ON PRINCIPLES AND PINGRY
An Interview with 2025 Letter-In-Life Recipient Jeffrey N. Edwards ‘78
TINGTING LUO (VI)
SIMRIN SHAH (VI)
Jeff Edwards, Pingry class of ‘78, was awarded the Pingry Letter in Life Award, the highest honor Pingry presents to graduates, in recognition of his decorated career in finance and integral hand in shaping Pingry. Originally intent on studying astrophysics after graduating Pingry, Mr. Edwards earned a B.S. in Physics, with honors, from Haverford College, but he reconsidered his future during his senior year after “interviewing in New York about the future of banking” and decided to pursue a career in finance instead. When asked about this experience, Mr. Edwards reflected, “academically and in life, you never know which way things are going to go, [and] Pingry helped prepare me super
well for that.” After working at Chase Manhattan Bank for three years, he left to earn an M.B.A. at Harvard Business School.
During his career, Mr. Edwards spent 22 years at Merrill Lynch, the top wealth management firm in the US, serving executive positions including Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, he is Partner and Vice Chairman of investment advisor New Vernon Capital after serving as Chief Operating Officer for 15 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Edwards has also served on many corporate Boards of Directors and non-profit Boards, including those of NASDAQ Stockmarket, American Water, Raymond James, and Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation.
Mr. Edwards’ contributions to Pingry are nothing short of legendary. He has been an integral
part of the Board, serving as a trustee for 18 years, from 2004 to 2022, including seven years as Chair of the Board from 2014 to 2021, and is now an Honorary Trustee. As Chair, Mr. Edwards oversaw the modernization of the campuses, the search for a Head of School, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic among many challenges the school has faced. Mr. Edwards was never a top-down style leader. He lived by the philosophy of “bringing people along and trying to convince them.” He has also chaired The Pingry Fund, spoken at Career Day, hosted Reunion Class Parties, and moderated networking events for alumni.
Throughout his career, Mr. Edwards not only gained extensive experience but also invaluable insight into leadership and decision-making. When asked about the greatest lessons he’s
learned, he emphasized the importance of adaptability, highlighting that every company and organization is different, and effective leadership requires both listening and evolving with the surrounding environment. He credited his success to a simple philosophy: “Great people around you is always the best secret to your success. Most people — certainly me — only accomplish things by surrounding yourself with people … and letting them thrive.” In the face of immense pressure during the 2007 financial crisis, Mr. Edwards recalled how his commitment to integrity and calm leadership helped guide his team through uncertainty. “Just do the right thing,” he told them, even when it wasn’t the easiest path.
For Mr. Edwards, Pingry is a family legacy. His three children, Cameron ‘12, Ian ‘14, and Colin
‘18 all graduated from Pingry, and his siblings are Pingry alumni. When asked about his family, Mr. Edwards stated, “I’m most proud that I have three sons and a wife who I feel super appreciative of. At the end of the day, it’s wonderful to have great professional success, but having a family that you’re proud of — and I’m super proud of every single one of them — is really my greatest achievement.” He explains that Pingry’s most important gift to him was “lifelong friends.” His bond with his best friend Ken began here, and it transcended college, business school, and now, they are even godfathers to each other’s children. In every scenario, from making executive decisions to returning extra change at Chipotle, Mr. Edwards has exemplified Pingry’s tenets of honor and integrity. He has undoubtedly brought honor to The Pingry School.
Photo Credits: Pingry Communications
Convocation
DURGA MENON (VI)
Per annual tradition, Pingry welcomed the new school year with Convocation on Friday, September 5. Held in the BAC, the ceremony featured speeches from both faculty and students. Mr. Miller Bugliari ‘52, the longest-serving faculty member, opened with remarks, followed by Head of School Mr. Tim Lear, who spoke about his Tough Mudder adventures and reflected on the role of AI in education. Mr. Lear also recognized the Magistri, faculty members who have worked at Pingry for at least 25 years. Student leaders then addressed the community. Student Body President Jayden Battles-Cobb (VI) spoke about growing up as a Pingry lifer and the importance of community support. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the student-created Honor Code, and Honor Board Chair Chloe Huang (VI) reflected on the Honor Board’s role in upholding it over the years. Additionally, Huang discussed individual impact, school spirit, and embracing opportunities
that inspire curiosity. The entire community then participated in the Honor Pledge Ceremony, where representatives from each grade presented signed pledges from their advisories, each affirming commitment to the Honor Code for the year ahead.
The school also presented the Letter-In-Life Award, Pingry’s highest alumni distinction, which recognizes an individual whose professional accomplishments and service have brought honor to the school. This year, the Pingry Alumni Association awarded it to Jeffrey N. Edwards ’78, Partner and Vice Chairman of New Vernon Capital, who has led an exceptional career in finance and devoted nearly two decades to Pingry as a trustee, including seven years as Chair.
Convocation once again set a positive tone for the 2025–2026 school year, inspiring students and faculty to approach the months ahead with dedication, integrity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Gilbert H. Carver ‘79 Lecture
ZOE ARGENTIERI (IV)
Kristen Harootunian, a Pennsylvania State University alumna and current speaker for Minding Your Mind — an organization dedicated to ending stigma associated with mental health — joined Pingry for this year's Carver Lecture. The assembly started with a description of the purpose and mission of the Carver Lecture Series and the Carver Fund from Middle School Lead Counselor, Ms. Maurisa Gainer, and alumna Ms. Anne Delaney ‘79. Ms. Harootunian then introduced herself with a brief overview of her work with Minding Your Mind.
She shared how she grew up in a stable and privileged environment but dealt with several familial issues at the same time. Her mother struggled with an eating disorder and alcoholism throughout childhood. With her father away for work most of the time, Ms. Harootunian felt responsible for her mother’s struggles. At the time, she did not feel comfortable telling anyone about her home situation because of the stigma surrounding mental health.
After her mother took her own life on December 6, 2009, she struggled immensely with grief. Instead of expressing her feelings, she turned to negative coping strategies such as isolation, self harm, and substance abuse. Ms. Harootunian isolated herself from her friends and family and built walls because she was scared to ask for help. According to Ms. Harootunian, self harm acted as a physical representation of the pain she was feeling inside. Drugs and alcohol became a way to forget her pain.
She then discussed how these negative coping mechanisms caused
The Tradition of Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights was a community-wide celebration centered on supporting the Varsity Football Team on Parsons Field. Under the lights, students, families, alumni, and faculty packed the sidelines to cheer and show Pingry pride.
The evening also doubled as the Football Team’s Senior Night. Parents joined their children on the field as each player was introduced and invited to share their favorite Pingry football memory. For our 10 seniors, this final regular-season home game was one last chance to compete on Parsons with the teammates who have shaped their high school years. After high school, most retire from football for good, so each senior was determined to give it their all against this year’s opponent, Morristown-Beard.
Lower School traditions made the night unique to Pingry. The Short Hills students designed paper jerseys for each senior and proudly presented them before the game began. They also formed the Lower School tunnel, lining up on the field so the varsity team could charge through with lively support from the crowd.
Another tradition that built excitement was the seniors’ visit to the Lower School. On Thursday, the day before Friday Night Lights, the seniors greeted Lower Schoolers upon arrival, wearing their game jerseys so younger students could match the
faces to the jersey they decorated. New this year, the junior players welcomed Middle School students on Thursday morning as well, an early chance to meet future teammates. Also new: the Middle School Football Team was invited to join the varsity squad on the field before kickoff, bridging the two divisions. And on Thursday night, the Girls’ Field Hockey Team played under the lights, extending the spirit of the week and setting the stage for Friday’s main event, where
Pingry Football emerged victorious. Friday Night Lights is more than a football game with great food — it’s a school-wide tradition that strengthens our community. From Lower School paper jerseys and the on-field tunnel to Senior Night recognitions and new Middle School involvement, each element made the night special. Whether you played, coached, or cheered, Friday Night Lights brought our divisions, families, and alumni together in shared school spirit.
her to perceive the world differently, delaying her recovery. She remembered feeling as though everyone else had a perfect life, and she was the only one struggling to keep up. Even though she went to therapy and to different programs, treatment wasn’t successful.
Ms. Harootunian believed there was no point in expressing her feelings because she could not be “saved” or “redeemed.”
She experienced a turning point on February 9, 2016. After an emotional talk with her dad, Ms. Harootunian realized that she needed to make a change and that her coping strategies were hurting her. She then spent six months at the Caron Treatment Center, where she both learned positive coping mechanisms and met others who could relate to her. After Ms. Harootunian left the program, she continued to go to therapy and 12-step meetings, while attending a recovery high school.
At this point in her presentation, Ms. Harootunian announced that she is celebrating ten years of sobriety
this year, which earned a lengthy round of applause from the audience. She stated that her 17-year-old self would be so proud of her life today. Throughout the assembly, Ms. Harootunian shared pieces of advice for dealing with mental and emotional pain. While sharing her story, she repeated the phrase “pain shared is pain lessened.” By sharing our pain and feelings, we can learn from each other — another idea that she emphasized. At one point during the assembly, Ms. Harootunian asked everyone to raise their hands if they had ever felt happy and if they had ever felt sad. Everyone raised their hands. Ms. Harootunian explained that everyone knows what it’s like to feel an array of emotions, and it's something that brings us together.
This year's Carver Lecture left the Pingry community with a powerful reminder that vulnerability, compassion, and shared understanding are essential to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
Homecoming
On Saturday, September 27, Pingry bustled with activity. Parents flocked the halls for Back To School Day, stepping into the shoes of their children as they traveled from classroom to classroom, catching up with old friends and meeting new teachers. Outside of the classroom, students of all ages cheered on their peers as teams played to decisive victories and, sometimes, close losses. From Water Polo placing second place in their division for Beast of the East to Girl’s Tennis advancing to their state championship, the day was filled with enthusiasm and connection between everyone in the Pingry community. Homecoming weekend also saw the rededication of the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 World Cup Soccer Field, reflecting pride and commitment.
Alongside free giveaways from the PSPA, school organizations such as the Pingry Thrift Store hosted merch stands. Serena Lin (VI), leader of Pingry Thrift, commented, “Thanks to the many Big Blue community members who stopped by, we were able to make over 200 exchanges.
Some of our volunteer team’s favorite exchanged items included vintage Pingry scarves, Big Blue Summer hoodies, and Pingry Soccer merchandise.”
As the evening rolled around, student government members were hard at work setting up decorations in preparation for the annual Homecoming Dance, which, like last year, was held in the BAC. Stella Reheman (VI), Senior Class Co-President, commented on this year’s theme, Y2K: “We really wanted to choose a specific decade for the theme, and Y2K gave us really good options for what to wear and also what theme-specific music to choose.” Close to the beginning of the event, students of all grades could be seen running to the BAC in colored jumpsuits, cheetahprint shirts and skirts, and colorful shirts and flared jeans. This year’s homecoming dance truly had something for everyone, from games and activities in the gym to a photo booth that was a huge hit among the community. Homecoming ’25 was a remarkable blend of triumphs on the field and unforgettable moments on the dance floor — all powered by the spirit and unity of the Pingry community.
AANVI TRIVEDI (VI)
MATIAS STEVENSON (V)
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications, Matias Stevenson (V)
LEAH HOLMES (V)
On Friday, September 12, Upper School students gathered in Hauser Auditorium for the annual Fall Awards Assembly, recognizing
Fall Awards Assembly
the achievements of the senior class and other members of the Pingry community. Upper School Director Dr. Reid Cottingham began with a message to all students and faculty: excellence is not achieved
alone — outstanding mentors and peers all play a crucial role in the excellence of an individual.
Members of the current senior class took the PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam in the fall of their junior year, and the high-scoring individuals were recognized for their achievements. Congratulations to the 36 commended students who placed in the top 50,000 of test-takers nationwide, and congratulations to the 13 students who were named National Merit Semifinalists by scoring within the top 16,000.
Next, Dr. Ann Dickerson and Mr. Matthew Osborne announced the early-inducted Cum Laude students, who have distinguished themselves amongst their peers by pursuing rigorous course loads,
achieving high grade point averages, and committing themselves to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to seniors Cecilia Caligiuri, Sheryl Chen, Sophia Guild, Daniel Hall, Katherine Jung, Serena Lin, Tingting Luo, Alexander Terpstra, Victoria Xie, and Christian ZhouZheng on receiving this distinction. Individual subject-specific awards were presented to the senior students who excelled in specific areas and exemplified the criteria — commitment, scholarship, enthusiasm — for these distinctions. The ceremony began with awards in Math and Science. Next came the English and Humanities awards, including the Justin Society Awards, which honor students
Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly
who submitted writing in various categories. Finally, the Pingry School Awards were presented to the seniors who embody Pingry’s Honor Code, values, and spirit. Following these awards, Upper School Academic Dean Ms. Uma Aviles transitioned the spotlight away from the seniors and onto members of all grades. Ms Aviles awarded the Citizenship Prize to the students who best exemplify the Pingry Honor Code, the Faculty Prize to the students who demonstrated commitment to personal growth, and the Scholarship Prize to the students with the highest GPAs in each grade. Congratulations to all the award recipients and to all faculty, staff, and peers who helped these students achieve these impressive feats!
On Wednesday, October 8, the Pingry Middle School and Upper School gathered in Hauser Auditorium to celebrate the impacts and importance of Hispanic culture at the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly. To begin the assembly, everyone watched a video of the Super Bowl LX halftime performer, Bad Bunny. He has been Spotify’s
most-streamed artist and has held Billboard No. 1 albums, showcasing the widespread appreciation for music in the Spanish language. Next, several Middle School students presented about traditional foods from Spanish-speaking countries, as well as the origins and significance of those foods. After their presentation, everyone listened to Izzy Berger (V) sing “Dos Orgulitas” from the hit Disney movie Encanto . Her beautiful voice and the danceable
rhythm of the song had the whole crowd feeling the beat of the music.
Then, everyone watched their peers guess the flags of several Spanish-speaking countries and were impressed by the geographical expertise of some, while getting a good laugh out of other guesses and the crafty editing of the video. After the video, everyone cheered on their classmates in a school-wide Hispanic Culture Jeopardy game, emceed by Matias Stevenson (V). The teams were the middle schoolers, underclassmen, upperclassmen, and teachers. We all learned some new facts, such as the name of the Hispanic quarterback for Tennessee and which Hispanic artist sang at both the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show and the 2010 World Cup Final. All four teams gave it everything they had, but in the end, the upperclassmen took home the win. After the game, we saw more
presentations from the Middle School, including a slideshow showcasing the unique heritages of some students and a slideshow displaying Middle School artwork inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month, using traditional art styles like Mexican Tin Art and Vejigante Masks. But perhaps the highlight of the assembly was the highly anticipated return of Mariachi Nueva
Fall Pep Rally
México, who first joined Pingry for this assembly in 2023. Their music electrified the audience, and the fun, energetic style of music made everyone want to get up and dance. This year’s assembly highlighted the richness and vibrancy of Hispanic culture, from food to art to music. Thank you to all of the students and faculty who participated in and helped make this assembly a success!
CAROLINE OUYANG (III)
On Friday, September 26, the Upper School held its annual Fall Pep Rally in Bristol Gym. This lively event showcased our incredible fall sports teams, many of which went on to compete at Homecoming the next day. Bagels were promised to the winning team, and students erupted in excitement from the sidelines as the event began.
strong, but the boys eventually caught up and won the game.
The first game was a tug-of-war, in which Field Hockey and Girls’ Water Polo faced off, with the latter emerging victorious. Then, Girls’ Cross Country challenged Boys’ Cross Country; the girls started
Next came the table racing competition between the Football team, Girls’ Soccer, and Boys’ Soccer. Freshmen Asher Candelario, London Hackett, and Manali Patel sat on their respective tables as their teammates lay underneath them. Each team rolled their tables to the finish line; Football took the title, Boys’ Soccer came second, and Girls’ Soccer finished third.
Then, student athletes from various teams stunned the crowd by stepping onto the floor dressed in inflatable sumo wrestling suits.
First, Akiv Shah (IV) and James Pearly (III) faced off in a best-ofthree wrestling match, with Pearly coming out on top. Afterward, sailor Avery Hoffman (VI) and volleyball player Sofia Ramos (VI)
brought the heat in a similar match, with Ramos claiming the win. Lastly, members of the previous winning teams played an intense game of musical chairs. The participants were eliminated one by one until Football’s Max Ventura (VI) was the only athlete remaining. The football team crowded around Max, cheering as the event concluded.
The Fall Pep Rally brought an exuberant burst of energy to a long school day and was a meaningful way to show support for our sports teams and their upcoming competitions. It captured the essence of the Pingry community, one that thrives on both healthy competition and mutual support. competition and mutual support.
Photo Credits: Pingry
LEAH HOLMES (V)
TINGTING LUO (VI)
At the Climate Summit, something stood out to me beyond talks of sustainability. Whilst high schoolers huddled together lamenting on a familiar symphony of stress, middle schoolers bounced around, eager to chat with anyone they could catch.
I remember that version of myself, the one for whom a group discussion was an exciting exchange of ideas, not a box to check for a participation grade. Where did the child who approached everything with enthusiasm go? Of course, you can say younger children have more energy, or blame biology; they have more “gray matter.” But how much difference can a few years really make? And can we reclaim
The Canyon of a Few Years
our old, bubbly selves, bursting to see what the world has to offer?
As I pondered what was lacking in our high school agendas, I concluded the two most pervasive forces that extinguish our inner spark. First, and most widespread, is the idea that everything we do is consequentialist. We’ve been conditioned to see every activity and every hour we put as bullet points on a resume. I’m a member of ASU. I could tell you it’s about building leadership skills and fostering cultural awareness, and those things are true. But more honestly, I do it because I love celebrating my culture and sharing it with others, and, of course, the snacks always bring me back to my childhood and pre-middle school days. The resume line is merely a footnote.
The middle schoolers at the summit weren’t thinking about building their resumes; they were building understanding. And ironically, it is that very authentic passion that makes an applicant truly compelling.
The second, more dangerous force, is the fear of judgment. Somewhere between middle and high school, we become aware of
the social spotlight. The desire to appear effortlessly cool, intelligent, or above it all stifles our willingness to be openly enthusiastic and authentic. To raise your hand with genuine excitement is to risk being seen as a “try-hard.” So we learn to suppress our excitement, to feign a jaded indifference mistaken for maturity. But true maturity isn’t to live without enthusiasm. It’s the courage to express it in the face of potential cynicism. The middle schoolers haven’t learned that fear yet. They ask “naive” questions without shame and embrace new experiences without a protective layer. They remind us that learning is inherently vulnerable — a crucial part being admitting what you don’t know and celebrating what you discover.
The gap between us and them isn’t just a few years. It’s a canyon created by a shift in motivation — between doing things for ourselves and doing things to ourselves. Reclaiming that childhood light doesn’t require magically reversing one's age. It’s about having fearless curiosity in our more complex lives. Instead of giving in to social
pressure, join a club for the fun of it, speak up in class out of genuine interest, and approach a challenge as a puzzle to be solved with wonder.
The energy of the middle schoolers at the summit isn’t just youthful excitement; it’s a model for a life fully lived. The most compelling
resume we can build isn’t a list of calculated achievements, published research papers, and nonprofits. It’s a story told with genuine passion, one fearless, enthusiastic moment at a time. And that is a story any college and any future would be lucky to have.
Learning to Cast: Why Starting High School is Like Fishing
GAVIN GRUNSTRA (III)
When you first pick up a fishing rod, you quickly realize casting is not as easy as it looks. At first, fishing feels awkward and unnatural. You are not sure how fast to swing the rod, or even when to let go of the line. The motion might feel uncoordinated and uncomfortable. You might tangle your line or even miss the target completely. But with each attempt and failure, you learn something new. The same thing happens during
Cardinal Robert Provost was elected as the 267th pope, taking on the name Pope Leo XIV
Nvidia stocks fell by $588.8 billion after the release of Chinese AI model DeepSeek.
Labubus took over the world.
your first weeks of high school. In both cases, you are entering into bigger waters with more to figure out. There are more people, more places to go, more chances to make mistakes, but there are also more opportunities to grow. Growth does not come from getting everything right the first time — it comes from trying, failing, and learning what works and what does not. Each new experience, whether good or bad, stretches your comfort zone and helps you discover more about yourself. Learning
to cast teaches patience and timing; starting high school teaches you how to balance your schedule, make new friendships, and manage expectations. You are figuring out who you are and where you fit, just like figuring out the right lure and where the fish are biting. Eventually, the reward comes: the thrill of feeling a fish tug on the line. In high school, those moments are like acing a test you studied hard for, making a new friend, or discovering an unexpected passion. Mistakes become lessons, and each day helps you
feel a little more comfortable in your surroundings. Just like in fishing, the important part is not about trying to get it right from the beginning or perfecting it every time — it is about showing up, trying again, and learning with each cast. Over time, your aim gets better, your confidence builds, and you start to feel more comfortable — you might even catch more fish. In both high school and fishing, the true reward comes from growing and learning every day despite the possibility of failure.
Happenings of 2025
Kendrick Lamar won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year with his song “Not Like Us.”
The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX.
TikTok was banned. Then, it came back.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco got married.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned.
Two stranded astronauts returned to Earth after spending nine months in space.
A humpback whale was filmed swallowing a man on a kayak off Chilean Patagonia. Then, it released him unharmed.
KFC launched a fried chicken-flavored toothpaste.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got engaged.
HUNTR/X from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with their viral song “Golden.”
Scientists unveiled a pacemaker as small as a grain of rice.
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Serena Shi (III)
SIMRIN SHAH (VI)
We like to think we control our words. But what if it’s the other way around? What if language, that invisible infrastructure of thought, controls us?
We often consider language a tool, a way to express what already exists in our heads. However, I’d like to argue that language doesn’t just carry meaning, but also constructs it. Every word we choose shapes the way we see the world. Thus, grammar has the ability to shape our perception. We imagine that thought comes first and language follows, but perhaps the reverse is true. The words we inherit create the boundaries of what we can imagine. They decide what can be said and, by extension, what
GAVIN GRUNSTRA (III)
If you have ever watched professional tennis, especially the U.S. Open, you have probably seen the TV camera cut to a plaque near one of the player entrances at Arthur Ashe Stadium, displaying Billie Jean King’s famous quote: “Pressure is a Privilege.” Every year without fail, a tennis commentator mentions Ms. King’s famous quote right before two players walk into the stadium to play an important match. The way I see it, Ms. King meant that when we are under pressure to do our best, we should view it as an opportunity, not a burden. Just being in that moment, win or lose, is something special. We get the chance to succeed but also the chance to fail and learn from it. Not everyone gets to feel that kind of pressure. Although pressure can be a privilege, it can also feel like a weight. If we stick with the tennis example, even the most experienced professional athletes, who have immense support and are used to highstakes matches, struggle
The Architecture of Language
can be seen. Every time we reach for a word, we accept its built-in assumptions about how the world works — who acts, who is acted upon, what counts as truth, and what gets left unsaid. But if our words shape our thoughts, how much of what we believe is truly our own?
In this way, language doesn’t simply describe reality; it designs it. It creates the frameworks through which we understand identity, morality, even possibility. And because of that, language has power.
We see this in how easily words can divide or define. The names we give things (and people) alter how they are perceived. To name something is to make it visible; to have no name is to risk invisibility. So what parts of reality remain unseen simply because we lack the words to describe them? Moreover, and arguably more importantly, language shapes how we see ourselves. The stories we tell about who we are become the boundaries of our identity. Each sentence we use to describe ourselves
is a kind of architecture: it builds a space we then live inside. What happens when that space becomes too small? When the words we’ve used to define ourselves no longer fit?
Yet there’s a danger in mistaking that architecture for truth. When we treat language as fixed, we limit the range of what we can imagine. We start believing that what cannot be perfectly named cannot exist at all. But reality is often larger than language allows. There
are moments — of emotion, of art, of awe — that stretch beyond the reach of words.
That doesn’t make language useless. It makes it alive. Words evolve because thought evolves. And just as language shapes us, we also shape language. Bending it, expanding it, making room for new ways of seeing.
To speak or write with care is to take responsibility for that shaping. It means noticing the assumptions built into our words, questioning what they
make visible and what they obscure. It means asking not just what we are saying, but how our language trains us to see.
In the end, language is both the architecture and the atmosphere of our thought. It is both the structure that holds meaning and the air we think within. Every word builds something, whether we intend it to or not. Every word is a choice and every choice builds a world. The least we can do is choose with care.
Is Pressure Really A Privilege?
with pressure. Take Daniil on the court out of frustration parents on the sidelines. I knew right away that what I did was wrong. I knew that I could get penalized, that I was letting the pressure get to me, and that losing my temper would make me lose focus — and possibly the whole match. I knew all of that… and Now, I’m not trying to say I’m on the same level as Daniil Medvedev, but in that moment, I needed a release, just like him. I was frustrated with how I was playing, and felt I had no choice but to let it out. I
think that’s a feeling that a lot of people can relate to when they’re under pressure. Sometimes, we all need to hit the reset button so we can move on and perform better. The real question is: how do we deal with pressure in a way that helps us reset? Not just in sports, but in everything we do. Is smashing a tennis racquet on the court, which hurts no one but yourself, acceptable? The answer is, probably not. If you ask Dr. Fisher, he would probably say that it is vital to release stress and reset your mind. But how we do that matters too. He might suggest using something like the “fourbox breathing rule,” or finding another healthy strategy that works for you. The goal is to let go of the pressure in a way that is helpful, not harmful. In the end, life is full of big and small tennis matches. The pressure will come, whether you’re on the court, in school, or facing everyday challenges. What matters the most is how we handle it. Learning to reset without smashing a tennis racquet may be the key to a happy and more successful life.
Why College Still Matters in an AI-Dominated World
SHANTI SWADIA (V)
Last spring, I asked AI to explain a calculus concept I didn’t quite grasp. It delivered a smooth paragraph with fleshed-out formulas… and one tiny error that gave me the completely wrong idea of the concept. I didn’t notice until I asked my math teacher later that day. That afternoon was my wake-up call. In a world where information is cheap to receive and convincing to believe, having good judgment is more important than ever. That is why I believe college still matters. I see it as a training ground for thinking clearly and precisely in a community.
I’ve felt the difference between “content” and “education.” Over the summer, I learned about neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease from my internship mentor. On YouTube, the same topic lacks a sense of back-and-forth. To illustrate my point, in the lab where I was physically present with my mentor, learning felt engaging. Interns around me interrupted with questions, my mentor changed her explanation to accommodate them, and her demonstration evolved on the spot as she tested our objections. By the end of the explanation, we had learned a concept together through human argument and challenge. Unlike YouTube, college is not a library of answers; rather, it is a place where your claim meets questions in real time and forces you to hold your own intellectually. AI can draft, summarize, and patternmatch at a terrifying pace. What it cannot do is look you in the eye and tell you your reasoning is flimsy. College provides that human resistance. Office hours are times where you learn to
ask better questions, and where a professor politely refuses your secondbest argument and sends you back for a stronger one. I remember walking out of an hour-long lab write-up meeting with my mentor, pencil marks streaking up the whole page. Afterwards, I was grateful because she had paid attention to my thinking and my output. No algorithm can optimize serendipity.
On a campus tour, I wandered into an event and met a computer science major arguing with a music major. That is the point of college. AI can recommend a paper you’ll probably like, but it can’t take you to a room where you will argue with someone you didn’t know you needed to meet, and where a conversation will send you down a path you wouldn’t have found alone.
People say, “Why not learn skills online and skip the bill?” I believe that’s a fair question. However, a degree isn’t just a bundle of courses; it’s a four-year apprenticeship you take on. In college, you will inevitably pick a topic too big or too hard, fail publicly, fix it, and try again with the lesson you’ve learned. You will learn to lead a team that includes the unreliable group member and the procrastinator. These skills are the foundations of adult life, and AI doesn’t teach them because a model never has to coordinate schedules, admit fault, or repair trust after a mistake. I’m not naive about cost or inequality. College must be more affordable and more honest about outcomes, like job placement rates and debt by major. But I believe the statement “AI makes college obsolete” is wrong. AI makes college more necessary because it inflates the value of the things humans do best: judge, collaborate, doubt, persuade, and revise.
When I picture my future, I don’t imagine four years of pristine notetaking. I imagine the messy parts: a professor telling me to start over, a classmate challenging my claim, a late-night debate in a dorm hallway or in a library. Those are the moments where I build up a mind I can trust to defend myself. In an age of convincing machines, I want that training more than ever. College still matters because it is a place where we can learn to be precise with the truth in the presence of others.
Does Pingry Have Too Many Clubs?
SOPHIE SCHACHTER (V)
Pingry has over 150 student clubs, a number that, in theory, represents our students’ passionate and driven nature.
It’s a number I often quote as I give Blue Key tours, hoping to impress prospective students with the idea that “anyone can find their place at Pingry.” And that’s true: our clubs range from Canadian Fish Club to Shark Tank Club to Model UN. This extensive list of clubs represents a diverse range of interests and offers every student the opportunity to explore their preferred niche. Not to mention that starting your own club is relatively simple; it only requires a proposal and a ten-minute meeting with Dean Hoepfl.
While it’s terrific that Pingry allows students to carve out their own space in the extracurricular world, the sheer number of clubs poses the essential question: How many clubs is too many?
As I sat in the Club Leaders meeting this
fall, I couldn’t help but notice just how many students were in the room. Each face signified another club, and—maybe rather cynically—I began to question their motivations behind leading a club.
It’s no secret that in today’s hypercompetitive world, students feel immense pressure to build the perfect résumé to secure that coveted acceptance letter from a top university. Thus, in an effort to stand out, students seem to be starting clubs not out of passion but rather to showcase them on their applications. So, are most of these clubs just “résumé-padders,” created solely to elevate one’s list of extracurriculars?
The new rule implemented this year— requiring clubs to meet at least five times— seems to have been created in an effort to legitimize the student-run organizations at Pingry. Rather than allowing the clubs to simply exist in name, they must now also submit a report at the end of the year detailing their accomplishments. By holding clubs accountable, Pingry
can ensure that each one fulfills its purpose and meets the identified demand. While these new measures are a step in the right direction, the consolidation of clubs is a clear next step. I noticed that many clubs have overlapping interests, goals, and activities. Yet year after year, students create redundant clubs. They could simply join a similar one that meets their interests, but they believe they need to demonstrate leadership. Thus, reducing the number of clubs would encourage students to join existing organizations, thereby strengthening them at the grassroots level. Thanks to increased membership, these stronger and more reputable clubs would achieve more in a year, improving the overall club experience. It is important to note that fewer clubs don’t necessarily mean restricting leadership opportunities; larger organizations require more leaders to handle the extra responsibilities. Students would likely gain more organic, meaningful leadership opportunities rather than just titles with little substance. The solution to club inflation is clear: holistic reevaluation and new regulations to balance opportunity with substance. In today’s competitive educational landscape, it’s understandable for students to get wrapped up in pressure and comparisons, and to feel as though they have to launch something—whether that be a club or a nonprofit—to be successful. But starting a club just for the name won’t bring you a real sense of accomplishment. That, and fulfillment, comes from finding organizations that represent your true passions. If one doesn’t exist, start the club, but make sure to reflect on what you truly want to achieve. Lastly, I believe we should all remember that true leadership comes from the impact you have on others, not the number of titles under your belt.
The Best of Both Worlds: Wasai Bistro
Some restaurants cook foods with heavy flavors. Others make dishes subtle in flavor. Wasai Bistro, located in Cranford, NJ, combines Japanese and French cuisine to strike a perfect balance between light and heavy flavors.
As a fusion restaurant, Wasai Bistro creates a wide variety of dishes. Imagine tasting a delicate miso-glazed
Chilean Sea Bass coupled with light mashed potatoes and earthy stalks of asparagus. What about a savory miso duck ramen soup that comes with a hint of spice? And the Rainbow Roll, which includes fresh ingredients wrapped in a thin piece of seaweed and a layer of sushi rice? Don’t forget their classic seaweed salad that provides customers with the refreshing flavor they need.
A good restaurant, however, is not without constructive criticism. First, the spicy seaweed salad has barely enough spice to live up to its name. Second, although Wasai Bistro is an upscale restaurant, do two small pieces of tuna sashimi really have to cost eight dollars? They were two delicious pieces of sashimi, though.
At the end of the day, Wasai Bistro is easily a nine point five out of ten. I
Senior
Editors-in-Chief
Tingting Luo
Simrin Shah
Faculty Advisors
Ms. Lynne Cattafi
Ms. Sara Courtney
Managing
Aanvi Trivedi
Head Layout Editor Gabriel Raykin
Leah Holmes
Sophie Schachter
Shanti Swadia
Layout Editor
Matias Stevenson
Cartoon Editors
Anna Ojo
Sheryl Chen
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went there with my family on a Friday night in the summer, and it was worth the cost. That’s because the restaurant understands the golden triad of good company, ambiance, and food. The lights in the restaurant cast a warm, friendly ambiance in the room. Seated at the various rustic white tables were other families, chatting about their day and their lives. On second thought, I wish I tried their Mes Rêves Roll, but I'll have to wait until next time. You should definitely add Wasai Bistro to your restaurant list. Some restaurants have good food but lack charm in their setup. Others have a welcoming ambiance but miss the unique blend of flavors that inspire you to write an entire food column about it. Wasai Bistro is truly the best of both worlds.
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Zoe Argentieri
Sarah Diao
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Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Anna Ojo (V), Sheryl Chen (VI), Google Images
VICTORIA XIE (VI)
From Runway to Real Life: Autumn Trends and Winter Forecasts
As the leaves slowly turn red and the air starts to taste like pumpkin spice, it’s time to transition from summer tank tops to cozy cardigans. With fall in full swing, the fashion landscape is catching up to these changes. So, what trends are dominating this season, from fashion week to the sidewalk?
Red: Bold, Fiery, and Unpredictable. There is no doubt that red is having a moment, perfectly complementing the fall aesthetic. From full red looks at Calvin Klein to smaller adornments from Gucci, it's clear that this color adds a spark to any wardrobe. If you’re ready to go bold, brands like Zara and Mango have a great collection of crimson. If you’re more like me and want to keep it subtle, incorporate accent pieces such as red nails or socks. Or you can purchase Alexander McQueen’s vibrant red straight leg wool pants and their matching blazer—one way to make a statement and break the bank along the way.
Brown: warm sophistication. From espresso to caramel, brown has taken over runways worldwide. Named color of the year by Pantone last December, this decision was initially opposed by fashion enthusiasts, but they have grown accustomed to its rich, nostalgic tone. Seen across collections at Paris Fashion Week, including Dior and Loewe, brown is the new black, thanks to its versatility and earthy vibe. This timeless hue does not seem to be going out of style anytime soon. Similarly, fashion is leaning into country home attire, with full equestrian ensembles and legacy outerwear. Fill your closet with barn jackets from
SHANTI SWADIA (V)
Christopher Nolan directs movies that contain complex themes and ideas, yet he still fills theaters. People debate the spinning tops and the wormholes, but the reason his work lasts is straightforward: each film tells a clear story and then leaves you with a lesson to carry into real life.
We meet Bruce Wayne in the Dark Knight trilogy as a child who sees his parents murdered and later returns to the corrupt city as a masked vigilante. The first film follows his training and early fights, the second pits him against the Joker’s chaos, and the third shows a worn-out hero trying to inspire a city to stand on its own. These are each crime dramas, but
The City That Never Sleeps Is Tired — Tired of Losing
DYLAN SHAH (IV)
J.Crew, plaid skirts from Burberry, silk neck scarves, and a pair of classic boots. Another thread weaving through this season’ trends is the art of texture and movement. Designers are shifting their focus from what you wear to how it moves with you. Everyday wearables tell a story beyond the fabric. Take inspiration from Ferragamo and By Malene Birger for variability in craft and texture. Follow Chemena Kemali’s Chloé through a journey of nomadic spirit. Pair a flowy skirt over trousers or let a fringed top swing from a cardigan. While silhouettes are key, this year proves that accessories make the outfit. Scarves, gloves, belts, sunglasses, and jewelry are just some of the many pieces that elevate every look. At Burberry and Gucci shows, scarves were wrapped into elaborate headpieces, but off the runway, they were styled as the classic over-the-shoulder drape or layered as a skirt. Gloves, used for much more than protecting hands from the cold, add an air of elegance and are reminiscent of the Renaissance era. Jewelry, especially beaded necklaces and pendants, made an appearance on the runway from Valentino and Ralph Lauren. With holiday lights around the corner and hot chocolate season nearly upon us, here are some trends to look out for this Christmas. Last year, the biggest trends included faux fur, winter white, and deep burgundy. It seems that colors will once again take center stage: keep an eye out for grey, navy blue, and cherry red as we move into the winter months. New Yorkers are already layering up with wearable statement pieces and decadent outerwear, signaling that the end of the year will be filled with luxe and drama.
the movie’s message is about our choices. In Batman Begins (2005), Bruce declares, “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” Bruce Wayne chooses training, patience, and discipline, showing up to protect a city that doesn’t know his identity. The same lesson presents itself to us in the form of returning a wallet, admitting a mistake, or being the one who is on time. Continuing to make the right choices when the stakes are small helps us make the right choices when the stakes become bigger.
The Prestige (2006) takes place in Victorian London, where two stage magicians become rivals. Each tries to top the other with a new teleportation trick, and they hide their methods from their loved ones. Nolan depicts the
Fans take great pride in New York’s football and baseball teams — it’s hard to walk the streets without seeing a Yankees cap or a Giants hoodie. But lately, the teams that once defined greatness now struggle to even bring home hope. New York is among the largest sports markets in the world, a place where media scrutiny is constant, yet despite all the attention, New York’s major teams have steadily fallen off. Why? The answer is simple: management. Take the Yankees, for example — a franchise with 27 championships, the most in baseball. At first glance, that history signals success; look closer, and the present tells a different story. Since their 2009 World Series win, the Yankees have failed to maintain their championship culture. Sure, the 2017 Astros cheating scandal robbed them of a fair shot, but that was one year. The rest of the failures fall onto the Yankees’ management. In recent seasons, the Yankees have dominated weaker teams but collapsed against stronger ones. This year, they came up short again, losing to the Blue Jays in the ALDS. Besides Aaron Judge, most of the lineup struggled to hit even .250. How can a team with one of baseball’s biggest payrolls lack depth? Many blame owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman for spending big on flashy players while forgetting that you win with a full 26-man roster, not just a handful of stars. Then there’s manager Aaron Boone — more famous for his ejections than playoff wins. After another disappointing season, fans want this crash-out manager out.
Across town, the Mets aren’t doing much better — their last World Series title came in 1986. Despite consistently ranking among the league’s top five in payroll, big spending hasn’t translated into October results. This year, they missed the playoffs by one game —
cost of their actions: one man builds a life out of lies and cannot step out of character, and the other risks his health to sell the illusion every night. The film is not anti-ambition, but it asks if the tricks are worth the damage they cause offstage. Real mastery looks like open practice and trust between partners, but obsession looks like secrecy and broken promises because the next rehearsal “cannot wait.”
Inception (2010) follows a team that enters dreams to steal information. The famous hallway fight and folding city signal that the dreams have rules and real stakes. Under the movie itself is a lesson about habits: putting the book on the desk, silencing the phone, and blocking out distractions allows you to be the architect of your own environment.
even after paying three players the highest salaries at their positions. Before the season, fans believed “this is our year” after the Mets poached Juan Soto from the Yankees. Let’s just say, it wasn’t. The Cincinnati Reds, with a payroll three times smaller, took the final playoff spot instead.
Owner Steve Cohen is praised for his interest in the Mets, but he proves that spending isn’t enough. Interest doesn’t win games, and a six-game collapse in one month shows it. Now it’s mid-October, and the Mets are once again “back to the drawing board,” which usually means seeing how many useless millions Cohen is willing to spend next.
On the football side, things somehow look worse. The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since January 2011 — achieving the longest active drought in all North American sports. “Achieving” probably isn’t the right word, but they’re at least first in something. Some fans joke that Joe Namath cursed the franchise after their lone Super Bowl in 1969. At this point, it almost feels true.
The Jets have started the 2025 season 0–6, on track for a 15th straight playoff-less year. Owner Woody Johnson seems uninterested in winning. Rumor has it he vetoed a trade for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy because Jeudy’s Madden rating was too low — then went on Twitter to call himself the “Madden Ratings Adjuster.” Jeudy went on to have a career year — his best season to date. Typical Jets. The team has cycled
through five head coaches in their drought, each starting with optimism and ending in disappointment.
Staying loyal to the Jets is exhausting — watching four quarters of their football might be harder than writing this column. Across the river, the Giants haven’t fared much better. They cling to their 2008 and 2012 Super Bowl glory because that’s all they have left. Since then, they’ve had just three winning seasons, six failed coaches, and nine starting quarterbacks. Their latest blunder? Trading away franchise running back Saquon Barkley to the division-rival Eagles. The following year, Barkley won the Offensive Player of the Year award and was featured on the Madden 26 cover. In return, the Giants rewarded quarterback Daniel Jones with a $160 million deal, only to release him a year later. Now, Jones is cooking with the Colts and is even in MVP talks.
A viral clip from before the 2024 draft showed Giants GM Joe Schoen asking his family who to pick. His son told him to trade up for quarterback Jaden Daniels — who later won Rookie of the Year. “You only get this job once,” the kid said. “You need to try to win.” Maybe New York’s owners should start taking that advice. New Yorkers take immense pride in their baseball and football. Every year, hope builds — only to be let down. I’m guilty of this mindset myself. But one day, New York sports will win again — and you won’t want to miss it.
Interstellar (2014) opens on a failing farm during a global crop crisis. A former pilot, Cooper, leaves his family to search for a new home through a wormhole near Saturn. The science matters in the plot, but the true message of the movie is a parent trying to give his children a future, and a daughter learning to read the data her father left behind. The lesson is to learn more about what scares you. If money is tight, build a simple budget and a timeline. If you dread college applications, break each one into tasks with deadlines.
In the film, equations turn fear into a plan. In life, basic numbers do the same. Oppenheimer (2023) is a portrait of the physicist who led the team that built the first atomic bomb. You see excitement, pride, fear, and regret live in one person.
The lesson is uncomfortable but useful: every project deserves a brake pedal. On any team, you can assign someone to ask what could go wrong and who might get hurt. A short pause before big decisions is a small cost for a safer outcome. If you are looking to engage in some Christopher Nolan films, you should watch The Prestige and Inception for the puzzles, Interstellar for heart and science, and Oppenheimer for debate. The films span genres, yet they keep circling the same human questions: how do you build a noble life through small choices? When does too much ambition become harmful? How do ideas change behavior? What is worth learning when the future looks uncertain? Through his films, Nolan aims for a spectacle, but leaves you with habits you can use.
AMELIA LIU (V)
Field Hockey
BRYNNE DRAGERT (V)
The Pingry Girls’ Field Hockey Team has had a very successful season so far, winning eight games, tying three, and losing two. The team is led by Head Coach Julie Delinsky, as well as new Assistant Coaches Tara Smith and Grace Chapis. Together, the coaches have guided the team to several key victories, with more to come as they lead up to the County and State Championships.
On October 11, the Girls’ Field Hockey Team competed against Watchung Hills in an intense and contested match. In the first three quarters, both teams lit up the field, consistently scoring and matching each other with goals. In the end, Pingry pulled ahead to secure the victory with a final score of three to two. As the fall season comes to an end, the team hopes to climb up the New Jersey stats leaderboard and finish the season in style.
Girls’ Tennis
SOPHIE SCHACHTER (V)
Girls’ Tennis is having yet another spectacular season. Ranked first in the state, they are on track to go undefeated for a fourth straight season and claim their fifth consecutive NonPublic State Championship. Losing five seniors may have swayed any other team, but Girls’ Tennis has taken it in stride. Despite having only one senior in the starting lineup, they continue to dominate the competition. In late September, the team swept all five flights to capture its seventhstraight County Championship, finishing with 25 points.
On October 11, the girls competed in the quarterfinals and semifinals of the North Sectional Championship at
Princeton University’s tennis center.
Star sophomore Fiona Hu, who plays first singles, fought through a tough first match and was ultimately able to advance to the finals. First doubles partners Angelina Gao (V) and Rachel Bai (III) also secured a spot in the finals, where Gao will be making her second consecutive finals appearance.
Much of the team’s continued success can be attributed to the leadership of Head Coach Marion Weber, who has cultivated a culture of consistency and resilience across all levels of the program. The team continues to break records as the season progresses, and with a young group at the center of their success, Girls’ Tennis seems poised to remain a powerhouse for years to come.
RYAN DICKS (IV)
After another successful preseason trip to London, where the team went 3-0 (a feat that hasn’t occurred often during their yearly trips abroad), the regular season began with a hectic 3-2 overtime win over BridgewaterRaritan. Co-captain Vinnie Ferraro (VI) scored two goals, including the overtime winner, to help the team start the season off with a win. Captains Henry Foster (VI)
SOPHIE SCHACHTER (V)
Girls’ Soccer is off to an explosive start. The team has a current record of 8-1 and is ranked second in the Skyland Conference as well as eighth in the state. Of the games they’ve won, they’ve won by an average margin of four goals — a remarkable feat. However, the season hasn’t been easy, as the girls have faced several injuries, especially at the goalie position. Luckily, Valentina Triana (V)
Boys’ Soccer
and Harrison Hackett (VI) and Co-captains Akku Chanchal (VI), Nate Verling (VI), and Ferraro have made sure to emphasize to the team that “nothing is given to us and we’re the biggest game on everybody’s calendar.”
Boys’ Soccer has had an unbelievable start to the season, winning 11 straight games with four ranked wins in the process. Their biggest test of the season came on October 7, when they traveled to Sports Illustrated
Girls’ Soccer
stepped up to play goalie, joining the team halfway through the season and adapting quickly.
Stadium in a Top 10 National Matchup against the #1 team in the country, St. Benedict’s. The team looked to avenge their state championship loss from last year. Heartbreakingly, St. Benedict’s scored the game-winning goal with less than three minutes to go on the clock in double overtime to defeat Pingry 4-3. Looking ahead, Boys’ Soccer is the number one seed heading into the county tournament, where they will face Watchung Hills in the quarterfinal.
Despite these setbacks, the girls continue to play with determination and grit. They dominated the double header at Sports Illustrated Stadium, beating Sparta 5 to 1 in front of a cheering crowd, with star player Maya Nuwayhid (VI) scoring twice. Nuwayhid, a Columbia commit, has been unstoppable this season, with 15 goals and counting. Sydney Ellsworth (VI), Kallie Stern (V), and Maya Remimbas (IV) also scored goals against Sparta, demonstrating Pingry’s strong offense. The girls now have their sights set on winning the Somerset County tournament and hope to avenge their loss in the finals last year. The team had an exciting Quarterfinal match against Montgomery on Tuesday, October 14, fighting to move to the next round in the Somerset Country tournament.
Boys’ Cross Country
RYAN
DICKS (IV)
Boys’ Cross Country is currently in the midst of one of the best seasons the program has ever seen. Captains James Draper (VI), Quinn Joralemon (VI), and Jack Tedesco (VI) have helped the team achieve the #6 state ranking—the highest they’ve ever had. When asked about the team’s success, Draper said, “The team set a new fastest five-man average at Holmdel, the state course of New Jersey. We’re
looking forward to breaking our own record at counties and groups.”
The team also competed in the Shore Coaches Invitational on October 4, setting a new school record with an average time of 17:07, while placing second in the Varsity F race. Draper finished in third place with a time of 16:28, while Nikhil Shah (IV) and Joralemon placed tenth and fifteenth with times of 16:57 and 17:07, respectively. Boys’ Cross Country will look to improve its record on October 21 at Pleasant Valley Park in the Somerset County Championships.
Girls’ Cross Country
SARAH DIAO (III)
The Girls' Cross Country Team is off to a stellar season. Under the guidance of Head Coach Sarah Christensen and Assistant Coach Rebecca Rose, the team has displayed outstanding speed, teamwork, and consistency at every meet. Led by Captains Sari Berman (VI) and Julia Ronnen (VI), the Girls’ Cross Country team is currently ranked in the top ten in the state after four meets. They won first at both the Shore Coaches Invitational and the Bernie Magee Class Meet. When asked about the team’s
strengths, Ronnen commented, “Our strength comes from running as a pack. Every practice, we push each other, and that teamwork carries us through every race. We always start together and finish strong together.”
At Shore Coaches, the team’s depth and coordination were on full display as five varsity runners finished within just 20 seconds of each other. The team is determined to continue its success and acquire another Skyland title this year. With their eyes on the prize, the Girls' Cross Country Team is clearly running toward greatness.
ARJUN SHEKDAR (III)
The 2025 Big Blue Football Team has had a great start to their season. On Saturday, October 11, they played Horace Mann High School on the road and completely took over. They won with a final score of 35-0, asserting full dominance and moving their record to 3-3.
Head Coach Joe Passaro, Offensive Coordinator AJ Passaro, Defensive Coordinator Michael Carr, and
Football
Quarterback Coach Kevin Riordan lead the team. The team captains this year are Finn Cavanaugh (VI), Patrick Lange (VI), Ryan Moye (VI), Ja’Mar White (VI), and Oscar Irwin (V). With all hands on deck, the team is looking forward to a strong season. The offense excels in both rushing and passing. Prior to Saturday’s victory, quarterback Moye has thrown for 1,001 yards, 11 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 66% completions, and he leads in rushing with 253 yards
and 5 TDs. Six receivers have scored, showing a balanced attack. Captain White leads the team in receiving with 14 catches, 306 yards, and 6 TDs. The defense does their part too, with 414 total tackles and eight forced fumbles, seven of which were recovered. Linebacker Michael Webster (V) and Cavanaugh both lead the team with 60 tackles, each also forcing a fumble. Not only do they lead the team in tackles, but they lead the Metropolitan Independent League, followed by teammate Max Ventura (VI) with 42 tackles. Following their performance against Horace Mann, the team entered their October 17, 2025 home matchup against the 5-2 Morristown Beard Football Team with momentum and high expectations under the Friday Night Lights. After an exciting game, the team came out on top with a commanding victory of 29-13, showcasing their discipline and all-around talent. Go Big Blue!
Coed Water Polo
Led by Captains Cecilia Caligiuri (VI) and Max Ruffer (VI), the Coed Water Polo Team has delivered an outstanding performance so
far this season. Head Coach and Upper School History Teacher Elaine Neumann, alongside Assistant Coaches Anna Marie Smith and Megan DeGraff, bring passion and dedication to the team.
At the Spencer Vespole ‘09 Tournament, the team defeated St. Benedict’s Prep 24-10 but had a tough loss to Germantown Academy, ending the tournament in second place overall. The team played St. Benedict’s Prep again on September 15, resulting in an 11-6 victory. In
Girls’ Volleyball November
their first home game on October 9 against Horace Mann, they won in overtime after a penalty shot by Cody Mattson (VI), propelling the team to an overall 15-14 finish. At the Beast of the East Tournament from September 26 to 27, both the Girls’ and Boys’ Teams played against teams from across the East Coast and performed exceptionally well. The Girls’ Team won both preliminary rounds and advanced to the finals, where they placed second, achieving the highest finish in program history.
ZOE ARGENTIERI (IV)
Big Blue’s 2025 Girls’ Volleyball team is having its strongest season yet. With a current record of 4-9, the team is off to a solid start as the growing volleyball program enters its third year of competition. Captains Jordan McDonald (IV) and Megan Soos (V) lead this year’s squad. The team has certainly been playing aggressively, with Madison Titus (IV) recording an impressive 90 kills and
Charlotte Hunzinger (IV) adding 57.
The team has a total of 184 kills this season, a major jump from only 39 in 2023. Additionally, the players have demonstrated strong teamwork, totaling 136 assists. Soos leads the team with 101 assists so far this season.
Besides playing their best in games, this year’s team is also filled with enthusiastic energy. Mackenzie Eford, Junior Varsity Coach, noted that the team has the perfect “balance of having fun and still
implementing the things improved upon in practice in competition.” With ten games remaining in the season, Pingry is excited to see what is in store for Girls’ Volleyball.
AMELIA LIU (V)
CORINNE WILSON (III)
This year, Pingry welcomes Upper School History Teacher Mr. Avinash Chandan, who will be teaching World History 9. Mr. Chandan earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Education degree in Social Studies, and a Master of Arts degree in History from Rutgers University. He then worked as a history teacher for the Jersey City and Weehawken public school systems and St. Peter’s Prep. When asked why he wanted to become a teacher,
SIMRIN SHAH (VI)
This year, Ms. Katelin O’Hare joins the Middle and Upper School Art Department. She will be teaching Art 6 and Art 8 in the Middle School, and Art Fundamentals in the Upper School. Next trimester, Ms. O’Hare will teach a new Form II elective called Art 8: Printmaking. In addition to teaching, Ms. O’Hare is excited to be the Grade 6 Project Week Coordinator this year. Ms. O’Hare earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from Lesley University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a Master of Arts
CAROLINE OUYANG (III)
Last winter, the Arts Department welcomed Mr. Daniel Hertzberg. Mr. Hertzberg teaches Art Fundamentals, coadvises a Form IV advisory with Dr. Andrew Moore, and coaches the Middle School PE Fit group and Ice Hockey team. Mr. Hertzberg received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Since 2009, he has worked as an independent artist and graphic designer. He has created art for prominent organizations, including the cover of a National Geographic magazine, game-day posters for
Mr. Avinash Chandan
he explained that he has always had a passion for history and a desire to help people. He found joy in talking to people about history and helping them explore the world through that lens. Over time, he realized that he could translate this love into a career, especially after one of his cousins, who was also a teacher, inspired him to do so. While researching Pingry, he was immediately excited about “the school spirit and the atmosphere of overall excellence.” He saw the school as a place where students were
academically curious and thrived in a supportive environment. Outside of teaching, he loves trying new restaurants, running, reading comics, cooking, and watching movies and old sitcoms. He watches baseball and ice hockey, with the New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils as his favorite teams, respectively. He also loves to curate his music collection, which consists of classic rock, ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s pop, as well as his family’s cultural music. Welcome to Pingry, Mr. Chandan!
Ms. Katelin O’Hare
in Teaching (MAT) degree in Visual Art Education at the School of Visual Arts. Before joining Pingry, Ms. O’Hare taught at The School at Columbia University (TSC) for 12 years as a K-8 Visual Art Teacher. Her additional roles while teaching at TSC include Yearbook Coordinator, Grade Level Coordinator, Associate Program Coordinator, and Advisor. When asked what prompted her to become a teacher, Ms. O’Hare noted that she was “inspired to change careers and become a teacher after volunteering at a community center and teaching art classes. I had a family member who always said I would be a good teacher, but I had never
really considered it until then.”
In her spare time, Ms. O’Hare enjoys reading books, swimming, baking (especially breads and pies), and spending time with her dogs, Miles and Bean. Currently, Ms. O’Hare is relearning how to sew in hopes of making her own clothes. Ms. O’Hare reflects positively on her experience at Pingry so far, describing the community as “very welcoming — from teachers and administrators to students. I am lucky to teach my classes!” This year, Ms. O’Hare looks forward to both discovering new ways to showcase student artwork and exploring opportunities to integrate more art into the Middle School curriculum.
Mr. Daniel Hertzberg
the New York Jets, and designs for Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
Mr. Hertzberg’s career reflects a long-standing commitment to teaching. Before coming to Pingry, he taught art at several colleges, including Montclair State University, the School of Visual Arts, St. John’s University, and the University of the Arts. When asked why he decided to teach, Mr. Hertzberg explained that working alone can be very stressful, and it was “far more rewarding,” he remarked, to teach students and change their lives.
Mr. Hertzberg shared that he has been enjoying his time at Pingry. He appreciates the
supportive community and the students and administrators he has worked with. He is looking forward to both teaching and learning from his students.
Mr. Hertzberg hopes to help his students discover something in art that will “light a spark.” In his free time, Mr. Hertzberg enjoys all things related to ice hockey. He also raises awareness and funds for NICUs, inspired by his own experiences with his premature twin newborns received care there.
Mr. Hertzberg looks forward to seeing his students grow and getting to know the community better.
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications
ARJUN SHEKDAR (III)
The Upper School welcomes Ms. Jenny Lee, the newest addition to the Chemistry Department. Ms. Lee will be teaching Chemistry 1 to freshmen, as well as Chemistry 2 and Chemistry 2 Honors to sophomores. When she’s not in the lab, you can find her coaching Middle School Cross Country.
Ms. Lee grew up in Orange County, Southern California and moved to New Jersey in 2012, where she first attended the Peddie Boarding School. She then graduated from Duke University in 2020, where she majored in chemistry. Ms. Lee elaborated on her interest in teaching,
KALLIE STERN (V)
This fall, Dr. Sam Maynard will be formally joining the Upper School in the History Department, where he will teach World History 9 and 10 to Form III and Form IV students. He is already a familiar face on campus, having joined as an interim teacher in 2024 due to designated teachers going on maternity and paternity leave. In
Ms. Jenny Lee
which first sparked when she’d “led one-on-one and group tutorials, provided weekly walk-in office hours for introductory and organic chemistry and statistics students.” A passion for helping others has always driven her; as she puts it, “Seeing them understand what they’re learning. It’s their a-ha moments that really light me up inside.”
In her free time, Ms. Lee bakes, cooks Korean food, and spends time with her cat, Dubu, whom she declared “the Chemistry 1 class pet.” Additionally, she announced that she’s “in the process of becoming a Yoga teacher.”
Ms. Lee loves to go outside, whether it’s on a run, walk,
or hike — it’s fair to say that she embraces nature and the calm it brings her. So far, Ms. Lee’s experience in Pingry has been “a little chaotic, but in a good way.” She said that she’s adapting to a new school very well and really enjoys teaching her new students. As a teacher, her goal is to “encourage students to think hard, work hard, succeed, but most importantly, have all the fun they can while doing so.” According to her teaching philosophy, keeping expectations high is the ultimate goal, as that’s what helped her succeed. Ms. Lee looks forward to a new environment and a new year, with high hopes.
Dr. Sam Maynard
addition to teaching, Dr. Maynard advises the “The Evolution and Impacts of American Foreign Policy” HIRT, which investigates the United States’ approach to foreign policy throughout history and the economic and social repercussions of those decisions.
Dr. Maynard received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth University, a Master of Arts degree from Georgetown University, and
a Doctorate from Oxford University. Before joining Pingry, Dr. Maynard taught political science and sociology at Monmouth University. At Oxford, he was an undergraduate tutor and a research assistant at the Oxford Internet Institute, a research and teaching department focused on the impacts of digital technologies and the internet. Welcome to Pingry, Dr. Maynard!
Mr. Thom Johnson
This fall, the Upper School Science Department is excited to welcome Mr. Thom Johnson, who will be teaching all sections of AP Physics C: Mechanics. He is also the faculty advisor of the Multiracial Affinity Group. Mr. Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in science and physics from Evergreen State College. After completing his undergraduate degree, Mr. Johnson was a Peace Corps teacher for two years at the Swaneng Hill School in Botswana. There,
he discovered his love for teaching, and upon returning to the United States, he completed his master’s degree in science education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Before coming to Pingry, Mr. Johnson taught physics for 30 years at Paul D. Schreiber High School in New York and for two years at North Middlesex High School in Massachusetts.
So far in the school year, Mr. Johnson is impressed by the number of students meeting with him in his office. He admires the way his students actively
participate and are engaged in the coursework. His goals include enhancing physics labs by introducing unique equipment not currently available to the school. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Johnson enjoys playing volleyball, table tennis, and tennis. He also likes to work out in the gym. He visits Manhattan every Sunday to get coffee and dinner with his wife, a tradition they have kept for years. To finish, he adds, “I am very impressed with the food!” Welcome to the community, Mr. Johnson!
AMELIA LIU (V)
TINGTING LUO (VI)
After serving as Head Coach of the Water Polo Teams last year, and continuing this year with the start of Girls’ Water Polo’s record-breaking season, Ms. Elaine Neumann joins the Upper School History Department, teaching World 9 and World 10. When asked what she is most excited about, Ms. Neumann stated, “It was a wonderful experience as a coach last year, and being a teacher here allows me to add onto that experience as well.”
BRYNNE DRAGERT (V)
Mr. Andy Corwin joins the Physics Department this Fall. Mr. Corwin attended Ohio State University and received a B.S. in Engineering Physics. He previously taught at two boarding schools in Massachusetts — The Winchendon School and Northfield Mount Hermon. Then, he came to New Jersey and taught at Ranney School in Tinton
SARAH DIAO (III)
This year, Dr. Lara Tucker joins the Upper and Middle School World Languages Department after teaching at several independent schools, including the Portledge School in Long Island, the Windward School in Los Angeles, and the Ranney school in Tinton Falls, NJ, where she also served as
LEAH HOLMES (V)
This Fall, the Pingry community welcomes Mrs. Jennifer Vignolini to the Science Department. Mrs. Vignolini teaches AP Biology and Molecular Biology Research. In addition to teaching, she serves as the faculty advisor to the newly formed Food Dye Independent Research Team. The group investigates how artificial dyes in food affect the expression of genes involved in neural function, aiming to explain possible
Ms. Elaine Neumann
Ms. Neumann earned a B.A., double majoring in History and Art History, and an M.A. in Education from Villanova University. Prior to Pingry, she worked at and developed the AP World Curriculum at the Pequannock Township High School for eight years.
Ms. Neumann first became interested in history through “an obsession with Greek mythology” during childhood. The art and culture surrounding that history, she says, “gave life and a visual history for me, and it made me want to learn the stories behind
all the different small things left behind by the people of the past.” In her free time, Ms. Neumann enjoys reading, and she “often can be found in coffee shops, book stores, and at home reading.” However, “being able to go on a hike with an audiobook is one of the best things [she] get[s] to do in [her] free time,” and she describes it as “life changing.” From her experience so far, Ms. Neumann describes Pingry as a “welcoming community,” where students’ drive motivates her to “strive to be better for my students as well.”
Mr. Andy Corwin
Falls before arriving at Pingry.
Here, Mr. Corwin teaches physics and coaches the FTC and FRC Robotics teams. From his experience so far, Mr. Corwin finds the atmosphere to be lively and positive, where everyone has a “cando attitude.” He emphasizes that the other faculty members, as well as administrators, are the most welcoming and helpful. In addition, Mr. Corwin
appreciates the curiosity and engagement his students have shown as they visit him for help or ask thoughtful questions. When asked to share a fun fact, Mr. Corwin showcases his knowledge of science and history, saying, “The gap between when the Stegosaurus and T. Rex lived is bigger than the gap between when the T. Rex and humans lived.” Welcome to Pingry, Mr. Corwin!
Dr. Lara Tucker
World Languages Department Chair. Before transitioning to teaching, Dr. Tucker earned her Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.A. in Latin American and Iberian Cultures from Columbia University, where she also served as a Visiting Instructor and Teaching Fellow. She received her B.A. in Spanish from Bard College.
At Pingry, Dr. Tucker teaches Spanish 4 Honors, Spanish 4,
and Middle School Spanish B. When asked what she would like to bring to her classroom, she said, “I plan on teaching classes that balance rigor and fun. I want students to feel challenged but also enjoy the learning process.” In addition, she hopes to establish a chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society to further celebrate students’ achievements in language and cultural study.
Mrs. Jennifer Vignolini
behavioral changes associated with food dye consumption.
Mrs. Vignolini earned her B.S. in Microbiology from Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Michigan. Before coming to Pingry, she taught biology and chemistry at the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, The Potomac School, and Charlotte Country Day School.
When asked why she decided to come to Pingry, Mrs. Vignolini said, “I was interested in Pingry because
it provided the opportunity to do research with students, allowing me to combine my passion for teaching and research.”
Mrs. Vignolini spends most of her free time with her two children and enjoys visiting family and friends. Aside from her love of science, she has a passion for art, including drawing, memory quilting, and other artistic hobbies. Mrs. Vignolini is excited to be at Pingry, and the Pingry community is equally thrilled to have her be a part of it.
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications