THE NATION’S ON THE WEB: OLDEST students.pingry.org/ COUNTRY DAY record SCHOOL NEWSPAPER Volume CXLV, Number II December 19, 2019

Sickness Spreads Through Pingry Like Never Before SAM WEXLER (IV) community began to wonder what caused this local epidemic, dubbed On Friday, November 8, students at “The Pingry Plague.” Some students the Basking Ridge campus refreshed theorized that the virus originated their emails to find that the school among the play cast and then spread day was cut short due to a stomach throughout the rest of the school. bug spreading throughout the school Others assumed that the boys’ and community. After being dismissed girls’ soccer championship games from their classes, confused students led students to come to school even and faculty wandered around the if they were sick. school, some waiting for parents School nurses Mrs. Joyce Livak and or buses to pick them up. All after- Ms. Jennifer DiBiasi provided their school activities were cancelled insight on the epidemic. According to to allow the cleaning staff time to them, the potent stomach virus was perform a “deep clean and disinfect likely spread by someone who had the building,” according to an come to school with the virus already email sent by Associate Director of in their system; they also theorized Operations, Safety, and Strategic the students had contaminated Initiatives, Mr. David Fahey. communal surfaces, such as a lunch Perhaps the most shocking result table, with the virus. The rest is Andrew Goldstein ‘92 speaks to students in Hauser Auditorium of this announcement was the history. rescheduling of the Friday night To stop the further spread of the performance of the Fall play, “Our virus, the nurses recommended Lead Prosecutor in Mueller Investigation Andrew Town,” to Saturday afternoon. To washing your hands and staying boost attendance, students who home for at least 24 hours after Goldstein ‘92 Emphasizes Personal Integrity bought tickets for the Friday show symptoms have ended. With the were given free Saturday matinée cold and flu season upon us, it is RHEA KAPUR (V) in the Department of Justice’s Russia Goldstein’s main takeaway from this tickets. Students could also use the vital that Pingry students follow investigation, led by Robert S. Mueller was to figure out one’s motivations – discount code “PLAGUE” to gain free these directions, so that this “Pingry On Friday, November 8, at the III. the principles upon which one bases admission to the show. Plague” is the last one. annual John Hanly Lecture on Ethics In his remarks, Mr. Goldstein their decisions. Getting those right, he In the aftermath of the incident, the and Morality, Mr. Andrew Goldstein shared two stories, one of which noted, is the first step towards acting ‘92 discussed the influence of the centered around his experience as with integrity. This was a key theme Honor Code in his career at Pingry an investigative reporter at TIME. of his overall talk. In his conclusion, Triumphing over Tribulation and beyond, and shared some ethical While covering the Columbine High he reminded students and faculty dilemmas he faced where the Honor School shooting, Mr. Goldstein to “step back and look at our public Code’s principles guided him. discovered that members of the discourse today… the importance of MARTINE BIGOS (IV) Intense chemotherapy resulted Established in 1999, the John Hanly school’s community were distraught telling the truth has dropped off the in weight gain and hair loss. Life Lecture Series on Ethics and Morality from TIME’s recent cover photo, list of what people think matters. As On October 21st, Pingry’s Middle seemed grim, but Sean had two honors former Headmaster John in which the main focus was on the Pingry students, that should not be and Upper School students choices: he could either give up, Hanly’s personal commitment to shooters, not the students who were acceptable to you.” He encouraged attended an assembly where guest or choose to fight for his life. He instilling honorable and ethical values killed. They wanted reassurance that the community to always “remember speaker Sean Swarmer shared chose the latter. in students at Pingry. A diverse set of this would not happen again. Mr. the values [that] were taught here” to his inspiring life journey. Sean “I could either fight for my life or speakers have visited campus each Goldstein retained a neutral position, guide their decisions in life. has survived cancer twice and is give up and die,” he says. “I wasn’t year since the series’ inception, each noting his lack of control over the The talk was well received throughout the first cancer survivor to climb focused on ‘not dying.’ I focused on of them having a unique viewpoint matter, but also stated how he could the community. Meghan Durkin (V), the highest mountain on each living.” Keeping a positive mindset on ethics and moral dilemmas in not believe they would repeat such Secretary of the Honor Board, said continent (with only one fully- during his battle, he survived. the 21st century. Mr. Goldstein a thing. that “his take on the Honor Code was is no exception. After graduating When another cover story that very insightful, especially his remark functional lung). In addition, he However, the fight was not from Princeton University in 1996, focused solely on new video footage that while it may allow for more has completed the Hawaii Ironman over. Three years later, doctors Mr. Goldstein returned to Pingry to of the killers ran, Mr. Goldstein had violations, it provides students with Triathlon. discovered a second cancer known teach AP Government and World to come to terms with the betrayal the chance to make realistic, tough Sean’s battle with cancer began as an Askin’s tumor and informed Cultures, filling the role of his former the members of the community decisions.” Samantha Burak (VI) also when he was just thirteen years old. Sean that he had only fourteen days to live. teacher Mr. Joe LaValley (whom Mr. would feel and the role he played in noted how “we hear about honorable Diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Goldstein greatly admired). Later, that betrayal. To alleviate some of behavior in our daily lives, but this Lymphoma, Sean was told that Mr. Goldstein joined TIME Magazine the pain, Mr. Goldstein personally was an important reminder that the See SCHOOL NEWS, Page 8 he only had three months to live. as an investigative reporter. After reached out to each person he talked lessons of the Honor Code apply well graduating from Yale Law School, to, warning them ahead of time of the beyond just high school. The stories he eventually served as Chief of the cover story. He also contemplated that Mr. Goldstein shared with us Public Corruption Unit at the U.S. whether he “could have pushed revealed that real situations in life are Buttondowns Return to Attorney’s Office for the Southern harder [than he did] to keep that not always black or white, but that we District of New York. Recently, he photo off the cover,” acknowledging should be striving to act with personal their Roots was Senior Assistant Special Counsel his personal responsibility. Mr. integrity regardless.”

BRIAN LI (IV) president Charlie Malone (VI), and funny.” Wang further elaborated shirts, khakis, and no shoes, ran but also one that not a lot of people On November 22nd, the secretary John Roberston (VI). on his plan for the movie. “I wanted down to the stage to begin their know.” Furthermore, “On And On” Buttonowns raced down from As is tradition, the assembly to bring the Buttondowns movie performance. The first song was incorporated choreography to the the top of Hauser Auditorium to began with the highly anticipated back to what it was, just something Stephen Bishop’s “On And On,” crowd’s delight. The Buttondowns begin their annual Buttondowns Buttondowns movie. Directed by more casual… a simple concept for with soloists Alex Kaplan (V) constantly moved across the stage, assembly. This year, the all-boys Wang, this year’s movie was largely every Buttondown.” and Vared Shmuler (III). Wang forming lines and semicircles that a capella group is headed by influenced by the 2010-2011 movie. After the movie ended, the defended its role as an opening kept the soloists at the center. president James Wang (VI), vice- He described it as a movie that Buttondowns, dressed in their number, saying that, “It’s the song was “so low budget and horrible signature that we’ve practiced the most. It’s See PERFORMANCES, Page 7 production-wise, but very white buttondown one of our strongest songs

OPINIONS, Page 2-4 SPORTS, Page 11-12 NEWS, Page 6-10 New Staff On Peace Boys’ and Girls’ Fall Play: Our The Pingry Record is looking for Candles and Soccer Town freshman/sophomore illustrators, Being Ignored Boys’ and girls’ Varsity Pingry drama photo editors, & layout editors! Soccer both have presented Thornton Monica Chan (V) analyzes Email: impressive showings in Wilder’s award-winning the fallacy of Pingry’s [email protected] or their State tournaments. play. political correctness. [email protected] Photo Credits: Pingry Communications 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY DECEMBER 19, 2019 Never Doing Enough: Stress On Peace Candles and Being Ignored

as a Measure of Success MONICA CHAN (V) at a number of institutions in our to when they have an issue they area. A large portion of these issues want to share with the school that When people found out about our were about Pingry. The article doesn’t fall within these groups? HELEN LIU (V) put a little more time into clubs, or study a bit harder in a class or two, plans to start the Asian Student mentions one instance where the I realize that only a few months I have a very close relationship but overall, I’m satisfied. Union, some had asked me why Jewish community at Pingry had ago, this is how I felt at the school. with my parents. I’m open to them Why, then, is being “too relaxed” a I cared so much or wondered if wanted to light a menorah next Affinity groups keep the issue about almost everything, and they bad thing? Is it lazy or irresponsible I only started the group to boost to the yule candle at the annual within the community, but those encourage and support me. Ever to take extra time to unwind and just my college application. The truth Winter Festival, and how their topics never get shared outside. since I can remember, they’ve been mindlessly lose myself in a movie for is, I was upset that the issues request had been met with a “peace Most groups are never covered by drilling the importance of hard work, a few hours if I’ve finished all my work I cared about were considered candle,” which was supposed to the various “diversity workshops” compassion, and virtue into my head for the day? I could use that time to “unimportant.” There was one represent the yule candle and the advisories must complete. There to make me the person I am today. start future assignments, but am I instance when I reported a student menorah. is no framework at this school to However, almost every month, we obligated to? It’s like there’s a set in class who was repeating random Lighting a peace candle didn’t discuss many important issues that get into the same argument. Tired bar of stress that I must be above; if offensive syllables and asking really solve the issue, which was don’t fall within these pre-existing from a long week of school, I decide I’m not stressed enough, no matter me if they meant anything in about truly representing the Jewish groups. to destress a bit over the weekend by how well I’m doing in school, I must Mandarin despite me telling community at the school during the My co-founders and I started the taking a couple of extra hours of free work harder. them to stop. After my talk with festival. Instead, this was the most Asian Student Union because we time. My parents will notice, and tell This mindset is far from uncommon. the administration, I never even “politically safe” response to the didn’t want future Asian-American me, “You never have time to finish At Pingry there’s a constant pressure received an apology from the issue. People may ask, why would students feeling that there was your extracurriculars during the to get ahead. Some of us jokingly student. a politically safe response be bad? nothing to support them, as that weekdays. Why not catch up now?” compete over who got the least Another time I felt that issues is how we have previously felt. If They inevitably bring up how friends amount of sleep the past night. Some were cast aside was when the Asian Pingry wants to be a genuinely from other schools are spending six of us take the hardest classes we can, parents at this school felt upset and inclusive place, it needs to take hours a day on homework. “Don’t you even if we’re not actually interested met with the administration about If there’s no its various communities’ issues think you’re too relaxed?” they ask. in them because we’re warned of an inappropriate book that was to heart. For instance, when “You’re in junior year. You should be the drop in rigor on our transcripts. added to the English curriculum; framework here, I reported a very direct act of working harder than this.” Since when has stress become the their concern was mitigated and prejudice, the school should have It’s not just my parents that have determining factor for success? turned into a social media ploy, an build it. If it’s never done its best to appropriately this mentality. Sometimes, when I Theoretically, there isn’t really a Instagram post showing rows of been done before handle the situation instead of go to bed, I’m tempted to bring my limit to how much effort I could put upset parents on the official school letting it go with no consequences. laptop with me and outline that essay into studying. I could stay up a few page, captioned happily about how here, do it. Pingry needs to fully address due in a couple of weeks. When we get hours later into the night reviewing the diversity staff was meeting issues like these––otherwise, the school days off, I finish all my work by for a test in order to get that perfect with the parents of the Chinese- school would not be supporting its mid-afternoon, but end up spending score. I could decide to go over my American community. The post students. Additionally, I implore It doesn’t hurt anyone and nobody the rest of the day strangely tense. essay a couple more times over the was promptly deleted when met this institution to genuinely solve can be offended. While this may Why do I have so much free time? weekend instead of spending time with backlash. problems, rather than finding a be partly true, the most politically Was there something assigned in with a friend. Overall, I felt upset with how political “peace candle” solution safe response doesn’t solve the class when I wasn’t paying attention? If I did, though, what would be these issues had been ignored, that, in the end, makes nobody issue. Instead of figuring out how Is there a project I can plan out? Am the point? Neglecting my happiness and no one had tried to reach a happy. Speak to students who have to make sure that the various I too relaxed? in order to better my chances of true solution. been affected one-on-one, reach groups will feel represented at the The thing is, I’m fairly happy with getting into a good university might Unfortunately, ignorance from the out to the parents to gauge their school, a politically neutral solution be more “productive,” but personal administration has been a common opinions more often, and act on almost seems insulting. It is as if experience has taught me that I’d theme in Pingry’s history, not with their feedback. Most importantly, the problem is too insignificant to end up regretting it. A few years ago, I just Asian-American issues, but though, encourage dialogue handle head-on. A neutral solution prioritized school over my happiness with issues regarding multiple regarding all groups––not just a says, “we aren’t offending anyone, Why, then, is being and my best friends. During that communities. Instead of working select few. so will everyone get off our case?” time, I lost sight of why I was studying to a solution, I have noticed that And to you, reader, who potentially At a school that is as diverse “too relaxed” a bad in the first place, and I don’t intend Pingry tries to reach “the most has something to say buried within as ours, it is very possible for a on making the same mistake again. politically safe” answer instead. I the depths of your silence, my thing? student to feel ignored, and their This isn’t to say that we should recently found this trend has been advice is to say it loud and clear. If issues can slip through the cracks. all stop studying hard. We should, happening for a long time. there’s no framework here, build it. Our school is proud that we have however, be able to set achievable About a month ago I stumbled If it’s never been done here before, upon a 1990 New York Times the GSA, the Black Student Union, do it. Make it known that you will how my junior year is going. When I standards for ourselves––somewhere article, titled “Private Schools and as of this year, the Asian not be ignored and that you are was little, I was always told to “work we can stop and say, “good enough.” Wrestling With Diversity and Student Union. But what about all the change we need at this school hard and play hard,” and I think I’ve If we’re all just trying to live a happy Identities,” in which the author the identifiers in between? How to truly make this community one found a good balance of both working and fulfilling life, is throwing away talked about diversity-based issues will a student know where to turn that you are a part of. and playing. I’m managing my time all of our current happiness really a lot better than I have in the past, worth it? At what point do we stop and I’m finding it easier to maintain sacrificing our present for a so-called decent grades while keeping up with “better future?” other parts of my life. Maybe I could

Editorial ShopWrong: The Folly of Arguing in the Negative

quote reads quickly in the context of a frame of reference. Their tendency broad promises of government- a constant, propaganda-esque the chaotic unfolding of the novel. to express their stances in terms of funded jobs. Jake Tapper asked reminder of our unity against those But when I read it, I stopped and the partisan negative rather than Bernie how much taxes will rise for dreaded Republicans! realized this combination of words the general positive. The tendency his healthcare bill. At the 2016 Democratic National is powerful. is captured by the standby: The same response kept ringing Convention, Michelle Obama It comes back to me every month “I’m the candidate that can beat up: “stop using Republican talking famously said, “When they go low, for the Democratic debates. As I’ve Donald Trump.” points.” we go high.” Democrats––do not watched these candidates give their There’s a use for this phrase in The intent of this phrase, as weaken the potential of your vote by heartfelt pleads for their causes, moderation. But it ought not to I see it, is to paint criticism as thinking only in terms of who you I’ve gone through my own little become a cornerstone argument illegitimate partisan attacks. It’s are beating out. Vote for a positive, NOAH BERGAM (V) evolution as a viewer. of the party—2016 is proof that defense built from offense––take progressive vision of the future, not When I first watched in June, doesn’t work. the hard questions, that many simply an anti-Trump candidate. When I was a little kid, I got angry I was amazed by how eloquently When this mindset of opposition voters are interested in getting But everyone––this is a lesson that when I heard my name. Noah. I they all could speak, swinging from takes over for a few questions, the direct answers to, and mark it as transcends party lines. I don’t know heard the word ‘No.’ Somehow that topic to topic with such ease and stage curls into an echo chamber, Republican, Trumpian spam. if politics could be an expression of just pushed me over the edge. My intensity. Each candidate presented where counterpoints that lean to This attitude has continued love, but I like to believe that the older siblings, realizing my dislike, their own style, playing different the center are labelled as enemy monthly. Of course, it doesn’t heavy focus on partisan differences would further taunt me by calling gambits and spinning sophisticated territory. ruin the entire debate––most and identity could be relieved. That ShopRite ShopWrong. I would cry. responses, tying it back to their This was especially evident in major candidates have their shining politics can be less an expression of Now it’s more sophisticated. I cry audience. All on the spot. It blows the July debate; when Warren moments of clarity––but it confuses electability and more an expression a little inside when I see political me away. But … but what? The and Sanders kept recycling a the very intent of these debates, of a concrete stance, a vision. arguments and platforms supported charm blurred with repetition? certain phrase, they were met with which is to give the candidates a In short, ShopRite instead of fervently in the negative. The candidates are all a bunch of opposition. chance to explain their policies ShopWrong. Ralph Ellison’s anonymous phonies? Emails!? Perhaps. But the John Delaney warned against and disagree, so that we viewers namesake Invisible Man asked a fundamental issue I see is not with taking away private health can determine their differences simple question. “Could politics any of the specific values they hold insurance. John Hickenlooper and make the most educated vote ever be an expression of love?” The or policies they endorse. It’s about objected to the Green New Deal’s we can. What is not needed is

Photo Credits (Left to Right): Noah Bergam (V) Photo Credits (Left to Right): Monica Chan (V) THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY DECEMBER 19, 2019 3 The Value of the Humanities in the 21st Century

that students learn these types biology research class, or the many condition. That is something STEM exciting projects. As a member of the ANDREW WONG (IV) of skills in order to have success IRT projects offered. Pingry’s cannot do. Children’s Literature HIRT, I have in our modern world. Pingry has technology labs are also similarly Pingry’s efforts to make sure so far enjoyed this new approach to Last year, my history teacher started recognized the importance of STEM well equipped, with brand new laser humanities are just as important as humanities, and together with my the year with a thought experiment. subjects and has successfully created cutters, 3D printers, and VR tech. STEM subjects have been successful group, I have conducted intensive He told our class, “History is a comprehensive science curriculum, Needless to say, Pingry’s investment this year. With the expansion of research into altruism in young irrelevant. If the only reason why which teaches students everything in STEM has paid off. Pingry was HIRT, humanities at Pingry are children using stories collected from we learn history is not to repeat the from the mechanisms of cancer ranked by Newsweek as 150th out lower schoolers at Short Hills. mistakes of the past, then in today’s to advanced of This new fusion of STEM and world, it is useless and everything physics. Humanities is an excellent model you learn in this class is irrelevant. of how humanities can be taught You’re much better off taking useful to students effectively in the subjects like science and math.” 21st century. By combining I was taken aback by this statement. both techniques learned from History has always STEM fields and applying been one of them to humanities, this my favorite can be an effective way of subjects, and teaching students the value I have always of humanities through a new enjoyed learning lens. about various At the end of my freshman civilizations and year, we did an exercise in how past events have my history class where we shaped the world again discussed the purpose today. the top of studying history and other Now, I was 500 STEM humanities subjects. My class told, by a history schools across decided that humanities are teacher, that the America. Although important because they enable subject I loved this is great news for us to understand other people the most was Pingry, much of this and cultures through learning useless. It was being success has come at about the human condition slowly replaced by the expense of the and people’s experiences. new cutting edge humanities. Whether it is reading stories or STEM subjects. In our STEM driven poems, learning about history, In a similar vein, world, the humanities still play an or making art, the humanities at the beginning important role in the development allow us to learn about what of my English and growth of human society. It makes us human, and helps us class this year, was humanities that brought our discover the accomplishments being we discussed civilization out of the Dark Ages of the past, understand the refreshed. HIRT serves as a means the waning and into the Renaissance with the world we live in, and arms us for students to apply techniques role of English re-discovery of Ancient Greek and with the tools to build the future. The learned from STEM subjects to and other Roman teachings. Humanities allow importance of humanities cannot be humanities, which brings a fresh humanities subjects in our modern Research us to understand ourselves better forgotten as we move deeper into perspective to humanities at Pingry. world, especially as STEM subjects opportunities also offer Pingry and teach individuals how to think this century, and I applaud Pingry’s New groups this year include take center stage in schools. students access to cutting edge creatively and critically. Whether it is steps to teach humanities to students Russian Literature, Gentrification STEM is incredibly important in science, whether it be through poetry or the arts, humanities allow in a cutting edge and modern way. in Jersey City, and many more our world today, and it is crucial their science classes, the molecular us to learn more about the human A New Version of History

is now undergoing a complete or unimportant to some people, as Europe’s reign of dominance and the History. BRIAN LI (IV) overhaul, which began this school what happened so long ago seems events that occurred during this time. The revised history curriculum is year. The first remake has been for too far away to affect our lives. Another key issue to consider is also beneficial in allowing students to “What’s even the point of history World History 9, which now covers Written history was scant, leaving Eurocentrism, which is a major pursue a more specialized education. class? Nothing actually matters now.” the years 1200-1914. Next year, historians to search in vain for the concern facing both teachers and Speaking on why the ancient history Last year, I took the World History World History 10 will pick up from next clue to unlock the secrets of an students. From my experience in sections were removed, Dr. Jones 9 course, a survey of “history from the year 1900 and end in 2001. ancient empire. Modern history is the now-defunct World History 9, said, “it’s always a struggle between the emergence of civilization in When asked about the reason behind much more recent and relevant to the the class did not overly focus on depth versus breadth; if you cover a ancient Mesopotamia to the Age removing ancient history from the present day because its revolutions one specific country or continent; ton, can you study anything in-depth? of Exploration.” I thought it was a curriculum, History Department and wars have shaped our lives. instead, it provided a broad but It’s a constant struggle.” By removing fascinating class, but evidently, at Chair Dr. Jones said, “more modern We can see the effects that specific thorough explanation of early ancient history, students will most least one other student didn’t share history seems to resonate with events have caused, which can cause history. Indeed, according to its likely have one more year or semester my sentiments. I’ve heard people call students more, and we wanted to students to feel that modern history is class description, the course focused to take focused courses on specific it “boring” or “not important” due get students interested in the study much more important and pertinent. on “developments in the Middle topics, such as Asian History. This is to the “ancient” part of this ancient of history, while ancient history, Students then may be more interested East, the ancient Mediterranean, a tremendous opportunity to learn history class. Could a change of the especially philosophy, doesn’t have in modern history, increasing the Asia, Africa, pre-Columbian America, something in-depth, once again going time period remedy this issue? as much resonance with students.” amount of engagement and activity and medieval Europe, culminating back to the depth versus breadth The history curriculum at our school Ancient history can seem boring in class. with the European Renaissance and conflict. For those of us that truly are However, the revised World Reformation and the beginnings of passionate about ancient history, an History 9 and previous World the modern world.” In contrast, my elective course on the topic can be History 10 curriculums overlap experience in World History 10 so created. This elective would cover significantly this year, with both far is one that is primarily centered the same time period as the old courses essentially offering the same around Europe or the Western World History 9 course but in much Volume CXLV, Number 1 material as implementing two new world. The revised World History 9 greater detail. Therefore, students courses within the same year is nigh course now begins with the Mongol that are enthusiastic about this impossible. Ancient history has civilization, the bridge between subject will have the chance to learn Editors-in-Chief Copy Editors been removed from the high school the East and West, so freshmen what they love, further increasing Brynn Weisholtz Aneesh Karuppur history curriculum, leaving students will not be exposed to the many the engagement and involvement Noah Bergam Brooke Pan without the foundational knowledge non-European civilizations, such in history. Martha Lewand of civilization and how the Western as Mesopotamia, that preceded this History is a subject that requires world rose to power. era. Therefore, this Eurocentrism, active student engagement. Despite Assistant Editors Brian Li Modern history is extremely relevant or absence of the history of certain my captivation with ancient history, I Vicky Gu Dean Koenig and is crucial to learn, but I believe key regions and civilizations, may understand that many other students Eva Schiller that we cannot simply push ancient lead students to believe that Europe simply weren’t interested in the old Meghan Durkin Photography Editor history to the side. The complexity was always the dominant continent World History 9 course. Rhea Kapur of modern European history is throughout history. Is ancient history necessary? I’m not extremely challenging and demands Fortunately, the History Department sure, but I’m willing to put it aside for Layout Editors a thorough understanding. Without is working towards preventing the the benefit of all. Maybe it’s time we Justin Li Faculty Advisors a foundational knowledge of how the freshman history course from being focus on the future instead of the past. Noopur Bhatt Meghan Finegan West became the dominant power, too Eurocentric, with an explicit Megan Jones students may not fully comprehend focus on the global aspect of World

Photo Credits (Left to Right): Monica Chan (V) 4 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY DECEMBER 19, 2019 Editorial Freedom to Choose when students are expected to English, history, science, and Every class I am participating in from having more choices earlier take core classes to meet Pingry’s foreign language requirements. this year is a class I chose to be in my academic career? What requirements for graduation. With These packed schedules do not in, with subject matter I wanted experiences could have further the exception of a few electives, leave much room for signing up for to explore. While I have always shaped me into me? Rather than more specialized classes. been happy to come to school, lament what could have been, I While junior year allows for some eager to share my insight in class, choose to look ahead and embrace wiggle room with course selection, it wasn’t until this year that I felt what is and what will be. Every class I am there are still mandatory classes, everything align, allowing my That said, I believe it would participating in like American Literature and the innate curiosity to soar beyond my be beneficial to explore offering BRYNN WEISHOLTZ (VI) next math and language classes own expectations. This heightened additional electives to students on a student’s respective track, sense of fulfillment can only be starting freshman year as a way this year is a class I that eleventh graders must take. attributed to the personal interest to broaden horizons and spark chose to be in, with The real change occurs senior year I have in each class I selected. intellectual curiosity, which is At Pingry, a student’s academic when no mandatory classes are Sitting side-by-side with peers with inherently one of Pingry’s pillars. coursework is primarily subject matter I required, and the course choices similar interests, we seem more Who knows what class will inspire a determined by the administration become abundant. For the first motivated to engage deeply in the young mind to thrive intellectually? and follows a fairly regimented wanted to explore time as a Pingry student, I had subject matter. path. There is limited flexibility the ability to select courses I truly Having the opportunity to finally for a student to “choose” any wanted to take. AP Gov or AP spend my days studying material portion of his or her schedule in Euro, Science in the 21st Century that sparks the most interest in the early years of high school. This such as Art Fundamentals or a second language, ninth and tenth or Anatomy and Physiology, Greek me leaves me asking the question: rigidity is seen mostly during the Epic or Shakesphere, Spanish 6 or why did it take so long to arrive at freshman and sophomore years grade schedules are overflowing with mandatory classes in math, French 1. This was empowering. this point? Could I have benefited Solving the Issue of Poorly Timed Assessments at Pingry that signifies a large test or essay, isn’t all that hard, and that students to the Three-Assessment Rule (if they can opt to move one of them MAILE WINTERBOTTOM (V) while others are almost empty of should just buck up and bear the you have three major assessments to the next week. Especially leading it. This led me to ask myself: why weight of these stressful weeks. in one day, you can opt to move up to breaks, where students are can’t all of this work be divided up However, we are often given short faced with six or seven assessments As a Pingry student, I experience evenly between the weeks? notice about assignments, and even in a week, this rule could benefit a lot of stress. From essays to tests Students at Pingry are constantly with proper notice, too many tests the community greatly. Another to presentations to quizzes, the caught between two extremes– can still leave students in sticky If more possible addition could be a work never seems to stop piling on. weeks packed with work followed situations. universal day each week where However, there is a common theme by others with almost none – at the If more consideration was put consideration assessments are prohibited. This in the stress that my peers and I expense of their mental health, free into the timing of tests, there would was put into the would give students a “day off”, experience: poor timing. time, and success in school. During be numerous benefits for students allowing them to study up on Over the past few years, I’ve busier weeks, the challenge for and teachers alike. Students could timing of tests, assessments they have in following dividing one’s time among different put more attention into individual days. started to notice that assessments there would be come in big stressful waves, usually assignments becomes greater than assignments and perform better, With the faculty’s goal for this lasting a week or so. One week ever. Instead of being able to focus rather than just throwing as much numerous benefits year being student wellness, poorly might be pretty uneventful, with a on one thing and achieve success time as possible into a heaping pile timed assessments is a problem lull in big assessments and stress in that area, students are forced to of essays and tests. Teachers would for students and that needs to be solved. However, if levels on the decline. Then, before ask themselves: “Should I study for then see a more realistic evaluation teachers alike given enough attention, addressing you know it, you have six tests in my math test or should I finish my of a student’s knowledge. Most of this issue has the potential to one week, not to mention a paper English paper?” This conflict can all, students’ stress would decrease benefit Pingry as a whole. It would due for English class. Looking at cause students to do poorly on some if their large assessments were certainly be a big step towards my planner, plenty of weeks are assignments when in reality, they divided up more evenly. one of them). One possible rule improving the mental health and completely covered in the red ink just didn’t have enough time. Some To improve assessment timing, I could be: if students have more wellness of students. may argue that time management suggest creating new rules similar than five assessments in a week, Maybe It’s Time to Phase Out the In-Class Test

ANEESH KARUPPUR (V) capstone assessments needed in questions. I find these questions, and presentations should replace Given the tight time constraints, the Upper School. However, although easier, to be less beneficial at least a few tests in each subject. a significant portion of an in-class the concept of to my overall understanding of My first suggestion, the research essay is spent on collating the a group- material than a project or essay. In paper or critical essay, would be background facts, leaving much When I entered Pingry as a based final the internet age, memorization too little time to develop a complex Form III student, I was excited to intrigues and the ability to recall facts and multifaceted argument. The engage in the team-based, critical- me. are quickly losing their in-class essay is further hurt by the thinking-style learning that Pingry value. The internet can offer prohibition of outside research. has splashed all over its marketing more information at a faster This forces the entire class to draw materials. I bought into the idea of rate than any human can, from the same bank of information, building my foundational knowledge and with fewer errors. thus limiting the scope of their of science and humanities in arguments. discussion-based classes. These My second suggestion, the visions were mostly fulfilled, and beneficial because it presentation, is a useful tool I distinctly remember bragging to serves as a unique because it requires brevity and one of my eighth grade buddies application of strong communication skills. For about how different the intellectual topics learned example, a teacher could assign discourse was at Pingry. in the Pingry groups of students to different days Experiential learning manifests classrooms. in the homework syllabus, and that itself in different ways. From the For example, group would present the material. classroom to research opportunities World This would both demonstrate to global field studies, Pingry has put History the students’ understanding considerable effort into providing 10 papers and function as a transition into a different type of high school are well- classroom material. education. However, there is one respected While these changes may seem factor that noticeably lags behind because too drastic to be implemented Because the College Board these advancements: tests and topic immediately, I think they should be has completely missed the assessments. In freshman year, selection, kept in mind if Pingry wants to keep boat on understanding-based most students had seven final research, up its experiential and intellectual learning, drilling has become exams. In sophomore year, that outlining, and style of education. I don’t believe necessary in preparation for an number decreased, but remained writing is done that Pingry’s current assessment It led me to AP course or an SAT Subject Test. relatively high (around four to entirely by the student. This allows system is problematic by any stretch; think about Nevertheless, Pingry is supposed to six). Meanwhile, the Pingry Middle the teacher to measure a student’s I simply believe that it is time for the the nature of be helming that boat, and I wonder School has eliminated finals in favor mastery, rather than their ability traditional test to step back and let tests we have currently at Pingry. what percentage of Pingry tests can of Project Week. to regurgitate information. I also project-based learning have some While tests may vary by teacher and be completed with a few Google Of course, Middle School Project believe that the in-class essay ought time in the spotlight. subject, most contain at least some searches. To better prepare students Week isn’t comparable to the to be phased out to some extent. amount of memorization-based for the real world, research papers Photo Credits (Left to Right): Monica Chan (V) THE PINGRY RECORD COLUMNS DECEMBER 19, 2019 5 Finding Your Existential Music RHEA KAPUR (V) was a die-hard existentialist. And, comes to mind. I know I may have in my American Literature course denounced pop in my last column, Existentialism has dominated right now, we’re reading “Bartleby and Ed Sheeran would definitely my last few weeks. What does the Scrivener”––perhaps one of the qualify as a pop artist, but this that mean, exactly? What even is strangest short stories of all time–– song is exceptional; it’s poignant, existentialism? That question in which presents a perfect case study and above all it’s beautifully sung. and of itself, my friends, presents in absurdism, existentialism, and Sheeran wrote it to cope with losing its own existential crisis––and that even nihilism. his grandmother, and that loss is should tell you something about just For me, all of this inspired a simultaneously raw and crystal how much it has been on my mind Spotify playlist, which I have lovingly clear in his voice. As someone who lately. According to the Stanford entitled “sediment of existentialism.” recently lost mine, I can really Encyclopedia of Philosophy, In curating this playlist, I had to connect to it. Listening, I remember existentialism is the pursuit of what think about what has had me feeling my dadi, yes, but I also think about “further set of categories… [are] so existentialist (the literature, death, the meaning of death, and necessary to grasp human existence.” obviously, and maybe the crushing where we go afterwards. Where is Let that sink in. Deep, I know. And, amount of work). How could I the “home” that Sheeran refers to? of course, we teenagers should all be elicit those same feelings again at What quantifies “a life that’s been familiar with the “existential crisis,” a random 2:00 AM, when I really loved” and lived, as Sheeran sings? a term that is now so ingrained in need them? How can we measure that? American culture that it is considered I came up with two answers. I have lighter songs, too: the last colloquial, dare I say the content of One is slow, melancholy music: songs of the night that I’ve danced memes. Just to be clear, though, an “Apocalypse,” “Nothing’s Gonna to (“I Lived” by OneRepublic), a existential crisis is a moment where Hurt You Baby,” “Affection,” and Beatles piece a faraway friend of we question the meaning of life––or, “K.” These are slow-burning gems mine used to play me on his guitar conversely, contemplate how life has from the band Cigarettes After Sex, (“Blackbird”), or the favorite song of no meaning. perfect for those late nights after you a sister I never had (“The Monster” I love to explore different aspects return from a memorable night out, by Rihanna). All of these songs––the of the Slavic cultures and Russian or even while you type out one last happy, sad, and in-between––make language. Russian literature offers essay before our upcoming break. me contemplate life and its meaning. nothing if not some of the best Lana Del Ray, with her unique voice You could say they elicit those reading, and many great Russian and powerful lyrics, has some stars existential crises. writers were existentialists. A couple too: “Love,” “Brooklyn Baby,” “Off My advice for creating your own of weeks ago, I was reading Uncle to the Races,” and “Born to Die” existentialist playlist? Find those Vanya, one of Anton Chekhov’s (that title has me convinced that songs that matter to you – the ones plays. There’s a line in there that she, too, is an existentialist) are that make you reason, reflect, and immediately stopped me in my some of my favorites. All of these reminisce. Find those melancholy tracks. Helena remarks, “What songs showcase raspy, unique, and songs to which you wallow, or the a fine day! Not too hot.” And contemplative voices, and they upbeat songs to which you sing Voitski (Vanya) responds, “A fine really get my existentialist gears along at the top of your lungs, day to hang oneself.” If that’s not turning, transporting me to entirely shaking out your hair and smiling existentialist, I don’t know what new worlds. ear to ear (“Story of my Life” by is. Yes, Vanya perhaps takes it too The other mini-genre in my One Direction, anyone?). If you far, but the sentiment is there. In existentialist music consists of need inspiration, give “sediment my Russian Literature HIRT, we’re songs that I’ve associated with of existentialism” a listen. Maybe reading Anna Karenina, a great a memory. Now, hang with me, while reading Dostoevsky (another novel by Leo Tolstoy, and a friend folks, we’re getting deep here. What Russian existentialist––sigh) over of mine recently gave a presentation are those sentimental songs for break, as I will be. You never know on Tolstoy’s spiritual crisis. You me? “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed what kinds of existential moments guessed it: by the end of his life, he Sheeran is one that immediately you might find yourself in. Karuppur Provides the Technology Download ANEESH KARUPPUR (V) and starts at the same $2,399 starting the listener’s ears, and more actions price as the old 15-inch model. If you that can be performed without taking As the holiday season quickly are in the market for a new laptop for out your phone (play, pause, skip approaches, the technology world photo and video editing or coding and track, etc.). They do come with Apple’s continues to develop and grow. In this prefer a larger screen and more power wireless charging case, albeit in a issue, let’s take a look at some good options, this laptop is worth a look. An different shape. I think the AirPods gifts and some not-so-good ones. interesting note is that the upgrades for Pro is cool, but more of a generous First off, the topic most relevant to this machine will not be carried over to gift rather than a necessity. If you have the average Pingry student is Apple’s the 13-inch just yet, which will retain the AirPods Gen 1 or Gen 2, I wouldn’t new 16-inch MacBook Pro. They come its issue-prone butterfly keyboard and really recommend upgrading to these with a scissor keyboard that feels large bezels. If you can hold out a few unless you really need noise cancelling deeper than the previous generation’s years for a 13-inch model, it may be in your life. Of course, the price is also (2016-2019) butterfly keys. This worth it. higher than regular AirPods, so that is new model also features a new Another cool piece of tech that warrants something to consider as well. TouchBar that has a physical Escape discussion is Tesla’s Cybertruck pickup And, finally, a little holiday shopping key and a fingerprint sensor/power truck. This vehicle is boxy, sharp, and advice––keep an eye out for any button. The laptop comes with some angular, and Tesla is billing it as an all- potential scams or fraudulent websites. incremental processor improvements, electric off-roading truck combination. Criminals have been using more an (absolutely necessary) 8 terabyte Tesla also highlights features like sophisticated methods of phishing, solid-state drive, and a beefier battery. “unbreakable” windows and a hefty like pretending to be the email address But the main selling point is the steel structure. Surprisingly, it is not of a friend or family member, and it is larger screen, which one-ups that of priced outlandishly: it starts at less often very difficult to detect this fraud the previous 15-inch MacBook Pro. than $40,000 and goes up from there. at a glance. If an email asks you to The screen is of a sufficiently high I can’t really make a recommendation, enter your credit card information, resolution, and the area surrounding but if you want your utilitarian vehicle Social Security number, or anything the screen (the bezels) has been shrunk to stand out from the crowd, this is it. of the like, hover over the email so a bigger screen can fit in about Going back to Apple for a bit, let’s address and search it up to make the same footprint as the outgoing discuss Apple’s AirPods Pro. The sure it is a legitimate email address 15-inch model. As is the case with new Pro label here doesn’t signify from a major company or service. If Apple displays, the color accuracy is anything “professional” about these a friend seems to be emailing you for objectively unmatched among other wireless earbuds, but Apple has made money or a suspicious request, call laptops. The laptop still sticks with some meaningful changes. There or text the friend before you enter four USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, are now swappable rubber tips to your information. Once the money is which means that this can connect to block noise more effectively, which sent, it can be difficult to trace, and a variety of devices (displays, external perfectly ties in with Apple’s active this is especially true with the advent storage drives, GPUs, and other noise cancelling feature. This means of digital credit cards and financial equipment) with a single cable. Pingry that repetitive, droning noises, like services (Apple Card, Venmo, etc.). still recommends a dongle to go along those in a subway ride or an airplane If you’re careful and conscious, with these relatively new ports, so I cabin, will be filtered out while the though, your holiday tech experience will recommend anything other than user is listening. The new AirPods should be fun and rewarding. Happy Apple’s overpriced USB-C dongles. Pro have some smaller touches, like shopping, and stay tuned for the next Overall, the laptop is a nice upgrade vents to equalize the air pressure in issue!

Photo Credits (Left to Right): Google Images, Google Images 6 THE PINGRY RECORD CLUBS DECEMBER 19, 2019 Club Spotlight: Quiz Bowl Team Club Advertisements CALEB PARK (III) MEGHAN DURKIN (V) As I walked into the room, pencil in hand, I felt a rush of adrenaline German Club and perhaps a bit of anxiety. It might have been the moderator’s Led by Cal Mahoney (V) and Lauren Drzala (V), German Club allows its members to intense stare, or the energy of my explore German culture through food, activities, and more. This December, the group teammates, but pure excitement takes a trip to the Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market in Sparta, New Jersey. coursed through my veins. I knew There, over 100 vendors sell everything from jewelry to bratwurst. that nothing but mental contest awaited me. This is what it feels like to be part of the Pingry Quiz Why should you join? Bowl Team. “German culture is fun to learn about and experience. The club helps people understand Although some might view Quiz German culture better as a whole and we do it in a fun way. Everyone would enjoy Bowl as glorified “trivia night” or it.” - Lauren Drzala (V) a pastime for “nerds,” both of these labels could not be farther from the truth. The art of Quiz Pingry For Girls Empowerment (P4GE) Bowl is one of dedication and The Quiz Bowl Team after they hosted Pingry’s first ever camaraderie, where each player’s tournament. Hoping to create an empowering environment for girls, P4GE provides a space for all mental acuity and collaboration The team, composed of Pingry thirteen teams). The team will skills are put to the test. When students from all grades, has compete in the finals on December students to take action on issues that affect women. At meetings, members discuss asked if she considered Quiz Bowl competed in tournaments at 5th, and has already qualified for feminism, help fundraise for womens’ causes, and learn to promote women’s rights. a sport, Classics teacher and club various schools, and has reached the national competition in May Last year, leaders Emma Huang (V), Eva Schiller (V), and Sydney Stovall (V) organized Advisor Ms. Smith responded the playoffs multiple times. 2020. When asked if the team was a trip to the annual Women’s March in New York City. with an enthusiastic, “Hell, yeah.” Pingry’s Quiz Bowl team has also ready for such a challenge, captain So what is it about Quiz Bowl been dominant in QuizNet, an Aneesh Karuppur (V) responded: Why should you join? that gets players so excited? Quiz online Quiz Bowl competition. “We have won Nationals many “It doesn’t only apply to people who identify as female. There’s still a lot of improvement Bowl consists of multiple rounds Every Thursday afternoon at times previously, and we expect that can be made [for women’s rights] and P4GE serves as an outlet to inform people of trivia relating to anything 3:30, students of all grades gather this year to be no different. Our of these issues.” - Sydney Stovall (V) from chemistry to history to in Room 243 to compete against team is putting in a lot of effort modern rap. These complex and schools from across the country. and we think we will definitely specific questions test the depth Pingry has been particularly shine.” With confidence from and breadth of knowledge of strong over the years in QuizNet, leaders Brian Li (VI), Aneesh the contestants, who are usually qualifying for nationals almost Kadali (VI), and Karuppur, as grouped into teams of 4-8 people. every single year. This season is no well as Club Advisors Ms. Smith There are many different types exception. Out of the eight weekly and Mr. Richardson, there is no of tournaments as well, including games in the preliminary round, doubt that the Pingry Quiz Bowl Calligraphy by Kyra Li (III) Jeopardy! and buzzer-based style. Pingry has won four (in a field of team will succeed. Students Succeed At Princeton Model Congress BROOKE PAN (V) to elect a president to represent make things work.” The weekend before Thanksgiving the entire body. Three candidates On Sunday, the students Break, Pingry students embarked made speeches stating why they participated in their last full on a trip to the nation’s capital would be the best fit for office, and committees, where they wrapped to participate in the Princeton later, answered questions on their up voting on the remaining bills. Model Congress. At ten o’clock, opinions and plans regarding After the closing ceremony, the bus left the Pingry campus to certain subjects. When reflecting Pingry students got back on the start its journey to the prestigious on her experience at the opening bus to return to campus. conference. There, in order to ceremony, Zara Jacob (V) stated In reflecting on her first experience simulate the dynamics of a that “it was both very exciting and at a Model Congress conference, Congress, students prepared bills inspiring to be modeling a version newcomer Sophie Pollard (V) and presented them to a group of of what it could be like to take part stated, “At such an important students, engaging in discussions in the government today.” point in our government’s and working on amendments Over the course of the next few history right now, it’s cool to until it came time to put each bill days, students mirrored practices be participating in something SEPTEMBER OCTOBER to a vote. If the bill passed within of delegates in the legislative like Model Congress where you Taken by Marcus Brotman (V) Taken by Amir Arnold (VI) its committees, students then had branch by debating and amending understand the process of what’s a chance to present their bill in bills until an agreement was going on and the role that the front of a larger group of students, reached. Beacham noted, “I government’s playing … When the known as a full committee. personally really love being in events that are taking place are The club’s leaders, Lily Schiffman small committee and getting to so significant, modeling congress (VI) and Thomas Beacham (VI), know people’s ideas and debating just feels like a really cool and were interviewed and asked what them and trying to figure out how great thing to do.” attracted them to Model Congress things work and the best way to in the first place. Schiffman answered, “Model Congress is and always has been another way for my voice to be heard on issues that I’m really passionate about.” Beacham added, “In my freshman year, [Model Congress] seemed like some vague interesting field about the government … However, Model Congress really stuck to me and that’s why I’ve been really steady with it.” When the bus arrived at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Pingry students, along with advisors Dr. Jones and Dr. Johnson, made their way to their assigned rooms to relax before the opening ceremony. After resting, the students and faculty gathered in a ballroom with students from schools all over the country. The opening ceremony started off with NOVEMBER introductory speeches, though the Brandon Lane (VI), Thomas Beacham (VI), and Cole Morriello (IV) after Taken by Olivia Hung (IV) primary goal of the ceremony was each winning an award at the Princeton Model Congress. THE PINGRY RECORD PERFORMANCES DECEMBER 19, 2019 7 Cast and Crew Present Fall Play Our Town

ASHLEIGH PROVOOST (IV) (Charlotte Schneider, IV), from of rehearsals and set building, and fighting. Her husband, Dr. Gibbs they showcased the efforts of over 50 This year, the Pingry Drama (Josh Thau, VI), returns from an students. Along with Mrs. Romankow Department performed the play Our early morning call. Meanwhile, Mrs. and head stage manager Lindsay Town for its annual fall production, Webb (Sonia Talarek, VI) makes sure Cheng (VI), new faculty members Mr. holding performances on November her children, Emily (Helen Baeck- Joseph Napolitano and Ms. Emma 7th and 9th. Written by Thornton Hubloux, VI) and Wally (Ronan Barakat were heavily involved in Wilder and directed by Mrs. Stephanie McGurn, III), exhibit good table the production. Ms. Barakat played Romankow, the play follows the life manners. Their father, Mr. Webb the crucial role of head carpenter. of Emily Webb and George Gibbs. (Jonathan Marsico, V), is at work. Act Mr. Napolitano, who was the lead These two neighbors experience I allows the audience a glimpse into set designer, greatly enjoyed his first everything together: growing up, the daily life of a Grover’s Corners Pingry production. He described Cal Mahoney (V) and Josh Thau (VI) taking their final bow. falling in love, and eventually dying. resident. Our Town as “a true example of The play is set in a small town called Act II is centered around George collaboration, and the perfect first Grover’s Corners in New Hampshire. and Emily’s wedding. This includes project for [him] to work on at Winter Concert Wows Community It explores the seemingly mundane a flashback of when both characters Pingry.” Reflecting on the past few As usual, many traditions, like the activities in life, and how the small realized they were meant to be with months, he adds: “Working with KYRA LI (III) & ANJOLA OLAWOYE (III) Presentation of Gifts and the Candle details of the world are what make one another; after a long talk over ice the design & tech crew, Mr. Van Lighting Ceremony, took place last year it worth living. A play within a play, cream sodas in Mr. Morgan’s (Lily Antwerp, and Mrs. Romankow was a On December 12, Pingry students and also appeared in this year’s concert. this show is narrated by eight stage Arrom, V) drugstore, they admitted joy. I believe all of our work blended performed for their family and friends at Last year, Student Body President, Andrew managers: Corbey Ellison (VI), Nina their feelings for one another and together in a delightful way.” the annual Winter Festival. Cowen ‘19, assisted Kindergarteners Charles Srikanth (VI), Lily Arrom (V), Alex decided to get married soon after Mr. Napolitano was not the only The day before, many ensembles, including Brunhouse and Riya Mirchandani in Kaplan (V), Adelaide Lance (V), their high school graduation. The one to note the production crew’s chorus, band, orchestra, and handbells, lighting the festival candle at the concerts. Sydney Stovall (V), Natalie DeVito act ends with a captivating wedding strong sense of community. Adelaide performed various selections of winter and This year, Student Body President Brian Li (IV), and Ram Doraswamy (VI). As celebration. Lance remarked that “[The show] holiday-themed music for the all-school (VI), assisted two new kindergarteners in these narrators open and close the The play transitions into Act III, was amazing! We’re truly all one big concert. It is a decades-long tradition, and lighting the candle. show, they leave the audience with a which takes the audience through family.” For some, however, the fall for some, it is the most memorable event of This year’s program started with Deck the the school year. It is also the only time of the Halls. As always, it included classic songs, warm feeling of nostalgia, as well as Emily’s sudden death during play marked the beginning of the year when both the Short Hills and Basking such as Al Hanissim and Maoz Tzur, and the realization that each moment is childbirth. As she joins the world of end. Stuart Clark, having completed Ridge campus come together in one space to ended with the all-school sing-a-long of instrumental making one’s life unique the dead, she realizes just how much his final fall play, reminisces about celebrate the winter festivities and indicate the Twelve Days of Christmas. and beautiful. she loved being alive and spending acting at Pingry: “It was all so special. the beginning of the holiday season. Every year, the Winter Festival serves Act I begins in Grover’s Corners, time with family and friends. The The Drama Department has given me Last year, the program began with former as a celebration of the community and as the audience observes a typical audience joins her as she revisits her a lot over my four years at Pingry. Headmaster Nat Conrad’s remarks about the holiday season. Mr. Sean McAnally, morning for the Gibbs’ and Webbs’ 12th birthday and reflects on how fast I’m really grateful that I had the the holiday season and the importance of one of the music teachers, said that this is families. Mrs. Gibbs (Cal Mahoney, life truly goes by. opportunity to act alongside people giving and sharing commonalities. “It is his “favorite concert of the year, and it is V) tries to stop her children, George The performances were the that mean a lot to me.” wonderful and important to share what we a wonderful experience where the entire (Stuart Clark, VI) and Rebecca culmination of two strenuous months have in common and make a good effort to school comes together to celebrate the share the gift of friendship,” he said. beginning of holiday festivities.” Pingry Performs at Columbia Fall Taiko Festival! MARTINE BIGOS (IV) Poh (IV), another member of the club, One of NYTAK’s performing members push and challenge the boundaries of one of next year’s performance pieces. On Sunday, November 10, Pingry added, “It was a really cool experience and Columbia Taiko’s president, Koh how to play taiko. He ran a workshop The rhythms and choreography are a Taiko Drumming attended Columbia to see how many different people Yamakawa, was in charge of running at the East Coast Taiko Conference a little tricky, but it is a fun and satisfying University’s Fall Taiko Festival in played and the different ways to play. the festival last year, and after learning few years back, and we spent the full piece to play. It’s also one of the pieces Manhattan. The drummers performed I think it was worth it and all in all a that I advised a taiko group at Pingry, two-and-a-half hour workshop just that inspired me when I first started “Dokokara” and “Matsuri” and they really interesting and fun thing to do. he was eager to have us perform at this learning the first six measures of the playing taiko, so it would be special enjoyed the performances of many Performing was fun, but watching the year’s festival. piece (a section titled “Cronkite”). for me to get to teach and have our talented groups, including Swarthmore, other groups I think was the best part.” While the rhythms aren’t necessarily students perform it. I’m hoping to Cornell, and Stony Brook Taiko. Noah Mr. Leone, Pingry’s Taiko Club What was your favorite difficult, the movement is incredibly get a couple of student-written pieces Bergam (V) represented Pingry in the leader, was interviewed shortly after performance to watch? challenging, so it’s something special worked in to our repertoire. Getting group performance of “Tonbane” at the the festival, and below are excerpts of I’m always in awe of any performance to see the piece be performed. to see other groups play, each with end of the festival. Noah said that the that conversation: of Jack Bazaar (performed by their different styles, opens the door performance “made me realize that our Swarthmore Taiko at the festival). Are there any pieces that you for what is possible rhythmically Taiko group doesn’t exist in a vacuum. How did you learn about the Kris Bergstrom, the composer of would like to bring to Pingry that and choreographically, so I’d like to There are so many nuanced styles and festival? the piece and lead instructor at the you saw at the festival? channel that into helping our group group dynamics––it was awesome to I performed at the Columbia Fall Los Angeles Taiko Institute, is a I’m thinking of bringing in Omiyage write a few pieces of our own to help see it all coalesce on stage and form Taiko Festival last year as a member pioneer of naname (slant drum) style (performed by Taiko Tides at the us define our own Pingry Taiko style. a community of drummers.” Belinda of New York Taiko Aiko Kai (NYTAK). choreography, and looks for ways to festival, composed by Shoji Kameda) as

Buttondowns Return to their Roots (cont.) BRIAN LI (IV) providing viewers with a clear sense about his overall experience in the of when the songs switched between Buttondowns, Wang said that, “It’s Directly following “On And On,” each other. been interesting. Freshmen year was Nolan Baynes (V) and Justin Li (V) The next song was “Slow Dancing In amazing but for the last two years, paired up as soloists for “Slide” by a Burning Room” by John Mayer and we got lost in the movie so much that Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean, and Migos. was sung by soloists Henry Wood (V), we kind of forgot about the singing. Shmuler added to the performance by Ore Shote (V), and Charlie Malone After last year, I decided that we’re singing the high-pitched verses at the with the Buttondowns in a straight going to focus on the singing because beginning of the song, receiving great line facing the audience. it’s a Buttondowns assembly and appreciation from the audience. Once Lastly, Baynes and Wang capped that’s the core of the group.” Wang again, the group deviated from their off an unforgettable performance was thankful for Dr. Moore for his traditional semicircle formation in with Post Malone and Swae Lee’s unwavering support and advice and favor of having the members sit down “Sunflower.” As his final solo and also thanked the rest of the seniors, song in front of the entire high school, Malone, Robertson, Yu, Dispenza, and The Buttondowns get into formation for their Guardians of the Galaxy Medley on the floor to give off a more candid and relaxed demeanor. Wang remarked positively on his Bugliari. He was especially grateful for Ram Doraswamy (IV), John experience with “Sunflower.” “I loved Malone who arranged all of the songs Robertson, and Alex Kaplan starred [Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse] so and did “so much work behind the in the Guardians of the Galaxy Sunflower was a great song to end on… scenes. He deserves as much credit as medley, a combination of three I really enjoyed singing something that me and without him, I don’t think the songs from the Guardians of the puts me in a different mood and takes concert would even be close to how it Galaxy movies. Comprised of Blue me to different places.” sounds right now.” Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling,” The What was unique about this The assembly was hugely appreciated Five Stairsteps’ “O-o-h Child,” and year’s assembly was the presence of by the Upper School as evidenced by Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love,” choreography. Compared to previous the thunderous applause and cheering the medley not only transitioned years where the group stood in a throughout the entire event. Wang between the three songs throughout, static semicircle, the Buttondowns ended by saying, “I’ve tried to bring but included physical transitions with enthralled the crowd with their the Buttondowns back to their roots the Buttondowns. Each song featured movement, adding another dimension and I sincerely appreciate everybody Nolan Baynes (V) serenades Lance Perlow (VI) different configurations and actions, to the performance. When asked that’s been there for me.” Photo Credits (Left to Right): Pingry Communications 8 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 19, 2019 Triumphing over Tribulation (cont.) Word in the Halls MARTINE BIGOS (IV) While in Nepal, Sean visited a cancer Health Department, coordinated the hospital where, on average, ninety-five assembly along with Dr. Rosen and What made you smile today? The thought of having a two weeks’ percent of the patients pass away. said that “the theme for this year’s notice on your life sounded like too Sean gave one patient his lucky green strategic plan is student wellness. much to bear, but Sean knew that t-shirt that had carried him through Dr. Rosen and I thought Sean’s Rosemary Collins (V) once again he had the choice to keep countless treatments and told the inspirational message of resilience moving with a positive mindset or to patient to pass it on to another patient and accomplishment in the face of a give in to cancer. Though one of his once they recover. According to Sean, life-threatening cancer diagnosis was lungs lost its function due to radiation all patients in the hospital who have valuable for our community to hear. “My coffee.” treatment, Sean survived. Sean then worn the t-shirt have survived, a There are so many life lessons to be set out on a new adventure. He wanted miracle ostensibly caused by the boost learned from someone like Sean, and to become the first cancer survivor to in confidence it inspires. we hope our community was inspired summit Mt. Everest. Through intense In addition to climbing Mt. Everest, by his story and his courage.” Jonathan Marsico (V) training, Sean prepared himself for Sean has summited Mt. Aconcagua, Sean taught the Pingry community the climb and succeeded. Carrying a Kilimanjaro, Denali, Elbrus, Vinson, a lot of lessons, the most important flag signed by cancer patients up to and Puncak Jaya. of which was to choose to fight rather the summit, he climbed the mountain Mrs. Marotto, the chair of the than to give up. for them. “I haven’t smiled today.”

Josh Thau (VI)

“My friends made me smile today.”

Ram Doraswamy (IV)

“I talked to Mr. Van Antwerp and he said that he hadn’t Sean Swarner telling his inspirational story. reassigned my part [in the musical] to anyone. So, I’m still the sergeant and I’m Students Serve Community on Annual back in the musical.” Rufus Gunther Day Hannah Guglin (VI) ZOE WANG (IV)

This year’s annual Rufus Gunther “Balladeers made me Day, held on October 25, was a smile. It made me happy.” resounding success. Following the annual tradition, more than a thousand members of the Pingry community, including 600 Upper School students, Aneesh Karuppur (V) 270 middle schoolers, and 100 faculty members, participated in this day of community service. “Mr. McAnally helped me Ms. Shelley Hartz, Director of play a jazz piece this morning Community Service, has been before class. We had a nice directing Rufus Gunther Day for practice session.” fifteen years. Before her arrival to Pingry, Rufus Gunther Day was neither a full-day event nor a diversified Mrs. Mack-Watkins community service operation; the whole school simply volunteered at a food bank. Now, Rufus Gunther Day is a whole day of community service “Thinking about my that has expanded to include dozens of daughter.” organizations. Ms. Hartz said, “Rufus Students working outside on Rufus Gunther Day. Gunther Day is one of my favorite days residence. Other middle schoolers them. This also gave students the on campus; it feels like I am planning volunteered at the Great Swamp or chance to use the school’s 3D printer. Ore Shote (V) a wedding or a huge party. Planning helped with remaining on-campus Some projects students participated it involves a lot of huge moving parts projects. in were started by alumni, including at once, but it feels great while it’s At the Upper School, Drama students A Birthday Wish, which is run by happening. When it’s over, I’m a little went to three special needs schools a Pingry alum and development “Eating bagels in sad.” that Pingry has built a long-standing employee. Potters for Peace, which the morning during Pingry partnered with thirty-eight relationship with. Peer Leaders went uses their profits to donate to a cancer Buttondowns.” organizations this year. Middle to the Christopher and Dana Reeves support community, was also founded schoolers traveled to five organizations Foundation, while Honor Board by a Pingry alum. off-campus and five on-campus, two members helped prepare Wick Gardens Rufus Gunther Day has been a Hugh Zhang (V) of which involved working outdoors. for the winter. Form IV lifers were tradition at Pingry that continues to Upper School students attended thirty- given the chance to return to the Lower bring a smile to everyone’s face. Ms. six off-campus activities, in addition to School to work with Ms. Smith on the Hartz noted, “Rufus Gunther Day six on-campus ones. garden they originally helped build. is one of the best things that we do “Mr. Keating’s English As always, students worked with a This year, Mr. Steve Frantz, a as a community. It demonstrates the class.” wide range of organizations. Grade technology specialist at Pingry, started commitment from the administration 6 and Form I students went to the a new and innovative project. Working to ensure that the Pingry community Community Food Bank in Hillside, with Princeton Academy of the Sacred has the opportunity to live our mission while Middle School glee students Heart, he helped students create statement.” sang at Centerbridge, a senior citizen prosthetic hands for kids that need Photo Credits (Left to Right): Pingry Communications, Eva Schiller (V), Vicky Gu (VI), Meghan Durkin (V) THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 19, 2019 9

STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT Journal Club BRIAN LI (VI) SAYS: Please scan the QR Recap Code to read Student Journal Club provides students the opportunity to present Government’s Q1 on cutting edge scientific findings completed by researchers Report! around the world. Student leaders Nina Srinkanth (VI) and Garielle Billington (VI), along with faculty advisor Ms. Mygas, welcome all to enjoy the presentations, which occur weekly on Thursday mornings in the faculty room. Many Pingry Discusses Socioeconomic Diversity presentations are also available on YouTube. The following presentations from this fall demonstrate the wide range of at Widening the Lens Conference incredible topics covered! ZARA JACOB (V) diversity. each pod of students, faculty, and Nina Srinkanth’s (VI) presentation analyzed a new The second part of the conference saw administrators coming together to talk technique for photothermal removal of prostate tumors Each year, The Far Brook SFIchool the group split into “pods”: students met about takeaways from the conference hosted the Widening the Lens with students, teachers met with teachers, and how this discussion could be brought using gold nanoshells. Conference, a space for independent so on and so forth. In the discussion back to their respective schools. Pingry’s schools in New Jersey to come together among students, topics ranged from pod included Mrs. Ostrowsky, Ms. López, and discuss diversity and inclusion. stories of being bullied for relying on Mr. Levinson, myself, and other board Gabrielle Billington (VI) presented on the psychology Each school is expected to send one financial aid, to the impending burden members, alumni, faculty, and parents. behind false confessions. She also discussed an or two representatives from different of college tuition, to not being able to The primary focus of the meeting was experiment in which an incredible 70% of participants in constituencies of the school, including afford class symbols like Airpods or a to brainstorm a tangible, realistic plan to administrators, trustees, parents, students, Canada Goose jacket. However, one engage discussions about socioeconomic the study signed a false confession. diversity and inclusion practitioners, student from an all-boys school in Jersey diversity and possible solutions to further faculty, and alumni. City opted out of speaking on the panel, facilitate the aspect of “inclusion” at This year the conference was titled saying that he did not have anything to Pingry. Hugh Zhang (V) made a presentation about how “Class in the Classroom: Exploring talk about: “My school actually does a For tuition-based schools like Pingry, various patterns of snakeskin impact our perceived fear Socioeconomic Diversity in Our pretty good job.” He went on to talk about socioeconomic diversity can be a tricky of snakes. The study was done based on analysis of Schools,” with key speaker Anthony the incorporation of legitimate diversity- subject. No one wants to talk about electrical energy in the human brain. Jack, a junior fellow at the Harvard building implementations at this school, money, which in and of itself is a luxury Society of Fellows and assistant professor and how it fostered an environment for and an indication of how we deal with of Education at the Harvard Graduate socioeconomic diversity to be candidly socioeconomic diversity at independent School of Education. The conference discussed and subsequently addressed. schools. Pingry’s attendance at the Teodora Kolarov (V) presented on the impact a certain started with a speech by Dr. Jack, author The student panel was arguably the Widening the Lens Conference was gene network has on the development and symptom of Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges prevailing aspect of the conference, as undoubtedly a necessary and powerful severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder. are Failing Disadvantaged Students, Mr. Levinson notes “I think it made stepping stone for the cultivation of a who discussed how, despite the fact that an impact on everybody, but in particular community that is aware and active in many elite colleges and private schools the adults at Pingry; it got everyone regards to socioeconomic diversity. But are making an effort to provide access thinking. Those personal stories are this should not be all that is done. If Noah Bergam (V) presented on Latent Dirichlet to students with varying socioeconomic what people remember. When you hear you, or anyone you know, wants to help Allocation. Unlike humans, computers have a hard time statuses, there is little to no action to actual voices of students, you think create a plan that enables the growth of detecting context, emotion, similarities and extracting cultivate a sense of inclusion. “Access about what we can do or continue to do socioeconomic diversity at Pingry, please meaning from specific sets of documents and the words and Inclusion,” he repeats; that is what to improve the student experience, while talk to Mrs. Ostrowsky, Ms. Lopez, or within those documents. This fascinating type of topic elite colleges and independent high also considering all the different layers myself. It is our responsibility to do modeling serves to solve this issue. schools must aspire to reach in regards involved.” more than just talk about socioeconomic to the maintenance of socioeconomic The conference concluded with diversity; action is pressing and necessary. HiRT Group Explores Art and Afrofuturism: An Intrinsic Duo SYDNEY STOVALL (V) group arrived at its first exhibit: Kenyan and an astronaut’s helmet. “With mass artist Wangechi Mutu’s collection the incarceration being an enormous issue On November 5th, a handful of students NewOnes, will free Us. Located on the within the black community, particularly and faculty embarked on a trip to New facade of The Met, Mutu’s installation in America,” Billington notes, “the photo York City to observe and discuss art encapsulates the essence of Afrofuturism was clear in breaking the stereotypes exhibits that explored themes relating to by incorporating traditional African with a woman, uncuffed looking Afrofuturism as part of their Humanities cultural symbols with elements that towards space and inferably, the future.” Independent Research Team (HIRT). highlight an oppressive past and an Sydney Tindall (VI) was struck by The term “Afrofuturism” is fluid; it empowering future. Mutu plays on the how pieces “not only exhibited works is completely personalized. There is historical significance of caryatids, a that portrayed African Americans as no singular definition of Afrofuturism, style often used in Greek architecture powerful images, but [also how] they but Ingrid LaFleur, a curator and that utilizes the female body as pillars incorporated religions and other minority self-proclaimed Afrofuturist, defines to support the building. Rather than groups that have been discriminated it as “a way of imagining possible objectify her women to fulfill the sole against in the past and placed them futures through a black cultural lens.” purpose of supporting some greater in these futuristic settings as if to say Afrofuturism explores the intersection of entity, Mutu has her women placed ‘here we are, not only present, but black oppression and black empowerment on a pedestal in powerful poses, thriving and saving the world.’” Although through different mediums, including indicating a newfound superiority. Afrofuturism focuses on the African visual art, music, podcasts, and The final stop on the agenda was the diasporic identity, the themes of hope literature. The members of this HIRT “Utopian Imagination” exhibit located in for the future, despite an oppressive have been working on creating their the Ford Center for Social Justice. Works history, applies to all systematically own definition of Afrofuturism through titled Cloud 9, Android Girl, Sky Lark, marginalized voices, regardless of race. the exploration of these mediums. A and Nubian Return intrigued the students This trip truly exemplifies the power field trip to New York City, a center as they walked in. Each work depicted a art has to convey a message without an for diverse art and thought, provided unique interpretation of a hopeful future. explanation. Perhaps this is why artwork members the opportunity to do so. Gabrielle Billington (VI) was specifically and Afrofuturism coalesce so seamlessly After an hour long car ride filled with moved by Lola Flash’s SYZYGY, which together. They both serve as platforms music like Janelle Monae’s Afrofuturistic showed a queer black woman in an orange to allow individuals to share their ArchAndroid and Dirty Computer, the prison jumpsuit with unlocked handcuffs ideas, their criticisms, and their hopes.

Photo Credits (Left to Right): Noah Bergam (V), Sydney Stovall (V) 10 THE PINGRY RECORD ART TRIPS DECEMBER 19, 2019 Freshman Art Classes Take on the MoMA Broadening Young Artistic

MIRIKA JAMBUDI (III) that displayed many intercut logos, at the time. “It was exciting to learn Perspectives at the Chelsea graphics, and clips from TV and and research the backstories behind On Thursday, November 14th, movies. These images were all pieced these works of art, because it is Galleries ninth-graders in Art Fundamentals together to create an eye-catching more complex than what you see on CARSON SHILTS (V) and various other classes visited the visual display. After further research, the surface,” says Caleb Park (III). Students were also asked to take Museum of Modern Art for their students later found that the meaning Zala Bhan (III) also agreed that nine separate photos: three artworks annual art trip into New York City. behind this exhibit was to subvert the trip was a success and a great On October 18, over one hundred that inspired them, three artworks They visited many of the museum’s corporate agendas and combat the learning experience because she was students filed into buses and rode they did not understand, and three new exhibitions, including, but not use of technology for commercial gain. “exposed to many different forms of to Chelsea, New York. There, with artworks that they would give to their limited to, “Transfigurations,” “Inner Another collection was entirely artwork ...which really broadened my bagels in their hands and earbuds in friend as a gift. This allowed students and Outerspace,” and “Hardware and dedicated to the Tiananmen Square perspective on what one can define their ears, students in photography, to analyze the art from different Software.” The trip featured many student protests in the 1980s. The as art.” drawing and painting, and portfolio perspectives. different types of galleries, including artists featured in this collection After coming back from the art trip, classes discovered the awe-inspiring The photography teacher, Mr. Boyd, ones specializing in photography, used very abstract methods and the students were asked to curate their artworks exhibited in the Chelsea art said that he “wanted students to get digital media, and 3D artwork; each techniques to convey their anger at own “gallery” of ten paintings that they galleries. a new range of ideas of what kind of elicited many different reactions from the government, such as lathering a found interesting and had a common Chelsea’s galleries display a art is out there.” He hoped that this the students. Victoria Ramos (III) said chicken with soap, firing a gun at their principle or element of art. They variety of different types of art. would then “create another layer of that she “was surprised to see how artwork, or photographing protestors were also asked to analyze different One well-known artist whose work ideas” that students could bring back much art had changed throughout the lighting fireworks in Tiananmen techniques that the artists used in was exhibited is Christian Marclay, to the classroom and incorporate centuries as [she] walked from gallery Square. These artworks challenged their artwork, such as emphasis who creates abstract art inspired by into their own work. Fortunately, to gallery.” the overwhelming censorship of the through color or movement through anime. Marclay is known to embody his hopes came true. When asked One of the collections that many Chinese government and were seen shapes, lines, and value. Students sound and music in his paintings what she learned, Abby Parrish (V), students seemed to enjoy was as forms of protest and rebellion. had fun selecting and organizing and videos. Another featured artist a photography student, said, “Going Gretchen Bender’s “Dumping Core” They were also viewed as individualist these works of art in their own was Ed Clark, a highly respected into the trip I had a closed view of exhibit. It featured 13 video monitors responses towards reforming socio- mini-gallery project; overall, the trip painter who is known for his striking what art is and what art should be. in a dark room set to techno music economic shifts and urbanization was a fantastic experience. abstract impressionism paintings. When visiting the galleries, I realized The students who went to his gallery there were many more different types were able to appreciate his talent and perspectives of art that I hadn’t and acknowledge the imprint he even known existed. For example, has left on the art community. The there was this one gallery that had a galleries also displayed works from kitchen in the back and it was using up and coming artists, achieving a space as art and I had never thought balanced variety of well-known and that art could be portrayed in that newer work. From political pieces to way, which I thought was really cool.” vibrant monster sculptures, there was After viewing the galleries, students an exhibition for everyone. visited Chelsea Market, escaping Once they arrived, the students the cold to eat lunch and shop were split up based on the classes for souvenirs. Upon returning to they are in so they could see all the Pingry, participants headed to their artwork that was most connected to classrooms to reflect on what they what they were currently learning. found most interesting. They also Though this trip was meant to break shared the photos they were asked to the boundaries of the types of art take. Overall, the trip to the Chelsea that students were accustomed to Galleries was incredibly successful, seeing, an emphasis was placed on and the art students and faculty are art that correlates with their medium. excited to go again next year!

Art History Students Connect the Classroom to Real-Life at the Met Museum VICKY GU (VI) a relatively small area a greater sense of space. On Monday, November 18, the AP The students had previously been Art History class, along with Mr. Nigel assigned to present various pieces Paton and Ms. Paula Fisher, took of artwork from Africa and America. their annual trip to the Metropolitan A particularly striking artwork was Museum of Art in New York City. the Nkisi n’kondi, or Power Figure, Before the trip, students studied the created by the Kongo people in the art of people from Africa, Oceania, late 19th century. Many students western North America, and classical were amazed by the intimidating antiquity. They saw many works in atmosphere and size of the wood real-life that they had previously seen sculpture as it stood on its raised only on computer screens. pedestal. Carson Shilts (V) and The field trip started in the Greek Sandra Adablah (V) presented the and Roman art wing. Students viewed work and explained that every time Mediterranean art from various a villager committed a crime or a sin, different ancient eras and were able the citizens would hold a meeting for to compare what they had learned the sinner to apologize. Nails, shards in class to the actual sculpture. The of glass, and other sharp objects Greek, Archaic Marble statue of a were driven into different parts of kouros, for example, was slightly the figure’s body depending on the disproportionate and much more severity and nature of the crime. stiff-limbed than the Hellenistic, Other works presented include Roman Marble sarcophagus with bronze plaques of African royalty and the Triumph of Dionysos and the Native American elk hides and masks. Seasons that was sculpted almost Students, who had already learned three hundred years later. about the ceramic processes of Maria The students examined other works Martínez of the San Ildefonso Pueblo, that hadn’t been studied in class, such were able to view her Black-on-Black as various Greek vases, Roman bronze Jar, which was particularly unique sculptures (which often copied or given the use of glossy and matte were inspired by Greek sculptures), black surfaces in her designs. and frescoes. The Met even had a The field trip concluded with an reconstruction of a room—the fresco hour of free time to explore the rest walls of Cubiculum (bedroom) from of the museum. While some students the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor wandered around to see what other at Boscoreale. These walls were works might interest them, others had painted with perspective, vivid already planned to search for specific Sculptures and paintings from the various galleries visited by Pingry art students colors, ornamental details, and give artists and movements.

Photo Credits (Left to Right): Sandra Adablah (V), Mirika Jambudi (III), Maile Winterbottom (V) DECEMBER 19, 2019 SportS 11 Varsity Soccer Teams Close Out Successful Seasons

DEAN KOENIG (V) first state tournament game against true, Pingry put on two dominant Bishop Eustace. Team captain Leah performances in the first two rounds Mangold (VI) described the state of the tournament. Madi Pilla’s (VI) The boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer tournament as, “a clean slate, a four goals in the sectional semifinal teams both had unforgettable seasons chance to prove ourselves and make game gave her the record for most this fall, adding to the historical something special of our season.” goals scored in a single season by a success of both programs. Since Pingry girls’ soccer also Pingry Girls’ Soccer player. The girls, coached by Head Coach claimed the state title last season, the The closest of Pingry’s state Lauren Molinaro, topped off their players were committed to upholding tournament games came against great season by clinching the NJSIAA their reputation. Red Bank Catholic in the South Jersey Non-Public “A” State Tournament Mangold said that the team found sectional final. Behind two goals from trophy. its rhythm when the girls “started Pilla and one from Mangold, Pingry The girls had a week to recover to find that perfect balance between won the match 3-1 and took home from a disappointing loss against having fun and also staying focused.” the NJSIAA Non-Public “A” South Ridge High School in the Somerset Proving Mangold’s words to be Jersey title. County Tournament before their The South Jersey final win matched up Big Blue with DePaul, the winner of the North Jersey section, for the state group final at Kean University. Girls’ soccer celebrates winning their second consecutive state title With goals from five different players, Big Blue proved to be the best team Head Coach Miller Bugliari. Just as best moments in my Pingry career … in the NJSIAA Non-Public A group, the girls did, the boys started the so many people came out to watch, defeating DePaul by a score of 6-0. tournament strong, defeating Bergen which was awesome for an away Reflecting on the season, Liv Catholic 4-2 with two goals from game, and it definitely won’t be Volpe (V) said, “It was almost like captain Will Bugliari (VI). The boys forgotten by any of the players.” déjà vu of last year. We had high were then faced with perhaps the The team went on to lose 5-3 in the expectations going in, some of which toughest challenge of their season: final round to Seton Hall Prep, a team were disappointed, but we peaked at Delbarton. Big Blue was able to that had previously only let up three the right time and were able to finish hold Delbarton, one of the nation’s total goals the entire season. on the highest note possible.” top high school teams, scoreless the Both the boys’ and girls’ seasons Complementing the girls’ incredible entire game, winning 1-0 off of Aidan were nothing short of amazing, and season, the boys’ team made a run of Gaynor’s (V) goal late in the game. neither the players nor the fans will its own in the NJSIAA North Jersey Speaking on this triumph, Gaynor forget the excitement and thrill of Non-Public “A” Tournament under said, “It was hands down one of the each game. Winter Sports 2019-20 Season Update they learned from last year, the girls’ 6-7 record and had success in many (VI), Peter McClearn (VI), and basketball team has made it their major tournaments. Despite being Rosemary Collins (V), the team hopes mission to “work harder on [their] a small team, the team believes the to build on last year’s performances team chemistry.” small group allows for a closer bond while also fostering a strong rapport Feeley is confident in the team’s between the fencers. Zala Bhan (III) between each member of the team. ability to achieve this goal. “We all noted that the preseason workouts The ski team’s main priority this year have a strong work ethic and a desire can be difficult. “The workouts can be is “to qualify for team states and get to get better every day, which is critical hard sometimes, but they have taught more individual skiers into the Race to the success and improvement of a me resilience,” she said. The team has of Champions,” Collins said. To do team.” She adds, “this team has been working hard during preseason this, the captains have implemented a really special environment and to ensure a strong performance additional on-snow training sessions culture that differentiates it from at upcoming meets, especially at at the National Winter Activity other sports teams on campus … the District tournament, where Center. “This mountain has a steeper I can’t wait to see how the season their individual, squad, and team trail than we usually train on […] By goes!” performances all count toward their training more on a steeper pitch, Boys’ Fencing standing in the State tournament. we will be better prepared to race,” The first meet of the season is on Collins added. This year, boys fencing is ready for December 20 against Montgomery Aside from individual improvement, anything. Although the team is still High School. Go Big Blue fencing! the captains also hope to further the in the middle of preseason, they are camaraderie on the team. Ladino Jake Shannon (V) wrestles opponent from North Plainfield HS confident of success in the upcoming Ski Team notes, “One of our goals is to foster By BEN GOTTESMAN (IV), of the program, Coach Murdock season. Several new fencers have a stronger team environment so that BROOKE PAN (V), CALEB explains. Incoming freshmen should arrived from the middle school, This season, the Pingry ski team we can encourage a more positive and PARK (III), ANJOLA OLA- expect “a team that cares about each including Charles Jiang (III), Andy is looking to continue their positive supportive atmosphere for everyone.” WOYE (III) other, a team that works hard and is Overdeck (III), Vared Schmuler (III), momentum by improving upon last Overall, the Big Blue ski team is competitive, and a team that’s going and Max Watzkey (III). season’s success. Led by captains looking forward to a promising to do their best to represent Pingry.” Last year, the team fenced valiantly Matt Dispenza (VI), Natalie Ladino season. Boys’ Basketball The team officially kicks off the year throughout the season, and this year’s with a difficult game at Immaculata captains, Corbey Ellison (VI) and After a spectacular showing in both on December 23rd. Derek Huffman (VI), are excited to the county and state tournaments build on that success this year through last year, the senior-heavy boys’ Girls’ Basketball strict preseason practices, which they basketball team is looking to make believe will help to organize the team. an even deeper run into this season’s The girls’ basketball team is looking Watzkey says, “My fellow fencers are tournaments. Coach Jason Murdock strong this winter, with high hopes to extremely friendly, and I think we are said, “Knowing that we have six build on their performance from last ready for the season ahead.” With just returning seniors from last year’s year. Captains Jennifer Ryan (VI), a bit of practice, boys fencing is sure team, experience is key and we always Aly Feeley (VI), and Olivia Volpe (V) to come out on top this year! want to win our conference, advance will be leading this year’s team as they in our county tournament, and show approach the upcoming season with a Girls’ Fencing well in the state tournament.” The new and improved mentality. team has been preparing offseason, “It was kind of hard last season The girls’ fencing team anticipates Coach Murdock explains. “[The because we lost a lot of our best a promising season this year. Led by guys] have been in the gym working players,” Volpe recalled. “Because of captains Allision Lee (VI) and Jamie with Coach Scott, so they are very that, we went into last season with Wang (VI), the team is hoping to motivated.” It is clear that team low expectations and … we lost a lot build upon its past success. Last year, culture is very crucial to the success of morale.” Working from the lessons the team ended their season with a Rosemary Collins (V) races down the ski slope. Photo Credits (Left to Right): Bruce Morrison, Brewster’s Photos 12 THE PINGRY RECORD SPORTS DECEMBER 19, 2019 Winter Sports Season Update Continued By MARC BLIEMEL (IV), strongest, but it was a lot of fun. This preseason begins, and is already EMILY SHEN (IV), BRIAN year, we are trying to foster a fun and amazed by the determination and LI (IV), CHRISTINE GUO enjoyable environment, but we also enthusiasm of his players. (IV), JUSTIN LI (V), KYRA look forward to playing strong in the Despite the graduation of their LI (III), SARAH KLOSS (IV), tournament season in February!” number two player, Alisa Chokshi WALKER JOHNSON (V), BEN With a large team this year, ‘19, the captains are optimistic about GOTTESMAN(IV), the girls’ ice hockey team is looking their team’s lineup. “Our main goal forward to a successful season. In is to beat our toughest competitors, Boys’ Ice Hockey one of their first meets, they will be which are Hackley, Poly Prep, and 1-1 playing against Kent Place School, Lawrenceville,” said Chan. In addition another very competitive team. to hard work, the captains prioritize Coming off a great season last year, the importance of team bonding since the boys’ ice hockey team is hoping for Boys’ Squash many new freshmen are joining the another strong season. Last year, the team. “We want to build on our team team finished 19-3-1 overall, and 13-1 Looking to build off last year’s culture and cultivate positivity,” said in their conference. With returning success, the boys’ varsity squash Hutt, who hopes to have a successful scorers and play-makers, including team is ready for another busy and season. Eric Bush (V) and Jared Kordonsky focused season. The team, led by (V), the team is hungry for another Chris Zachary ‘19 and Jeffrey Xiao Boys’ Swimming conference victory. ‘19, finished with a record of 15-2 1-1 Matt Fallon (V) swims breaststroke fast! Captains Ryan Bush (VI), Joe Faccone and capped off a dominant season as The boys’ winter track team is “make a run at the Group A title and (VI), and James Cummings (VI), look Division II National Champions. The Pingry boys’ swim team, led returning with a strong lineup this place high at Nationals in both relay to star incoming freshmen Henry The coaching staff has seen a major by captains Reid McBoyle (VI) year. Despite losing a handful of senior and individual events.” Pyne (III), Nick Faccone (III), and overhaul from last season with the and Will Stearns (VI), is looking players, the team still has fifteen boys, The team is made up of both Bennett Crosby (III). “We got a few departure of Mrs. Tina Rix-Stout and forward to what they hope will be including five new freshmen. With experienced upperclassmen and new freshmen who look pretty good the addition of two new coaches, Mr. another dominant season. Following both new and returning runners, Head newcomers to the sport. Anidjar . . . I think the new guys will fit right Francis Odeh, Assistant Director of an undefeated 2018-2019 season, Coach Chris Shilts says, “We have believes that with the team’s in,” said Bush. Squash, and Mr. Chad Smith, Director training for the upcoming season is some strong individual talent, and “supportive and knowledgeable The team looks to avenge their one of Squash. Mr. Odeh will bring more in full swing. After the academic day we hope to put these pieces together coaching staff” as well as its “hard loss from last year against division than 30 years of squash expertise, ends, the pool is filled with Pingry with some with lesser experience for work, [it] will definitely lead to a rival Ridge and repeat their perfect including a #1 national ranking, swimmers undertaking sets of various some relay experimenting.” successful season.” With the season 3-0 record against other conference and will mainly run the girls’ varsity pace, distance, and stroke, which The boys will be pushing through right around the corner, girls’ winter rival Hillsborough. “We got a couple team. With past coaching experience usually total about 3000 meters. rigorous training in the winter track is ready to achieve their goals big games this season [against] at The Lawrenceville School and a The intervals Head Coach Steve weather. Henry Wood (V), a runner and have a great season. Pope John and the Hun School,” successful junior career, Mr. Smith Droste and Coach Kevin Schroedter for the boys’ winter track team, said, Bush noted. Hoping for another will oversee and direct the auxiliary set ensure that every swimmer is “There are a lot of different elements Wrestling great season, players and coaches squash program and “build the consistently pushed to their limit. that go into our training. The team are getting ready for their regular brand,” according to Coach Ramsay McBoyle, who says that he’s “really lifts in the weight room four days a The very underclassmen-heavy season opener against Pope John on Vehslage. Coach Vehslage will remain excited for this season,” believes that week. It is important for us to practice wrestling team is excited to see what December 3. as the Head Coach of the boys’ varsity this year’s squad is “a strong team even if conditions are harsh so we achievements lie ahead in the next team while Coach Olivia Tandon with a lot of depth and the potential don’t fall behind on our training.” few years. Captain Mason Stahl (VI) Girls’ Ice Hockey continues her role as the primary JV for another very successful season.” After finishing fifth last year, the team says about this year’s team: “We have 1-0 squash coach. Their goals are the same as last hopes to crack into the top three in a very young team this year; over half When asked about the goals for this year: win the Skyland Conference the NJSIAA Prep “A” Meet. The team the players are freshmen. Our goal is With Mrs. Whitman Annis as season, Coach Vehslage stated, “Get Championship, Prep Championships, is also hoping to place high in the to have every player improve and to Head Coach, the Girls’ Ice Hockey seeded in Division I … In order to get and Meet of Champions against other Skyland Conference. create a strong footing so that Pingry team is ready to continue their last there, we need to focus on winning strong teams, including Delbarton With a lot of strong runners, the wrestling will continue to grow and year’s legacy. This year, with many five-game matches and in order to and Pennington. In addition to their boys’ winter track team is ready to evolve in the future.” Along with the new players joining the team, Head do that, we need to focus on fitness.” success at meets, the swimmers want perform to the best of their ability. infusion of freshmen this year, there Captain Lizzie Gilfillan (VI) and Mr. Vehslage also remarked that, to continue filling the record board They are excited to succeed and show is a whole new three-team coaching Assistant Captains Allie Moss (VI) “We have a lot of guys who are very with new names and maintain Big that their training has paid off! staff being implemented, including and Annie Oatman (VI) are excited for passionate about the sport and are Blue’s status as one of the best teams the head coach. “We want them to the team to kick off the season with a willing to put in the work individually in the state. Girls’ Winter Track be a part of the wrestling family, smashing start. so that they can contribute to the and hopefully this new insight will The addition of new players to success of the whole team.” With Girls’ Swimming The girls’ winter track team, led by accelerate our program even more,” the team means working with girls captains Collin Wen (VI), Alex Chiang 1-1 captains Dylan Anidjar (VI) and Kier says Stahl. With a whole new team and of different skill levels. Gilfillan, (VI), Waleed Nisar (VI), and Charlie Brown (VI), is looking to carry their culture, the next few years could be discussing challenges that she is Malone (VI), the boys’ varsity squash Led by co-captains Emily Sanchez great successes from last spring into very successful for Pingry wrestling. determined to overcome, says, “As a season is bound to have a triumphant (VI), Martha Lewand (VI), Madeline the winter season. Last spring, two The season officially begins for the team, we definitely have a lot of strong season. Skapper (VI), and Coach Deirdre relay squads made it to nationals. This team on December 11 against The and experienced players, but with O’Mara, the girls’ swim team has year, the team is looking to build on Peddie School. We wish the team the many new girls joining this year, there Girls Squash started off strong with early morning this achievement. Coach Christopher best of luck! will be a gap between the older and the 1-0 and weight room practices. Coming Shilts’s main goals this season are to younger players. As the captain, it is After their excellent season last off of a stunning season last year, the important to bridge the gap between year, the girls’ varsity squash team girls are working hard to prepare for the two groups and work together has high hopes for the upcoming the upcoming season. They will attend toward the championship.” season. Led by Captains Renée Chan events like the Skyland Conference Gilfillan also plans to make her last (VI) and Jessica Hutt (VI), they hope and Somerset County Championships, high school season a memorable one. to further improve on their record and, of course, the Prep “A” When asked about her experience with from the previous year. Coach Francis Championship at Lawrenceville. Last Pingry Ice Hockey, she mentioned, Odeh, who is new to Pingry, hopes to year, they were second in the Skyland “Last year was one of the most fun “bring excitement, hard work, and Conference, the highest they’ve placed seasons I’ve had. We weren’t the improvement to the team” as their in recent years. The team also won the Prep A Championship for the third year in a row. Despite the loss of several seniors, including Darlene Fung ‘19, many freshmen have joined the team this year, constituting almost half of the team. Sanchez sees this year as “a new wave of the swim team.” Her goals for the team this year are to have fun, work on team spirit, and help the freshmen adapt to the community. With all the new blood, the girls’ swim team is aiming for a successful and fun season, as they hope to win the Prep “A” Championship for the fourth year in a row.

Boys’ Winter Track Girls’ hockey celebrates Allie Moss (VI) reaching 100 points Reese Swittenberg (V) tips off against Ridge