The Pingry Record - June 2022

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

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Volume CXLVII — No. V

record.pingry.org

COMMENCEMENT 2022

Seniors Embark On ISPs After completing their classes in early

INVESTMENTS TO THE MOON

May, 143 seniors pursued Independent

Samuel Benton’s ISP was an internship

JOHN TAYLOR BABBITT WALK

Senior Projects (ISPs). These projects

with the private wealth company Grands

WITH HEART

allowed seniors to explore their interests

Converted to Billions Private Wealth or

This year Abby Di Giorgio and Ally

INTERNSHIP FOR A CURE

inspired by places she frequently went to

in the final months of their high school

GCBPW. It involved different research in

Williams were the student leaders for

For her ISP, Olivia Hauck interned at the

throughout her childhood, such as various

careers.

the realm of finance such as picking the right

the annual John Taylor Babbitt Walk With

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, working

places within Pingry, her house, and her

growth stock and being able to rationalize

Heart, which is the major fundraising

specifically with their Man/Woman of the Year

old hometown. Her final deliverable will

RECONCILING GLOBAL DISASTER

those choices, researching how college kids

event the JTB Foundation hosts at Pingry.

program and the Light the Night event. Her

consist of 20 to 25 of her favorite photos.

THROUGH TABLETOP GAMEPLAY

can best invest and spend their money, and

Participants walk 2 miles through the

work involved planning these events, doing

Ryan Arrazcaeta and Belinda Poh

much more. Stocks are hard to predict,

woods behind Pingry to honor Babbitt,

cold and warm outreach, getting corporate

created a tabletop game resembling

but this ISP allowed him to better try and

a student at Pingry who died of sudden

sponsorships, managing candidates, and

WNYC AND SCHOOLHOUSE

Dungeons and Dragons. It is set in the

predict the outcomes while developing

cardiac arrest. Attendees of the Walk were

securing event supplies. All of her work will

Brian Li’s ISP was a two-pronged project

future, with climate predictions foreseeing a

more advanced investment strategies.

given memorabilia, the chance to practice

be displayed at the MWOY Grand Finale

which involved interning at New York

CPR, learn more about sudden cardiac

which takes place on June 8th and the

Public Radio and also tutoring students as

LTN walk across 5 towns in NJ in October.

part of the Schoolhouse SAT Bootcamp pilot

global collapse, and includes a game manual

helped by preparing for the annual plant

to use a proper camera (specifically the

sale and caring for the daffodil bowl.

Rebel EOS 17) and took photos with it.

The subject matter of her photos was

JOURNALISM AND EDUCATION:

that details all of the guidelines and rules.

ALMOST, PRODUCTION

arrest, and even speak with Mike Papale,

They crafted their game through story and

For their ISP, Evan Berger and Natalie

who wrote “A Big Heart,” a book telling his

character development and introspection,

DeVito, along with five other seniors, put on

story about surviving sudden cardiac arrest.

BUILDING A WEB APP FOR TEXT

Manhattan a few times a week to see how

rather than combat. In addition, Arrazcaeta

a production of Larry Shue’s play The Nerd,

ENCRYPTION

radio reporting operates and if journalism

worked to compose music for multiple other

a farcical romantic comedy. Natalie tackled

GLOBAL GRUB

Tyler Headley used his ISP to explore web

is a path he would like to pursue. Brian

projects, including a play and a video game.

every aspect of the production process by

Ram Doraswamy and Finn McGurn

development and cybersecurity. To do this,

was also able to write and record his own

program. He visited the WNYC offices in

directing the show and together, the group

interviewed immigrant restaurant owners

he built a website that is capable of encrypting

article on New Jersey’s measures against

ALS: ALLIE’S LIFE SUPPORT

coordinated props and costumes. As designer

and gained a deeper understanding of

and decrypting messages using various

the recent uptick in car thefts. He also

Allie de Asla worked with the Robert

and technical director, Evan designed,

restaurant business and American immigrant

popular encryption standards. The first part

discovered over the course of high school

Wood Johnson (RWJ) University Hospital

drafted, constructed, and painted the set,

perspectives. They recorded interviews

of this project involved learning to use HTML,

that he enjoyed teaching, which he explored

Paramedics. To further explore medicine,

as well as doing sound and lighting design.

and each was featured in an episode.

CSS, and JavaScript in order to create a static

further by tutoring SAT English to students.

she observed the paramedics performing

website. The second component of his project

skills outside of her scope of practice as

INVESTING IN ME

ST. JUSTINE’S IN NEWARK

was researching and developing algorithms

VIDEO GAME DESIGN

an EMT. She worked with Kathy Price,

Kaitlyn DeVito worked at the Investment

L u k e E n g e l k e and P e t e r R o e l k e

for encryption techniques, beginning with

Cordelia Ludden designed and

with whom she had many calls in which

Center Inc. which she had previously

volunteered at Coach Birotte’s preschool,

a simple Caesar Cipher and working up to

programmed a 2D platformer game using

ALS and BLS overlapped. Due to the

worked at over the summer. She assisted

St Justine’s. In addition to playing with kids

much more complex, modern algorithms

GoDot’s software. The art is courtesy of

inconsistency of the EMS profession, she

in transferring account forms while learning

at recess and assisting teachers in class,

like RSA, Elliptic Curve Cryptography,

Kimberly Wang, and music is by Ryan

also worked with Caitlin and Maureen

more deeply about investment baking.

they helped do chores around the school

and Advanced Encryption Standard.

Arrazcaeta. The language it was programmed

Schwarz to help teach first aid to children.

During her time at the Investment Center,

such as build SmartBoards or take out

she shadowed various types of employees of

boxes. They also learned about Newark’s

NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING

some minor syntax differences that makes

PSYCHOLOGY THROUGH THE LENS

the Investment Center in order to get a broad

culture. The area that the school is in has

IN THE CONSUMER PRODUCT

it compatible with the animation software.

OF SOCIAL MEDIA

understanding of how the company operates.

a significant Portuguese influence and they

INDUSTRY

tried foods from different cultures. It was an

Emmet Houghton and James Houghton

all around great and enriching experience.

developed a machine learning-based model

Sammi Barr created psychology-related

in is similar to Python in most respects with

social media posts that a clinical psychology

EEMERGENCY MEDICINE FOR KIDS

practice, PurePsych, will use for their

Caitlin Schwarz and Maureen Schwarz

Instagram page in the future. The posts

decided to make presentations about first

ARBORETUM ADVENTURES

using customer reviews. They trained

ranged from information about specific

aid and handling emergency situations and

As an environmentalist intern at the Reeves-

the model to provide critical feedback to

CONTINE READING ABOUT

psychotherapy techniques to awareness

to present them to lower grades. There were

Reed Arboretum, Christine Guo learned

businesses by evaluating consumers’ feelings

INDEPENDENT SENIOR PROJECTS ON

about psychological disorders. The goal was

approximately ten presentations catered for

how to properly identify invasive species

and feedback towards products and services.

PAGE 2

to not only raise awareness about important

different age groups from K-9, as well as video

as well as how to remove them. Christine

parts of the psychological field, but to help

components and interactive demonstrations.

did a hands-on project in the forest, helping

publicize PurePsych as a practice as well.

Their topics ranged from good behavior in an

weed out the invasive plants and restore

CAPTURING HOME

emergency to broken bone treatment to CPR.

the land by planting native ones. She also

For her ISP, Sophia Lewis learned how

to assess sentiment value of natural language

NEW TO PHOTOGRAPHY:

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD

2

Night of Noise ANANYA SANYAL (IV)

performance from Miller’s band “Halftime”.

SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 12, 2022

Balladeers Concert Returns!

KEIRA CHEN (IV)

“Night of Noise” served an opportunity for On April 28, 17 students participated

students to showcase their talents in a setting

in an open mic event hosted in the Attic

with the larger community as their audience.

Theater for students, faculty, and family

The event was also a fundraiser for St. Jude’s,

members. After two years of inactivity

in which attendees donated five dollars

due to COVID-19 restrictions, “Night of

or more to watch and enjoy concessions.

Noise” finally made a reappearance. Form V

Members of the Balladeers and Buttondowns

Balladeers—Meher Khan, Alexis Matthews,

alike expressed that the event provided them

Jordan Miller, Sejal Patel, and Stephanie

the chance to share their talents in a new

Ticas—took initiative in organizing and

setting and it was great seeing support from

sharing the event with the Pingry community.

the entire community. Audience members

Performances ranged from singing solos and duets to piano performances and poetry

(V) said. Miller also noted that the

this opportunity to perform for the

audience reception was fantastic,

After two years, Pingry’s annual

students and school community,”

with students, faculty, and staff

Balladeers Concert finally made a

Mr. Winston, Upper School music

filling all three floors above the

reappearance, with a performance

teacher and Balladeers advisor, said.

senior area to watch. Saniya Kamat

in the Lower Commons during

Mr. Winston and other Balladeers

(IV), a fellow Balladeer, agreed

second flex on Monday, April

members have expressed

with Jordan and said, “It was a

25. The performance consisted

excitement over the concert and

really great experience to feel

of five songs: “I Want You

being able to perform in person

the energy in the room. I was

Back” by Jackson 5, “Boy” by

again. “It felt refreshing, like a

really proud of all of us after the

described it as a huge success, a testament

Little Mix, “Sweater Weather”

little glimpse at normalcy in a

concert, which was a culmination

to the immense talent present at Pingry.

by The Neighborhood, an Olivia

post-COVID era,” Jordan Miller

of all of the work we put in.”

Advocacy Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. She worked with children and adult victims of physical and sexual assault, domestic violence, and families of homicide victims. Along with her team, Paige helped victims better understand the criminal court system and aided in the prosecution of their abusers

while providing resources for their healing. She conducted forensic interviews, took victim statements, and went with them to court.

recitations. The night ended with a special live

Spring Music Assembly SEJAL PATEL (V)

amazing job of making sure we had

and Balladeers came together to perform “Pure Imagination,” and “Sure On This

Rodrigo medley, and “Helpless” from the musical “Hamilton”.

These songs were mainly chosen in May and June of last year by the Balladeers, but they also

After being suspended for three years due

Shining Night,” as well as their own individual

decided to add longer versions of

to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Spring

songs; the Buttondowns performed Billy

Concert was a success, with performances from

Joel’s “She’s Got A Way,” and the Balladeers

Serenade songs to their repertoire.

Pingry’s glee clubs, jazz band, string orchestra,

sang “Helpless” from the musical Hamilton.

Due to a few complications

and newly established Chamber Choir.

The effort of the students must not go

regarding logistics, the concert

These ensembles had the opportunity

unnoticed, as every single performer has

to show off all their hard work, learning

dedicated hours of commitment and effort

had to be pushed back by a week,

music for years in hopes of sharing it with

to perfecting their music. Directors Mr. Jay

an audience. Families, friends, and teachers

Winston, Dr. Andrew Moore, Ms. Glynis

congregated inside Hauser Auditorium for a

Gourhan, and Mr. Sean McAnally have all

left for ISPs. However, Balladeers

night filled with a variety of musical pieces.

also shown immense dedication to their

Some of the highlights included the Lower

respective groups and patience in waiting to

co-presidents Anika Govil (VI)

Voices Glee Club’s rendition of Bill Withers’s

finally have another Spring Concert for the

“Lean On Me,” the Upper Voices Glee Club’s

community.Though there was no theme to

keep spirits high and worked

“Taylor the Latte Boy,” Jazz Band’s “Bosnian

the concert, it is safe to say that the warmth

Folk Song,” and the String Orchestra’s “One

of coming together and celebrating the arts

to schedule a new time for the

Summer’s Day.” Additionally, the Buttondowns

was certainly in the air the entire night.

EXCELLENCE AND HONOR: PRESERVING AND CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF ARMED SERVICE MEMBERS WITHIN THE PINGRY COMMUNITY Jack Martin, Sean O’Keefe, Julia Saksena, and Logan Bartels worked to tell the stories of members in the

Pingry community who have served in the military since the school's inception. Additionally, they worked on implementing a Speaker Series around Veterans Day focused on the tenets of service and leadership.

AIDE TO THE REVOLUTION As a teaching assistant, Madison

which was a slight challenge due to the tight schedule before seniors

and Natalie DeVito (VI) helped

performance. “Those two did an

Mendelsohn facilitated the spring intensive course Voices of A Cultural Revolution. She helped research and develop the course with teachers, as well as teach the material to students.

VICTIM ADVOCACY AND CRIMINAL PROSECUTION Paige Mennen worked in the Victim

EXPLORING EQUINE VETERINARY SPECIALTIES Following her passion for veterinary medicine, Willow Palmer shadowed many veterinarians at the local equine hospitals of B.W. Furlong and Associates. She traveled to their different locations and observed the many specialized doctors and roles in efficient and successful animal hospitals.

ELECTION 2022: BATTLE FOR CONGRESS Rob Rewey and Andrew Wong interned with the Tom Kean for Congress campaign during the leadup to the GOP Primary on Tuesday, June 7. Their campaign work took them across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional and allowed them to meet face-to-face with individual voters and local community leaders. In addition, they analyzed election data, created local outreach strategies, made get-out the vote calls, and helped organize campaign events.

BEOWULF AND THE MERRY BAND OF TRANSLATORS The Pingry translation of Beowulf has been an ongoing project for the past 4 years; for his ISP, Clint Robinson picked up the torch to work on the translation full time. His final product was the first volume, complete with 956 lines of epic poetry. The printed book also included illustrations, footnotes, and an in depth explanation of the dreaded artifact of line 586.

CONTINE READING ABOUT INDEPENDENT SENIOR PROJECTS ON PAGE 6

Photo Credits: Keira Chen (IV)

THE PINGRY RECORD

SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 12, 2022

3

Pingry’s First-Ever AAPI Assembly EVAN XIE (IV)

history and the evolution of cultures

stereotypes and the model minority

existed and remained seated if they

Jasmine Zhou (I), William Zhou-Zheng

through a series of seven segments,

myth, expressing their own unique

thought that it did not. Then, the

(I), Julianna Zhang (I), and Madeline

On May 6, the Pingry community

including live performances,

identities. Next, Durga Menon

hosts explained each custom and its

Zhu (Grade 6) delivered a performance

gathered in Hauser Auditorium to

videos, and interactive questions.

(II) and Vaissnavi Gautam (Grade

significance to its respective culture.

of a C-Pop (Chinese pop) song that

attend the first-ever Asian American

To start, a video titled “Mashing

6) performed a Bollywood dance

Three separate dance performances

translates to “Super Idol” in English.

and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage

the Model Minority Myth,” featuring

medley. As explained by Ishaan Sinha

concluded the assembly. First,

Overall, this assembly was a great

Month Assembly. The assembly

numerous middle and upper school

(I), one of the assembly’s hosts, it

the Upper School K-Pop (Korean

success. It was a collaborative effort

highlighted AAPI heritage by

students, was played. Each student

has become “a globally recognized

pop) Club, represented by Kyra Li

between students and teachers, largely

showcasing Asian culture throughout

shared how they deviated from Asian

and appreciated phenomenon”

(V), Brielle Marques (IV), Sonia

led by Rahil Kakar (IV), Meher Khan

that “no South Asian celebration

Nkansah (III), Sophia Odunsi (IV),

(V), Saniya Kamat (IV), Anika Sinha

would be complete without.”

Francesca Zarbin (IV), and Isabel

(IV), Durga Menon (II), Arnav Jain

The Middle School Taiko Drumming

Zarbin (IV), delivered a mashup

(II), and Aiden Suh (I). A pinnacle

Club performed next. Alex Wong

of four popular K-Pop songs. The

of student involvement across the

(III) produced an animated video

Indian Dance Club was next to take

Basking Ridge campus, both middle

that shared the origins of Taiko

to the stage. Showcasing the various

and upper school students watched

Drumming from Japanese religious

styles of South Asian dance, Saniya

and participated. This year’s first-

stories. After, the group took to

Kamat (IV), Ananya Sanyal (IV),

ever AAPI Heritage Month Assembly

the stage and performed the piece

Ria Govil (III), Uma Menon (III),

celebrated AAPI heritage with the

“Renshu.” The following segment,

and Vanya Shah (III) performed a

Pingry community, a tradition

titled “All About Asian Americans,”

medley. They started with a classical

that will certainly continue in

prompted the audience to participate

portion, which was influenced by the

future years. Most importantly, it

in a game that tested their knowledge

Kathak and Bharatanatyam styles,

showcased the diversity of cultures

of diverse Asian customs. For each of

before ending with Bollywood. Finally,

that fall under the AAPI umbrella.

the ten prompts, audience members

middle schoolers Sarah Clevenger (I),

stood if they thought the custom

Charlotte Hao (Grade 6), Ryan Hao (I),

Commemorating The Multicultural Colors of Pingry SOPHIA ODUNSI (IV)

creating an extraordinary sight.

other cultures and prevent ignorance.

The ethnic cuisine provided by

On behalf of the community, we

On April 28, the Asian Student

the student unions invigorated the

would like to give a huge thank you

Union, Black Student Union, Latino

participants. Students bonded over

to Director of Diversity, Equity, and

Student Union, and South Asian

the delicious food provided; the

Inclusion Mr. Gilberto Olvera, the

Affinity Group came together to

delectable arepas, fried fish, and spring

leaders of the student unions, and

arrange a multicultural celebration

rolls brought large congregations

South Asian Affinity Group, the parent

for Middle and Upper School students.

of people to enjoy the festivities.

volunteers, the maintenance team, and

Holi, also known as the Festival

There are often mass amounts of

everyone else who helped organize

of Love or the Festival of Colors,

discrimination between people of

this event. We would also like to

is a popular Hindu festival which

different genders, religions, races,

give a thank you to the attendees

celebrates the coming of spring and

sexual orientations, and more. This

for taking time out of their busy

the eternal and divine love of the gods

cultural field day connected students

schedules to honor and respect the

Radha and Krishna. Organized by

by sharing the different cultures

different cultures in our community.

South Asian Affinity Group, students

that make up the community. It

threw colorful powders called Gulal,

was an effective way to learn about

Pottersville Hosts “Celebrate Pingry!”

HANSEN ZHANG (IV)

alumni, family members, and

Friday Night Lights. Mr. Leone

Pizza & Co., returned while a

S c h a c ht e r , A s s o c i a t e Di r e c t o r

students from all grade levels were

thought that “the energy at the

variety of other trucks made

of Parent Engagement and the

To begin the 2022 Reunion

invited, the number of attendees

whole event from the food area

their first appearance, providing

main coordinator of the event,

Weekend, around 1,500 Pingry

exceeded what most students

to the crowd by the stage was

cuisine ranging from pork sliders

“What’s better than fireworks?”

alumni, students, faculty, and

expected. Most importantly, what

an energy I [he] hadn’t felt as

and tacos to shaved ice. Mr.

Lasting about ten minutes,

family members attended

set it apart from other events

a Pingry community in a while

Marquis Ormond, permanent

both teachers and students

“Celebrate Pingry” at the new

that Pingry has organized in the

and it was really exhilarating

Middle and Upper School

were impressed by the length of

Pottersville Campus on May 12

past was its novelty. People were

to experience that again.”

substitute teacher, commented,

the show and how spectacular

from 6 to 9 p.m. Mr. Christofer

excited to see a campus completely

Before the taiko performance

“I think it was nice to see the

the fireworks looked up close.

Leone, Upper School Math teacher,

foreign to them. The unexpectedly

and the fireworks at 8:20 p.m.,

variety of food trucks because

A word that has popped up

remarked that “since COVID-19,

high participation at the event

the main attractions were food

throughout the year we’ve all been

countless times in interviews

‘Celebrate Pingry’ is definitely

also brought a sense of school

trucks, face painting, and balloon

begging for more food trucks.”

with others about the event is

the first major event that Pingry

spirit and community similar

twisting. Food trucks popular

At 8:20 p.m., Taiko Drumming

“community.” “Celebrate Pingry”

has done at this scale.” Because

to other school-wide events like

at Homecoming, like Lombardi

Club played two pieces (“Hakoh”

truly celebrated the Pingry

and “Matsuri”) on the outdoor stage

community. We convened together

to begin a series of performances

at Pottersville on May 12 to foster

with a bang. Everyone crowded on

and reignite school spirit. After

the open field in front of the stage

a long night of performances,

to cheer on the taiko performers

culminating in the fireworks

and watch the upcoming fireworks.

spectacle, Ms. Eleanor Lear, Upper

Afterwards, Mr. David Fahey—the

School English teacher, summed

Interim Director of Institutional

this up perfectly as she said,

Advancement—and Student

“Everything was convenient and

Body President Giles Burnett

set up for ease and community-

(V) performed a short skit and

building. The weather was perfect,

speech which was followed by a

and I saw people smiling and

cinematic video introducing next

laughing the whole time. Watching

year’s headmaster, Mr. Tim Lear.

the taiko drummers always raises

Finally, the time for fireworks

my oxytocin levels. I give the

arrived, much to the joy of those

event a resounding thumbs up!”

present. In the words of Ms. Freddy

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Saniya Kamat (IV), Google Images, Mirika Jambudi (V)

THE PINGRY RECORD

4

SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 12, 2022

Denan Night MIRIKA JAMBUDI (V)

to extend the involvement of the broader

Rosemary Pfreundschuh, the Pingry-TDP

Ms. Hartz also touched on the partnership that

Pingry community with the organization, and

liaison, who described the efforts of TDP and

TDP and Pingry students have had over the

Since 2015, students have partnered with

spread awareness regarding the importance

provided background on its establishment.

years, as well as the organization’s impact on the

The Denan Project (TDP) to support TDP’s

of global citizenship and connection.

Pfreundschuh discussed the organization’s

Pingry community and the students involved.

sustainable development in isolated and

The Pingry Denan Club was able to host

newest project, which was the establishment

Student performances followed,

rural communities in Mongolia, Ethiopia,

its first in-person Denan Night after two

of a boarding school in a remote region of

culminating in a showcase of musical talent

and Peru. The ultimate goal of The Denan

years of it being held virtually due to the

Peru. She also explained how The Denan

on the piano, violin, and cello. Performers

Project is to make impoverished communities

pandemic. This year’s event was organized by

Project helped communities respond to

included Tallapragada, Olivia Buvanova

self-sustainable, with a focus on healthcare,

TDP Leaders Mirika Jambudi (V) and Meher

COVID-19 and the impact of drought in

(III), Camille Collins (V), and Elbert Ho (III).

agriculture, clean water, education, and

Khan (V), as well as the planning committee,

Denan, a partner community in Ethiopia.

Finally, Jambudi, Khan, and the

economic development. Besides raising money,

including Sriya Tallapragada (III) and Sofia

Director of Community Service and Civic

planning committee shared their plans

students have also gone on service trips to Peru

Wood (III). Numerous community members

Engagement Ms. Shelley Hartz discussed

for the organization, expressing their

with TDP, meeting local community leaders,

attended the event, and almost $2,500

the importance and enrichment that global

gratitude to Ms. Hartz and all the other

visiting cultural sites, and volunteering at

were raised for TDP through the generous

education provides to high schoolers.

individuals from The Denan Project for their

TDP’s clinic in Uratari, Peru. The Pingry

donations of attendees and supporters.

She emphasized how exposure to diverse

continuous support and assistance with

chapter annually hosts a Denan Night Gala

The night started with remarks from

perspectives can be a life-changing experience.

the preparation and execution of the event.

Form III Socials SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (III)

Bridgewater Sports Arena. Freshmen of all ability levels, ranging from members of the

Freshman year can be a daunting experience,

Ice Hockey teams to beginners, made their

characterized by a whirlwind of new

way onto the ice and skated around the rink

academic, social, and personal experiences.

with their friends. Teachers chaperoned the

For this year’s Form III students, there

event, offering help and support to students

was the added stressor of transitioning

during the event. At the end of the night,

into an in-person classroom environment

pizza and drinks were offered. This event

while also dealing with the aftermath of

allowed students to come together with their

COVID-19. Needless to say, the freshman

friends and enjoy the last few weeks of school.

class faced their fair share of challenges.

Malcolm Adedjouman (III) said, “The ice

As the school year came to a close, the freshman

skating event was so fun…I was able to bond

class celebrated their successes through two

with my friends, and even though I didn’t know

community socials. The Form III student

how to skate all that well, I had the help of my

government representatives decided to host

fellow classmates and friends along the way.”

two social events, first gauging student interest

The freshman bowling event was held Friday,

in various potential events, before ultimately

May 20 at Bowlmor, and students were able

choosing to host ice skating and bowling events.

to participate in another event that gave them

On Friday, April 29, from 6:30 to 9:00

the chance to socialize with their classmates.

p.m., the ice skating event was held at the

Research Week MIRIKA JAMBUDI (V)

Li (V) mentioned, “The shark dissection was a really cool part of Research Week.” The

This year’s annual Research Week was held

Robotics team also conducted demonstrations

from Monday, April 11 to Thursday, April 14. The

displaying the abilities of the robot they built

event showcased Pingry’s top scientific talent, in

for this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition

terms of both research skills and understanding

challenge, which required robots to climb sets

of scientific concepts and discoveries. Students

of raised rungs and launch balls into goals.

delivered poster presentations on the research

Research Week would not have been possible

they conducted in advanced courses and

without the dedication and planning efforts of

extracurriculars, such as AP Biology,

Kristin Osika (VI), Dr. Morgan D’Ausilio, and

Independent Research Team (IRT), and the

the facilities team. Overall, everyone was able

Methods in Molecular Biology Research class.

to take away an understanding of the research

Students gave presentations to fellow students,

conducted, and student participants were

faculty, and family members during flexes and

able to demonstrate their in-depth knowledge

conference periods. Clubs such as FYI Sci and

of complex, collegiate-level scientific topics

Anatomy Club hosted interactive activities,

and their applications in research at Pingry!

for example, egg drops and dissections. Kyra

Community members were able to learn about The Denan Project’s mission and the importance of global engagement. With the success of the in-person event, the club hopes to have a larger version next year featuring more activities and guest speakers!

Tackling The Incoming Year as the New Student Body President JOHN PAUL SALVATORE (V)

Alexa Drovetsky (V), Shaan Lehal (V), and

to a far more rigorous high school education

Evan Wen (V) for their dedication every year.

and portfolio is to blame. However, Pingry is

As a 7th grader, I was still figuring out

As a class president, I have had the

notable for its community and the resources it

Pingry. Despite being two years into my Pingry

opportunity to help select the new Head of

provides that bolster this sense of community.

experience, I came from a small Montessori

School, schedule 20+ grade and school-wide

Let me explain. You may not like sitting

school and had just finished a volatile first

events, make lasting changes in daily student

through a morning meeting, but when you are

year of middle school with abnormally

life, and more. Unfortunately, this upcoming

up there giving an announcement, I am sure

frequent changes in teachers and leadership.

year will be my last year at the school, but I want

you would like the whole school to be there

I hadn’t yet found my place at Pingry and

to leave something great behind and show our

to hear what you have to offer. Supporting

was just a tiny, loud, and a slightly obnoxious

community how much I care before I graduate.

your classmates at their club, going to games,

kid trying to make his presence known. It

Currently, I believe Pingry is quite a divided

and attending the plays are all examples

definitely didn’t help that I had just won my

place. In my freshman year, I looked up to

of the school spirit we desperately need to

first student government election, embodying

the senior class. I saw a grade with strong

regain. Then, when you are starting a club,

that obnoxious perception of myself by yelling

camaraderie, significant school spirit, and,

scoring a game-winner, performing in the

“Yippee, Yippee, I’m JP!” in my speech.

most importantly, a willingness to contribute

play, or just looking for people to take photos

It wasn’t until I met my advisor Mr. George

to the Pingry community. Webber has told

with at prom, you have a whole community

Sullivan that I began to feel comfortable. For

me numerous stories of amazing creative

there to support you. At the end of the day,

me, he really represented Pingry as a dedicated

events he was able to plan for the school

what you give to the community will give

wrestling coach, fantastic teacher, encouraging

thanks to the support of the students, which

you back. Recently, we have fallen short on

mentor, and more. His impact was so strong that

has made me really excited about doing the

the giving back aspect of our community,

he almost convinced me, a tennis player, to join

same in the future. Although I am forever

only focusing on what we can take away.

the wrestling team. He seemed to have a similar

grateful for my class of 2023, which I believe

Mr. Sullivan’s mentality embodies exactly

relationship with the student body president at

continues to showcase this unity, I feel that

what I am talking about, and my goal as

the time, Michael Webber ’18. Webber would

it is beginning to fade among the younger

student body president is to develop that

always come to visit Mr. Sullivan during free

students and the overall atmosphere at Pingry.

same attitude in as many people as possible.

periods. The two of them encouraged me to be

I don’t say this to complain about Pingry at

Let’s start this journey of getting to know

involved with student government, inspiring

all. However, after talking to many students and

our community, starting with me. I’m JP

me to become student body president one day.

teachers, I understand that they all share the

Salvatore. I’ve been a class president for the

I’ve been a part of student government ever

same sentiment. This is the challenge I will be

past four years. I play tennis; I co-lead Latino

since and have had the opportunity to meet

dedicated to tackling as student body president.

Student Union; I am part of the SmartHeart

some incredible people along the way, many of

In my opinion, Pingry’s motto of “excellence

Independent Research Team, and I want to

whom deserve significant recognition. I’d like to

and honor” has simply just become excellence

see Pingry become an even better community

thank Mrs. Jessica Weinberger, who has been

for many. Granted, as the landscape of college

by the end of my tenure. Thank you all for

an amazing student government advisor, all the

applications gets more and more cutthroat

electing me, and I can’t wait to get started!

student body presidents, Brian Li ’20, Nolan

each year, a culture shift across the country

Baynes ’21, and Giles Burnett ’22 for all their help and advice, and the four other junior student government representatives Julia Covello (V),

Volume CXLVII, No. V

Editors-in-Chief Brian Li Andrew Wong Rising Editors-in-Chief Mirika Jambudi Milenka Men Assistant Editors Keira Chen Sarah Gu Saniya Kamat Evan Wen Layout Editors Saniya Kamat Kyra Li

Cartoon Editor Alex Wong Copy Editors Ella Budenbender Julia Eng Kate Marine Caleb Park Sriya Tallapragada Evan Xie Faculty Advisors Mrs. Meghan Finegan Dr. Megan Jones

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Meher Khan (V), JP Salvatore (V)

THE PINGRY RECORD

SCHOOL NEWS JUNE 12, 2022

Form VI Fashion Show GRACE FERNICOLA (IV)

concluded a celebratory final day of school with the “Senior Stars Under the Stars” Fashion Show, a long-standing Pingry tradition. The event showcased seniors strutting the runway with their outfits to music being played by a DJ, as their friends and family cheered them on from the Lower Commons.

The Senior Fashion Show is often described as a rite of passage for many seniors,” Margaret Santana P ’22, ’24, a member of the 2022 Fashion Show Committee, said, “[L]ast year, when the school and PSPA were considering whether to continue the event, we surveyed the seniors, who were overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the tradition alive!” Although participation was optional, 75 seniors took part in this year’s event. Those who preferred not to model helped backstage, greeted guests, and took photos.

Prior to 2020, seniors who participated in the event were professionally styled by local boutiques. Now, seniors may select their own clothing to model, straight from their closets. “Because there were no strict guidelines about what we could wear, we had a lot of flexibility to pick what we wanted,” Emily Samaro (VI) said, “It was fun

Prom MIRIKA JAMBUDI (V)

On April 29, the Class of 2022

to see the outfits my classmates

of blue and white balloons

chose. Some really reflected

topped with a silver “2022.”

their unique personalities.”

The event opened with a short

Outfit choices ranged from

welcome from Mr. Tim Lear, next

the more casual sundresses and

year’s Head of School. The seniors

Hawaiian shirts with shorts to

then made their way down the

floor-length gowns. One senior

stairs, pausing halfway down

wore a shirt covered with animals

the landing to turn towards the

that his father had worn to a

audience with a pose or a twirl.

New Year’s Eve party. Another

“All of them looked so excited and

modeled her mother’s wedding

confident,” Milligan Clark-Schoeb

dress from over 20 years ago.

(IV), whose sister participated

Seniors were paired by Fashion

in the event, commented, “They

Show Consultant Leslie Patrizio

seemed ready for their next

P ’08, ’13, based on their outfits.

chapter in college to begin.”

Together, they descended the

Thank you to the 2022

staircases toward a mini runway,

Fashion Show Committee for

which was framed by an arch

another memorable event!

5

On Thursday, April 21, the annual Prom was held at the Stone House in Stirling Ridge. From 7 to 10 p.m., juniors and seniors danced the night away. This was the first prom in two years during which both upper grades could spend time together in a relaxed setting.

Leading up to the event, many preparations were in order: dresses and tuxedos were bought, corsages and boutonnieres were coordinated, and hair and nail appointments were scheduled. Each class had a pre-party before the dance. Photos were taken with friends, family, and dates before students headed in cars, party buses, and stretch limos to the Stone House.

As they entered, juniors and seniors were greeted by their chaperones, including Mr. Robert Hoepfl, Ms. Julia Dunbar, Dr. Reid Cottingham, Mrs. Libby Kasserman, and Mr. Tim Lear.

Students took photos and ordered drinks as they waited to enter the main room. The Shirley Temples were a personal favorite of Charles Jiang

(V). Waiters served hors d’oeuvres as students entered the main room.

Many packed into the photo booth in the main room or strolled out to the patio for photos, taking a break from the dancing by sitting by the firepits.

The DJ played a range of popular songs, including hits such as “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill, and “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat. Students and chaperones alike letting loose to the music. “It was great seeing everyone dressed up and not stressed… there was a great atmosphere at Prom,” commented Milenka Men (V).

The dinner buffet included burgers, fries, tacos, and different kinds of pasta. Later on, numerous desserts were served, such as chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit tarts, cookies, and more.

As the event ended, students piled back into their party buses, cars, and limos. Everyone truly left with a night to remember, and students looked forward to relaxing on their next day off.

Improving in the Face of Change OLIVIA TELEMAQUE (VI)

of this student-led organization.

out and utilize my experience in the

In our meetings we outlined our goals to

Let your purpose be greater than your

Coming from a public school where

DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and

become more visible and approachable,

fears of failure. This community is

excellence and honor were prevalent

Belonging) departments to point out

while reinstating respect surrounding

defined by the individuals who seek

but not expected, my time on this

the ways student leadership can better

the Honor Code. This year, as the

to make change where it’s needed and

As I write this letter to you in my last

Board has taught me that the Honor

encourage inclusivity and anti-racism

Chair, I’ve had the privilege of leading

who are brave enough to see it through.

days as Honor Board Chair, I am a bit

Code extends far beyond the bounds

in our interpersonal relationships.

the many initiatives to tackle this

I encourage all of you to respect this

overwhelmed in reflecting on such a

of academic and social integrity. Since

I’ve faced my crippling fear of public

ambitious goal. You may have noticed

community by staying committed to

transformative period. Having been

1926, Pingry students––the authors

speaking, addressing the student

our “Shout-Out” series led by senior

improving our school culture. Secondly,

on the Honor Board for the last four

of the Honor Code––have set the

body at Convocation as we recover

member, Maureen Schwarz (VI), where

it’s important that we stop focusing

years - as long as I’ve been at Pingry - I

standard of what it means to be a good

from the pandemic. Most notably, I’ve

we celebrate acts of kindness at Morning

on what others think of us and start

owe a lot of my personal growth to the

student, friend, and citizen of the world.

fostered the most incredible bonds

Meeting. We’ve hosted author talks and

focusing on how we make others feel.

many lessons I’ve learned as a member

I’ve had the opportunity to speak

with the compassionate and thoughtful

visited some of your younger siblings in

Respect and thank the facilities team,

members of the Honor Board,

the Middle and Lower Schools. We’ve

say hello to your teachers, and clean up

where I’ve met my most impactful

also had the privilege of presenting

after yourselves. These are all simple

mentors and some of my best friends.

our initiatives to the Administration

tasks that can improve the morale of

This is not to say that my time on Honor

and the Board of Trustees. Many of

our community. It’s important that we

Board has been completely glorious. Hit

my favorite memories from senior year

are self-aware enough to respect the

with the Covid-19 pandemic mid-

include listening to the diverse and

space we are given, the privilege we

sophomore year, I changed my approach

accomplished spectrum of student and

hold as students here, and the diverse

in leadership and focused on how to

faculty voices at our monthly Speaker

group of people who make up Pingry.

create more welcoming environments

Series, and hearing your thoughts

Kindness is a simple yet impactful virtue.

within my spheres at school. The Honor

on the language of the Honor Code,

I am proud of the work that the Honor

Board faced a new challenge: proving

reporting systems, and effectiveness

Board members have put in for the last

the malleability of the Honor Code in

as a Board at our Town Halls.

several years, and I am excited for the

an unprecedented era, one with remote

My agenda this year has been

future of the Pingry community. I have

learning and a rampant demand for

dedicated to constructing a foundation

no doubt that we can revamp the Honor

proactive approaches to DEIB. Having

of initiatives to amplify the Honor

Code, and that together we will heal

spent the last two-and-a-half years

Code for future Honor Board members

ourselves from an especially arduous

navigating this pandemic, we’ve noticed

to build upon. However, the future

period. Remember to be kind, have

the drastic decrease in buy-in from the

of the Honor Code cannot simply

integrity, and show up for one another.

student body. Fearing the decrease

be determined by the members of

Act with Honor. It’s going to take some

in its relevance, we realized that the

the Honor Board. Its purpose is to

time and effort––but this is work that

Honor Code was quickly becoming a

guide our community as a whole, and

we are more than capable of doing.

formality instead of a guiding principle.

thus, it’s everyone’s responsibility to

That said, entering my junior year, the

revitalize its effectiveness. So to the

I wish you all the best,

Board pledged to change this narrative.

entire community, I ask for a few things.

Olivia Telemaque

Dear Pingry Community,

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Eileen Clark P ‘22, Samuel Wexler (VI), Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD

6

FACULTY DEPARTURES JUNE 12, 2022

Mr. Jason Haber MILENKA MEN (V)

After nine years, Mr. Jason Haber is saying farewell to the Pingry community. Since arriving at the Lower School in 2013, he has made an impact on students through his fun and interactive teaching style that encourages collaboration and creativity.

Mr. Haber earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College and a master’s from Bank Street College of Education. Before coming to Pingry, he taught third grade at the Greene Hill School in Brooklyn, New York, where he contributed to an afterschool basketball program.

At Pingry, he began as a fourthgrade Social Studies teacher and fourth-grade homeroom teacher.

Throughout his experience, he helped guide and reconstruct the Social Studies curriculum as the K-5 Coordinator. Most recently, he co-facilitated the World Peace Game with Ms. Sue Tummarello as an afterschool enrichment program. The World Peace Game is a hands-on political simulation offered to fourth and fifth graders where groups of students act as “nation teams” that work together to solve international crises with the least amount of military intervention. The students learn about the complexity of the global community by navigating through social, political, economic, and environmental hardships.

In addition to his academic contributions, Mr. Haber has

forged unforgettable connections with his students. Within the community, he aims to both “teach and have fun… to give students an enjoyable experience in school” and fondly recalls his favorite memory at Pingry when his students wrote him a book of marriage advice before his wedding. “[It was] silly, thoughtful, and excellent,” he said. “It summed up so much of what I love about working with children.”

Next year, Mr. Haber will be teaching at Princeton Day School. He will be sorely missed by the faculty, students, and even alumni. We will miss his enthusiasm and wish him luck on his next journey.

Mr. Brian La Fontaine ALEX WONG (III)

Northfield Mt. Hermon School in Massachusetts.

Lower School Physical Education

As a Physical Education teacher in

teacher Mr. Brian La Fontaine is

the Lower School, Mr. La Fontaine

retiring after 41 years at Pingry.

ensured that physical education

A member of the Pingry Magistri,

classes were both great exercise

he will be missed by the entire

and educational for the lower class

community for his commitment

students. Former students recall that

and contributions. Mr. La Fontaine

Mr. La Fontaine would always play

received a bachelor’s degree from

“Name that Tune” during exercises.

Ohio Wesleyan University. Prior

Furthermore, he always sprinkled in

to coming to Pingry, he taught at

interesting vocabulary words to

teach the students, such as “stoic” and “redundant.” Mr. La Fontaine always brought a spirited attitude to each and every class, pushing students to try their very best in each and every activity. His bright attitude and amicable presence will be deeply missed! We wish Mr. La Fontaine the best of luck in whatever life brings him, and we hope that he will continue to be remembered in the Pingry community.

Mrs. Sheila Ramirez ALEX WONG (III)

York City to Paris to Boston to

through the Lower School walk

Algiers. Mrs. Ramirez joined

to receive their diplomas… It

After 26 years at Pingry,

the community in 1988 as a

really has been a pleasure to

Lower School Director of

Pingry parent and became

share the wonders of Pingry

Admissions Mrs. Sheila

the Lower School Head of

with prospective parents.”

Ramirez is retiring. Mrs.

Admissions in 1996.

Mrs. Ramirez is looking

Ramirez received a bachelor’s

Throughout her time at

forward to meeting her third

degree in psychology from

Pingry, Mrs. Ramirez has

grandchild who is due in

Emmanuel College in Boston,

always brought a very positive

August, watching her son

Massachusetts and a MBA with

and happy spirit to the

get married, and travelling

a concentration in marketing

Pingry community, greeting

with her husband. Thank

from Boston College in

everyone with a great smile.

you for all you have done for

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Looking back on her time,

the Pingry community Mrs.

Before coming to Pingry, Mrs.

Mrs. Ramirez reflected, “I

Ramirez!

Ramirez worked in Marketing

love watching graduation

across the globe, from New

and seeing students who went

Congratulations New Student Government Representatives!

Congratulations Honor Board Members!

Student Body President John Paul Salvatore Form VI Form VI

Form V

Form IV

Camille Collins

Julia Covello

Anthony Bugliari

Jack Buckley*

Spencer Jahng

Alexa Drovetsky

Emily Gao

Menaal Khan

Diego Pasini

Shaan Lehal*

Sarina Lalin

Rasheed McGrath

Stephanie Ticas**

Evan Wen

Sebastian Talarek

Ziv Shah

Luigi Zavala

Jada Watson*

Keira Troy

* = Class President

Form V Ethan Boroditsky Kate Marine Ally Smith Divya Subramanian Form IV Alexis Glasofer Nick Henry Katherine Shea

** = Chairperson of the Honor Board

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD

FACULTY DEPARTURES JUNE 12, 2022

7

Head of School Mr. Matt Levinson Departs Pingry ALEX WONG (III) After three years as Head of School, Mr. Matt Levinson departs from Pingry. He will become the new Head of School at San Francisco University High School in the fall.

Prior to joining the Pingry community, Mr. Levinson earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Haverford College, taught at Princeton Day School, and served in leadership posts at independent schools along the West Coast.

When Mr. Levinson first came to the school, he was extremely impressed with the community.

Mr. Levinson remarked that the Pingry community is “an incredibly active community, with a great can-do spirit!”

Mr. Levinson also admired the

special, tight-knit atmosphere of the Lower School, adding, “just walking into the building and always being greeted in Short Hills and getting warmth is great.

It’s a smaller school, so there is an amplified sense of community.”

The biggest challenge that Mr. Levinson faced during his tenure as Head of School was COVID-19.

One of the first things Mr. Levinson did when the pandemic hit was to go back to the Pingry archives and look at how Pingry got through the 1918 influenza pandemic.

“Looking back at the archives made me think of the history of the school, and how much the school has been through,” Mr. Levinson remarked. The thing that Mr. Levinson credits most for keeping the school open through most

of the pandemic is the “say yes” mentality: “Instead [of] starting with ‘no, close the school,’ we started with ‘yes, we can keep the school open…’ this is a testament to the mindset at Pingry: yes we can!”

As Mr. Levinson reflects on his time at Pingry, he hopes that the community will “continue to double down on [its] commitment to be a diverse and inclusive community, and the importance of everyone finding their place in the community.” Mr. Levinson is also excited to see how the Pottersville campus will evolve and grow, as the campus is already seeing a vibrant community emerging there. We thank Mr. Levinson for his time with Pingry, and wish him luck far into the future!

Assistant Head of School Dr. Delvin Dinkins Departs SANIYA KAMAT (IV)

because he loves education but

as a “super fan” of the Pingry

also because he loves helping other

cross country and track teams.

After five years of teaching at Pingry,

people, all of which were ideas

When asked about his favorite

Assistant Head of School Dr. Delvin

his own teachers and educational

memory at Pingry, Dr. Dinkins

Dinkins has made the difficult

experiences reinforced. When

stated that his best times were

decision to depart from the school.

talking about Pingry, Dr. Dinkins

the events “that [would bring]

Dr. Dinkins matriculated at

said, “This is a place that I’ve called

large groups of people together

Swarthmore College, where he

home for the past five years, and

to celebrate the talents and

received his Bachelor of Arts.

I think Pingry has allowed me to

interests of other students.”

He subsequently attended the

continue to learn and grow [both]

He loved Homecoming and

University of Michigan for his

as an educator and as a person.”

Friday Night Lights but also

Master of Arts prior to completing

At Pingry, in addition to being

watching every concert and play.

his doctorate at the University

the Assistant Head of School, Dr.

Next year, Dr. Dinkins plans

of Pennsylvania. Before coming

Dinkins taught American Literature

to take his passion and love for

to Pingry, Dr. Dinkins worked

and African Literature. He was also

teaching to Springside Chestnut Hill

as the Upper School Head

the faculty advisor for Boys’ Affinity

Academy as the Head of School. He

at The Episcopal Academy.

Group as well as an advisor. On top

is excited to join another amazing

This past year was Dr. Dinkins’s

of these academic responsibilities,

community close to Pingry’s size

28th year in education. He decided

Dr. Dinkins took great pride in the

but will miss Pingry a great deal.

to become a teacher not only

athletics teams, referring to himself

After completing their classes in early

investors and provides mergers and

industries. By interviewing professionals

interning portion included interviewing

May, 143 seniors pursued Independent

acquisitions and financial advisory

that range from rollercoaster engineer to

Kraken employees and modeling the

Senior Projects (ISPs). These projects

services to their clients. Avik joined the

lawyer, they provided more details for

growth of youth hockey in the pacific

UTILIZATION OF DLAI

allowed seniors to explore their

company’s directors and participated

the jobs students know about and also

northwest to help the director of fan

SOFTWARE IN DIAGNOSING

interests in the final months of their

in their meetings with investors.

exposed students to careers they might

development better understand hockey’s

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

not be familiar with.

growth in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington,

Nicolas Zarbin conducted research

the states that Kraken represents.

at the Rutgers Medical Hospital with

high school careers.

3L1W: WHAT DOES IT DO? BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

Continuing her junior molecular biology

OPERATION: HAIR LOVE

At a women’s health practice, Abby

research, Diana Severineanu verified

Olivia Telemaque created the hair

Rubino assisted nurses and doctors

her predictions of the function of the

conducting breast cancer research. The

protein 3L1W. Previously, she concluded

study was concerned with cell-free DNA, which could have leaked from tumor

using the skills he gained from the course.

the Ophthalmology Department in teleWRESTLING STATISTICAL

medicine. His research focused on the

workshop at Pingry titled “Operation: Hair

ANALYSIS

development of AI that can identify certain

Love.” This workshop sought to educate

Analyzing matches from the 2022 Big

vision threatening eye diseases (VTDs),

that 3L1W breaks down DNA molecules

young Black children on the history,

Ten wrestling tournament, Jacob

such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma,

by observing the protein’s amino acid

legislation, and culture surrounding hair,

Ventura determined the correlation

Cataracts, and Age-Related Macular

cells early in the cancer process. She

sequence and 3-D structure and was

and give them the tools to feel empowered

between wrestling statistics and the

Degeneration. His research assists with

helped check the blood of patients for

able to draw conclusions through

in spaces that are predominately non-

wrestlers’ placement. From his findings,

early identification of these diseases which

cell-free DNA before a breast biopsy of

computational and in vitro methods.

Black. She aimed to package her workshop

he also found which statistics were

allows patients to start the treatment of

a suspicious mammogram lesion to see

For her ISP, she mutated the protein’s

and digitize it so that future leaders

more reflective on the winners from the

these diseases sooner, which is crucial

if there was evidence of cancer before a

active site and performed another test

of the workshop will have a guide.

matches, and which wrestlers were most

to developing effective treatments.

tissue diagnosis was made from a biopsy.

to verify its interaction with DNA.

statistically dominant.

KRAKEN AND CUTTING

RAISING CAPITAL AT A

A GLIMPSE INTO THE

Herbert Toler split his time between

WEB DEV 101

BOUTIQUE INVESTMENT BANK

PROFESSIONAL WORLD

two ISPs: learning how to cut hair and

For his ISP, Allen Wu took a coding

Thank you to all of the seniors for all

Avik Sanyal interned at a boutique

Emily Shen and Sam Wexler created a

interning for NHL’s newest expansion

course called Full Stack Open, which

of the creativity, thought, and passion

technology investment bank called

podcast that focuses on careers available

team, the Seattle Kraken, under their Fan

is a free site created by the University

they put into their ISPs!

Sparring Capital Partners, which

to students after they graduate. They

Development sector. For the haircutting

of Helsinki that teaches front end and

assists in private equity funds

conducted eight interviews with experts

aspect, he read, researched, observed, and

back end software development. For his

in raising capital from institutional

in the finance, law, art, and amusement

spoke with the barbers in the area. His

deliverable, he created a weather app

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD

8

FACULTY DEPARTURES JUNE 12, 2022

Dr. Eric Bulakites SOPHIA ODUNSI (IV) After two years with the Pingry community, Dr. Eric Bulakites is moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to be a professor at Emory University in the French Department. Before coming to Pingry, Dr. Bulakites received his Ph.D. in French from Johns Hopkins University.

His professors and previous educational experiences were major inspirations for his desire to become a teacher. He expressed that he wanted “the

opportunity to be a positive role model for others” because of the positive influence that his teachers had on him.

During his time at Pingry, Dr. Bulakites taught French B, French 2, French 4, and French Film and Culture. He was also an advisor to the Middle School Green Group and the French club. He shared that his favorite memory at Pingry was when the French club took a trip to the Lower School and worked with students on a crosscampus Mardi Gras lesson.

Sophomores from his French classes remarked that they appreciated the “collaborative nature of [his] class” and “many opportunities to be immersed in the French language… [and] gain an understanding of the culture and customs.” “He was a great teacher and made French my favorite class as a freshman,” Evan Xie (IV) said.

The community wishes Dr. Bulakites the best of luck with his future endeavors.

Mr. Zhaojun Yong EVAN XIE (IV) After serving as a teacher for three years, Mr. Zhaojun Yong will be departing from the Pingry community at the end of this school year. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he was a beloved and active member of the school, teaching a variety of math courses from GAA to calculus, coaching freshman basketball and JV tennis, and advising a group of current Form V students.

Simultaneously, he has been attending graduate school at Columbia University to further pursue his passion for teaching. “Teaching was

always the thing that I wanted to do because I wanted to be surrounded with students,” Mr. Yong said. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from NYU and his master’s degree in math education at Columbia, where he also “sought out various opportunities to teach.” Now, he will be devoting all his time and energy to pursuing a doctorate in math education.

Looking back on his time at Pingry, Mr. Yong’s fondest memories will be his time as a coach. In addition to teaching and inspiring students in the classroom, he enjoys interacting with and learning about them in a more

relaxed and informal setting.

Students have definitely enjoyed these moments as much as Mr. Yong, as he is a favorite amongst the student body. The loud cheers he received during the Student versus Faculty basketball game are sufficient proof.

After completing graduate school, Mr. Yong hopes to continue his teaching career at the university level. If his future looks anything like his time at Pingry, he will be teaching, connecting with, and inspiring those students as well. Thank you Mr. Yong, you will be missed!

Mrs. Eleanor Lear SARAH GU (IV) As the school year came to a close, Mrs. Eleanor Lear announced that she will be leaving Pingry. Besides teaching numerous English courses, such as English 10, Ethical Dilemma, and Afrofuturism, she also served as a faculty advisor to the Broken Wreckord, the Environmental Action Club, the Afrofuturism HIRT, and Middle School Green Group. Additionally, Mrs. Lear chaperoned three global programs to Costa Rica and the US-Mexico border and helped organize a faculty trip to Alabama.

Mrs. Lear received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh, a teaching certification from Portland State University, and a master’s degree in English from Middlebury College.

Afterwards, she taught at Kent Place School, Summit High School, and Hood River Valley High School, all prior to arriving at Pingry. Following in her family’s footsteps, Mrs. Lear pursued a career in education because she “enjoyed working with young people and helping them see their potential.”

A beloved teacher amongst students, Mrs. Lear witnessed many spontaneous and special moments on campus. One prominent memory, she recalled, was an impromptu “open mic” session. Nabeel Jan ‘19 had gathered the seniors to talk into the “microphone” (which was only an empty microphone stand). Eventually, Joe Shilts ‘19 took the spotlight and sang Katy Perry’s “Firework,” with the crowd singing along and jumping up and down. “It was like a scene out of a Disney sitcom,”

Mrs. Lear remarked, “I felt so honored to have witnessed that little celebration of youth.”

In the future, Mrs. Lear plans to focus on raising her children, engage in volunteering, and pursue her hobbies, such as playing guitar, reading, and exercising. She hopes to either find another teaching position, enroll in a graduate program, or simply continue parenting.

Looking back fondly at her time at Pingry, she hopes to remain engaged with the school. “I’m so glad to have been a part of the community so that I know what Mr. Lear is getting into with his new role… This is a special place!” she exclaimed.

Mrs. Lear was an impactful teacher who brightened classrooms and smiles. We will miss her dearly, and we wish her the best of luck on her journey ahead. Thank you, Ms. Lear!

In addition to the aforementioned faculty departures, Mrs. Keara Hailey Gordon departed from the Pingry community. Mrs. Gordon was a drama teacher at the Lower School in Short Hills.

Mrs. Gordon was not available for comment.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD

IN MEMORIAM JUNE 12, 2022

9

A Tribute to Mags JOAQUIN STEVENSON (III) On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3, the Boys’ Ice Hockey team received an email from Coach Scott Garrow: “Mandatory Meeting at 2:50 p.m.” As the teammates gathered in the faculty lounge, they were informed that Coach Emeritus John Magadini had passed away earlier that day. Fondly known as Mags within the community, his legacy lives on in numerous forms: coach, lieutenant, teacher, and so many more.

Hailing from Long Island, Mags was born on July 8, 1932 in Patchogue, New York. In 1955, he graduated with a degree in Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he was a three-sport athlete, playing ice hockey, lacrosse, and football. After college, Mags served in Korea and Japan as a First Lieutenant Officer of the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1964, Mags moved to New Jersey, where he continued his passion for ice hockey after being invited to join Essex Hunt Club at a pickup hockey game. In 1965, he officially started his coaching career with the creation of the Essex Hunt Club youth hockey program.

At Pingry, Mags was Head Coach of the Boys’ Ice Hockey for 20 years from 1996 to 2016, earning a number of accolades along the way, including Hockey Coach of the Year by the NJSIAA in 2004 and Coach of the Year

by The Courier-News in 2010. Mags led the team to winning the Skyland Cup in 2012. That same year, he was inducted into the New Jersey High School Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. The following year, he was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame. Upon stepping down to Assistant Coach in 2016, Mags was named Coach Emeritus. In 2019, he was inducted in the Pingry Hall of Fame.

Mags retired from Pingry early in the 2021-2022 school

year, but those who had the honor of being his student or friend continued to recall his passion, honesty, leadership, and determination.

Several of his former students extended their heartfelt congratulations, thanking him for being an incredible presence both on and off the ice:

around the players after we won a game to sing along ‘Ophelia’ with us. It was always a great time.”

“In addition to being an incredible coach and presence in the locker room

His former students admiringly recollected Mags’ generosity, warmth,

spirit, playoff week came and the team clinched the Skyland Cup, regarded as the most significant win in Pingry ice hockey history.

The last time the hockey team saw Mags was on March 10, 2022, ready to give him a proper send-off with a tribute presentation.

On that day, Mags left them with a few parting words: “With all the years I have spent coaching here, it has been such a treat and a

and the bench, you are also an incredible person and friend. I think that is what really stands out to me.”

leadership, and courage.

From checking in on students one-on-one to offering individual athletic advice, Mags always made time for everyone to be noticed and heard. Mags was a guiding hand, evident in his influence amidst the difficult last season. Grant Myers (VI) said, “We went through a rough time in the middle of the season when we were winning three games… Mags was there behind us throughout the start of the playoffs to give us a kick… and in the end, we pulled it off.” Around winter, the Ice Hockey Team was losing 0-9. With Mags’

gift for me and for Carol.

The thing is, being able to be around you guys is an amazing gift… [E]verybody is playing for each other, and that is the team part. You are playing for the guy next to you. You are playing for parents in the stands… [A]s I told a number of teams well before the season started… you guys are the players and I am the coach, but we are all on the same team… [W] herever you go, whenever you leave Pingry, you keep the idea of working hard, which is why you won this last championship. You won because you went out there and you got going and

“Seems like you have been there for every major life event that I have had, and you and Carol have really become family, so this goes far beyond hockey and I cannot thank you enough.”

“While at Pingry, it was very special to see you at the rink and in school and the classroom. Seeing you always put a smile on my face, and I know the rest of the hockey guys said the same thing.”

“I always loved you being

“The things you have taught me are things I have taken with me past Pingry and what I will continue to live by for the rest of my life. I can’t thank you enough for that.”

you played so hard — so, so hard that you could sense that something was going to happen. And wouldn’t you know, something really great did happen, and I am so proud of you guys — so proud of Scotty over here who has become a very, very good friend of mine.

This tribute here is beyond anything that I can imagine.”

Mags’ lasting impact is imbued within the team as each of its members remember Mags for his kindness, compassion, and dedication. “He really cared about getting to know each player better and helping them get better, no matter what their role on the team was,” Henry Pyne (V) said. Bennet Crosby (V) commented, “I learned a lot from Mags…

[He] taught me stuff that I can carry throughout my life.” Jake Scrudato’s (VI) favorite part about Mags was how he “checked in periodically from time to time, just talking about life [or] talking about hockey and how to improve as a player.”

The John Magadini Award was created in honor of Mag to be given to a Senior who brings fortitude, strength and courage to the ice. Demonstrates leadership on the hockey team. Holds himself and team members accountable and respects the individual strengths and contributions of each teammate. Plays selflessly. Carries the spirit of the Pingry hockey legacy in a place of honor.

The Pingry community will continue to remember Mags’ teachings. “Ophelia” will continue to play in the locker room. Students will continue to yell rallying calls, such as “Yo” or “Hoorah!” with enthusiasm. Mags’ strength of character serves as a lifelong role model for everyone. His legacy will continue to live on.

Thank you, Mags. Hoorah!

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD

10

FACULTY DEPARTURES JUNE 12, 2022

A Fond Farewell to Ms. Grant: Teacher, Advisor, and Beloved Friend “When I think about my time at Pingry and the adults that have

“I remember entering room 336 for English 10 and scanning the room for a seat to call mine for the year. Behold, an open seat—right next to Ms. Grant. One of the first things Ms. Grant told us was to visit her office, even if it was just for a chat. I found myself in her office more and more often and became well acquainted with her purple velvet couch.

And then, the pandemic. With the shift to remote learning, I was unsure about several things, but Ms. Grant was a constant. While I couldn’t stop by her office in person, she made time to meet with me on Zoom, sometimes even after CP. Ms. Grant has always been there to critique my essays, answer my questions, and lend an ear to hear about my day.

I was so excited to have Ms. Grant as my teacher again for Literature & Madness and to be an unofficial member of the Grant advisory. I will never forget Ms. Grant’s elegant cursive, reassuring words, and unwavering compassion for others. I am so grateful to have been part of Ms. Grant’s final year at Pingry, and I know we will keep in touch for years to come.”

—Zoe Wang (VI)

supported me, cared for me, and pushed me to grow, the first face will always be Ms. Grant. One of the most passionate and thoughtful teachers I know, Ms. Grant’s immense love for each lesson and book can only be rivaled by the level at which she cares for each of her students.

As my advisor and creative writing teacher, Ms. Grant has been my biggest supporter and mentor, teaching me the craft of literature, but also how to believe in myself and to pursue my passions. Her office has always been a nook of warmth and safety within the school, filled with little treats, words of advice, or just a quick chat. I’m going to miss Ms. Grant’s presence in the school and it saddens me that future students will not be able to experience her clever insights, fierce passion, kind heart, and unwavering support.”

—Olivia Hung (VI) “Ms. Grant is someone that I have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing, and I cannot imagine what Pingry will be like next year without her. She has a genuine passion for literature and teaching, which she imparts to her students, edifying generations of English scholars. Discussions in her class were always lively, sparking conversations connecting literature to the broader world and society.

Ms. Grant never fails to encourage me to push my creative boundaries with her incredible insight and wisdom, and has always been there to look over my essays, answer my questions, or provide reassuring words.

I will always cherish the memories of sitting in her rocking chair or classroom and having conversations about literature, school, and life in general. It is truly sad for me to think that future Pingry students will not have the pleasure and privilege of knowing her.”

“Ms. Grant is a pillar of the Pingry community. As an English teacher, she energizes her students with her passion for literature. Her classes are lively discussions of meaning and ethics that naturally draw every student in. She encourages each student to carefully examine the text and draw their own conclusions, fostering healthy literary debate. Ms. Grant is also among the most caring individuals I have ever met. The welfare of her students is her foremost priority, and her classroom and office are always havens within Pingry’s high stress environment. Ms. Grant is unwaveringly supportive of all students and her advice is encouraging, incisive, and wise. I and the Pingry community are so lucky to have had a teacher as devoted, thoughtful, and insightful as Ms. Grant.”

—Mirika Jambudi (V)

—Adam Bauhs (V)

“There is a reason Ms. Grant has become something of a staple of the Pingry “In the fall of eighth grade, Ms. Enriquez introduced me to Ms. Grant, because I had expressed interest in Scholastic’s annual Arts and Writing Competition. I had no way of knowing then, but the day I stepped into Ms. Grant’s office for the first time was the start of something much greater. I began showing up at her office regularly to discuss my writing and sometimes simply to chat, and now, I can confidently say that Ms. Grant is one of my favorite people at Pingry. Ms. Grant always has a wonderfully joyful energy around her that makes talking to heantr feel like a warm hug. Though I’ve unfortunately never been in a class taught

by Ms. Grant, I’ve learned so much just from coming to talk to her; I’ve learned about writing as a craft, about how to improve my own work, but also about life. She has had a tremendous impact on both me and my writing, and her presence at Pingry will be dearly missed.”

—Keira Chen (IV)

experience for so many in the last few decades. In class, Ms. Grant was willing to have a conversation about nearly any opinion, rather than taking a linear approach to teaching. There was never a point in which you felt like you were externally viewing her class, you were always in some way participating and contributing to it. Ms. Grant’s enthusiasm for literature and debate powered many of the most interesting discussions I have ever participated in, and her enthusiasm pushed us to completely dive into the texts of the class. Ms. Grant is also always willing to continue the discussion outside of class in the English office, and is willing to discuss nearly any topic, from geopolitics to Jane Eyre.

It is a shame that the next generation of Pingry students will never know what they’re missing by not having the privilege of being taught by Ms. Grant.”

—Spencer McLaughlin (V)

MIRIKA JAMBUDI (V)

teaching to be her calling. She

Ms. Grant has also taken on a

softball with Mr. Bourne.” She

all need to have more kindness

“love[s] kids, love[s] listening

myriad of roles in the community

fondly notes that her “colleagues

in this world—to ourselves and

Ms. Victoria “Vicki” Grant

to teenagers and watching them

over the past 38 years: serving as

and kids challeng[ing] her to be her

each other.” She then cited her

has taught English and language

process new ideas and concepts…

the Assistant Director for Pingry’s

best self, seeing kids from previous

favorite Maya Angelou quote:

courses at Pingry for the past 38

and ultimately helping people

2019 production of Chicago and

years (and decades) revisit her,

‘“At the end of the day, people

years. With Ms. Grant having

and making them feel better.”

working on props, set pieces, and

and giving speeches to the school”

won’t remember what you said

completed her final year teaching

While she has more recently

costumes; acting as faculty advisor

are also significant parts of her

or did; they will remember

this spring, Pingry would like to

taught Magical Realism, Creative

to SADD (Students Against Drunk

teaching career and time at Pingry.

how you made them feel.’”

commemorate and celebrate her

Writing, English 10, and Literature

Driving); coaching Upper School

Having students from the ‘80s and

The Pingry community would

immeasurable contributions to

and Madness, Ms. Grant has

Field Hockey and co-coaching

‘90s return to visit her serves as a

like to sincerely thank Ms. Grant

the Pingry community as a devoted

taught a gamut of courses over

Middle School Softball with Mr.

testament to the impact she has

for all of her service. Her dedication

English teacher, an avid scholar of

her time here, including English

Bourne; chaperoning Model

made on the lives of her students.

has transformed the English

the humanities, and a dedicated

8, English 9, American Literature,

Congress for numerous years;

Ms. Grant is an avid reader,

department and cultivated the

mentor to thousands of students.

World Literature, British and

becoming Head of Community

theater-goer, art collector, music

growth of generations of English

Before coming to Pingry, Ms.

European Literature, American

Service and taking the entire school

listener, and passionate writer. In

scholars. She has immensely

Grant taught at West Nottingham

Perspectives, The Sensitive Hero,

on trips to a food bank; serving as

the coming years, Ms. Grant looks

benefited each member of the

Academy for a year, where the

Literature by Women, Writing

Head of the English Department

to “eventually write a novel and

community through her teaching

only good part was “meeting Mr.

about Literature, French 2, seventh

for five years; advising Calliope.

start a blog” and “learn to take

in the classroom and the incredible

Grant.” Ms. Grant graduated

grade Spanish, and eighth grade

She also created and served as the

care of [herself], have a clean house

insight and wisdom she has

from Gordon College where she

German. Some of her favorite

editor-in-chief of the first faculty

and healthy meals, exercise, and

shared. She will be leaving behind

majored in English and minored

teaching memories come from her

journal, which featured works from

have a lake house in Maine, which

a behemoth of a legacy. Anyone

in French, Spanish and German.

Creative Writing and Literature

teachers in the English Department.

everyone is welcome to visit.”

who has had the pleasure and

She did her masters degree in

and Madness courses. The best

When asked about some of

When asked what message she

privilege of knowing Ms. Grant

English Literature at Middlebury

part about teaching, she says, is

her favorite memories at Pingry,

wants to leave with the community

has undoubtedly felt that Ms.

College. Though her parents,

“working with the kids, introducing

Ms. Grant said that “there are

after her departure, Ms. Grant

Grant has touched their soul in an

who were both teachers, told her

them to new books, music, art,

thousands… but some of them come

noted, “Be kind to each other

immeasurable way. We wish her

that she “could do anything but

and theater… and watching them

from working in theater, being

and get to know somebody you

the best forever into the future.

be a teacher,” Ms. Grant found

grow as thinkers in [her] class.”

department head, and coaching

have never talked to before. We

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

THE PINGRY RECORD

COMMENTARY JUNE 12, 2022

11

One Last Pingry Production (One for the Road)

BRIAN LI (VI)

It was April 2022. Classes were concluding and our ISPs were being finalized. I was relaxing in the senior area during flex when Natalie DeVito (VI) pulled me aside to ask if I wanted to join the cast of her ISP play, The Nerd. Acting? Me? At this time of year, our biggest concerns were getting lunch at Panera and planning senior pranks. Acting in a school play was the last thing on my mind, especially considering my preeminence in the theater scene. It

had been three long drama-deficient years since my time as an ensemble member in Peter and the Starcatcher, the Fall Play in my freshman year. That had been an exhilarating introduction to Pingry and my first significant theater experience; I was able to see first-hand the passion for drama that all the cast members had and the excellence displayed by the students. While that production was one of the highlights of my time at Pingry and I longed to keep performing, I was unfortunately unable to continue with drama due to its overlap with athletics and extracurriculars.

Therefore, I wasn’t a complete stranger to performing in drama productions, but we were estranged cousins. Suddenly, I was facing a great and weighty decision.

At first, I was excited by the prospect of high school coming full circle from Peter and the Starcatcher, but simultaneously concerned about scheduling conflicts and daunted by the challenge. I understood taking a leading role in her play would be much more involved than any of my past acting experience. With my own ISP, scheduling would also be an issue and I didn’t want to miss rehearsals. Still,

I knew Natalie and Evan Berger (VI) needed cast members and as a friend and classmate, I wanted to help fulfill the final goal of their high school experience.

I elected to act in The Nerd, unaware of how glad my future self would be at this spur-of-the-moment decision.

The other main motivating factor behind my joining was my desire to have one last chance to try something new and break out of my comfort zone at Pingry. While my tendency to become easily attached to people and places and even inanimate objects allows me to adapt to new situations without much difficulty, these attachments can cause inner turmoil when change strikes. This aversion to change is a characteristic I am always working to temper.

In the perpetual whirlwind and constant chaos of the 21st century, having the ability to minimize change is necessary to maintain a stable life.

However, success cannot be fully attained without the courage to evolve and accept change. Encountering new things in life, such as switching schools or getting a job for the first time, is extraordinarily difficult, but it has

allowed me to grow as a person and widen my perspectives far beyond what they would’ve been had I stayed put.

As rehearsals for The Nerd started, I was a mixed bag of doubt and uncertainty. I was initially overwhelmed with the sheer amount of lines I had and as May passed, the feeling that we didn’t have enough time kept chasing us. By the beginning of Tech Week (May 29), we were frantic with the amount of practice we still needed and I worried that we were far from ready to perform in front of an audience. However, while running through the play for the first time on Wednesday, a wave of calmness washed over me; as we fell into the zone, scenes flowed smoothly and I realized that we were fully capable of putting on an entertaining show the following day.

The Thursday and Friday performances went well and we were overjoyed. The pressure was on to make our final show on Saturday the culmination of our senior years. We gave the crowd our best performance yet, and while basking in the laughter from our most animated crowd, I even had the confidence to improvise and try new things on stage.

In hindsight, joining Natalie and Evan’s ISP Play was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and a perfect example of how rewarding it can be to participate in unfamiliar projects or activities. I was originally hesitant to join because I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy what was in store for me, but now I look back and laugh at my reluctance.

As I leave high school and head off to the foreign world of college and independence, I’ll always remember to try something new, no matter how peculiar it seems. My life would be rather barren and unfulfilling if I had just remained in my comfort zone without pushing myself. Now that I have the privilege, or curse, of being states away from my friends and family, it’ll be even more challenging without a pre-existing support system. It’ll be up to me, but of the many things I will be taking away from Pingry, the value of trying something new lies central. There’s so much more I hope to accomplish, but it won’t be done by just staying where I am. The future awaits, and with it, so do new horizons.

Something New ELLA BUDENBENDER (V)

as it sounds, my time truly did become

study, these experiences have taught

they would be electrically shocked than

Class of 2022 will undergo this feeling

more enjoyable; I was able to realize

me how to handle things better when

if there was a 100% chance. While the

soon when they move away from home

There have been countless moments

how lucky I was to be in this position.

life may not go my way. When I go to

results showed that FOTU is almost

and start college classes. While easier

when we have heard the advice to try

Since I started my time abroad, I have

college and eventually move out of

impossible to control, we still face

said than done, I urge everyone not

something new and leave our comfort

been granted the opportunity to meet

my house, I know that I will be better

it in our lives. So how do we learn

necessarily to prepare for the unknown

zones. As frequent as these suggestions

people from different backgrounds,

prepared and, hopefully, less anxious.

to deal with these circumstances?

but rather to embrace it and accept any

are, we usually still fail to listen to them

travel across Europe, and partake in

In short, if I had instead let my fears get

As a clear expert on this topic, my

fears that may come with it. During

due to a fear of the unknown. This fear

many other exciting activities. My

the better of me and followed the path of

advice is that there is unfortunately no

my semester abroad, I only reaped the

is the same one I faced when I started

understanding of different cultures and

avoidance, I would have missed out on so

clear way to deal with it. There will be

benefits by embracing the opportunity

school in Switzerland this past winter.

ability to consider new perspectives were

many of these valuable opportunities.

times in each of our lives when we will

put in front of me instead of expecting everything to be exactly as I imagined it.

While I had already decided to study

enhanced through becoming friends with

My anxiety, however, was not unjustified,

be forced to confront change that we

abroad in February 2021, my nerves did

classmates from different countries. I

even if it did briefly impede my ability to

feel uncomfortable with. The current

not hit me until a few days before I left

have also found moments just to take

enjoy myself. For years, psychologists

home. These feelings only continued

in my surroundings and be happy, a

have been studying fear of the unknown

to exacerbate until January 9, when I

rare feeling for any high school junior

(FOTU) and how it can impact our

checked in on campus. Hours later, in

with a heavy workload. Over spring

behavior in various situations. Nicholas

the dorm, after forcing my mom to watch

break, I also visited Paris with my mom,

Carleton, a psychology professor, refers

Pitch Perfect, convincing her to buy me

which has always been a dream of mine.

to FOTU as “a fear that rules over all

chocolate “for my nerves,” and being told,

However, some of my most cherished

other fears, bringing them together

“If you really don’t like it here after a few

memories came from simply hanging

to [produce] anxiety,” explaining why

weeks, you can come home,” I knew it was

out with friends in the dining hall.

the butterflies in our stomachs are

time to accept living away from home.

In addition, I have had to adapt to living

much more prominent in times when

The first few days—weeks, even—were

with people whom I barely know. While

we enter new scenarios (Carleton).

undoubtedly rough. I sent numerous

roommates can certainly be annoying,

Furthermore, in a study from 2016,

texts to friends and family about how I

especially if they are constantly on the

participants exhibited more signs of

could not wait to leave. However, as cliché

phone when someone else is trying to

stress if there was a 50% chance that

The Not-So-Memeable Reality behind Cancel Culture SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (III)

American teenagers the same way social

disaster, and a global pandemic, social

that redefines how we approach debate

speaking out in an academic setting. The

media platforms have. As a generation

media makes it simple by reducing

topics. Advocates for cancel culture

author recounts personal experiences

Few newspaper publications have

coming of age in the looming shadow

complicated movements into a binary

believe that by erasing offensive speech,

of expressing non-conformist views

been able to win the hearts and minds of

of political unrest, environmental

of good versus evil. Despite the benefits

historically marginalized voices will

in a culture that punishes intellectual

social media offers to break barriers,

be more comfortable speaking out.

diversity. Her concerns underline a

it is impossible to overlook how this

Their work is aimed at increasing

general problem in our society, which

system of content creates a great

opportunities for these groups but not

is how we are quick to criticize and

divide in the form of cancel culture.

at restricting the expression of others.

label those with unorthodox beliefs without making an effort to truly listen.

At its best, cancel culture uses public

At the same time, the preference

backlash to combat power inequalities

for discussion over activism has some

Generation Z is one that will be at

and call for accountability. At its worst,

negative implications. When potentially

the forefront of social and political

it can lead to self-censorship and social

problematic discourse is monitored

issues. The only way we can assume

silencing. A poll by the New York Times

through good faith, it should not warrant

this responsibility is if we are taught to

explored these flaws and found that

any sort of public outcry or backlash.

prioritize the diverse perspectives that

only 34% of Americans believed they

This concept is especially relevant in

can be offered, while also understanding

had complete “freedom of speech.”

the context of how students navigate a

the clear boundaries that draw the

In response to this worrisome data,

classroom setting. The New York Times

line between what is acceptable

I stress that the essentials of a free

opinion piece “I Came to College Eager

speech in a safe space and what is not.

society are not under assault. Instead,

to Debate. I Found Self-Censorship

we are seeing a wave of social activism

Instead.” describes the pressure of

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Ella Budenbender (V), Alex Wong (III)

THE PINGRY RECORD

12

COMMENTARY JUNE 12, 2022

Our Story

ANDREW WONG (VI) We’ve arrived at the last line, of the last page, of this chapter. It’s been thirteen years since I first stepped foot at the Pingry Lower School in September 2009. In that time, I’ve filled these formative years of my life with lessons and memories that will forever remain

with me. All the time I spent with my fellow lifers in Kindergarten learning how to thrive at Pingry.

The States Project in third grade that kickstarted my love for social science. Dr. Pearlman’s English class. Our fifth grade trip to the Met. Getting introduced to water polo in Middle School. Mr. Keating’s Freedom class. The ups and downs of the college process and the immense happiness I felt at its end. All these experiences, and many more, will always be warmly remembered by me.

But beyond Pingry, whilst I have learned, laughed, and slowly grown up, the world too has changed. The Class of 2022 has been witness to an extraordinary time of human history. Our early childhoods were marked by the post-9/11 security environment

and the Great Recession. We watched as technology in our lives advanced from brick-like Nokias to the sleek iPhone. We witnessed the rise of Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and TikTok to the point where they are now indispensable staples in our daily lives. We saw negative polarization explode with the rise of populism and Donald Trump in 2016 — the effects of which we continue to contend with to this day. Beyond our borders, we’ve seen the War on Terror continue, all while serious enemies and threats to the liberal world order have emerged. We survived a global pandemic. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Today, there are immense new challenges politically, economically, and socially across all sectors of society

that need solutions as we enter a new chapter of history. Our ability, or inability, to find such solutions will end up defining the story of the 21st century.

I’m confident that it’s going to be a good story.

We’re in the driver’s seat now.

We’re no longer spectators to history. As we enter college, and discover our paths in life as our horizons widen, the lessons we have learned at Pingry will empower us to excel and take the lead in all that we do. Whether it’s been being pushed out of our comfort zones academically, taking the lead in a discussion on critical issues, cheering on Big Blue, or picking up our teammates in the last minutes of a close game, our time at Pingry has taught us to be bold, take initiative, and to be unafraid

to take risks. It is because of these lessons that the next chapters of our lives, though individually different, will all be equally important and beautiful. Some of us will be doctors performing life-saving procedures. Others will be lawyers upholding the rule of law and fighting injustice.

We’ll be bankers and investors on Wall Street, or scientists pushing the bounds of knowledge. We’ll be politicians improving the lives of ordinary Americans, or activists clamoring for important social change. Whatever the next chapter of our lives turns out to be, it will all come together to form a beautiful story of the 21st century that we write together.

The best is yet to come, and I cannot wait to see all that is next.

To All the Seniors: P.S. I’ll Miss You SANIYA KAMAT (IV) Dear Seniors, Some of you I know; some of you I don’t. In some cases, I know you, but you do not know me. Some of you have siblings in my grade. Some of you are friends of my friends.

Some of you I have never interacted with, while others I am extremely close to. All of you I will miss.

Deciding to try playing water polo halfway through the season was definitely a very spontaneous decision. I’m not going to sugarcoat it — I suck at water polo. I am short; I can only stand in the shallow side of the shallow end. My hands are small, and it is quite difficult to hold the ball (unless I am given a size four ball). I have all but forgotten how to swim. My handeye coordination is equivalent to that of a four-year-old’s. Yet, in spite of my many shortcomings, the seniors on the water polo team were generally accepting of my existence.

Although I was frequently drowned and occasionally left with bruises, the seniors were so helpful.

Sankar taught me how to throw the ball properly (because that is apparently something you can do the wrong way). Peter spoke to me in a way that did not make me feel like a complete loser, regardless of my inability to play the sport. Now, he helps me not fail my math tests.

All of the seniors were genuinely nice people. They did not make it a big deal when I randomly decided to join the team a month late, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Second semester was musical season. While I did do the musical last year, I considered this year to be my first year of an “actual” high school musical since last year was very different due to the COVID-19 restrictions. I talked to people who I never had before.

Although Ram may only like me

because I made him brownies, I am somehow going to miss him anyways, as well as being called weird every five seconds. Watching Belinda perform with so much expression on stage inspires me to have the same confidence level as her someday. And though he has since confessed that he did not like me at first, meeting Franklin might have been the best thing to happen to me all year. Whether it’s whisper-singing backstage, having lunch at Ani Ramen, or FaceTiming

front of a group of people who are all amazingly talented singers is quite frightening. The first time I auditioned for a solo was definitely not my best singing. Yet, after I finished, all of them cheered as if it was Kristin Chenoweth’s voice that had just come out of my mouth.

From Sabrina asking me if I was doing okay on a bad day without me even having to say anything, to Natalie comforting and distracting me for half an hour when I was on the verge of tears after receiving

Olivia Rodrigo Medley; dancing with Anika in the Diwali and AAPI assemblies; screaming my head off with Shannen on Demon Drop at Dorney Park; every moment I’ve shared with Alivia, who I will always regard as my big sister, whether we are laughing together in the hallways or crying in each other’s arms. As Anika always says, the Balladeers are my support system at Pingry, and I don’t think I would be able to get through high school without them. No

past midnight, I can’t even begin to picture how this year would have gone without him. And of course, the musical allowed me to become so much closer with the Balladeer seniors, all of whom took part in it.

I joined the Balladeers my first year of high school as a nervous freshman scared of singing in front of people. The current Balladeer seniors were so accepting. My first time auditioning for a solo was a terrifying experience; after all, going up on your own to sing in

a poor math test grade, to Alivia screaming, “That’s my little!” every time I’d so much as breathe, the Balladeer seniors are some of the kindest and most supportive people I know. I am so fond of each and every one of them, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve shared: trying my best not to burst out laughing with Sophia at every single Balladeers assembly we have, rolling our R’s while singing “Maxima reverentia,” or overdoing our expressions in the

matter how many years pass, I will always remember every one of the seniors who made it that way.

There is one more place I have found a home at Pingry, and that is within the Pingry Record. This article would not be complete without mentioning the person who originally suggested I write it. Although Brian was the EIC whose existence I was somehow unaware of for several months, he has since become one of my most trusted friends. I consider this an

extremely great accomplishment.

Still, whether this title has been bestowed upon Brian because of his trustworthiness or because of his frequent memory loss resulting in his lack of the ability to retain any information that I happen to tell him, I am unsure.

Nevertheless, I am going to miss Brian a great deal when he is gone and can only hope that his memory loss does not also apply to me.

The seniors’ last day of school came way too fast. I felt beyond dumb for crying. It was not my last day. I was going to see all of them again. But something about that day made it finally hit me.

Up until that point, I had not actually processed that the seniors were leaving—that they literally would not be here next year. In my head, I ran through how a day would go without them: I would not go to the Senior area first thing in the morning to say hello to Franklin, I would not have a random conversation with Peter on the way to Balladeers (or in his case, Jazz Ensemble), I would not take pictures of Brian through the window to the Buttondowns room until he noticed me, Ram would not be there to call me weird for “staring at the Buttondowns,” and with nearly a third of the Balladeers gone, the entire class would have a completely different feeling. Sometimes I still can’t imagine life without them, even the seniors I only know from passing in the hallway, like the girl I once complimented on her dress. Since then, she has always smiled and waved at me when I’ve seen her.

I don’t think she even knows my name. The seniors have had such a significant impact on my life, and I can only hope that I can have the same impact on someone else’s life someday too. I will miss them more than they can imagine.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Alex Wong (III)

THE PINGRY RECORD

COLUMNS JUNE 12, 2022

13

6,000 Crystals, a Blonde Bombshell, and a BBL KELLY CAO (IV) & JULIA ENG (IV) Adorned with 6,000 hand-sewn crystals, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress is seen as a staple of mid20th century American culture, and

along with her gown from the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch’s white dress (1955), this is one of her most famed looks. Bob Mackie, best known for designing outfits for entertainment stars such as Lucille Ball, sketched the dress, and Jean Louis created it. French couturier Louis had previously designed for names like Joan Cohn, the wife of the former owner of Columbia Pictures, actress Rita Hayworth in her picture Gilda, and Marlene Dietrich, who wore his designs in her cabaret performances and concerts. In fact, it was the latter’s dress that ultimately served as the inspiration for Monroe’s garment.

Monroe wore the iconic dress to President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday celebration in 1962, during which she performed a famous rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The event is frequently referenced in pop culture — think Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die — and is regarded as

a symbol of spirited patriotism, with Monroe singing “Thanks Mr. President / For all the things you’ve done / The battles that you’ve won…”

Kim Kardashian, a notable guest at the Met Gala, said the American symbol that came to her mind while deliberating the theme, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” was Marilyn Monroe. Thus, she borrowed the $6 million garment from the night from Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, who are the current owners of the dress. However, the decision drew criticisms and accusations against Kim and Ripley’s, all of which are fair. Not only is the piece extremely fragile and delicate due to its age, but it also is incredibly historically significant. Any admirer of old Hollywood glamor and fashion history would cringe at the near-blasphemous act of taking a historic dress, one owned

by Marilyn Monroe nonetheless, out for a reckless spin of sorts.

While the thought of Kim stepping on the hem of the gown and her fake tan rubbing onto the fabric is a conservator’s nightmare, Vogue reports that her preparation for wearing the dress was akin to a “highly sophisticated military operation.” The intense diets, stair-walking rehearsals, and small army of white-gloved conservationists all backed up Kim’s claims of respect “to the dress and what it means to American history.”

One could even weave tenuous threads between Kim and Marilyn and argue that they represent similar aspects of American culture.

Marilyn was a sex symbol and a fallen star, once glamorous, now commercialized. She was the woman who allegedly had an affair with John F. Kennedy and remains Hollywood’s truest, best-remembered blonde bombshell. It’s understandable why Kim identifies with Marilyn, having lived through an overwhelming amount of well-known scandals that

have defined her career. They have both defined fashion and beauty trends, sparked controversy, and evolved the definition of what it means to be a “star.” But in the words of the

The Twitter Bird Has a New Owner SOPHIA ODUNSI (IV) When your net worth is $221.5 billion (that’s right, billion), why not spend your money on whatever you can get your hands on?

On April 25, 2022, Elon Musk acquired Twitter Inc. in ​​ its entirety for approximately $44 billion after being the company’s largest stockholder. When discussions of Musk buying Twitter circulated, Musk expressed, “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy…

Twitter has tremendous potential — I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it.”

Most of the talk surrounding Musk’s plans for Twitter revolved

around former President Donald Trump’s permanent ban from the social media platform. After the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Twitter formally banned former President Trump from the app for harassment as well as the spreading of misinformation and other harmful content. Musk’s account had also gotten in trouble with regulators for disrespecting community guidelines by circulating misleading information about the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for offensive messages about the transgender community. Nonetheless, Musk stated that he believed Twitter should use “timeouts’’ rather than permanent bans. Thus, experts were concerned that if Musk was

in charge, hateful speech from accounts such as former President Trump’s would resurface on the platform. Although Trump told Fox News that he was not interested in rejoining Twitter, he hoped Musk would “make improvements to it.” The significance of Musk’s acquisition of Twitter was not overlooked by the White House; Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that President Biden believed huge social media companies should be “held accountable for the harms that they [caused].”

On the positive side, Musk did say that he wanted to authenticate all individuals on the site, add new components to Twitter (such as open-sourced algorithms), and

eradicate spambots. Additionally, Musk acknowledged that an “edit” button was in the works after conducting a poll on his account which asked followers their opinions about an edit button that users

could use to edit their tweets after they were posted. Musk’s decision to acquire Twitter stirred up plenty of drama, especially regarding what he would do with the app. Only time will tell his intentions.

Mirika’s Reading Range MIRIKA JAMBUDI (V)

This memoir shares Zauner’s story of

is a story that deals with love, sacrifice,

plays a role in the novel’s conflict, but it

growing up Korean American, losing

ambition, and loyalty. The complex

adds another facet to the family dynamic

With June rolling in and summer about

her mother at a young age, and forging

and passionate character development

and drama that occurs. Additionally,

to start, it’s the perfect time to stock

her own identity. She recounts what it

is really moving and richly told with

the storyline is very well-written. The

up on some good books. With a mix of

was like growing up as one of the few

vivid imagery. The main characters are

pacing is never too fast or slow, allowing

some poignant memoirs and critically

Asian American kids at her school in

diverse, engaging, and flawed, and there

readers to take in the story and the

acclaimed staples, here are my must-

Eugene, Oregon; of struggling with her

are no grand, clear character arcs, which

build-up to understanding Lydia’s

read novels for you to grab this summer.

mother’s high expectations of her; and

make the characters feel so much more

death. I think that Everything I Never

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

of months spent with her grandmother

realistic, albeit not relatable. The book’s

Told You can be a bit trite at times, but

is a great memoir to start the summer

in Seoul, where she and her mother

format is relatively straightforward,

it is still worth reading for the suspense

with. Zauner is also the singer and

would bond over plates of food. It then

chronologically moving across the 20th

and character development.

guitarist of the alternative pop band

follows her later years, as she moves

century and following various characters

I hope that you get the chance to pick

Japanese Breakfast, which provides fans

to the East Coast for college, starts her

that belong to the family. It engages the

up any of these books to read over the

of her music an additional dimension.

band, Japanese Breakfast, and grapples

reader, and I think it is a worthwhile

summer! See you next year!

with her Korean-American identity after

read, even though it might take some

losing her mother. The book itself is an

time to fully absorb the book’s premise

expansion of the titular essay, which was

and keep track of the characters.

published earlier in The New Yorker. I

The final book you should add

really enjoyed seeing the anecdotes and

the story of Sunja, the daughter of

to your collection is Everything I

stories come together to craft a cohesive

a fisherman, who falls for a wealthy

Never Told You by Celeste Ng. This

and reflective narrative. I thought

stranger by the seashore. She discovers

is a compelling contemporary family

that the prose and vivid imagery add

she is pregnant — but that her lover

drama, which starts by introducing

elements of clever wordplay and make

is married — and she refuses to be

a Chinese-American family in 1970s

the memoir very readable, and the

purchased. Instead, to preserve her

small-town Ohio dealing with the death

storyline flows well. I found it a pretty

honor, she accepts an offer of marriage

of their middle and favorite child, Lydia.

light read that you can most likely finish

from a kind, sickly minister going to

Slowly, as the mystery of Lydia’s death

in one or two sittings, which is perfect if

Japan. Accepting this offer of marriage,

unfolds, the Lee family’s secrets cause

you are looking for something to read at

leaving her home, and rejecting her

them to fall apart and question family

the beach or by the pool!

son’s father then sets off the entire story

values of pride and honor. Ng does an

Another must-read is Pachinko,

arc and leaves an impact that ripples

outstanding job of creating vibrant,

by Min Jin Lee. The novel follows

down through generations. Pachinko

three-dimensional characters. Race

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images

14

THE PINGRY RECORD

SENIOR PAGES

JUNE 12, 2022

Class of 2022: Of f to College Bates College

Haverford College

Tufts University

Boston College

Indiana University Bloomington

Tulane University

Brown University

Johns Hopkins University

University College Cork

Bryn Mawr College

Lafayette College

University of Alabama

Carleton College

Lehigh University

University of California, Berkeley

Chapman University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

University of California, Los Angeles

Miami University, Oxford

University of Chicago

Middlebury College

University of Georgia

New York University

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Colby College Colgate University College of the Holy Cross Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Dartmouth College Davidson College

Norfolk State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Occidental College

University of Miami University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania

Drexel University

Pennsylvania State University University Park

Duke University

Post Graduate Year

University of St Andrews

Emory & Henry College

Princeton University

University of Southern California

Emory University

Purdue University

University of Vermont

Fairfield University

Rhodes College

University of Virginia

Georgetown University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Vanderbilt University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Rutgers University New Brunswick

Vassar College

Gettysburg College Grinnell College Hamilton College Hampton University Harvard University Harvey Mudd College

Skidmore College Southern Methodist University

University of Richmond

Villanova University Wake Forest University

Spelman College

Washington University in St. Louis

Stanford University

Williams College

Stevens Institute of Technology

Yale University

Temple University Trinity University

THE PINGRY RECORD

SENIOR PAGES

JUNE 12, 2022

15

Senior Awards Academic Awards

Cum Laude Society

John R. Whittemore ‘47 Biology Award Katherine Xie, Allen Wu Ernest C. Shawcross Chemistry Award Michelle Lee, Kimberly Wang Physics Award Emmet Houghton, James Houghton Science Book Award Eemil Korpela, Robert Rewey Science Research Award Diana Severineanu Science In Society Award Kristin Osika Whitlock Prize for Math Kimberly Wang, Emmet Houghton Advanced Math Prize Natalie DeVito Computer Science Prize Christopher Gu Economics Prize Belinda Poh, James Houghton Union College Casmir A. France Award for Excellence in English Elspeth Campbell, Emmet Houghton Paul H. and Sarah Rouslin Excellence in English Award Leila Elayan, Kristin Osika Martin B. O’Connor ‘26 Journalism Award Brian Li, Andrew Wong Yearbook Award Gia Graziano Jean S. MacDonald History Prize Elspeth Campbell Psychology Prize Nicole Moncada Language Prize Chinese: Samuel Henriques, Diana Severineanu

French: Sarah Kloss

Latin: Benjamin Strasser

Spanish: Kimberly Wang Advanced Language Prize Chinese: Christopher Gu, Lukas Strelecky

French: Yi Shen

German: Olivia Hauck

Latin: Allison Williams

Spanish: Emmet Houghton The DeGryse Prize in World Languages: Leila Elayan

Director’s Award for Achievement in Dramatic Arts Drama Department Award for Musical Theatre Drama Department Stage Manager Prize Drama Department Student Director Prize Drama Department Award for Technical Theatre Michael E. Popp Photography Prize Brendan J. Donahue ’79 Memorial Prize for Fine Arts Brendan J. Donahue ’79 Memorial Prize for Pottery and Sculpture Barbara Berlin Prize in Art History Music Award

Natalie DeVito Sarah Gagliardi Ashleigh Provoost Anna Stowe Evan Berger Connor Chen Olivia Hung Julia Saksena Martine Bigos Alivia Clark

School Service and Leadership

Special Awards

Griffin Faecher Olivia Hauck Tyler Headley Sophia Lewis Niles Luke Finn McGurn Cole Morriello

Margaret Parker Niles Luke Cole Morriello Claire Fernicola Stephanie Vieser Christine Guo Nicole Moncada Emmet Houghton Jack Martin, Benjamin Strasser

Kristin Osika Rohan Prabhu Ashleigh Provoost Alexandra Sartorius Sabrina Schneider Caitlin Schwarz Maureen Schwarz

Diana Severineanu Aditi Tavan Zoe Wang Samuel Wexler Daniel Yanez

Advanced Placement Scholars with Honor Kevin Gao Sankar Gollapudi Anika Govil

Emmet Houghton James Houghton Lleyton Lance Michelle Lee

Cordelia Ludden Nicole Moncada Fara Odunlami Aanya Patel

Meghana Pentyala Lukas Strelecky Stephanie Vieser

Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction Elspeth Campbell Natalie DeVito Emma Drzala Julia Fu

Christopher Gu Christine Guo Samuel Henriques Brian Li

Luca Pizzale Yi Shen Kimberly Wang Elodie Wardle

Andrew Wong Allen Wu Katherine Xie Franklin Zhu

U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates Emmet Houghton James Houghton

Kristin Osika Alexandra Sartorius

Kimberly Wang Elodie Wardle Andrew Wong

U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist Kristin Osika

National Recognition Awards (Rural and Small Town/ Hispanic/African American/Indigenous People) Alexandra de Asla Emmet Houghton James Houghton

Michelle Lee Kristin Osika Luca Pizzale

National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students Ryan Arrazcaeta Elspeth Campbell Alexandra de Asla Ram Doraswamy Ainsley Ellison Julia Fu Sankar Gollapudi Christopher Gu Christine Guo Evan Haidri Tyler Headley Samuel Henriques James Houghton

Olivia Hung Sarah Kloss Cordelia Ludden Niles Luke Jack Martin Margaret Parker Luca Pizzale Belinda Poh Rohan Prabhu Ashleigh Provoost Alexandra Sartorius Cody Schiffman Caitlin Schwarz

Maureen Schwarz Yi Shen Joshua Stevens Anna Stowe Jack Taylor Kimberly Wang Elodie Wardle Samuel Wexler Allen Wu Daniel Yanez Peter Youssef Franklin Zhu

Connor Chen Natalie DeVito Emmet Houghton

Michelle Lee Brian Li Kristin Osika

Andrew Wong Katherine Xie

National Merit Scholarship Finalists Connor Chen Natalie DeVito Emmet Houghton

Michelle Lee Brian Li Kristin Osika

Andrew Wong Katherine Xie

Natalie DeVito*

Allen Wu**

Katherine Xie**

*National Merit Scholarship Recipient, **National Merit Special Scholarship Recipient

Scholar-Athlete Awards

Advanced Placement Scholars Ryan Arrazcaeta Samantha Barr Martine Bigos Connor Chen Alexandra de Asla Ram Doraswamy

Yi Shen Olivia Telemaque Stephanie Vieser Kimberly Wang Elodie Wardle Samuel Wexler Allison Williams Allen Wu Katherine Xie

National Merit Scholarship Recipients

Julia Saksena Caitlin Schwarz, Maureen Schwarz Herbert Toler Samuel Benton Giles Burnett

PSPA Women’s Sports Award Centennial Cup - Gift of the Class of ‘61 Class of ’26 Reese Williams Award Sandy Apruzzese Big Blue Award The Elizabeth Allan Smith ‘83 Memorial Pingry-Duke Scholarship Prize C. B. Newton Pingry-Princeton Scholarship Prize Faculty Prize Charles B. Atwater Valedictory Prize ROTC Scholarships

James Houghton Sarah Kloss Michelle Lee Jack Martin Kristin Osika Luca Pizzale Belinda Poh Alexandra Sartorius Caitlin Schwarz Maureen Schwarz

National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Arts & Drama

Michael Jupka Jr. ‘76 Blue Key Award Community and Civic Engagement Award Paul R. Leary ‘90 Award John Taylor Babbitt ‘07 Award Student Government Achievement Award

Evan Berger Martine Bigos Elspeth Campbell Alexandra de Asla Natalie DeVito Shannen Gallagher Christopher Gu Christine Guo Samuel Henriques Emmet Houghton

Belinda Poh Ashleigh Provoost Cody Schiffman

Yi Shen Andrew Wong Katherine Xie

Somerset County Principals Award Skyland Conference Scholar Athletes Cipriano Family Scholar-Athlete Award NJSIAA (State) NJISAA (Prep)

Olivia Hung, Jack Martin Allison Williams, Peter Youssef Caitlin Schwarz, Tyler Headley Daniel Yanez Margaret Parker, Franklin Zhu

Athletics Awards Girls’ Cross-Country Award Margaret Parker Boys’ Cross-Country Award Sean O’Keefe Andrea Montague Field Hockey Award Anna Riley Tom Boyer Football Award Matthew Caruso Michael Jupka, Jr. ’76 Football Award Samuel Benton Timothy C. Cornwall ’64 Boys’ Soccer Sportsmanship Award Cole Morriello, Daniel Yanez Dick Gradwohl Boys’ Soccer Cup for Most Team Spirit Daniel Ittycheria, Lucas Ribeiro Elizabeth Allan Smith ’83 Girls’ Soccer Award Michelle Lee John R. Dufford, Jr. Tennis Trophy Sarah Kloss, Olivia Gallucci, Sabrina Schneider Water Polo Award Peter Youssef Frank L. Romano Boys’ Basketball Award Samuel Proudfoot, Liam Royster Joe LaValley Boys’ Basketball Award Oliver Duryee David M. Allan Memorial Girls’ Basketball Award Caitlin Schwarz Virginia Nazario Fencing Award Ryan Arrazcaeta, Cordelia Ludden Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Award Grant Myers Girls’ Ski Team Award Olivia Hauck Boys’ Ski Team Award Tobey Jay Girls’ Squash Team Award Ainsley Ellison Boys’ Squash Team Award Arjun Sen Steven Todd Gold ’95 Boys’ Swimming Award Peter Youssef Ashley G. Marsh and Family Swimming Award Maureen Schwarz Michael Jupka, Jr. ’76 Wrestling Award Benjamin Strasser Winter Track Award Alexandra de Asla, Madison Mendelsohn, Margaret Parker Class of 1935 Graham Churchill Baseball Award Thomas Santana Boys’ Golf Award Marc Bliemel, Franklin Zhu Girls’ Golf Award Ansley Higgins Richard C. Weiler Boys’ Lacrosse Award Luke Engelke Pingry Girls’ Lacrosse Sportsmanship Award Claire Fernicola Pingry Girls’ Lacrosse Cup Olivia Hung, Margaret Parker Pingry Softball Award Anna Stowe Boys’ Track Award Emmet Houghton, James Houghton Richard G. Gradwohl Girls’ Track Award Ashleigh Provoost, Alexandra de Asla

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THE PINGRY RECORD

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JUNE 12, 2022

The 1902 Emblem

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

The Class of 1902 Emblem is awarded to Giles Burnett of the Class of 2022, who, while at The Pingry School, by the efficiency and the amount of service and loyalty of attitude has done the most for the school, and who has been judged therefore by schoolfellows and faculty to have shown of them all the greatest amount of school spirit.

E, M

Years at Pingry: 8 Trademark Characteristics: Outgoing, leadership, reliable aux Activities: Student Government, Soccer, Peer Leadership, Innocence Project College Plans: Emory University Career Possibilities: Real Estate Developer Senior Year Song: “Surf” by Young Thug ft. Gunna Favorite Memory at Pingry: Winning the soccer county championship with the guys What I’ll Take Away: How to nurture strong relationships and to be confident in what you bring to the table What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?: Take pride in your character, and build a strong reputation.

GILES BURNETT

The Magistri Laudandi Award In every class, there is one student who graciously gives of him/herself to help the school and fellow students, who demonstrates a personal integrity and generosity that inspire the best in others. This person’s own achievements are many, yet his/her sense of purpose is to the greater good.

While others may be identified as "the student most likely to succeed," this person is prized as "the student who helps all succeed.”

The Magistri Laudandi Award is awarded to Jack Martin.

Years at Pingry: 4

E, M

Trademark Characteristics: Hardworking, disciplined, kind, calm

Activities: Wrestling, Honor Board, Veteran Affairs and Leadership Club, Yearbook, Peer Leadership College Plans: Harvard University

Career Possibilities: Something involving either government or economics, though I hope to begin my career in the military.

Senior Year Song: “In My Life” by The Beatles Favorite Memory at Pingry: Senior Prom

What I’ll Take Away: Everyone is an expert at something. If you strike up a conversation with any member of the Pingry community, you are bound to walk away with a new concept or perspective.

JACK MARTIN

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?: The only two things you can control in life are your effort and attitude in every situation.

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

RYAN ARRAZCAETA E

ISRAEL BILLUPS E

NATALIE DEVITO E, M

Years at Pingry: 7 Trademark Characteristics: Inquisitive, tall, just stubborn enough, kind Activities: Pingry Drama, Fencing, IRT, PCR College Plans: Georgia Tech Biomedical Engineering, potential minor in Music Technology Career Possibilities: Possibly R&D in pharma or working at a biotech startup, but I’m flexible Senior Year Song: “Tin Man” by America Favorite Memory at Pingry: I always loved pre-show drama traditions. I can always get hyped for the upcoming performance, and the sense of community and belonging forged through months of rehearsal is a fantastic feeling.

What I’ll Take Away: Pingry inspired me to learn about topics I really care for. The myriad of opportunities offered to students affords us many different ways to stand out and explore What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Remember that your friends and teachers have your back. Having too much pride to ask for help or a deadline extension you need will only hurt you in the long run.

Years at Pingry: 7 Trademark Characteristics: Kindness, humility, loving, loyal, smile Activities: Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, Blue Key, Green Key, BSU (Black Student Union), Community Service Club College Plans: Hampton University in the fall, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Biopsychology.

Career Possibilities: I plan to be a neurologist, focusing on helping children on the autism spectrum.

Senior Year Song: “Home” by Philip Phillips Favorite Memory at Pingry: My favorite memory from Pingry is playing soccer this year. We built each other up and leant a listening ear whenever anyone needed it. Out of all my sports experiences, I think Pingry Girls’ Soccer is a family, and we created a bond that I will cherish forever.

What I’ll Take Away: One thing I will be taking away from Pingry is to foster friendships. Feel free to converse and learn about new people. Pingry has taught me to always be open minded and care, and these two qualities have led me to amazing friendships and bright opportunities.

What Pieces of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Do what you love. School can be stressful because everyone wants to excel, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Doing what you love will improve your mental health, which will only help you excel. Put yourself and your mental health first, and don’t be afraid to be different. You’ve got this!

Years at Pingry: 7 Trademark Characteristics: Big smile, deep singing voice, school spirit, friendliness, perpetual loudness and lateness.

Activities: Balladeers, Fall Play, Winter Musical, Softball, Green Group, Blue Key, Peer Leadership College Plans: Brown University, with a possible concentration in Astrophysics or Biology Career Possibilities: I hope to find a path where I can communicate my passions for science, social equity and conservation with different groups of people.

Senior Year Song: “Good Riddance” by Green Day Favorite Memory at Pingry: It might be singing in front of everyone at the Earth Day Assembly. I got to see and feel the legacy I have left at this school. Another is putting on the fall play outside at night in junior year. Even though the stage iced over and I slipped, I’m proud of our resilience and the memory of that unique show will stay with me.

What I’ll Take Away: A full heart from all the people I’ve met who have changed me, a voice that can sing loud and speak up for issues, and values important to me. A lot of memories and navy blue T-shirts, and my gratitude to the teachers and friends who have guided me.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Don’t compare yourself to others. Show up to shows, concerts, and sports games. Try a lot of things here. Don’t worry about being popular or finding a group—only one person can be you.

LEILA ELAYAN E

EMMET HOUGHTON E

Years at Pingry: 13 Trademark Characteristics: Passionate, empathetic, curious Activities: Field Hockey, Affinity Group, Green Group, Composter, Farm, HIRT College Plans: Kilachand Honors College at Boston University, majoring in English or Philosophy with a minor in French Studies.

Career Possibilities: I honestly have no idea.

Senior Year Song: “Long Live” by Taylor Swift Favorite Memory at Pingry: The last day of classes for seniors What I’ll Take Away: My childhood—a good majority of my best childhood memories belong to Pingry and this community.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Don’t take the resources you’re offered for granted, because you get out of Pingry what you put into it. Also, seek meaningful relationships with faculty and peers, because connections like those enrich every moment.

Years at Pingry: 13 Trademark Characteristics: Kindness, gratitude, eating salad with brownies, invariably attempting to open the wrong side of the athletics entrance.

Activities: Honor Board, ShallowMind IRT, Track & Field, Soccer College Plans: Yale University Career Possibilities: Emerging technology, Adaptive Machine Intelligence Senior Year Song: “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons and J.I.D Favorite Memory at Pingry: Running sprint relays with my brothers What I’ll Take Away: A true appreciation for the meaningful relationships with teachers and peers who have shared their extraordinary talents, invaluable insights, and unique perspectives.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Take risks—both academically and personally. Use your time here to explore, but set boundaries and stay true to your authentic self.

Congratulations to the winners, the nominees, and all the members of the Class of 2022!

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THE PINGRY RECORD

SENIOR PAGES

JUNE 12, 2022

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

SEAN O’KEEFE M Years at Pingry: 7 Trademark Characteristics: Disciplined, hardworking, honest Activities: Peer Leadership, Varsity Cross Country and Indoor Track, Veteran Affairs and Leadership Club College Plans: Villanova University Career Possibilities: I know I would like to commission as an officer in the Marine Corps. After that, I will see where the world takes me.

Senior Year Song: Stevie Ray Vaughan cover of “Voodoo Child” Favorite Memory at Pingry: Four years of Cross Country.

I had the privilege to be on a team with people I looked up to, and have two supportive coaches who helped me mature from a freshman nuisance to a senior Captain. I could not have asked for a better set of teammates who were always there for each other whether it was a 10-mile run or joking around on the way to a meet.

What I’ll Take Away: I will leave Pingry with a strong work ethic and many memories that have shaped me into who I am today. I believe that my time at Pingry will help me succeed after graduation, whether it be the classroom, friends, or life in general.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Don’t forget to have fun. You are only in high school for four years, so make the most of them; try new things, have fun with friends, and support your classmates.

KRISTIN OSIKA E Years at Pingry: 9 Trademark Charcteristics: Loyal, passionate, driven Activities: Molecular Biology Research, FYI Sci, PCR, Research Week Planning College Plans: University of Pennsylvania (Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program, with a major in Biophysics and masters in Chemistry) Career Possibilities: After college, I’m planning to pursue a PhD in some sort of molecular science, and later I might work in academia, so I can teach in addition to conducting research.

I love sharing science with the world, so I hope my career involves a good amount of traveling, presenting, and meeting new people.

Senior Year Song: “Rise” by Calum Scott Favorite Memory at Pingry: Being with my friends in the senior area the last day before winter break. Everyone was laughing, celebrating, and singing, and I loved sharing that feeling of community.

What I’ll Take Away: Direction, purpose, and confidence in who I am and who I want to be.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Pingry has so much to offer, whether it be clubs, unique classes, or amazing faculty, so actively seek new opportunities and put yourself out there. You never know if you’ll discover a passion, create a relationship, or join a group that will have an incredible impact on your life.

MAUREEN SCHWARZ M

Years at Pingry: 4 Trademark Characteristics: Disciplined, honest, generous, dependable, hardworking, twin Activities: Swim Captain, Honor Board, Emergency Medicine Club Leader, Covenant House Student Leader, JTB College Plans: Georgetown University majoring in Global Health on pre-med track Career Possibilities: I am an EMT now, and I love working in health care and helping people. This makes me think that I want to become either an ER doctor or a surgeon. If I decide against becoming a doctor, I think I would like to work in global or domestic healthcare policy.

Senior Year Song: “The Way I Are” by Timbaland Favorite Memory at Pingry: The last day of classes for seniors. We got to school at 5:30 and watched the sun rise. Then we listened to music and even went to the pool. It was so much fun to all be together.

What I’ll Take Away: I will take away a lot, but the biggest thing I learned is to work hard for yourself.

Don’t expect anything tangible in exchange for your work. Work to become the best version of yourself and make yourself proud. You can never be upset with yourself as long as you work hard and do what you love! This is much more valuable than external validation.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen? If I could go back and change one thing, I would stress less about grades and work. It’s important to focus on school work, but it’s also important to make connections with people and have fun with your friends. Don’t do things because they will look good for college, do them because you genuinely enjoy them and want to make a positive impact on the world.

ASHLEIGH PROVOOST M Years at Pingry: 13 Trademark Characteristics: Honest, has bangs, talks about sports Activities: Track and Field, Broken Wreckord, Stage Manager, Student Government College Plans: Northwestern University Career Possibilities: Public Relations Senior Year Song: “Pockets” - mixtape version by Easy Life Favorite Memory at Pingry: Lower School Field Day What I’ll Take Away: Some of the teachers I’ve had over these past 13 years have shaped me into who I am today—I can’t emphasize enough how much I appreciate their support.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

In the long run, high school doesn’t matter. So have fun. And if you don’t, that’s okay too; there’s a whole world out there waiting for you.

OLIVIA TELEMAQUE E, M Years at Pingry: 4 Trademark Characteristics: Outspoken, empathetic, hard working, curious Activities: Honor Board, Black Affinity Group, Hair Love Workshop, Humanities Independent Research Team, Varsity Soccer, Peer Leadership, ECLC, Writing Center Tutor, Painting College Plans: Yale University Career Possibilities: A career involving criminal defense law and/or the arts (painting) Senior Year Song: “Mount Everest” by Labrinth or 3005 by Childish Gambino Favorite Memory at Pingry: Definitely the first time I hosted a Hair Love Workshop at the Lower School with my other senior classmates. It was an awesome experience to give back, listen to the music we all grew up on, and teach the younger students how to love being themselves.

What I’ll Take Away: Don’t get caught up in how people perceive you. Instead, focus on how you make people feel. Let your impact on others guide you.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen? Don’t be afraid to take up space. Ask for things. Start early. Create the spaces that are needed at Pingry, and don’t limit yourself.

THE PINGRY RECORD

SENIOR PAGES

JUNE 12, 2022

19

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

HERBERT TOLER E, M

ELODIE WARDLE M

SAM WEXLER M

Years at Pingry: 4 Trademark Characteristics: My laugh, my smile, dedication, commitment, humor Activities: HIRT, SDLC, Community Service Committee, Big Blue Sports Network, Senior Class Giving Committee, Football, Hockey, Basketball College Plans: Vassar College as a student-athlete on the baseball team. I plan to major in Economics and hope to minor or double major in Math, English, or a Language.

Career Possibilities: A wide range of things interests me, from environmentally friendly architecture to car marketing.

Whatever I spend my time doing in the future will have to fuel my curiosity, feed my hunger to make a change, and enable me to learn more about the world each day.

Senior Year Song: “Strangers” by Mt. Joy Favorite Memory at Pingry: My favorite memory is winning the 2022 Skyland Final after previously being slated as a non-contender.

What I’ll Take Away: It is never about how much you know, but how hard you work.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Do not be afraid to make connections with those different from you. Part of the reason a Pingry education is so valuable is because it allows you to meet a wide range of other people.

Diversity will enrich your academic experience, but it requires courage to break your shell.

Years at Pingry: 7 Trademark Characteristics: Adventurous, curious, sweet, a tiny bit stubborn Activities: IRT, Tennis, Squash, Spanish Club, Writing Center College Plans: Wake Forest University as a Stamps Scholar Career Possibilities: Right now I want to become a doctor (maybe in pediatrics!), but I’m also excited to explore fields like computer science.

Senior Year Song: “Vienna” by Billy Joel Favorite Memory at Pingry: Watching the sunrise with friends on the last day of classes, winning my last squash match in an epic comeback, Senior Prom, and Senior Snowball.

What I’ll Take Away: The experiences and people at Pingry have taught me how to be who I am, not who I think I should be. As a result, I have become much more confident and happy.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Learn how to balance work and fun. You can have both.

Years at Pingry: 7 Trademark Characteristics: Hard-working, curious, caring, knows every song at Snowball Activities: Broken Wreckord, Ski Team, Jewish Affinity Group, Peer Leadership, STC, Digital Humanities Lab, HIRT College Plans: Williams College Career Possibilities: I’m not sure yet, but I want to use computer science and models to solve problems in the social sciences. Maybe a Data Scientist or Economist.

Senior Year Song: “100 Degrees” by Rich Brian Favorite Memory at Pingry: When the entire senior area clapped for me after my promposal (even though part of my poster fell off as I was walking down the stairs, and I unintentionally asked her to “om”).

What I’ll Take Away: Failing every now and then, and learning from those mistakes, is necessary to grow. Also, some of my best friends and knowledge in the most obscure subjects thanks to Mr. Barr.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen?

Live in the present. As cliché as it sounds, these four years will be over before you know it, and the small moments you experience will be some of your best memories. Don’t let a fear of judgment or failure stop you from trying something new—there are so many incredible resources at Pingry for you to take advantage of.

ALLISON WILLIAMS E

Years at Pingry: 7 Trademark Characteristics: Leadership, enthusiasm, hardworking Activities: Basketball, Lacrosse, HIRT, Outing Club, Writing Center, Peer Leadership, Covenant House, JTB Foundation College Plans: Davidson College Career Possibilities: Not sure yet! Probably something in humanities or environmental studies.

Senior Year Song: “Good Old Days” by Macklemore and Kesha Favorite Memory at Pingry: One of my favorite Pingry memories is probably the last day of classes. It was filled with so much fun for the seniors from seeing the sunrise with my friends in the morning, dancing in the senior area all day, to the fashion show after school.

What I’ll Take Away: The relationships I’ve made with the people here. I’ve learned so much from being put in different roles this year, and I’ve made so many lasting friendships through this. Not just in my grade, but across the school, from students to coaches to teachers. This year has taught me about leadership, and that every person is worth your time and kindness.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen? Get involved! Go to events, sports games, and theater productions, even if you aren’t involved in them. Don’t be afraid of trying different and new activities you’re interested in. There are so many amazing opportunities Pingry has to offer, so take advantage of them.

FRANKLIN ZHU E, M Years at Pingry: 4 Trademark Characteristics: Friendly, leader, honest Activities: Mental health advocacy work, Asian Student Union, Golf Captain College Plans: UCLA, undecided on my major Career Possibilities: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Product Management, Sales Senior Year Song: “YKWIM?” by Yot Club Favorite Memory at Pingry: Performing my last show of Urinetown was a great but also bittersweet. I had never done a show at Pingry before, but acting in Urinetown was an unbelievable experience. To be on stage with the friends that I created amazing connections with in just three months was unreal. I will miss it forever.

What I’ll Take Away: Relationships over anything. It doesn’t matter whether I got a grade on a test or performed well in golf; the only things that I value are the memories I made with my friends.

What Piece of Advice Would You Give to Underclassmen? My advice to underclassmen is to put yourself out there whether that be in social situations or school activities. I’m going to a massive college, and I’m a little nervous that I’ll be lost in a sea of people. Given Pingry’s small class size, I felt that as I became more involved in the community, I had an identity/role amongst my peers. I might never have that again, and I hope underclassmen can cherish this opportunity at Pingry to be someone.

THE PINGRY RECORD

20

SPORTS JUNE 12, 2022

Spring Sports Season Update SARAH GU (IV), SANIYA KAMAT (IV), TYLER KATT (III), KATE MARINE (IV), CALEB PARK (V), HANSEN ZHANG (IV), & LEON ZHOU (IV) Track Led by Head Coach Chris Shilts and Assistant Coaches Stephen Barnes, Lynne Feeley, Matt Horesta, Todd Joki, and Nancy Romano, the Track Team was especially strong this year. This year’s freshmen gave especially impressive performances, and the girls’ 4x100 relay and boys’ 4x200 relay teams, both of which had at least one freshman, set new school records. In addition, the team did exceptionally well at meets this season. Coach Horesta commented, “The Boys’ Team had a great showing at the Prep A state championships at Peddie, finishing in third place and just one point behind the second place Hun School. It was a great team effort with the team’s points nearly evenly split across the disciplines — sprint, distance, throws, and jumps.”

As the track season neared its end, the team looked forward to the Somerset County Championships on May 17. “Our whole team is really looking forward to racing at counties,” Andrew Vilarin (IV) stated, “We’ve been putting in a lot of hard work this season, and it’s our best chance to display that.

We also have a lot of new freshmen who haven’t been to a big race like this before. It’s going to be a fun and exciting experience for all of us.”

The Boys’ Team ended up finishing eleventh, while the Girls’ Team finished eighth. The Track Team then went on to compete in the Mountain Division of the Skyland Conference Championships on May 24. Impressively, the Boys’ Team finished third, and the Girls’ Team finished second.

Baseball The Pingry Baseball team has had a stellar season so far, boasting a 22-2 record, which includes notable wins such as a 7-4 victory over Gill St. Bernard’s and a 9-0 victory over Franklin in the second round of the Somerset County Tournament. The team is led by captain and Columbia commit Thomas Santana (VI), who has a team-leading 55 strikeouts as a pitcher in only 27 innings.

The team also boasts a multitude

of other Division 1 commits, like Villanova-bound Jake Francis (V), Norfolk State commit Liam Royster (VI), and future Richmond student Nick Lorenzo (V). Other important players include Kailar Ahn (IV), who has a 13-game hit streak and leads the team in RBIs, and Alex Payne (IV).

The team remains optimistic about their remaining games, as Payne says that there are “lots of wins to come.” Pingry Baseball’s last two games are on June 26th and 27th against Summit and Morristown respectively.

Softball As the spring season comes to a close, Pingry’s softball team currently holds a 12-9 record after competing in many exciting games and tournaments. According to head coach Chip Carver, the season was “rewarding for the team because of the moments” they have all shared on the field.

A particular highlight was the girls’ defeat over Delaware Valley 2-1 on May 3, a top team in the Skyland Conference. During the game, pitcher Anna Stowe (VI) allowed only eight hits and struck out eight batters over seven innings.

Another highlight was the girls’ game against Belvidere, which they won 6-5. Team member Delaney Swain (IV) reflected on the winning moment, “Our pitcher threw the last strikeout of the game and everyone ran out and started celebrating.”

In addition to their many successes this spring, Coach Carver points out that “most importantly, the team has been a cohesive group that loves their time together… and they all had fun learning and playing some softball throughout the season.”

Boys’ Tennis The Boys’ Tennis team has been truly dominant this season so far.

Having gone undefeated in the regular season, the team’s only team loss came with a shortened lineup at the Delbarton Invitational Tournament. The team boasts a 17-1 record overall and their achievements include winning the Lawrenceville Invitational Tournament, being crowned the Skyland Conference champions, and being named co-champions of the Somerset County tournament.

All players on the starting lineup have qualified for the individual

Franklin Zhu (VI): Boys’ Golf

Olivia Hung (VI): Girls’ Lacrosse state tournament, and the group as a whole is looking to win their team state tournament. Captain Asher Matthias (V) commented, “We are having a great season so far…I think we can make a deep run in states and Tournament of Champions if we keep up this pace.”

Boys’ Lacrosse After a very successful team training trip in Orlando, Florida, the Boys’ Lacrosse Team returned t o Ne w J e r se y an d b e gan t h e season. Following a win against Montgomery, 18-4, Big Blue took on a very skilled BridgewaterRaritan squad, which they fell short against during overtime. After two more tough losses coming at the buzzer to Hunterdon Central and Westfield (in double overtime), the team picked up the pace with a streak of solid wins over teams, including Manasquan, Rutgers Prep, and Watchung Hills. Captain and midfielder Luke Engelke (VI) stated after a 13-5 win over #14 Manasquan, “We have a great team and a great coaching staff, so we just come together and make things happen… We’ve been in plenty of big games now this season, and we know what to do in those spots.

We’re just going to keep playing our game.” The Boys’ Lacrosse Team now looks toward Somerset County and the Non-Public A state tournament with high expectations.

Girls’ Lacrosse The Girls’ Lacrosse team is excited to close out an amazing season. This year’s lineup hosts a multitude of

talented players who have led the team to a dominant 15-3 record as of May 20. Coach Abbott and her team also have a strong supporting cast, with the bench energy, or “Benergy” as it is affectionately called, being a major part of the team’s culture.

Although the team has battled through some unfortunate injuries, they are still confident about the upcoming state tournament. Team co-captain and UChicago lacrosse commit Olivia Hung (VI) said, “We have a lot of really good players and we think we can make a good run in the state tournament.”

Boys’ Golf The Boys’ Golf Team had both a fun and successful season. This year, captains Mark Bliemel (VI) and Franklin Zhu (VI) led the group alongside Coach Mark McAvoy.

The team had various members with consistently impressive performances, including Rohan Yadav (III), Eshaan Golchha (IV), and Timmy Moriarty (V), as well as captains Bliemel and Zhu. The team had a winning record of 7-3, playing against schools such as Bridgewater-Raritan, Hunterdon Central, Montgomery, North Hunterdon, Phillipsburg, and Ridge.

This season, the team unfortunately fell just short of qualifying for the Tournament of Champions, which only the top two teams are able to compete in. The Boys’ Golf Team tied for second place, but, sadly, they lost by merely one stroke in the playoffs. Despite the regretful loss, Yadav still qualified individually.

“It’s nice to get on the golf course

versus being on the range,” Golchha commented. Despite not being able to qualify for the Tournament of Champions this season, the Boys’ Golf Team was able to form strong bonds and close connections with each other. As Zhu said, “At the end of the day, it’s the memories that you make and the people that you meet.”

Girls’ Golf Led by Coach Sean McAnally and Captains Margaret Zachary (VI) and Ansley Higgins (VI), the Varsity Girls’ Golf Team ended with a strong finish to the season. They competed at the Skyland Conference Championships and, after beating Montgomery, took on the state championships, ending with a 4-6 record.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Madeline Alfieri (IV) noted that the team did not face many challenges with COVID-19; rather, the hard part was seeing some senior teammates leave and acclimating to new ones. Even then, Alfieri said that they “were able to bond and unite as a team quickly, making us a very tight-knit team.”

In fact, Alfieri cites the team’s camaraderie as a defining trait.

“My favorite aspect of the team is how close we all are to each other as well as to our coaches, and being close with your teammates makes matches and tournaments even more fun,” she says. “We are all looking forward to another great season next year.”

Kyra Li (V): Track Photo Credits: Pingry Communications