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Volume CXLI, Number 5 The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey May 15, 2015 David Gelber’59 Speaks About Climate Holocaust Assembly Change in Honor of Earth Day Stresses Inclusion flooding. the most effective factor the summer, and will offer that one person can make a differ- By TRACY COOPER (IV) By TUCKER BICKELL (V) Following the film clip, in preserving the environ- three environment-themed ence.’ And so for me, what makes David Gelber’ 59 came to Gelber described his career ment is politics rather than courses in the Science, His- This year’s Holocaust assem- the assembly powerful is the Pingry on Earth Day, April as a journalist. technology. tory and Art Departments bly took place on March 27. This participation by the community.” 22, 2015, to speak to the When he was a producer He also asserted that next year. He also men- year’s theme was “The Power Mrs. Hartz also believed that Pingry community about for “60 Minutes,” he took young people should form tioned that several seniors’ of One.” The assembly strove to having students run the assembly environmental issues. remember the actions of brave makes the message stronger. “To Mr. Gelber was the cre- bystanders who risked their lives me, what makes our audience ator and executive pro- to save innocent people from Nazi listen best is when they hear the ducer of the television show control. words from their peers,” she said, “Years of Living Danger- The assembly was completely “so it’s really not me as an adult ously,” which documents run by student volunteers that to get up there and tell them what human effects on the en- presented separate sections of the they know about the Holocaust, vironment. He was also a presentation. At the end of the but rather letting their peers tell producer of “60 Minutes” assembly all of the students lit them about the Holocaust or and a reporter for The New candles and said a prayer on stage whatever the topic is that we’re York Times. in memory of those affected by choosing.” Hannah Benton (V), one of Gelber spoke about his the Holocaust. Director of Community Ser- the many volunteers, said she career and about current en- signed up because of her heritage vironmental problems dur- vice and Coordinator of the As- sembly, Mrs. Shelley Hartz, was and her recent trip to Israel and ing the assembly, answering very pleased by the impact of the Europe. She visited Auschwitz questions from students at assembly and believed that the and Birkenau after the death of the end. He later spoke with volunteers did very well in get- her cousin, an Auschwitz survivor. students during both lunch ting the message across. “While “Just seeing the camps in person periods. In the assembly, Gel- ber showed several clips Mr. Gelber’59 answers student and faculty questions about from “Years of Living Dan- climate change at the Earth Day assembly. Courtesy of Pingry Communications gerously,” describing the drought in Yemen and rising an interest in the environ- their own opinions about ISPs pertain to the environ- sea levels in Bangladesh. ment and created an episode climate change. ment. These clips explained the about the negative effects of Art teacher and Green Christina Ou (VI) said rare nature of rain in Ye- clean coal on the environ- Group advisor Mr. Peter she learned from the as- men and the devastatingly ment. He later left the show Delman concluded the as- sembly that “when you’re torrential effects when it to create “Years of Living sembly by informing at- passionate about something, rains there, as well as the Dangerously.” tendees of Pingry’s current there are many different lev- increased size, strength and During the question and undertakings to help the els of involvement, whether frequency of cyclones in answer portion of the as- environment. it be recycling or using wind Bangladesh. sembly, one student asked He explained that Pingry power or creating a TV se- The film warned that ris- about potential technolo- has hired a garden con- ries documenting the effects ing sea levels in Bangladesh gies that could help curb sultant, provides the op- of climate change, and so are already forcing people environmental destruction. portunity for students to be you need to be the change out of their homes due to Gelber replied that he felt interns in the garden during you want to see.” L. Kim (VI) I guided them as to who we were was a whole new experience,” she going to choose and whatever, I said. “It makes the horrors of the Juniors and Seniors Enjoy a Night Last Month think the message that got across Holocaust all the more real. Also, was ‘here’s one person telling you with all of the anti-Semitism going on in Europe, in response to the of Dancing at the Annual Prom Today ily defer and tuck away our tasks Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I felt By ABBY BAUER (V) and responsibilities to the back our like it was extremely important minds. And this is, by no means, to speak out on behalf of my sharp tuxedos I feel like I’m on the As you read through the school Both said that the most dif- simple. religion.” By JESS FOY (V) red carpet.” news front page stories of this is- ficult part of Prom is keeping an For most of us, the books come Hannah felt that the message After weeks of searching for This is the second year in a sue, you might notice that you are accurate count of the students who first in our lists of priorities. We should continue to be passed on the perfect dress or tuxedo, the row that the Stone House hosted reading yesterday’s news today. have RSVP’d and charging their miss practices, skip club meetings, every year to make sure no one highly anticipated annual Junior- the Prom. And no. We are not John Oliver. accounts accordingly. and even take an occasional “sick forgets the actions taken during Senior Prom was held on Thurs- Students agreed that the venue Truth be told, articles have been Dr. Jones and Ms. Kehoe day” to catch up, prepare, and that time period in history. “The day, April 23 at the Stone House worked well for prom due to its left un-edited, meetings have been agreed that their favorite part of maintain our sanity. survivors will soon be gone and Restaurant in Warren. accommodating size. postponed, and editorials have planning the event is the prom We accept that we are human people who doubt the Holocaust Both Physics teacher Ms. Jill There was plenty of space for been put off to be written “later.” itself. beings and can’t physically do it ever happened will be even stron- Kehoe’04 and Head of Student students to eat, talk, take pictures, This is not because the Edito- Ms. Kehoe said, “I love see- all. But does our dedication to our ger with no survivors left to testify. Government Dr. Megan Jones and dance. rial Staff decided to take a much- ing all the students enjoying what academic pursuits make us any So it is imperative that we record were the heads of the prom plan- Taraja Arnold (V) said, “The needed vacation this past month. we’ve put together for them, and less dedicated to our activities and listen to the stories of as many ning. best part was the dancing. Every- On the contrary, we haven’t had a with all the beautiful dresses and outside of the classroom (or testing survivors as possible because one let loose and had fun during a mere second to rest. location)? No. soon that will be the only proof really stressful time in the school For several weeks, our days While the un-edited articles we have left.” year.” (and some very long nights) have waiting patiently for us in the This year’s assembly was cut The DJ played a mix of upbeat been filled with cramming for a Google Drive folder may suggest down from one hour to twenty- dance music and the always- combined 17 AP Exams, while that we have neglected our roles five minutes. Mrs. Hartz was not popular throwbacks. Students still keeping up with our classes, as editors for the paper, we, like very happy with this change, but enjoyed singing and dancing to prepping for our SATs and ACTs, you, were only being high school she still believes that the shorter songs such as “Cupid shuffle” and and alloting the time for our sports students acting consistently with assembly was just as impactful as “Cotton-Eye Joe.” and clubs. the popular phrase: “School comes the longer version. Another crowd favorite was Like most upperclassmen, the first.”However, we did not allow Mrs. Hartz wanted the Pingry the photo booth. “The photo booth stresses that came with the arrival our academic stresses to deny our community to realize that al- was a great idea,” Nick Carrion of April have only heightened in readers Pingry news. though each assembly has a differ- (V) said. “It gave us the oppor- May and, at the moment, seem to We were eventually able to ent theme, the idea that genocides tunity to take photos with friends have no end. put together this issue, despite of any kind should never happen that we could keep for memories.” Perhaps the delayed publica- our respective undertakings and again is always at the root of the As for dinner, there was an tion of this issue reflects a greater time constraints. We’ll be adding message. array of choices from Southern trend in the lives of many up- some more delayed articles to the The community reflected posi- Favorites, such as corn bread, fried perclassmen as the year literally Commencement issue. tively on the return of the assem- chicken, mashed potatoes, to mini escalates as it winds down. So as you attempt to navigate bly. Bobby Rigby (V) thought the sliders and French fries. While we direct our attention through the overwhelming months annual assembly is very important “The food was incredible. The to what is seemingly important at of the end of the school year, as a reminder to all members of Mac and Cheese was definitely the moment, such as the grueling remember that things that are im- the school. “I feel that the as- my favorite,” Justin Wang (V) AP Exams, standardized tests, and portant to you may take a backseat sembly is always a good time for said. final papers and projects, we are to other obligations, but they won’t Pingry students and faculty alike Dessert consisted of chocolate forced to confront the dilemma necessarily stay there. In the mean to reflect upon the horrendous covered strawberries and choco- of having too much to do in too time, enjoy these stories and check actions that occurred during the late covered cheesecake pops. little time. Seniors getting ready to head to the Prom. out those up to date editorials and Holocaust and other genocides Inevitably, we must temporar- G. Miller (VI) sports stories on pages 2-4. like it.” 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MAY 15, 2015 EDITORIAL Bring Pay Inequality to the Forefront the near future, regardless the rate for white women.” just the case with individuals working in the educational By HALEY PARK (V) of whether or not we have This shows that women of Get the Facts a female president, women color are at an even greater field. Take any profession: I’ll admit, prior to subscrib- will have wages equal to disadvantage. investment banker, marketing ing to theSkimm, a daily e- those of men. Consider this scenario: a manager, computer program- Before Judging mail newsletter that provides Not only is gender dis- man and a woman both gradu- mer, or lawyer. Women will a recap of each morning’s crimination an issue in the ate from college with a bach- inevitably be paid a lower In March of this year, the quiet bedroom community news, I had never heard of workplace, it also has an elor’s degree in education. salary than what men are paid, of Pine Bush, New York, erupted into civil war after “Equal Pay Day.” solely because of gender. a student read the Pledge of Allegiance in Arabic to Perhaps some of There are several reasons celebrate “Foreign Language Week.” A number of stu- you have never that individuals have justified dents, teachers, and parents were furious that the pledge heard of it either. the wage gap. Some believe was read in this language, especially those from Israel Regardless, it is that occupational differences or those with family members killed in Afghanistan. an issue that I are one of the leading reasons Numerous people claimed that the student who read find unsettling. that explain the wage gap. the pledge should “go back to the Middle East” and The Nation- However, I do not find this associated Muslims with terrorists. al Committee an accurate rationale. While This example highlights the growing problem of a on Pay Equity some women may be choos- sense of ignorance that is perpetuated by the media (NCPE) created ing more female-dominated and the inability of people to distinguish between fact Equal Pay Day in occupations, there is still a and opinion. 1996 as a public percentage of women who are Going back to the Pledge of Allegiance situation, awareness event choosing careers that have a the vast majority of those who protested the reading in to illustrate the larger male percentage. Arabic were clearly misinformed. A quick Google search gap between men Another reason people will tell you that the national language of Afghanistan and women’s claim is a justification for is Dari, and Arabic is the national language of the UAE, wages. Equal N. Mo (VI) the wage gap is differences Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, three of America’s allies. Just Pay Day, which was April 14 impact on women’s lives as Both land a job as elementary in hours, that women are because al Qaeda and ISIS are extremists who profess this year, symbolizes how far a whole. With lower wages, school teachers in Louisiana. working fewer hours than the Muslim faith and speak Arabic doesn’t mean that into an additional year the more women, compared to In terms of salaries, the wom- that of men. Again, I find this it is ok to automatically judge all Arabs or Muslims as average woman would have men, are experiencing lower an is paid 66% of what the unconvincing because women terrorists who are “anti-American.” Just because the to work in order to earn the standards of living. More man is paid. Why? Because who work longer hours than media voices a particular opinion doesn’t make it OK same wage as a man did in women are also having lower the woman is working fewer men still will not be paid an to parrot those opinions as if they are facts. one calendar year. It is said retirement savings, thus in- hours than the man is work- equal salary. Unfortunately, this dependency on opinionated forms that women on average make hibiting them from making ing? Because the woman is While high school students of information has resulted in increased social unrest 78 cents for every dollar that the most out of their lives. doing less work than the man are not earning yearly wages and a hostile environment. The numerous protests that a man earns. According to an article is doing? None of the above. yet, this should not be a topic have occurred in the past year over police brutality are After hearing that Hillary written by The Daily Beast, It is simply due to gender. we are completely unaware byproducts of groups of individuals who have rushed Clinton is officially running “Nationwide, 15.5 percent Regardless of whether you of, or disregard. to judgment. In this country, people are innocent of a for the 2016 Presidential Elec- of women live in poverty, consider yourself a proponent The Daily Beast’s sta- crime unless a court finds them guilty. Without this tion, I think it is important to compared with 11.9 percent of “women’s rights,” is this tistics might at first seem principle, we would be sentencing people solely based recognize that unequal pay of men.” But the discrep- justifiably sound? Pay equity discouraging, but the more on our personal beliefs instead of taking the time to for women is still an ongoing ancy widens in terms of race. also differs by state: Washing- awareness brought to the understand the facts. People rushed to the wrong con- issue. That said, we are living The same article states that ton D.C. is the best state for issue, the better informed clusions in Pine Bush, and many rushed to the wrong in an era where women are the “poverty rate for Native pay equity, whereas Louisiana we can be and the more our conclusions in places like Ferguson and Staten Island. gaining broader recognition American, black, and His- is one of the worst. voices can have a lasting We need to look beyond our own personal biases and and influence. Hopefully in panic women is nearly twice This discrepancy is not impact on future generations. those in the media before we can start making judgments about other people. So, what can be done to solve this national predica- ment? The easy way is to encourage people to do their Sleep is A Must for Students own research and not get lured in by appealing media By KATIE HO (IV) who can survive for days with depictions. The uptick in social media use and Internet insufficient amounts of sleep, I news sites has made Americans pickier when choosing I am all too familiar with the unfortunately need a solid nine what sources they want to hear news from. People se- feeling of resting peacefully in hours of sleep each night in order lectively tune out news sources they disagree with, and the morning, my feet tucked to function properly. Whether my this makes the public, especially the younger generation, under the covers and my eyes spirits are high during the day more polarized on certain issues. gently shut, when my frustrating often directly correlates to what enemy, the dreaded alarm clock, The other option is essentially reforming the media time I fell asleep the night before. screeches loudly in my ear and industry to promote more objective analysis. Granted, Recently, I have realized that instantly turns my mood sour for students often fall into one of opinion pieces (like this one) are necessary for people to the rest of the day. express their views on issues. However, the diminishing two categories: those who go Sleep will always remain one to bed early and wake up early, sources of unbiased news lead many people to rush to of my best friends. It always judgment without considering the facts of a case or an and those who go to bed late and does an excellent job of seeping wake up early. At a school that event. This in turn is associated with increased partisan all of the negative energy out of fights and social unrest. begins at 8:05 AM every morn- mind and replenishing my brain ing, pretty much every student The more people become fully aware of the facts of a with positive thoughts the next has to wake during the same particular issue, the more likely we will be able to have morning. One of the moments I narrow range of time, somewhere balanced debates about the issue. People will be able to relish the most after a day chock between 6:00 and 7:30 every formulate their own opinions, instead of just repeating full of tests and stress is going to morning. However, the time that opinions of people who may also be misinformed. As sleep and feeling refreshed the different students choose to fall S. Wang (V) late Senator Daniel Moynihan once said, “Everyone following day. asleep varies greatly. is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” Even though I live exactly are still developing. Not getting during the course of the school As the school year is rapidly adequate amounts of sleep can four minutes from school, which drawing to a close, I have no- year, it is important for us to saves me an immense amount of have a huge impact on students’ develop study habits where we ticed that many students, myself health and overall mood. —Abhiram Karuppur transportation time, I often still plan ahead and develop sleep included, are sleeping later and In a recent New York Times feel lethargic during the day, later each night, claiming that habits now, rather than wait until because I did not sleep enough article titled “When Work and college, where life can be even the barrage of homework that Sleep Conflict, Work Wins” au- the previous night. Unlike those they are receiving is the primary more hectic. All students who thor, Margot Sanger-Katz, report- are not already doing so should culprit for their late night cram- ed that those who sleep less than ming sessions and desperate make an effort to sleep at least Volume CXLI six hours a night could potentially attempts to finish homework as- eight hours every single night. By Number 5 experience detrimental problems, designating a specific time that signments. Especially toward the such as cognitive impairment and end of the school week, I can see they are going to shut off social an increased vulnerability for media and close their notebooks students making a beeline for the sicknesses. Ironically, according cafeteria in order to pour a quick for the day, students will have to one of her sources, Mathias a much higher chance of being cup of coffee or tea to keep them Basner, a professor at the Uni- Editors-in-Chief animated during class. Typically fully alert the next day at school. versity of Pennsylvania, “The I’ve been trying this myself. Layout Editors Abhiram Karuppur Photo Editor after lunch, I witness constant major determinant of short sleep yawning that seems to trickle its For the past week, I have been Julia Masch Lori Kim Isabella Zinn is actually work.” trying to go to bed at ten o’clock way across the entire classroom. At a highly active school like Abigail Ren Students are constantly tired, and every night and wake up at Assistant Editors Pingry, where students are stay- six-thirty every morning, leav- they aren’t trying to fix the prob- ing up late in order to complete Sports Editor Abby Bauer Assistant Photo Editor lem. But the solution is obvious: ing me a good hour to review Haley Park Haley Park their assignments, it is no won- for tests and write essays in the Dillon Noone sleep more! der that many students arrive Mark Shtrakhman Every student knows that morning, when my brain is the Copy Editor Faculty Advisor at school with dark bags under most aware. So far, this practice getting enough rest is important. their eyes, claiming to have only Katie Ho Dr. Susan Dineen Staying focused during class and has paid off: I’ve noticed myself gotten five to six hours of sleep feeling more awake and ready to Caroline Terens after-school activities takes a tre- the night before. mendous amount of concentra- work throughout the day. And As homework assignments, because I’m getting more sleep, tion. But students need to take ad- tests, and projects will always be vantage of sleep now more than I don’t dread the alarm quite as All rights reserved. All contents © 2015 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. inevitably assigned to students ever, because our teenage brains much as these days. 3 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MAY 15, 2015 We Can’t All Be the Leader EDITORIAL Let’s Imagine New By ABBY BAUER (V)

As I head into the final Rituals It’s no secret that Pingry takes pride in tradition. After all, the months of my junior year, I lower commons is currently lined with banners that hold our past have noticed the heightened and current headmasters’ names, and the school crest is engraved expectation for me to assume on seemingly everything from pens to metal plaques. more leadership positions. It While some might resent this strong adherence to the past, tradi- is a pressure that is known to tion is looked upon by most as a unifying force in the community: it’s nearly all rising seniors: we vie what ties alumni to current students, actors to athletes, and teachers for the captain designations of to pupils. In fact, Pingry’s emphasis on tradition was one of the main our sports teams, we become reasons I wanted to come to this school. more outspoken and participa- Recently, though, it seems as though the administration has been tory in our clubs, and we apply halting certain traditions: SAC assemblies have been shortened from for the competitive Peer Lead- 45 minutes to 25; Rufus Gunther Day, which was once a day for ership program. students to dress up in costumes and spotlight community service, is We do all of these things, turning into merely an opportunity to get two hours out of the way; not solely to bolster our college and most recently, Senior Prank Day was banned. resumes, but because being a Since we were freshmen, my classmates and I had looked upon leader is perceived as a goal Senior Prank Day as a rite of passage and had eagerly awaited the we all should and are expected day that we, too, could celebrate the end of classes with Nerf guns to attain. and water balloons and practical jokes. When we found out that we And this perception extends wouldn’t be able to participate in the same ritual that our siblings beyond high school and col- and older friends did, many of us complained that it was unfair for lege. Just as we attempt to rack the administration to deprive us of a long-standing tradition. up titles signifying leadership H. Conti (VI) I will say that I understand why the administration stopped the within the Pingry community tradition of Prank Day: in past years, it has seemingly become an —Captain, President, Editor- lower” is generally regarded as who lead by example. For in- Lincoln and Gandhi, were in- excuse for seniors to trash the school. (I might even add that the in-Chief—we later aim to col- a derogatory word for one who stance, one might look up to the troverts. Being a leader doesn’t senior prank is not even much of a tradition—according to my sister, lect parallel titles in the “grown doesn’t think independently team members who give their mean you have to be the loudest who graduated in 2012, it only came about six or seven years ago). up” world. We strive to occupy or who relies upon others for all at every game and practice in the room. To me, it means And, after all, if celebrating the end of classes requires a destructive a spot near the top of the flow- guidance and direction, these and support their teammates. you are passionate about and ritual, then I think we have a much bigger problem. chart of life in the hopes that it followers are the ones who While the letter “C” may not be confident in your ideas and But I would also like to defend the dismay among the senior class will bring us success and maybe implement the ideas, execute embroidered on their uniforms, pursuits and you want to instill and perhaps explain why we were so upset about losing our Senior even happiness. We are taught the game plays, and complete they are leaders. Similarly, one this passion and confidence in Prank Day. For me, at least, my disappointment didn’t lie in losing that somehow holding these the tasks assigned to them by might admire the students who others. Prank Day itself. Rather, I was disappointed with the gradual loss titles of leadership makes us the so-called “leaders.” Thus, offer their ideas to improve the To my fellow juniors, I am of tradition that I’ve seen in my four years at Pingry. more respected and recognized we can neither expect nor want school and immediately take not discouraging you from aim- As I mentioned above, many of my classmates and I have become individuals when compared to every single student, college ap- action to make them a reality. ing to be captain of your team, disheartened by lack of reverence for certain traditions like annual our “inferior followers.” plicant, and member of society While they may not hold posi- president of your club, or the SAC assemblies and Rufus Gunther Day. And the abrupt ending to But this expectation that to be a leader. tions on the student govern- coveted Peer Leader: these are the senior class’s last SAC assembly attests to the fact that some of everyone should be a leader So if you find yourself strug- ment, they too are leaders. all admirable positions that will the lighthearted traditions that account for our school’s je ne sais is unrealistic. Though it might gling to attain the leadership Perhaps a leadership position definitely allow you to expand quoi are evaporating without our understanding why. be quite obvious, not everyone titles sought by your high school is something that is not always your leadership skills. However, Perhaps that’s the reason that the loss of a rituals such as Senior can lead. A successful com- peers, fear not. It doesn’t neces- designated or voted on. It can do not abide by the misguided Prank Day hits us as a loss. Instead of just getting rid of this ritual munity simply cannot exist if sarily mean you don’t possess be achieved by individuals who premise that you need leader- entirely, perhaps it’s just in need of revision. it is comprised of only leaders. leadership attributes and skills. influence, inspire, teach, and ship titles in order to impress So, what we really need is to find a middle ground: which tradi- The non-leaders appear to be In my own pursuit of leadership, motivate others by their words college admissions staff, suc- tions are worth preserving and which ones are not? It would be just as, if not more, critical as a rather introverted person, I and actions. cumb to the expectations of anachronistic and closed-minded for me to say that all traditions are to the existence and success have come to realize that leader- Nor do leaders have to be society, or even be successful in worth keeping for the sake of preserving the past. Just imagine what of every community, from a ship is not limited to a mere title the most outgoing, popular life. Do not feel constrained by our school would be like if not for our capability to change: unless school sports team to a corpora- one holds. individuals. Some of the most conventional leadership roles. you are a white Protestant male, you wouldn’t even be attending this tion to a nation. Though “fol- We often overlook the indi- well-known and respected po- Define leadership on your own viduals within the community litical leaders, such as Abraham terms. school (harsh but true). Students need to realize that certain traditions such as Senior Prank need to be looked upon as privileges rather than rights: main- taining them requires us to prove our responsibility. And it’s impor- When Creativity Becomes Plagiarism tant that we stress this idea of reciprocity, because it’s what affords By CAROLINE TERENS (V) than $7.3 million to account but whether Gaye owned the the use of cowbell—may, in us something as fundamental to Pingry as the Honor Code. When we Creativity and original- for the violation of copy- thing that was borrowed.” combination, be distinctive can’t uphold our responsibilities as members of an interdependent ity is greatly valued in our right laws. As many listeners First of all, while Robin enough to warrant legal pro- community, the system as a whole fails. In the example of Senior society today, but can also Prank, past senior classes failed to uphold their responsibility as not be hard to find. Given our only role models for underclassmen but also as basic members of a unlimited amount of infor- community. What resulted was a seemingly parent-child relationship mation, the availability of between the administration and the student body. an immeasurable number of Though I graduate in a month, I hope that this parental relationship sources, and the ability to doesn’t come to define our school zeitgeist. However, ensuring that this doesn’t happen will require an effort from both the administra- communicate instantly, are tion and the student body. our original ideas even really The student body can’t become entangled in the grips of a ritual, our own? because when this happens, we lose sight of what a certain tradition Truly individual work is has become. But the solution shouldn’t be to end the tradition (or at almost impossible to come least the value of it), which has seemingly been the case with events by because of all of the like Rufus Gunther Day, Senior Prank and SAC assemblies: these advancements in our soci- losses only cause a greater divide within our community. Ultimately, ety. Many people believe the goal should be to preserve the traditions that bring us together that because it is so easy while also reexamining the ones that might not be as valuable. to find information and use So, should senior prank be shut down? No, I think it’s a tradi- what other people have al- tion that is worth keeping—but with some serious tweaking and ready created, what is called imagination. “original” work, is really —Lori Kim not that original. But is this K. Deak (V) a bad thing? All great artists, have discovered, the opening Thicke claimed “Blurred of many to reach the public. creativity. If we are expected entrepreneurs, and inven- tection, there remains a tech- of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” was his own song, There has been a similar and encouraged to use our tors had to be influenced by nical problem that will likely Lines” (2013) is extremely Pharrell wrote the song and controversy over Vanilla Ice’s resources, as long as we cite someone or something dur- get this verdict thrown out.” reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s openly acknowledged that song “Ice Ice Baby” copy- them, shouldn’t artists and ing their careers. As a result, While the verdict of the hit “Got to Give it Up” (1977). he was influenced by Mar- ing Queen and David Bow- inventors be able to do the there continues to be a very case may not be accurate, it Due to the apparent similar- vin Gaye’s work. So what ie’s “Under Pressure.” Even same? If Robin Thicke asked blurry line between what is is largely the result of how ity, the case has been brought constitutes a violation of a more recently, the blatant the Gaye family if he could considered one’s own intel- Robin Thicke acted and pre- to center stage in the music copyright law? According resemblance between Sara use the same style of the open- lectual and creative work and sented himself to the public. world. to Tim Wu, Marvin Gaye’s Bareilles’ “Brave” and Katy ing of “Got to Give it Up” related ideas from another Wu explains how he is already In Tim Wu’s article dis- copyright contract says that Perry’s “Roar” even leaves in his own song, he would person. This controversy a controversial figure in music cussing the case in The New he specifically only owns the me confused when the two have saved a fortune and is greatly debated in many and most people are not going Yorker, he explains, “there right to the notes of his sound, come on the radio. Music is avoided the condemnation of copyright and intellectual to take his side over that of is no question that Pharrell not the way it was produced or just one field in which there the public. Using someone property cases. Marvin Gaye, a music legend. was inspired by Gaye and the general style. He only had is a very gray area between else’s ideas, if you have the Speaking of blurred lines, But although the ruling states borrowed from him; he has copyright authorization for his originality and intellectual authority, is only a sign of in a recent case between that he did “steal” intellectual freely admitted as much. But, composition, not the actual theft. respect. Creativity can still the upcoming artist Robin property from Marvin Gaye, by that standard, every com- recording. So Wu believes At Pingry, we take pride be original if we acknowledge Thicke and the Motown by law, this is not entirely true. poser would be a lawbreaker. “even accepting that some in our original work and and accept the influences that star, Marvin Gaye, Thicke The Robin Thicke and The question is not whether of Gaye’s style elements— are trusted to cite whatever other people and their work owes Gaye’s family more Marvin Gaye case is just one Pharrell borrowed from Gaye such as the male falsetto and sources we use to aid our own have on our own ideas. Page

port ay 4olume umber The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey M 15, 2015 V CXLI, N 5 S S GIRLS’ GOLF By Miles LeAndre (IV), Brandon hard in the off-season and is Li (IV), Jacquie Jakimowicz 2-9 expected to live up to last (V), Jamie Moore-Gillon (IV), The girls’ golf team, led year’s success.” Amanda Cosentino (V), Zayna by Coach Robert Mauer and Due to last season’s suc- Nassoura (V), Edward Johnson seniors Lori Kim and Bella cess, the team had a new (IV), Mackinley Taylor (IV), and Zinn, currently holds a 2-9 opportunity this year—a Julia Axtell (V) record. Kim said that de- spot in a tournament for top spite having “graduated five teams only. Coach Marion seniors last season, the team Weber said, “The school’s GIRLS’ TRACK has been practicing hard to tennis program has expanded make up for the loss.” She With a few wins under through all levels and has also commended the team’s developed into a competitive their belt, the girls’ track first-seed player, freshman team enters the second half force in the county.” Ami Gianchandani, for help- Hoping to advance even of their season strong. ing the team catch up to their Captain Ruthie Advokat further in state tournaments scores from last year. this year, the team further (VI) is proud that the team When asked about her has been “showing improve- aims to win sectionals and goals for the season, Zinn groups; their eyes are set on ment.” She added, “From said, “It’s important to stay throwing to running to jump- winning the Tournament of positive and optimistic, es- Champions. Returning first ing events, we are a very well pecially with such a new rounded team and are strong singles player Jeffrey Zucker (IV) hopes to lead the team Courtesy of Pingry Communications to this victory after having S. Lieberman (VI) looks for an open teammate. finished last season nearly Chae (V), and Coach Joe seniors have played since undefeated. BOYS’ TRACK Forte, the team holds a 13-2 their freshmen and sopho- BOYS’ BASEBALL record. more years and they all want The boys’ track team had Although the golf team to finish their Pingry careers a solid start to their sea- 12-8 lost two valuable senior play- on a good note.” son, led by captains Garret McGregor (VI) and Jordan After an early exit last year ers, Chris DeVito ’14 and Hanson (VI). in the state tournament, the George Zachary ’14, the team GIRLS’ SOFTBALL has worked to improve their In their first meet, sev- boys’ baseball team looks to skills in the off-season. “We 5-8 eral athletes ran and threw have more success this year, are a close knit group of guys The girls’ softball team, personal records. The team which will hopefully include who enjoy spending time to- led by Coach Chip Carver looks to win the South Sec- a spot in this year’s tourna- gether on and off the course,” and captains Ayanna Neal tional Championship for the ment. With a current record Dannenbaum and Chae said. (VI) and Katie Marino (V) fifth time in a row and battle of 12-8, the team is led by The team has a full sched- college baseball recruits Jus- ule of nine-hole matches and tin Friedman (VI) and David eighteen-hole tournaments Braverman (VI). ahead of them and looks Braverman, who is the forward to showcasing their team’s third baseman, said, abilities. “In the wake of Courtesy of Pingry Communications “I think we have a talented Girls’ Track runs in a meet. losing two key seniors, the group of returning players team really rallied,” Bobby and a lot of guys have filled and promising in all areas.” team.” She also said that she Rigby (V) said. “Overall, we very important roles.” He Advokat said that the team is “proud of all of the hard are a very solid team looking added, “We’re going to be is strong in spirit, and she work the team has been put- forward to finishing as strong tested in the coming weeks hopes that the team mem- ting into practice.” as last year.” as our schedule gets tougher, bers will continue to support Coach Mauer hopes that but I am confident that we together during their last the team, which includes “a BOYS’ LACROSSE will get the job done.” few races. Despite the fact couple of veterans as well as Team member Joe Possu- 12-4 that track cane be difficult some new great talent,” will mato (IV) added, “I think we to have the “same cohesive- “be competitive and build on After finishing last sea- are in a pretty good groove ness as other sports, as it can past successes” for the rest of son with a 14-5, the boys’ right now and I’m excited to feel like such an individual the season. lacrosse team is looking see what we accomplish this sport,” Advokat is “confident forward to finishing this year—with the way we have that the team can all work BOYS’ TENNIS season just as strong. Led been playing, I can definitely together and have a great and by captains Clayton Wright 16-2 see that happening.” exciting season.” (VI) and Jamie Smith (VI), the team holds a 12-4 record. Courtesy of Pingry Communications After winning the Non- BOYS’ GOLF Public A State Championship Team member David K. Marino (V) pitches the ball. GIRLS’ LACROSSE last year and advancing to the 13-2 Metzger (IV) said, “With our currently holds a 5-8 record. against their rival, Saint Jo- 10-7 Tournament of Champions After finishing last season captains as well as other se- The team attributes their seph High School, to win the for the first time in Pingry with a historic 14-1 record niors providing great advice, early successes to a strong State Championship. “Many history, the boys’ tennis team and championship titles from there is no doubt from here sense of camaraderie. Kira juniors and seniors, namely Led by Athletic Direc- strives to finish the current both the Non-Public B Sec- our potential is very high.” Bartnick (V) said, “I’d say Hansen, Branden Phillips tor and Head Coach Carter that everyone on the team is (VI), Michael Carr (V), and Abbott, as well as captains very close. During games, I, strive to qualify and attend Annelise Kinney (VI) and you’ll always hear people in the 2015 Meet of Champions Jenny Wilkens (VI), the girls’ the dugout cheering for each in June,” McGregor said. lacrosse team holds a 10-7 other while someone’s at bat, Despite the loss of several record and is hopeful that this and you’ll hear a teammate seniors, the team hopes to record will improve during being congratulated after continue on a successful the remainder of the season. making a good play.” path. “The throwing team Players have been focused Marino added, “The chem- is looking promising at the on bringing intensity to prac- istry between the girls is beginning of the season,” tice, which they hope to see indescribable. It’s honestly Jackson Hoit (V) said. Ja- translated in games. Though so cool how a bunch of girls mie Parker (IV) added that the team has lost some close from different grades and the hurdling team “is really games, Coach Abbott noted, groups can get together and close and pushing it hard to “We are a young team that is get along as well as we do.” make it to states.” getting better day by day.” When asked about the “The boys put in a great Although the team has lost team’s goals for the rest of amount of training in order a few starters due to injuries, J. Chae (V) tees off. Courtesy of Pingry Communications the season, Marino said the to optimize their perfor- Wilkens said, “Everyone is team hopes “to keep build- mance,” Thomas Taran- really stepping up to the chal- season equally as strong as tional Tournament and the Head Coach Michael Web- ing and improving on every tino (IV) said. “Throwers lenge up and down the field.” the last one. Non-Public B State Tourna- ster believes that there is an aspect of the game. We’re practice on technique and The team is excited to play Led by captain Will John- ment, the boys’ golf team opportunity to have another really trying to focus on strength, sprinters train to several schools that it has son (VI), the team holds a seeks to defend their titles as impressive season. He said, the small things each player improve speed, and distance not played before, such as 16-2 record. Johnson said, the season comes to a close. “We have a strong senior struggles with and start by runners train to improve Morristown-Beard and Villa “With the loss of only one Led by captains Matthew class that is providing great improving those.” their stamina.” Walsh. senior, the team is practicing Dannenbaum (VI) and Justin leadership. Many of these