The Pingry Record - March 2024

Volume CXLIX — No. III

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

Volume CXLIX — No. III

Friday, March 1, 2024

record.pingry.org

CELEBRATING TOGETHER Students Let Loose at Snowball

SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (V)

around 7:00 p.m., students

served piña coladas, soda, and

as strips of polaroids were

Many students reported

arrived at the Westin Governor

the iconic Shirley Temple.

printed. Students tired of

feeling closer to their peers

On Saturday, January 24,

Morris in Morristown.

After a bite to eat, the dance

dancing by the end of the

after the dance. According to

students came together for

Upon checking in their

floor was calling. Following the

event were treated to an

Malcom Adedjouma (V), “I

the annual Snowball Winter

coats, partygoers headed

directions of the DJ, students

ice cream bar with a sweet

felt like I bonded with those

Dance. This event has been

into the hallway outside the

began storming the dance

selection of toppings.

around me.” It was also a

much anticipated over the

ballroom, where they found

floor to some of the latest hits

After the dance, students

great way to de-stress: “The

past few weeks; students

an assortment of food options.

in music. An upbeat playlist

collected their belongings

first semester is always so

bought tickets, picked out

Students sampled various

including “Fe!N” by Travis

and headed out. Some went

stressful, so I enjoyed being

their outfits (many consulting

dishes, including pasta,

Scott, “Low” by Flo Rida, and

straight home while others

able to dance and have fun

the @bigbluesnowballdresses

dumplings, and tacos, as they

“Starships” by Nicki Minaj

went to afterparties or

with my friends. In a way, it

Instagram page), and asked

greeted friends. The french fry

brought everyone to their feet.

sleepovers with friends. For

was like a celebration,” said

out dates. Students spent

and burger station was a fan-

Next to the dance floor was a

everyone, Snowball was an

Avan Khan (V). Snowball,

their afternoons getting

favorite, with many students

photo booth, where groups

excellent way for the student

once again, has brought our

ready and snapping pictures

returning for seconds. There

of students tried on different

body to enjoy themselves after

student body closer together.

with family and friends. At

was also a soft drink cart that

signs and struck funny poses

the end of a long first semester.

NEWS, Page 2-4

COMMENTARY, Page 5-8

Valentine’s Day Messages

Martin Luther King Jr.

Why We Should Embrace

Page 12; by our community

Day

2+2=5

Gabriel Raykin (IV)

Vanya Shah (V) Navigating the Way Through Egg Tarts

Write for us!

We’re always looking for new writers for both our print and online media.

Jingjing Luo (V)

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom, Left to Right): Lizzy Nikitin (V), Pingry Communications, Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS MARCH 1, 2024

2

Balladeers and Buttondowns Perform at Christ Church AANVI TRIVEDI (IV)

On January 21, the Balladeers

accompanied by Upper School

at the church has been a unique

of the walls of The Pingry School

“Performing for and giving

Vocal Music and Buttondowns

opportunity for the Balladeers

is beneficial to the Balladeers’

your talents to the community

Director Dr. Andrew Moore.

and Buttondowns to expand

growth, as it connects you as

teaches you and reminds you that

and Buttondowns performed

After the sermon, the two

their musical repertoire and style

people and musicians outside,

music is something to be shared,

at Christ Church in Short Hills,

groups performed their own

while having fun performing with

or, rather, beyond our walls.

that music benefits community,

serving as the church’s choir

individual a capella pieces at

their friends and peers. Kamat

The same can be said for our

that music creates community,

for their Sunday sermon. They

the church’s coffee hour. The

gave some insight regarding the

competitive trips and our

and that, regardless of one’s

performed many religious pieces,

Balladeers performed “Just the

performance, saying, “I enjoyed

caroling.” He also mentioned

religious affiliation, music can

including “Praise to God,” “Zion's

Way You Are” by Bruno Mars,

being able to share one of my

that when the Balladeers and

bring people together.” Overall,

Walls,” and “Diraton,” some

arranged by Balladeers co-music

last performances as a Balladeer

Buttondowns get the opportunity

the performance at Christ Church

of which they also performed

director Saniya Kamat (VI), and

with so many of my close friends,

to perform together as the

was an incredible way for the

at the Winter Festival earlier

the Buttondowns performed

and I will truly miss performing

“Pingry Glee Club,” they become

Balladeers and Buttondowns

this school year. Both groups

“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

together at the church.”

a stronger ensemble, and it

to gain further experience with

were directed by Upper School

with soloists Rahil Kakar (VI)

Mr. Winston added, “I always

allows the students in both

more classical repertoire and

Vocal Music and Balladeers

and William Overdeck (IV).

feel that any opportunity to

groups to connect with each

connect with people outside

Director Mr. Jay Winston and

For many years, the performance

participate in anything outside

other and work as a single entity.

the school community.

Balladeers Karaoke CP VANYA SHAH (V)

Some highlights of the

the Champs — a song whose

Karaoke CP provided a fun

favorite part of Karaoke CP,

event included Caleb Kalafer

only lyric is, unsurprisingly,

break for the Pingry community

Isabelle Chen (V) responded,

On Friday, January 26, the

(III) on his rendition of “I’m

“tequila.” Kamat brought one

amidst a busy time of year. It

“I enjoy seeing people step

Balladeers Music Directors,

Just Ken” from this year’s

of the biggest names of 2023,

created a platform for students

out of their comfort zone and

Saniya Kamat (VI) and

blockbuster movie Barbie,

Taylor Swift, to the stage with

to show off their incredible

sing.” Even as the crowd began

Francesca Zarbin (VI), hosted

as well as Ngozi Nnaeto

“Haunted.” She also carried on

singing talents in a lively

to dwindle, many continued to

the second annual Balladeers

(VI) and Amara Emmanuel

Disney’s strong representation

setting and allowed people

approach the microphone as

Karaoke CP. Students

(III), who showed off their

at Karaoke CP and sang Elsa’s

who were not as confident

last-minute entries. Students

gathered in the Upper School

rap skills with Ice Spice’s

iconic song “Let It Go” from

in their singing abilities to

went about the rest of the

Commons to listen to their

Deli. Emanuel Masache (III)

Frozen before duetting with

push their boundaries in a

day with their favorite songs

peers sing songs ranging from

hilariously combined comedy

Kelly Cao (VI) on “When Will

safe and casual setting.

running through their heads.

Disney songs to hip-hop.

and music with “Tequila” by

My Life Begin” from Rapunzel.

When asked about her

Word In The Halls What will you be doing over spring break?

Mr Keating

Ms. Copin

“I’m going to Paris with my family.”

“My sister and her husband are coming to visit NY, and then I’m going to Montreal to visit my friend.”

Malcolm Adedjouma (V)

Jada Watson (VI)

“I’m going to run the LA marathon for the Alzheimer’s Association on March 17th!!”

“I’m going to Singapore to see Taylor Swift and my friends!”

Photo Credits (Left to Right): Carolyn Zhou (V), Jingjing Luo (V), Sriya Tallpragada (V)

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS MARCH 1, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day GABRIEL RAYKIN (IV)

3

PSPA Big Blue Pride AllSchool Community Skate

Community Engagement. They

Learn International, a feminist

set up tables w it h var ious

organization that advocates

On January 11, students of

activ ities for at tendees

f o r w o m e n’s r i g h t s , a l s o

all ages gathered at Pingry’s

to par t icipate in w it h a

attended. Other participants

Pottersville Campus to engage

goal of educating students

in the annual Martin Luther

about various causes.

included St. Hubert’s Animal PSPA hosted Pingry’s annual Big Welfare Center, an animal Blue Pride All-School Community

King Jr. Day of Service. Several

Organizations that participated

rescue center committed to Skate event at the Bridgewater

nonprofit organizations and

included Project Sweet Peas,

saving the lives of animals and

f undraising campaigns

an initiative to send support

finding them loving homes, and

par ticipated, spreading

materials and care packages

awareness about their missions

to Morristown Medical Center

BookSmiles, an organization as they took on Westfield and d e d i c a t e d t o d o n a t i n g Bridgewater-Raritan, respectively.

a nd c a mpa ig n s w it h help

NICU families, and Gotham

books to children in need.

The girls’ team, led by captains

afterward. The night ended on a

from the event’s organizer,

Scholars, which aims to

Additionally, The Seeing

Alexis Glasofer (V), Charlotte

high note as the rink was cleared for

Ms. Bianca Cabrera, Director

provide classes and education

Eye, an international non-

Diemar (VI), Verna Mae Lange (VI),

an open skate session, allowing the

of Ser v ice L ear ning and

for low-income students. Girls

and Katie Niccolai (VI), along with

profit that trains seeing eye Head Coach Mr. Rich Fuchs, won dogs to guide people who are their game 10-2, adding another

onlookers to skate freely for an hour

KEIRA CHEN (VI)

win to their season record of 5-6-1 and placing them at #5 in the state.

On Thursday, January 18, the

The boys’ team, led by captains Charlie Sherman (VI), Javi Trujillo (VI), and Evan Xie (VI), along with Head Coach Mr. Scott Garrow, also

Sports Arena. Students and families

won their game with a final score of

were encouraged to watch the girls’

5-1. Their season record is 8-3-1,

and boys’ varsity ice hockey teams

and they are ranked #18 in the state.

Snacks were given out during the games, and pizza was served

and a half. Many students skated around with friends and family.

blind and visually impaired, a nd A Bi r t hd ay W i sh , a n orga ni zat ion t hat g ra nt s birthday wishes to children in foster care, participated.

Avery Hoffman (IV), founder of A Birthday Wish, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Overall, MLK Day was a great success!

Thank you to Ms. Cabrera for or ga n i z i ng a f u n a nd impactful event, and thank you to everyone who contributed!”

HITS AND MISSES HITS

MISSES

New Beyoncé & Taylor albums

Usher halftime…

Balladeers/Buttondown serenades

Super Bowl commercials

French & Chilean exchange

Lanyards

Snow days

Asynchronous work on snow day

Snowball food

Pingry Plague

1000 points Taylor + Trey

Grammys

Boys’ Hockey

Community Service Alert Memos

Charlotte 100 points

Five-day weeks

Career Day

Dress Code violations

Lunar New Year Assembly Into the Woods

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS MARCH 1, 2024

4

The John Hanly Lecture He is also the recipient of

pointed out that a significant

various accolades including the

amount of governmental

The United States, one of the

MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship,

assistance was failing to reach

strongest nations in the world,

the American Bar Association’s

those in need, saying, “Part of

has higher poverty rates than

Silver Gavel Award, and the

government aid doesn’t reach

any other advanced democracy.

William Julius Wilson Early

the poor…There are people

Pulitzer Prize-winning author

Career Award. In 2016,

who could benefit, but don’t.”

Dr. Matthew Desmond,

Politico listed Dr. Desmond

He then criticized the nation's

Professor of Sociology and

in “The Fifty,” a list of fifty

approach to subsidy, noting

founder of the Eviction Lab at

individuals “across the country

that the wealthy benefit from

Princeton University, explained

who are most influencing the

tax breaks far more than those

the statistics and science

national political debate.”

in need, with the most affluent

behind America’s poverty

Dr. Desmond presented several

families receiving nearly 40%

rates when he delivered the

reasons for poverty’s persistence

more in government subsidies,

John Hanly Lecture on Ethics

in the United States, arguing that

about $35,000, compared to

propose potential solutions,

affordable housing projects.

and Morality on January 25.

the country had given up on its

the $25,000 received by the

suggesting that significantly

Afterwards, Ethan Boroditsky

His book, Evicted: Poverty

eradication. He displayed graphs

poorest families. Moreover, he

reducing the amount of

(VI), Kate Marine (VI),

and Profit in the American City,

which showed that poverty rates

described the segregation that

government money going to

Ally Smith (VI), and Divya

won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in

had only escalated over the past

occurs when communities are

the wealthiest Americans could

Subramanian (VI) of the Honor

General Nonfiction, and his latest

40 years despite a steady uptick

able to prevent the construction

make a substantial impact,

Board, as well as David Gelber

work, Poverty, By America, is a

in the government's spending on

of affordable housing.

emphasizing the nation's

’59 joined Dr. Desmond for a

New York Times Best Seller.

anti-poverty measures. He also

Dr. Desmond went on to

capability to alleviate poverty

Q & A. Mr. Gelber is a former

if wealth distribution were

producer for CBS News’ 60

more equitable. “Our affluence

Minutes, executive producer of

is a primary reason for the

the climate change documentary

extensive poverty,” he pointed

Years of Living Dangerously,

out. He identified a practical

Pingry’s 2010 Letter-In-Life

measure: recovering unpaid

Award winner, and a two-

federal income taxes from the

time Hanly Lecture speaker.

rich, which could contribute

Dr. Desmond passionately

immensely to the approximated

conveyed that the responsibility

$177 billion required to

to eliminate poverty lay

eradicate poverty. Additionally,

with everyone, based on

he advocated for expanding

moral considerations linked

housing options, declaring, “The

to personal beliefs and life

walls around our communities

experiences. He made it clear

have to go. Demolish these walls.

that the continued existence of

Build affordable housing.” With

poverty should not be tolerated.

that, he encouraged the audience

To conclude his lecture, Dr.

to actively participate in local

Desmond stated, “I want to end

government meetings to support

poverty. I don’t want to outsmart

and defend the development of

it. I want to out-hate it.”

OLIVIA BUVANOVA (V)

Students Arrive From France!

JINGJING LUO (V)

“shadowing” them throughout

famous landmarks around

including Elya Selles, another

themselves exposed to unique

the day. They experienced

New Jersey and spent a day

exchange student, who

American cultural experiences

On February 5, 13 French

courses ranging from physics

touring Princeton University

described her vision of the city

and enjoyed observing how the

students from Les ​​Chartreux,

and math to English and drama

and the surrounding town. The

as a place “from the movies,”

bakery prices, coffee tastes,

a private school in Lyon,

and were led on a Blue Key

most anticipated trip by far

referring to the various

natural scenery, and cup sizes

arrived in New Jersey after

tour of the school, exploring

was to New York City, where

Hollywood productions of life

differed from those in Lyon.

a ten-hour long flight from

the pool, gyms, and outdoor

they visited Times Square, the

in an American high school.

French and American

Munich. As part of an exchange

areas. Throughout the day, the

Empire State Building, and

After the planned activities

students formed a close-knit

program between the two

French students engaged with

went shopping. Yassara Agati, a

ended, many French students

community through various

schools, Pingry students

American students and faculty,

French student, said, “I am very

attended sports games with their

meals together, a second trip

picked up their host siblings

and their different perspectives

excited to go to New York City

American buddies or traveled

to New York City together, and

and began building strong,

enlivened

classroom

because I’ve never been before,

through suburban American

weekend dinners and events.

intercultural relationships.

discussions, particularly in

and it’s like a dream because

shops. From eating açai bowls

The American students look

The following day, the French

English and history courses.

I’ve only seen the city behind

at Playa Bowls to drinking

forward to traveling to Lyon in

students accompanied their

Outside the classroom, the

my screens.” Other students

coffee from Dunkin Donuts,

a few weeks and completing the

American buddies to school,

French students explored

expressed similar sentiments,

the French students found

second half of the exchange!

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MARCH 1, 2024

5

Ebb & Flow

SANIYA KAMAT (VI)

Being saved by a lifeguard as a competitive swimmer is objectively one of the most mortifying events an 11-year-old can experience.

Fortunately, I’ve had the unique privilege of being able to call myself one of the lucky few.

The ocean is the epitome of unpredictability, and I’ve always been simultaneously drawn to and intimidated by its waters.

Considering my background as a former swimmer and current water polo player, my fear may seem counterintuitive — laughable, even. After all, I’ve always felt like the most intrepid six-year-old at the beach, ambitiously conquering the biggest and scariest of waves with my dad. I’d feel the full force of their impact just behind me as they crashed down, and the thrill of so narrowly escaping my demise only tempted me for more.

A young but fervent devotee of

The ocean had been my friend

but that was part of why I loved it.

during final exams and AP season

the RiordanVerse, the author Rick

for as long as I could remember,

The exhilaration I find in

I have always chosen to throw

Riordan’s fantasy setting based

and despite our quarrels, I wasn’t

moments of thrill and uncertainty

myself into adventure, even if

on ancient myths from Greek,

quite ready to let it go. I had

is unmatched, from roller coasters,

it may initially result in failure.

Roman, Egyptian, and Norse

never been one to shy away from

to horror movies, to double blacks.

My ocean of a life is unpredictable

mythology, I longingly desired

a challenge, and I wasn’t going

With this same sense of Gryffindor-

and constantly changing, but

to be a daughter of Poseidon,

to start now. The next summer,

Slytherinesque ambition, I try

that’s what makes it so exciting.

dreaming up scenarios in which

thinking back to my deep-rooted

to approach all aspects of life.

I’ve learned to take on every new

I’d be claimed by a glowing

love of all things water, I once

Whether it’s joining the water polo

challenge like I do a big wave: send

hologram above my head. While

again began to venture into the

team halfway through the season

a prayer to the sky, put a smile on

my bookworm fantasies may have

waves. Ignoring my racing pulse

as a 5’1” underclassman and,

my face, and go for it. I may end

sadly proved to be baseless, my

and instead choosing to breathe

not to mention, one of only two

up pulled by a rip current and left

fondness for the water never faded.

deeply and smile, I focused on

girls; signing up for BC Calculus

in the middle of the sea, but I trust

As I grew older, however, my

staying calm and believing in

as a junior who knows that math

that I’ll be able to figure it out in

inner caution began to catch up

myself. Swimming back to shore,

has historically been her worst

the end, even if it means needing to

with my outward fearlessness,

I realized something: being in the

subject; or taking on a weekend

accept a lifeguard’s helping hand.

especially when navigating the

ocean still felt mildly terrifying,

off-Broadway show in the city

Besides, I do know how to swim.

ocean on my own. In A Series of Unfortunate Beach Trips, I was violently tossed around, wiped out, caught in a rip current, and, to my humiliation, even rescued by a lifeguard. As a result of these events, two things occurred: 1.) due to necessity, the ocean became a frequent place of worship, and 2.) I began to dread entering the water.

Rather than admit my fear, I’d insist I liked it better in the sand.

Being a self-proclaimed daredevil who proudly belonged to the Divergent faction of Dauntless, I had to keep up appearances. My tweenage reputation could not be tarnished. A summer of sandcastlebuilding and sunbathing went by, but despite my best efforts, life on the shore just wasn’t for me.

Why We Should Embrace 2 + 2 = 5 VANYA SHAH (V)

and reason in the universe. French

why I would reject them

thrilling. As Lord Byron once said,

wrong. All of a sudden, just by

philosopher René Descartes

by positing that 2 + 2 = 5.

“I know that two and two make

believing that 2 + 2 = 5, we’ve

The first thing I learned in

believed that this equation

I would argue that while rejecting

four — and should be glad to prove

rediscovered a childlike confidence

Kindergarten was the solution to

verified that the world around

reason can sometimes lead to chaos,

it too if I could — though I must

and excitement that we’ve been

a simple math problem: 2 + 2 =

him was not simply a figment

there is a silver lining. Suddenly,

say if by any sort of process I could

robbed of in a 2 + 2 = 4 world.

4. But what if it equaled five? You

of his imagination. In George

“You can be anything” isn’t just

convert 2 and 2 into five it would

Of course, 2 + 2 does not equal

may say that’s wrong, but consider

Orwell’s 1984, the protagonist

a pithy statement needled onto a

give me much greater pleasure.”

five. In a world where logic and

statistician Kareem Carr’s stance

uses the equation to affirm his

pillow: it’s a real possibility, and it’s

This possibility suddenly makes

reason guide our lives, there

that “our numbers, our quantitative

sanity while he is subjected to

many of the matters we stress

are more obstacles than just

measures, are abstractions of real

brainwashing in a dystopian

about in our daily lives seem

imagination preventing us from

underlying things in the universe,

society. The equation has come

smaller. Embracing 2 + 2 =

realizing our dreams. Amongst

and it’s important to keep track

to symbolize society’s basic

5 forces us to abandon

heavy expectations, rules, and

of this when we use numbers to

principles of reason

preconceived notions

norms, our biggest opponents can

model the real world.” Although

and knowledge,

of right and

sometimes be ourselves, as we let

2 + 2 = 4 is associated with real

which is why

insecurities and self-doubt get in

data, the equation itself is not

you might

our way. This is where the 2 + 2 =

concretely real, which means that

a s k

5 mentality can make the greatest

relationships like this only represent

impact. Instead of a mathematical

the value we ascribe to them.

vision of reality forcing our hand,

Figures throughout history

we each can make the deliberate

and literature have used this equation as a fundamental truth to confirm the existence of logic

decision to regain that fascination we had with the world when we were young.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images, Kain Wang (VI)

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MARCH 1, 2024

6

On the Art Gallery Scene

JULIA ENG (VI)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is undoubtedly one of the most timeless depictions of youth in film ever created.

I’ve always clung to the art gallery scene, when Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron visit the Chicago Institute of Art. I believe there is something about this scene which strikes through the heart of what it means to be a teenager. I have often heard people describe their later years in high school as an awkward limbo; my mother says her senior year at a Toronto Catholic school was “full of waiting, really, for anything to happen.”

But there is a beauty to this limbo, and there is an art to straddling the gap between adulthood and childhood. The main characters join hands with a group of elementary school students, grasping at

memories of first field trips

color, not postcolonial studies.

a blue stained glass window

sense of wonder which I am

and longing for a time when

When I visit the MoMA now, I

is to be awestruck, not in

reminded of in scenes like

holding hands really meant

try to avoid looking at Starry

the way an adult is shocked

this and find myself replaying

nothing at all. They stand with

Night for too long in fear that

by a massive building, but

“Please, Please, Please Let

their arms crossed in satirical

viewing it at 18 will disappoint

in the way a child sees

Me Get What I Want,” the

contemplation, pretending

the girl in me who stumbled

everything with an open heart.

song which this scene is set

to know the importance of

towards it from a half-moon

So, maybe the second

to, hoping to experience the

Modigliani, Renoir, Picasso,

crowd, lost and anxious on

semester of senior year is

same epiphanies that the

and Toulouse-Lautrec, names

her third grade field trip.

a waiting game. But this

protagonists experience on

which mean little to a child and

But as a child, I would

limbo is something that I am

their day off. Of course, I

perhaps too much to an adult.

have never been able to

trying hard to not take for

know that epiphanies do not

I’ve done my version of this

wander alone through the

granted. To have the agency

come quickly, easily, or when

scene many times over. I still

Metropolitan Museum of

and articulation of an adult

we want them to. But I will

remember how important our

Art talking to strangers or

in a place where I have spent

cherish my time here as it

family outings to New York

playing peek-a-boo with the

an entire childhood (and

begins to run out, epiphany

City were to me as a child. I

infant, no larger than a bundle

then some, considering my

or not, and I will give Starry

had given each taxidermied

of groceries, as her father

time at Pingry is approaching

Night another chance to

animal at the Museum of

drapes her over his shoulder

13 years) is a blessing in

strike me through the heart

Natural History a name, and

to describe to her unconscious

its own unique way. I try

with wonder once again.

I had my favorite works at the

ears the papyrus scrolls which

every day to regain that same

Museum of Modern Art (I liked

comprise the Book of the Dead.

best sitting on the floor in the

I would not have been able to

middle of Matisse’s Swimming

appreciate the significance of

Pool, mostly because it

these things or articulate why

resembled something I could

I find them beautiful at all.

have done better — I did not

I believe that this scene is

understand it at all). As I

powerful because it reveals

approach adulthood, I long

to us a certain aspect of the

for the eyes of my childhood

human condition which we

which never failed to take in

are unable to see from within

the world with wonder and

our own heads and bodies.

optimism. It never occurred

We must be reminded of it

to me, for example, that the

from time to time. We think to

animals had been gutted and

ourselves that to lose oneself

stuffed with wood wool to

to a collection of dots which

look alive and all smelled like

are meant to resemble a small

mothballs. I looked at works

girl or to be kissed in front

by Gauguin and saw pure

of the artificial moonlight of

The Secret to Life In People Watching SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (V)

What would I be without Google Maps?

In my 17 years of life, I’ve only ever navigated New York City with my eyes glued to the blue dots on my phone that tell me to take a right past 19th Street. With a stern, no-nonsense look on my face, I count my steps and avoid sidewalk cracks (step on a crack and break your mother’s back!), looking up only to track street signs and subway stations. This is how I, along with most New Yorkers, approach life: not only do I forget to stop and smell the roses, but I also miss the roses altogether in the hustle of everyday life.

I used to always miss the roses.

That is, until the unthinkable happened. After a weak moment of forgetting my AirPods in the

hellish labyrinth of NJ Transit, I was forced to take on the subway without the latest pop hits playing in my ears. Despite my initial discomfort, I started to notice the people around me: the LaGuardia students practicing monologues for their audition, the Goldman Sachs hopeful fidgeting his fingers in his uncomfortable suit and tie, the silhouette of a Barnard girl in the corner reading Jane Austen, and the older women clicking needles together, knitting ugly sweaters. I wondered about their stories—through peoplewatching, I was offered a glimpse into a dozen different lives. As I got off the subway, I began walking with no address typed in on Google Maps and no destination in mind. Call it cliché, but through looking closer at the finer joys of life, my view of the city I had grown up close to wholly changed.

There are few things more intimate than people-watching.

You get to see nameless strangers at their most vulnerable moments.

You see the little things: the way they twirl their hair when nervous, the cup of coffee they drink in their hands, the destination they have in mind. If you are close enough, you can overhear their conversations where they’ll unknowingly offer you bits and pieces from their personal lives.

In just a few minutes, you can learn about the social dynamic of a person’s community and how someone presents themselves to the world—it’s a brief glimpse into an unknown life.

These glimpses are beautiful and delicate, and after I found my way back home from New York City on that fateful day, I began to wonder more about the people around me. At school, I often

keep my head down, focused only on my life and the bubble of people around me. However, what connections do I miss in the self-absorbed pursuit of high school? What joys in life evade me while I’m trapped in my world?

Pingry is not New York City—the people I see here today will be the same ones I see here tomorrow.

Now, for the first time, I look forward to connecting more with those around me in the remainder of my high school years.

Photo Credits: Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MARCH 1, 2024

7

Navigating the Way Through Egg Tarts JINGJING LUO (V)

seen, and the act of enjoying

users of hidden police cars and

through helping them navigate

are faced with criticism, we often

the pastries further endeared

accidents, never again using

the various roadblocks and fallen

are not as willing to embrace

My favorite food is the egg tart

this anonymous colleague,

Google Maps. Though my sister

trees in the state of New Jersey.

these relationships. After finally

that accompanies my family’s

who could surprisingly predict

and I proved time and time

Seeking positive connections

getting my permit six months

bimonthly order of Chinese

my food preferences, to me.

again that Google Maps gave

with other people, whether

after my 16th birthday, my first

takeout. The restaurant buys egg

drive was to the library, only five

tarts from New York City every

minutes away. Three minutes

Saturday at 5:00 a.m. and then

into the ride, I had to make a left

puts them onto a truck for an

turn at a stoplight, and a lady in

hour-long journey to our small

a black BMW honked at me at

town of Warren. When I eat the

least ten times as I was turning,

egg tarts, they are no longer hot

most likely because I was driving

and crispy but rather a bit bland

at turtle speed. Immediately

in the way room-temperature

after the incident, I went online

foods often are. I, however, stand

and bought a large neon bumper

by the fact that they are the

sticker with the words “Student

best desserts, even without ever

Driver, Please be Patient” and

getting the chance to bite into

stuck it on the back of the car

them in their freshly baked form.

so no one could miss it. While it

My mom first bought a box of

may partly be due to my lack of

these flaky, sun-yellow delicacies

confidence in driving, my decision

because she ran into a colleague

to change was influenced by the

while picking up dinner who

lady’s judgment. Each day, we all

ordered three boxes and strongly

make hundreds of small choices

recommended them. Because

affected by other people, many of

my mom’s colleague bought

whom are simply strangers to us.

so many at once and made an

When our lives are so busy

effort to advertise the pastry, I

and the world is so chaotic, we

felt obligated to enjoy them. The

may wish to become outsiders to

colleague cared enough about my

interpersonal conflicts or keep our

mom, and by extension, me, to the

emotions to ourselves. But I have

point where she felt compelled to

My mom once heard from a

a more accurate estimation of

through egg tarts or the GPS, is

learned that humans can never be

share one of her favorite foods with

friend about the GPS application

arrival time, my mom insisted

a fundamental trait of humanity.

separated from each other. Small

us, which made me love egg tarts

Waze. She immediately became

on Waze’s superiority, already

We enjoy it because it feels like

things like egg tarts or bumper

even more. Taking the time and

enraptured by the cartoon

having fallen deep into her “Waze

someone else is telling us that

stickers are memorials honoring

energy to discuss such a personal

depictions of road signs and

phase” and becoming allies with

we matter and that they need us

each interaction, some simply

pleasure made us feel valued and

the feature to notify other Waze

strangers on the application

in the community. Yet, when we

momentary and others profound.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

BEAR CAGE

2/6 vs Somerville

GIRLS’ FENCING 2/8 vs West Windsor-Plainsboro North

45-41 WIN

15-12 WIN

BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY 2/8 vs North Hunterdon

8-0 WIN

BOYS’ WRESTLING

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

2/7 vs Paramus

2/9 vs Immaculate Heart

44-27 LOSS

61-47 WIN

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Kain Wang (VI), Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MARCH 1, 2024

8

Look Around ADAM ELAYAN (VI) The winter of freshman year was unusually snowy. At 15, I was not yet too old or too cool to go sledding, so I spent my time between remote classes on the hill behind my house. In my memories, the sledding is a blur.

What I recall most vividly is the path to the summit — the frozen stream, the saplings on either side, and the stems of bushes that hurt to run into. My house was just a few hundred feet away, where The Office played every evening in the family room and my sister anxiously awaited college decisions.

The hill was an alien world: comfortably silent, expansive beyond contemplation, and overlooking a sports complex fenced in with barbed wire.

It was my escape from the doldrums of 2020 when all the other ones wore out.

The following winter was

different. Classrooms replaced computer screens. Company replaced solitude. The snow was lighter and less frequent.

Even so, I was out there with my sled the first time the hill was white again. The second I stepped onto the old path, I knew it wouldn’t be the same.

The sapling forest I’d walked through at eye level had become overgrown, and the old, inviting path had become a thorny nuisance. The once-annoying bush stems now formed a barrier, covering the hill to the point of unsledability.

Unironically, I was shocked.

This place had been so separate from the real world the year before — how could it possibly follow the same laws now? It was supposed to be waiting for me, the path cleared and groomed, the hill flushed with powder and ready to be carved up. Instead, three inches of ice were buried by what may as

well have been a bed of nails.

I didn’t take out my sled for the rest of the winter, refusing to participate in the cruel world of change and brevity.

Looking back, I should have known it was over after that first winter. I can’t count how often I walked by the young trees and stepped over the burgeoning brush, concerned only with the moment’s silence and whatever frivolous thoughts were in my head. Whether it was arrogance or ignorance, I thought I would be able to spend my winters the same way until I outgrew the essentially childish game I was playing. I never imagined it would outgrow me.

When something is allconsuming, like sledding for a cooped-up freshman, it is easy to be blind to the things that might undo it. We get so focused on the top of the hill, whose slope is glinting in the afternoon sun, that we don’t

realize we may never be able to get there again because a forest is growing at our feet. Someday, I’ll find a new place to take my sled. The path, unburdened by growth, will be wide, the sun bright, and the hill brilliant.

Sled in tow, I’ll take in every refreshing inhale of cold air and exalt in every successful descent. This time, when the snow begins to thaw, I’ll know it’s goodbye forever. I will have seen the trees on my way up.

AI: The Greatest Technological Achievement of the 21st Century or a Weapon Against Human Intellect?

AVA GRUNSTRA (V)

Imagine.

Just imagine a world where a computer program can write your school essay. Wait, no need to imagine. That’s already the case.

Then instead imagine a world where a computer algorithm can diagnose and successfully treat medical conditions. Where it can create artwork, write music, and even play sports. Where it can cure diseases, prevent global conflicts, and solve environmental problems. There is no need to strain our imagination to see such a world. We are standing at the precipice of its existence with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Although we may not yet know the full potential of AI, we at least have a basic understanding that it has the potential to completely transform humanity.

To make our lives easier, better, and potentially healthier. Indeed, there could come a time when we might not have to do anything at all. It would all be done for us.

Just imagine that world.

That is the future – or at least potentially the future – of a world fully integrated with AI. Is this a future we should embrace and accept as inevitable? Or is this the beginning of the end of humanity?

Throughout history, generations have struggled with the advent of new technologies and debated the ethics surrounding their use. During the 15th century, the printing press was met with

fear and opposition because it was viewed as undermining the authority of the Church. In many ways it did. But looking back, it also allowed for the creation and dissemination of books and information to many people. So not an entirely bad thing after all. In the 20th century, people viewed the invention of cars with skepticism. They caused pollution, were noisy, and raised safety

drawn buggy. You would have to come out during flex to feed your horse. Needless to say, cars had an overall positive impact on society, and with the development of yet even newer technology, electric cars will hopefully solve many of these concerns. The same arguments can be made about television (which replaced radio) and the internet (which, well, replaced everything).

derived from their development?

I would argue none. They serve no legitimate purpose other than to intimidate and to raise fear of a disastrous world war. What about PFAS? Have you heard of them? They were chemicals added to firefighting foam in order to extinguish difficult fires. These chemicals were so successful that they started being used in a variety of household

concerns. They weren’t wrong. All those concerns were legitimate, and, in fact, remain concerns today (Tesla aside). But without them, we might still be riding a horse-drawn buggy to school.

Imagine trying to pass the driver’s test or trying to find a spot in the school parking lot with a horse-

Not all technological advancements, however, have resulted in a positive benefit to society. Nuclear weapons, for example, were considered a significant technological and scientific advancement at the time they were created. What positive outcome has been

items -- non-stick pans, makeup, shampoo, and detergents. Sounds useful, right? The problem is that they are now linked to many forms of cancer, are literally in everything and everywhere, and are nearly impossible to destroy.

Yet another great technological breakthrough that, in retrospect,

has caused more harm than good.

So where does that leave AI? Will future generations look back at AI and deem it the nuclear weapon of humanity’s intellect?

There is something to be said about intellectual struggle, about making mistakes, about lessons learned, and about faltering and then striving to succeed. The use of AI may alter our ability to experience these essential building blocks of the human experience. It provides immediate answers to all our questions – whether accurate or not – and gives us a clear road map to follow in response to our prompts. In doing so, whether we like to admit it or not, it may prevent us from growing through hardship and through struggle. Yet perhaps the answer is not that AI has absolutely no purpose or future in our lives, but instead that we must learn how and when to use it while, at the same time, recognizing its risks.

Ironically, there is no better place to start a discussion about the benefits and risks of AI and to strive to develop the parameters and ethical guidelines for its use than in schools. In the coming years, our generation will be the most affected by AI as it becomes more and more part of our world.

Let’s be the generation that figures out ways to allow for its use in a responsible and ethical manner without hindering intellectual development, individual freedom or human growth.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Kain Wang (VI), Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD COLUMNS MARCH 1, 2024

9

They Called Us Exceptional, by Prachi Gupta SIMRIN SHAH (IV)

beliefs and recognized the cost

drawn into the book as Gupta

struggles, she emphasizes how

incredibly vulnerable and honest

of fitting into a box to meet

articulated feelings of rejection

all members of her family — her

memoir, Gupta demonstrates

I was first introduced to They

the expectations of others.

and belonging, whether it was

father, mother, and brother —

the resilience, compassion,

Called Us Exceptional: And Other

Throughout the memoir, Gupta

through her Indian culture or her

sacrificed their own mental health

and acceptance that underlie

Lies That Raised Us, by Prachi

recalls an inner desire to achieve

experiences in the predominantly

and well-being to fit into a role

the complexities of love and

Gupta, through the South Asian

success. She describes how she

white community surrounding her.

dictated by others. Through her

dysfunction within a family.

Diaspora HIRT, an affinity-like

was taught the importance of

Though written from her own

space that focuses on exploring

success at a young age and how

perspective, Gupta’s ability to

and discussing South Asian

she witnessed her grandfather’s

justly analyze the people in her

literature. As a group, we search

achievements as a Canadian

life allows the reader to empathize

for novels that provoke a sense of

immigrant from India who started

with other characters as well. I

connection and understanding

over to provide a better life for

found it remarkable that, despite

between the reader and the

his wife and children. She also

the hurt they inflicted upon

protagonist through shared

discusses her father’s experiences

her, she was able to reflect on

experiences, struggles, and

as a first-generation Indian-

her relationships in a manner

emotions. The book presented

American growing up in Canada

that portrayed the characters

a complex and intense memoir

and how he overcame racism to

from plain surface level to their

that described the challenges

become a successful doctor. The

raw core. Each character had

faced by an immigrant family,

pressure Gupta received from

attributes, flaws, a reason for their

the consequences and truths of

her father to achieve success

actions, and consequences. Each

the model minority myth, and

transformed into the only

character was, therefore, human.

the costly need to be exceptional.

thing that defined her. Without

They Called Us Exceptional

Gupta grew up in a seemingly

excellence, she was worth nothing;

highlights that the world isn’t

hardworking, high-achieving,

without success, she was a failure.

black and white and that no

and close-knit family. No

Formatted as a letter to her

person is solely good or evil,

family, however, is flawless. The

mother, Gupta accomplishes a

villain or hero. Humans are

model minority myth acted as

deep level of connection through

complex and layered, each with

the foundation for her family’s

the intimacy of her writing. At

vulnerabilities and flaws — some

disguise. As Gupta questioned

times, the story is so personal

of which, as Gupta reflects, stem

her understanding of cultural

and her emotions so raw and

from toxic aspects of culture and

expectations, gender roles,

vulnerable that I felt the need

tradition. The result is a cycle of

and her complete identity,

to look away. Though I was not

generational trauma, one that

she started shifting away from

able to relate to every aspect of

she became a victim of. As Gupta

her family’s indoctrinating

her story, I felt my own emotions

reflects on her experiences and

Mean Girls: The Musical: The Movie CAROLYN ZHOU (V)

the musical which was nominated

speed at which trends change these

One alternative could be to just

Side Story, Mamma Mia, and Rocky

for twelve Tony Awards and has

days, many of the film’s design

release recordings of the actual

Horror. It just takes a while to get

Musicals: some love them, some

been an all-around fan favorite.

choices had already gone out of style

Broadway show, as they did with

the formula right. On the musical

hate them. Over the years they’ve

The most grating part of the

by the time it was released. There

Hamilton. Still, it is possible to

movie spectrum, Mean Girls ends

become quite a polarizing genre

movie, though, is the terrible music.

was also a push to incorporate some

create adaptations that fuse both

up falling smack in the middle. But

with their movie counterparts

How can you have a musical movie

more recent teenage references,

the musical and movie aspects

hey, at least it’s better than Cats.

either being well-received faithful

without a good soundtrack? Many

including the use of social media

seamlessly, like Hairspray, West

adaptations or widely criticized

of the songs, which were exuberant

which would’ve given the movie

messes. The most recent attempt

performances on stage, ended up as

the uniqueness it needed were

at cinematizing one of these shows

soulless remakes washed out with

it not driven into the ground by

is the 2024 Mean Girls musical

aggressive instrumentals. Musical

overuse and awkward placement.

movie, which is based on the

movies can struggle with casting

However, there are a few bright

2017 Broadway musical, which is

as they need well-known celebrities

spots. Auli’i Cravalho’s Janis and

based on the original 2004 movie.

to bring in the money but also

Jaquel Spivey’s Damien are the

The movie attempted to be a

musically trained actors who can

two characters who manage to be

remake of the 2004 movie, not the

perform the numbers authentically.

elevated from the original movie,

actual stage musical it was based

The most obvious instance of

embodying the campiness of

on. This made for an awkward

this is the lead, Angourie Rice,

their musical counterparts while

combination of the original movie’s

whose Cady has neither the comedy

bringing vocal and comedic skills.

dialogue, cinematography, and

chops of Lindsey Lohan’s original

Renee Rapp, whose career has been

design, but with the occasional

portrayal nor the endearing

rightfully taking off, also delivers

song inserted. Many scenes

enthusiasm of Erika Henningsen’s

in the singing category (after all,

are a shot-for-shot recreation

Broadway performance. One of

she did spend a stint as Regina

of the 2004 movie but watered

the show’s most upbeat numbers,

on Broadway), but is failed by the

down and half as funny. Musical

“Stupid With Love,” which was

costuming and awkward mixing and

movies often seem to be afraid to

supposed to convey the lust of

dialogue which take away the sting

embrace the campy elements of

young adult love, ended up as

of Regina George as a character.

theater. Even when Mean Girls

a flat, low-energy number that

So, is there a solution for all

was advertised, its musical aspect

could sing an audience to sleep.

these adaptation flaws? After all,

was severely downplayed, leading

The movie also struggles

film remakes of stage musicals

many viewers to not even know

costume-wise, going on a route

are important in preserving

there would be singing in the film.

of modernizing the 2000s fashion

their existence and giving

I believe this does a disservice to

instead of recreating it. Yet, with the

greater accessibility to theater.

Photo Credits: Google Images

THE PINGRY RECORD COLUMNS MARCH 1, 2024

10

A Return to Pink Skirts and Ballet Slippers KATHERINE JUNG (IV)

From a viral video of ribbons tied onto floating ice cubes to Simone Rocha’s whimsical haute couture designs for Jean Paul Gaultier at the iconic Paris Couture Fashion Week, the world has slowly been turning away from the once beloved minimalist neutrals.

Styles traditionally reserved for elementary school girls are making waves in the mainstream. One year ago, I would never have considered

wearing shoes modeled after my seven-year-old ballet flats; now, wearing kindergartenesque bows and light pink sets in your hair is more than socially acceptable. News outlets such as Elle and NPR proclaimed 2023 the “year of the girl,” citing cultural moments such as Barbie (which allowed millions to watch dolls from their elementary school days come to life in the movie theater) and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour (where thousands gathered at a time to scream lyrics to childhood favorite songs loud enough to cause seismic disturbances). Although I was one of the unfortunate fans who never got tickets to the Eras Tour, the rise of so-called “girlhood” was not lost on me.

But what’s so attractive about hyper-femininity and youthfulness? Don’t adolescents want to grow up as fast as possible? In February 2024, the trend of embracing “girlhood,” which has had a far greater lifespan than most trends, still persists and

remains at the front of many minds. Upon showing my aunt Sandy Liang’s collections, my aunt was surprised to discover that Liang was one of the world’s leading modern designers.

When I scrolled to the uniform section of her website, which featured shirts with giant bows and pleated skirts, my aunt was unimpressed, saying, “That’s so overpriced for something I wore to school in the 80s.”

These scathing critiques ironically provide insights into why girlhood is so popular.

We often use nostalgia as a coping mechanism to escape the pressures of everyday life and manage negative emotions like sadness or loneliness.

Looking back at the past, which always seems better in our eyes than the tumultuous present and uncertain future, we can find something that will help us navigate our current situation as flawlessly as we think we did back then.

This “girlhood” subculture is attractive because it lets us step beyond nostalgia. It allows

us to romanticize our stressfree childhoods through rosecolored glasses and encourages us to transport elements of our past directly to the present.

Our world is full of stressors; most of us are bombarded with work and constant streams of emails and tragic news articles. We are so attached to our devices that checking notifications is often more of an obligation than a privilege.

Especially for the younger generation, everything seems to get harder every year, the

wheel of fate turning too quickly to follow. We struggle with finding jobs, balancing hobbies with schoolwork, managing relationships with friends and family, and even getting more than four hours of sleep. With all of this tumult, it’s only natural that we would want to take a step back and embrace the parts of ourselves that society has thus far deemed too childish. Even when “girlhood” inevitably fades, we will not forget the underlying message of returning to our youth.

Warren’s Insta-worthy Anatolian Meal CAROLYN ZHOU (V) Just on the edge of the bustling Warren downtown, Zaytin Turkish Cuisine is a familyfriendly restaurant that aims to bring high-quality, home-cooked Turkish food to the area. Deriving its name from the Turkish word for “olive,” the restaurant is well-lit and elegantly decorated from head to toe with traditional Turkish artwork and glass pieces, as well as flowery walls and neon signs that make it an Instaworthy spot. Zaytin is halal and vegetarian friendly, offering delivery, takeout, dine-in, and catering for parties. I was inspired to try it out because it served many of the dishes I consumed during a trip to Turkey, which

truly has some amazing allaround foods — most notably some of the best-grilled meats and mild yet flavorful seasoning.

Start your meal with special Turkish tea, served in a tulipshaped glass called ince belli, which allows the crimson drink to be consumed hot. Or maybe Turkish coffee is more your style, consisting of finely ground, unfiltered coffee prepared in a cezve, a small, long-handled pot. Appetizers include my dad’s personal favorite, lahmacun, a flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs — (we consumed so many of these on our last day). If you’re feeling adventurous, reviews have also touted their liver dishes, although you may prefer the red lentil soup

or the all-encompassing mixed cold appetizers (hummus, spicy veggie, eggplant with sauce, baba ganoush, and labneh).

For the main meal, you can’t go wrong with any gyro or kebab meats. We had the chicken kebab, which was juicy, tender, and well-seasoned, but lamb is also quite a staple. The portions are large, making for delightful, filling meals that are served with warm pita bread, delicious buttery bulgur (cracked wheat, similar to rice), and fresh vegetables. If you’re unsure of where to start, there is also a mixed grill option that comes with chicken shish, lamb shish, adana kebab, and gyro, so you can experience the full spread.

My favorite dish from my trip was manti, a creamy Turkish ravioli filled with lamb, and while the restaurant's version wasn’t nearly as good as I had remembered, it was still a filling and quite delicious meal. They also serve fluffy oven-to-table pide, a flattened wheat dough that is thicker than lahmacun and boat-shaped. It can be topped with tomatoes, cheese, veggies, and minced meats, or, if you’re indecisive like me, there is a mixed platter option that allows you to try all of the various options.

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, and luckily, Turkish cuisine has some of my favorites. There is the most well-

known, baklava, made of thin phyllo dough layers, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup. We tried the kunefe, a decadent dessert made of a crispy spun pastry soaked in sugar syrup and layered with sweet cheese and nuts. Other options include rice pudding or chocolate souffle. While the prices may run a little high, I believe Zaytin is a worthwhile

restaurant experience for a delicious, well-rounded meal and a menu boasting strong dishes all around. The restaurant itself was simply gorgeous in its decor and had friendly staff who attended to all our needs. After all, even if you get too much, your money won’t be put to waste as the dishes can be taken to go and enjoyed further from the comfort of your own home.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images, Zaytin Restaurant

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMUNITY MARCH 1, 2024

11

Community Valentine’s Messages

To: Yassara Merci beaucoup, for being the most amazinggg and incroyable french buddy!!!

I’ll be so so sad when you go home, mais à bientôt!

From: Jingjing To: Alex Ege I hope u like the candy From: Manny

To: Jingjing

To: Mr. Burkhart

To: Ms. Davlin

Helloooo when you read this I’ll be at Lyon and depressed because my trip was AMAZING. Jingjing meet you was an incredible thing because you are an incredible person. I hope you will like Lyon and see you soon!!!!

I love the discussions we have in American Modernism hIRT- It is so much fun and I have really grown to love Faulkner. Thank you for taking the time to create this space!

You are the best advisor!

Thank you for being there for us :)

From: anonymous

I really appreciate all of our conversations and how you take time out of your day to simply get to know your students.

Thank you for believing in me and supporting me throughout everything!

From: Yassara To: the gang

To: Ms. Sees i’m so so happy to have you as a teacher!!

thanks for sticking by me. you’re my rock. love ya! From: your #1fan From: sarah gu

To: Dr. Johnson

Thank you for coordinating the French Thank you for making our Exchange program! class so much fun!

From: The French exchange hosts From: Your block 5 physics class To: Mr. Bourne!

From: your advisory To: Mr. Keating

To: Ava Khan You rock :) From: Sriya Tallapragada To: jingjing hi JJ youre the best valentine ever and you’re cool ig

From: Anonymous

From: nat

To: Serena Lin

To: Mr. Coe

Thank you for the valentines treats! You are the sweetest person I know. I’m so happy we got closer this year <3

you’re the best physics teacher of all time From: Leon Zhou

From: Carolyn Zhou

Community In Pictures

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Kain Wang (VI), Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD COMMUNITY MARCH 1, 2024

12

Crossword Puzzle - Crossword Labs

Valentine’s Day Crossword <3

Valentine's Day Crossword Puzzle

Solve the crossword for this issue! Email back your responses to record@pingry.org Valentine's Day Crossword Puzzle - Crossword Labs

when you are done. If you are the first one to

2/8/24

1

respond, we will be in touch about a prize! No

Valentine's Day Crossword Puzzle

spaces should be included in the answers.

2

3

1

4

5 2

3

4

5

6

7

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ntine's for(blank) friends 6. party Hugs and

2. 3.

Two going outDay Thepeople color of Valentine's

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8. The shape of love

4. The month of Valentine's Day

5. A Valentine's party for friends

2. Two people going out

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ape of love

Volume CXLIX — No. III

Editors-in-Chief

Assistant Editors

Copy Editors

Julia Eng

Ella Karch

Cartoon Editor

Olivia Buvanova

Layout Editors

Saniya Kamat

Jingjing Luo

Kain Wang

Adam Elayan

Saniya Kamat

Grace Fernicola

Jingjing Luo

Kate Marine Senior Assistant Editors

Gabriel Raykin

Faculty Advisors

Chloe Huang

Joaquin Stevenson

Keira Chen

Sriya Tallapragada

Ms. Lynne Cattafi

Simrin Shah

Sriya Tallapragada

Sarah Gu

Carolyn Zhou

Ms. Sara Courtney

Vanya Shah

Evan Xie

Leila Souayah Aanvi Trivedi