when you end up being the one who needs lifting.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? The only advice I have is to make the most of every moment because there is so much you can get out of each and every day at Pingry even if you don’t realize it. And be nice to your teachers.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Don’t compare yourself to other people. You are exceptional enough as you were, are, and will be.

ANIKA SINHA

ALLY SMITH

DIVYA SUBRAMANIAN

E

E

E&M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 10

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

How many years have you attended Pingry? 6

What are your trademark characteristics? Dedicated, curious, loyal, determined, genuine, addicted to coffee

What are your trademark characteristics? Energetic, approachable, fast talker, occasionally stubborn, consistently inquisitive

What are your trademark characteristics? Hardworking, friendly, passionate

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Lighthouse Relief Club, IRT, Blue Key, Bear Brew, Pingry Athletics Street Team, Fencing

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Honor Board, Writing Center Head, Field Hockey, Symphonic Orchestra, Blue Key ambassador

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Honor Board, Ethics Bowl, IRT, Peer Leadership, Tennis

What are your college plans? Engineering, bio-med and entrepeneurship Career possibilities? Serial entrepreneur or something that involves healthcare, product design and problem solving What is your senior year song? Meet Me Halfway by The Black Eyed Peas What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite memory was coming down the stairs sophomore year during the holiday season, and seeing everyone helping each other decorate our space with music playing in the background. It was really nice to see the whole grade come together in high spirits.

What will you take away from Pingry? I’ll take away the memories and relationships I’ve made with other students and teachers at Pingry.

There are so many interesting people with different backgrounds and passions that I have had the opportunity to meet and talk to.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Take risks and don’t be afraid of failing. There are too many opportunities at Pingry for you to not dive into something you care about, even it it doesn’t work out the first time. Also make sure to appreciate the Pingry community that’s there for you, whether its showing up for at sports game or just chatting in the freshmen area.

What are your college plans? Indiana University Career possibilities? I picked Kelley because of the limitless opportunities that studying business provides. I want something fast-paced that involves leading a group... potentially consulting or management. We will see!

What are your college plans? Yale University Career possibilities? So many things: Consultant, Finance, Real Estate, Supreme Court Justice!

What is your senior year song? ”The Spins” by Mac Miller What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Getting to speak at Convoca

What is your senior year song? The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco

tion

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Living in Germany with my exchange student, Laila.

What will you take away from Pingry? The relationships I have made at Pingry will stay with me forever. The connections I have made with my friends, teachers, and my advisor have been so meaningful and have shaped me to who I am today.

What will you take away from Pingry? We are all seen at Pingry and there is a genuine care for others that I cherish each time I enter the building. I am always inspired by how talented my peers are, and I am grateful that they pushed me to be better, even if they did not realize it.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Finish what you start and finish strong; your effort matters, and people depend on you. Make friends outside of your grade. The wisdom from upperclassmen helped me through my four years, and it felt even better to eventually be the one to pass down stories of my experiences.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Follow your passion and don’t be afraid to take risks. Prioritize what matters to you but remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Focus on being the best version of yourself.

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Nominees for 1902 Emblem (E) and Magistri Laudandi (M) Awards

DELANEY SWAIN

MAISY WEBSTER

E

E

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? Compassionate, Empathetic, Kind, Loyal, Passionate, Caring, Thoughtful, Driven (all according to friends and family)

What are your trademark characteristics? My closest friends and family would describe me as a genuine and kind person who is always reaching out to others. I try and always lead with kindness and optimism, as they are important characteristics to me.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Covenant House Student Leader, Pingry Student Athletic Advisory Committee (PSAAC President), Clay Club Leader, Handbells Club Leader, Softball Captain, Soccer Captain, Fencing Captain What are your college plans? Studying Psychology and Studio Arts at Skidmore College Career possibilities? Clinical Psychology, Jury Consulting/Lawyer, Photographer What is your senior year song? This is tough because I have a whole playlist for this but I’d say either Long Live by Taylor Swift or Rivers and Roads by The Head And The Heart What is your favorite memory from Pingry? I think my favorite memory (recency bias might be playing in here) is winning the Prep A championships in softball for the second time in school history and the first time since 2016. We beat the number 1 seeded Hun, who we haven’t beaten otherwise in my four years here, so it was a pretty big upset. The energy that night was so fun and it felt the the team really came together to get the win for each other. We also played on my club team’s home field at Diamond Nation which made it even more special!

What will you take away from Pingry? The number one thing I’ll take away from Pingry is the great friends, teammates, teachers, and all the amazing people that I’ve met, and all of the incredible, once in a lifetime opportunities and memories that I’ve made. While the lessons I learned in the classroom (like time management and critical thinking) will definitely stick with me, the people I’ve had the privilege of getting to know will always be more special.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? I’d say just do as much as you can and as much as you want because high school moves really fast and you don’t want to regret not trying something. Definitely prioritize your happiness over anything else because grades are important, but they aren’t everything as much as it may seem like they are. Learning to fail is really important because it’s going to happen a lot more in high school and your life, so the faster you fail and the earlier you learn to embrace it, the earlier you’ll start being able to turn those failures into successes. And just be kind to people because you never know what they’re going through. Pingry is a challenging place and life is hard sometimes. We’re all in this together so we may as well help each other out by just being nice and having some empathy.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? I am a member of the varsity lacrosse team, an elected member of the Community and Civic Engagement Council, play tennis, run my own club (Pingry Buddies), a member of Fostering Care club, and a member of Blue Key, What are your college plans? I will attend Boston College in the school of arts and sciences Career possibilities? Currently, I’m an undecided major but I’m interested in many fields such as biology, education, engineering, and spanish!

What is your senior year song? Long Live by Taylor Swift What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite Pingry memory is going on the Washington DC trip in 8th grade with my dad. When I was little, my mom and I would to tag along on the trip with my dad and his students so it was really special when I got to go myself with my grade and him!

What will you take away from Pingry? Pingry has taught me how to be organized and have grit. I’m able to harness my ambition and achieve my goals by working hard. However, Pingry has also helped me learn how and when to ask for help. Both both of these skills are equally important, and will help me as I continue my education.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Don’t limit yourself to one subject, activity, sport, friend group, etc. because during your time in high, you should be exploring and trying new things! You don’t even start figuring yourself out and really knowing who you are until you’re about to graduate. Take your time and live in the present :)

FRANCESCA ZARBIN

ALAN ZHONG

E&M

M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

How many years have you attended Pingry? 9

What are your trademark characteristics? I’m kind, hard-working, disciplined, and always there to help people (according to my twin)

What are your trademark characteristics? Curiosity, empathy, always wanting more

What Pingry activities are you involved with? I am involved with the Pingry Balladeers, Glee Club, the Food for Thought Club, Creative Writing Club, and Varsity Squash What are your college plans? I’m heading to Dartmouth next year Career possibilities? I think I will be a doctor, but teaching also interests me What is your senior year song? Brain Damage/Eclipse by Pink Floyd What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite memory from Pingry is performing with the Balladeers at Short Hills. Going back to the Lower School and being the performer I once watched when I was a lower-school kid is such a special experience.

What will you take away from Pingry? What I will remember most from Pingry are the close bonds that I’ve created with my teachers and mentors. This school has taught me how important it is to cultivate those relationships in high school and beyond.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? My advice to the underclassmen is to pursue your non-academic interests in addition to your academic ones. Finding something you love that doesn’t involve a test or an exam gives a different kind of fulfillment that is truly important to succeeding in high school.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Robotics, Math Club, IRT, STC, HIRT What are your college plans? Yale University Career possibilities? Honestly not sure, but maybe AI safety, software, or policy What is your senior year song? Current Joys — A Different Age What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Building a shelter in the woods during 4th grade Social Studies.

What will you take away from Pingry? A sense of appreciation for learning, and a deeper understanding of the things I enjoy. Pingry gave me a lot of opportunities to convert a strong work ethic into genuine passion.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Actually listen to the cliche high school advice we’re all so used to — there’s a reason they’re so common. Step outside your comfort zone; don’t work too hard; do things you actually enjoy.

THE PINGRY RECORD SENIOR REFLECTIONS JUNE 9, 2024

21

Words From Seniors Talk to your teachers—they are such great people and truly want to help you suceed.

Try everything.

Dear Underclassmen, There are 4 more years after high school, don’t let these 4 years determine the rest of your life.

People care less about small things in your appearance than you think they do, so don’t worry.

Carve out your niche if it doesn’t exist already. And write your college essays in the summer.

To work hard and stay focused but also enjoy your time.

Build strong relationships with your teachers.

Don’t hesitate to join a club, sport, IRT or try anything new. It is important to explore everything and just show up!

Have more fun! And don’t cry over spilled milk.

Have fun and be happy with what you’re doing because these are the best and most precious times of your life.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and put yourself in uncomfortable positions.

Have fun and be happy with what you’re doing because these are the best and most precious times of your life.

Embrace curiosity and pursue whatever interests your heart tells you.

I would say try new things and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or put yourself out there. It sounds cliche but it really is true.

Live in the moment and try everything.

Commit fully to everything you do.

Be grateful for the opportunities that are presented to you and do your best to seize every one.

I think one of my biggest regrets is not reaching out to my classmates more. Having a really fun class can make all the difference in your high school experience.

Pingry offers a lot of experiences and opportunities that other schools don’t, so really try to take advantage of that - try new things and explore yourself and your new interests.

One piece of advice I want to leave behind is to try everything.

From joining a new club to enrolling in an intellectually inspiring course, I believe it is important to gain exposure to aspects of high school that pique your interest to achieve personal growth.

Value the friendships you make with students as well as the relationships you create with teachers.

You can’t please everybody so stop trying to.

Warmly, The Class of 2024

Seniors, Describe Your Pingry Journey in One Word...

Thank You Notes: To the Pingry Record staff — keep carrying the torch and doing the work!

From: Julia

To Bruce Morrison ‘64, thank you for always being at our games and supporting every student at Pingry with your happy charisma and unwavering support and interest into our daily lives.

Bruce the seniors will all miss you at our games and events!

From: Greta I am deeply thankful for the Pingry Drama Department because it gave me a space filled with true friends and helpful mentors.

From: Sophia O.

Thank you to my parents for giving me the opportunity to go to Pingry.

From: Michael C. Pingry football, thank you for the countless memories and relationships that I will cherish for my whole life.

From: Matthew H. To my parents, thank you for always supporting me and being by my side all of these years!

Without your guidance I would never be where I am today.

From: Jada Hi Derek! I’m going to miss going to school together :( Love you!

From: Chelsea

To my parents, you’ve spent so many years caring for me that I hope you take some time to care for yourself. Love you!

Thank you to my teachers and family who supported in everything, specifically applying to college!

From: Sarah

From: Katia

Mr. Burkhart — not only did you open my eyes to how much I love writing, but also, you have given my closest friends and me a space to explore our literary fascinations and curiosities.

We’re going to miss you a lot!

It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to everyone, but I’ll miss you my underclassmen friends! I am confident that you guys will excel in whatever you want to do, be it squash, Balladeers, art, or other personal endeavors!! ^-^

From: Julia As I embark on the next chapter, thank you to Pingry for nurturing my growth and development over the years.

From: Saniya T. Dear Mom, Thank you for always believing in me and inspiring me to be my best self every day. I truly appreciate your kindness, empathy, and generosity, and I am grateful for your guidance and loving spirit.

From: Kelly To Mr. Winston, Ms. Romankow, Doc, and Van— Thank you for being the best performing arts teachers I could ever have asked for and for giving me the confidence not only on the stage but in real life to follow my passions and believe in myself.

You will always have a special place in my heart.

I want to recognize all of the other lifers in my seniors class and how much we’ve grown since we came in Kindergarten.

From: Francesca Thank you mom for always being there for me, through the ups and downs. I appreciate everything you do for me, I love you!

From: Maisy Hi Dr. D’Ausilio, we love you & thanks for everything <3 From: Coco

From: Saniya K.

From: Sophia D. Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Sheryl Chen (IV)

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY JUNE 9, 2024

22

Endless Menu at Nahm CAROLYN ZHOU (V) Walking through downtown Madison, a busy college town, I am overwhelmed by the sheer number of eatery options.

This is the dilemma I was facing one day when accompanying my sister to her soccer practice at Drew University.

Luckily for me, we ran into what has quickly become one of my family’s favorite spots whenever we stop by the town. Located along the bustling Main Street, Nahm Thai & French Cuisine has all the qualities I look for in a casual family dinner spot.

Despite some slightly inflated prices, the vibrant atmosphere, generous portion sizes, and delicious authentic Thai food keeps us coming back.

Nahm sports a strong menu from start to finish, with a plethora of delectable appetizers, entrées, rotating specials, drinks, and desserts to choose from. We typically start our meal with

the chicken satay, a perfectly juicy skewered chicken that my sister will devour after a hard practice. The chive dumplings and imperial puffs are favorites of locals, and if you’re looking for vegetarian options, you can’t go wrong with their crispy fried tofu served with sweet chili sauce. To warm the soul on more frigid days, we like to get tom kha, a spicy soup with coconut cream and chicken, or tom yum, its non - spicy, more sour, lemongrass counterpart, served with shrimp.

For a refreshing starter, the flavorful papaya salad always hits the spot.

For entrees, we usually forgo the commonly ordered pad thai in favor of the thicker rice noodles in pad see ew, which pack a greater flavor punch that pairs well with bits of egg, broccoli, and the sweet soy sauce base. Other classics that will be sure to delight include the green or red curry and the pineapple fried rice

(added seafood costs more but does much in elevating the dish). They also have plenty of more expensive higher - quality specials, like Bangkok duck, soft shell crab, bronzino, and lamb.

Their street food lunch menu features additional recommended dishes like kao soi ka, a traditional North Thai noodle curry, and guay tiew nua, a savory braised beef noodle soup.

To add something extra to your meal, treat yourself to a Thai or lychee iced tea or a special Thai iced coffee. For dessert, I love the coconut sticky rice with fresh mango or passion fruit crème brûlée, which provide unique flavors and are light dishes to end your meal at Nahm.

The restaurant itself is colorfully decorated, complimented by a vibrant fish tank and several hanging lanyards of paper cutouts. The tables are well spaced out and the service is pleasant, despite being a bit understaffed. It can

get a little busy on the weekends, but weekday evenings are fairly peaceful.

After finishing all the amazing food, you can take a stroll around downtown Madison where frequent fairy lights create an aesthetic look and there are

endless stores to scour through. Overall, the vast menu options, delicious dishes, and convenient location make this restaurant one you’re sure to return to time and time again.

Inside the Met Gala’s Garden of Time AMELIA LIU (III)

This year’s Met Gala focused on The Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” The exhibit features over 200 nature - themed garments and accessories spanning four centuries of fashion history.

This year’s dress code was inspired by the 1962 dystopian short story “The Garden of Time”

by J. G. Ballard. The short story nods to cycles of creation and

destruction, along with the story of Count Axel and his wife. The couple languishes in a beautiful villa surrounded by a garden of crystal flowers as a chaotic horde advances upon them.

The count attempts to keep the mob at bay by plucking these magical time - reversing flowers until none remain.

Co - chairs Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth hosted the fashion extravaganza alongside Vogue’s Anna Wintour, who has hosted the Met Gala since 1995. The elite came dressed in botanical looks on the Gala’s off - white and mossy green carpet.

Zendaya stepped onto the carpet in an archival John Galliano gown topped with a headpiece surrounded by floral fixtures. Her makeup matched the look with glass - like skin, a high - shine burgundy lip, and thin brows.

Lana Del Rey’s Alexander McQueen dress symbolized an overgrown garden, surrounding her body with thorny branches that stretched into a beige veil that covered her face. She epitomized Count Axel’s dilapidated garden, holding a single red rose that represented the Count’s attempts to turn back time.

Actress Brie Larson embodied the element of passing time with a sunset - colored pencil dress and a framed petticoat that took on the shape of an hourglass.

Similarly, singer Tyla’s outfit represented the falling sand inside an hourglass, carrying the Balmain hourglass clutch.

Demi Moore walked out in an orchid - shaped gown paired with a Cartier necklace. Her designer, Harris Reed, revealed that her gown was made of wallpaper and took 11,000 hours to embroider.

Elle Fanning’s glass - like gown was a perfect take on the magical crystal flowers in Count Axel’s garden. Nicole Kidman’s black - and - white gown recreated a 1950s Balenciaga gown inspired by flamenco. Rapper Cardi B stunned the carpet in a billowing dark gown designed by Sensen Lii. The men of the night included model Wisdom Kaye, dressed head - to - toe in red and personifying the themes of destruction with burn marks scattered throughout his outfit. Co - chair Bad Bunny arrived wearing a dark wool jacket and a gigantic beret.

He held a bouquet in hand which featured flor de maga, the national flower of Puerto Rico, roses, and the flax plant.

Peer2Peer: The Student Perspective With Cecilia Caligiuri AANVI TRIVEDI (IV)

Peer2Peer is a social, multicultural, and philanthropic student - led organization founded by Upper School English Teacher Mr. Harlen Shangold and the previous Director of Community and Civic Engagement Mrs. Shelley Hartz in 2021. The organization aims to foster leadership and mentorship skills for both Peer2Peer members and the students whom they partner with outside the campus, such as those from Link

Community Charter School, South Hunterdon Regional High School, KIPP Seek Academy, and Pingry’s Lower School in Short Hills.

Peer2Peer is split into multiple student - led committees, including the Communications Team, Philanthropic Committee, and Social Team. Cecilia Caligiuri (IV) shares her experience leading the Peer2Peer Philanthropy team, one of the organization’s most active committees, which has made a profound impact on the community.

Caligiuri describes her time

as a member of Peer2Peer as a “very gratifying experience.” She further expands on her statement, detailing how “it is amazing when you find those in the group who care just as much as you do about helping the school and greater world community. That’s when you know you have a real team you can count on, and I am thankful to Peer2Peer for helping me meet such extraordinary leaders in our school community throughout the grades who I may not have come across otherwise.”

Caligirui expresses her desire to continue hosting engaging fundraising events for the school community. The Philanthropy Committee has already organized successful fundraising events during the past school year, including the Mean Girls Movie Night for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and various bake sales for special holidays. Looking ahead, the Philanthropy Committee, led

by Caligiuri, is brainstorming exciting new fundraising ideas for the next school year.

Caliguri reflected on her work for Peer2Peer, “While I feel that there are other definitions of Peer2Peer’s purpose based on the individual and the committees they are part of, to me Peer2Peer’s main purpose is fostering a greater sense of community at Pingry while giving back.” Caliguri finished by expressing that she is “proud to say that I am a leader of Peer2Peer. This group has made huge steps since its inception a few years ago, and I am excited to see where we are headed.”

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD SENIOR REFLECTIONS JUNE 9, 2024

23

X - Men ‘97: Reviving the MCU CAROLYN ZHOU (V)

This has been the first summer since the end of Marvel’s Phase 3 that hasn’t seen a Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU blockbuster opening the season’s movie market.

There has been a noticeable lull in the content of the MCU in the

past few years. After the pivotal cultural moment that was the film, Avengers Endgame, the massive franchise continued to churn out TV shows and large - scale movies with varying degrees of success. While I still hold hope that the franchise is building up

to something big, I too can feel the pull of Marvel fatigue that has come through the prioritization of quantity over quality content.

That is why I was so excited when a revival of the 1992 X Men: The Animated Series was announced, aptly named X - Men ‘97 as a homage to the nickname for the 90s show, X - Men ‘92, and a continuation of its last season in 1997. Building off of the original show, whose Saturday morning airings helped make superheroes a household name, a continuation of the series with improved animation and new storylines seemed to be just what the MCU needed. Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, made a wise decision in taking a step back from the complicated web of multiversal shenanigans that now envelop the franchise, instead grounding himself in the animation format that gave the franchise its origins.

Mutants have always been one of the most popular Marvel groups, which I believe is strongly due to how deeply their story is rooted in human experiences of prejudice and societal inequality.

X - Men‘97’s characters are also

fantastically crafted, with individual backstories, personalities, designs, and motivations that make them easy to invest in and relate to. Not only that, but this show actually has high stakes, reviving the tension that has been missing from recent superhero movies. Recently, this has been majorly nullified by a complex multiverse where the long history of comic book revivals and retconning has rendered the death of characters as a useless trope. While the series still features time travel and alternate dimensions, it remains grounded in its characters and has a clear storyline that makes these elements easy to follow. As a result, fans are further invested in the story and characters, whose actions and decisions have real consequences that don’t get brushed off the next episode by easy, fix - it tropes.

X - Men ‘97 is extremely faithful to its source material, adapting story arcs and designs straight from the comics, with some frames even being detailed recreations of the original comic book or TV series.

What sets a story of super - powered beings apart from regular action movies is the distinct campi - ness of elaborate costumes, ridiculously

cool monikers, and catchy dialogue that is simultaneously cheesy and deeply meaningful. Rather than being embarrassed by these decidedly geeky characteristics, the show embraces them and validates generations of nerd culture while also making appropriate changes for the different mediums and times we live in.

Another obvious improvement from the original ‘90s show is the advanced animation quality.

Even disregarding the storytelling or dialogue, the show is very entertaining to watch because of the colorfully drawn panels, crisp animation quality, and inventive visualizations of superpowers. Plus,

it has a killer backtrack, adapting Ron Wasserman’s iconic theme song with a variety of instruments to evoke different tones at various parts of the story. The voice actors are well chosen, with many of the original cast reprising their roles to nail accents and dictation styles while appropriate substitutions were made to bring new voice actors onto the scene. All in all, X - Men ‘97 is a delightful dose of nostalgia, even for people who haven’t experienced the 1992 show or comic books. Its second season is already rumored to be in editing phases, and a third season is surely planned to be on its way.

Kendrick vs. Drake SONIA NKANSAH (V)

Hip-hop is a relatively new genre of music, having celebrated its fiftieth anniversary less than one year ago. Hip-hop’s popularity initially remained exclusive to the African American community, but it quickly became one of the biggest music genres in the world, with a pervasive cultural influence. Its cultural significance stems from its use of vernacular language and its role as a weapon in disputes between artists. These disputes, known as “beefs,” have been instrumental in attracting and maintaining fans.

The most notable beef in Hip-hop history was between the late rappers Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.

The two rappers released numerous tracks directing hostility towards their opponent and his associates.

With each rapper taking shots at the other’s morals, family, and gang affiliation, the beef quickly became convoluted and ended with the murders of the two rappers.

Despite its gloomy ending, their beef set the precedent for future Hip-hop disputes. No beef in Hiphop’s short history has been able to top the intensity of the one between Shakur and Smalls. However, a modern, emerging beef threatens to undermine their notoriety.

In the fall of 2023, rappers Drake and J. Cole collaborated on the track “First Person Shooter,” in which Cole referred to himself, Drake,

and colleague Kendrick Lamar as the “big three” of Hip-hop, alluding to the trio’s domination of the music genre. Hip-hop fans took the reference lightheartedly because of the amusing disposition of Drake’s music. However, Lamar did not take Cole’s lightly. In March 2024, Lamar responded to Cole, exclaiming, “It’s just big me.”

His response sent shockwaves through the Hip-hop community.

The three rappers have stamped themselves as Hip-hop giants with their numerous chart-toppers and iconic performances. Thus, matters involving the three often make headlines and cause fracas in the music industry that extend beyond the genre of Hip - hop. Rap beefs are common; most of today’s rappers have beef with one or more rappers. However, Lamar, Cole, and Drake’s fame made their beef one of significance. Thrust into the spotlight, the three rappers knew they had no time to waste, immediately releasing a slew of “diss tracks,” songs full of insults and contempt directed at each other.

Cole responded first with the track “7 Minute Drill,” in which he attacks the quality of Kendrick Lamar’s music, saying that its quality had dwindled throughout his career.

Cole then highlighted Lamar’s inconsistency, exemplified by the many hiatuses the rapper has taken in his career and his sporadic release pattern. Fearing repercussions, Cole

quickly retracted his statements, deleting the track from all streaming services. Initially criticized by fans as a sign of weakness, Cole’s choice soon proved wise as the feud grew more intense.

Drake soon released the track “Push Ups” in which he took jabs at several of his previous collaborators, reminding the world of how many more accolades he has received compared to them. With “Push Ups,” Drake pulled more rappers into the beef, but their presence was minimal compared to that of Kendrick Lamar, at whom the most vicious shots were fired. In “Push Ups,” Drake attacked Lamar’s height, infidelity, and the titular meme

of Lamar doing military - style push - ups. Similar to Cole, Drake also attacked Lamar’s supposedly dwindling career. Perhaps in an effort to prove his opponents wrong, Lamar dropped his first diss of the series, “Euphoria.”

For context, Drake is a producer of the drama series Euphoria. The show depicts the lives of several high schoolers and is noted for its zealous illustration of the roles of sexuality and substance abuse in the lives of high schoolers. Euphoria has often faced backlash for its graphic content. Lamar leveraged this standing backlash to paint Drake as a predator who exploits young people for personal gain.

Lamar expanded his claims on the

track “Meet the Grahams,” a track released in response to Drake’s “Family Matters,” going so far as to accuse Drake of supporting child trafficking operations and hiding a secret child from the world for eleven years. With such explosive claims, fans were certain Lamar had won the beef. In a shocking turn of events, Drake soon dropped the track “The Heart Part 6,” accusing Lamar of believing and spreading rumors fed to him by the former ’s management.

Due to the entertaining nature of Drake’s music and Lamar’s history of cutthroat lyricism, fans largely disregarded “The Heart Part 6,” thus leaving Kendrick Lamar as the victor of the beef.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD SPORTS JUNE 9, 2024

24

Spring Sports Season Update MALCOLM ADEDJOUMA (V), MIA GULATI (III), TINGTING LUO (IV), SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (V ) & JAKE YANG (IV) BOYS’ TENNIS Although almost half of Pingry Boys’ Tennis’ top players graduated last year, the team has remained strong and continues its reign as NJ.com’s

improved throughout the season

between Pingry and #5 Westfield.

and is making the most of its games.

Big Blue cruised past Westfield (8-5)

As the season draws to a close, the

and kept the cup home for another

team thanks its seniors, Nate Blum

season. The Boys’ Lacrosse Team

(VI), Cohen, and Miles Kelly (VI) for

prepares to play in the county playoffs,

their invaluable contributions to the

which they have high hopes for. Coach

Pingry tennis program throughout

Webster along with the lacrosse team

their careers. The team also welcomes

members believe that the team has the

new freshmen with hopeful wishes

potential to make a deep run into the

for promising future seasons.

county and state tournament this year.

#4 Boys’ Tennis team. Varsity Captain

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Aviv Cohen (VI) highlights the team’s

BOYS’ LACROSSE

triumphs so far, stating that the team “started off the season with one of our biggest tournaments of the year, the Delbarton Tournament, and even though one of our teammates sustained an injury, we were still able to make it to finals and even win Skylands and later the trophy at the County Tournament.” Cohen hopes that the team can maintain this momentum as “eyes are now on the state tournament, and our positions are continuing to play really well and [gain] confidence in both ourselves and teammates.”

The Junior Varsity team has shown remarkable adaptability and resilience despite having numerous matches canceled due to poor weather. JV Captain Alessio Pasini (IV) proudly shares that “the season has been going pretty well as we have one of the best JV teams in the state, and despite some of the scheduling challenges, our team is playing consistently. In every challenge lies an opportunity to exceed our limits.”

Ultimately, the team has significantly

This year’s Girls’ Lacrosse season is After a tough loss to Ridgewood, the

coming to an end with the team’s most

Boys’ Lacrosse Team has not looked

recent win to become the Somerset

back. NJ.com describes the team as

County Champions. The team is led

Coach Sean McAnally, Assistant Coach

(III), won the distance medley relay.

“red - hot” because of their nine - game

by Director of Athletics Carter Abbott

Alan Vantwerp, and varsity captains

At the Penn Relays, the Girls’

winning streak. Coach Mike Webster

and Captains Annabelle Mahoney (VI),

Britney Alferi (VI), Madeline Alferi

distance medley relay of Deeney,

believes this season is one of the best.

McKenna Dwyer (VI), Milligan Clark-

(VI), and Ella Murti (VI), have had

Murray, Lucy Ambrogio (V), and Kerr

Led by a strong group of seniors,

Schoeb (VI), and Charlotte Diemar (VI).

an amazing season this year. They

set a new school record of 12:16.83,

including Captains Asher Ziv (VI),

Mahoney leads the team with 70 goals

have very talented underclassman

running the third-fastest time in New

Charlie Sherman (VI), Paul Salerno

and is committed to Northwestern

team members, including Rayee Feng

Jersey. Deeney said the “phenomenal

(VI), and Graham Stevens (VI), the

University for lacrosse. When asked

(IV), Angela Liang (III), Julianna

DMR squad is extremely grateful

#3 team in the state had a strong

about how she was affected by her high

Zhang (III), and Sahasra Datla (III).

to be crowned Prep A Champions,

start to its season, avenging two of

school athletic career, Mahoney said,

The team’s current season record

Somerset Country Champions, and

last year’s losses against Bridgewater

“We have so much fun on and off the field,

is a majority of wins, going 6-3,

Skyland Conference Champions.”

- Raritan (10-3) and Ridge (7-6).

and I am going to miss every part of it!”

with their biggest win being at the

Leah Solomon, who is, according to

Then, the team lost to #2 Ridgewood

The team’s current record is 13-5. Out of

Somerset County Tournament, where

Deeney, the team’s “star pole vaulter,”

(8-4) before quickly bouncing back

their five losses this season, they lost by

they won 4th place at NJSIAA State

achieved a mark of 11-6 at the Somerset

with victories against Rutgers Prep

the most to Kent Place, ending the game

Championship with Feng placing 2nd

Country Championship, which placed

and Somerville. One of the most touted

with a score of 13-7. When questioned

individually. Ruby McGurn (V), a

her first in the Non-Public A division.

games of the season was the one

about the loss, Coach Abbott maintained

member of the team said, “I’ve been

On the Boys’ Team, Dylan Bartoli

against the #4 team from Bernards.

a firm mindset: “ Hopefully, we will see

on the golf team since my freshman

(IV) and Ja’Mar White (IV) placed

The game went into Overtime,

them again in the state tournament.”

year and it is truly my favorite thing I

second in the long/triple jump relay at

where Sherman scored an OT game -

Mahoney added, “We work harder every

do at Pingry. The team has grown a lot

the Skyland Relays. During the shot put

winner and edged out the opponents.

day in practice to be the best version of

over time and I think we’re just getting

relay, Mark Mason (VI), Damilare Shote

The true highlight of the season

ourselves we can be. We like to hone in

started. The girls that have joined in the

(VI), and Nick Henry (V) won silver.

was the Bristol Cup, an annual game

on getting each other better in practice

past couple of years are full of talent and

White also set a new school record by

and always supporting one another.”

have made this team even better than we

almost five inches during the season,

With 25 girls listed on their roster

thought possible. I’m really grateful to

going 43 feet and three inches in the

and only 12 spots on the field, there

be a part of a team that I know is capable

triple jump, and became one of the top

are always plenty of people on the

of winning next year’s state title.”

25 male triple jumpers in New Jersey.

sideline. When asked about the

At Somerset County Championships, TRACK

community, Katherine Patten (IV)

Shote won the shot put event, throwing

said, “Members of the PLAX community The Boys’ and Girls’ Track Team have

out for each other. We are ultimately

had a strong season with new program

This month, the team will enter the

one big family.” Congrats to the

records! Captain Sophia Deeney (VI),

championship season, looking for a

girls on an excellent season and we

Devan Gambello (VI), Sari Berman

strong finish to a noteworthy season.

hope they have continued success!

(IV), and Hannah Diao (IV) won

Their final meet, the New Balance

the Girls’ 4x1600 relay at Skyland

Outdoor Nationals, will occur on June

Conferences. In addition, Captains

16 at the University of Pennsylvania.

Olivia Murray (VI) and Deeney, joined

Deeney encourages everyone “to see

by Kayla Kerr (V) and Caroline Naulty

us run our last race of the dynasty.”

GIRLS ‘GOLF The Girls’ Golf Team, run by Head

GIRLS’ LACROSSE 5/23 vs Union Catholic

a 12 - pound metal ball 49 feet and

care about [their] teammates and look

BEAR CAGE

six and a half inches into the sector.

BOYS’ LACROSSE 5/18 vs Bernards

18-0 WIN

8-6 WIN

GIRLS’ SOFTBALL 5/9 vs Kent Place

3-0 WIN

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications