The Pingry Record - November 2024

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

Volume CL — No. I

record.pingry.org

Monday, November 25th, 2024

CONVOCATION 2024

AANVI TRIVEDI (V)

Chair Nick Henry ‘25 delivered

values he represents. Mr. Lear

Mankiw ’76. He is the Robert M.

to the Honor Code. The event

remarks and affirmations about

also recognized the Magistri,

Beren Professor of Economics

was a success, and Serena Lin

On Friday, September 6,

the Honor Code, emphasizing

faculty members who have

at Harvard University, their

(V) said, “I appreciated how

the new school year began

the importance of creating a

worked at Pingry for at

former Economics chair, and

much we were able to learn

with the annual Convocation

supportive environment and

least 25 years. Collectively,

has authored many books on

from Mr. Mankiw and the

Ceremony, held for the first

reflecting on prior experiences

this year’s 18 Magistri have

economics. He is also a National

lessons portrayed by Ziv and

time in the Miller A. Bugliari ’52

that shaped them. Closing

served Pingry for 599 years.

Bureau of Economic Research

Nick’s speeches. Overall, the

Athletics Center. Senior faculty

remarks were delivered by

The school also presented the

research associate and an adviser

event was an amazing start to

member Mr. Miller A. Bugliari

Board of Trustees Chair

Letter-In-Life Award during

to the Congressional Budget

the school year, and everyone

‘52 opened the ceremony by

Ian Shrank ‘71 and Head of

this year’s Convocation, the

Office and the Federal Reserve

who spoke was incredible!”

delivering the Invocation, in

School Mr. Tim Lear ‘92,

highest distinction bestowed

Banks of Boston and New York.

Convocation has begun

which he reminded students

who discussed the effects of

on a Pingry graduate who

Following the award was

our 24’-25’ school year on a

to remain intelligent, positive

kindness and excellence. Mr.

has brought excellence and

the Honor Pledge Ceremony,

positive and supportive note,

individuals who get the best

Tim Lear addressed themes

honor to the school by earning

during which representatives

inspiring every community

out of their Pingry experiences.

of disappointment and the

distinction in their careers. This

from Middle and Upper School

member to reflect on their

Following the Invocation,

importance of supporting

year’s recipient was renowned

advisories walked onstage to

actions and look forward to

Student Body President Ziv

others by discussing Olympic

economist, educator, writer,

hand in their signed pledges,

the year ahead with strength,

Shah ‘25 and Honor Board

medalist Nic Fink ‘11 and the

and former trustee N. Gregory

ensuring their recommitment

determination, and excellence.

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS NOVEMBER 25, 2024

2

Homecoming CAROLYN ZHOU (VI) Saturday, September 28, was a busy day for the community.

Early in the morning, parents flocked to the campus early for Upper School Back-to-School Day. Parents were thrust into the shoes of their children as they navigated the winding hallways, meeting teachers and learning about what was in store for this school year.

While the weather soured around noon, no rain could hamper the intensifying energy as faculty, parents, and students of all grade levels made their way to the BAC for the Homecoming Tailgate. Sage Dining catered the event with rows of buffet-style options, including barbeque, chili, and even a hotdog cart!

Children were treated to colorful face paints, an ice cream truck,

and iconic homecoming shirts.

Alongside free giveaways by the PSPA, school organizations such as the Pingry Thrift and Pingry Credit Union hosted a merch exchange and advertised creating new accounts, respectively.

As the afternoon went on, guests were treated to a plethora of exciting sports games, including dominant wins from Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, beating Dwight-Englewood 4-0 and 5-1, respectively. Field Hockey had an impressive 5-0 showing against Lawrenceville, while Girls’ Tennis continued their winning streak with a monumental sixth county championship title. Despite the rain, these amazing studentathletes excelled on the fields to the cheers of families and alumni who came out to support them.

There were even several adorable furry friends in attendance.

In the evening, the student government was working hard to set up decorations in preparation for the annual Homecoming Dance, which was held in the BAC this year. Senior President Malcolm Adedjouma (VI) noted, “Planning the dance was certainly not as easy of a task… many different factors went into making Homecoming the best it could possibly be.” They finally settled on a theme of “Jungle,” which saw students sporting safari hats and vests, leopard print tops, and fluffy animal onesies. There were even two mossy green swamp monsters spotted.

The gym was accordingly decorated with vines and inflated trees, and the move to the BAC allowed for a separate rest space with chairs and water jugs to be added. As the night went

on, students posed for group photos, chatted in the halls, and enjoyed dancing to the swell of music under the strobe lights of the dark gym. When recalling the night, Serena Lin (V) commented, “I liked just being with my friends throughout the entire day… getting ready with them, going to the dance in our animal outfits, and also getting

to have a nice sleepover after.”

The Pingry community really came together for the Homecoming festivities!

From classes to games to the dance, Homecoming is a tradition that showcases the versatility and enthusiasm of the people here. It was a nice day to reconnect and celebrate the start of the school year.

Club Fair: A Burst of School Engagement

On Education and Politics: An Interview With Dr. N. Gregory Mankiw

SAMAYA SHAH (IV)

JINGJING LUO (VI) SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (VI)

On October 2, the Upper School hosted the annual Club Fair that showcased over 100 student organizations. More than 400 students participated in the event, which was located in Hyde and Watson Gym. There was truly something for everyone, ranging from cultural affinity groups to community service clubs. To attract new students, club leaders brought in posters, flyers, and a variety of sweets to enhance their booths.

Students milled about the tables and learned a little about each organization, ranging from debate to theater. As many students left Club Fair having signed up for too many new clubs and a few munchkins, the club leaders found themselves with long email lists and a new group of excited members for the upcoming year.

Leader of the Formula 1 Club Aria Saksena (IV) remarks, “The Club Fair was a huge success for both clubs I run. It was really nice to see how many students are interested in the variety of clubs that Pingry offers. I’ve met

so many new people from the fair with similar interests as me, so I highly recommend joining a club to get to know the diverse members of our community.”

Many students noted how the fair strengthened our school community, fostering friendships between the grade levels.

It was a great opportunity for first-year students to step out of their comfort zone and for the upperclassmen to welcome underclassmen. Students also joined organizations that allowed them to engage with peers and the larger community beyond campus. From environmental groups to competitive math teams, many clubs advocated for international nonprofits and represented the school to compete with other teams. As the student body approaches the middle of the school year, students can engage with their chosen clubs and discover new passions. Club Fair was not just about signing up for extracurricular activities—it was a reminder of how Pingry’s passionate student body continues to foster community.

Greg Mankiw, Pingry class of ‘76, has received the Pingry Letter in Life Award in honor of his career bridging the worlds of academia and public policy in economics.

Dr. Mankiw’s career in academia is storied; After graduating from Pingry, he studied Economics at Princeton University, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He went on to receive a Ph.D. in Economics from MIT in 1984. In 1985, he joined the Harvard faculty, and in 1987 he became a full professor. He is now a Robert M. Beren Professor of Economics at Harvard University, and his textbook, Principles of Economics, has sold over 4 million copies globally.

Dr. Mankiw is most proud of his textbook publication and recounts how he’s encountered individuals—such as bartenders in Nantucket or students in South Korea—who have used the textbook during their college years. These moments of connection are particularly meaningful for Dr. Mankiw, as they highlight the relevance of his writing: "When I started down the textbook route, I wouldn't have guessed that it would have had this kind of impact," he says, reflecting on the unforeseen success of his book.

Mankiw has used his love for economics in public service, notably serving as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors under President George W. Bush, which he recounts as a difficult shift: "In academia, you basically teach your classes and do research at your own pace," he says. "But in Washington, things are very fast-paced."

As an economic advisor at the White House, Mankiw was required to respond to rapidly changing news cycles and emerging issues, which meant making quick decisions under significant pressure: "You don’t have months to think about it," he explains. "You have at best a couple of weeks, sometimes just hours." He recounts that every day at the White House started with a 7:30 a.m. staff meeting in the Roosevelt Room, where the day’s issues were discussed in front of the president and senior staffers. The long hours and constant pressure were taxing, and Mankiw admits that after two years in the role, he was exhausted and ready to return to the more thoughtful pace of academia.

Still, his time in Washington allowed him to see how economic principles are applied in the real world, and about the complex decision-making process faced by policymakers, especially when different advisors present competing viewpoints. "The

president has to weigh all these considerations," Mankiw says.

“You can have political advisors, legal advisors, and economic advisors all recommending different courses of action.

It’s a delicate balancing act.”

Over the years, he has taught a variety of courses, from introductory economics to advanced Ph.D. seminars.

He reflects fondly on his years teaching the introductory course at Harvard University, where he spent 14 years shaping the minds of future economists.

Most recently, Mankiw has been teaching a freshman seminar, a small group of students who engage in intensive, discussionbased learning. He compares it to a book club, where students not only read and discuss books but also write their own papers on topics that interest them.

Mankiw finds these seminars particularly rewarding because they allow for deeper, more personalized interaction with students. "What really makes it fun is that every year, the group of students is different, and their interests evolve," he says.

Whether through his widely used textbook, his role as an advisor in Washington, or his ongoing dedication to teaching, Mankiw has left a lasting impact on the fields of economics and education.

He has undoubtedly brought honor to the Pingry School.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly ARIELLA ALLARIEZ (IV) The Hispanic Heritage Assembly celebrated the rich cultures and traditions of Latinx and Hispanic c om mu n it ie s. It w a s ho s te d by the Latinx A ffinity Group, Latinx Student Union, faculty, staff, and Middle School students.

At the beginning of the assembly, Form II students presented their artwork from art class. Displayed in the Middle School hallways, the Día de Los Muertos prints and Vejigante masks from Puerto R ic a n fol k lore ref le c te d t he vibrant and distinct aesthetics of different Hispanic nations.

To amplify the voices of Hispanic people, the Latinx Affinity Group shared the accolades of influential Hispanic artists, athletes, authors, and politicians. Middle school students also presented Ada Limón's poem titled "Instructions on Not Giving Up," which describes having perseverance in difficult times.

Nataly Ruiz (VI) emphasized the importance of sharing these stor ies w it h our communit y, saying, “I’m so glad Pingry hosts these types of assemblies so we can learn about both students’, faculty’s, and staff ’s different b ac k g r ou nd s a nd c u lt u r e s .”

Izzy Berger (IV), in turn, introduced

Bolivia, her mother’s home nation, displaying photos of the salt flats and traditional foods called cuñape and majadito. Joaquín Stevenson (VI) then reminded the audience of the importance of rescuing H i s p a n i c c u l t u r a l he r i t a ge .

Students who participated in the Chilean exchange program this past year also talked about their experiences forming bonds with the Chilean students, visiting new cities, hiking in the mountains, and living with their host families.

While honing in on their Spanish lang uage sk ills, the students also learned how history shaped modern-day Chilean communities.

In the wake of the Copa America, the world's oldest international s o c c e r tou r n a me nt , N ic ol a s Rodr iguez-L opez ( V I) and Alessio Pasini (V) hosted a trivia about the competition. Students were to stand up or sit down to answer a true or false question.

Sylvia Ardon (VI) ended the student performances and sang three songs by Mexican-American artist Selena Quintanilla. Ardon’s voice captivated the audience, who clapped to the rhy thm of the music. This year, the school invited two guest salsa dancers, who performed two pieces and ended the assembly on a high note.

3

Fall Awards Assembly TINGTING LUO (V)

Upper School Academic Dean

and the Whitlock Prize for Math.

Ms. Uma Aviles presented the

Students were also presented with

On Friday, September 20, the

Citizenship Prize to one student in

other awards such as the Intellectual

Upper School gathered in Hauser

each grade who best represented

Leadership and Innovation Award

Auditorium for the annual Fall

the spirit of the Honor Code,

and the Headmaster’s Award.

Awards Assembly to recognize

the Faculty Prize to the student

Finally, on behalf of the English

exceptional student achievements

who showed dedication and

department, Upper School

from the 2023–24 school year.

commitment to their personal

English Department Chair Dr.

After Upper School Director

growth during the past academic

Ann Dickerson announced the

Cottingham’s

year, and the Scholarship Prize to

winners of the Justin’s Society

opening remarks, seniors who

the student(s) with the highest GPA.

Writing Contest. Students

were distinguished for their

Ten seniors were presented

submitted their pieces last spring,

performances on last year’s PSAT/

with the honor of an early

and, after reviewing each entry,

NMSQT exam by the National

induction into the Cum Laude

the English department awarded

Merit Scholarship Program were

Society, which recognizes

writers and poets from each

recognized. This year, seniors

individuals with great academic

grade with prizes for their poetry,

Benjamin Chung, Elbert Ho,

achievements who embody the

nonfiction, fiction, and more.

Eshaan Jain, Vinav Shah, Ziv

Society’s motto: areté (excellence),

The annual Fall Awards Ceremony

Shah, and Ella Wunderlich were

diké (justice), and timé (honor).

celebrates student achievement

selected as National Merit Scholar

The math and science

and hard work over the past school

Semifinalists. Additionally, 26

departments then awarded seniors

year. The community congratulates

seniors were selected as National

excelling in those particular areas

all students recognized in the

Merit Commended Students.

of study, including the Rensselaer

assembly and looks forward

Following these distinctions,

Mathematics and Science Award

to the new school year.

Dr.

Reid

Gilbert H. Carver ’79 Memorial Lecture LAYLA BAYDIN (V) On October 17 and 18, the Upper and Middle Schools were honored to listen to Dr. Antonia Novello and Ms. Jill Tietjen, who spoke to the community during the annual Carver Lecture.

The Carver Lecture Series was created by the Carver family in honor of Gilbert H. Carver ’79.

Gilbert’s memory is honored each year in this memorial lecture series, which centers around themes of mental health.

This year, students engaged in a Q&A format rather than a traditional lecture, allowing Dr. Novello and Ms. Tietjen to explore their book, Duty Calls, while interacting with students on the Hauser stage.

Dr. Novello, an enthusiastic and passionate leader, served as

the 14th Surgeon General of the United States from 1990 to 1993 and was appointed by President Bush. Not only was Dr. Novello the first woman to assume that role, but she was also the first Surgeon General of Hispanic descent. When a student asked what she would focus on if she were still Surgeon General, Dr. Novello emphasized that her top priority would be recognizing the critical role of communication among family and friends. She believes that communication is key to helping each other when it comes to mental health. As Surgeon General, Dr. Novello understands the need for the public to be aware of physical and mental health issues.

Dr. Novello highlighted some of the challenges she faced growing up which led her to care so much about not only the

public's physical health but also mental health. As an adolescent, Dr. Novello faced a genetic disease affecting her digestion, which caused her to undergo uncomfortable treatments and surgeries. While this disease affected her physical health, many of her peers were unaware of how this affected her mental health. During the Q&A, one student asked Dr. Novello, “How did the connected community you spoke about in your book help you feel supported growing up?”, to which she responded that her tight-knit community could cheer her up whenever she was down. She preached that, “peers can be psychiatrists for our friends and family” and that students must find support in their communities.

Ms. Tietjen, an electrical engineer, women’s advocate,

and CEO of Technically Speaking Inc. added that, early on in her career, the small community of fellow female engineers became like a family for her. When she graduated from the University of Virginia in 1972, she was one of only three women admitted, at a time when women made up less than 1% of the engineering field.

Both of these incredible trailblazers emphasized the importance of community support for each other's mental health. They hoped this message would leave a lasting impact on the community, encouraging a greater focus on prioritizing each other’s well-being and fostering a more supportive environment.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD COLUMNS NOVEMBER 25, 2024

4

Autumn Aesthetic Tofu Stew CAROLYN ZHOU (VI)

Korean stone bowl; I’m partial to a side of rice as it forms a delicious

As leaves begin to fall and

crust of golden brown crisp when

temperatures drop, a warm soup or

in direct contact with the hot bowl.

a hearty stew is a universal craving.

Customers join in on the action by

The dish I anticipate most during

adding a raw egg that should be

this seasonal change is a Korean

swiftly broken into the steaming

spicy tofu stew or Sundubu Jjigae.

stew when it is served to cook the

So Gong Dong Tofu in East Hanover

poached egg gently. The creamy egg

gets its name from the Korean

adds additional protein and helps

soybean product, known for its silky

offset the stew’s spiciness, creating

texture and nutritional benefits. Not

both a texture and flavor heaven.

only does it absorb the stew’s rich

Besides their namesake stew, SGD

flavors, but it’s also high in protein,

also serves a variety of Korean dishes.

calcium, and potassium while

Some standouts include bibimbap, a

containing almost no cholesterol.

hot stone bowl of steamed rice topped

For only $14, there are a whopping

with assorted protein and veggies,

13 selections of ingredients to choose

beef short ribs, and bulgogi, thin

from to pair with the tofu stew.

sirloin sauteed with onions in a KBBQ

The menu spans various selections

sauce. Their appetizer dumplings are

of meats, seafood, and vegetable

deep-fried to form a crispy wrap, while

options. The heat level can be

the japchae is a sweet glass noodle

adjusted from plain to very spicy

dish that is light and refreshing.

on a scale of chili peppers, which

Their menu may be short, but trust

I’ve proudly worked to move up

me, you will feel satisfied without

throughout my years of frequenting

the lethargic feeling of fullness.

the restaurant. It’s great for clearing

So, what are you waiting for? Pull

those sinuses and fending off winter

on those sweaters, lace up those

weather colds. The stew also comes

boots, and drive down Route 10 for

with a generous serving of either flat

a cup of steaming barley tea and the

rice noodles, ramen, or hot stone

homiest, warm-filling, nutritionally-

bowl rice. Sundubu Jjigae is also

packed, and well-balanced meal

served piping hot in a traditional

of your life. It never disappoints.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls SIMRIN SHAH (V) The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines education as “the knowledge and development resulting from the process of being educated.” When we think of education, we often picture mundane textbooks and stressful exams that, though sometimes disliked, are beneficial to our overall improvement, learning, and future success.

The advantageous structure of formal education is frequently overlooked; however, it rarely occurs to us what we would do without it. What would happen if we hadn’t woken up for school every morning since we were five? What would we do if everything we learned, from basic life skills to history lessons, we had to teach ourselves no matter our age? In her memoir, The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls explores these ideas by describing her experiences growing up in a non-conformist, nomadic, and unstable family.

Walls was raised by her parents, Rex and Rose Walls, who contributed to creating her dysfunctional family as they could not provide for their children. In her memoir, Walls describes her father, Rex, to be an extremely influential person in her life. Rex, who Walls looked up to as a child, was eccentric and creative. She often defended his negative qualities, such as cruel manipulation and alcoholism. On the other hand, R ose W al l s was an extremely neglectful artist who

preferred to spend much of her time away from her children.

Together, Walls’ parents forced an unconventional lifestyle upon their children. The family constantly moved and lived in poor conditions with insufficient resources, including food. The Walls children attended a formal school for only a few years.

Rex and Rose, despite their children’s hardships, never acknowledged their shortcomings. An important aspect of Walls’ life was learning things by herself, with little guidance from an adult or parent figure. Rather than attending school, most of Walls’ learning was self-taught and accomplished through trial and error. One of the less extreme examples was that at three years old, Walls was told to cook her meals. While boiling hot dogs, she burned herself so seriously that she needed skin grafts from the hospital.

From then on, Walls and her siblings suffered many more painful lessons from the experimental methods they used to learn life skills. They received no sympathy from their parents and were left with evidential scars to accompany painful memories. Though Walls did not receive a formal education, he r in d e pe n d e n t le arn i n g methods shaped her character and gave her an innate sense of resilience. Ironically, the same independence gained from parental indifference allowed the Walls children to escape their upbringing and survive in society.

Through The Glass Castle, Walls reflects her upbringing with little judgment and instead lets the mere description of her experiences shock the reader. As I was reading, I was astonished at the struggles Walls and her siblings faced. The narrative becomes increasingly jaw-dropping with every flip of the page, leaving the reader with mixed emotions.

Walls tells the story of a reality that is difficult to believe, delving into themes of sacrifice, abuse, and parentchild relationships. Through her memories, she illustrates the tragic truth that people you trust can let you down, and in sharing her story she depicts the importance of maintaining resilience to overcome challenging circumstances. The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir, transforming the laborious, painful, and overall unfortunate childhood Walls endured into a story of hope, aspiration, and accomplishment.

Let’s Stop Using the Word “Basic” JAKE YANG (V)

the first place. It’s the same as asking

became popular because they look

This summer, I spent a lot of time

If you focus too much on what other

your friend or a stranger where they

good. I love the way Birkenstocks,

on TikTok without much to do,

people think about your outfit, you’re

Imagine this. You wake up at 6:00

got their clothes, but somehow,

Jorts, and Gazelles look. Some

but through this time, I discovered

unlikely to find your style. What

or 7:00 a.m. in a daze. You are barely

the first way has way more stigma.

trends like Adidas, Birkenstocks,

fashion; it makes up a considerable

most may find basic, others might

conscious, only trying to prepare

Every artist takes inspiration from

and New Balance are timeless; They

part of the person I am today.

find extra. So, if you remember

in the morning, without patience,

something or someone else. For

can all be worn after the trend has

Dress for yourself. Bear in mind

anything from this, remember

to carefully curate an outfit. That’s

example, I would never have gotten

passed. You can’t say that about

that you are what’s most important

that the next time you’re about to

why you put on your trusty pair of

Gazelles without being inspired

some other trends and pieces. I love

to you. Clothes are what make you

judge someone for being basic or

Sambas with an Essentials hoodie.

by Daniel Craig’s James Bond

my Fear of God Essentials hoodie

happy, not others. There’s also the

are afraid of dressing too basic,

It’s basic. Why does that matter?

rocking them in Skyfall or GATs

because it goes with anything and is

fact that you can’t please everyone.

don’t. Don’t be scared of “basic.”

And what is a basic outfit? People

on social media. I wear them often;

an incredibly comfortable hoodie; I

often use “basic” as a negative word

they’re a crucial part of my shoe

keep reaching for them even after the

to describe oversaturation in fashion

rotation. I would argue that they

trend because they are great pieces.

(i.e. the Sambas, Birkenstocks,

are a part of who I am, even if they

Popular trends are gateways to

and baggy jorts). A basic outfit is

are trendy and worn by many. You

true fashion. Oversized t-shirts,

a person following a trend and

often discover a part of yourself

jorts, and other fashion pieces

emulating that style. However, the

when getting the new trend, like

aren’t exclusive to a brand but are

word has gained more negative

the Sambas. Choosing Sambas over

still wildly popular. This forces

connotations as trends rise and fall

OnClouds is still a style choice and

people to try to explore different

quickly and fast fashion dominates.

is determined by your personality.

brands and buy the version they

It means conformity, low effort, and

I see how people can pull off

like. This leads to uniqueness within

failing to explore yourself through

Sambas in many different ways,

“basicness.” Everyone I see in public

clothes and style—still, being basic

even if they’re identical shoes,

wearing jorts or “old money” adds

might not necessarily be a bad thing.

through color choice or stylization.

their own unique touch. This type

Discovering a new piece of clothing

Even though they’re “basic,” they

of effort can be kindled into a

you like on TikTok can only be good

still look good. Basic items are

new hobby or passion. Trends are

when you never encountered it in

basic because they’re versatile, and

necessary for fashion to thrive.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMUNITY NOVEMBER 25, 2024

5

Word in the Halls: Goals for the Year To graduate AND get into college.

Nicolas To eternalize my friendship with Jingjing Luo. Nataly

Get into college.

Ethan

For everyone to get into College!

To help as many students and teachers as possible, and say “Hi!” to more people than Alex Wong.

Mr. Kelly Not “die.”

Ethan

Class of 2025 Spend more time with family.

Spend more time with my sister before she goes to college <3

To finally finish writing my third novel AND break a Guinness World Record!

Tingting

Ms. Sees

Be more productive on the weekends.

To not fail any classes.

Gabby My goal is to make sure my wife who’s now living up in Maine has a good time there and she’s okay without me.

Victoria To start learning Spanish.

Ms. Farrell

Mr. Grant To win a football pool once.

Mr. Bourne

Anya To enjoy my junior year.

Trisha

To become a billionaire by next month.

Max To get to know a lot of students at Pingry and perfect the schedule!

Ms. Carella

To have fun point blank period.

Try out new things!

Jordan

Elbert

To get A+ in biology honors.

Angelina

“Fall” in Photos

Editors-in-Chief Jingjing Luo Sriya Tallapragada

Faculty Advisors Ms. Lynne Cattafi Ms. Sara Courtney

Head Assistant Editors Vanya Shah Carolyn Zhou

Copy Editors Leah Holmes Chloe Huang Ella Karch Amelia Liu Tingting Luo Durga Menon Leila Souayah Sophie Schachter Shanti Swadia Victoria Xie

Head Layout Editors Vanya Shah Joaquin Stevenson Assistant Editors Gabriel Raykin Simrin Shah Aanvi Trivedi

Cartoon Editors Sheryl Chen Anna Ojo

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY NOVEMBER 25, 2024

6

Thinking About Coffee in a Crowd my repose from contemplation.

permeating our surroundings.

afternoons, but I didn’t know

the monotony was most vivid.

I watched a set of people walk

I came to recognize the usual

their names. Everyone was a

Routine is easily cast aside in

in, the woman pushing open

customers: a retired cyclist

table over, a space that deprived

pursuit of meaning and change.

the door with her elbows, a

who always ordered a sandwich

companionship of the will to

Yet it is also the fragments of

boy kicking in her arms, and

for breakfast, an interviewer

encourage introductions. Even

our everyday that we refer to

her husband hauling a lacy

who donned a pencil skirt

sitting amongst this crowd,

when nostalgic. As I look to

bassinet. The man ordered

when meeting nervous

I was prone to loneliness,

the past, many hours spent

a latte for his wife and an

applicants, and an architect

an emotion so much like

are now invaluable, reading

Americano for himself, and

who drew blueprints in the

repetition but demands little

in the grass with a homemade

when the server arrived with

corner armchair. Of course,

and gives even less. I abide by

smoothie or racing my sister

I caught the twilight of

their order, the boy began

I didn’t know them, but they

it because of its familiarity that

down a hill on our bikes, yet I

summer receding beneath the

to cry. Of course, his mother

nonetheless confused me. I

shelters uncertainty. It’s as if

don’t believe in fulfillment that

white lintels of the doorway as

picked him up, rocking him left

couldn’t see why the cyclist

indifference to the otherness,

comes in retrospect. Maybe I

I sat in the new café down the

to right and back again. When

always brought his helmet in

the parts that escaped my

should have introduced myself

street on a study date with a

the boy fell asleep, her coffee

or why the interviewer declined

routine, became the patriarch

to those half-strangers in the

friend I see too rarely. Leaning

had cooled, and the family

drinks offered to her by her

of silence and isolation.

café this summer. I’ll learn

on the freshly-painted window

left with her cup untouched.

applicants; she clearly enjoyed

I was reminded of the earlier

how to decipher the muted

sills, I became an audience to

It became an enigma why they

coffee when sitting by herself.

months of my summer, when

chatter in the coffee shop or

hurried entries and dither at

frequently visited the shop,

This all felt insignificant

I trekked down the same

the chime of a prepared order,

the stand for sugar. Perhaps

always with their son, only a

though—I saw these people

cobbled path, passing by a row

knowing that the next time

it was the way the natural

few exchanges between the

every day and had many chances

of violet delphiniums, pruned

I’ll hear these sounds is less

light glazed over the gridded

woman and man, with coffee

to get to know them, but this

and poised. I hardly noticed

certain as I approach an era

floors or how the door creaked

often brimming from the

never happened; as school

them. Yet as I now sift through

where I’ll have to budget the

when opened that drew my

rims when they left—still full.

began, my time there ran out.

my photos, my memories

sugar and brew my own coffee.

gaze away from my college

I wondered why they came,

I did come to know their

distill into that deep, hollow

supplements and towards

but I wasn’t that invested. I

habits though. I could predict

purple, the color emerging

the strangers around me.

half-heartedly listened to the

that the cyclist would take the

as a companion when I made

It was also possible that

couple’s conversations but

second bar stool and set his

my way between sandstone

those essay questions had me

could never understand a word,

helmet down on his left. I knew

buildings. The blandness of

searching for meaning in my

not paying enough attention

how the interviewer always

color became pronounced when

everyday life, which was rather

as my mind wandered towards

went to the back room and

its sight became a memory,

odd as my routines are typically

the hum of industrial ambiance

the architect came only in the

increasing in saturation when

JINGJING LUO (VI)

Trick or Treat: Implications of Safe Food Choices SARAH YU (IV)

take anywhere from five to

natural defenses overreact to

such as anaphylaxis.

allergens as milk, eggs, fish,

30 minutes for an allergic

a particular substance. The

Halloween poses unique

sesame, shellfish, tree nuts,

Once every year, children

reaction to turn severe, and

body treats it as an invader and

challenges for children with

peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

are excited to indulge in

these reactions can be deadly.

sends out chemicals to defend

food allergies. The growing

However, if you have a food

treats on the spookiest night

In her article “Halloween Is

against it. How the body reacts

“Teal Pumpkin Project”

allergy outside of these major

of the year: Halloween. But

The Worst Night For Allergic

is different for everyone: some

initiative helps to address

allergens, it may not be as

a trick that includes neither

Reactions,” Brea Love states

people have a slight rash while

this issue by offering allergy-

clearly indicated on food

ghosts nor goblins lies in the

that food

safe treats or

labels. According to Lemons,

colorful bowls on each house

reactions

non-food

by joining the Teal Pumpkin

porch: food allergens. One

lead to

items.

Initiative, participants can be

piece of candy could mean

150

A

mindful of all the different food

others have severe and

teal

the difference between a

allergens candy might have.

trick, a treat, or a medical

Halloween should be a time for

emergency. As Halloween

joy, not anxiety, and ensuring

has recently occurred, how

that food choices are inclusive

can we make this beloved

and safe is essential for making

tradition safer for everyone?

pumpkin

this tradition welcoming for all.

While Halloween is a cherished

on the doorstep

Community members should

celebration, according to “Stand

deaths

signals to trick-

implement the teal pumpkin

for Food Allergy Inclusivity”

each year in

or-treaters that

and be aware of what kinds of

by Luke Lemons, it presents

the United

safe options are

candy they put out for children.

a serious risk for one in 13

States.

available. The

We can take it upon ourselves

children with food allergies.

American College

FDA requires only

to make safe choices for

Around 85 percent of peanut

of Allergy, Asthma, and

“major food allergens” to

those with allergies. Consider

and tree-nut-related reactions

Immunology says that a food

be labeled on food packets.

making it a treat for those

happen on Halloween. It can

allergy occurs when the body’s

The FDA defines major food

around you next Halloween!

The

lifethreatening responses,

Photo Credits: Sheryl Chen (V)

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY NOVEMBER 25, 2024

7

An Ode to Public Space where the perceptual details

solitude and blissful silence.

where I happily navigate the

and places, and it is clear to

of my environment unfolded

I often struggle to explain to

geography of crowded terminals

me that Duke Farms have been

themselves in surprising ways.

others my fascination with this

and scary TSA agents with my

my rock, time and time again,

As I’ve grown older, however,

public space. To me it almost

airpods in and head down. My

for clarity and inspiration. I’ve

my interest in Dukes Farms

feels like a necessary part of

idea of an ideal vacation was

become friends with the other

has shifted. I started coming

my routine, a survival tactic to

sitting beachside with sunglasses

regulars and park managers.

weekly, almost always alone,

manage the scary world around

on and a good book in front

This park has provided me with

where I would rest for hours

me; 8:30 am wake up, 9:00

of me, DND on. As I’ve grown

encouragement to situate myself

SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA

at a time outside of the “Hay

am brush teeth, 9:15 am sit in

older, this sense of independence

properly, and to get peace in the

(VI)

Barn”, a sculpture gallery

a large park and contemplate

has bled into a genuine belief in

times when I need it the most.

scattered around an open-roofed

existentialism. Maybe what I

my ability to do anything I put

I was disappointed, but not

A short drive away from my

pantheon shaped building. Here,

liked most about it was the innate

my mind to, so I filled up my

surprised, to learn of recent

home is a nature sanctuary

I sit in the grass behind the

sense of peace that comes from

life with to-do lists and projects.

efforts being made to turn

called Duke Farms- a 2,700

worn-down statue of Hypnos

being immersed in experiential

This independence has almost

Duke Farms into a housing

acre forestry utopia that offers

(the greek god of sleep), criss-

nature, a space removed from

always been rewarded. My

development. There always

a much-needed break from the

cross-apple-sauce, feeling the

the typical pressures that

report cards have sung praises of

seems to be threats against

gray commercial buildings and

comfortable itch of grass under

exist in life; in short, a place

“works well independently” and

spaces that aren’t commercially

sprawling suburbia7that compose

my ankle and the gentle beat of

where I could feel free to do

“shows strong initiative”. This

productive, despite the fact that

most of New Jersey. Many of

the sun against my skin. These

nothing. This was a blessing

independence, maybe stemming

it is clear to anyone that they

my most visceral memories of

are the precious moments in

that completely contradicted

from my roots as an only child,

are invaluable. I am unsure

childhood were created at Duke

my life when I feel the most

my belief system growing up.

or maybe from my time spent

about the future of Duke Farms,

Farms; I traded the playground

still; moments when I can get

Being by myself has always

wandering alone in green

or even of my own future, but

outside my grade school for Duke

away from my computer, get

been like second nature for

utopias, is part of who I am.

I do know that I will always

Farms, a labyrinth removed

away from the terrifying world,

me. I’ve always thrived solo

As a senior, I’ve begun taking

have an appreciation for

from my sphere of familiarity,

and enjoy little gaps of utter

traveling through airports,

time to reflect on the people

silence and thoughtfulness.

On Gray Hairs and Growing Up CAROLYN ZHOU (VI)

things were nagging at me as I

high school experiences have

ignorant bliss, so looking back on

a difficult task or the happiness

prepared to enter senior year. I

been nothing like the vague

the palpable delight I held only

of a small moment to relax

At the beginning of August, I

may not have reached the stage

imaginings of elementary me,

induces further disappointment.

with friends. Growing up only

was brought to an abrupt halt

where hair color has drastically

but that would always be the case.

The joy hasn’t left; it merely

feels less joyful if you're stuck

when a sliver of shiny white

changed, but I had begun to feel

My main rationale for wanting

exists in a different form now.

in nostalgia and unhappy with

peaked out between combs of

my age. Walking the halls, I saw

so desperately to be older was so

Rather than drawing its source

the present. Silver hairs and

dark hair. I was immediately

more faces I didn’t recognize

I could stay up later, watch more

from childhood innocence, it has

new generations will come no

horrified and ran to alert my

than the ones I did. Many in

TV, and eat tubs of ice cream,

evolved into teenage maturity. As

matter what, so I’m focused

mom. As a child, one of my

Gen-Z have felt replacement

none of which I actually do now.

I’m more exposed to the realities

instead on the opportunities to

jobs was to help her pluck her

creeping upon us as Gen-Alpha

I don’t think growing up means

and stress of life, I have come to

climb mountains and perform

gray strands. My grandma,

kids swarm Sephoras and adopt

less joy, though. The adult life

appreciate the moments of true

experiments unimaginable

however, warned that removing

a slew of unfamiliar slang. The

I longed for as a kid was an

satisfaction from accomplishing

when

them would only lead to more

days of Rainbow Loom and

growth and instead opted for our

scooter board races are long

monthly shipments of L’Oreal

behind us, buried under endless

extra black hair dye as her

to-do lists and fears of an

remedy. My dad often joked

uncertain adulthood. Are these

that his salt-and-pepper hair

really the teenage years little me

dated back to premature graying

begged for as I viewed growing

brought on by the academic

up with wonder and excitement

stress of high school. Now,

rather than sadness and anxiety?

was it my turn to receive the

As I settled in to watch

genetically depigmented hair

Inside Out 2 with my sister this

follicles? I was prepared to

summer, I wasn’t prepared to

enter the school year carrying

be hit so hard. I hadn’t even

the sophisticated air of a senior

realized how much time had

student, not a senior citizen.

passed until I learned that the

In all honesty, my fear was

first film came out ten years

mostly exaggerated. While a

ago when I was only seven,

close examination in front of

and my sister was barely two.

the bathroom mirror revealed

Evolving with its older audience,

many strands in various

the sequel dealt with much

states of whitening, my

more complex emotions like

general head was still dark

anxiety and apathy. I felt my life

and thick, as my hairdresser

reflected in the viral tear-jerking

pointed out at every trim. I

line where Joy declares: “Maybe

had nothing to worry about.

this is what happens when you

Still, gray hairs aside, many

grow up. You feel less joy.” My

I

was

younger.

Photo Credits: ChatGPT

THE PINGRY RECORD NEW FACULTY NOVEMBER 25, 2024

8

Mr. Ryan Bennett AMELIA LIU (IV)

Information Systems from the

experience with our community

University of Phoenix. Before

thus far with three words:

This fall, Mr. Ryan Bennett

coming to Pingry, Mr. Bennett

“I love it.” He emphasizes

joins the Upper School

taught at several boarding

how the faculty has made his

Mathematics Department,

schools, including The Peddie

transition from boarding to

where he will be teaching

School, Mercersburg Academy,

day school smooth. In addition,

Precalculus Honors and

and The Leelanau School. He

he is grateful to his students

Intermediate Algebra and

was the Director of Technology

for helping him navigate

Geometry. He is also taking

and a math teacher at all three.

the school and classroom.

on the position of assistant

His teaching journey began

As a volunteer firefighter and

coach for the Wrestling team,

in his freshman year of college,

soccer referee, Mr. Bennett

hoping to expand the program,

where he intended to major

looks forward to fostering

especially in the Middle School.

in Electrical Engineering.

stronger bonds with our

Mr. Bennett received a

However, Mr. Bennett quickly

school community, expressing

in

realized that he enjoyed

confidence that “this energy

Mathematics and Education

tutoring his fellow students

I have felt in the first month

from Western Michigan

in mathematics and should

is real.” He hopes that this

University and a master’s

pursue a career in education.

spirit “continues throughout

Mr. Bennett describes his

the entire school year.”

bachelor’s

degree

in

degree

Computer

Dr. Alexis Briley AANVI TRIVEDI (V)

University, Colgate University,

Dr. Briley is excited to get

Washington University in St.

to know the school and its

The Pingry community is thrilled

Louis, the University of Southern

students during the upcoming

to welcome Dr. Alexis Briley, who

California, and the University

school year. She is particularly

will join the English Department

of British Columbia. She most

thrilled to witness her students’

as an English, Ethical Dilemma,

recently taught English at Crofton

growth over the next couple of

and Contemporary Short Story

House School, an independent

years at Pingry and to explore

teacher. She will also serve as

girls’ school in Vancouver.

the school’s atmosphere.

the head of the Lyric and Poetry

Dr. Briley’s passion for literature

In her free time, Dr. Briley

Analysis HIRT and assist Dr.

was ignited by her high school

loves spending time with

Ward with the Ethics Bowl club.

English teachers and college

her four-year-old daughter

Dr. Briley grew up in New

literature courses. She was drawn

and taking her to places she

Jersey and received a B.A. in

to the intimate, seminar-style

remembers going to as a kid. On

Comparative Literature and

nature of humanities courses in

the weekends, she’s been taking

German Studies from Brown

college, and her international

advantage of the season by going

University and an M.A. and a

experiences in Germany and

apple and pumpkin picking

Ph.D. in Comparative Literature

Canada further fueled her

and introducing her family to

from Cornell University. She

love for exploring languages

new places in New Jersey. As a

She loves books written by

of a modern sixth extinction.

also lived in Germany for a

and cultures. She finds joy in

project, Dr. Briley is attempting

Elizabeth Kolbert, especially

Dr. Briley is very excited

year after college and has

working with young students

to read one book from every

The Sixth Extinction: An

to be here at Pingry and

taught in many colleges and

and is eager to instill the value

country worldwide and is very

Unnatural History, which argues

can’t wait to get to know

universities, including Cornell

of reading and writing critically.

interested in creative nonfiction.

that the Earth is in the midst

everyone! Welcome, Dr. Briley!

Dr. Sandra Sudarsky TINGTING LUO (V)

Bachelor of Science in Computer

Structures and Algorithms.

Science from The Ohio State

She also advises the ARC-AGI

Dr. Sandra Sudarsky joined

University and both her M.S.

Team, which is a club that seeks

the Upper School Mathematics

and Ph.D. in Computer Science

to refine a machine learning

Department at the end of the

from Texas A&M University.

model capable of tackling the

2023-24 school year, teaching

Before coming to Pingry, Dr.

Abstraction and Reasoning

AP Calculus AB as she filled in

Sudarsky was a research scientist

Corpus for Artificial General

for a teacher on maternity leave.

at Siemens Healthineers for 24

Intelligence benchmark.

Dr. Sudarsky was inspired

years, where she developed

Taking advantage of the

to apply for a permanent

several medical visualization

various academic and

teaching position because she

software products, including

extracurricular opportunities,

was “pleasantly surprised to

virtual colonoscopies.

Dr. Sudarsky said, “I am now

discover that the math and

Dr. Sudarsky teaches math

thoroughly enjoying [my

computer science departments

and computer science courses,

teaching position] as I teach

offered college-level courses,

including Linear Algebra,

and mentor my students.” We

some even beyond the AP level.”

Survey of Computer Science,

are excited to welcome Dr.

Dr. Sudarsky received a

Intro to Programming, and Data

Sudarsky to Pingry this year!

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD NEW FACULTY NOVEMBER 25, 2024

9

Ms. Stephanie Johnson SIMRIN SHAH (V)

ordained as a minister in her church.

the same way she did after high school.

Before joining Pingry, Ms. Johnson

Ms. Johnson has always loved to read,

This year, Ms. Stephanie Johnson joins

taught in the New York City public

but recently she has begun to listen to

the Upper School English Department

school system for 12 years, where she

audiobooks during her commute to school

where she will be teaching English 9 and

taught both middle school and high

and has truly enjoyed it. She has just

English 10. In addition to teaching these

school English. During her time in

finished The Paradise Problem by Christina

two courses, Ms. Johnson will also be

New York, Ms. Johnson also worked at

Lauren and has just started listening

a co-advisor of a ninth-grade advisory.

Townsend Harris High School in Queens.

to The Rom-Commers by Katherine

Ms. Johnson was born and raised

When asked what inspired her to become

Center. Besides reading (or listening)

in Queens, New York, and earned her

a teacher, Ms. Johnson shared a memory

to books, Ms. Johnson enjoys watching

bachelor’s degree in Humanities and

from her early college years. In a Philosophy

movies and HGTV with her husband.

Justice Studies from John Jay College

101 class, she received heavy critique on a

Ms. Johnson describes her experience at

of Criminal Justice. She later completed

paper and realized she “ felt like [she] was

Pingry so far as positive, saying, “I really

her Master of Arts in English Education

ill-prepared for the level of writing that is

like it. Each day I feel more and more

at Columbia’s Teachers College.

expected of you at the college level” which

like my self, my teacher self.” She notes

Additionally, Ms. Johnson attended

left her feeling insecure as a writer. This

that the community has been incredibly

Union Theological Seminary, a religious

experience motivated Ms. Johnson to

welcoming, supportive, and helpful with

school focused on theology, where she

become a teacher with the goal of helping

any questions she has had throughout her

earned a Master of Divinity in Teaching

teach and prepare students as best as she

first weeks. Ms. Johnson looks forward

of Religion, with the purpose of being

can to try to prevent them from feeling

to the rest of her year here at Pingry!

JASMINE ZHOU (IV)

Ms. Janvi Patel

When asked what inspired her

aims to further develop her teaching

to become a teacher, Ms. Patel’s

skills and explains that she has already

This fall, the science department is

main reason was her little brother.

learned lots from being around such

excited to welcome Ms. Janvi Patel who

She explained that she was always

talented individuals. She is looking

teaches Honors Biology II and Methods

highly involved in his education,

forward to growing throughout the year.

in Molecular Biology Research.

whether helping him with work or

In her free time, Ms. Patel enjoys

She is also a co-advisor to the

fostering his interests. Her little

classics: spending time with her friends

Metanomics IRT alongside Mrs. Farrell.

brother is now an aspiring F1 engineer,

and family, cooking, and watching

Ms. Patel completed a B.S. in Biological

studying mechanical engineering

Netflix. Dancing and the occasional

and Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers

in college. Ms. Patel goes on to

shoe shopping also pique her interest.

University-New Brunswick and an

say, “Watching him grow as both a

She explains she is particularly intrigued

M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the

student and person was incredibly

by “holistic health, nutrition, and

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount

rewarding for me and inspired me

philosophy, particularly how they can

Sinai. While in school, she worked as

to teach high school students.”

help us live a healthy and happy life.”

a teaching assistant and tutor, however,

Ms. Patel’s experience at Pingry thus

To finish, Ms. Patel adds, “I’d just

this will be her first experience in

far has been overwhelmingly positive.

like to express my gratitude for the

full-time high school-level teaching.

She feels the community welcomed her

warm welcome I’ve received from

After completing graduate school,

with open arms and has become a great

everyone at Pingry!” Welcome

she took a gap year to travel.

support system. This year, Ms. Patel

to our community, Ms. Patel!

COOPER GOODWIN (V)

allows her to dive deeper into the

Ms. Carella reflects on her

content and explore concepts with

experiences in school, saying she did

Ms. Marianna Carella

Before interviewing for the job,

more hands-on activities. Before

not find a subject that connected with

Ms. Marianna Carella worked at

this year, she remarked that she was

her until her junior year of high school

the Pennington School, another

nervous about the relationships she

when she took a general Introduction

highly-rated private school. Ms.

would build with coworkers, and

to Physics class. She felt very confident

Carella was searching for a new

has since come around to saying

and enjoyed the subject, so she began

job because she had just married

“They have been very supportive.”

helping her peers, which gave her

and moved. She states that Pingry

Ms. Carella hopes she can create

confidence in teaching as well. She

stood out because of its reputation.

a classroom environment where

is passionate about helping students who do not feel confident in physics.

Ms. Carella reiterates how she

her students can feel comfortable

appreciates the community at

and be themselves. She hopes that

Ms. Carella also draws inspiration

Pingry. She says what she finds

students will see that she is pushing

from her mother, a confident and

most interesting about Pingry is

them to do their best so that they can

positive teacher. Watching her mother

the block schedule and the flexes

be their best. She hopes her class

build meaningful relationships with

between classes. She likes the

will be something students look

her students showed Ms. Carella

additional science flex because it

forward to rather than dread.

how impactful teaching could be.

Dr. Jonathan Sapp ERIKA QIN (III) The Upper School is excited to welcome World History Teacher Jonathan Sapp this fall. In addition to being a HIRT faculty advisor, Dr. Sapp will lead Model Congress, along with Dr. Charlotte Madere, where he hopes to help students gain confidence and public speaking experience.

A North Carolina native, Dr. Sapp received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro before earning his M.A. in history from the University of Akron. He then

completed his PhD in medieval history at Duke University. At Duke, he briefly taught as an Instructor of Record as a part of the PhD program. Since then, Dr. Sapp has taught at BirminghamSouthern College, where he founded a faculty writing group.

Dr. Sapp attributes his love for history to an outstanding historian who mentored him during college. His mentor brought out a passion for the past Dr. Sapp had overlooked during high school.

He strives to inspire students similarly but is diplomatic and understands that not everyone

will love history, as he once did not. When asked about his goals for the school year, Dr. Sapp simply replied, “I just want to be the best teacher I possibly can.”

Dr. Sapp’s enthusiasm for history is not confined to the classroom. In his free time, Dr. Sapp can be found growing silkworms (to make silk like the ancient Chinese) or spending up to a month of his life in a temple prison cell (to experience asceticism as the Buddha did).

He also cooks lamb eyeballs (like the ancient Mongols) and enjoys playing his guitar. Welcome to the Upper School! Dr. Sapp!

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SPORTS NOVEMBER 25, 2024

10

Girls’ Volleyball amazed with a 3-set stunner over RADHYA SHAH (III)

Thomas Edison Energy Charter (2521, 22-25, 25-19). They have great

Pingry’s Girls’ Volleyball team

talent, with a varsity roster of 18 girls

enjoyed their second season! Trained

this year. The team finished 5th in

by Coaches Josh Lyons and Coleen

the Skyland Conference and aims

Martin and led by captains Naomi

for a higher position in the State

Billups (VI) and Sofia Wood (VI),

competition. Charlotte Hunzinger

the varsity team “dove” right into

(III) said, “I [had] such a good time

the games and “blocked” out the

getting to know everyone and bonding

competition. After fighting for a win

as a team. I can’t wait to show all

over their first few games, Pingry

our progress during the States!”

Varsity Volleyball found its groove.

They won twice as many games this

On October 1, they left the audience

season as last season. Go, Big Blue!

Coed Water Polo ANDREW HEFNER (III) The Coed Water Polo Team welcomed a new Head Coach, Elaine Neumann, this season. Coach Neumann previously played D1 water polo at Villanova University and coached Pequannock Township High School Varsity Swimming. Thanks to Captains AJ Goel (VI), Vinav Shah (VI), Kirsten Thomas (VI), Alex Wong

(VI), and Melinda Xu (VI), the Team enjoyed many successes this season!

At the Beast of the East Tournament, the boys’ and girls’ teams performed exceptionally, with Girls’ Water Polo winning their last two games and Boys’ Water Polo earning second place in their flight, taking home a trophy. Coed Water Polo also competed at the Garden State Tournament, playing over eight games in two days. The tournament

proved to be a true test of the grit and determination that the team has already shown this season. Before competing, Wong described the tournament as “the highlight of the season. The entire team looks to secure the state title for the first time in 8 years after coming second for the last 5 years. Everyone is aiming for number one.” Overall, it was a fantastic, nearly undefeated season for the Coed Water Polo Team!

Girls’ Field Hockey Dwyer said, “We are getting better every day and

ZARA ABBASI (V)

hope to make it far in counties, prep tournament, and The Pingry Girls’ Field Hockey Team had a

states,” and she is excited to see what happens next.

record-breaking season. The team is coached

On November 6, the Field Hockey team

by Julie Delinsky, Mary Drabich, and Courtney

captured their 17th win of the season during

Stafford, and is led by Captains Morgan Dwyer

the state quarterfinal round against St. John

(VI), Alexis Glasofer (VI), and Katharine Shea (VI).

Vianney. Five days later, they defeated Kent

As a huge contributor to the team’s success,

Place 1–0, earning their ticket to the NJSIAA

Columbia-commit Dwyer broke the school record

Non-Public North Sectional Final. Unfortunately,

with 80 goals (and counting). Additionally,

they lost the final, which did nothing to taint

sophomore duo Cameron Tarpley and Annabelle

the incredible season that Pingry Girls’ Field

Ouzounian scored 11 and 10 goals, respectively.

Hockey had with an 11-game win streak and

As the team approached the county semifinal,

an appearance in the NJ.com Top 20 ranking!

Boys’ Cross Country GABRIEL RAYKIN (V)

Boys’ Soccer

at 3:30 p.m. Each practice began

At the 2024 Skyland Conference,

with a one-mile warm-up, stretches,

they finished ahead of a handful of

Pingry’s Boys’ Cross-Country Team,

and a run on the track or the road.

varsity teams, including Rutgers

ranked 17th in the state, had an

"Track workouts are usually shorter

Prep and Gill St. Bernard's. On

face Christian Brothers Academy, the

amazing season! When asked about

but much more intense," Joralemon

October 25, they placed second out

team that had ruined their hopes of

their performances, Quinn Joralemon

explained, "while road runs are

of 13 teams at the Somerset County

After a successful preseason trip

a South Jersey Non-Public A title for

(V) recalled their meet on October 5,

typically around seven miles, though

Championships, and on October 30,

to Milan, the Pingry Boys’ Soccer

the last two years; they were able to

where Ziv Shah (VI) led the team to

the distance can vary depending on

they won the Prep A Championships

won their first two preseason games

beat Christian Brothers Academy 5–0

a fifth-place finish out of hundreds

the day." Despite the physical and

at Blairstown. They finished 4th in

against Ridgewood and Ramapo. The

on Bugliari World Cup Field. As the

of competitors. The team finished

mental demands of their training —

Non-Public A, with a team average

season started with a 3–0 win vs. local

season rolled on, the boys’ grit and

third out of over 20 teams at the meet.

particularly the tough track workouts

of 17:12, a Pingry course record

rival Bridgewater-Raritan; afterward,

determination showed as they beat

Cross-country practices were intense

— the team continued to push itself.

at Holmdel. Overall, Boys Cross-

captains Sebastian Martinez (VI),

Bridgewater-Raritan 1–0 and outlasted

Jonathan Mitchell (VI), Neil Reiner (VI),

Monroe 2–1 (while playing the last 15

and structured, taking place daily

Their motivation? "Getting better.”

Country had an outstanding season!

and Joaquin Stevenson (VI) reminded

minutes down a man). The team entered

the team that wins like this aren’t a

the Somerset County Tournament as

given; they are earned. After this start

the number one seed and won the state

to the season, the team geared up to

championship on Friday, November 15.

RYAN DICKS (III)

Girls’ Tennis DURGA MENON (V) Led by Coaches Marion Webster and George Roser, along with Captains Isabelle Chen (VI), Ava Grunstra (VI), and Greta Reinhardt (VI), the Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team has maintained its undefeated record. Doubles

partners Chen and Leila Souayah (VI), both state champions, have reunited this year to play their first doubles.

Reflecting on the team dynamic with the addition of new underclassmen, Chen says, “We’re all learning from each other. It’s a supportive environment, and it’s great to cheer

Football

MATIAS STEVENSON (IV)

Pingry Football started the season strong with a win of 53–14 against St. Luke’s New Canaan. Trained by Head Coaches Joe Passaro, Bradley Banken, Matthew Carr, AJ Passaro, and Kevin Riordan, the team has seen some dynamic competition this season.

Captains Matt Galusha (VI), Rafferty Harris (VI), Jack Moye (VI), and Ryan Moye (V) are proud to finish the season strong. Under their leadership, the team perfected their practices and prepared for future matches.

In their game against Rye Country

Day on October 10, they delivered an exciting 15–14 victory, and in a game against New Hope Solebury on October 18, they claimed their second straight victory and delivered 54 points.

They also won the 2024 Metropolitan Independent Football League (MIFL) Bowl Championship with a 30–20 victory over Rye Country Day School, their fifth win in a row. Coach Passaro wisely quoted Bear Bryant in a communication to the team: “It's not the will to win that matters. Everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” Let’s go, Pingry Football, for an incredible season!

TINGTING LUO (V)

each other on and off the court.”

Sheryl Chen (V) commented that the team rose to the challenge in their most demanding match against Ridge High School, playing intense matches and ultimately winning 4–1. Sheryl explains, “We know each other’s styles, and it was a fun and challenging experience.”

In the North vs. South final, Pingry triumphed over Princeton Day School to win the team state tournament. In the individual state tournament, the second doubles team Nandini and Angelina claimed the overall victory. The Girls’ Tennis Team has shown incredible strength and excellence this season, bringing home both team and individual titles!

Girls’ Cross Country

The Girls’ Cross Country Team, led by Captains Lucy Ambrogio (VI) and Kayla Kerr (VI), Head Coach Sarah Christensen, and Assistant Coach Timothy Grant, completed another successful season.

They placed second out of 42 teams at the Carlisle Invitational, which “had

some tough competition,” according to Kerr. The Girls’ Cross Country Team also won the Varsity F race at the Shore Coaches Invitational, where Ambrogio, Kerr, and Sari Berman (V) all placed in the top ten out of 171 runners.

Noting teamwork as the key to success, Kerr said, “Despite having some of our fastest runners graduate, we are an even

LAYLA BAYDIN (V)

Nuwayhid was assisted by Sadie Salmon (III)

positive attitude and morale as we entered

for one of these goals, while the rest of the

the season. To maintain our momentum,

From being unranked to ranked 15th in the

team worked diligently to maintain a shutout.

we must continue fostering this positive

state, Girls’ Soccer showed grit and proved

On October 5, the team faced Watchung

mindset. On the soccer field, we simply need

themselves as a competitive force on the

Hills Regional High School and secured a

to keep playing our game and striving for

field. Led by captains Brooke Hannon (VI),

3-1 victory over their opponents. Solomon,

daily improvement.” On November 7, they

Ellie Solomon (VI), and Vanya Shah (VI),

the team’s keeper, showed impressive skill

won the NJSIAA quarterfinal match 4-2

the team worked hard to secure their place

for her first time in the goal. Head Coach

against Newark Academy to advance to the

among the top 20 in the state this season.

Tom Worthington, alongside Coaches Neil

semis, where the team suffered a tough 2-1

In their game against Roxbury High School

Aldred and Caitlin Farrel, instilled in the girls

loss to Immaculate Heart. Overall, the girls

on October 1, they were led by Columbia

a determination to fight hard for what they

soccer team had a fantastic season with 14

commit Maya Nuwayhid (V), who scored a

earned. Hannon believed that “Our success

wins, a spot in NJ.com's Top 20 rankings

hat trick, propelling the team to a 3-0 triumph.

this year can be attributed to the team's

(#15), and a Prep A Championship Trophy!

Girls’ Soccer

stronger team this year, and I can see us being in contention for qualifying for Nike Cross Country Nationals."

The Girls’ Cross Country Team won the 2024 Skyland Conference Championship on October 15 and placed 2nd in the NJSIAA Non-Public A State Championships.

Overall, they had an incredible season, bringing home another state title!

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications