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Vo l u m e CXXXIV, Nu m b e r 2 The Pingry School, Martinsville, New Jersey No v e m b e r 9, 2007 ‘Woman of Setzuan’ Questions Morality By REMY TEICHER (IV)

Moral conduct and the Hon- of Mrs. Mi Tzu. or Code play a crucial role in Ned Adriance (V), who our daily routines. But have plays the Husband, reports you ever thought of circum- that “we are all beginning to stances where being honorable get a feel for our respective might lead you to trouble? roles, and the play is becom- Have you ever thought that be- ing more and more intriguing ing good is not always the best by the day.” solution? Have you ever felt Devine says that everyone the need to compromise your is working hard and “the play own honor code depending on is progressing really quickly the situation you face? now that we’ve mostly gotten These are a few of the many over the first obstacle of learn- questions raised about integrity ing our lines. It’s amazing how and honor in this year’s fall in character everyone can get play, Bertolt Brecht’s “The when we’re really focused.” Good Woman of Setzuan.” Not only are the actors Director Al Romano says, working very hard, but people “Brecht uses a very simple behind the scenes are putting in parable about a woman who a great deal of effort as well. Courtesy of the Bluebook tries to live a good life. What Darina Shtrakhman (VI) she and the audience find is that is the stage manager with the it is very difficult to be a good help of Lillie Ricciardi (IV), Dressing Up, Giving Back on Rufus Gunther person in a world in which while Melinda Zoephel (VI) is All these upperclassmen com- etery next door that was perfectly selfishness and self interest in charge of the set crew. By ANDREW SARTORIUS (V) From the sixth grade to the senior class, students participated munity service events were es- maintained,” said Mrs. Hartz. rule.” “I think the rehearsal pro- The lights in the Hauser audito- in projects that took them all over tablished last year by Mrs. Hartz “This year, we hope to clean it up The ‘good woman’ of the cess is going really well and rium dimmed and the large face of New Jersey, from Hillside and “to form a lasting relationship and also find out a little bit about title is troubled by dishonest the set looks incredible,” says Scott Bissinger (VI) appeared on Chatham to the woods behind with these important volunteer some of the people buried there.” and self-centered individuals Bianco. the projection screen. Though the Pingry. programs.” The second program took place who take advantage of her. Jane Ash, head of set design, audio was difficult to understand, All students from 7th to 10th Some advisor groups were on campus. In its second year, Mr. Romano adds that “the has constructed a complex set Bissinger’s underlying message grade went to the Foodbank assigned to send out mailings for the Green Group, a club devoted play uses comedy, melodrama, for the production. was clear: Rufus Gunther Day in Hillside, where the majority organizations such as FOP and to improving the environment, singing, and shifting perspec- Mr. Sean McAnally of the 2007 had begun. loaded donation boxes with food Bridges. undertook two projects. Accord- tive to explore this moral prob- music department has com- This year’s Rufus Gunther Day and other necessities. A small In addition, some advisories ing to Mrs. Hartz, “this is the first lem. The production poses posed music to accompany the began with an SAC assembly. group worked in the mailing made origami cranes for the Well- time a student club has taken the staging problems for Pingry singing in the production. initiative and gone and performed Led by senior club presidents room, assembling letters and food- ness Community, an organization actors, not the least of which is Adriance explains that al- based in Pluckemin that helps community service on Rufus Ryan Maxwell, Ricky Zacharias, bank information to be sent out to the use of character masks.” though “daily rehearsals are and Jay Sogliuzzo, the assembly members of the community. individuals and their families in Gunther Day.” was upbeat, featuring more videos dealing with cancer. Aided by two foresters, stu- Jenna Devine (VI), who sometimes draining, the work Many of the juniors and se- plays the lead role of Shen Te/ of the cast is really paying off. than in previous years, including niors participated in small-scale Others made fleece blankets dents set about the Pingry woods Bissinger introducing each grade’s projects. for Brian’s Dream, a program removing invasive species. An- Shui Ta, agrees, saying, “It’s The interactions between the costumes. Drama students from Form V helping children affected with other contingent planted bulbs a hard play to do, especially characters are becoming more Musical performances by Re- and VI went to the Rock Brook brain tumors. in various locations around the if we use masks, but I think real with each day of practice, becca Behrman (VI), Ricky Zach- School in Skillman and the ECLC This year, two new programs campus. everyone in the cast is up to and, come opening night, the arias (VI), and Scott Eckenthal School in Chatham, respectively, debuted. The first occurred at the Asked why it is such an im- the challenge.” audience should be prepared (VI) rounded out the event. where they performed for children Lamington Presbyterian Cem- portant and memorable event at Hallie Bianco (VI), who to be engrossed in a great Shifting gears, the second part with disabilities. etery. With advisor groups from Pingry, Mrs. Hartz replied that plays the Wife, notes that “it’ll production.” of the day was devoted to com- In the same vein, the Middle Forms III and IV, teams led by it was because of the “learning, be a great opportunity to work Brady agrees and observes munity service, a tradition that has School choral groups sang at the Mrs. Newman, Dr. Artis and Ms. experiencing and bonding that on acting with our bodies since that “‘The Good Woman of lasted so long that “I don’t even Matheny School, another special Torres helped clean up the graves, occur during community service, you won’t be able to see our Setzuan’ has something for know when it began,” commu- needs facility. Finally, three senior as well as performing rubbings on whether the activity is fun or faces.” everyone: it’s serious, and also nity service advisor Mrs. Shelley advisory groups volunteered at the gravestones to determine the not.” “Although it is a difficult has some comedic elements. Hartz said. SHIP, a homeless shelter. occupants of each grave. “It is a responsibility of those play, I feel that it is progress- “It’s definitely a challeng- “This cemetery which holds who have so much to give just one ing very well,” notes Maureen ex-slaves was largely ignored for day to those who are so needy,” Brady (VI) who plays the role Continued on Page 5 Inside The Record years while there was a white cem- she said. Senior Class Submits Early Applications students were admitted early, were admitted. the percentage of students that By NEHA SRIVASTAVA (IV) and 57% enrolled in the college According to Mr. Lear, the opted for binding early deci- On November 1, seniors to which they applied early. percentage of students applying sion ranged from 51% to 62%, submitted early applications 51% of the seniors applied to early has remained fairly con- for the first deadline of the early decision I or II, and 37% sistent. Over the past four years, Continued on Page 4 early decision process. Slightly over one hundred seniors plan to make some form of early application. Courtesy of Nick Rescoe (VI) According to Mr. Tim Lear, Director of College Counseling, A peer group bonds at the Bryn Mawr retreat. 84.5% of the 123 students in Perspectives on Stress Gutman Visits the Lower School the senior class submitted an early application (early deci- Evan Rosenman (VI) and Jenn Children’s author Dan Gutman sion, early action, rolling, or Soong (IV) explore the causes and signed books and lunched with stu- effects of stress. P. 2-3. dents. P. 6. restrictive early action). 171 total early applications were Our Very Own Beauty Queen New Marketing for Radiohead mailed, and 60% of those ap- Nick Rice (IV) reviews the British plications were early decision. Junior Cathy Ha won the title of rock band and their new marketing As of November 2, 31 people Miss New Jersey Teen Queen. P. 5. tactics. P. 7. submitted early applications Sections to the Ivy League. Last year, From Austria With Love 105 students, roughly 87% of School News...... 1, 4-5 the entire senior class, submit- Matthias Tinzl joins the school Commentary...... 2-3 ted early applications to either community as a member of the Pye Underclassmen News...... 6 family and a student in the sophomore early decision or early action class. P. 5. Arts...... 7 colleges. They submitted 144 Sports...... 8 applications in all. 67% of the M. Skiba (VI) 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY NOVEMBER 9, 2007 EDITORIAL The Madness About Doing Your Homework Giving’s Not a Duty, Standardized Testing for the Right Reasons about certain things. Do not By DAVID YOUNG (VI) measure anything.” Actually, By SAM BARON (IV) It’s a Privilege it “under-predicts the college think about your work until Saturday, the 6th of Octo- performance of women, mi- No longer will school fully you are about to begin doing With Rufus Gunther Day having come and gone, the discussion ber. SAT day. After four gruel- norities, and disadvantaged consume my time. No longer it. I see people running down of the merit of mandatory community service inevitably came ing hours, I was exhilarated. students.” My favorite pet will my week consist solely the halls in a panic. Why? up in classes. In my Freedom section, we heatedly debated the “No more SATs, forever!” theory is that the SAT was of school. The cumbersome There is no use worrying about age-old question: is it good if it’s forced? one senior next to me ex- initially designed by males for workload that is piled on us your two papers due tomorrow Many said that no, it is not good, but noted that being good claimed. the benefit of male students. has deceived us. We are bowing in the middle of math class; and being beneficial is not always the same thing. Even if most These words poignantly Although I have no concrete down, submitting, to school. you cannot do anything about people do their ten hours so that Mrs. Hartz won’t send them capture the sentiments of proof, I am strongly con- If we only think about the them. Worrying only makes angry emails at the end of the school year, the truth is that their Pingry students. Put bluntly, vinced that the sort of skills few hours of homework that we the situation feel worse than it services still assist those in need. Can we call it altruism? No, I don’t know of any living sought by the SAT match get a night, then we forget about actually is. but my classmates suggest that the motive behind the good deed student who does not abhor more closely with the male our family, the 37,803,652,881 The third, and most impor- is irrelevant. SATs. The acronym S-A-T mode of reasoning. “Histori- acres of Earth tant, step is to However, Pingry prides itself on instilling in its students a is conjured as an anathema cally, women have done better outside of the This way, I have a goal have a reason genuine concern for others, something that is difficult to uphold that is better ignored before than men in college but worse Upper School for doing work; when people are cutting corners on the minimum requirements it becomes audible. than men on the SAT,” Lutz campus, and the and a motivation to otherwise it for helping those in need. From the student reactions, approximately just seems like The school has gotten so lax on what it now deems to be com- adds. So much for a balanced finish the work. it would appear that Pingry 6,599,999,335 busy-work. For munity service that people are not even bothering to put in their test proclaiming to predict students do poorly on SATs. later college performance! people that ex- instance, the best effort anymore. While we got two full hours for the work reason I do my history home- we did on Rufus Gunther Day, some students openly admitted Ironically, one needs only The other sad truth is that ist outside of the world of the work is because I truly enjoy that they only made blankets for 45 minutes. Unfortunately, this look at the annual Class Pro- the SAT is coachable, which Upper School. learning about history. There- incident is not the only one of its kind. file to discern the facts. In the is why students get stressed There are a few steps that I The more that finding loopholes becomes acceptable, the more past four years, 191 out of 494 out by taking preparatory have taken, and we all can take, fore, I read to actually learn I find myself at fault, catching myself signing up to stuff envelopes students, or 39%, were either courses that typically prom- to end the imperial and authori- about the specific topic in the or lead a Blue Key tour rather than volunteering at a hospital or honored as semi-finalists or ise a 100+ point jump in the tarian presence of school, while textbook. I do not do the work going on a Bridges run. commended by the National SAT scores—incurring an still working hard for the devel- because it has to be completed This is not to say that sending out mailings to raise money for Merit Scholarship Program— overload on top of exhausting opment of our own minds. by tomorrow, or because I have a cause is not a worthy contribution, but it feels like the minimum an accomplishment ranking courses and sports. The first step is to think. to get the notes done. ten hours should be spent doing hands-on activities that directly our school among the high- As a school, we have been Constantly, students talk of While it is difficult to follow benefit your chosen non-profit organization. If you want to invest est in the country. Pingry so focused on student integ- the overwhelming amounts of this approach in tedious classes, your time in doing “secondary aid” (such as stuffing envelopes) students score much higher rity (Honor Code), when the work they must do. However, you can come up with other rea- after that, wonderful. If not, you will at least have had the experi- than the national average in pressing issue for students we rarely think about the task sons that can help. For exam- ence of making someone sick smile or handing a homeless person all SAT I and II categories. may simply be stress—stress at hand. Thus, my suggestion ple, I do my math homework their Thanksgiving dinner. One may ask: then why from overload and from an- is that before sitting down and so that I am better prepared for Yes, yes, I know: we are all so busy that it is inevitably hard the irrational reaction toward ticipation. The SAT race is a working on an assignment, we the next test. Again, not just to to allot time to these activities. We are too busy to help build SATs? prime example of the mad- should think of all of the work get it done. homes in impoverished countries, too busy to volunteer at a soup To me, the answer is actu- ness that surrounds college at hand as a single task. For ease If the work is too unbearable kitchen, and sometimes even too busy to bring in three cans for ally simple. entry. Often, as students, we of mathematics, all assignments to have a reason for doing it, Señor Nazario’s drive. And yet, we are never too busy to put it Because Pingry students forget to view colleges as are equal. Divide the work up then I put it aside for the end. on a college application! We always find the time to write in do so well in the PSAT and means to an end, namely as into fractions and keep track When I get to it after I finish the what good people we are, how much we love giving back to the other earlier aptitude tests— a good preparation for life. of progress. If I have six as- rest of my work, I go downstairs community. remember the ERBs?—they After all, life offers a myriad signments and have completed and turn on the television. I es- As we lower the standards for what is deemed community expect and are expected to of possibilities, joys, and five, I have done five-sixths of timate how long the assignment service, we start to slide down a slippery slope. We cannot legiti- excel on the SAT. In other mysteries that have more to my work. It feels good and it is will take me, and then look for a mize our avoidance of responsibility to the greater community in words, students are stressed do with the quality of living motivating to know that only show that I want to watch after this way. After a while, just doing office work will be sufficient. out. They are stressed out by than with excelling on ap- one-sixth remains. It is simple, that time. This way, I have a After that, donating money will count as service, and soon enough the anticipation of success (or titude tests and getting into and I find that this method goal and a motivation to finish holding a door for someone will be considered charitable. failure) perpetuated by them- good colleges. In fact, one works. the work. I am not doing it for The purpose of community service seems twofold: to benefit selves, teachers and, mostly, may even conclude that living In addition, think about the school, but to watch a program others and to build character. While the concept of obligatory parents. Many parents use fully and joyfully has little to grand scheme of things. How that will make me happy. community service is not a bad one, I suspect that for most people, preparatory courses or hire do with schooling. horrible is a few hours of work I hope that you never do only half of the goal is achieved; as long as doing your ten hours expensive tutors to give their compared to building the Pyra- work “for school” again, and is considered a mandatory chore on some dreaded to-do list, it Instead, the frantic race to children an edge over peers. mids of Gaza, or fighting in a I hope that you will continue can hardly be said to develop good character traits. excel tends to become an end Sometimes, this neurotic onto itself—apparently we war thousands of miles away to do it for your own reasons Nobody is denying the challenges involved here, and this issue and goals, never solely for the is filled with opinions on how difficult it is to be good. On the drill starts as early as the have all become slaves of the from home? authority that gave out the as- cover, Remy Teicher previews the fall play, “The Good Woman freshman year, or even ear- process and perpetuators of The second step to managing of Setzuan,” where Brecht discusses extensively how hard it is to lier. By the time Pingry stu- the same madness. homework is to avoid thinking signments in the first place. be giving when the society rewards those who are selfish. In the dents reach the SAT, they opinion section, Sam Baron writes about doing your homework are tired—exhausted, really. for the right reasons, whether it is to expand your horizons or to Sadly, for all the anticipation help yourself achieve an academic goal. Jenn Soong opines about and vexation created by the Expanding My Comfort Zone how senior stress affects underclassmen, leading to problems such SAT, students are intelligent as cheating scandals. enough to know that the SAT By LILLY HOLMAN (III) have been awkward silences I think this is proven every We all recognize that this is a tough time of year for most does not really gauge a stu- before. time we watch a game or go people: with interims and college applications, the peak of the fall dent’s talent or performance. A month ago, I, along Looking back on it now, to the pep rally. It doesn’t sports season and the premiere of the play, it is easy to worry about The new SAT, despite its with the rest of the freshman it makes me think, “How matter who the person is, yourself instead of thinking of others. Nonetheless, especially with emphasis on writing, fares class and their peer leaders, did this happen? Was it the but we’re cheering for them the holiday season approaching, I encourage you to contemplate no better. In the Foreword went on the annual Peer competitiveness combined because they’re going to what you consider to be true community service. Consider giving to Princeton Review, Andy Leadership retreat to Bryn with the embarrassment of help us as a team. not just a donation (of money, three cans, or anything else) but Lutz says that the new SAT Mawr in order to bond with being forced to do seeming- This proves an impor- also your time. From my fellow Pingry students, I would expect “continues to be a negative each other. ly pointless tasks?” Those tant point: people are not nothing less. force in education.” That seems to be the two facts both helped, but who they seem. These trips To Lutz, “it still doesn’t concept behind most of the I think what happened was are all about giving other school trips we go on, but I that when we were doing people a chance, and the know from personal expe- those tasks we focused not Peer Leadership retreat was Vo l u m e CXXXIV rience that students never on our previous judgments a great example of how that Nu m b e r 2 seem to buy it. of one another, but sim- can create a positive effect All of us go in thinking, ply on what one another’s instead of an awkward situ- “There is no way this is talents were and how they ation. Editor in Chief going to work. Why can’t could help us. It’s okay to want to be in Darina Shtrakhman they just let me be with my That, in turn, led to con- your comfort zone with your friends?” versations that proved our friends, but I think the more Assistant Editors That is why I came out of original judgments com- people you put an effort into Evan Rosenman this retreat kind of shocked: pletely wrong. It’s amazing getting to know better, the Photo Editor Technical Director it had actually worked. Our what we can do when we more your comfort zone Meredith Skiba Diana Jiang Jack DiMassimo group had done the unthink- forget our first impressions. expands. able: we had already begun Deputy Editors bonding after the first set of Andrew Sartorius activities with a facilitator. o r r e c t i o n s Photographer Jenn Soong Faculty Advisor Throwing tennis balls C Angela Hui Jenny Gorelick Dr. Susan Dineen at each other blindfolded, On September 28, a piece Last issue, in the article “Mar- running through a giant about new faculty member Ja- tinsville Campus Summer Reno- spinning rope, and hoping son Murdock incorrectly stated vations,” we failed to mention se- Copy Staff we would win the gauntlet the author of the article as nior Wyatt Komarin’s contribution Neha Srivastava and David Young allowed us to laugh and talk Jenny Gorelick (IV). It should to the new cafeteria layout. Wyatt All rights reserved. All contents © 2007 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. together when there would have said Emily Xia (IV). designed the coffee bar. THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY NOVEMBER 9, 2007 3 Struggling to Define The Frightening Effects of Stress So what is my point in high- tion process. And for this, we By EVAN ROSENMAN (VI) enough?” When combined with the heavy workload of lighting these unfortunate reali- seniors are deeply grateful. Honor and Morality On a Tuesday not too long senior classes, this atmosphere ties of the fall of senior year? My second point is a little Well, it is twofold. First, I hope less concrete. I simply hope By NED ADRIANCE (V) ago, I rolled out of bed – bleary- provides the perfect recipe eyed and semi-conscious – and for lost sleep, irritability, the to point out that a school like to state – without presenting It’s not unusual that at decisions seem to have good dragged myself to the bathroom occasional breakdown (or car Pingry is both more broadly any viable alternative – that some point throughout the and bad consequences). Even to get ready for school. Twenty crash), and a general decline in affected and more resilient the college application process year, Pingry students will so, the speaker did not sug- minutes later, I emerged, sleep- quality of life from October to than most places when fac- has gotten out of hand. For lack of a better verb, applying listen to a speaker discuss the gest that perhaps there is no walking, and headed to my car. December. ing the application process. to colleges just plain sucks. It nature of right and wrong. such thing as a right choice I threw my bag in the back, Yet these This is because Let’s all take comfort shouldn’t be this difficult or Accordingly, it’s not un- climbed into the front seat, and negative effects Pingry is an in- or a wrong choice. this stressful to try to gain ac- usual for that speaker to be Instead, Ms. Kiss offered turned my key in the ignition. I are not isolat- tegrated com- that pretty soon, this munity. Thus, ceptance to a good university. eloquent and impressive in several trite methods for began to back out and – ed only to the the bonds that And I sincerely hope – but se- terms of academic achieve- deducing which decision CRUNCH. I backed straight seniors. Many will all be over. tie our school verely doubt – that future gen- ments. And, unfortunately, was the “right” one to make. into the wall on the side of my other suffer the together allow erations don’t have to undergo it’s also not unusual for the driveway, smashing in my stress of college What troubled me even more stress to radiate outward from this rigorous and ridiculous speaker to attempt to be the left taillight and the rear of applications as well. Perhaps than her insistence on a the seniors themselves, and as process. arbiter of what is right and right answer were Ms. Kiss’ my car. the first to be struck by senior An hour later, I sat in Psych stress are families. Most se- a result, far more people are As for my current class- what is wrong, rather than criteria for choosing what affected. Yet these bonds also mates, let’s all take comfort letting students decide that was right. class and listened in shock as niors I know currently view three other students described their parents as either over- allow more people to bear the that pretty soon, this will all for themselves. As is the general attitude burden of the college applica- be over. There is no doubt that at Pingry, Ms. Kiss pledged recent accidents or tickets re- zealous or overly nonchalant. Elizabeth Kiss, an academic that the most important fac- ceived. By the time I piped up “Helicopter” parents seem to in the truest sense of the tor in decision making was to say that I, too, had recently hover over their children, and word, was qualified to speak determining how that deci- gotten in an accident, an impor- they view every free moment LETTER TO THE EDITOR in front of our student body. sion would be received by tant question had formed in my as college application time. On A Rhodes Scholar at Ox- the public—not, God forbid, mind: Just how dangerous is the other side of the spectrum, What a wonderful surprise to receive the Pingry Re- ford University, Ms. Kiss is how you judge that deci- the stress of senior year? detached parents seem to have cord with the warm tribute to my husband! I have read clearly a woman who loves sion. The last thing we need I admit correlation does not no understanding of the reali- it many times as I particularly enjoyed reading about the to learn. Perhaps most re- in Martinsville is another prove causation, and the pres- ties of the application game and new faculty. markable about the college person who values the opin- sures of being a senior aren’t view it in what seems an overly One article made me experience the wonder of coinci- president is her ions of others necessarily the cause of all relaxed manner. Both types of dence. It was the “Traveling to the Emerald Isle” story. Mr. brief career as Stating that right and over personal these accidents (I acknowledge parents grate on their children, Cunningham’s part-Irish ancestry led us to have a Celtic thus allowing the application a professor at opinion. Acting I’m a pretty bad driver any- cross designed for our cemetery plot. process to provoke conflict at Deep Springs wrong have definite so that we will way). Yet even if senior stress I looked to see if the Record has a letter to the editor home as well as in school. College, an un- be well-liked or isn’t driving cars into walls, section. The outreach from former students, faculty, former definitions gives us no it is certainly driving seniors, A final victim of the appli- orthodox insti- have a positive parents, the current administration – just the entire Pingry their families, and their teach- cations game is undoubtedly tution whose room for disagreement. reputation is ers crazy. the body of teachers at Pingry, family – has been very comforting. students most the condition in The ripple effects of senior specifically those who aim to As you undoubtedly know, Scotty was involved with likely consid- our society, and stress are omnipresent. The help their students through the Record while a student. He delighted in sharing his ered Harvard a safety school Pingry has yet to offer us a first “ring” of ripples would, the application process. Many memories with his daughter, Ann ’78, and son, Todd ’80. during their college search. voice against this struggle. of course, be the seniors them- teachers are currently swamped Your “Remembering Headmaster Cunningham” was Knowing these facts about The common theme selves. We sit on the couches, with recommendations to write beautifully written, and our family liked the picture of him Ms. Kiss, it did not seem out amongst all of my many is- discussing early applications, and college essays to approve, in his favorite corduroy jacket. of line to expect a thought- sues with Ms. Kiss’ lecture rolling admissions, athletic re- and their commitment to sup- Please accept our most sincere thanks for your thought- provoking discussion to arise is that it did very much to cruitment, SAT scores, and col- porting their students through fulness. from her visit to campus. Af- diminish the power of the lege visits, all the while making this emotionally draining pro- ter hearing an Honor Board individual. Stating that right one another feel increasingly cess only eats up even more of Gratefully, member describe Ms. Kiss’ and wrong have definite panicked and hopeless. As their time. One need only look Cecil Cary Cunningham background, I thought that definitions for every per- we engender this domino ef- at the growing pile of papers perhaps the annual Honor son gives us no room for on Mr. Keating’s desk – or the fect of stress, we create an The Pingry Record welcomes letters to the editor. Board lecture might actually disagreement—no willing- all-permeating atmosphere of streams of students coming to Submissions may be edited due to length constraints. ask stimulating questions for ness to recognize that what competition as we each seem both him and Mrs. Grant – to a change—rather than spew- is right for one man may to be asking, “Am I good see this trend perpetuate. Please send all mail to [email protected]. ing the same rhetoric about not be right for another. “making good decisions” And, affirming that public that we have heard so many opinion should define eth- times in the past. ics is to say that personal To my dismay, what we morality and opinion bear no Underclassmen Feeling the College Frenzy received on Wednesday, importance. in-and-out of school activity can trators could adjust the schedule By JENN SOONG (IV) fies, the search for the “perfect” October 10, was more of As Henry David Tho- student (who not only maintains take away the true fervor and so that students can take more the same. Once again, we reau once wrote, “If a man As seniors approach the a GPA of 4.0, but also plays interest a student may have in a low-stress, non AP or Honors spent our assembly period does not keep pace with his make-it-or-break-it stage of their varsity sports, is the president specific field or subject. classes that are still interesting. listening to a speaker try to companions, perhaps it is college admission experience, of a club, and sings in the school It is also important to ask: Taking away interim grades and define right and wrong. We because he hears a different it seems that all the work they chorus) is on for college scouts. could high expectations and using solely semester reports have not once been privy to drummer. Let him step to the have put into their four years of Although this well-rounded anxiety be a cause for a future could help too; if this change the voice of someone who music which he hears, how- high school comes down to this. model student may seem ideal increase in cheating? was made, students would be recognizes that right and ever measured or far away.” However, the craze about getting and certainly has advantages, Besides the increase of pres- given more time to adjust to their wrong do not hold concrete My request is this: that for into the “dream college” is not having a set “mold” for the sure on students to get good new teachers and bring up any definitions after all, someone once, the student body may only affecting seniors. Although flawless Ivy League school ap- grades, the surge in the number mediocre grades (especially in who acknowledges that these hear a voice that promotes applying to college may seem plicant can cause students to lose of college sports recruits is the beginning of the year). Even terms are subjective. a position not designed to distant and irrelevant to under- sight of what their real passions taking its toll on students too. expanding the “no more than Sure, Ms. Kiss did in- appease the public, a voice classmen, the pressure nowadays are. Young students, especially, As universities are demanding two tests a day” rule to essays troduce the “right-right” that acknowledges that one to get into a good school is sig- can lose the correct mental- coaches to scout out talented and other projects could help dilemma, where right and man’s wrong may be another nificantly increasing. ity and fail to retain their initial youth, student athletes are push- ease stress within the school. wrong aren’t as clear (both man’s right. As the competition to get into eagerness to simply learn. The ing themselves to extreme limits. Also, instead of placing so much a prestigious university intensi- pressure to participate in every According to a recent Time emphasis on the one academic magazine (which took the info scholarship award, Pingry could from scout.com), the number of focus more on other awards such juniors striving to play in a big as the John Pingry Award and college-football university is up the Improvement Award too. I 430% since 2003. also believe that if administra- Despite the college frenzy, tors broke down the scholarship there are efforts being made to award into separate awards for prevent pressure on younger each subject, competition could students from mounting; when be lowered. colleges like Harvard and Princ- The truth is students nowa- eton ended their early program days are experiencing more last year, the original race for stress, anxiety, and mental and juniors to submit their applica- physical crashes (due to sleepless tions as early as possible was nights from studying for the next slowed down. day’s exam). As a result, younger Students’ aiming high is im- and younger students are already portant, but as a whole, I believe getting mentally burnt out. I high schools, with the help of believe that it is important that colleges, need to encourage school administrators encourage students to just be themselves more of a balance in the lives of and simply try their hardest students; besides, too much of without worrying about being anything, whether it is stress, “perfect.” anxiety, or loads of caffeine for To ease the academic tension pulling all-nighters simply can’t By Charlotte Conway (VI) within Pingry, perhaps adminis- be a good thing for any student. 4 THE PINGRY RECORD UPPER SCHOOL NEWS NOVEMBER 9, 2007 Dr. Elizabeth Kiss Addresses Students About Acting Honorably who, unbeknownst to the cheater, a list of rules that included the By DIANA JIANG (V) had a different test. The student Golden Rule and the “Epitaph/ “So, you want to do the right was smart and would have got- Wikipedia test,” which asks thing?” ten a good grade, but choosing people to think about what people The answer seems obvious: to cheat landed her in front of the will say after their death if they yes, of course we do. But some- college’s Honor Court. choose to do something, and times, as Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, Though few people wake up whether or not that’s what they the eighth President at Agnes in the morning and think, “What want to leave behind. Scott College, not- Drawing on her ed, making the right own experiences as decision can be chal- President at Agnes lenging. Scott, she admit- Dr. Kiss first ted that “ethical life invited two volun- isn’t always simple. teers, Mike Martin- Though sometimes son (VI) and Katie things aren’t black and Morash (VI), on white, they’re not just stage for a contest of a gray mush where “Who can squeeze anything goes.” out the entire tube Ultimately, Dr. Kiss of toothpaste the said, “By developing Courtesy of Nick Rescoe (VI) fastest?” After just moral habits, we can a couple of seconds, do things that feel good Martinson was vic- all the way down.” Peer Leadership Program Kicks torious. But then Dr. Averill Morash (V) Kiss asked them to enjoyed the speech put the toothpaste because Dr. Kiss was back into the tube, “very easy to listen Off at Lake Bryn Mawr Camp and though the con- to.” However, “I feel obstacle course, which had a well-prepared skit. After a fused students tried, like we didn’t touch By SHAAN GURNANI (III) several stations set up, each lot of excitement, laughter, both were unsuc- on what Pingry needs, During the last week of a physical activity requiring and of course, the promised cessful. What’s the which is more on how September, the freshman communication, thinking, s’mores, everyone headed moral here? “You to make judgment calls class joined its seniors peer and working together. to bed. lose your reputation when it’s high stress,” leaders at the Peer Lead- The next activity involved On Friday morning after Morash said. “I think and integrity much ership retreat at the Bryn designing and making a boat breakfast, the Bryn Mawr faster than regain- high stress scenarios capable of holding one mem- staff presented sweatshirts are more applicable to Mawr camp in Honesdale, ing them,” Dr. Kiss Pennsylvania. ber of the team and going to the students and faculty said. Pingry because that’s Upon arrival, everyone about twenty feet without chaperones. Citing philoso- where Pingry has sinking. Each group was Ricky Zacharias (VI) en- problems.” had dinner and then headed phers like Aristotle, Courtesy of Dr. Kiss given large, black garbage joyed the bonding experi- Dr. Kiss said, “Be- College counselor over to the hall for a dance. would Satan do?” Dr. Kiss noted, Mrs. Ananya Chatterji The next day, after break- bags, cardboard, and lots of ence, saying, “Besides all coming unethical can become duct tape. The boat race, held the activities, my groupies who you are. It starts to be like it can be hard sometimes to de- thought Dr. Kiss’s speech was fast, groups participated in the next day, resulted in boats and I had a great time social- second nature.” termine what to do, especially “very relevant to Pingry because activities designed for bond- She used the example of a when dealing with right-right she obviously knew her audi- ing and improving communi- sinking and freshmen flailing izing in the cabin and playing freshman at Agnes Scott College, dilemmas. ence and understood our Honor cation skills. and swimming for shore. around on the field.” who was so accustomed to cheat- In these situations, both sides Code and our Honor Board.” She Each group then created its Only two of sixteen teams After having “really come ing that for one test, even though may seem right, but only one side found it helpful that “some of the own poster with a team name, made it back with their boat together” with his peer group, she had all the correct calcula- of the dilemma can be taken. To decisions faced by her college’s quotes, goals, and pictures. in one piece. Tanner Combias (VI) felt that tions done, she chose to copy the teach students how to make the Honor Court are similar to those After lunch, everyone partic- There was plenty of time the peer retreat was a great answers of the student next to her, right decisions, Dr. Kiss provided faced by Pingry’s.” ipated in an intense gauntlet to “hang out” since Dr. Rich- success and looks forward to ardson and Mrs. Lionetti the rest of the pear leadership felt that “last year, the chil- program. dren were overscheduled Tanner’s younger sister, and didn’t have time to just Emily (III), agreed, saying, relax.” “The trip was a great experi- 171 Early Applications Sent By Seniors The last night, the planned ence because I met new peo- The second type is early able if a student is not sure of apply early gain a little more campfire with s’mores un- ple and learned more about Continued From Page 1 action, which has similar dead- the school he or she wants to time to research colleges and fortunately got rained out. people I already knew. I think lines. A student may send out attend. It is not wise, however, prepare their applications,” Mr. However, it was still held we all feel as though our while the percentage of students multiple early action applica- to apply early decision merely Lear says. indoors, with each group group is a safe place where that applied for either binding tions and is not required to go because of its popularity. In addition, students have the presenting their poster and we can trust everyone.” early decision or non-binding to the school if he or she is ac- Each year there are multiple opportunity to send improved early action ranged from 71% cepted. Certain colleges, how- deadlines for early decision and grades or SAT scores. to 95%. ever, such as Yale and Stanford, early action applications, gener- According to Mr. Lear, lega- There are five types of early impose restrictive early action. ally beginning on November 1 cy does play a role in determin- applications. There are also rolling applica- and extending through January ing acceptance, but is only one Yo u Kn o w Yo u ’r e a Se n i o r Wh e n ... The first is early decision I tions, which generally begin in 15. of many factors considered. and early decision II, which is September. “The second early deci- Admissions offices consider a • you get in your car each morning and contemplate not offered at different times; some There are some advantages sion option in January is a student’s transcript, activities, showing up for school. And running away to Alaska. colleges offer both options for to early decision. Schools do good choice for students who essays, test scores, recommen- And becoming an Eskimo. applicants. Students may only take the interest and commit- gain momentum senior year dations, community service, • you arrive progressively later and later to school ev- send one of this type of applica- ment of the student into account and need more time to decide and leadership potential. ery morning. You’re now missing ten minutes of first tion, and if they get accepted to when determining acceptance. what college is right for them. Last year, six students ma- period. And you have to park in the junior lot. the college, they must attend. Normal application is prefer- Students unsure of whether to triculated at Cornell University, • you can’t remember the last time you had Headmas- four went to Columbia, three ter’s Break free. Percent of Class Applied and went to Duke, and four decided on Georgetown. Five students • English essays are now completed within three hours Admitted Under Early Programs from last year now attend Har- of the due date. vard, four are at Lehigh, five at • you’re the only one you know who isn’t applying early 100 Penn, three at Princeton, one at to Yale or Georgetown. Stanford, and a remarkable six 90 • you haven’t followed dress code in days. You’re barely students are at Yale. sure you’re wearing clothes to school anymore. 80 Out of the 122 students from • you’ve come to loathe all the following things: Scan- 70 the class of 2007, 27% attended trons. Word limits. Text boxes. The numbers 310315. Ivy League institutions. This Your social security number. Essays without concrete 60 sets an excellent precedent (as topics. Essays with concrete topics. Essays. well as a high standard) for the 50 • Mrs. Bruning is your new best friend. Percent Class of 2008. 40 The anxiety that afflicts the • between O'Bagel and Starbucks, you left school four 30 majority of seniors is apparent, times, spent $38.00 dollars and wasted a quarter tank of gas. All since third period. 20 but Mr. Lear says, “The seniors have been great. There has • you watch the juniors have mental breakdowns and 10 been stress, but they have been laugh at them. Amateurs. 0 incredibly calm and organized. • you are in denial that college exists, but, whatever... 2004 2005 2006 2007 If this is indicative of the rest of there’s always Jetman. Class Of % applied early the year, we should be in good % admitted early shape.” THE PINGRY RECORD UPPER SCHOOL NEWS NOVEMBER 9, 2007 5 Junior Catherine Ha Wins Miss Faculty Babies Visit Psych Classes New Jersey Teen Queen Title By JESS ZHAO (VI) meet individually with every represent these girls and others as On October 15, the AP Psy- By HALLIE BIANCO (VI) judge and they ask you a question well is quite the honor.” chology classes took a hands-on about anything so they get to see For the time being, Ha plans approach to their unit on child This past summer Catherine development as they played Ha (V) competed in a pageant and how articulate you are and learn on using her title for good. “I plan more about you.” on helping out a lot with different with the children of faculty won the title of National American members. Miss New Jersey Teen Queen. Of her win this past summer organizations. I was an active vol- During class the students Ha’s prize for winning is she said, “Winning itself was just unteer before I won, so this year $1,000, an official crown and so surreal since bubbles came I plan to continue volunteering observed the children as they banner, and the opportunity to down from the ceiling, flowers while promoting the pageant and completed tasks designed to represent her state in the national were handed to me, a really big, encouraging other teens to reach demonstrate the abilities at the competition in California later this sparkling tiara was placed on my out as well.” various stages of development. month. As part of her win, Ha’s head, and on top of that, I got a Ha said, “This year was the first The students got into teams of travel expenses and entry fee have standing ovation.” time I really understood what ‘be- two and were assigned to carry also been paid for her. “But when it all settled in, just ing yourself’ meant. Working hard out two specific tasks with chil- “When I go to the national knowing that I'll be representing to prepare for pageants showed me dren from different age groups. competition, no matter how I my home state and all the gifted that as long as your put your heart Dr. Mike Richardson, one of place, I know I'll have the best teens in it was an honor that I to something, your dreams aren't the two AP Psychology teach- time ever visiting California for hold with pride. Being chosen to that far away.” ers, describes the project: “They the first time and meeting other used the Bayley Scales of Infant pageant girls from across the na- Development, a guideline of tion,” Ha said. where infants are at differ- She began competing at a very ent weeks and months of their young age because her older sister development, up to 4 and 5 partook in scholarship programs year olds. The scale consists that had pageant-like qualities. of about 300 tasks to test for Also, her family thought compet- various developmental concepts A. Hui (VI) ing would help her stop being such as physical coordination, a so shy. parts of pictures. Some of the children even consciousness of one’s self, and Ha said, “My parents thought “Connely Jaqua was a napped on and off during the putting me in a situation where I object permanence (whether the champ,” Ms. Lionetti adds. “She morning. had to walk on stage and answer infants look for something when got some I couldn’t even see!” The students were just as questions from a complete strang- it is gone). They also observed Dr. Richardson describes how curious as the babies, tending er would help me open up.” the stages of play in children one child demonstrated a stage to be on the shy side at first, but She never expected to win her within a group.” of emotional development when then getting into it and playing first pageant, let alone continue He smiles, “But then it falls “one of the children began cry- with the children. competing. “I ended up winning into a general play session ing and the older child offered Rocquan Lucas (VI) says, “It that competition and walking between the students and the him a block, showing a sense was really interesting to see the away with newfound skills. Now, kids.” of empathy which was quite differences in the various age striking up conversation is not a Ms. Patricia Lionetti, the advanced.” groups.” hard feat at all.” other AP Psychology teacher, Of the ten faculty children Tyler Reichert (VI) adds, Contestants participate in an provides an example of a task who spent the morning with “Being in contact with the kids interview, model eveningwear, for a very young baby: seeing and give a personal introduction. the classes, four children were and physically interacting with whether the baby followed a returning from the previous year. them really gave depth to the Ha said, “Although it sounds finger moving across his or her pretty easy, it's difficult to carry The kids were all under the age concepts from class.” vision. of four, and there was even a set The idea to bring in children yourself gracefully and have poise With the older babies, the while you're nervous and hoping of twins – new math teacher Mr. to help enhance the curriculum students explored the concept Bradford Poprik’s twin girls. began the second year psychol- that you don't step on your dress, of prepositions, like “in, on, and sneeze, or hiccup. Interviews are Mr. Timothy Lear ’92, new ogy classes were being taught. under.” They also asked the older an interesting experience; you Director of College Counsel- Mrs. Madeline Landau’s son, Courtesy of Cathy Ha (V) children to fill in the missing ing, brought in his 11 month old Elias, was the first to come in daughter Hyla for the first time. when he was under a year old, He says, “I thought it was a great roughly 20 years ago. way to meet the other babies in Ms. Lionetti says, “Because AFS Student Matthias Tinzl From Austria the community and also to spend we were studying child devel- He adds that he wanted to the same distance that it took to tate classrooms rather than hav- a couple hours with my daughter. opment, we thought rather than By ALYSIA TSUI (III) improve his English and learn drive to and around New York ing students move from room I was curious to see her interac- watching videos and reading, we tion with other kids.” would make infant development Each year, Pingry welcomes more about students at Pingry City, that person would drive to room. However, for science a foreign exchange student to as well. into a different country. labs and music, the students do Overall, the children re- more real.” school via the American Field Currently, Matthias, a soph- According to Matthias, the move to a different room. sponded well, as many were She continues, “This is Service (AFS) program. This omore, is being hosted by the major difference between Aus- Each student must take 11 young enough to not suffer from unique to AP Psychology class. year Matthias Tinzl (IV) came Pye family. Even though he tria and America is the school- subjects, which include geogra- “stranger anxiety” and were When we changed from regular from Austria to join the Pingry has only been in America for a ing system. Austrian schools phy and tech. Matthias clarifies uninhibited by fear of their new classes to AP, we didn’t want to community. little over two months, he has begin at eight in the morning that the students do not get to surroundings. In the past, a par- lose the human dimensions by Matthias decided to come already been struck by how and are finished by noon. De- choose which classes they want ent has stayed, but the babies memorizing statistics and facts. to America because he heard different America and Austria spite their early finish, schools to take, but they do not have to usually calm down. We wouldn’t give this up.” about the experiences of other are. do not have after-school sports, take all the subjects in one day; “They enjoy all the attention Mr. Lear says, “It was just a AFS students in Austria. “They When brought to New York though they do have gym. their schedule drops different focused on them with so many ton of fun and such a cool idea. really liked it,” he said. “I City, he found the metropolis During school, students tend classes each day, much like people playing with them, wip- I was very impressed with the thought it might be interest- enormous. He says that in Aus- to stay with the same 30 people Pingry’s schedule. ing their noses; there are toys and students and I will definitely ing.” tria, if a person were to drive in the same room. Teachers ro- He also adds that the stu- so many things to do,” explains bring Hyla back. I just wish they dents take all three sciences, Ms. Lionetti. had day-care!” biology, chemistry and physics, in the same year, unlike most American schools. At Pingry, Matthias is ac- tively involved in many of the Drama to Put on school’s extra curricular activi- ties. He is currently playing on the school’s soccer team and Brecht’s ‘Setzuan’ asserts that the team is very live in, and it does it without good. In the winter, he plans Continued From Page 1 on skiing, as he often skied preaching. It asks questions of in Austria. Matthias does not the audience but doesn’t give know which sport he will play ing play, and it’s not that well them the answers.” in the spring, but he guesses known. But I hope a lot of Adriance encourages all to that he might play tennis. people come to see it because come see the performance and Also, he is on the math I think it’s going to be really says, “‘The Good Woman of team and has joined a club for good,” says Bianco. Setzuan’ asks a lot of provoca- drawing, and, of course, the Devine notes, “People tive questions about our soci- AFS club. should come see this play be- ety and culture. If you want to Matthias keeps in contact cause it’s got something impor- see something that truly makes with his family and friends in tant to say. That’s what I love you think, ‘Good Woman’ is Austria by emailing them twice about Pingry plays - they’re the play for you.” a week. more than just entertainment. Show times are November He says he verry much en- “The Good Woman of Set- 15-17, 7:00 p.m. on Thurs- joys his new life here, saying, zuan” asks how it’s possible day, 7:30 p.m. on Friday and “I like America. I like it very Courtesy of the Development Office to be good in the world we Saturday. Mme. Kelly Jordan presents a cake during Matthias’ welcome party. much.” 6 THE PINGRY RECORD UNDERCLASSMEN NEWS NOVEMBER 9, 2007 Students at the Lower Campus Give Back

By JENN SOONG (IV) Just two months have passed Cancer Foundation by partici- since the start of school, and pating in the “Think Pink and the students of the Lower Cam- Wear It Day.” pus have already discussed the Halloween also served as meaning of the Honor Code a major community service and have helped the broader day for the Lower Campus. community through several Along with an assembly that community service projects. explained safety tips for chil- On October 5th, for the first dren on “Trick or Treat” night, time, an Honor Code Assem- students donated their Hallow- bly took place at the Lower een candy to local food banks School. Social Studies teacher and shelters. Mrs. Cathy Everett called the They will also continue assembly “the beginning of a their annual collection of new tradition,” as representa- UNICEF donations and their tives from each grade summa- “Sharing Halloween with Oth- rized what their homerooms ers” drive. felt about the Honor Code In the future, students will and then handed in signed be launching several writ- Honor Codes to principal Ted ing campaigns in which they Corvino. will write letters addressed Courtesy of Ms. Emily Lewis To apply the lessons of the to Army Captain Larry Obst, Honor Code to a real life situa- who is in charge of 80 troops tion, students then participated in Iraq. Having been a student Form I Students Bond at Camp Bernie in various community service at Pingry for ten years, Captain to seventh grade English and his- many activities, including team projects. Obst has a special place in the By ANDREW HANNA (II) better and make new friends. Mr. Phil Cox, Director of the Middle tory teacher Mr. Jeffery Bartsch, problem solving, orienteering, During September, Child- school’s history. On September 19, Form I School, organized the field trip. is that “it is much closer, about a and low ropes courses. hood Cancer Awareness In addition, Lower School students packed their bags to This year, the grade went to 35-minute ride; Bryn Mawr was For many of the students new month, students and faculty students are collecting sup- spend three days and two nights Camp Bernie, a YMCA camp, a 90-minute bus ride. If we leave to the Pingry Middle School, helped fight the disease by plies for soldiers in the Iraq camping with their classmates. rather than to Bryn Mawr as at 8:15 we should be able to get the trip was the true start of the dressing down and wearing War who come from Summit, This gave the students an oppor- they had in previous years. The there by nine o’clock, giving us new year. It allowed them to pink ribbons. Along with the New Jersey. The gathered sup- tunity to get to know each other reason for this change, according a whole morning of activities. meet and socialize with each Upper Campus, grades K-5 plies will be sent through the And on Friday we have a whole other, and was also a time for were able to help raise money Summit Supports Our Troops afternoon of activities before the teachers to get to know their for Susan G. Komen’s Breast Organization. we leave.” new students. Mr. Bartsch was the head of While some disliked the tim- the boys’ group and Madame ing of the trip (so early in the Author Dan Gutman Jane Roxbury, a French teacher, school year), other veterans like was the head of the girls’ group. Mr. Bartsch felt that “it is a great The students participated in part of the year.” Visits Lower School Courtesy of unicef.org By JENNY GORELICK (IV) excited to meet Gutman. Lee was especially enthusiastic, On Wednesday, October 17, because he “loved his books and students at the Short Hills Campus wanted know how he wrote them Eighth Grade Explores Washington D.C. were honored to host famous chil- and where he got his ideas.” American Journey curricu- rible atrocities committed By MAI-LEE PICARD (II) Morash (II). dren’s book author Dan Gutman. In person, “it was weird to see lum that is being covered in during World War II. For some, it was the hard- Mr. Gutman received a de- a famous author in front of you,” In September, Form II Form II history. “My favorite part of the est part of the trip because it gree in psychology from Rutgers said Chae. students went to Washington Many students enjoyed trip was the Holocaust mu- was very graphic, but it was University. After a few years of However, Gutman was “very going to the Holocaust Mu- seum because it was the kind, welcoming, and humorous, D.C. to learn more about the also very eye opening. graduate school, he decided to seum because of the way it most moving and the most become a writer. He began his and it was easy to talk to him,” nation’s capital and to bond Another favorite on the career by composing humorous said Lee. with their advisory groups. got them to look at the hor- informative,” said Margaret trip was the Franklin Delano essays and in 1982 he launched All the students enjoyed asking For the third year Roosevelt Memo- his own video games magazine, the author questions, and were in a row, the trip was rial because of the Video Games Player. also surprised by how interested moved from the end beautiful way it was However, he is best known he was in their personal lives. of March to a date designed with water- for his series of sports-related “We talked about unusual things closer to the begin- falls and statues in children’s fiction. He wrote his that I didn’t think we’d discuss,” ning of the school every ‘room’ of the first novel in this genre in 1994, said Lee. year. This was done memorial, one for and subsequently published many Accordingly, the students to eliminate a lot of every year Roosevelt more, including The Homework learned new and interesting things missed school days was in office. Machine, A Race for the Sky, about the author. and school events in The coordinator the Million Dollar series, and the Chae was amazed that Gutman the third quarter cre- of the trip, History had “been in the New York Giants Baseball Card Adventure series. ated by Spring Break teacher Ms. Alice For his visit to the Lower Cam- Locker Room.” Brown, thought that Masch discovered that “anyone and other holidays. pus, students participated in a writ- assigning rooms ing contest to win the privilege of can be an author” because Gutman With Form I students eating lunch with the author. The “didn’t even like reading when he also away at Camp based alphabetically winners, Michael Weber (2), Sana was a kid.” Bernie, the adminis- on last names was Sheikh (2), Aaron Jacobson (3), For Lee, “It was nice to hear tration thought that a great success in Solomon Burt-Murray (3), Gil- from an actual author about why it would be easier to previous years and lian LaGorce (4), Justin Chae (4), he wanted to write.” Overall, have everyone on the followed the same Jonathon Lee (4), Henry Flannery Masch concluded, “It was really same page in terms plan for this trip. (5), and Diana Masch (5), were all a lot of fun.” of missed work. Although some stu- The goals of this dents were frustrated trip were to keep by this arrangement, everyone safe and to having pre-assigned have fun, but also to roommates allowed promote class bond- everyone to meet ing. It also showed new people and learn the students how things they might not history can come have known about alive. each other. The class visited All in all, the the Vietnam Veter- eighth grade really ans Memorial, the enjoyed the trip. Holocaust Museum, “I loved it. I loved The Supreme Court, the memorials so The Library of Con- much,” said Chris- gress, and many tine Kumar (II). other monuments Ms. Brown com- and museums. All mented that “Every- of the places visited one seemed to have M. Shtrakhman (4) are relevant to the Courtesy of Ms. Alice Brown a great time!” THE PINGRY RECORD UNDERCLASSMEN NEWS NOVEMBER 9, 2007 THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS NOVEMBER 9, 2007 7 Radiohead Uses Alternative Promo Method By NICK RICE (IV) but, instead, from the alternative Rainbows” as a digital download. British accent, remains constant method of promoting and selling Although plenty of bands have throughout. These vocals, com- Usually if I buy an album the the album. Radiohead chose to taken advantage of the Internet, bined with long, slow, string-like day it comes out, I’m one of the release it under no contract or re- especially through digital music synthesizers and mellow, clean first to have it. In the case of “In cord label. This move was a huge stores such as iTunes, Radio- guitars, create a feeling of infinite Rainbows,” the newest album leap from their previous contract head used the Internet to separate depth. Every song layers nu- from the British rock group Ra- with EMI, one of the giants of the themselves from other artists. The merous instruments, voices, and diohead, it was already spreading music business. Only a few other album is available on their site for sounds, but they all harmonize across the Internet like wildfire popular artists have chosen to any price the buyer chooses. The instead of overpowering each hours after its release. release music this way. buyer can enter any price into the other. The unusual amount of hype Radiohead took full advantage text field, and can then download Although some songs such the album developed even before of having no recording contract the album straight to his or her as “House of Cards” stand out its release was not from the lyrics by releasing their album “In computer. In addition to having as potential hits or singles, the no fixed price limits, the download full effect of this album is best is completely free from Digital achieved by listening straight Rights Management (DRM). Pro- through all the tracks. The genius grams like iTunes attach a DRM of the album extends far past the protection to their files, preventing actual music and deep into details piracy by limiting copying and of production. Radiohead treated sending of the file. “In Rainbows” the entire production of this al- can be sent, received, copied, bum as an art, including the track posted, and downloaded without order. Each song is almost like a any restriction. continuation of the last. The songs In another attempt to outdo swell and slide into full swing online music stores, Radiohead in the beginning, but slowly slip released “In Rainbows” at a qual- out towards the end, with just a ity of 160 kilobytes per second few seconds of void-like silence (kbps), much better than iTunes’ between each track. 128 kbps downloads. The first ten tracks of the al- All ten songs on the album are bum are available for download completely distinct, yet still have at www.inrainbows.com. A disk a Radiohead sound to them. While box, consisting of “In Rainbows” songs like the up-tempo “Bodys- on CD and on vinyl with a second Courtesy of FreePeople.com natchers” and the smooth, subtle CD of additional songs as well “House of Cards” differ like night as other booklets and artwork, is and day, Thom Yorke’s dream-like available for preorder on the same voice, with just the right hint of a site for about $81.40. This Fall, Fashion Courtesy of Google Images Goes Back to Basics A Disappointing ‘Night’ at the Movies By KELSEY HISCANO (VI) With the 80 degree heat gone, same time. A long cardigan can flict between his social ties though this drowsiness may police force. By IAN MARTIN-KATZ (V) we can officially say fall is here. also pull a whole look together. with criminals and his familial befit his drug-using role early By contrast, Mendes and The changing leaves and the The length works better over a connections to the law. in the movie, it does not suit Wahlberg perform relatively Director James Gray’s “We dropping temperature have finally casual dress and lengthens the Uncomfortable scene shifts, his later attempts at heroism well given the film’s constrict- Own the Night” follows a arrived, and what better thing to do torso. You won’t get cold in either which come to dominate the when he makes the transition ing framework, and their por- conflict between drug lords than welcome it with open arms? wool or cashmere, so if you want film, rotate the plot between between a life of partying and trayals are skillful and real. and the police force’s street Although a splash of color is something a little less trendy, it crime unit in New York City Bobby’s interactions with drug use to one of moral stern- “We Own the Night” is a could be a smart move to invest drug-dealers, police officers, ness and valor. Duvall’s acting still suitable, the onset of winter during the late 1980’s. The disappointment that trans- in a classic sweater. The best part and his girlfriend Amanda is insipid as well, and he lacks means it’s time to bring back the movie opens strongly and forms a potentially thrilling about the crew or jewel-necked (Eva Mendes). As a result, the nceessary fervor to convey black. Update your closet with leans toward a lighthearted, plot into a prolonged and sweaters is that they work great the cumbersome storyline his character as a giant in the overly dramatic downer. more blacks and grays to take albeit bloody, portrayal of under jackets and blazers. becomes jumbled and difficult the neutrals from last fall to the crime that is reminiscent of next level. Muted tones make this Speaking of which, another “Pulp Fiction.” to follow. In fact, the plot becomes season a breeze. There is nothing great outer layer for this time of Here, freewheeling protag- easier to match than black and year is the blazer. Designers have onist Bobby Green (Joaquin so loosely drawn near the end of “We Own the Night” that gray. opted for a less conventional take Phoenix), the manager of a This is the season to stock up on on this piece this year by decreas- popular club and a regular many plot holes are simply left basics. There’s no need to splurge ing the structure and adding some in New York’s drug-infused unexplained. on a few plain long-sleeved tees. volume. Flannels and wool will nightlife, is contrasted with Both an unresolved conflict Just look in Gap or J.Crew for all keep out the cold until it’s time his brother Joseph Grusinsky between Bobby and Amanda your black basics. Nothing is as for a heavier jacket. (Mark Wahlberg) and father and a poor explanation for simple as a sleeveless jumper or Another tip to stay warm and Burt Grusinsky (Robert Du- Amanda’s disappearance are particularly glaring failures on a long tank over a Gap tee. still wear what you want: stick vall), members of the police with leggings. They can make force who are ashamed of the part of the screenwriters. If you’re set with bottom lay- The plot’s poor organi- ers, winter gives you loads of any outfit seem more put together, Bobby’s lifestyle. and can make a short dress or skirt However, “We Own the zation and development is choices when it comes to keep- further marred by the less- ing warm. Start with sweaters. look more conservative. Night” disintegrates after its For shoes, flats are still a go, auspicious opening and be- than-stellar performances of It’s all about seeing what you’re but when snow starts to fall they comes a mush of awkward the cast’s most credentialed wearing underneath. You should get more and more impractical. transitions between drama, members, Phoenix and Du- be proud of what you wear and Ladies, it’s finally acceptable to romance, and horror as Bobby vall. Phoenix seems somno- a cardigan can showcase your bring the Uggs out from the back struggles to resolve the con- lent throughout the film, and Courtesy of NervePop.com shirt and keep you toasty at the of your closets. Nothing is as comfortable or as warm, and this season there’s almost no need to worry about tucking bunchy pants Second Art Display Showcases Famous Photographers into your boots, as leggings seem known for her portrait pho- Award for Photography” from he is best known for his Coney worldwide over his forty years By JULIA NOSOFSKY (IV) to have eliminated that problem tography, both of famous and Brandeis University. Island shoot, he has displayed of work. He is currently an as well. In its second show of the lesser-known people. One of Harold Feinstein, having his work in various museums, Officer at de l’Ordre des Arts If you’re looking for the right year the Hostetter Arts Center her most famous portraits is begun his career at the age of such as the Smithsonian Na- et des Lettres of France and touch to top off your look, jewelry has been displaying works of Roy Cohn, a very important fifteen in the 1940’s, had his tional Museum of American lives in New York City. He is all about minimalism. A long, by three very well-known figure in the McCarthy era. work purchased by the Mu- History. graduated from San Francisco thin chain with a simple pendant photographers—Mary Ellen Feinstein is known for his seum of Modern Art when he Gibson has provided pho- Art Institute and was a member is really all you need. If you still Mark, Harold Feinstein, and documentary photographs, was nineteen years old. While tos for over 150 publications of the U.S. Navy. want something a bit flashier, it’s Ralph Gibson. These works including war pictures and easier to accentuate your outfit were donated to the school by a renowned Coney Island with a bigger pair of earrings. Karen and Michael Schwalb shoot. Oversized pearls or diamonds over the past fifteen years. Gibson’s works are primar- will do the trick and keep the look Some date back to the late ily abstractions. classy and simple. Consider dig- In addition to Mary Ellen forties and early fifties. ging in your mom’s old jewelry Mark’s achievements as a con- These three artists have boxes for hidden treasures you had tributing photographer to the been featured in many differ- never previously considered. New York Times, she has had ent exhibits all over the world. Remember, at least until the photographs published in LIFE Their work is, according to art snow starts to fall, try pairing department head Mr. Miles magazine, New York Times cardigans over dresses and choose Boyd, a “treat” for us to have Magazine, Rolling Stone, and leggings over pants when pos- here. Though all three artists’ Vanity Fair. Mark has won a sible. The most important thing works are in black and white, plethora of awards including to know of course is that black is they differ in style and subject the “Photographer of the Year” always a classic, helping you take matter. award from Friends of Photog- it easy and keep it simple. Mark, for example, is raphy and the “Creative Arts A. Hui (VI) Page

V8o l u m e CXXXIV, Nu m b e r 2 SpThe Pingry o School, Martinsville r, New t Jersey S No v e m b e r 9, 2007 Superstar Captains Schonberg and Hynes Lead Boys’ Soccer to Successful Season By GIANCARLO RIOTTO (V), on both a state-wide and na- Schonberg (VI), let in only and dedication, they suf- EVAN ROSENMAN (VI), and tional level. four goals all season – two fered a heart-breaking loss to MERDITH SKIBA (VI) In the conference, the team in conference games versus Pope John during the second has managed to improve on Morris Catholic and Kinnelon round of the state tournament. The Pingry Varsity Boys’ last year’s terrific season. Af- and two shot by Bridgewater- Although there was a ter- Soccer team has again con- ter losing to Morris Catholic Raritan’s Matt Kassel, one of rific effort from seniors J.P. tinued a tradition of winning in a close match last year, the state’s top players, in the Patrizio, Hynes, and Miller, and success. Last year, the they defeated them in a 3-1 county finals. The skillful and skillful goaltending from team took home a county contest at home earlier in defense of senior co-captain Schonberg, the game was co-championship and a Non- the season. The team also David Miller has been key, still scoreless after double Public A State Championship defeated Montclair Kimberly while the playing of juniors overtime and was ultimately after outplaying Seton Hall Academy, whom they tied Conor Starr, Brendan Burg- decided in penalty kicks. Prep, Delbarton, Don Bosco, last year, by “sweeping” the dorf, Matt Rybak, and Todd Despite this outcome, student and Christian Brothers. Even season series in 1-0 and 6-0 Feldman, and sophomores pride in the soccer players after losing five critical se- victories. The first of those Scott Keough, Tyler Smith, remains palpable, and the niors from last year – Jeff games went into overtime, and Andrew LaFontaine frus- entire community celebrates Zimering, Austin Lan, Rich- with the team finally emerg- trated opponents, rarely al- the soccer team as a great ard Bradley, Kim Kimber, and ing triumphant with a goal lowing them to get quality source of inspiration and Nick Devers – the team still from Brendan Burgdorf (V). shots on the goal or even to strength. As longtime coach won their fourth consecutive The offense has been fu- possess the ball. Miller Bugliari says, “Win- Somerset County champi- eled by the strong playing of In the course of the boys’ ning the county finals was B. Morrison ‘64 onship with a 3-2 win over Hynes, Will Stamatis (V), and success, they rallied the entire a wonderful achievement Bridgewater-Raritan with Matt Fechter (V), all highly school with team spirit and for this year’s team. I am so goals by captain Eric Hynes skilled players who put their excitement. Students and proud of how they played that (VI) and Matt Rybak (V). creativity to use on the field. faculty turned out in huge night to stop one of the best Girls’ Soccer Wins As the season comes to The team’s stronghold, numbers to support the team players in the country. The a close with an impressive however, has been its highly at the County Finals and the playing of Grant Schonberg, current record of 17-1, the praised defense. Anchored State Game. Eric Hynes, and David Miller County Tournament team has garnered attention by goalie and captain Grant Despite the team’s strength was extraordinary.” By BRANDON BRIER (IV) therein include the county final championship, Brittani The Girls’ Varsity Soc- Bartok’s 100th high school cer team has enjoyed great goal, and Casey Rupon’s success this season. Led by 50th high school shut-out. captains Sarah Strackhouse This year’s seniors have par- (VI), Kim Kroll (VI), and ticipated in championship Casey Rupon (VI), the girls seasons several times over won the Somerset County the past four years, an im- Tournament (SCT) cham- pressive feat in high school pionship with Brittani Bar- sports. While they will be tok’s (VI) overtime goal. sorely missed next year, This momentum carried the rising seniors and un- them to advance through derclassmen have faith that the first two rounds of the they will pull through, using state tournament, before this year’s loss in State’s as losing to IHA in Sectional motivation to demolish IHA Semi-Finals on Monday, next year and take back their November 5, in the culmi- state title. nation of what had been a Both photographs by B. Morrison ‘64 long-standing rivalry. The girls had been look- ing to avenge their loss to Montgomery in last year’s Girls’ Cross Country Races to a Phenomenal Finish SCT championship and were By SCOTT BISSINGER (VI) dition of freshman phenom- The season kicked off fourth place performance in of the varsity squad leaders especially motivated when enon Olivia Tarantino, and with a pulverizing victory the county tournament. In include Martha Gross (VI), they got to play a rematch Many would think that the continued strength of in the Newark Academy this meet, the team defeated Toland Lawrence (VI), Ga- this year. Their well-earned this would be a rebuilding senior captain Olivia Delia Invitational over rivals Villa perennial Somerset County briella Scrudato (IV), and victory over this tough coun- year for Girls’ Cross Coun- has ensured success. The Walsh and Chatham. The powerhouses Bridgewater Louisa Lee (IV). ty rival helped to spur on try due to the loss of their duo, fittingly nicknamed team continued this success and Immaculata. The team is looking for- the team. top three runners last year. “the Olivias,” has led the into the regular season, Tarantino is arguably hav- ward to their final races as The girls knew that the However, the squad received team to a season of triumphs sweeping through the Co- ing the greatest season for the season closes. They won road to the championship a major boost with the ad- thus far. lonial Hills competition. a female freshman runner Prep A for the fourth straight would not be an easy one; In addition, they defeated in Pingry history. Coming year. In this race their chief however, they were confi- perennial rival Mountain into the season, the team rival was Lawrenceville, dent in their heart and desire Lakes in an impressive 24- already knew she would be which they narrowly de- as a team. This desire rang 32 victory. The team then a phenomenal asset, for she feated last year. They will loud and clear throughout entered the Shore Coaches finished second in Junior then make another trip down their game against IHA, de- Invitational, the biggest Nationals. Her time at Shore to Holmdel, the site of Shore spite the final outcome. tournament in the state. Coaches ranked 25th out of Coaches, in order to defend Strackhouse attributed the Due to the SAT’s, the squad all the girls in the state and their state championship. teams’ earlier successes to was severely depleted but was the second fastest time The team will be heavily “playing as a team, playing still managed an impressive of a New Jersey freshman. challenged by Villa Walsh with heart, and playing with second place finish. She also won the Confer- and Mater Dei. The team conviction in all aspects The following Wednes- ence title by 42 seconds and will finally move on to the of the game.” Kroll added day, the squad fought an finished with an impressive Meet of Champions, where that “put[ing their] chances epic battle with Mountain fifth in the county meet. they will race against the away early” and playing a Lakes for the Colonial Hills Delia has also had a solid state’s elite. solid defensive game con- Championship. The girls’ season, finishing fourth If the team continues to tributed. Rupon’s reliable team, which had won the in Shore Coaches, third in win, the runners may add goaltending has also helped past three titles, was losing the Newark Academy In- many more titles to the long- carry the team over the past 43-64 to the Lakers follow- vitational, and third in the standing tradition of Girls’ four years. ing the first mile. However, Conference meet. The rest Cross Country excellence. The team’s painful loss with strong second and third to IHA put a damper on miles, the team defeated the what potentially could have Lakers once again. “The The editors would like to thank Mr. Bruce Morrison been a multi-championship Olivias” took first and third, ‘64 for taking sports photographs and allowing the season, but it did not take respectively. The team fol- anything away from the rest lowed up with an impressive Record to use them. of their season. Highlights B. Morrison ‘64