The Pingry Record - June 2025

COMMENCEMENT 2025

Seniors Embark On ISPs

After completing their classes in early May, 147 seniors pursued Independent Senior Projects (ISPs). These projects ranged from working in a multinational rail firm, to beekeeping at Pingry, to starting a food blog. These projects allowed seniors to explore their interests in the final months of their high school careers.

“GOODBYE PINGRY”

Vinav Shah spent the month of May creating a documentary titled, “Goodbye, Pingry.” The documentary explores life and legacy at The Pingry School, particularly focusing on examining Pingry through the metaphor of the Ship of Theseus. Ultimately, the documentary seeks to answer the question: In a school where the student body completely changes every four years, what core “essence” of Pingry remains the same?

DATA DIVE: CHATBOT ANALYTICS

Melinda Xu is working with a tech company that provides cutting-edge, digitized solutions for a variety of clients. Her ISP consists of two primary goals. First, she is conducting data analysis and exploration on data collected by a

chatbot for a major global company to generate actionable insights into user behavior. Second, Melinda is performing a competitive analysis on the implementation of chatbots across the industry.

MALCOlM’S ADVENTURE INTO BANKRUPTCY COURT!

Malcolm Adedjouma interned at the US Bankruptcy Courts of New Jersey, located in Newark, NJ. Specifically, he interned at the Clerk’s Office for Bankruptcy, where he was tasked as the “Swiss Army Knife” of the office. Essentially, Malcolm worked by making the jobs of attorneys and chief deputies of judges easier and more efficient. To do this, he scanned court calendars, took notes in court hearings, shredded confidential documents, and organized financial documents chronologically.

BRAVITAS GROUP INTERNSHIP

Kirsten Thomas spent her ISP interning with the Bravitas Group in Montclair. They renovate, restore, and manage buildings in the area with a focus on environmental and community impact. Kirsten learned about what they do, helped out in the office, shadowed partners, and went on site visits.

BEHIND THE GREEN: EXPLORING THE BUSINESS OF HOSTING A USGA TOURNAMENT

Ruby McGurn assisted with running a United States Golf Association (USGA) Amateur tournament at Plainfield Country Club. She was there for the preparation, full tournament, and aftermath of the tournament. Additionally, Ruby had a variety of jobs, such as shuttling players to the range, scoring their rounds, and organizing merchandise.

THE SPINAL TAP

Lizzy Nikitin shadowed several doctors at the Maxim Spine practice at their Cedar Knolls location. She was able to interact with patients and hear their stories, as well as review their imaging with them. Through this experience, Lizzy learned about treatment for different spinal issues and degeneration.

PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE HUDSON RIVER

Sia Ghatak explored sites along the Hudson River, focusing on those painted by Hudson River School artists in Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, taking pictures to understand how these places have

evolved over the past 200 years.

A “HOLE” NEW GAME: EXPLORING THE NJPGA & ITS INNER-WORKINGS DURING TOURNAMENT SEASON

Greta Reinhardt spent the last few weeks getting first-hand experience with the New Jersey Professional Golf Association (NJPGA) and how it runs its many tournaments. She worked by helping track scoring, setting up, checking players in, and learning about how a state-wide business runs smoothly while managing hundreds of players.

BREAKING POINT: UNDERSTANDING FEMORAL NECK FRACTURES

Mia Cuiffo shadowed Dr. Spinnickie, an orthopedic surgeon, in his office, as well as worked on a medical review article about femoral neck fractures, a type of hip fracture. She also learned about how these injuries are treated and how patients recover.

FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE: BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH AT CHOP

Carolyn Zhou has been interning at the Children’s Hospital of

Philadelphia with D3b, a lab that studies pediatric brain tumors. Through this internship, Carolyn has received hands-on experience in cell and organoid culturing, H&E staining, and she has also shadowed experiments and surgeries with the neuroscience staff. She is currently working on a study to characterize the histology of canine tumors for potential research and drug testing applications. Overall, Carolyn was able to understand the research workflow from consenting patients, surgery, receiving and preserving tumor samples, and experimenting on them.

FINANCIAL & BUSINESS

ANALYSIS IN LAW

JingJing Luo interned at Ropes & Gray, a law firm based in NYC. She was immersed in the culture of “Biglaw” and the corporate world. As a member of the Strategic Analysis Team, JingJing explored various profit and revenue metrics between law firms using data analytics tools. Her team describes its work as “internal consulting,” which explains how to solve problems and create visualizations that various departments and senior leaders in the firm need.

Photo Credits: Pingry Communications

TINGTING LUO (V)

On Wednesday, May 14, the Upper School gathered in Hauser Auditorium for the annual Academic Awards Assembly to honor the exceptional student achievements of senior class members.

Upper School Director Dr. Reid Cottingham delivered opening remarks and presented Ross Gay’s poem, “Ode to the Flute.” Next, Upper School Academic Dean Mrs. Uma Aviles recognized students receiving national awards, including U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist Ziv Shah (VI), National Merit Finalists, and National Merit Scholarship recipients Benjamin Chung (VI) and Elbert Ho (VI).

English Department Chair Dr. Ann Dickerson and Upper School Latin Teacher Mr. Matthew Osborne then inducted the newest 19 members of the senior class into the Cum Laude Society, recognizing their academic achievements and embodiment of the Society’s motto: areté (excellence),

Academic Awards Assembly

diké (justice), and timé (honor).

Mr. Osborne presented honorary membership in the Cum Laude Society to Upper School Chemistry Teacher Mr. Timothy Grant, who “has inspired his students as well as his colleagues to strive for excellence, honor, and justice” during his 41-year career at Pingry.

Then, Music Department Chair

Dr. Andrew Moore, Mathematics Department Chair Dr. Alexandra Lasevich, English Department Chair

Dr. Ann Dickerson, and World & Classical Languages Department Chair Mr. Steven Benoit presented the Arts and Academics Awards to students who have excelled in various artistic and academic disciplines. Awards included the Pingry Drama Prize for Musical Theatre, the Ernest C. Shawcross Chemistry Award, the Jean S. MacDonald History Prize, the DeGryse Prize in World Languages, and many more.

Afterward, Form V and VI Dean of Student Life Ms. Julia Dunbar presented School Service and Leadership Awards,

including the Paul R. Leary ‘90 Award, the John Taylor Babbitt ‘07 Award, and other scholar-athlete awards. Dr. Cottingham announced the winners of special school awards, including two that were voted upon by the entire senior class: the Legacy Cup, awarded to Taylor Francis (VI), and the Centennial Cup, a gift from the Class of ‘61, given to Joaquin Stevenson (VI). After being announced as a candidate for the Reserve Officers’ Training

Corps (ROTC), which indicates a commitment to becoming an officer in the United States Armed Forces, Sonia Nkansah (VI) received a standing ovation. University-specific awards were presented, and Nataly Ruiz (VI) was awarded the Faculty Prize for her “sustained effort dedicated to both academic pursuits and personal growth.”

Finally, with booming applause from the entire student body, Elbert Ho (VI) was announced as the Charles B. Atwater Valedictory Prize winner, awarded “to the member of the graduating class with the highest academic average all four years.” The Academic Awards Ceremony celebrates the achievements and hard work of the Class of 2025 over the past school year and their entire high school careers. Congratulations to all students recognized in the assembly, and the community wishes the Class of 2025 the best in their future journeys.

50 Years of Coeducation

LEAH HOLMES (IV)

On Friday, May 9, faculty, staff, alumni, and Upper School students gathered in Hauser Auditorium for a special assembly commemorating a major milestone: Pingry’s 50th year of coeducation. This celebration honored the school’s evolution over the past half-century and the many individuals who helped facilitate this inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

In the fall of 1974, the school merged with Short Hills Country Day School and began its journey to coeducation. This merger created a coeducational Lower School, marking the first time girls were formally welcomed into the student body. That same year, Pingry took another bold step forward by welcoming girls to the Upper School, admitting 101 female students. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for the school’s enduring commitment to gender equity and diversity in education.

To support this transition, Pingry established athletic programs for girls and worked to hire more female faculty members. These changes helped foster a culture where girls could thrive

academically, socially, and athletically.

Only five years after coeducation began, in 1979, Lynn Apruzzese ‘80 made history as the first female Student Body President. In 1994, Anne DeLaney ‘79 became the first alumna to join Pingry’s Board of Trustees, further solidifying the presence and leadership of women in all areas of school life.

During Friday’s assembly, several distinguished speakers shared personal stories and reflections about Pingry’s coeducational journey. Head of School Mr. Tim Lear ‘92 was joined by alumnae Kristin Sostowski ’93, Natalie Mullins ’15, and Elizabeth Simmons ’81, who offered unique, generational perspectives on the school’s transformation and the evolving role of women in society. Their remarks honored the past while also emphasizing the importance of resilience, leadership, and equity for future generations.

Current students had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by the first female students at Pingry — stories of perseverance, determination, and courage. These stories underscore the importance of progress and the ongoing

efforts to ensure Pingry remains a place where all students can flourish.

After the assembly, alumni led Wisdom Workshops at the Basking Ridge campus, where they shared professional expertise and life lessons with students and fellow community members. Topics included navigating career transitions, practicing selfcare, engaging with the arts, and understanding the complexities of today’s college admissions landscape.

The 50th anniversary celebration extended beyond the assembly. A series of alumni events took place over the weekend in the spirit of reflection and connection. On Thursday, May 8, a wide range of workshops were held at the Pottersville campus, featuring alumni, parents, and faculty members as presenters. These workshops offered hands-on experiences in areas such as gardening, cooking, meditation, and more. The evening concluded with a community dinner, providing a space for conversation and connections among members of the Pingry community. Together, these events highlighted the lasting value of the Pingry network and the power of shared wisdom across generations.

Jewish Heritage Month Assembly

LEAH HOLMES (IV)

On Monday, May 5, Upper School and Middle School students, faculty, and staff gathered in Hauser Auditorium for the inaugural JewishAmerican Heritage Month Assembly. Conducted by Mr. Jay Winston, with Dr. Andrew Moore accompanying on the piano, a choir composed of faculty and staff performed Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For” to kick off the assembly. After the heartfelt opening, student emcees Jacquelyn Murnick (VI) and Ellie Solomon (VI) took the stage.

The first interactive section of the assembly was a video paired with a game of Stand Up, Sit Down, where students had to guess the meanings of some commonly used Yiddish words like “klutz” and “schlep.” Everyone had a great time guessing the definitions of words many had heard before but perhaps didn’t fully understand.

Next, a group of Middle School students gave a presentation on Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. They explained what it means to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and the preparation that goes into this Jewish tradition.

Some students worked on Mitzvah projects—often related to community service or giving back in some way— while others focused on reading and reciting from the Torah at their ceremonies. They also talked about the celebrations that follow, which could include fun, themed parties that many people in the audience have attended themselves. After the presentation, two students from each grade and some faculty members competed on stage in a lively game of Jeopardy. The categories included “Famous Jewish Americans,” “Holidays,” “Food,” “Sports,” and “Miscellaneous.” Some questions featured were “Who was the first Jewish justice appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court?” and “Which college football team is home to Jewish quarterback Jake Retzlaff?” The competition was intense and exciting to watch, but in the end, the freshmen team came out on top, which earned their grade a dress-down day. Thank you to those who organized and participated in the assembly. It was a fun and educational event, and it allowed everyone to learn more about Jewish-American heritage in an engaging way!

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

AAPI Assembly 2025: Honoring Heritage

families in the Pingry community.

As part of its Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations, Pingry held its annual assembly on April 30. Upper and Middle School students gathered in Hauser Auditorium to honor the rich diversity and contributions of the AAPI community.

The program opened with an energetic K-pop medley performed by Charlotte Hao (III), Madison Titus (III), Madison Zhu (III), Rachel Bai (II), and Sophia Bai (I). Their dance featured popular songs like “Walkin' on Water” and “Chk Chk Boom” by Stray Kids, setting a lively tone for the event.

Following the performance, Middle School students presented a thoughtful overview of the origins and history of AAPI Heritage Month. The presentation highlighted significant moments in American history, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the arrival of early Japanese and Filipino immigrants.

Next, Sheryl Chen (V), Katherine Jung (V), Durga Menon (V), Sarah Yu (IV), and Amara Obaray (IV) performed the poem “Fearfully, Wonderfully.” Their reading delivered a powerful message about embracing one’s identity, reminding the audience that every person is “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

The Middle School South Asian Affinity Group followed with a vibrant dance featuring songs like “Nainowale Ne,” “Mitwa,” and “Ai Giri Nandini.” Dancers Aarushi Sharma (I), Anika Varshneya (I), Arika Gupta (I), and Riya Mirchandani (I) captivated the audience with their energy and grace.

The Upper School South Asian Affinity Group then presented a student-created video titled “Roots to Routes,” which explored the migration stories of South Asian

Featuring students Aria Saksena (IV), Sahana Kakar (III), and Akiv Shah (III) — as well as a cameo from Upper School Academic Dean Ms. Uma Aviles — the video offered a personal and moving glimpse into family histories.

Afterward, the Upper School South Asian Affinity Group, featuring Uma Menon (VI), Riya Prabhu (IV), Shanti Swadia (IV), and more, performed a dance medley featuring both Bollywood music and classical dance. An upbeat Filipino bamboo dance performed by Middle School students to “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas followed—an unexpected but crowd-pleasing choice.

The South Asian Affinity Group also gave a brief presentation highlighting influential South Asian figures in American culture and leadership, including Kamala Harris, Simone Ashley, and Mindy Kaling.

To conclude the assembly, the Asian Student Union hosted a lively Kahoot trivia competition, where each grade sent two form representatives to answer questions about AAPI history and culture. The seniors ended up winning the trivia! Edward Huang (V), one of the representatives, reflected, “Unfortunately, I couldn’t pull through for the junior class — but I’m redirecting all blame to Rennick Mirliss for not knowing the first Indian American in space.”

Each year, the AAPI assembly showcases the rich diversity within the AAPI community. Its success is made possible by the hard work and dedication behind the scenes of all those involved in the assembly and the faculty supervisors. Prabhu, who has participated in the AAPI assembly for the last five years, says, “The AAPI Assembly is always a lot of fun, and I get to see amazing performances from my peers.”

Summer Lyrics Crossword

Please email your responses to tluo2026@pingry.org or sshah2026@pingry.org. If you are the first to respond, we will contact you about a prize!

Across

1. I'm everywhere I'm so _____

3. I heard he lives down a ____ somewhere

7. Wanna get a ____ / a jacuzzi / a theater to watch my movies

10. _______ from miles away / Passive with the things you say

12. I hear the ______ on the summer breeze, I drive fast

13. I guess you fell into the wrong _____

Down

2. With her arms like an _____ through the car sunroof

3. Laughing til our ____ get tough / But that will never be enough

4. Don’t be afraid to catch _____

5. Doin’ it all night, all ______ / Doin’ it the way I wanna

6. Well, I heard you're back ________ and if that's true

8. I think the apple’s _____ right to the core

9. We gonna _____ like it's 3012 tonight

11. I’m sorry Ms. _______, ooh, I am for real / Never meant to make your daughter cry

12. Staring at the ____ page before you

Holocaust Remembrance Assembly

SOPHIE SCHACHTER (IV)

On April 25, Pingry held its annual Holocaust Remembrance Assembly to spread awareness about the tragedies that occurred during the Holocaust and to commemorate the lives lost, particularly those of the Jewish community.

This year, the keynote speaker was Carol Moskot from the program “Keeping the Stories Alive.” The program is part of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ’s Holocaust Education Initiative, which brings generations of Holocaust survivors to various schools and organizations to share their stories.

Mrs. Moskot told the story of her maternal grandfather, László Braun, who was enslaved by the Nazis and sent to the copper mines of Bor, Serbia, during World War II. She spoke about the legacy of his last

letters — five postcards sent to her grandmother that have been passed down through generations. These postcards symbolized the enduring impact of the Holocaust on her family and underscored the importance of remembering and sharing these stories with future generations.

Throughout her talk, Mrs. Moskot highlighted how personal stories, such as her grandfather’s, help preserve the human side of history that can often get lost in statistics and timelines. She spoke candidly about how the trauma of the Holocaust shaped her family’s identity, and how sharing these stories is a way to honor those who were lost.

Mrs. Moskot’s presentation was both moving and deeply personal, offering students a powerful lens through which to view the Holocaust — not as a distant historical event, but as a lived experience that continues to resonate today. Through the

preserved postcards and her family’s narrative, she emphasized the role of memory as a form of resistance: that each story told is a stand against forgetting and denial. Her words encouraged students to engage not just with history, but with the responsibility of bearing witness.

Students left the assembly with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust’s lasting impact and a renewed appreciation for the importance of remembrance. Mrs. Moskot’s message also urged the community to carry forward the lessons of the Holocaust and to stand up against injustice wherever it may arise. As part of Pingry’s ongoing commitment to education and awareness, the event served as a meaningful reminder of how history continues to live on through storytelling — and how each generation has a role to play in ensuring it is never forgotten.

DURGA MENON (V)

DURGA MENON (V)

On May 1, the Balladeers hosted their annual Benefit Concert in the Lower Commons, performing their repertoire from the entire year. As a tribute to the graduating senior class, the concert featured heartfelt speeches from Mr. Jay Winston and underclassmen. This year, the group donated all funds raised to the Good Grief foundation, which offers free support and education to children, teens, young adults, and families who are grieving the death of a loved one. The concert began with an energetic performance of “Unwritten,” composed by Natasha Bedingfield, featuring soloists Julia Cozine (V) and Durga Menon (V) and arranged by Mykah Weckesser (VI). The

Balladeer’s Benefit Concert 2025

group then performed extended versions of their serenades “La Vie en Rose” and “Ain’t No Mountain.”

Mr. Winston then delivered a touching tribute to one of the two graduating seniors, Mykah Weckesser. Juniors Aanvi Trivedi and Tanya Puranik shared personal reflections and memories about their time with Weckesser. After this heartwarming moment, the Balladeers transitioned into more of their concert repertoire, including the choral piece “Tundra” by Charles A. Silvestri and Ola Gjeilo.

The group continued with “Don’t Stop Believin’,” a song featuring Zoe Snider (IV) that was previously performed in October at their Short Hills concert. This was followed by the pop hit “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna, with

soloists Weckesser and Puranik.

As Mr. Winston shared a tribute to honor senior Uma Menon, the spotlight turned to her. Juniors Chloe Huang and Durga Menon followed with speeches about their shared memories with Uma Menon.

Next, the underclassmen surprised the seniors with a performance of “Vienna” by Billy Joel, as this year’s senior tribute song. The tribute was a moving and meaningful gesture, sending off the seniors with love.

The Balladeers then performed “Boy” by Little Mix, a song typically done every other year but brought back especially for this concert. It was followed by “All For Us” from the TV show Euphoria, featuring soloists Durga Menon and Uma Menon, which had also been performed at the

mini-assembly earlier in the year.

Following this performance, the Balladeers performed a medley consisting of songs by Queen, arranged by Uma Menon, featuring soloists Weckesser, Aanvi Trivedi (V), Izzy Berger (IV), Sarah Clevenger (IV), and Kayla Goldstein (IV).

To conclude the concert, the group performed “God’s Gift To Women”

by

Rory Block, a longstanding Balladeers tradition. Alumni Alivia Clarke ’22, Ananya Sanyal ’24, and Saniya Kamat ’24 returned to join the group for this classic closing number. Many friends and family members found it to be a heartfelt and nostalgic way to end the concert on a high note. Congratulations to the Balladeers for all their hard work and a beautiful performance!

Cabaret Balladeers Mini Concert

SOPHIE SCHACHTER (IV)

After months of unwavering dedication and hard work, students brought the annual Cabaret performance to life in the Attic Theater on May 16. Cabaret is a compilation of many musical theatre numbers from different genres of Broadway shows, featuring original choreography and staging. This entirely student-led musical production was directed by Sylvia Ardon (VI), Uma Menon (VI), and Durga Menon (V). The performance was a highlight of the arts program and marked the end of yet another amazing performing arts season.

Auditions were held following the Winter Musical, and 23 Upper School students were ultimately cast. After spring break, rehearsals for the show began. The students met once or twice a week during conference period or after school. The cast spent this time learning the music, choreography, and blocking, all led by Ardon, Menon, and Menon. This year’s theme was “Broadway through the Ages.” The performance featured numbers from the jazz age, the golden age, the post-golden age, the pre-contemporary age, and the

contemporary age. With so much Broadway history to cover, the music performed was incredibly diverse, ranging from “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl to “Someone Gets Hurt” from Mean Girls. Cabaret emphasized every student’s unique talents and capabilities, with solos, duets, and small group performances. After the show, student director Durga Menon reflected, “I love Cabaret because it’s an opportunity for everyone who loves performing to come together and do it together. Whether it’s participating in a song or directing it, everything is student-run, showing the talent of our performers. I couldn’t be prouder of how the show came together.” Kayla Goldstein (IV) also shared, “Cabaret was super fun. Each performer gets their own opportunity to shine, and students have total agency over the direction of the show, which is pretty unique.”

Although Cabaret is mostly student-led, ranging from the performance to technical aspects, the student directors are extremely grateful to the Drama Department for all their help in putting this show together.

On April 28, the Balladeers held their annual mini-concert in the Senior Commons during community time, surrounded by peers and faculty. This year, the group performed five songs from the repertoire they had been working on throughout the year. The songs, in order, were “Unwritten,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “La Vie En Rose,” “Love on the Brain,” and “All For Us.” Since these were a cappella renditions, they did not exactly match the originals. In fact, many of the Balladeers were involved in arranging both the serenades and the assembly music.

The first three songs were serenades. The group opened with an incredible performance of “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, arranged by Balladeers Co-President Mykah Weckesser (VI). The remarkable soloists for this song were Julia Cozine (V) and Durga Menon (V). The ensemble then transitioned into “Ain’t No

Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, arranged by former Balladeers President Maya Huffman ‘18. Soloists for this piece were Co-President Uma Menon (VI) and Shanti Swadia (IV). The third song was a rendition of the French and English indie classic “La Vie En Rose” by Edith Piaf. The soloists were Izzy Berger (IV) and Weckesser, who also arranged the piece. Next, the group performed “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna, also arranged by Weckesser. Soloists for this piece were Tanya Puranik (V) and Weckesser. The Balladeers closed their performance with “All For Us” by Labrinth and Zendaya, originally from the 2019 drama series Euphoria. This song was, impressively, arranged by Weckesser once again. The soloists were Uma Menon and Durga Menon. When asked about her experience, Berger reflected, “One of my favorite parts of the year is the Balladeers concert for the school — being able to perform with friends and have all the hard work we put into our repertoire pay off is such a rewarding feeling. Even just the joy we get out of performing is so worth it, and I’m so grateful to be part of such an amazing group!” Her enthusiasm was echoed by other members of the ensemble. Overall, this was a fantastic production by the Balladeers, under the incredible direction of Upper and Middle School Music Teacher Mr. Jay Winston. Congratulations to the group for all their hard work!

SHANTI SWADIA (IV)

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images, Pingry Communications, Mr. Alan VanAntwerp

TINGTING LUO (V)

After 41 years, Mr. Bill Bourne, a cherished member of the Magistri faculty, is retiring. Known for his warm presence and unmistakable wit, Mr. Bourne leaves his mark on generations of students and colleagues.

Mr. Bourne has taught Physics 1, Honors Physics, and Science in the 20th and 21st Centuries while having coached Upper School football, Upper School golf — where he created the Junior Varsity program — as well as Middle School softball and basketball.

In addition to his teaching and coaching roles, Mr. Bourne has served as Interim Dean of Students, Community Service Coordinator, and member of the AJB Academic Judicial Board, which is the predecessor to the Honor Board. He has also advised

LEAH HOLMES (IV)

After 41 remarkable years of teaching, coaching, and mentoring at Pingry, Mr. Tim Grant — a beloved member of the Science Department and a distinguished Magistri — is retiring at the end of the school year. Since arriving at Pingry in 1984, Mr. Grant has been a pillar of the community. In the classroom, he is known not only for teaching Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Chemistry II Honors, AP Chemistry, and Physics, but also for igniting a passion for science in his students — sometimes quite literally, with canisters ablaze in the hallway. His dynamic teaching style, unwavering dedication, and genuine care have left a lasting impression on countless students. As President of the Cum Laude

SOPHIA GUILD (V)

After 41 years of inspiring generations of students, Upper School Physics Teacher Mr. Chuck Coe will conclude his time at Pingry at the end of this year. A member of the Magistri faculty, Mr. Coe is known for his thought-provoking lessons, quick wit, and warm personality, leaving a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike. Mr. Coe’s journey in teaching began with a spark from his own ninth-grade Earth Science teacher, Bob Wagner, who brought science to life by turning each class into a space to explore fascinating ideas. Years later, in graduate school, Mr. Coe discovered that

Mr. Bill Bourne

the Environmental Protection Club, Chess Club, and Robotics Team. Mr. Bourne’s strong sense of community is further reflected in his work as a Peer Coach, his organization of golf outings for the science department, and his contributions to the development of student and faculty schedules.

Reflecting on his time at Pingry, Mr. Bourne shared, “I have too many favorite memories.” One that stood out to him was a particular “Field day years ago, when the lower schoolers visited the Basking Ridge Campus, and it was the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School together.” This was one of the many moments that exemplified the sense of community Mr. Bourne both observed and helped foster during his career.

When asked about his future plans, Mr. Bourne remarked that he plans to spend time pursuing

his “various hobbies and interests.” He also expressed his intention to “come back to visit Pingry.”

Mr. Bourne’s retirement marks the conclusion of a career defined by an unwavering dedication to education and student growth. Those who learned from and worked alongside him will continue to honor his legacy. As he walked through the hallways one last time, Mr. Bourne — along with fellow retiring Magistri Mr. Charles Coe and Mr. Timothy Grant — received resounding applause from students and faculty, who lined the halls for a heartfelt send-off. Thank you, Mr. Bourne, for your invaluable contributions to science and to the Pingry community. You have made a lasting impact on every student you have worked with. You will be deeply missed, and we wish you the best in your well-earned retirement!

Mr. Tim Grant

Society and a mentor to many, he has shaped young minds and inspired students to pursue excellence. Outside the classroom, Mr. Grant’s impact has been just as profound. He has coached Girls’ Varsity Cross Country; Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Indoor and Outdoor Track; Middle School Boys’ Basketball; JV Girls’ Basketball; and Varsity Girls’ Basketball. He brought home numerous titles, earning “Coach of the Year” from The Star-Ledger in 1999 and 2003, and he was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010. More than his accolades, Mr. Grant has championed equity and excellence, dedicating much of his career to coaching girls and ensuring that every athlete — regardless of gender — receives the highest

quality coaching and support. Mr. Grant is more than a teacher or a coach — he is a mentor, role model, and friend. He has taught students not only how to solve chemical equations or improve their mile times, but how to live with passion, curiosity, and heart. His legacy is one of dedication, compassion, and an enduring belief in every student’s potential.

As he heads to Maine for retirement, Mr. Grant leaves us with this message: “Live life to the fullest, because in the end, you’ll have great memories.” He is, without a doubt, the embodiment of a life fully and meaningfully lived.

Thank you, Mr. Grant, for everything. You will be deeply missed, and your legacy at Pingry will continue to inspire students, athletes, and faculty for years to come.

Mr. Chuck Coe

he, too, truly loved teaching. Throughout his time at Pingry, Mr. Coe taught a wide range of courses, primarily Physics I, AP Physics C (both Mechanics and E&M), and Science for the 21st Century, while also dabbling in Chemistry I, seventh-grade Science, and Precalculus. Outside the classroom, he coached swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and debate, and served as Science Department Chair for over 15 years. When asked what he will miss most, Mr. Coe had an easy answer:

“I will miss the relationships I have had with my students, the joy and curiosity they brought to class, and the unpredictable things that occurred daily. I will also miss my relationships

with my wonderful, talented, compassionate, inspiring, and fascinating colleagues (just as much or more).” For Mr. Coe, Pingry has always been defined by its people. Mr. Coe plans to continue writing — working on a second edition of his book and a new one on teaching physics—while also spending time gardening, volunteering, tutoring, and being with his family. As he closes this chapter of his teaching career, Mr. Coe shares, “I can’t think of a better way for me to have spent my life than with all of you.”

Thank you, Mr. Coe, for everything you have done for the Pingry community. You will be deeply missed, and your legacy will live on in all of your students.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

SAMAYA SHAH (IV)

After nearly two decades at Pingry, Upper School Spanish Teacher Dr. Frances Mecartty is saying goodbye as she prepares to begin a new chapter in Santa Monica, California, with her daughter. A passionate and deeply committed educator, Profesora Mecartty has left an unforgettable mark on many Pingry students, including me, as one of her Spanish 4 Honors students this past year.

Originally from Venezuela, Dr. Mecartty holds a B.A.

Dr. Frances Mecartty

from Universidad Pedagógica de Maturín, an M.A. from the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before joining Pingry in 2007, she was a professor at The College of New Jersey and supervised Spanish language student teachers in public schools. Her journey to Pingry was inspired by the students themselves.

That same energy fueled her passion in the classroom. “This has been the best teaching experience that I’ve ever had — honestly,” she shared. “I will

definitely miss a lot of people here.” Beyond teaching, Dr. Mecartty also contributed to the Junior Research Paper Oral (JRPO) program, interviewing freshmen and seniors about their Pingry experience. Her legacy is not just in the grammar and vocabulary she taught, but in the care, inspiration, and high standards she brought to every lesson.

Pingry will miss Profesora Mecartty’s joyful spirit, her deep love of the Spanish language, and the warmth she brought to our community. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Saad Toor

After six years of teaching World History 9 and 10, Mr. Saad Toor will be departing the school. He is headed to Connecticut to teach history at Greens Farms Academy and spend more time with family. Mr. Toor attended the University of Connecticut, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science and Education, respectively. He later received a master’s in Modern South Asian Studies and International Relations at Oxford University.

LEAH HOLMES (IV)

After four years, Dr. Maryann “Maestra” WoodsMurphy will retire in June.

Before joining the school, Dr. Woods-Murphy had a 28-year career in public schools teaching Spanish. She also worked as a consultant for public and private schools across the United States and internationally. In 2010, she was named “New Jersey State Teacher of the Year” by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education. Additionally, to extend her impact on education nationwide, she served for a year on President Barack Obama’s administration as a Washington Teaching Ambassador Fellow — a program aimed at enhancing education by engaging educators in shaping and implementing

SOPHIE SCHACHTER (IV)

As a World History teacher for three years, Upper School History Teacher Ms. Lily Siegel will leave at the end of this year. She attended Tufts University, where she received a B.A. in History with a minor in English and graduated Summa Cum Laude. While at Tufts, she worked extensively with DREAM, a nonprofit mentoring organization serving underprivileged students in the New England area. After graduating, Ms. Siegel began working at Pingry to try out teaching as a career path. Reflecting on these

He began his teaching career in the Middle East, serving as Associate Department Head of Humanities at Jeddah Knowledge International School. Later, he taught at various schools in Connecticut and Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Studies Program.

In addition to teaching underclassmen, Mr. Toor was form dean for the Class of 2024, the faculty advisor to Upper School Muslim Affinity Group, and he taught the “Can Art Heal?” Spring Intensive. From handing out fake assignments to unsuspecting prospective

students to leading outdoor lessons that mimic trench life as World War II soldiers, his class is a balance of humor and academic rigor. When asked to reflect on his time here, Mr. Toor described Pingry as “a home away from home.”

Although he spent most of his time teaching, he explained how grateful he was for his “students who taught [him] so much with a demonstration of their daily curiosity, effort, and growth mindset.”

Thank you, Mr. Toor, for your dedication and passion! We wish you the best, and you will be missed!

Dr. Maryann Woods-Murphy

national education policies.

In 2021, when Dr. Woods-Murphy came to Pingry, she believed her time would be temporary, filling in for a teacher on leave. However, she recalls falling in love with her students, colleagues, and the school, and she decided to stay, knowing she was exactly where she needed to be. At Pingry, she taught Spanish 2, Spanish 4, and Spanish 6 (Spanish Language and Cultural Studies), sharing her passion for language and cultural understanding with students. Dr. Woods-Murphy has also co-led the Student Diversity Leadership Committee as part of her mission to help build a strong, inclusive community.

Dr. Woods-Murphy is known for her dedication to helping students become the best versions

past years, she says, “Teaching high school history has been so entertaining and meaningful to me, and it’s been Pingry itself that made it such a fulfilling experience. The warm environment, downto-earth faculty, and mostly the highly impressive, hilarious, engaged, caring, and all-around remarkable students have made Pingry a community where I feel I belong, especially as someone new to the profession and the area.”

Besides teaching World History 9 and 10, Ms. Siegel advised the Oral History HIRT and worked with the Model UN Club. She is best known for her friendliness

of themselves, her endless patience, and her genuine love for teaching and watching her students grow.

As this chapter of her teaching career comes to a close, Dr. WoodsMurphy looks forward to spending more time with her family, traveling, and writing. She wishes to “thank her students and colleagues with all her heart because they have filled her days for the past four years with interest, humor, and connection.” She also hopes that her students will “use their Spanish in their lives and that once in a while, they remember their ‘Maestra!’”

Thank you, Dr. Woods-Murphy, for everything you have done for the Pingry community, particularly the language department! You will be deeply missed!

Ms. Lily Siegel

and approachable manner, her love of history, and her ability to connect with each student.

Ms. Siegel is leaving Pingry to take some time to reflect, try new things, and determine the best move for her career, considering she began teaching immediately after college. She is also considering attending graduate school and obtaining a master’s degree in History. Thank you, Ms. Siegel, for everything you have done for the community and for your contributions to the History Department. We will miss your friendly smile in the hallways and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications

AMELIA LIU (IV)

ZIV SHAH (VI)

Dear Pingry,

It feels weird writing this, knowing that my time as a student at the Pingry School will end in only a few days. I remember the start of freshman year like it was yesterday – walking onto campus not knowing anything, anyone, and with no clue what high school would be like. These past four years have flown by faster than I ever imagined. While I’m leaving for now, I know this won’t end my Pingry journey.

Our school has a lot to offer: some of the best athletic teams in the state, award-winning arts programs, and hundreds of clubs. But reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized that Pingry’s most important offering is its community.

To start, I believe that there’s no doubt that Pingry has some of the best student-mentor relationships. Countless adults have made me a better person or have shaped my life

Student Body President Farewell

somehow, and I believe that applies to every student in this community. In addition, I found my place through communities created by shared interests: the clubs, jazz ensemble, cross country team, student government, and much, much more. Even though we always strive for excellence in various fields, the communities that make

up those fields at Pingry are the most welcoming ones I know. I remember

Dear Pingry,

talking about trying new things at Convocation this year, and while I still wholeheartedly agree that the best way to learn is by trying

something new, my perspective has evolved over this year. Yes, trying something new at Pingry helps you learn more about yourself, but more importantly, it introduces you to a community of likeminded people who, even if you never choose to pursue the activity ever again, will always be there for you, greeting you in the hallways, offering their help, and maybe even becoming some of your best friends. I, for one,

Honor Board Chair Farewell

I first arrived at the Basking Ridge campus in the fall of 2018. I was a wide-eyed 11-year-old, ready to begin my first year at Pingry in sixth grade. Back then, I had no idea what awaited me. Now, as a senior in high school, I can reflect on the past seven years and recognize how much I’ve grown. Pingry introduced me to new experiences, new people, and new challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today

(and whom I’m still becoming).

One of the main challenges I took on in freshman year was joining the Honor Board. I had been aware of the group since middle school, but I didn’t fully understand its importance until I was part of it. As a freshman, I felt a little out of my depth and intimidated by the responsibility of being in such a group. However, over the years, I became more comfortable expressing myself and ultimately leading the group as a senior. Many upperclassmen who came before me helped along this journey. Honor Board offered me a unique opportunity to interact with older students outside of a sports context — students I otherwise wouldn’t have met. Furthermore, those upperclassmen were among the most accomplished and intelligent

students at Pingry. Being around them for so many years allowed me to soak up their knowledge and become better. I will always remember the senior leaders from when I was a freshman, who went out of their way to make me feel welcome and served as models of work ethic and communication skills. As I’m about to graduate, I hope I have made a similar impact on the students younger than me. This year, Honor Board underwent many changes. Without going into specifics, the Honor Board process was revised and adapted from previous years, making it a unique time in the group’s history. With these changes, I prioritized what I believe is the most important part of Honor Board — the attempt to establish and preserve a shared sense of community.

met some of my best friends in my freshman year because they decided to join the cross country team, despite never having run long-distance before.

Pingry’s strength is its people, so take advantage of it while you can. Try a new sport, audition for a play, join another club—you don’t want to join something too late and realize you missed out. This year, I decided to play music for the musical, and I was shocked at how much I grew as a musician and how much fun it was — I only wish I had done it sooner. For those of you who are still trying to figure out who you want to be, I’d say to try everything–you never know what will surprise you. Pingry’s wonderful community makes it the best place to try something completely new and be unafraid of failing horribly. Thank you for allowing me to be your student body president this year, and I can’t wait to see how Pingry grows in the future! Best, Ziv

In most schools, teachers and administrators decide discipline issues. Pingry is unique in giving students a role in that process and the opportunity to represent the student voice and experience. Students and teachers can come to a shared agreement on the kind of school community they want to be part of. At the end of the day, I think that remains the most important part of the Honor Code and, by extension, the Honor Board. As my Pingry experience comes to a close, I realize how much I’ve grown throughout my time here. Through ups and downs, Pingry has been a very important part of my life over the past seven years. I will always be grateful for the time I’ve spent at this school and for the experiences I’ve had. Sincerely, Nick

Student Body President Greetings: Bringing Back the Spirit

JAYDEN BATTLES-COBB (V)

I’ve had the privilege of being at Pingry since Kindergarten. When I look back, I instantly think of my first day of school. To say that I was nervous would be an extreme understatement. I didn’t know anyone, and I was — and still am — shy, to a degree.

One way I was able to make friends was through traditions that brought everyone together. For example, the buddy system in the Lower School paired me with someone in a different grade each year; when I was a Kindergartener, I was paired with then-third grader Jake Abdi, who greeted me whenever he saw me, even after that year. The “jump rope clubs” and other athletic achievements we could earn during gym class helped bring our grade together. Trips to the Upper School for the Winter Concert, as well as our own smaller Lower School concerts, strengthened connections between peers. When someone had

a birthday, a teacher would ring a special bell during lunch, everyone would sing “Happy Birthday,” and the person celebrating would get to give out snacks. The biggest tradition of the year, Field Day — Blue vs. White — felt like we were gearing up for the most important moment of our lives.

These traditions made us feel special, welcomed, and encouraged us to talk with people we wouldn’t usually approach, whether congratulating them for making the “four-minute jump rope club” or saying “Happy Birthday.” Without these traditions, I know I would not have made nearly as many friends.

As we’ve gotten older, however, many of these traditions have faded away. In Middle School, only Field Day remains, and in Upper School, Peer Leadership replaces the buddy system — though these two programs still stand strong and are favorites for many.

But why does this matter? Why am I bringing this up? It’s because every

year, whether during assemblies, meetings, or student government speeches, the school spirit dilemma is constantly raised. Why don’t we have more school spirit? How can we make Pingry feel more connected? I believe the answer lies in the very place that helped kids feel connected best: the Lower School, where tradition is plentiful. As leaders of this community, we have the chance to rekindle old traditions and create powerful new ones. What is stopping us from having a Field Day where we get the day off to play games together? What about a revamped Homecoming, where people want to come and stay, not leave the instant they arrive? I am here to help create moments people remember — not because they were planned a certain way, but because they brought people together. With more accessible events and a mix of new and nostalgic ideas, I am confident we can make this happen. I look forward to serving our

school so that we all feel the same sense of welcome that an old, rusted birthday bell brings to Lower Schoolers. Together, we can build traditions that make Pingry

feel more like a family than just a school — where everyone feels like they belong. Let’s make connection a tradition that never fades away. Yours Truly,

Jayden

NICK HENRY (VI)

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

Going On The Record: Four Years Worth Of Bylines

SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (VI)

The Book of Exodus details the ten plagues God inflicted upon the Egyptian people — outbreaks of boils, infestations of frogs, and swarms of locusts. But lately, it seems like ancient Egypt has nothing on the emotional rollercoaster that is senior year.

Your favorite senior (me) has officially graduated high school. I am Icarus — but instead of wax wings, I’m weighed down by a terminal case of senioritis, flying blindly into an impending adulthood I never feel prepared enough to face. I’ve always processed my life

TINGTING LUO (V)

Walk into any theater today and you’ll likely see a lineup packed with sequels, reboots, and spin-offs. From Barbie, based on a toy, to Deadpool & Wolverine , another superhero film, to live-action Disney remakes like Snow White, Hollywood appears fixated on recycling familiar stories rather than taking chances on something new. Sure, these films often perform well at the box office, but it raises a bigger question: Is Hollywood’s dependence on established franchises a sign of the demise of cinematic creativity?

In an industry where a single “flop” can cost hundreds of millions of dollars, franchises’ built-in audiences and brand recognition are safety nets. Why gamble on an unknown idea when the next Spider-Man or Fast & Furious movie almost guarantees ticket sales?

As studios pour money into franchises, original, mid-budget films face dwindling opportunities. Pioneering movies like Get Out or Everything Everywhere All at

in the past tense, so it seems only fitting to say my final goodbye to Pingry by looking from four years’ worth of bylines. Digging through The Record archives has been like opening a time capsule. As I flipped through the articles I’ve published since freshman year, reading between the lines of my neuroses and Freudian slips, I realize that The Record has allowed me to carve out a room of my own at Pingry.

Every girl raised on a healthy diet of 2000s rom-coms knows the golden rule of journalism: you need a beat. In How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Andie Anderson writes on women’s issues for Composure, while In 27 Dresses, Kevin Doyle writes wedding features for a newspaper. In 13 Going On 30 , Jenna Rink edits Poise, a fashion magazine, and in The Proposal , Margaret Tate is the editor-inchief of a book publishing house.

As a freshman, I tried to find an iteration of myself that I could package into a regular column. In one of my favorite rom-coms, Never

Been Kissed , Josie Geller says, “To write well, you have to write what you know.” This is easier said than done. What I “knew” at the time consisted of pixelated chickflicks, overthinking, and obsessively researching actors’ birth charts. As I neared the deadline for articles, I submitted a last-minute piece on back-to-school fashion trends. It was an incoherent disaster. One person asked if it was satire. Another asked if it was a critique of societal beauty standards — which, in hindsight, would’ve at least given it a purpose. I gained a new sense of respect for Carrie Bradshaw and quickly concluded that fashion writing was not for me. Not one to give up easily, I spent the rest of the year dabbling in columns about music, pop culture, books, film, and even sports. As I slogged through deadlines, turning in half-hearted pieces about topics I didn’t care about, it became painfully clear how inauthentic my writing was. I was ready to hand in my resignation to The Record staff.

One genre I avoided entirely was politics. I was afraid of being wrong and sounding naive — or worse, performative. Politics felt reserved for the white-collared and well-read — not for a fourteen-year-old who still had to Google the difference between a caucus and a primary. Then came what the rom-coms call a plot twist. My English class had just finished The Catcher in the Rye, and while I found Holden’s overuse of profanity and “phony” grating, I was fascinated by the controversy surrounding the book. Between 1986 and 2000, there were at least nine formal attempts to remove it from school curricula, citing profanity, sexual references, and language deemed defamatory to God. In my final paper on book banning, I argued that censoring the book would only suppress the messy feelings that come with growing up. My teacher, Dr. Feeley, instilled in me the confidence to submit my essay as an oped, immortalizing my adolescent opinions bare for strangers to read

Sequels, Reboots, and Fatigue: When Will Hollywood Get Creative Again?

Once are becoming rarer. Instead, spectacle-filled sequels flood the theaters. Even “modern” remakes, like Disney’s live-action The Lion King, often feel more like marketing moves than thoughtful reinventions, with the only difference being more advanced technology. Some defend sequels and remakes, citing beloved masterpieces like The Godfather Part II and The Dark Knight , but these are rare exceptions. Today, studios don’t make most franchise films to tell fresh stories — they make them to exploit profitable brands. Just look at the endless parade of superhero movies, causing even fans to feel fatigued. Audiences absorb more content but experience less art.

The problem isn’t only artistic; when Hollywood clings to nostalgia, it silences new voices and original ideas. First-time filmmakers and screenwriters face an uphill battle with original projects while franchises receive blank checks. Only the safest, most predictable ideas get produced, leaving little room for the next E.T. the

Editors-in-Chief

JingJing Luo

Sriya Tallapragada

Rising Editors-in-Chief

Tingting Luo

Simrin Shah

in Times New Roman font. And just like that, I had found my beat. While my writing has changed over the past four years, my intentions have not. I want my words to be reflective of who I really am — someone obsessed with the lowbrow, the tacky, and the messy realities of the world we are about to inherit. Pingry taught me that the world really is our oyster, but only if we have the confidence to crack it open. It takes a certain bravery to blot ink on blank pages, whether that means writing about difficult topics or trading the white picket fences we know for muraled college campuses. Now, the day has come when we can no longer hide behind the safety of gated Schoology portals and MLA format guidelines. We no longer perform for grades or sleep easy knowing only one pair of eyes will read our words. Instead, we write for the real world. To the Class of 2025: here’s to all the different beats we will pursue. I know the world will be better off for it.

The solution isn’t to ban sequels — some deserve to exist — but to demand balance. If audiences support original films, studios will follow. That means choosing

Extra-Terrestrial to surprise us. Still, there is hope. Two years ago, Oppenheimer — a dense, three-hour historical drama with no action scenes — proved that audiences will embrace original storytelling with its near billiondollar box office earnings. Nope , an original sci-fi thriller about a mysterious UFO, also proved that innovation can still draw crowds.

Poor Things over Madame Web , or Death of a Unicorn over the latest Captain America. Hollywood isn’t out of ideas; it’s just choosing the easy path. Until that changes, we’ll keep getting the same stories with shinier effects. The question is: are we okay with that?

Faculty Advisors

Ms. Lynne Cattafi

Ms. Sara Courtney

Senior Assistant Editors

Vanya Shah

Carolyn Zhou

Assistant Editors

Durga Menon

Gabriel Raykin

Aanvi Trivedi

Cartoon Editors

Sheryl Chen

Anna Ojo

Copy Editors

Leah Holmes

Chloe Huang

Amelia Liu

Sophie Schachter

Shanti Swadia

Victoria Xie

JINGJING LUO (VI)

I tell stories about other people, never about myself. From the next-door-neighbor’s plumbing empire to another’s success at growing pineapples in Icelandic greenhouses, I remember and narrate the far more eventful, praiseworthy lives of my friends, my bosses, my acquaintances, and strangers whose ten seconds spawn envy, even from a distance. Naturally, of my seven years at this school, the most valuable lessons come from collecting the stories of others: my teachers, in particular. On one such occasion, I stopped by the history office, post-APUSH exam, to visit Dr. Murray, whose wealth of knowledge spans from the furniture of early America to

SIMRIN SHAH (V)

Ted Mosby is what happens when someone refuses to stop caring — even in a world that tells them to chill out. Even among his own friend group on How I Met Your Mother, Ted is often the punchline. He’s “too much.” Too romantic. Too sentimental. Too

The leaves were just beginning to turn gold, and the last of the summer sunlight filtered through the trees. My parents and I stood facing my sister outside her dorm, saying our final goodbyes. We reminded ourselves that she would be back in just three months for Thanksgiving break, but the moment still felt heavy. I stepped forward for one last hug before my parents and I returned to New Jersey. I held my sister tightly, desperately wishing I wouldn’t have to let go. When I finally stepped back, a sinking feeling settled in my stomach. That feeling lingered as I watched her walk away, her steps trailing through the orange leaves, and it followed me into the car, growing

A Note on Challenging Stories

counterculture fanaticism in the ‘60s to all things in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With nothing to do, as the hallways were empty, I entered the History office. It was soon that Dr. Murray started telling me about a Hulu show titled The Bear that he watched over spring break, one I, too, should watch over the summer. From handheld shots in cramped quarters of a real kitchen to mise en place at dawn to ticket printing sounds, the show offers a raw, visceral portrayal of the high-pressure environment of the restaurant industry. Capturing the life of Carmy Berzatto, a young fine-dining chef forced to inherit the family sandwich shop, The Bear conveys not merely the exhilaration of the culinary trade but also the exhaustion that follows, a feeling overshadowed by aromas and profits.

After listening to Dr. Murray’s recap of The Bear, I knew I could never become a restaurateur — chopping, shouting, plating, the impatient client tantrums sparked by an escaped garnish. I was stunned by the intricacies that permeated the kitchen steam. I was in awe of the chefs and servers

and waitresses who run the Italian diner across the street. But mostly, I was in fear of this potential fate, wondering if all adults grow disillusioned with their careers.

The past month of ISPs has brought this memory back to life. As I waited for the six o’clock bus back home from the city, I found myself witness to many conversations too personal for corporate world lunches — secrets, insecurities, and relief come tumbling out as the work day churned to a stop. A woman, possibly in her twenties, trench coat flapping behind like a cape, loudly declared to her friend over the phone, “I love the city, but only when I’m not working in it.” In the background were grandfathers sipping tea, playing chess, and placing bets on their winnings under the slender branches and wide leaves of London plane trees in Bryant Park. I laughed at the irony of the scene. I wondered if the woman disliked her city or her career. These complaints were not original, as I became audience to many more, from a man with tousled hair heaving his briefcase, a girl changing into her heels in front of the office, and the surge of men in

finance out on lunch break, seeking the breath of fresh air central air conditioning couldn’t buy.

The one type of story I tell about myself is reserved for my struggles, relatable as always. Complaining makes good stories. From hatred for the pink and white bows that my nanny used to tie in my hair to the deck in my backyard that hasn’t been fixed in ten years to girls liking guys who would never reciprocate, I was privy to all the woes that define the years leading up to adulthood. Life is hard — in the culinary scene, on rainy city evenings, and even in the monotony of home. Given the opportunity to describe my future in a word, I would say it will be “challenging.” Yet I’m familiar with the exhilaration that arises from facing these challenges, so I look back on the past 18 years of struggle fondly: the late nights perfecting the alignment issues for The Record, debriefing spilled tea, and laughing to cover awkward silences are nights worth remembering. Secretly, I’m addicted to the beauty in the challenge itself.

More recently, in the month of my ISP, although I returned every day exhausted as ever, there

The Risk of Caring Out Loud

intense. He says “I love you” to people he’s just met. He throws surprise parties. He believes in soulmates and love that lasts forever. He tries too hard. He’s embarrassing. He’s mocked — not just by the characters around him, but by viewers, too.

Here’s what people miss: Ted is the glue. The dinners, the group hangouts, the rooftop moments, the “remember that night?” memories — those don’t happen without someone like him. He puts in effort where most people now put in distance. The truth is, we need more people like Ted — because community doesn’t survive without effort. And yet, more and more, we’re being taught that effort is optional.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve started confusing emotional self-

protection with self-respect. We’ve let the language of self-care morph into a culture of detachment — one where we’re told we don’t “owe” anyone our time, presence, or vulnerability. We are encouraged to cut people off for any inconvenience, to protect our peace at all costs, to “do you” and never look back. However, this mindset — when taken too far — becomes harmful. It forgets something vital: we are interdependent. We are where we are because of people who showed up for us — parents, friends, teachers, neighbors, mentors, even strangers. We don’t get through life alone, and we’re not supposed to. Yes, we need boundaries, but we also need bridges. We need to stop pretending that care is a weakness

or that community is a burden. We owe something to each other — not out of guilt or debt, but out of respect for the simple truth that none of us got here by ourselves. And that’s why people like Ted matter. We underestimate the vital role those people play in our lives. Real community — the kind that keeps people going — isn’t built through convenience; it’s built through awkward, vulnerable, persistent effort. It’s texting first. Following up. Planning the hangout. Remembering the birthday. Bringing the soup. Sending the check-in text when someone goes quiet. It’s the stuff that doesn’t always get noticed but holds entire friend groups together. Yes, it can be awkward, and you might get called “too much.” But in the

Looking Forward

heavier with each passing mile. In my head, I kept thinking of all the “never agains.” I would never again attend a middle school French class, and she would never again be in high school. She would no longer come home to the same house every day. I would no longer be able to wander into her room uninvited and wrap my arms around her. To me, this day felt like a definitive ending.

About a week later, I attended my first day of high school. It's been almost three years since that day, and soon I’ll be applying to colleges, just as my sister did years before. In hindsight, I’ve come to several realizations. What I didn’t see then was that while change

implies a loss, it also signals a new beginning. Yes, I could no longer hug my sister

every day, but I would call her

hasn’t been a moment I haven’t enjoyed, not even when the rain soaked my white, lacey flats to a dirty yellow as I made my daily trek to and from Penn Station. So I realize now that the freshness of an experience distills the exhaustion that struggles elicit, blending struggle into thrill. Never once did I enjoy a struggle faced twice. Yet for the new struggles I did face, I never complained — not while touring the Louvre for the first time while having a fever, wearing a clashing skirt and leggings on the first day of middle school, or facing the prospect of navigating communal college dorm bathrooms. These challenges become potent, beautiful memories that revisit me in my sleep. Thank you for listening, and many thanks to the thousands of stories I’ve learned from over the years. In conclusion, which there always is in an editorial, I’d like to leave one message for my readers and future self: appreciate how challenging life is, and seek the newness in this challenge. I’m sure one day, I will learn to happily share my stories, enriched by their difficulty.

end, someone has to try. Someone has to look foolish for the rest of us to stay connected. Detachment doesn’t create safety, and silence doesn’t mean peace. More often, it just means loneliness. You don’t get meaningful friendships by accident. You build them — just as Ted Mosby does. Our too-busy, too-isolated, too-self-protective world needs more of his mindset. It’s important to be the person who cares out loud. Be the one who calls. Be the one who organizes the thing, sends the message, makes the toast. Not because it’s an obligation, but because it’s an inheritance. Someone showed up for you. Now it’s your turn. Because ultimately, we don’t stay together by accident; we stay together because of our effort.

daily and value the limited time we had together more than ever before. Change does not mean we can’t experience happiness to the extent we did before. On the contrary, we can still feel joy — just in ways different from what we’re used to. I also learned that we cannot hold onto the past, no matter how safe and familiar it feels. In the weeks following the start of her college classes, I made the mistake of constantly replaying memories of our time together. All those moments — building snowmen, cooking breakfast, creating birthday cards for our parents — felt comforting, yet distant. I looked backward, hoping it would bring relief, but

instead I found myself stuck in a cycle of longing. Slowly but surely, though, I grew used to walking past my sister’s empty bedroom, to long FaceTime calls, and to the increased workload that came with high school. That day outside her dorm, I thought I was witnessing the end of a phase. But I didn’t notice how beautiful the trees looked with their striking new shades of yellow and red. I didn’t realize that my sister and I were simply growing up. I didn’t imagine that in just a few months, I’d attend my first Snowball, and a few years later, my first prom. I would meet new friends, take interesting classes, and learn new skills. I didn’t yet understand that change doesn’t erase what came before — it adds to it and enriches the seasons that make up what we call life.

Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications, Anna Ojo (IV)

VICTORIA XIE (V)

Two Stops, One Stomach: How to Conquer Jersey City’s Best Pizza and Taco Spots in One Night

There are few things in life that match the thrill of securing both perfect tacos and artisan pizza within the same hour. In Jersey City, just a few blocks off Grove Street, there exists a magical two-minute radius where this dream isn’t just possible — it’s strategic. But let’s be clear: this is no casual meal; it’s a mission.

Step 1: Get on the list. You arrive hungry. That’s important. Near Grove Street, tucked in plain

sight, is a taqueria that smells like pure joy: charred meat, citrusy salsa, and warm tortillas. The second you parallel park, you walk to the taqueria and give them your name. Smile and don’t ask how long the wait is — just trust the process. After all, you’re not sticking around. You aren’t even hungry yet.

Step 2: Power walk to Razza. Roughly 120 seconds from the taqueria is your next move: Razza. Walk in through the main entrance, and someone will inevitably say, “Unfortunately, we are no longer

taking walk-ins for the evening.”

Then, you will be directed to a side building where to-go orders are taken. Razza runs on its own time, but their pizza is simply that good, so you accept the 55-minute wait.

Step 3: Order fast, eat faster. Back at the taqueria, it’s go time. You’re not here for a leisurely meal. Grab three tacos (yes, three, no more), and sit near the door. This is tactical dining. The tacos come fast and should be eaten faster. Inhale the first, savor the second, and let the third be your farewell bite.

Step 4: Pizza pickup. Just as you’re leaving the courtyard of the taqueria, your phone buzzes. It’s Razza notifying you that your order is now ready. With another short walk, you re-enter the kitchen. Pizzas are moving in and out of the brick ovens at a rapid pace. Despite the fact that you’ve just eaten, you’re brimming with anticipation. A waitress hands you a warm box of crisp, blistered, woodfired perfection, and you head back outside victorious. You’ve just outmaneuvered the system.

Step 5: Parallel-parked pizza picnic. While your pizza is still warm enough to fog up the windshield, you return to your car, which — if you grabbed a good spot — should be within viewing distance of both spots. Open the box. Let the steam hit your face. Fold, bite, chew, repeat. Razza’s pizza isn’t just good, it’s thoughtful. The crust has that perfect balance of chew and

char, and the toppings, while often adventurous, are always spot on.

This entire plan — tacos first, pizza second — is your cheat code to Jersey City dining glory. So the next time someone says you can’t have it all, smile politely, grab your keys, and take them to Grove Street. The tacos are waiting, the pizzas are rising, and your taste buds are already celebrating.

Hot Summer Nights and Comfort Shows

AMELIA LIU (IV)

With the school year coming to a close, I’ve found myself scrambling to find a comfort summer show. The first half of 2025 has already delivered many hits, such as Severance and The White Lotus As for the summer, a new wave of popular shows is ready to drop, but there’s nothing wrong with a little nostalgia. Here are some of my favorites along with the most anticipated shows of the summer.

The Last of Us. Yes, I know it’s not technically a “summer” show, but it’s worth mentioning for anyone who wants a short

but packed series to watch. Season 2 dropped earlier this spring, and while it’s technically a zombie show, it incorporates an emotional, gut-wrenching aspect that draws the audience in. The action is definitely there, but at its core, the show is about people trying to hold on to something while everything around them falls apart. It’s intimate, haunting, and impossible to watch without getting attached. You could also play the video game while waiting for the next season to drop.

If you’re craving high school drama in the middle of summer, Ginny & Georgia returns for Season 3 on June 5. The trailer teases courtroom drama, family secrets, and the aftermath of Georgia’s arrest. Yes, there are a few questionable moments that may give you secondhand embarrassment, but it’s the kind of messy teen soap that reminds you of the realities of being a teenager.

The third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty premieres on July 16. This season, which marks the end of Jenny Han’s beloved novel adaptation, promises more

love triangle chaos and beachside drama. Season 2 ended with Belly and Jeremiah going strong, but the debate between Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah remains stronger than ever. It’s the perfect binge for those long summer nights. Toward the second half of the summer, Jenna Ortega will return as Wednesday Addams in Season 2 of the hit Netflix series. The new season continues Wednesday’s time at Nevermore Academy, filled with more supernatural and murder mystery themes. “Judas” singer Lady Gaga will be making yet another appearance after the viral dance to “Bloody Mary.”

Summer is also the perfect time to revisit old favorites, and I’ve been tuning into the comfort chaos of Hell’s Kitchen. Watching grown adults stress over salmon or risotto while Gordon Ramsay roasts them never gets old. There’s something about the challenges, eliminations, and Ramsay’s patience wearing thin that makes it weirdly relaxing. Additionally, the show reveals the raw emotions of every chef as they experience the highs and lows of each challenge or dinner service. It’s wonderful to watch each team bounce back after a rough patch and how they support one another in a highly competitive and stressful environment. Ramsay has run this show for 20 years, and it’s on track to renew for Season 24 this fall. If you’re a fan of food, drama,

and deeply personal stories, Hell’s Kitchen is the perfect show for you. Whether you want popular releases or chaotic comfort TV, there’s something out there for everyone to fill the summer void. For me, I’ll be rotating between postapocalyptic emotions, summer romance, and burnt scallops.

SIMRIN SHAH (V)

Class of 2025: Off to College

Babson College

Baylor University

Belmont University

Boston College

Boston University

Brown University

Bucknell University

California Institute of Technology

Carnegie Mellon University

Colby College

Colgate University

College of the Holy Cross

Columbia University

Cornell University

Drew University

Duke University

Elon University

Emory University

Fordham University

Franklin & Marshall College

Georgetown University

Hofstra University

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Kenyon College

Lehigh University

Loyola University Maryland

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Michigan State University

Middlebury College

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Oxford College of Emory University

Penn State University (University Park)

Princeton University

Rice University

Rutgers University (Camden)

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Tulane University of Louisiana

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of Chicago

University of Connecticut

University of Georgia

University of Kent

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California

University of Vermont

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Southern Methodist University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Hamilton College

Harvard University

Haverford College

High Point University

Hobart and William

Smith Colleges

Spelman College

Stanford University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Syracuse University

The University of Texas at Austin

Tufts University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

William & Mary

Yale University

2 students are taking a Gap year

Senior Awards

Math, Science, Technology

Computer Science Prize

Melinda Xu

John R. Whittemore ’47

Biology Award

Kayla Kerr, Nicolas Rodriguez-Lopez

Ernest C. Shawcross

Chemistry Award Elbert Ho, Vinav Shah

Whitlock Prize for Math

Elbert Ho

Science Book Award

Jonathan Robustelli, Eleanor Solomon

Science Research Award

Graham Houghton, Ziv Shah

Science in Society Award

Krish Patel, Melinda Xu

The Physics Award

Bogdan Kuzmanov, Ella Wunderlich

Humanities

Union College Casmir A. France Award for Excellence in English Vinav Shah, Ella Wunderlich

Paul H. and Sarah Rouslin Excellence in English Award

Ava Grunstra, Sydney Sinins

Martin B. O’Connor ’26 Journalism Award Sriya Tallapragada

Language Prize

Advanced Language Prize

Advanced Math Prize

Rafferty Harris, Ella Wunderlich

Economics Prize

Sasha Bauhs, Vinav Shah

Robotics Prize

Matthew Dicks, Sia Ghatak

Yearbook Award

Emily Dicks, Claire Sartorius

Jean S. MacDonald

History Prize

Thomas Davis

Psychology Prize

Brice Crosby, Lila Martin

World and Classical Languages

Chinese: Isabelle Chen

French: Ava Grunstra

German: Bogdan Kuzmanov

Chinese: Vinav Shah

French: Ziv Shah

German: Neil Riener

Latin: Vanya Shah

Spanish: Ethan Liu

Latin: William Pertsemlidis

Spanish: Ella Wunderlich

The DeGryse Prize in World

Laguages: Olivia Buvanova

Arts and Drama

Director’s Award for Achievement in Dramatic Arts

Vanya Shah, Mykah Weckesser

Drama Department Award for Musical Theatre

Uma Menon

Drama Department Award for Technical Theatre

Sia Ghatak

Michael E. Popp Photography Prize Jasmine Delgado

Brendan J. Donahue ’79 Memorial Prize for Fine Arts

Annabel Fassnacht, Ava Khan

Brendan J. Donahue ’79 Memorial Prize for Pottery and Sculpture

Tyler Jones

Barbara Berlin Prize in Art History

Katharine Shea

The Music Award William Pertsemlidis

School Service and Leadership

Michael Jupka Jr. ’76 Blue Key Award

Alex Wong

Community and Civic Engagement Award

Emily Dicks, Rohan Yadav

Paul R. Leary ’90 Award

Malcolm Adedjouma

John Taylor Babbitt ’07 Award

Paige Travers

Student Government Achievement Award Ziv Shah

Special Awards

The 1902 Emblem Award

Ziv Shah

The Magistri Laudandi Award Nataly Ruiz

The Legacy Cup

Taylor Francis

Centennial Cup – Gift of the Class of ’61

Joaquin Stevenson

Class of ’26 Reese Williams Award Jack Moye

Sandy Apruzzese Big Blue Award

Eleanor Solomon

Elizabeth Allan Smith ’83 Memorial Pingry-Duke Scholarship Prize

Nicolas Rodriguez-Lopez

C.B. Newton Pingry-Princeton Scholarship Prize

Rebecca Kirschner

The Faculty Prize Nataly Ruiz

Charles B. Atwater Valedictory Prize

Elbert Ho

U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates

Eddy Chen Elbert Ho

U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist

Ziv Shah

Cum Laude Society

Sasha Bauhs

Olivia Buvanova

Ethan Chan

Eddy Chen

Isabelle Chen

Benjamin Chung

Mia Cuiffo

Sia Ghatak

Alexis Glasofer

Elbert Ho

Graham Houghton

JingJing Luo

Ruby McGurn

Uma Menon

Will Pertsemlidis

Helena Pols

Alexander Recce

Nicolas RodriguezLopez

Vanya Shah

Vinav Shah Ziv Shah

Sydney Sinins

Eleanor Solomon

Sasha Bauhs

Jeremy Betz

Jack Buckley

Ethan Chan

Eddy Chen

Isabelle Chen

Arjun Goel

Nicholas Henry

Graham Houghton

Daniel Lanao

Ethan Liu

Jingjing Luo

Krish Patel

Parth Patel

Sienna Patel

William Pertsemlidis

Alexander Recce

Jonathan Robustelli

Kirsten Thomas Alex Wong

Sofia Wood

Ella Wunderlich

Melinda Xu Carolyn Zhou

National Merit - Commended Students

Nataly Ruiz Aarav

Sonthalia Joaquin Stevenson

Sriya Tallapragada

Kirsten Thomas

Alex Wong

National Merit Semifinalists

National Merit Finalists

Sofia Wood

Carolyn Zhou

Benjamin Chung Elbert Ho Eshaan Jain Vinav Shah Ziv Shah Ella Wunderlich

National Merit Scholarship Recipients

Elbert Ho, Benjamin Chung*

* National Merit Tufts University Scholarship Recipient

Scholar-Athletic Awards

Cipriano Family Scholar-Athlete

Alexis Glasofer, Joaquin Stevenson

NJSIAA State Kayla Kerr

Girls’ Cross Country Award

Kayla Kerr, Lucy Ambrogio

Boys’ Cross Country Award

Ziv Shah, Parth Patel

Andrea Montague Field Hockey Award

Morgan Dwyer

Tom Boyer Football Award

Jack Moye

Michael Jupka Jr., ’76 Football Award

John Kelly

Timothy C. Cornwall ’64 Boys’ Soccer Sportsmanship Award

Neil Reiner

Thomas Davis

Dylan Blekicki

Matthew Carrieri

Isabelle Chen

Benjamin Chung

Camden Collins

Mia Cuiffo

Alexander Recce Greta Reinhardt Ziv Shah Aarav Sonthalia Advanced Placement Scholars

Charlie Ackermann

Diego Galván

Ria Govil

Ava Grunstra

Rafferty Harris

Graham Houghton

John Kelly

Emma Davidkhanian

Kayla Kerr

Ava Khan

Menaal Khan

James Kotsen

Bogdan Kuzmanov

Ruby McGurn

Nicolas Rodriguez-Lopez

Sébastien Roure-Singh

Leila Souayah

Sofia Wood

Julia Woodbury

Olukoyejo Odunlami

Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction

Sia Ghatak

Malcolm Adedjouma

Sasha Bauhs

Jack Buckley

Olivia Buvanova

Ethan Chan

Eddy Chen

Emily Dicks

Elbert Ho

Eshaan Jain

Ethan Liu

Jingjing Luo

Julia Oussenko

Krish Patel

Parth Patel Alexander Recce

Vinav Shah

Ziv Shah

Aarav Sonthalia

Joaquin Stevenson Sriya Tallapragada

Keira Troy

Alex Wong

Melinda Xu

Carolyn Zhou

Advanced Placement Scholars with Honor

Arjun Goel

Uma Menon

Sonia Nkansah

Sienna Patel

Helena Pols

Greta Reinhardt

Nataly Ruiz

Vanya Shah

Katharine Shea

Ella Tabish

Kirsten Thomas

Ella Wunderlich

Neil Riener, Joaquin Stevenson

Dick Gradwohl Boys’ Soccer Cup for Most Team Spirit

Sebastian Martinez, Jonathan Mitchell

Resilience Award

Sébastien Roure-Singh, Eleanor Solomon

Elizabeth Allan Smith ’83 Girls’ Soccer Award

Brooke Hannon

John R. Dufford, Jr. Tennis Trophy

Anika Paul

Water Polo Award

AJ Goel, Kirsten Thomas

Frank L. Romano Boys’ Basketball Award

Steven Lentz

Somerset County Principals Award Taylor Francis, Neil Riener

Skyland Conference Scholar Athlete

Graham Houghton, Rebecca Kirschner

NJISAA Prep

Ethan Chan, Morgan Dwyer

Athletic Awards

Joe LaValley Boys’

Basketball Award

Stefan Fahmy

Girls’ Winter Track Award

Kayla Kerr, Lucy Ambrogio, Madison Lewis

David M. Allan

Memorial Girls’

Basketball Award

Taylor Francis

Virginia Nazario Fencing Award

Carolyn Zhou

Pingry School

Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Award

Tyler Jones

Girls’ Ice Hockey Award

Alexis Glasofer

Girls’ Ski Team Award

Helen Pols, Ella Tabish Boys’ Ski Team Award

Camden Collins

Girls’ Squash Team Award

Sasha Bauhs

Boys’ Squash Team Award

Eddy Chen

Steven Todd Gold ’95 Boys’ Swimming Award

Ian Konops

Ashley G. Marsh and Family Swimming Award

Mia Cuiffo

Boys’ Winter Track Award

Graham Houghton, Jack Goodwin, Malcolm Adedjouma

Class of 1935 Graham

Churchill Baseball Award

Matthew Carrieri, Joaquin Stevenson

Boys’ Golf Award

Rohan Yadav, Tyler Jones

Girls’ Golf Award

Ruby McGurn

Richard C. Weiler Boys’ Lacrosse Award Tyler Katt

Pingry Girls’ Lacrosse

Sportsmanship Award

Keira Troy, Morgan Dwyer

Pingry Girls’ Lacrosse Cup

Ava Kirkwood, Becca Kirschner

Pingry Softball Award

Taylor Francis, Casey McKeon, Eleanor Solomon

Boys’ Tennis Award

Ethan Liu

Boys’ Track Award

Graham Houghton, Ziv Shah

Richard G. Gradwohl

Girls’ Track Award

Lucy Ambrogio, Kayla Kerr

Benjamin Chung Elbert Ho Eshaan Jain Vinav Shah Ziv Shah Ella Wunderlich

The 1902 Emblem

The Class of 1902 Emblem is awarded to Ziv Shah of the Class of 2025, who, while at The Pingry School, by the efficiency and the amount of service and loyalty of attitude has done the most for the school, and who has been judged therefore by schoolfellows and faculty to have shown of them all the greatest amount of school spirit.

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

E&M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

What are your trademark characteristics? persistent, dependable, sleepy

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Cross-country, Swim, Track, Student Government, IRT, MUN, Jazz, Rock Band Club, Musical Pit, Tri Club

What are your college plans? I will be attending Yale University in the Fall

Career possibilities? Undecided

What is your senior year song? “Hallway Echoes” by Wick Hollow

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Winning the Prep A cross country team title by 4 points!

What will you take away from Pingry? Amazing friendships and relationships with teachers as well as improved critical thinking skills. What advice do you have for underclassmen? Try everything and make sure you have fun.

The Magistri Laudandi Award

In every class, there is one student who graciously gives of themself 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 their 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 Nataly Ruiz.

E&M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 7

What are your trademark characteristics? loyal, ambitious and funny What Pingry activities are you involved with? Blue Key Co-President, Winter Track thrower, IRT, Jazz Band

What are your college plans? Notre Dame to study Philosophy and PreMed

Career possibilities? I don’t really know to be honest, but something cool What is your senior year song? Hey Look Ma, I Made It

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? #1. Our grade getting yelled at because of the pumpkin incident. Honorable Mention: the last day of senior year.

What will you take away from Pingry? I am still growing. I have not figured it all out yet, but I am learning how to believe in myself. I am grateful for the people here who never gave up on me and who continue to help me become the person I want to be. This is not the end. It is just the beginning of something beautiful.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Do not shrink yourself to fit into places that do not see you. You are allowed to want more. You are allowed to be proud, ambitious, and sensitive all at once. Some people will try to define you by your lowest moment or your biggest achievement, but neither tells the full story. Learn how to study yourself, not just school. Learn how to stand up for yourself, not just succeed quietly. The right people will find you. Just make sure you do not lose yourself before they do.

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

MALCOLM ADEDJOUMA E&M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

What are your trademark characteristics? My confidence, adaptability, and my smile

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Student government, Green Key, Black Affinity Group, Biology Club, Ethics HIRT/Bowl, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Cross Country

What are your college plans? Washington University in Saint Louis Career possibilities? I hope to pursue a career in public health and business

What is your senior year song? “Penn Relays” or “my study abroad in Chile”

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? The invaluable life lessons that my friends and teachers gave me. Learning from everyone around me everyday for four years taught me things that will set me up life. The ability to absorb the knowledge and experience of those around me is something that I gained from being a student at pingry and I know will be valuable in my future.

What will you take away from Pingry? The invaluable life lessons that my friends and teachers gave me. Learning from everyone around me everyday for four years taught me things that will set me up life. The ability to absorb the knowledge and experience of those around me is something that I gained from being a student at Pingry and I know will be valuable in my future.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Your past does not define your future, it is your present that can truly dictate how the rest of your life will play out. Focus on the now and try to live a life without regrets. Could’ve, Should’ve, Would’ve. Just do you. And also surround yourself with people who will support you doing you, no matter what.

BENJAMIN CHUNG M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 10

What are your trademark characteristics? Introverted, open-minded, idealistic What Pingry activities are you involved with? I’m part of the Buttondowns and Glee Club.

What are your college plans? Tufts University Career possibilities? Undecided

What is your senior year song? “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Getting jolly ranchers from Dr. P What will you take away from Pingry? Surrounded by so much talent, I’ve learned that what stands out most isn’t achievement. It’s the people who support each other, listen, and care.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Dream big, meet new people, and try everything.

ISABELLE CHEN M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? Hardworking, responsible, genuine

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Tennis, IRT, track and field, HIRT, Storywish

What are your college plans? University of Pennsylvania, studying neuroscience Career possibilities? Probably a doctor

What is your senior year song? “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? One of my favorite memories from Pingry was during Junior year on the last day of classes before finals, my physics class got a cake for Mr. Bourne as a thank you and birthday celebration. We had gotten a cake that looked like a burger, which tasted pretty good, and we all reminisced on the class and did superlatives together.

What will you take away from Pingry? I will take away the importance of building strong connections and asking for help when needed. Pingry’s community is incredibly tight knit, and it is filled with people who are all willing to help. So, I hope to bring that sense of community with me as I move forward. What advice do you have for underclassmen? Make sure to see your teachers when you need help and establish relationships with them. Being comfortable with asking for help is a good skill to develop.

MORGAN DWYER

How many years have you attended Pingry? 7

What are your trademark characteristics? Honest, disciplined, empathetic, hardworking

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Varsity field hockey, varsity lacrosse, peer leadership, MEND Club

What are your college plans? Attending Columbia University and playing Division 1 field hockey there Career possibilities? Something in business

What is your senior year song? “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” — Celine Dion

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? MLK day when the lacrosse team would go to a charter school and teach young kids how to play lacrosse. What will you take away from Pingry? I have been so lucky to be able to create lasting relationships with my peers and teachers. I have learned how to build and maintain relationships and how to acknowledge the importance of uplifting and supporting others which is exemplified all throughout the tight-knit Pingry community What advice do you have for underclassmen? Make the effort to meet new people and make connections with your teachers. Don’t be hesitant to reach out for help, the whole Pingry community is there to support you.

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

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? Hardworking, loyal, curious

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Math Club/Team, SmartHeart IRT, PCR Journal, Pingry Credit Union, Student Technology Committee, Orchestra, Storywish

What are your college plans? MIT

Career possibilities? Entrepreneurship or finance

What is your senior year song? “4’33”” by John Cage

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Going from sitting in the seats at the all-school festival as a lower schooler to playing on stage in middle and upper school.

What will you take away from Pingry? How to be an honorable person and the many lifelong relationships I formed over the last 13 years. What advice do you have for underclassmen? Try not to always compare yourself to others. It is far more productive to work on improving yourself than trying to become someone you are not.

JINGJING LUO M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 7

What are your trademark characteristics? Motivated, creative, hardworking, asks a whole lot of questions & genuine

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Pingry Record, Swimming, IRT, Peer Leadership, HIRT, Model UN, PCU, East Asian Affinity Group

What are your college plans? I’ll be attending Yale University Career possibilities? Still exploring, but definitely entrepreneurship!!! Interested in law, tech, and business.

What is your senior year song? “A Million Dreams” — The Greatest Showman

MENAAL KHAN E&M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 9

What are your trademark characteristics? Ambitious, caring, and trustworthy

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Student Government, Yearbook, Peer2Peer, Muslim Affinity Group, Spanish Peer Tutoring, SAC, and Field Hockey

What are your college plans? I’ll be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Go Blue!

Career possibilities? I hope to become a criminal prosecutor, but my parents are certain I’ll end up in medicine. We will see :)

What is your senior year song? “Don’t Dream It’s Over” — Crowded House

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Being the blue team Field Day captain in fifth grade. We lost, but it was the most competitive I’ve ever been. Another would be falling into a river on the sixth grade Camp Mason retreat, wasn’t a favorite then, but it makes a great story now.

What will you take away from Pingry? My friendships. I’ve met people here I’ll stay connected to for life. I’ll also take with me the value of ethics and honesty. It’s always easy to take shortcuts, but Pingry taught me that those only help in the short term, not forever. What advice do you have for underclassmen? Keep moving forward. It’s cliché but its the best advice I’ve learned (I got it from Meet the Robinsons). Some people will achieve their dreams sooner than you, always get better grades, or score more goals. It’s hard not to compare yourself or give in to what others think about you. That doesn’t mean you’re less worthy, the good is yet to come. Just work as hard as you can and keep going.

RASHEED MCGRATH E

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

What are your trademark characteristics? Smart, Disciplined, Hard Working, Passionate, Kind, Funny

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Varsity Football, Black Student Union/Affinity Group, Peer Leadership, Peer2Peer, Jazz

What are your college plans? Psychology major at the College of the Holy Cross

Career possibilities? Therapist, Lawyer, or working in the Finance/ Marketing field

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? The last day of school because it brought back all the wonderful memories: spending time with my friends, visiting Ms. Moyer, telling so many people “bye for now” but I hope to see them again. What will you take away from Pingry? I’ll always remember the stories exchanged with friends and teachers, winning preps in swimming this year, doing the Record’s layout late at night, and so many other experiences. I know I will stay connected with my closest friends while I meet new people, learn, and explore the world.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Be confident in yourself — there are so many times when believing in yourself gets you more than halfway there. Also, just try things. Don’t back away from the experiences you want to have, the people you want to meet, and the questions you want to ask just because you’re unsure of the consequences. Have fun, value yourself, and enjoy high school! Also, be genuine, be a good friend, and be a good person.

What is your senior year song? “Headlines” — Drake

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Everyone coming together on the last day of school senior year in the lower commons

What will you take away from Pingry? There is no obstacle that you can’t overcome. You just have to keep working hard. What advice do you have for underclassmen? Keep your discipline and hard work. It will pay off in the end.

ELBERT HO M

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

SONIA NKANSAH E&M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 6

What are your trademark characteristics? People describe me as considerate, observant, and humble.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Mock Trial, QuizBowl, hIRT, Model Congress, Model UN, Green Key, AllForOceans, Black Affinity Group, Christian Affinity Group, Wrestling (formerly)

What are your college plans? Northeastern University — PPE major Career possibilities? Army, Law, Pubic Policy (in that order!)

What is your senior year song? “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” — The Smiths What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Winning my first wrestling match! What will you take away from Pingry? Pingry has taught me the importance of building relationships. Having a community to laugh with, and the same one to grieve with, is a gift I will forever be indebted to Pingry for. Most remarkably, I will miss the heartfelt moments I shared with peers who I otherwise seldom interacted with. These moments opened my eyes to the many ways my peers perceived their Pingry experience and the broader world, helped us break the preconceptions we had of one another, and gave us new smiles to look for in the hallway.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Do not abridge your personality to please others. Disingenuineness can always be spotted, and it will only drive people away. Never be afraid to start conversations with peers you’re unfamiliar with. I’ve made friends with so many people in my senior year who I wish I had known earlier. Do not fear rejection; seize every opportunity!

NEIL RIENER M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? good listener, respectful, reliable

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Pingry Soccer, Peer Tutoring, Peer Leadership

What are your college plans? My college plans will begin with a gap year where I will be coaching Pingry Middle school soccer, working for a corporate law firm, playing club soccer, and also doing private soccer coaching. Then I will be going to Columbia University where I will be playing on their soccer team in the fall of 2026. Career possibilities? Lawyer

What is your senior year song? “Take Me Home — Cash Cash,” Bebe Rexha What is your favorite memory from Pingry? My favorite memory was during freshman year when Joaquin Stevenson got pied in the face in front of the whole school. What will you take away from Pingry? I will take away many close relationships with my peers, my coaches, and teachers who have provided me with nothing but their max to help me in my time here at Pingry.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Try to get to know as many of your peers as you can as once you graduate, it is unlikely that you will have a better opportunity to connect and make friends with them for the rest of your life. Everyone can benefit from having an extra person to talk to.

WILLIAM PERTSEMLIDIS E

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

What are your trademark characteristics? Late, humorous, and hard working

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Tennis, Jazz band, Fishing club, Rock band club, Pit orchestra, Fall Play pit

What are your college plans? Duke University

Career possibilities? I really have no clue

What is your senior year song? “Hallway Echoes” or “Blur” by Wick Hollow

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Playing football with friends. What will you take away from Pingry? Relationships with students and faculty, knowledge, and work ethic

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Have fun.

VANYA SHAH E

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? hardworking, adventurous, loyal

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Varsity Soccer, the Musical, JV Golf, The Parker Road Review, The Pingry Record, South Asian Affinity Group, Writing Center

What are your college plans? Brown University

Career possibilities? So many options! Law, Finance, Academia...who knows!

What is your senior year song? “Ribs” by Lorde

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Probably our last day of classes as seniors. There was so much energy and such a sense of shared accomplishment between everyone. It was definitely bittersweet, but also the best way to end my high school career.

What will you take away from Pingry? The relationships I’ve made with the people in this community. The connections I’ve made with friends, teachers, and coaches will stay with me for a lifetime.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Don’t be afraid to try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone. You might be surprised as to what you’ll discover about yourself.

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

VINAV SHAH M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 9

What are your trademark characteristics? Empathy without judgement; authenticity without affectation; scholarship sans formula

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Blocking goals as water polo captain, training AI models in the SmartHeart IRT, using ESP with the QuizBowl Team, organizing movie nights for South Asian Affinity Group and Asian Student Union, leading the Pingry Credit Union, and in the past, (accidentally) imploding glass samples in Chemistry Research Team!

What are your college plans? Stanford University (Go Cardinal!) Career possibilities? Anything I can do to make the world a better place. What is your senior year song? Not a song but a poem, Ulysses, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson What is your favorite memory from Pingry? It’s too hard to pick one–late nights building a hierarchical compiler for Ms. Thuzar’s PLND, playing dandiya at Pingry garba, performing the Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia in orchestra.

What will you take away from Pingry? Lifelong mentors who feel like friends, a devotion to scholarship, and a love for the color navy blue. What advice do you have for underclassmen? Relentlessly follow your curiosity. Spend ten hours researching an essay on Jane Austen – even when the assignment requires two hours. Read about naval strategy during the Battle of Lake Champlain until you can debate with your APUSH teacher, who wrote their PhD dissertation on the War of 1812. When you commune with knowledge, you’ll find the books whispering their secrets back to you.

MYKAH WECKESSER E

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? I think that I am creative, outspoken for others, and hopefully friendly.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Lots of the arts! I do every fall and winter show and am apart of the balladeers. What are your college plans? I’m going to attend University of Kent in Canterbury, England.

Career possibilities? Hopefully something in the entertainment industry. What is your senior year song? Anything by Chappell Roan or Hozier.

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? I’ll never forget meeting Ms. Romankow for the first time and her introducing me to the drama department at school. Never in my life have I felt so immediately welcome somewhere. What will you take away from Pingry? I’ll always remember the importance of community. Wherever you are, find your people, and you’ll be set. What advice do you have for underclassmen? Step out of your comfort zone, try something new. Even if you don’t end up liking it, life is about experiences and the more you can have, the better.

ELEANOR SOLOMON E

How many years have you attended Pingry? 4

What are your trademark characteristics? I would say I’m enthusiastic, supportive, positive, competitive and fun.

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Varsity soccer, Varsity basketball, Varsity softball, Co-president of PSAAC, Leader of the Jewish affinity group, Blue Key membership

What are your college plans? I’m going to Washington University in St. Louis to study biology

Career possibilities? Medicine, Public Health Policy

What is your senior year song? “Springsteen” by Eric Church

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? Header Goal against Rutgers Prep my junior year after recovering from injury.

What will you take away from Pingry? A boatload of knowledge, amazing friends and connections and a whole lot of memories.

What advice do you have for underclassmen? Enjoy the time while it lasts because it goes by really quickly.

ALEX WONG E&M

How many years have you attended Pingry? 13

What are your trademark characteristics? Knows a lot of names, energetic, and dreams big

What Pingry activities are you involved with? Orchestra, IRT, Blue Key, Taiko, Writing Center, Honor Board, Water Polo, and Vital Signs.

What are your college plans? Harvard College Career possibilities? Engaging in physics or engineering research, hopefully working in a lab or industry.

What is your senior year song? “This” by Darius Rucker

What is your favorite memory from Pingry? The Celebrate Pingry Taiko Performance in 2022. In no other event have I experienced the same amount of energy, enthusiasm, and good old fashioned fun. The perfect example of months of hard work and dedication paying off in an awesome fashion, and also my first large taiko performance!

What will you take away from Pingry? Pingry has taught me to become a better person. It has challenged me to be more than just the best version of my current self, but a better person tomorrow. Whether in academics, musical performance, or sports, Pingry has opened my eyes to the possibilities this world has to offer and taught me to DREAM BIG. What advice do you have for underclassmen? When you get the small things right, the big things follow. That means making the most of every hour, minute, and second of your time here at Pingry. Have faith, have fun, and never lose faith in yourself.

Tailoring Black Style at the 2025 Met Gala

On Monday, May 5, the 2025 Met Gala kicked off. Millions rushed to live stream fashion’s biggest and most scrutinized event of the year. This year’s Met Gala focused on the Costume Institute’s new exhibition: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The exhibit is organized into 12 sections, each representing a different aspect of dandy style. Dandy style, or dandyism, is characterized by impeccable grooming and refined

tailoring. For Black dandyism, however, this isn’t just a fashion choice — it’s a cultural phenomenon that inspires individualism. The dandy is a powerful symbol representing empowerment and rebellion, encouraging Black people to break the social structures that have long encaged them.

This year’s dress code was inspired by the 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller. The book explores the history of Black dandyism, from its origins in England to modern expressions in New York. It provides insight into the importance of sartorial style to Black identity and the struggle of Black people in a society that often marginalized them.

Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams co-chaired the event with longtime host Anna Wintour, while LeBron James served as an honorary chair.

As guests entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they stepped onto Cy Gavin’s stunning midnight-blue carpet sprinkled with daffodils, showcasing their complex looks.

Enough with the carpet talk. It’s time for the main event: the outfits.

AANVI TRIVEDI (V)

The beginning of summer marks a turning point for all of us. Seniors graduate, leaving behind lasting memories and connections as they look ahead to four wonderful years at their next destination. Juniors open up their laptops to begin writing their personal statements and filling out their Common Application, discovering parts of themselves that they didn’t even know existed. Freshmen and sophomores head off to camps and summer activities, recharging and refreshing before the ’25–’26 school year. Summer is a

Student Body President Jayden Battles-Cobb

Form VI

Hanah Abdi

Stella Reheman**

Jack Sherman**

Jake Yang

Dean Zervos

Millions of fashion enthusiasts, curious watchers, and fans flocked to social media to comment, compliment, or condemn celebrities’ ensembles.

Co-chair and Formula 1 driver

Lewis Hamilton arrived in a classic ivory suit with a sleek jacket and an intricate ivory sash that hung from his high-waisted pants. He finished his look with an ivory beret by Stephen Jones Millinery. Oscar nominee and fellow co-chair Colman Domingo wore a long, royal blue robe topped with a glittery gold and white bolero.

Teyana Taylor drew attention in a

burgundy cape embroidered with the words “Harlem Rose,” alluding to her 2018 song “Rose in Harlem.” She also wore a burgundy top hat embellished with a large burgundy feather, sitting atop a durag. “Good Luck, Babe” singer Chappell Roan embraced the disco era with an incredibly glitzy hot pink suit and a matching feathery cape. One of the best looks of the night came from Diana Ross, known for her work as the lead singer of The Supremes. She stepped onto the carpet in a sparkling crystal gown and a large feathered hat. The show-stopping piece, however, was the gown’s 18-foot train, embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren. Her appearance this year marked 22 years since her last Met Gala. Her son, Evan Ross, who played a critical role in designing her look, convinced her to attend.

Grammy-winner Doechii made her debut wearing a Louis Vuitton embroidered ivory tuxedo jacket and matching shorts. She held a cigar throughout the night and added the LV logo to her cheek. Fellow Grammywinner Sabrina Carpenter donned an espresso-colored bodysuit with no pants, high heels, and a wispy train to match.

The Book Nook

reflection of not only who we were during the past school year but also who we want to be in the future. In the spirit of contemplation and new beginnings, the following mix of light beach reads and mystery is sure to keep us company during the next three months as we embark on new journeys and prepare for what is to come.

The first is a personal favorite: When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon. I am usually not a huge beach romance reader, but I came across this novel during my time with the South Asian Diaspora HIRT in my freshman and sophomore years. The story is a South Asian take on the popular When Harry Met Sally storyline and follows 18-year-old Indian American Dimple Shah, who meets a boy named Rishi Patel at a website development camp in San Francisco. This book has a very light, lazy feel and is sure to make you smile during the dull moments of summer vacation. Even if you are not a huge beach romance reader (like myself), I would recommend this book as a comforting feel-good with themes beyond romance, such as pursuing one’s passions, STEM, and diversity.

Another great book, though a bit different, is Nothing Bad Happens Here by Rachel Ekstrom Courage. This book has received

mixed reviews, with some readers claiming that it is an action-packed summer mystery novel with plot twists in every chapter while others believe that the characters are slightly underdeveloped and the plot twists aren’t the best. Courage brings to life the 16-year-old Lucia, who is dragged on a summer vacation to Nantucket and finds a teenage girl’s body on the beach. While forming connections with three friends and integrating herself into the island’s social culture, Lucia attempts to uncover the girl’s identity and reason for death. However, island politics and coverups distract from her investigation, and Lucia soon discovers that nothing

is as it seems. My opinion on the book would fall between the two critical extremes: although the plot twists aren’t as good as some other novels I have read in the past, it is still an incredibly fast-paced and enjoyable read. I would recommend Nothing Bad Happens Here to anyone interested in reading murder mysteries and summer island books in one sitting on a hot summer day. Last but certainly not least is The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, one of my all-time favorite crime fiction series. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who likes books with strong character development, plot twists, or mystery in general. Barnes sets up incredible character dynamics with plot twists that lead readers down false paths and keep them up all night wondering if any character is truly trustworthy. The story follows Cassie Hobbes, a 17-year-old girl with the extraordinary ability to “read” people and profile them. She is contacted by the FBI and joins a special unit of gifted children trained to solve cold cases, mostly regarding prominent serial killers. Soon, however, there is a new killer on the loose, and the children must engage in a deadly game — with Cassie’s life on the line. The Naturals is part of a four-book

Black Panther actress Angela Bassett embodied Black dandyism, wearing a velvet midnight blue jumpsuit, rocking a black top hat, and holding a cane. K-pop singer Jennie wore an off-the-shoulder black jumpsuit adorned with pearls and a white camellia. Underneath the jumpsuit was a satin dress lined with white fabric. To complete the look, a black-and- white boater hat sat atop her bow bun. Finally, one of my favorite looks was from Laura Harrier, who partnered with Gap to create the perfect tailored and elegant outfit for the night. She wore a tight-fitted ivory suit with airy sleeves and some of the widest-leg pants I’ve ever seen. Her princess-like pose perfected the look, and fresh makeup by L’Oréal created an authentic finish.

series, where each book is truthfully better than the last. It is a great read for anyone who has a bit more time over the summer and who wants a new series to hash out in a few days. Either way, The Naturals is sure to keep you entertained and wondering what’s next! I was not able to get to any classics, but the Pingry Summer Reading List is a great resource for anybody who wants a heavier, more thoughtprovoking selection. Regardless, some honorable mentions include One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus and The Counselors by Jessica Goodman. Happy reading, and see you next year!

Form V Kayla Goldstein

Lucas Greenwald

Ishaan Kumar

Max Li

Riya Prabhu**

Form IV

Lucas Blumberg

Nina Hassimi

Blythe Hoffman

Somdeep Nath Akiv Shah**

Form VI

Sari Berman

Chloe Huang**

Jordan MacDonald

Alex Terpstra

Form V

Sophie Davidkhanian

Sophie Schachter

Ishaan Sinha

Shane Varneckas

Form IV

Sam deLaurier

Andrew Hefner

Mia Khalil

Photo Credits: John Shearer, Dimitrios Kambouris, Dia Dipasupil, Google Images

AMELIA LIU (IV)

Boys’ Tennis

SHANTI SWADIA (IV)

The Boys’ Tennis Team, ranked third by NJ.com, has remained strong and continues its reign this spring season. Winning four of five individual flights in the finals and securing first place over a multitude of schools, the team now adds “Prep A Champions” to their list of accomplishments.

Varsity Captain Ethan Liu (VI) highlights the team’s triumphs so far: “The team has had a couple of injuries and three of our best seniors leave our lineup, but we are beginning to shape up into something even stronger leading into the state tournament.” Liu reflects on the beginning of the year, as well, recalling that “The season started

well with us bringing home the county tournament and making the finals of the annual Bryan Bennett tournament at Delbarton, and with more experience and fire under our belt, we look to take home a victory at the state tournament.”

Junior Varsity player Roger Wang (IV) states that “The JV tennis team had a rocky start to the season, but we’ve shown growth and determination. Our hard work has paid off, and the team has significantly improved throughout the season. We hold a strong 7-3 record, reflecting our progress and resilience.”

As the season draws to a close, the team thanks its seniors, Liu and Will Pertsemlidis (VI), for their invaluable contributions to the tennis program throughout their careers.

Softball

SOPHIE SCHACTER (IV)

Softball is having its storybook season. The team has been dominant all spring, with a 19-2 record, wins over top 20 teams, and a semifinal appearance in the county tournament. Most notably, the girls became “Prep A Champions” for the second year in a row after a decisive win over Lawrenceville.

The team is led by senior Captains Taylor Francis, Casey McKeon, and Ellie Solomon. McKeon, a Hofstra commit, has been unstoppable on the mound, recording over 400 career strikeouts. Francis, a Georgetown commit, broke the all-time hit record

early in the season, with over 125 career hits. When reflecting on the season, Solomon shared that “[it] has been so special and fun. I look forward to softball at the end of each day.”

Coach Chip Carver ‘77 attributes the team’s success to their emphasis on “focus, attitude, and effort.” Going into the state tournament, the team is seeded fourth and hopes to make a deep run, capitalizing on their hard work and determination. As the season draws to a close, the team thanks its seniors Francis, Hyla Lear, McKeon, Claire Sartorius, Solomon, and Paige Travers for their invaluable contributions to the softball program.

Girls’ Lacrosse

SOPHIE SCHACHTER (IV)

The Girls’ Lacrosse Team is putting together yet another remarkable campaign this spring. With a 19–2 record and a string of statement wins, the team has cemented itself as a force to be reckoned with, best demonstrated by their performance in the county tournament. On May 17, the team achieved the coveted three-peat, defeating Bernards 9-8 to win the Somerset County Championship for the third year in a row. The team is led by senior Captains Morgan Dwyer, Becca Kirshner, and Head Coach Carter Abbot. Kirshner’s ability to excel at the draw control has

been key to the team’s success and earned her a spot in the 200/200 club, with over 200 career points and 200 draw controls. Ava Kirkwood (VI) has also been a pivotal part of the offense, leading the team with 104 points this season.

Claire Hoffman (IV) attributes the team’s success to their “great team chemistry and hard work.” She shared that “everyone is always rooting for each other, and that support system is super motivating.” Much of this support comes from the team’s seniors: Lolade Aromire, Dwyer, Kirkwood, Kirshner, Sam Schnur, and Keira Troy. As the season nears its end, the team thanks these girls for their constant leadership and positivity throughout the years.

Girls’ Golf

VICTORIA XIE (V)

In a historic season, Girls’ Golf went undefeated and won ten matches against opposing schools. Winning their first match against Hillsborough High School with a score of 250-179, the team continued their streak by beating Ridge High School by 33 points in their next match. Against Bridgewater Raritan High School, the team won 193-166 points. By the end of their season, they obtained the Somerset County and Skyland Conference Titles and placed

second in the State Tournament.

Head Coach Sean McAnally often tells his students, “You’re part of a group effort representing a larger purpose. Without you, the composer is mute.” Although golf is an individual sport, the success of the Girls’ Golf team this season can be attributed to the efforts of every team member. Rayee Feng (V) recently qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open Championship and said, “I hope we can continue this trend next year and hopefully win states.” The team aims to build on this year’s achievements in the coming year.

Boys’ Golf

SIMRIN SHAH (V)

The Boys’ Golf Team, led by Head Coach Mark McAvoy and Captains Tyler Jones (VI) and Rohan Yadav (VI), finished the season with an impressive 9–1 record, capping it off with a close win against Hunterdon Central High School, 161–165. The team also competed in the Skyland Conference Championships and the Somerset County Championships. On April 14, they won the 2025 Mountain Ridge

LEAH HOLMES (IV)

Boys’ and Girls’ Spring Track is having a fantastic season. The Boys’ Team sent two relay teams to the prestigious Penn Relays: a 4x100 featuring Dylan Bartoli (V), Xavier Germain (V), Sam Nkansah (V), and Mikey Rosenblatt (IV), and a 4x400 with Malcolm Adedjouma (VI), Alexander Recce (VI), Bartoli, and Ishaan Sinha (IV). The Girls’ Team continued this pattern of success at the Somerset County Relay Championships, where Captain Lucy Ambrogio (VI), Captain Kayla Kerr (VI), Sari Berman (V), and Kathryn Flanigan (V) took first place in the Distance Medley Relay.

At the Somerset County Championships in late April, Ambrogio placed first in the 1600-meter run, finishing more than three seconds ahead of second place. Kerr also won the 3200-meter

MATIAS STEVENSON (IV)

On May 17 at 2:30 p.m., Big Blue Boys’ Lacrosse faced Gill St. Bernard’s at the Torpey Athletic Complex in the Somerset County Tournament finals. Pingry entered the game with a 14–2 record over their last 16 games. In their previous meeting, Pingry came back from a halftime deficit to win in double overtime. Gill St. Bernard’s had never defeated Pingry—until now.

The Pingry community came out in full force to support the lacrosse

Spring Track

run by over three seconds, with Berman placing third. For the Boys, Captain Graham Houghton (VI) placed first in the 200-meter dash, and Captain James Draper (V) finished fifth in the 1600-meter run.

At the Prep A Championships, the Boys placed second overall. Houghton won both the 100- and 200-meter dashes, Recce was runner-up in the 400-meter dash, and Draper won the 1600-meter run. In the 3200-meter run, Draper, Nikhil Shah (III), and Captain Ziv Shah (VI) swept the podium, placing first, second, and third, respectively. Additionally, Nkansah and Germain placed second and third in the 400-meter hurdles, Bartoli placed third in both the long jump and triple jump, and Ben HewetteGuyton (IV) won the javelin throw.

The Girls’ Team also excelled, placing third overall. Zoe Snider (IV) placed third in the 100-meter

Boys’ Lacrosse

team. The Girls’ Team had played earlier and won their third consecutive Somerset County title, so spirits were high as the Boys’ Team took the field.

As one attendee put it, “We got this!”

Gill opened the scoring with an early goal, quickly answered by Pingry to tie it up. The first quarter ended with both teams locked at one goal apiece.

In the second quarter, Gill pulled ahead, and at halftime, they led 4–2.

In the third quarter, Gill added two more goals while Pingry managed just one. The quarter ended with Pingry trailing 6–3.

dash, Flanigan finished second in the 400-meter dash, Brooke Angel (III) took second in the 400-meter hurdles, and Kayla Goldstein (IV) placed second in the long jump.

On Wednesday, May 23, Big Blue hosted the Tim Grant Invitational to commemorate Coach Tim Grant’s illustrious coaching career. Pingry brought home wins in the Boys’ and Girls’ One-Mile runs, the Boys’ 800-meter run, the Girls’ 400-meter run, the Boys’ 300-meter hurdles, and the Boys’ 4x100 and 4x400-meter relays. In the field events, Ja’Mar White (V) won the long jump by nearly three feet, Patrick Lange (V) and Douglass McNaugher (IV) took first and second in the discus throw, and McNaugher also won the shot put. Kerr shared, “The spirit of the team this year is really something special… I feel like everyone is really motivated and also really excited to do their best!”

The fourth quarter saw Gill St. Bernard’s take full control, scoring four additional goals. At the final whistle, Pingry had fallen, and Gill secured their first-ever Somerset County Championship. In the loss, Dylan Blekicki (VI) scored two goals, while Jack Goodwin (VI) and Jack Moye (VI) each added one. Although May 17 wasn’t Pingry’s day to take home the county title, the team shifted focus to the State Tournament, where they faced Christian Brothers Academy on May 31 at Babitt Field. Go Big Blue!

Invitational with a cumulative score of 294 — the only team to score under 300!

This year’s roster featured a strong mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen. Rohnik Shah (III), a team member, reflected, “I really enjoyed how this season went, especially considering it was my first. Both hard work and great team camaraderie contributed to a very successful season. While we will miss the seniors who are leaving, there are still many things to look forward to in the coming years!”

Dear Underclassmen,

Learning is a two way street. When you commune with knowledge, you’ll find the books whispering their secrets back to you.

Don’t stress the little things.

Words from Seniors

Don't be afraid to try new things. It's never too late to switch paths, so participate in everything that you're even mildly passionate about because you could discover a new interest.

Never change who you are to become a version of you that someone else wants. Change because you want to be the best version of yourself.

Believe in yourself — confidence often carries you more than halfway to your goals. Don’t be afraid to take chances.

It doesn’t matter how insignificant something is, always work hard. Those might end up being the opportunities you regret not fully taking advantage of.

If you don’t ask for things, you’ll never get them. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll make strong connections and learn a lot more.

Stop comparing yourself to your peers. Everything will work out in the end, even if it’s not the end you pictured.

Always work hard in class.

Make the effort to meet new people and make connections with your teachers.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone. You might be surprised as to what you’ll discover about yourself.

Have fun, and never lose faith in yourself.

Enjoy it with no regrets, and just live life to the fullest.

Spend more time getting to know your classmates.

Be sincere, be a supportive friend, and strive to be a kind person.

Always (most of the times) take the risk.

High school goes very fast, remember to take time to enjoy it with friends and family

Seniors, Describe Your Pingry Experience in One Word

Eventful Uplifting

Good

Unforgettable Surprising To Be Missed

Transformative

Maxima reverentia magistris debetur

Fun Dramatic

Character-building

Fast

Challenging, but worthwhile Full of laughter Motivational

Thank You Notes

I want to thank the Pingry Girls Golf program for consistently being the highlight of my high school career. We were more than a team, we were family.

From: Ruby

To my parents and my teachers — You believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.

From: Vinav

To TingTing: I love you, and I’ll miss you next year.

Love, The only sister you have

Thank you to all of the teachers who have made my Pingry experience.

From: Anonymous

I’d like to thank Mykah Weckesser for being the best friend ever. I couldn’t imagine Pingry without you.

From: Sia

Throughout highschool, my advisory was a safe space for me. My advisors had my back through everything and always encouraged our group to push through challenging times. We bonded over tests, drama, and would you rather games.

From: Lizzy

Thank you to the Sage Dining staff for always keeping us fed! And all the cleaning staff for keeping the school organized and creating an environment that’s pleasant to learn in every day. You are all super underrated but essential to the positive Pingry experience.

From: Carolyn

Thank you to all my teachers who have helped me during flex and cp for the past four years!

From: Kirsten

To all my teachers across the past 4 years, thank you for devoting your time, your heart, and your passion to providing us with the best education.

From: Melinda