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Volume CXLII, Number 1 The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey October 13, 2015

Squash Courts, Wrestling Mats, Q&A with New Dean That’sJake what you Ross remember the By ALLY PYNE (IV) AP: What are you most excited most, the connections you have At the end of September, I sat for? with people. and Fencing Strips on the Horizon down with the new Dean of Stu- JR: The whole thing. It’s fun dent Life, Mr. Jake Ross. Below, of having the groundbreaking excited for his fellow team being back with older students. AP: What would you say is the By HALEY PARK (VI) Mr. Ross shares his favorite Pingry ceremony. Mr. Bugliari then members and the promising There’s an energy that’s fantastic, biggest difference from when you memories, goals for the year and just in the last week. And I’m ex- were at school to now? After finally reaching 80% expressed his gratitude and for future of Pingry squash. advice for students. cited to be involved in more than JR: It’s tough to say any one being able to call Pingry home Mr. Ramsay Vehslage, head of the funds necessary to break just teaching. thing, but I think the biggest differ- ground, the much-anticipat- since 1942. coach of the varsity squash ence is just being on the other side ed athletics center has now Following the speakers’ re- team, was extremely excit- Ally Pyne: What would you AP: Is it true that you went to of the desk. I’m looking through become a reality. As part of marks, the physical “breaking ed about breaking ground at like to be called? Pingry? a different lens. The reality that Homecoming day, hundreds of ground” took place. Making Homecoming. He explained, Jake Ross: Mr. Ross. JR: I did. I graduated in the I thought of when I was 17 years people gath- Class of 1996. old is drastically different from the ered on Satur- AP: How do you plan to ap- reality I see today as a dean. day, Septem- proach being Dean? Do you want AP: What is your favorite ber 19 for the to be a ‘stern’ dean or one that memory from Pingry? AP: Is there anything that you Miller A. Bu- bonds more with the students? JR: I think about the teams I really want to change here? gliari ’52 Ath- JR: I’m going to come across played on, the successes we had. JR: I don’t think there’s really letics Center as a stern dean even if I don’t do Every team I played on (soccer, ice anything I want to change. I’d like Groundbreak- anything, just because the position hockey, and baseball) won a state to improve our student support of ing Ceremo- itself has that impact. If you talk to championship when I was play- the activities that we have whether ny. anyone that I’ve coached or taught, ing, so that was kind of neat. I can it’s athletics or arts. I think Home- This new they probably would say I’m firm, remember some of the teachers. I coming was a success, and so was athletics facil- but I’m not mean or vindictive. remember Mr. Thompson hitting our football season opener. It turns ity will be ap- I’m a person that believes every- a piece of chalk with a baseball out that we actually outnumbered proximately thing that we do in life matters. bat my freshman year. That was all of the fans at the Immaculata- 44,000 square I’ll be firm because you need to be kind of a “Welcome-to-Pingry” Ridge football game despite the feet and will aware of what you’re doing all the moment. After Homecoming, I ran fact it was an away game, which include a time. Sometimes you’re not, and is a fantastic way to start state-of-the- it’s my job to remind you of that. the year. art fitness and athletic cen- AP: How does Pingry’s Honor AP: What do you like ter, six full- Courtesy of Pingry Communicatoins Code affect you and your plans to do outside of school? sized squash as dean? JR: I love spending Community members break ground on the new athletics center. JR: It goes back to everything courts, and an appropriate the symbolic first dig with sil- “Making the dream of a new, time with my family. I’ve I said before. Everything matters, got three sons who are four setting to house the Athletics ver shovels into the designated state-of-the-art athletics cen- so the Honor Code and honor in or younger. One who’s Hall of Fame. space for the athletics center ter a reality has taken years general is something that is in- four and then twin boys To open the ceremony, included the following key of dedicated effort by a lot credibly important to me. I think who are 18 months. I love Headmaster Nat Conard P’ people: Carter Abbott, Miller of people, and it’s incredibly that when everyone is asked to spending time with them. 09, ’11 spoke about how this and Elizabeth Bugliari, Holly rewarding to see that dream live by a system so vague, it puts I love spending time out- ceremony is a “transformative Butrico (VI), Nathaniel E. begin to take shape.” Since ownership on the individual; it’s side. My wife makes fun step in the evolution of our Conard, Jeffrey N. Edwards, the program began in 2002-03, important for everyone to work of me because she thinks school, both in the physical and David E. Greig, Callahan Greg, the squash teams have been to uphold that. We can hold each in my free time, I like to philosophical sense.” The new Melanie P. Hoffman, Kathleen playing on two rented courts other to standards and show each chop down trees. building will allow students to M. Hugin, Stuart M. Lederman, at Drew University. He added, other how certain decisions are compete at their highest level. Steven M. Lipper, Stephan F. “Having six courts on campus good or bad. AP: Is there anything “Just as important, it will bear Newhouse, Michael Virzi, and will enable our varsity teams you’d like to say to the the name of a teacher, coach, Olaf Weckesser. to train and compete at the AP: What were your jobs like students now that you’ve and mentor who lives, breathes, The ceremony aroused much highest level. It will also give before this one? been through Pingry and and teaches the Pingry philoso- excitement and anticipation us the opportunity to expand JR: When I came to Pingry two you’re a faculty member? phy of ‘promoting excellence at from the entire community, es- the program to include full JV years ago, I was teaching seventh JR: Everything I’m go- all levels of school life.’” pecially from the squash team. teams and a Middle School grade history and coaching varsity ing to say you’ve already Mr. Conard’s remarks were Yash Jaggi (VI), a current team, and to incorporate squash soccer and ice hockey. I did a little heard in a movie, but I followed by those of the Chair- squash player on the varsity into the Grade 6 PE program.” bit of admissions with the Middle B. Murphy (IV) think the thing that I would man of the Board of Trustees, team, said, “It was exhilarat- With this new athletics cen- School. Previous to that, I served Welcome, Dean Ross! say is get involved. Get in- Jeff Edwards ‘78, P ‘12, ‘14, ing to stand with the whole ter, Pingry athletics will surely as a grade level dean for six or so into a bunch of friends who were volved in the school, whatever that ‘18, and Mr. Steve Newhouse squash team exactly where the be taken to an entirely new level years, which I actually really liked. in my class. A lot of them gave me means to you, but get involved in ’65, P ’95, ’97, ’99. Edwards new squash courts will be.” where teams will be able to I taught 8th and 9th grade history grief about being the Dean of Stu- something other than just academ- detailed the steps that led to the Although Jaggi will no longer train and compete year-round in and coached a bunch of sports. dents. “I can’t believe you’re that ics. The more we understand and historical day and Newhouse be on the team by the time a state-of-the-art facility on our Generally speaking, that’s kind of person,” they said. I haven’t seen appreciate what everyone else is talked about the importance the courts are built, he is very Basking Ridge campus. what I do. some of them since I was eighteen. doing, the better. Inside The Record Students Return to Modernizedflect its educational philosophy. get asSchool much use out of the school By DILLON NOONE (VI) of the classrooms — encourages kids to actually work. We used to In a 2010 curriculm review, the without adding space.” The Upper School renova- have a big problem with noise, school created a report outlining The renovations were focused tions that took place during this but now it’s much quieter. And its teaching philosophy. The on creating spaces that kids summer were the next step in would actually use. Most Pingry’s master plan to mod- lockers are gone, instead re- ernize, refocus its education placed by new, unassigned goals, and make teaching more cubbies, and the new collab- effective. orative spaces were made Six new spaces have been for students to work and so- added for collaborative work. cialize. “We wanted to make There are two located above and things that we won’t have to next to the cafeteria, two above undo,” said Mr. Virzi. “We and next to the biology labs, and made the new collaboration a new bar with personal white- spaces to reflect how Pingry T. Wang (VI) boards where the mailboxes used approaches learning. For Peer Leaders enjoy a moment together at their retreat. to be. Additionally, the stairwells example, we can’t create a in the Biology wing and by the policy like 1-to-1 and not Wu De-emphasizes SATs Meet Gian-Marco (V) Upper School office have been have spaces for kids to work completely changed—now wider on laptops.” Rachel Wu (VI) explores the value Gabrielle Obregon (V) introduces of standardized testing scores and other and positioned differently to en- H. Park (VI) The next big change set Gian-Marco Visani (V), this year’s AFS hance the flow of traffic. Students enjoying the new Biology spaces. is the creation of the new numerical markers of success and wheth- student from Italy, to the community. Read er they hold true in the real world. P. 3 The most noticeable changes the new equipment gives us a the school’s refocusing has been athletic facilities, which will on to hear about his experience so far. P. 10 were made to the Biology suite. ability to do really cool research based on guiding principles from move sports teams like wrestling New Faculty Members Water Polo’s Keeps on Scoring The older lab rooms have been projects with students.” that document, which include and fencing out of existing areas Water Polo has continued to expanded and fitted with new Mr. Maxwell’s favorite ad- visible learning, collaborative in the Upper School during the Fifteen new teachers join the improve over the past few years high tables. There are new state- dition, however, isn’t the new space, flexible classrooms, com- winter season to free up space for Upper School and Middle School and is off to a strong 4-1 start this of-the-art labs with cutting edge equipment. A new aquaponics munity space, and indoor-out- offices and classrooms. faculty. P. 7-10 fall P. 12 equipment that, according to system, which he dubbed the door connections. “Since the very first day, Science Department Chair Mr. “living curtain,” is being created. Regarding the changes, For- the students have been using Sections New Column Section David Maxwell, “many grad Once completed, it will be able mer Director of Facilties Mr. what we’ve done exactly as News...... 1,5,10-11 Amanda Cosentino (VI), Jess Foy schools don’t even have.” to grow plants and vegetables in Michael Virzi said, “All that’s we envisioned,” said Head of (VI), Ursula Dedekind (VI), and Zayna Commentary...... 2-3 Mr. Maxwell commented on a renewable and cyclical system happening is part of a three year the Upper School Dr.. Denise Nassoura (VI) have written columns Summer Experiences...... 4-5 the new changes, saying, “The of fish, water, and soil. master plan. We’re translating Brown-Allen. “Kids are grateful, covering everything from new movies New Faculty...... 7-10 new setup — including the stairs The school’s renovations are our guiding principles into physi- and the building looks and feels to the latest fashion trends. P. 6 Sports...... 12 and the new work spaces outside aligned with Pingry’s plan to re- cal changes, and we’re trying to much better.” 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY OCTOBER 13, 2015 EDITORIAL Cooper Praises Gender-Neutral Facilities people as they may face can be a huge step in their and do not feel comfortable By TRACEY COOPER (V) Finding Balance Between harassment or violence. lives, one that they may not exclusively wearing clothes When Dr. Brown-Allen Gender-neutral accommo- want to take simply to find that are traditionally worn announced a new gender- dations such as bathrooms a bathroom. Many gender by one gender. Those who STEM and Humanities neutral bathroom at school and dress codes are cru- non-conforming people face identify as neither male this year, many students cial parts of creating safe a lack of acceptance or even nor female may have felt Over the past few years, modernization has improved and faculty may have been environments for gender violence when they come alienated by Pingry’s pre- and expanded various aspects of the school but none more confused about the purpose minorities. out of the closet, so it can be vious dress code, feeling so than the research capabilities of the Upper School. of that bathroom. They may The new bathroom, a bigger deal than something that they did not fit into the “Biology, Inc.” has grown with the arrival of many have wondered why the de- only categories allowed by more faculty members and a brand new, state-of-the-art cision was made. The sig- it. They would have been research lab. Full disclosure: I work for “Biology, Inc.” nificance lies in the effects forced to choose between a Journal Club regularly gets more students than the aver- of gendered bathrooms on very traditionally masculine age football game (but hey, come to Journal Club at 7:30 gender minorities. Pingry style and feminine style, but on Thursday!). One of the iRT teams is even building its also implemented a gender- they may have felt more own microscope that tracks creatures in three dimensions, neutral dress code this year. comfortable combining the which is practically unprecedented in a high school. The new gender-neutral two or dressing more an- While I am grateful for the new and exciting opportu- accommodations are a huge drogynously. The new dress nities, I feel that other departments have been left in the step forward for the Pingry code allows people to mix dust. In the academic realm, we should encourage the community as the school is more traditionally feminine humanities and the skills that they can teach. Besides becoming more accessible clothes, such as skirts, with obviously improving one’s writing ability, history, for to gender non-conforming more traditionally masculine example, can teach research in a different way than a individuals. clothes, such as polo shirts. science class can. Instead of empirical results and papers Gender-neutral accom- from scientific journals, history lets students explore The school community modations are important should be proud of the steps events from various perspectives. because they allow people Furthermore, the humanities departments provide in- that our school has taken to to express their genders in accommodate transgender valuable skills that can be applied in a myriad of fields. a wider variety of ways. Most importantly, students should explore both STEM members of the community. “Male” and “female” do not There have been reports in (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and describe everybody’s gen- humanities fields, inside and outside of the classroom. R. Chen (IV) the media about schools for- ders, and gender-neutral bidding transgender students While STEM is heralded as the future of education, I accommodations welcome which is near the arts wing, that they would do simply to think we should maintain the fundamentals of a liberal from using the bathrooms everybody, including those is a huge step in the right use a gender-neutral bath- that match their genders, arts education, where one’s ability to succeed in any field who are questioning or in direction, but the school has room. The school should is a direct result of a strong multi-dimensional foundation. tolerating bullying based the closet as transgender. not publicized its location. If publicize the location of the on gender, and even kicking The school could improve the balance between the two Although everyone should people do not know where bathroom. realms by expanding office spaces, increasing collabora- students out. have the right to use the to find it, they have to ask, The new gender-neutral In contrast, our admin- tion spaces, and expanding extracurricular opportunities. bathroom that they feel is forcing them to imply their dress code is also crucial for At the moment, nearly all of the departments are istration has shown itself appropriate to their gen- gender when they may not members of the Pingry com- as tuned into the needs of pressed for space. The Math Department has grown so der, using gendered public feel comfortable doing so. munity who do not identify big that a second office space had to be built in a separate the community and has not bathrooms can be stressful For many people, telling with either gender specified shied away from progress. part of the school, and the history department is packed for gender non-conforming people about their gender by the previous dress code as tightly as can be. The English and Foreign Language departments don’t even have windows to the outside. It may seem like a small detail, but expanding the office space would allow kids to work more closely with their Benton Challenges Fitness Exemption Policy teachers in a better environment. schedule. weight room, I sense an air of I am left with no other choice I originally thought that most of the collaboration By HANNAH BENTON (VI) Students who have free judgment from the teachers, than to attend the P.M. Fitness spaces that the school has built over the past two years periods are expected to sur- coaches and other students three times a week. would go unused, but I was pleasantly surprised to find The school requires stu- render their precious free time all confined in this tiny space. Some might argue that the them incredibly useful. The Senior Area has been given dents not playing a sport in the studying and seeing teachers This may just be my issue, but A.M. and P.M. Fitness classes an extra bar space with personal whiteboards that lets fall, winter and spring seasons for spending an hour up in the I, for one, always feel as if are not nearly as bad as hav- kids do work in a quieter setting than the loud couches. to register for Fitness class. weight room. Working out is people are staring at me or that ing Fitness right smack in the The whiteboards even let kids work together to draw out Students who are not a mem- a good way to relieve stress, I am staring at them. I find that middle of the day. It is conve- and solve problems. ber of a Pingry sports team but one might argue that, for a it is just awkward to work out nient if you have P.M. Fitness; Further down the hall, the collaboration space in the are still able to opt out of the student, working out in school with the students and teach- you can get a quick work out at biology area has quickly filled up with a devoted group course by playing an organized of sophomores who do work there at every available free outside sport or engaging in moment. Furthermore, I’ve seen numerous faculty and some other sort of monitored student groups using the collaboration rooms built last physical activity for a certain year to host meetings. But it still seems that the student amount of time each week. collaboration spaces are all located around the STEM Everyone else must head up areas, when students often work together to study for a to the weight room three times foreign language. More spaces would allow kids to work a week. well together, and putting them near humanities offices I see Pingry’s fitness re- could inspire students to work more collaboratively in quirement as an attempt to those fields. encourage students to pursue A kid who is heavily interested in history is left es- healthy lifestyle choices. How- sentially in the dust. With over five hundred students, ever, there is one problem with there need to be opportunities for students to explore the school’s fitness outlook: topics in every field outside of classrooms. For example, there is not enough leeway for there are very few extracurricular clubs and activities that those preferring a personalized involve the histories. I’m sure if students wanted to work approach. The program treats with those faculty members, they could find a cool new everyone the same way. We extracurricular project. are not allowed to simply go While it’s not a bad thing that science is spreading in running, outdoors for example, the school, I think that the other departments should be but must use the machines given the same attention and space they deserve. and record the same set of repetitions day after day. The only remotely personal aspect —Mark Shtrakhman or feel to the course is the K. Ho (V) way it fits into each student’s can have the opposite effect. ers who use the weight room. the end of the day before going While a student is doing However, when I go to the gym home. Meanwhile, A.M. Fit- Volume CXLII repetitions on the machines to which I belong outside of ness requires students to come Number 1 or running on the treadmill school, I never feel the linger- in before the start of school to during their free periods, they ing sense of discomfort as I do work out. Not only do you have are getting no relief from at our school gym. to come in before 8 o’clock the stress and anxiety that Although a number of ac- three times a week, but you accompany school. Instead tivities, ranging from dance might feel sweaty and gross of getting all of their excess to club sports, are approved as throughout the entire school Copy Editors Editors-in-Chief Photo Editors negative energy out, they are opportunities to exempt one day. Sounds pretty unappealing Haley Park stressing themselves out more. from Fitness, working out at if you ask me. Dillon Noone Abby Bauer Twenty minutes on that tread- one’s own gym to fulfill the No matter how you slice it Brooke Murphy Caroline Terens Mark Shtrakhman mill could have been twenty requirement is not permitted or dice it, Fitness is, at the very minutes spent studying for a unless you pay for a personal least, some form of a hindrance Katie Ho Assistant Editor Sports Editor quiz or test. trainer. This drives me crazy. for the average student. It takes Rachel Chen Even if students do enjoy Is it simply an issue regarding away a precious chunk of time Haley Park Tucker Bickell working out, the fitness period trust? Does Pingry, a school that could be spent seeing a Alexis Elliot during the school day does not that prides itself on its Honor teacher, doing homework or Megan Pan Layout Editors Faculty Advisor suit those who prefer intense Code, not trust me, a student, studying. I am not condemning Ally Pyne Julia Masch workouts. No one wants to to stay true to my word and Pingry for their efforts to keep Dr. Susan Dineen sprint from Fitness to his or work out at my own gym a their students fit and healthy. Abigail Ren her next class all sweaty and few times a week? At the mo- However, I believe there are disheveled; of course, we natu- ment, it seems like I might aspects of the school’s ap- All rights reserved. All contents © 2015 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. rally fear being judged. be unworthy of that level of proach to fitness that should be When I walk into the Pingry responsibility and trust, and considered for revision. 3 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY OCTOBER 13, 2015 All Voices Must Be Heard EDITORIAL Leader,” in which she said, dents to pursue their interests. effort, take risks, and en- By KATIE HO (V) “A successful community From the moment many hance their own leadership One day, an adult asked me simply cannot exist if it is children are born, they are en- attributes, they are already Actions and Reactions what I wanted to be when I comprised of only leaders. The couraged to raise their hands setting themselves up for a I like leggings. And prior to October 2, 2015, I wore them grew up. I paused, thought for successful future. on dress down days. But I’m not here to opine as to whether the a minute, and then responded Recently, I finished read- administration’s mandate restricting legging-wear was right or with three words, “Maybe a ing a book by Susan Cain wrong. I don’t intend to use this space to accuse or censure, preach psychologist?” I said it with called “Quiet: The Power or sermonize, speculate or presume. My editorial does not cast a bit of uncertainty, because I of Introverts in a World That aspersions, nor does it elicit praise. Rather, it seeks to illustrate had (and still have) absolutely Can’t Stop Talking.” In her the import and relevance of the students’ reaction to what they no clue what job(s) I want book, she said, “The most ef- perceived as a social injustice. to pursue in my future. She fective teams are composed It started with a Facebook post. A simple “Hey, so does every- smiled at me for a second, of a healthy mix of introverts one want to wear leggings tomorrow?” somehow reached enough blinked her eyes, and then and extroverts, studies show, followers, received enough likes and garnered enough support to said, “But you’re kind of and so are many leadership initiate the most notable student protest in recent Pingry history. quiet. Wouldn’t it be hard to structures” (Cain 161). What ensued was the collective act of civil disobedience at its fin- talk to all those patients?” I Though many teachers est. On Friday morning, girls assembled in the Upper Commons, looked at her, smiled briefly, at Pingry do this, educa- rebelliously sporting the banned leggings, to voluntarily sign up and as my mom and I drove tors should stop praising for a detention. back home, I thought about individuals based on how Yet, by the end of the school day, with no policies changed what she had said. many times they open their and no statement issued by the administration, students opted to Whenever I hear someone mouths. Instead, they can return to social media. This time, it was a poem, published by an describe another person as make students aware about anonymous Pingry student on popular news outlet Buzzfeed. Next, “quiet,” the person usually all of the positive traits that E. Jin (V) an online petition that received over 250 “signatures” in less than places emphasis on the letters they do have and encourage four days. Perhaps the most instrumental tool of Internet protest “QUI,” and lets the “et” kind non-leaders appear to be just in class and share their ideas them to bring these traits was the popular hashtag #IAmNotADistraction, uniting protestors of fade into the background. as, if not more, critical to the as loudly and as forcefully as one-step further into their with a common call for action. This word isn’t said as a com- existence and success of every they can. Many people argue own communities. Many of Social media activism virtually allows individuals to become pliment, but is, however, often community.” that those who are the first to my most influential teach- part of a greater social movement almost instantaneously. Some used with a negative con- I often hear people gush speak are the ones that will ers have shaped who I am students used social media outlets to join the conversation; they notation. When the adult told about other classmates, de- be the most successful in today by specifically telling invoked the words of famous dissidents and let their own voices me she thought I was quiet, I scribing their peers as such in- life; those are the true lead- me about my positive attri- be heard. Other students, instead, echoed the voices of others; with felt discouraged at first, but telligent people because of the ers. While there is no doubt butes and giving me ways a click of a button, or a “like” of a post, one felt as though they then quickly brushed it off. way they express their ideas in in my mind that many of my in which I can fine-tune and were a powerful conduit of social change. I realized she had based her class. However, a classroom, extroverted classmates are hone them. And there were probably others who simply joined the cause for comment off one quick look as well as a community, is extremely strong students Students, similarly, need the sake of joining, not wanting to feel excluded from the dramatic at me, instead of truly getting a diverse environment that and athletes, I also know for to view both introverted and hype. For many, the protest was a departure from the mundane. to know my personality traits needs all types of students in a fact that many of my intro- extroverted classmates with Students revelled in the shared sense of rebellion. or just me. Although we all do order to thrive. Not everyone verted classmates are just as equal respect, as both play Whatever their motivation to sign the petition, “like” the post this, it is essential that people can speak a hundred words spectacular. such crucial roles in our learn- or comment online, students perpetuated a demonstration that stop labeling each other after per minute, and not everyone Over the summer, I took a ing ecosystem. administrators could not overlook. one conversation, one quick must. Students at Pingry often psychology course in which So, the next time someone But was this social media campaign the best method to affect glance, one class. We must express their intelligence in I learned that the two big- asks me what I want to do change? And, moreover, was it moral for students to denounce the try to truly understand the different ways. gest determinates of success what I grow up, I will say dress code amendment and criticize the school in such a public different layers of people, Everyone has variegated were grit and self-control. with confidence (even though and indelible manner? the layers that people tend to talents, and each person brings Regardless of IQ, social class, I am still not certain yet what To be sure, students’ decision to resort to social media as a slowly reveal with time. a unique leadership trait to the gender and inborn personality I want to do) that I want to be means to address a perceived injustice is not a novel concept. In At school, people tend to table. Whether a student is traits, grittier individuals with a publisher, or a musician, or the past few years, the practice of “hashtag activism” has become view individuals who listen great at test taking, excellent higher self-control are the a doctor – or anything that I a widespread phenomenon. #BlackLivesMatter and #ICantBreathe first and speak second as at completing challenging ones who succeed because want to be – because being sought to address the larger problem of systematic racism and “quiet,” “introverted” and math problems, friendly to they have an inner drive to called “quiet” by one person police brutality. #YesAllWomen criticized misogyny’s violent “reserved.” These three words their classmates or very neat push themselves. People don’t certainly does not mean that I impact on women and girls. And #HeForShe promoted a solidarity are hardly ever used as posi- and organized, he or she is an have to be deemed “loud” in cannot pursue, excel, and suc- movement for gender equality. tive adjectives. In the May asset to the community. When order to be successful in their ceed in any of the job careers While these hashtags may not have instantly affected change or 15, 2015 issue, Abby Bauer these attributes are combined academic careers and in the that I want as long as I work achieved social justice in the world, they have certainly altered the (VI) wrote an excellent article together, they create a unique workforce. As long as students hard and have a positive at- way we see the world. They have succeeded in gaining the attention called “We Can’t All Be the learning ecosystem for stu- are determined to put in the titude while doing it. of society, which is perhaps the first step in a productive crusade for change. So while #IAmNotADistraction did not ultimately result in repealing the legging restriction, it did alert administrators of female students’ resentment of a stolen “freedom” and ardor for a Wu Explores Value of Scores perceived social injustice. By RACHEL WU (VI) Could students have addressed their concerns differently, in representative of a student’s I had taken. Even if I had my experience in the lab, a less public forum? Perhaps. But in a society that consistently With the start of a new understanding of the mate- memorized the protocols, however, I cannot help but exercises its first amendment rights through posts, comments, school year and college rial? studied his paper, and re- question whether or not such and hashtags, it’s no surprise that students would pursue this same applications looming, high This summer, I worked at viewed my Biology notes, I an emphasis on numbers is course of action. Letting one’s voice be heard through an online schoolers, especially the an internship at the Rutgers was never prepared with an an accurate reflection of a medium is mainstream. seniors, are stressed to say Medical School, sponsored answer. student’s ability. Sometimes negative or critical remarks must be made in order the least. The freshmen are by the Liberty Science Cen- I eventually realized that As a community, we could to advocate for positive change, and these should not be considered earning their first grades that ter. The application pro- his questions were not meant all benefit from taking a step dishonorable. At a school that takes pride in its harkness-style class “count,” the sophomores are cess was extensive, and, to be measures of how much back from the numbers from discussions, values diversity in thought and perspective, and tends getting their first taste of ad- unsurprisingly, largely based I had studied for them. In- time to time. In order to truly to consider student input before making decisions, students’ opin- vanced classes, the juniors on numbers: my grades in stead, they assessed my true learn the material and find ions, no matter where they are publicized, should not be censored are starting to think about school, my ranking in the understanding of the matter, our true interests, often a or condemned. standardized testing, and class, my SAT scores, etc. and saw whether I could ap- non-numerical perspective the seniors, of course, must But the actual internship ply them. is the way to go. Abby Bauer face the impending task of itself was nothing of the sort. The students who excel — applying to colleges. As my first job-like ex- academically here are often Pingry’s environment perience in my life, I had no those who take meticulous puts a clear emphasis on idea what to expect walking notes, diligently finish their scores and grades. Every into the lab on my first day. homework during flex time, fall, the Fall Awards As- I quickly learned that no one and spend hours studying sembly starts off the school cared about my scores or at home. Admittedly, in the year by reminding students my grades. Not once was I seven years that I have been of their academic standing. asked what grade I received here, I have been one of Many of the awards and in Honors Biology, or how I these students: hardworking, inductions are based on nu- performed on the ACT Sci- anxious, and a little obsessive merical measurements, such ence section. Instead, I was over grades and scores. Yet, as PSAT scores for Nation- assessed on my attention to my time at the lab left me al Merit Scholarships and detail, how quickly I could wondering: is the amount GPA’s for the Scholarship learn the lab protocols, and of emphasis Pingry puts on Prize and partially for Cum my ability to recover from numbers healthy? Laude, which involves other mistakes. By being exposed to an criteria as well. With weekly Compared to the other environment where, for once, tests, quizzes, essays, and interns, who were all first- my performance was not presentations, students are year medical students, I was based on numbers and test constantly assessed. As a the least prepared for the scores, I realized that regard- senior with a full schedule, job. Even if my SAT scores less of how “book smart” you I have upwards of three or were higher than theirs, who are, what matters in the “real four assessments a week. cared? world” is whether you can Of course, in a competi- When my boss asked me apply your knowledge. tive college preparatory questions about his work, my With the amount of pres- school, measuring student initial reaction was always: sure colleges put on numeri- comprehension is essential. I don’t know. None of the cal grades, it is no wonder Yet, is the abundance of nu- questions he asked had been that students are so focused merical assessments really covered by the courses that on getting that “A.” After R. Chen (III) 4 THE PINGRY RECORD SUMMER EXPERIENCES OCTOBER 13, 2015 Pan Finds a Home in Japan Taylor Scores Field When they first came to dinner in the afternoon, and of goodbyes because of the By MEGAN PAN (IV) pick me up at the Fukuoka it would be ready just in uncertainty within them. I “June 22, 2015. Right airport, I spoke virtually no time for my host father’s re- wonder whether I will see now I am on a plane flying Japanese. With only about turn from work. I would set my host family again, or if Hockey Goals in Spain remaining week of camp. west from New Jersey to Los a week’s worth of prepara- the table with each family I will be able to come back By MACKINLEY TAYLOR (V) Angeles. There is not a lot of tion before my trip, I could member’s designated bowl to a place I now consider a We had dance parties and space for me here in my cubi- understand the simplest of and pair of chopsticks, and home. I will never know. Twenty-seven American pool parties and traveled cle-like seat by the window. questions and respond using the three of us would eat “July 26, 2015. We’re girls, joined by 30 boys and to the beach in Barcelona. My neck aches a bit from either “yes,” “no,” or “it’s together and simply talk. descending into Newark as 70 girls from countries all We woke up each morn- sleeping awkwardly against delicious.” We began the meal together one day folds into another. over the world, traveled to ing at 7:30 am and ate the window, and I still do Ultimately, I became very and we finished the meal As we’re getting ready to Barcelona, Spain this sum- breakfast, which was the feel a bit sleep-deprived. close to my host mother, together. We were a family. land, I can only think about mer with one common pur- same every day: a large However, I still have reason with whom I spent the most The day before I was how tired I am, and how pose: to play field hockey. piece of bread with the op- to be happy, for I am finally time. Every morning, she to return home, I wrote I’ve been traveling and Last fall, I received an tion of peanut butter, butter, Japan-bound and my journey prepared a lunch box, called my host family a letter in leaving and saying goodbye invitation offering me a spot or Nutella. We would then is underway.” a “bento,” filled with food Japanese, thanking them constantly for at least a full to train for two weeks in head to the fields and have Before I went to Japan, she made herself, and a for their hospitality. “It was day’s worth of time. I just Spain over the summer. Af- skills clinics for four hours, I had always viewed the thermos of hot tea for me the end of one chapter,” want to be able to stay in ter convincing my parents then break into teams of country with a romantic to take to school. In the I wrote, “and the start of one place with everyone I to let me travel to another eight to scrimmage in a eye. When I was applying to afternoon, when I returned, another.” love and everything that’s continent alone, I signed up round-robin style tourna- she would greet me with a Wherever you go, it’s meaningful to me. But right the AFS Summer Language and waited for July 22, 2015 ment. snack, usually fruit or pud- always the people you meet now, mid-transit, I get the Study Program in Japan, I to come around. The teams were com- imagined living in a big city ding. She kept a dictionary who leave a lasting im- feeling that I want to be On the day of my de- posed of a mix of both such as Tokyo or Osaka, bik- nearby to help me practice pact on you, making the moving forever. I can’t say ing or taking the subway to my Japanese, and we kept a departure all the more dif- why.” parture, I drove to Newark boys and girls of varying school, and wearing a cute running list of new vocabu- ficult. I dislike the nature Airport and met the other ages, all from different uniform while attending a lary words. American girls who were countries. As field hockey Japanese school as a foreign My host father was usu- just as nervous and ex- is predominately a men’s exchange student. ally at work, so I spent less cited as I was for what lay sport in other countries, the I suppose you could un- time with him. However, ahead. We boarded the plane boys who were at this camp derstand my initial disap- one evening he offered to together, having known were incredibly skilled and pointment when I found out take me to my host mother’s each other for less than two talented. that I would be living in the hometown, the site of the hours, and headed to Spain. My team consisted of tiny rural town of Yame, Fu- family’s tea fields, and to- Upon our arrival in Bar- one other American girl, kuoka and attending a small gether we drove in his pick- celona, we traveled around two boys and a girl from language institution consist- up truck to the mountains. the historic city, looking at England, a boy from Spain, ing only of foreigners (with The mountain roads were cathedrals, eating Spanish a 14-year-old boy from no cute uniforms). narrow and steep, and we food and frequently get- Amsterdam who was one of Certainly, it wasn’t in were often mere centimeters ting lost because none of the best players at the camp, Yame that I imagined I would away from careening off us actually spoke Spanish. and a Dutch girl who played the edge of a cliff. My host find a semblance of home. We slept in the city that on her national team. We father navigated the ter- All exchange students night and left early the next bonded as a team through in the AFS Program stayed raced fields easily, but I still morning for Atlètic Terrassa playing and talking about with a host family. I lived walked gingerly, praying with a couple in their six- that I wouldn’t lose balance Hockey Club, which is lo- our native countries and ties without any children and fall eight feet down to cated 40 minutes outside of hockey careers. whom I called “Otousan” the terrace below. Barcelona. In the afternoons, we and “Okaasan,” the Japanese The time I enjoyed most We arrived at a place that would have three hours of equivalents of “Father” and was dinner time. My host reminded me of a country free time to talk and relax “Mother.” mother would start making M. Pan (IV) club here in America. But in with our new friends. This place of a golf course, there was followed by another were three field hockey three hours of training,

Jin EmbarksBruno Mars songs on on their Journey of being a teacher to orThailand a people and I were actu- By EMILY JIN (VI) phones and rave about their doctor when they grew up ally assigned to our own This summer I found favorite American movies. filled me with so much joy. elephant named Boon Mi. myself taking four separate We had community service Despite the fact that many Each day—we would feed plane rides and embarking opportunities interspersed of them are separated from him jicama before break- on a three hour drive to throughout the first week. their families and have fast. Afterwards, we would reach my final destination For an overnight trip, limited freedom, they are walk him down to the of Mae Sariang, Thailand. we went to a school and so optimistic and hopeful elephant camp, with one I was incredibly fortunate mixed cement to build a for their futures. person leading and four to have been able to go on new kitchen. For a day Reflecting on my own people riding on his back; a service trip with Rustic trip, we taught English to life, I realized that being there, we would wash him Pathways and spend 18 middle school and elemen- able to receive such a high and feed him pineapple days immersed in Thai cul- tary school students. My standard of education and leaves. ture. As cliché as it sounds, group in particular taught knowing that I can go to As the days went by, the experience was one the younger students about college is a blessing in Boon Mi slowly started that was unforgettable and different foods and the itself. Coming back from to recognize and remem- completely life changing. older students about how to that experience, it is safe ber us. One day in that When you have the op- week, we went to a pine- M. Taylor (V) portunity to ride and care apple field to cut pineapple for an elephant and visit leaves and bring them back fields, a pool, an indoor dinner, and showering in a Burmese refugee camp, to the conservation center. hockey gym and a club- one of six available show- there is no other way to Another day, we learned house. When we arrived at ers. We then would have describe it. to shoot tranquilizer darts the Club, we were shown a “social” period that was I began my journey with not meant to harm the what would be our sleeping filled with fun activities, a week stay at the Rustic elephants, but rather to area for the next two weeks: often involving hockey or Pathways Children’s home. tame the male ones when a circle of sixteen green obstacle courses. This week was mainly they go through their ag- tents, each one housing eight I feel so fortunate to have about getting to know Thai gressive “musth” period. girls. been able to attend this culture and people; we ate Learning about elephants Throughout the day, more camp, for I was able to train at authentic Thai restau- and being able to care for and more foreign teenag- with some of the best play- ers showed up to the Club. ers that I have ever been ex- rants, visited gold-gilded them at such close prox- When we sat down for din- posed to in my life. Playing temples, and shopped at imity was honestly one of ner that night, I heard con- with the girls and boys from lively night markets. the most incredible experi- versations taking place in other countries who played At the Children’s Home, ences I had. seven different languages. at a much higher level chal- we got to connect with The trip overall was I met teenagers from mul- lenged me and made me a the native staff and the one that I am incredibly students living there. The tiple European countries, better player. grateful to have taken. Not Australia, South Africa and I made best friends from people there were so kind only do I have a newfound and happy, and their en- China. Half of the non- all over the world that I still E. Jin (VI) gratitude for everything American players who were talk to every day, and was ergy was infectious. It was in my life, but I also have there were members of the exposed to fascinating new amazing that I could get order food at a restaurant. to say that every single unforgettable memories national hockey teams in cultures and viewpoints that along so well with these Probably the most life- person on the trip had and friends. Being able to their countries. I had only learned about in people that lived lives changing part of the trip newfound appreciation get a glimpse of this new My stay at the Club was my classes at school. I went vastly different from mine. was being able to visit the and gratitude. culture and make a small far from boring. Some tents to Spain expecting to learn Seeing how much the Mae Ra Moe refugee camp For the second week difference was entirely were robbed of their pass- more about my sport, but Thai students knew about and talk to the students of the trip, we drove to humbling, and I definitely ports, money and phones, returned also having learned American culture and mu- there. Hearing Burmese the Sappraiwan Elephant hope to do more foreign which prompted the staff to about the lives of teenagers, sic was fascinating. They students around my age Sanctuary in Phitsanu- service trips in the years move all 100 of us inside the just like me, from all over would have Katy Perry and light up with the thought lok, Thailand. Four other to come. gym to sleep together for the the world. 5 THE PINGRY RECORD SUMMER EXPERIENCES & NEWS OCTOBER 13, 2015

Ricciarditrip leaderExplores saw what was theMoracco side of a sandy mountain, and Learns More About Herself By SOPHIE RICCIARDI (V) happening and deftly pushed we reached his home situ- It was midsummer, and the man away. Hands reached ated amongst the breathtak- I found myself feeling out out towards us throughout the ing Atlas Mountains. Small of place, unsafe, extremely streets as if they had never glasses of mint tea awaited hot, and far from home. It seen our particular species us, an afternoon tradition was eleven o’clock at night, before. We were scared, that would be greatly missed and fourteen strangers and sticky, exhausted and home- upon departure. I were wheeling our clearly sick. And this was only the Following the snack, we “americanized” suitcases beginning. were ushered into the narrow through the narrow, dark- Three weeks later, af- dining room where we sat ened, and crowded streets of ter travelling by van to an in low stools at a low table. Marrakech. amazing array of Moroccan Our first meal was a dish It was 112 degrees, and the locations, beginning with called tagine. This delicacy city vibrated with the echoes the famous waterfall Cascade contained some sort of meat, of music and haggling. Our D’Ouzoud, including a week dried fruit, and a yellow mandated long pants and working in a remote Berber sauce heavy with saffron. long-sleeved t-shirts clung village in the High Atlas As we hesitantly took our Courtesy of S. Ricciardi (V) to our bodies as the sweat Mountains, a day relaxing in first bite, we were pleasantly pooled in every crevice. We the artistic beach town of As- surprised to find the dish to wondrous and valuable “life Heba, and drinking lots of part in a traditional Berber had spent seventeen hours en silah, and sightseeing in the be tasty. Little did we know lessons.” mint tea and playing games. wedding and communicating route, and now the unfamiliar blue city of Chefchaouen, we that tagine, the typical meal The next morning, and ev- In the afternoon we would go with impoverished children smells of sewage, saffron, were back in Marrakech, nav- of the Maghreb, would be- ery day thereafter, we set out back to work, but this time in their native tongue, we and sweat bombarded us on igating those same narrow come our staple food source for either the local school, in the garden: weeding, rak- started touching parts of the streets. Even after safely streets. There were fifteen for every lunch and dinner where we would teach Eng- ing, planting, and harvesting ourselves we did not know. arriving at the riad where we students, competent, confi- for the next three weeks! lish verb conjugations and the vegetables that would Through hours of social would spend our first night dent, and friends for life. After dinner, the sheik arithmetic problems, or the comprise of dinner that very media-free play and reflec- in Morocco, following a har- Leg one of our journey instructed us all to fetch local construction site where night. tions in our now-bursting rowing twenty-minute trek began in the village of Za- our notebooks, an item that we would mix cement for the These days seem simple journals, we met the best part through the largest UNESCO wiya Ahansal. When our bus would also become a staple construction of a much-need- on paper, but something of each other and ourselves. heritage market in the world, pulled up, we had the rare of the trip. He informed us ed community center. After incredible happened during That crazy first night in Mar- we could only be described honor of being greeted by the that every night we would a few hours of hard work in those ten days, a transforma- rakech faded in difficulty as a distraught group of sheik of the village. Our next have an hour of Arabic or the blazing sun, we would tion hard to put into words. and importance. We returned teenagers. surprise came moments later Berber lessons. Although we return to the sheik’s home We each gained a newfound there our last night, fearless, During the walk, one of when we were invited to live were hesitant because these and enjoy a three hour siesta appreciation of education, and ready to take on the city the girls had felt a pickpocket in his home for the duration lessons started around eleven that consisted of napping on language, and friendship. and our lives. unzip her backpack and reach of our stay in the village. at night, we soon happily the roof, playing with the Through once in a lifetime for her camera. Luckily, the After pulling our duffels up forfeited sleep for the sheik’s sheik’s five-year-old niece, experiences such as taking Mr. Virzi Leaves Expanded and Modernized Campuses After 16 Years By ABBY BAUER spaces that students and Headmaster Mr. Nat faculty alike enjoy. Conard commented on After 16 years of service According to Mr. Virzi, Mr. Virzi’s contributions and dedication to the com- there has been a “continual to the community, saying, munity, Director of Fa- mode of change,” since “He has transformed our cilities Mr. Mike Virzi has he first joined the staff. physical plan. In terms resigned from his position. He said, “The board and of design, he’s been key Mr. Virzi came to the headmaster have had many in making sure that the school in 1999 as a consul- visions over the years, and buildings meet the needs tant. Since being promoted my job as Director is to ef- of the program. He’s mas- to Director of Facilities, fectively implement them terful at that.” Mr. Conard Mr. Virzi has pioneered ma- and make them a reality.” fondly remembers how Mr. jor efforts to plan, develop, Mr. Virzi’s mission has Virzi would drive around and construct first-rate fa- been “to support the pro- at midnight on the eve of cilities found on both the gram of the schools.” Many snowstorms to assess the Basking Ridge and Short would agree that he has roads where students live The Basking Ridge Campus in 1984. Courtesy of Pingry Communications Hills campuses. fufilled this mission. and report back to him. He Over the years, Mr. Virzi Though each construc- said jokingly, “Who am I has supervised the con- tion project requires time, going to call now to drive struction of the Hostet- effort, and master planning, around?” ter Arts Center, the Smith Mr. Virzi noted that the As he begins a new Middle School, John Taylor modernization of the Short chapter in his life, Mr. Babbitt Memorial Field, Hills campus was “the big- Virzi said that he will most and the Bugliari World Cup gest undertaking.” His fa- miss the people here. Board Field. He has also promoted vorite project, however, members, administrators, the school’s energy conser- was the construction of the parents, and students have vation efforts by installing Short Hills playground. “It all made his job very en- a solar energy array on the was small in the scheme joyable. Upper School roof. His of things, but very fun to When asked if he had most recent project was work on. It was great to see any parting words to share the modernization of both the kids out there, enjoying with the Pingry commu- The Basking Ridge Campus in 2012, with the Middle School, Arts Courtesy of Pingry campuses, creating the col- something we created,” he nity, Mr. Virzi said simply, Center, Babbit Field, and Bugliari World Cup Field (not visible). Communications laborative and educational said. “Thank you. It’s been fun.” Word in the Hall: What Are Your Goals for the Year?

Nancy Lu (V) Tatiana Edell (VI) Naiyah Autolomah (IV) Isabella Drzala (III) Will Zhang (IV) “To find a “I want to figure out Pass Biology! “I want to do well “Get more involved balance between where I’m going to in school.” with the school’s academics and my college.” research teams.” passions.” 6 THE PINGRY RECORD COLUMNS OCTOBER 13, 2015 Just Ask Jess: Food For Thought: Cosentino’s New Food Junior Year Tips Column Covers Local Restaurants testing seriously but don’t let vines on the tables and win- burgers, or you could be “that other desserts, are homemade. By JESS FOY (VI) it destroy your confidence. A By AMANDA COSENTINO (VI) dowsills, outdated furniture, kid” and order a salad, all of Gabe’s has all the basics such For my first advice column, I representative during a college It’s Friday afternoon, prac- and framed black and white which are delicious options. as vanilla, chocolate, mint chip, thought it would be a good idea information session I was at said, tice just ended, you’ve finally photos scattered on the walls. Holly Butrico (VI) contends and cookie dough, but also to start with the dreaded junior “test scores matter less then you handed in that essay that’s been My friends and I have found that “they have the best buf- creative flavors with equally year. As a senior, I am so grateful think, but more than you want.” hanging over your head and that this charming atmosphere falo wings,” and Jess Foy creative names that you can to be out of the infamous year of Your test scores are not the end taken that math test, and only really get at Gabe’s, high school. But I can tell you that all, be all of your application. now all you want to do such as Scarlet Knight, a while it was difficult, stressful, and Take your preparation for them is grab dinner with your red velvet flavor, Sponge- exhausting in the moment, looking seriously but don’t allow yourself friends. But with this Bob, a vanilla ice cream back, junior year was one of the to be distraught if they aren’t the comes the hotly debated dyed yellow with M&Ms most significant parts of my high highest out there. You are more question, “Where should and brownie bits through- school experience. than a number. we go?” out, and Cookie Monster, This week I polled a bunch of 4) Don’t get behind. I know For me and my friends, a vanilla ice cream dyed my fellow classmates asking them, that seems silly to reiterate, but the answer is usually blue with cookie dough “If you could give your past self it’s key to success. It’s important Gabriel’s Fountain, or chunks and cookie pieces one piece of advice for junior year, for you to stay on top of all of your “Gabe’s,” as we call it. throughout. what would you say?” And while I assignments. Be organized and Located on Washington Noting Gabe’s tasty got many funny responses such as, use your time wisely. Because in Valley Road — a quick and original flavors, Chris- “Tears are normal and quit while addition to your extracurriculars drive from school that tina Costa (VI) mentions, you still can,” many people came and your extra time spent studying leaves just enough time to “A place that has Cookie up with thoughtful responses. for your standardized tests, if you play a really good song in Monster ice cream has to 1) Find your people. Any- plan to get sleep, you need to be the car — Gabe’s is the be the best place.” Gabe’s one who’s ever seen “Grey’s efficient. On the flip side, always perfect place for spur of J. Rotatori (VI) also offers seasonal ice creams Anatomy” knows what I’m talking remember that your mental and the moment after-school din- only adds to Gabe’s homey and (VI) comments, “My favorite such as pumpkin and apple about. You need to find that person physical wellbeing is just as im- ner plans with friends. They laid back vibe. Gabe’s also has is the chicken cobb salad.” pie, soft serve flavors, and who can be your two-minute vent, portant as any grade or test score. have something on the menu outdoor seating, which is espe- Personally, I’m a fan of the frozen yogurts. Gabe’s also who can dance it out with you Sometimes you just need that extra for almost every preference, cially nice during the warmer chicken tenders and French has sorbets, sugar free, and fat over Facetime, or hand you tissues hour of sleep, and it’s okay to take but the biggest selling point months. Friendly and speedy fries. Whatever you order from free options, for the kid who when you’ve had a rough week. it. Keep yourself relaxed and don’t for my friends and me is the service complements the quaint Gabe’s menu is sure to satisfy. ordered the salad. You need to develop a support get caught up in the craziness of variety of delicious homemade environment. Dinner at Gabe’s is not Whether it’s a Friday night system. I made my closest friends Pingry. ice creams. Much like the décor, the complete without a scoop of dinner with friends, or just a during junior year. We ate tubs 5) You are not going to die. It Walking into Gabe’s, you menu has a little bit of every- ice cream at the end. My sweet quick stop for ice cream, Ga- of peanut butter on the floor and may feel like you are so exhausted might think that it was deco- thing, making it a good place tooth could be biased, but while briel’s Fountain proves to be studied together on Friday nights. you can’t get out of bed or that rated by your old eclectic aunt, to go with even the pickiest Gabe’s does have great food, a convenient and cozy place Surrounding yourself with good you’re so stressed your hair is with the yellow wallpaper, of your friends. You can or- I believe the ice cream truly with delicious food, and it is people will make junior year just about to fall out, but trust me, you floral printed curtains draping der anything from quesadil- outshines the dinner menu. definitely worth trying if you a lot easier. You are able to develop are going to come out on top. This the windows, fake flowers and las, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, The ice creams, as well as haven’t already. close and trustworthy bonds that is not the end; everything you do flourish into amazing friendships. this year is helping your future. 2) It’s better to be passionate Don’t have any regrets. It may feel about two or three activities like you haven’t done anything Looks in the Hall: Dedekind Covers Fashion than drive yourself crazy trying social in months, but the reality is, colors, similar to Ralph Lauren’s the cafeteria. Not your style? Set was uneasy about the prospect to do seven. Pingry kids try to do no one has. Especially at Pingry, By URSULA DEDEKIND (VI) modern approach to 80’s fabrics a trend of your own by seeking of wearing repurposed garments, everything, but with academic everyone has the same goal to push To many Pingry students, fall and cuts. It seems as though inspiration from your parents’ but after I saw the amazing work alone, you are going to be himself or herself to do his or her is characterized by the closing of designers have been taking dated digs, hitting a flea market, styles, I have been converted. I busy. Find a few clubs that you very best. Grind it out as hard as a long summer and the return to inspiration from almost every or repurposing some of your old recently purchased two vintage enjoy and put your extra effort you can for this eight-month period school; however, to designers, decade this fall, yet each man- clothing. items that were so original I into them. Showing commitment and you will feel so much better models, and fashion enthusiasts ages to bring a fresh and current couldn’t help but take them to a specific club will allow you to come senior year fall, when your alike, fall means fashion week. approach to classic styles. Here are some ways that you home. My first find was a black appreciate it much more. grades are good enough to help In the month of September, Fashion is a cyclical art form; can achieve similar classic looks 80s inspired dress with gold 3) Take your SAT and ACT you get into your dream college. fashion houses, brands, and the beauty of it is seen through its with a modern twist: embellishments, and the other designers all have the chance to evolution as a whole, as it con- was a wool navy sailor’s jacket showcase their newest Spring/ nects past and present together. It 50s: a varsity jacket, converse with interesting patches. I can’t Summer collections to the world, may be hard to imagine, but your sneakers, flowy skirts, chunky wait to wear them and bring back ushered by lots of excitement mother might have donned high sweaters to life not only the clothing, but and anticipation. Fashion week waisted denim and your father also the decade behind it! provides an opportunity for up- might have worn Chuck Taylor 60s: tailored shirts, A-line and-coming designers to be rec- Converse at one point. dresses, polka dots Disclaimer: Used clothing ognized and established names Walking through the high is best worn after being dry- to reinstate their dominance. school, it would be impossible 70s: loose pants, lace tank cleaned or delicately washed. Trends are set, and creativity not to notice influences from tops, fringe, bell bottoms flourishes. Although fall repre- every iconic time period in stu- Great Flea Market Locations sents a fresh start, some could dent fashion. A Varsity jacket, 80s: fitted skirts, ankle boots, argue that it is impossible to chunky black ankle boots, and peplum, tights, overalls Indoors: Artists and Fleas look forward without reflecting a jean dress were all spotted in (Located inside Chelsea Market) on the past. This season, Tommy the halls of Pingry, worn with 90s: skinny black pants, 88 10th Ave @ W. 15th Street Hilfiger presented a 1970’s Bob equal flair to their style’s original cropped shirts, scrunchies, chok- Marley inspired collection, fea- decade. Currently, the two most er necklaces Outdoors: Brooklyn Flea turing crocheted beanies, mixed popular styles seen spanning the (Located in the district of Wil- prints, and mini dresses with four grades are 90s grunge and Tip: Try flea market shop- liamsburg) Jamaican flare. updated 70s styles. Blacks, dark ping! It’s a great way to find 50 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY The Jeremy Scott mod burgundies, boots, and tights inexpensive and fun clothing 11249 themed show featured big wigs, sharply contrast with the white that is on resurgence. At first I U. Dedekind (VI) chunky bracelets, and bold bright tees, palazzo pants, and lace in

PoppingDan Up Mercer, theon film tellsthe the Bigwith a music Screen: record. throughout6 Years the movie with prob- By ZAYNA NASSOURA (VI) story of a young college couple Although Mel and Dan seemed lems about infidelity, different I recently came across the in Texas who have been dating to be incredibly comfortable with career plans, and commitment film “6 Years” while on Amazon for six years. each other after being together for issues. browsing for indie films. This I immediately loved that the many years, they did face their After watching “6 Years,” film had approximately ten re- filming style was very natural and fair share of problems. The first I thought it was a great movie views on Amazon, a very low realistic. The acting also felt very obvious problem in the movie oc- that portrayed a realistic young number, but I decided to watch it raw and in the moment. This was curred when Mel was upset while couple as they faced adulthood. anyway. Shortly after I watched because the film did not follow a drunk and wanted to drive home However, looking back, I real- “6 Years,” it was released on traditional script. To keep the plot from Dan’s. A fight ensued and ize that I do not particularly like Netflix where over 150 people re- moving, the actors were instead Dan made his first of two hospital either Mel or Dan. Mel was very viewed it in about a week’s time. given guidelines of what to say. visits during the movie. This was clingy and more immature than “6 Years” was written and di- This was improvisation at its best. also their first fight of many that Dan, while Dan, on the other rected by Hannah Fidell, also the It was evident from the begin- occurred throughout the movie. hand was focused more on his writer and director of the movie ning scenes that Mel and Dan Mel and Ben fought over work than on his relationship, “A Teacher.” “6 Years” is an indie did not share the same friends. which parties to attend and which which also bothered me. I rooted romantic drama that premiered at They would often hang out with friends to hang out with. for Mel and Dan as a couple, but South by Southwest Film Festival their own friends at the start of The young actors in the movie as individuals, they do not have on March 14, 2015, and then the the night before getting together portrayed miniscule problems as enough favorable qualities to Champs-Élysées Film Festival later on in the night. This was larger than life. Also, other issues make them appealing. later this year on June 13, 2015. maybe a result of their differing that Mel and Dan fought about I am interested in finding out Starring Taissa Farmiga of interests and aspirations. While stemmed from their seemingly how others will view Mel and American Horror Story as Mel Mel wanted to become a school- immature problems. The couple Dan, and whether they will like Clark, and Ben Rosenfield as teacher, Dan had an internship had a tumultuous relationship them together. Google Images 7 THE PINGRY RECORD TEACHERS OCTOBER 13, 2015 Garavente Teaches Financial Literacy Honohan Joins the grade students. He will also Engineering Sciences. After both teachers, also influ- By LINDSEY YU (IV) be advising the Entrepreneur college, he worked on Wall enced his decision to be in Club and the Credit Union, Street for 20 years, trading the classroom, rather than History Ranks This fall, the Upper School and serving and coaching JV bonds in the rates markets. the office. Mathematics Department girls’ basketball and boys’ For the next ten years, Mr. In his free time, Mr. Gara- By KARTIKEYA SHARMA (V) course and two senior elec- welcomes Mr. Paul “Woody” lacrosse in the spring. Garavente worked as a di- vente enjoys spending time tives related to China and Garavente, who will be teach- Mr. Garavente attended rector and product manager with his wife and their three This fall, Mr. Matthew Modern East Asia and World ing two sections of Financial Harvard University where at Tradeweb, an electronic teenage daughters. Mr. Gara- Honohan joins the Upper War II. Literacy to sixth and ninth he earned a B.S. degree in trading software firm that vente also currently serves as School History Department. “It is essential that stu- builds and oper- President of the Board at St. In addition to teaching three dents are culturally literate ates many of the John’s Residence for Boys, a sections of World History 10, citizens in the twenty-first world’s leading program dedicated to aiding Mr. Honohan will be assist- century,” said Mr. Honohan, electronic fixed disadvantaged boys and their ing with the baseball team noting that “American un- income and de- families. Having previously and the Speech and Debate derstanding and awareness rivative mar- taken time off from work to Club. has shifted from solely U.S. kets. He also be a recreational counselor Mr. Honohan received History to a global aware- taught classes for the school, Mr. Garavente a B.A. in Political Science ness of other civilizations.” at the firm and is devoted to supporting and from Boston College and Having grown up in Ber- CCD classes at giving back to this cause. He his church. is also an active member in When asked his church community and what inspired enjoys playing golf. him to be- Looking forward to the come a full- school year ahead, Mr. Ga- time teacher, ravente says, “I hope I will Mr. Garavente be able to contribute to the said, “Just the collaborative environment thought that I at Pingry and really make an could be the one impact on my students.” He to motivate a adds that he is “incredibly ex- student to work cited to get to know everyone their hardest.” in the community,” and can’t His mother and wait to see what the year has A. Van Orden (V) father, who are in store. Dr. Kirkhart Contributes to Biology Program

By MEGAN PAN (IV) because “it felt more meaningful.” that Pingry students seem a lot was also a lot of creativity in it.” “I found myself feeling like I more interested in the informa- She recalled, “Once I got to This fall, Dr. Colleen Kirkhart was too specialized. I worked on tion,” she said. “The undergradu- college and actually saw labo- begins her first full year of teach- one very small problem in this ates I taught were more focused on ratories and scientists doing ex- ing as a member of the Upper huge world of science, but it didn’t their grades than on the material. periments, I realized that the School Science Department. She feel quite meaningful enough. I I’m enjoying being in an environ- field allows people to come up is teaching Honors Biol- with totally new ideas in ogy II and Introduction totally new ways. I liked the H. Park (VI) to Scientific Research, freedom and the novelty of as well as assisting the science.” an M.A. in International gen County, Mr. Honohan independent Research A self-described “big History from the London is glad to move back to his Team (iRT). nerd,” Dr. Kirkhart enjoys School of Economics. Af- home-state. Mr. Honohan Dr. Kirkhart graduated reading books of all genres, ter pursuing his graduate adds that Pingry’s emphasis from Wellesley College from literary fiction and work at Ohio University, Mr. on character and integrity, with a B.A. in Neurosci- non-fiction to books on his- Honohan was a Fulbright embedded in its Honor Code, ence. Before coming to tory, politics and science. scholar in Singapore at the has allowed for a smooth Pingry, she earned her She also likes the outdoors Institute of Southeast Asian transition from the environ- Ph.D. in Neuroscience and spends a lot of time Studies, where he researched ment at Gilman. from the University of hiking and backpacking in California-Berkeley Southeast Asian politics. “Academics are a strong the woods. Mr. Honohan feels that priority at Pingry, and I’ve while teaching classes to This year, Dr. Kirkhart Berkeley undergraduate his research experience has found that students are self- hopes to be able to refine “highlighted his accentuated motivated to learn and ex- students. her teaching style and to interest in Asian affairs and pand upon the breadth of “Teaching at UC make progress with her Berkeley was fun, but Drosophila project as a sparked an increased interest their knowledge,” he said, very different,” Dr. faculty mentor of iRT. in Pacific history.” adding that he looks forward Kirkhart said. “A lot of “I’m starting a Drosoph- For the past ten years, to fostering such an environ- the classes were really ila neurobiology lab. We Mr. Honohan taught at the ment while here. big, so if I gave a lecture, R. Beatty (V) will be bringing in flies and Gilman School, a K-12 day He is especially enthused it would be to a room of four hun- found that I really liked the human ment where students are really doing work on the neural basis of school in Baltimore, Mary- about teaching courses that dred people. As you can imagine, interaction of teaching classes and interested in learning.” behavior using genetic manipula- land. At Gilman, Mr. Hono- cover the twentieth-century, it was not very interactive.” being a mentor to others.” As a high school student, Dr. tions.” han was the Head of the the Cold War and interna- For her doctoral research, After moving from Oakland, Kirkhart was not fond of science Dr. Kirkhart is looking forward History Department, an As- tional history. she studied the neural circuitry California to Bloomingdale, New courses because of the emphasis to her first year at Pingry. “I’m sistant Coach to the Varsity Mr. Honohan is a devoted underlying associative memory Jersey to be closer to her family, placed on memorizing facts. Upon excited to be here,” she said. “But baseball team, and a Faculty Giants and Yankees fan, a in Drosophila melanogaster, a Dr. Kirkhart began her first full- entering college, she became if you see me looking lost wander- Advisor to the Model UN regular on the golf course, type of fruit fly. She decided to time teaching position at Pingry. interested in science “because it ing around the halls, help point me transition into full-time teaching team. He taught a sopho- and an avid reader of histori- “In general, so far I have found was logical and concrete, but there in the right direction!” more European Civilization cal fiction. Mr. Scott Garrow Steps in as Permanent Substitute coaching, plays. It was meant environment. I was trying to get I can’t say enough about how good By RACHEL CHEN (IV) for people who were thinking of out of college coaching, and Pingry it’s been so far.” Mr. Scott Garrow has joined becoming career coaches, so it seemed to offer a fairly relatable His goal for the year is simple: the faculty as a permanent sub- covered this whole spectrum of coaching experience as well as an “I hope to get better in a class- stitute teacher as well as a three sports-related topics.” introduction to teaching.” room setting, especially since season. Currently he is coaching This degree served him well Mr. Garrow is excited for this I’m coming in with no teaching the boys’ soccer C team, and in during the 20 years he spent new chapter in his life. “Being a experience.” the winter he plans to coach both coaching hockey for college. “It substitute is a good transition for In his free time, Mr. Garrow the Middle and Upper School Ice was a great job, but it could get me because there’s none of the spends his time with his two Hockey teams. He has not yet hectic sometimes,” he said. “There usual stressful planning involved,” boys, ages 12 and 7. They are all decided what he will coach in was definitely pressure and long he said. “I think that’s the hard part. avid sports fans, and Mr. Garrow the spring. hours, but it was also very reward- I’ve already had a career dealing admits that, “most of my free time Before his arrival here, Mr. ing. I liked the high intensity and with large groups of people, and is with them, carting them around Garrow earned his undergradu- high pace to it.” He adds, “Obvi- the planning and communication to sports practices.” ate degree in History at Western ously working with the students of dealing with kids this age can be When asked if he had any Michigan University. He stayed and having the chance to impact challenging. It’s nice not having to words to share with the com- at Western Michigan to earn his their lives was awesome.” worry about any of it.” munity, he said, “Not really. I’m Master’s degree in Sports Studies, The drive to mentor young, So far, the job has been slow a man of few words. I really look which included “basically any- impressionable minds and athletes but just as fulfilling as he expected. forward to getting more involved thing and everything that involves brought him to Basking Ridge. He “Not a lot of teachers have been out in the community and meeting sports.” He said, “It wasn’t just had never taught before, but after a yet, but everyone has been great! more people, whether they’re staff sports management; they focused campus visit last year, he decided, The staff has been phenomenal, or a student. I’m just really just ex- on the psychology of the players, “Pingry seemed like a really cool and the students are so welcoming. cited to be here. It’s all new to me.” A. Van Orden (V) 8 THE PINGRY RECORD TEACHERS OCTOBER 13, 2015 Fiore First Kindergarten Spanish Teacher Samadani Joins the By FELICIA HO (III) scribed her first few weeks as “truly incredible and fas- This fall, Ms. Diana Fiore cinating, with an incredible Physics Crew joins the Lower School For- level of support.” Ms. Fiore dardized exam and then apply to eign Language Department By BRANDON LI (V) has also enjoyed “learn- any college using the scores from to teach Spanish K-3. Ms. ing about the extraordinary This fall, Dr. Azadeh Sama- that exam. Fiore will be the first Kin- history and culture of the dani joins the Upper School After graduating, she came to dergarten Spanish teacher school,” adding that she is Science department to teach In- the United States where she went to ever teach at Pingry. “honored to be teaching at troductory Physics. Additionally, to Clark University, a private uni- Previously, Ms. Fiore taught a school that has an out- she will mentor the Independent versity in Massachusetts, where Spanish for ten years at Gill standing reputation for its St. Bernard’s, Tewksbury commitment to academic Elementary School and in excellence.” the Mount Olive school When asked about her district. goals for the school year, Born and raised in Co- Ms. Fiore said, “I would lombia, Ms. Fiore’s native like to become more familiar language is Spanish. When with the community, as well she began attending school as to collaborate with my in Colombia, she discovered colleagues to align the cur- that her teachers were very riculum and bring Spanish involved in her life, both in- D. Fiore to life.” She further hopes side and outside of the class- After coming to America, education and commitment to expose Lower School stu- room. It was at this young Ms. Fiore attended Rutgers to their profession. To pur- dents to the experiences she age that Ms. Fiore started University where she earned sue her dream of teaching, had as a child in Columbia, to develop her passion for a B.A. in Spanish and an Ms. Fiore went on to earn while in the classroom. R. Beatty (V) teaching. She realized what M.A. in Communication. an M.A. in Education from When she is not teach- Research Team. she got her Ph.D. in physics. a profound impact a teacher While at Rutgers, Ms. Fiore the College of St. Elizabeth. ing, Ms. Fiore enjoys read- On IRT, she will be mentoring Before coming to Pingry, she did could have on a child’s life, was inspired by several of When asked how she is ing, dancing, traveling and Jackson Artis’s (VI) and Kevin her postdoctoral work at MIT and even beyond their years in her professors, and she fond- assimilating to the Pingry spending time with her Chow’s (VI) group, which will taught at Brandeis University for school. ly remembers their love of community, Ms. Fiore de- daughter, Angela. be building a microscope to bet- ten years. ter observe the motion of algae Dr. Samadani’s goal at Pingry towards light. is “to have fun,” and to “teach Dr. Samadani’s high school physics not just to teach physics, Mahida Shares Love of English with Students teachers were very influential in but to teach people how to think her decision to become an educa- and solve problems.” Her hope in Manhattan, where she was had aspired to become a doc- teaching full-time. tor. “I learned so much more in is that students will be able to By ROSE BEATTY (V) an English Department team tor, but changed her mind after This year, Ms. Mahida aims high school than at any other time ask questions and approach these This fall, Ms. Carol Mahida leader and Upper School Advi- she began tutoring high school to “figure out where she fits in my life,” she recalled. difficult problems the same way a joins the Middle School English sor to the Boys of Color affinity students in French. Through best” in the Pingry community, For college, Dr. Samadani scientist would. Department as a sixth grade group. tutoring, Ms. Mahida discov- and hopes to continue making attended Sharif University of In her free time, Dr. Samadani teacher. Ms. Mahida will also While at the University of ered her love for working with a positive impact on the lives of Technology in Iran, a public re- likes to do activities with her chil- be the assistant coach of the South Carolina, Ms. Mahida children, and decided to pursue her students. search university known as one of dren, taking them to the park, and Middle School boys’ basketball When not on campus, Ms. the most prestigious in the nation. going to the beach. Dr. Samadani team and assistant advisor to Mahida likes to pursue her per- There, she studied physics and got loves swimming and windsurfing the debate team. Finally, she is sonal interests, which include a B.S. In Iran, the college applica- and hopes to continue to do both involved with the multicultural knitting and arts and crafts. tion system is different than in the when her children are a little older. team. She enjoys exploring the city, United States. Iranian students As for her thoughts on the Pin- Ms. Mahida attended the attending food festivals and take an entrance exam, and are gry community, she believes that University of South Carolina, participating in “anything that assigned to different universities “Pingry is awesome,” and she is where she received her B.A. in has to do with social justice or based on their scores. American “having a blast teaching students English. She went on to attend diversity,” which she is very students, however, take a stan- introductory physics.” Columbia University for gradu- passionate about and interested ate school, where she received in. her M.A. in the Teaching of When asked about her English. thoughts on Pingry thus far, Ms. Ms. Lear Teaches Prior to arriving at Pingry, Mahida said with a laugh, “So Ms. Mahida taught English at far, so good! The students here the NYC Lab School for Col- are very busy.” Ms. Mahida also English to 10th Grade is married to Director of Admis- laborative Studies, where she notes that she has thoroughly By BROOKE MURPHY (IV) also served as Chairwoman enjoyed working with her stu- sions, Mr. Timothy Lear, Ms. Lear for the school’s AIDS Ac- dents in the first few weeks This year, the Upper School is now discovering firsthand that tion Day. Most recently, she of school, and appreciates the English Department welcomes the school is an exciting place to taught seventh grade English welcoming and supportive Ms. Eleanor Lear. She will be be. She said, “Pingry is full of en- at the Allen-Stevenson School environment at Pingry. teaching two sections of English ergy, curiosity and talent, among R. Beatty (V) 10 and will serve as the Middle students, faculty and staff alike.” School Green Group Advisor. Ms. Lear also shares that her Before coming to Pingry, goals for the year include famil- Ms. Lear taught at multiple high iarizing herself with the school Orndorff Brings a Passion For Comp. Sci. schools. She science instead of physics, he said, of work experiences. He taught time programming,” he said. By RACHEL CHEN (IV) spent the past “I guess I’m kind of an interloper. physics at another private school Recently, Mr. Orndorff has eight years at I primarily taught physics before, in Princeton and also taught classes developed an interest in neurosci- the Kent Place Mr. Josh Orndorff joins the but then at my last school I taught for the Center for Talented Youth ence, and one of his passions is School, where faculty to teach computer science a single programming course and Summer Program. He even man- “music, specifically rock music. she taught in the Upper School and robotics I found that it was a better experi- aged the Bethel AK station of an I’ve been going through a transi- English and in the Middle School. He will also ence for me.” airline company called Everts tional period, but my favorite band advised the Di- help coach the girls’ cross country “Maybe I studied physics too Air Cargo. In his own words, is definitely “The Hold Steady.” versity Coun- team in the fall. extensively before and became dis- “The main reason why I become According to Mr. Orndorff, his cil. She previ- Mr. Orndorff received his Bach- interested in teaching it at a basic a teacher is having summers off.” experience at teaching at Pingry ously taught at elor’s degree in Physics at Calvin level. On the other hand, I’m very “But really, one of the things has been “so far, so good.” Summit High College in Michigan. He then passionate about programming I love the most about teaching is “I like it much better than School, as well received his Masters in Physics at and found teaching it to be more having the opportunity to talk in my last school. For one thing, as at two high University of Toledo. When asked gratifying.” front of a group about something they used to start at 7:30!” Mr. schools in Or- why he chose to teach computer Mr. Orndorff has had a variety I’m really interested in and hope- Orndrorff said. “Everyone is so egon, where fully inspiring them to be friendly and organized. It feels like she also led the interested as well.” a real job!” environmental In his free time, Mr. Or- His goals for the school year group. B. Murphy (IV) ndorff likes to run. “I ran in are straightforward. He hopes to Ms. Lear attended the Uni- culture and adjusting her skill-set middle school, high school, encourage all students to try com- versity of Pittsburgh, where she to meet her students’ desires and and college. It’s been a lot puter science and get involved in received a B.A. in English and expectations. of running,” he said. “I’ve programming. minored in Spanish and Anthro- Between bathing, feeding, gotten the chance to do “Right now at Pingry, I only pology. She also received her reading to and chauffeuring her what I love in the past few teach elective courses. My hope teaching license at Portland State three children, Ms. Lear has very months and get into shape is to get students so interested in University. Finally, she earned an little free time in her schedule. coaching the girl’s cross computer science that they choose M.A. in English at Middlebury However, within these small country team.” to take on the more advanced College’s Bread Loaf School of slices of time she enjoys practic- Mr. Orndorff is also a courses Pingry and beyond can English. ing yoga and mediation, as well private pilot who enjoys offer.” Ms. Lear loves to work with as teaching it, and running for flying whenever he can find True to his goal, Mr. Orndorff teens, which initially inspired her leisure. She has also begun learn- the time. As expected of his would like to say to the com- to become a teacher. She notes ing the guitar, which she describes subject, he loves to program munity, “Take all the Computer that her students always make her as both “humbling and thrilling.” for fun. “In the fear of ‘nerd- Science courses! And run for cross smile and she takes much pride in Ms. Lear looks forward to ing out’ too much, I won’t country!” He also requests that all their success. the coming years at Pingry and tell you any details. But yes, students call him by only his last Although she knew something is excited for this new chapter B. Murphy (V) I do spend some of my free name, without the title “mister.” about the community because she in her life. 9 THE PINGRY RECORD TEACHERS OCTOBER 13, 2015 Cottingham Looks to Give Back to Watkins Imparts Artistic Guidance the Community as English Teacher Across Campus really love my colleagues,” she “comes from a family of artists.” Pingry family.” She hopes to dis- By TUCKER BICKELL (VI) there for 13 years.” By AIDAN ZOLA (VI) After moving to New Jersey, said, adding that she looks forward Her younger brother works as a cover the different ways in which designer and has his own shoe she can use her skills to contribute Dr. Reid Cottingham joined the Dr. Cottingham found out about to continue “interacting with and This fall, Mrs. Jennifer Mack- line, and her older brother is also to all parts of the community, and Upper School English Department Pingry through English Depart- getting to know them better.” Watkins joins the faculty as an an art teacher. is eager to become more familiar this fall to teach English 9 and 10. ment Chair Ms. Christine Taylor, On teaching boys for the first eighth grade Digital Filmmaking Mrs. Mack-Watkins notes that with the school culture. Dr. Cottingham graduated from whom she met at a conference in time, Dr. Cottingham said that and Upper School Art Fundamen- art was something she had always When not teaching, Mrs. Mack- Harvard College they bring “a whole tals teacher. Mrs. Mack-Watkins been good at, having won numer- Watkins loves “visiting the muse- where she received new element to the will also be a part of the Yearbook, ous art competitions throughout ums in New York City, such as the her B.A. in English. classroom” that she helping with scheduling and pho- her middle and high school years. Museum of Modern Art, Whitney While at Harvard, really enjoys. “It’s a tography, and will join the multi- She credits her own art teachers for and the Brooklyn Museum.” She she split her time different kind of en- cultural committee for teachers. recognizing her talent and mak- also enjoys attending art talks, studying literature ergy than what I’m After earning her undergradu- ing such a positive impact in her lectures and conferences. and participating used to and I’m re- ate degree in Studio Arts and in a theatre pro- ally liking it a lot,” bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts gram. She went on she said. from Morris-Brown College in to receive an M.A. On campus, Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Mack- and PhD in English Dr. Cottingham is Watkins went on to receive a from the University helping out with master’s degree in Art Education of Chicago. the Peer Leadership from Tufts University. She then She taught program. attended Pratt Institute where she classes at the Uni- “I have a lot of acquired her master’s in Fine Arts versity of Chicago, interests and Pin- and Printmaking. Bucknell Univer- gry is a wealth of This will be Mrs. Mack-Wat- sity and Susque- opportunity,” she kins eighth year as a teacher. Prior hanna University commented.” to coming to Pingry, she taught at before moving to H. Park (VI) In her spare The Harlem Children’s Zone for Los Angeles with her husband, and Salt Lake City two years earlier. time, Dr. Cottingham likes to five years, teaching kindergarten- taking a job at the Marlborough Dr. Cottingham has nothing but write and spend time with her two ers through tenth graders. She School, an all-girls independent good things to say about her time at daughters. She is also an avid run- continues to work at the Brooklyn day school. Pingry thus far. “The students have ner. “It’s something that clears my Museum, where she is a gallery When asked about her decision exceeded my expectations in terms head,” she says. studio instructor, on the weekends. to become a teacher, Dr. Cotting- of preparation and energy in class Dr. Cottingham is very eager to This past summer, Mrs. Mack- ham said, “I was just thinking, and scholastic ability,” she said. get to know everyone on campus. Watkins had the opportunity to ‘Oh, well, I’ll try it for a year,’ and “I’m just really enjoying my time “I’m thrilled to be here and I’m so travel to Japan for a month to I ended up falling in love with it. in the classroom.” excited to be a part of this com- study Japanese Woodblock as I loved the whole environment of She added that she really ap- munity,” she said. “I want to give an artist-in-residence at MI-Lab- R. Beatty (V) the independent day school and the preciates the warmth of her fellow back to this community as much Mokuhanga Innovation Lab. It had life. She hopes to have the same Her favorite way to spend her energy of the students, so I stayed teachers in the English office. “I as it gives to its teachers.” always been her dream to study impact on her students at Pingry, free time, however, is in the studio. printmaking in Japan, and she was and aims to provide them with the “I like to just create art and exhibit very grateful for this opportunity encouragement and guidance that my work,” she said. and experience. she was fortunate to receive. Mrs. Mack-Watkins looks When asked what inspired Mrs. Mack-Watkins enjoys forward to sharing her love of art her to become an art teacher, the sense of community at Pingry, with the school community this Nurse DiBlasi Cares for Students Mrs. Mack-Watkins said that she saying, “It’s nice being a part of the upcoming year.

By MARIAM TRICHAS (IV) Combining her love of teaching Tumarello Makes Learning with her 22 years of experience as a pediatric nurse, Ms. Jennifer Di Biasi joins the Pingry community as a Nurse and Middle School Science Fun for Lower Schoolers Health teacher. She will also be By LINDSEY LUBOWITZ (V) she claims, her thought processes room teaching, Mrs. Tummarello co-advising a Form III advisory supported scientific thinking and pursues her many other interests. and attending school trips. This fall, Mrs. Sue Tum- creative problem-solving. The Due to her love for the outdoors, Ms. Di Biasi received a bach- marello joins the Lower School fantastic science teachers she she tries to spend as much time elor’s degree of Science in Nursing to teach third and fourth grade had in her schooling years also outside as possible. She enjoys from Roberts Wesleyan College, Science classes. contributed to her passion. exercising, reading, spending located in Rochester, New York. Before coming to Pingry, Her love for teaching, how- time with her family and taking She realized that she wanted Mrs. Tummarello taught Sci- ever, comes from her experience photos of nature. In addition, to pursue teaching while she was ence at the Montclair Kimberley working with students. she likes to take road trips on in nursing school. “When the Academy for 17 years, where Mrs. Tummarello finds noth- the back of her husband’s mo- opportunity opened up for me to B. Murphy (IV) she also served as Lower and ing more rewarding than “seeing torcycle. both work with kids in nursing and have both helped her adjust to the body as a whole. Middle School Science Depart- the spark go off on a student’s Mrs. Tummarello is also teach, it was a win-win,” she said. schedule and school environment. In her free time, Ms. Di Biasi ment Chair and Educational face when learning has occurred currently experimenting with Ms. Di Biasi says that she has When asked about her goals enjoys outdoor activities, such as Technology Coordinator. Most different electric components, enjoyed her experience at Pingry for the school year, Ms. Di Biasi exercising, hiking and going to and “tinkering with different thus far, noting that the students said she hopes to “get to know the beach, and spending time with materials to create circuits in and faculty have been friendly the student body and ease into her family. new ways.” Besides dabbling and welcoming. She is grateful for the scheduling a little bit.” She She is appreciative of Pingry’s with basic electronics, Mrs. her colleagues, especially School would also like to better familiarize friendly environment, and looks Tummarello is also looking to Nurse and Health teacher Mrs. herself with the both the Middle forward to helping students, both expand her knowledge of local Joy Livak, and Health Depart- School and Upper School, and in the classroom and the nurse’s restaurants in order to find new ment chair Mrs. Sue Marotto, who understand the needs of the student office, this year. places to eat. So far, Mrs. Tummarello be- lieves she is smoothly adjusting to Pingry’s Lower School envi- Señora Lampon Enhances Middle ronment. Impressed by the posi- tivity of both her fellow faculty members and her students, she S. Deeney (4) School Languageserves as an adjunct professor Department paralegal for many years and feels that Pingry is a wonderful, By MATT STANTON (IV) at Raritan Valley Community volunteered to teach Spanish to recently, she taught at the Elisa- or a new connection is made.” engaging community of learners. This fall, Ms. Maria Lam- College. first graders once a week. When beth Morrow School, located in Mrs. Tummarello attended Mrs. Tummarello’s goals for pon joins the Middle School Before becoming a full-time asked about why she decided Englewood, New Jersey. Clarion University where she this school year include better Language Department to teach teacher, Ms. Lampon was a to further pursue teaching, Ms. When asked what sparked her received her B.S. in Education, integrating herself into the com- Spanish I and II. Ms. Lampon said, “I re- interest in science, Mrs. Tum- Biology and General Science. munity and assisting each of her Lampon will also be alized that I found marello noted that she loves be- She went on to receive her M.A. students as their knowledge con- an Assistant Coach teaching more enjoy- ing outside and “constantly won- in Educational Leadership from tinues to expand. She also looks to the girls’ middle able than working ders why things work the way Seton Hall University. forward to teaching some sort of school soccer team in an office setting, they do.” While growing up, When she’s not in the class- enrichment class in the future. and a Form II Ad- and I was fortunate visor. to find a position in additional 30 credits of educa- When asked about Pingry, include “becoming a more well- Prior to com- the Chester school tional courses since receiving her Ms. Lampon said, “I enjoy seeing rounded teacher, getting involved ing to Pingry, Ms. district.” Master’s degree. some of my old students from in community activities, and Lampon taught at Ms. Lampon re- Born in the small town of Mu- Warren Middle School around getting to know the students, Black River Middle ceived her B.A. in ros in the Province of La Coruna, the campus.” While she is still advisees and fellow faculty School in Chester, Political Science Galicia, one of the Celtic nations, adjusting to the rotating classes, members.” New Jersey, as well from Upsala College Ms. Lampon enjoys sharing her she assures, “It will not take me Ms. Lampon has two children as at Warren Middle and her Master’s of heritage and cultural traditions much longer to rid myself of the and, in between their busy sched- School, from 2000 Teaching from Rut- with her students, who find them printed schedule for reference.” ules, she enjoys cooking, reading to 2014. Ms. Lam- gers University. She to be “pleasantly surprising and Looking ahead, Ms. Lam- and crocheting while watching pon also currently A. Van Orden (V) has also earned an not what they expected.” pon’s goals for the school year television. 10 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS OCTOBER 13, 2015 Convocation Sets the Tone for the Visani Joins Upper School Visani because, he says, “It the friendliness can go down.” By GABBY OBREGON (V) simply opens your mind and He finds that the opposite prob- 2015-2016 School Year The new school year wel- there are less stereotypes than lem occurs in Italy. Because comes new friendships, new there are in Italy.” he has been meeting so many These two speeches focused on absolutely perfect condition, and By HANNAH CURTIS (VI) classes, and new activities. In addition to American people, he is trying “to learn excellence, honor, and academic another flawed one he had grown However, Gian Marco Visani multiculturalism, Visani likes how to keep the friendliness September 11, 2015 marked endeavors, emphasizing a central on his own. He explained, “As must learn how to embrace a a special day for both the Pin- idea to the students: to work hard for uniformity, no two tomatoes completely new environment gry community and the United and find your true self. from that [second] plant could be and lifestyle as he joins Form States. Students from the Upper Next, advisory representa- said to look alike in any but the V this school year. and Middle School gathered in tives from all grades presented most general way. I guarantee that Native to Faenza in North- Hauser Auditorium to take part their signed Honor Pledges to you would find this first tomato ern Italy, Visani attended the in a tradition that has commemo- this year’s Chair of the Honor bland and uninteresting, and the Scientific Liceum school and only went to class from 7:50- 12:50, Mondays through Sat- urdays. The students would only have five hours of classes with a fifteen minute break in the middle of the morning. Having six hours of classes at Pingry with extracurriculars is definitely something that Visani feels he needs to grow accustomed to. Given the opportunity to study abroad by the American Field Service (AFS), Visani was asked why he was ex- cited to study in America. “It’s because of the language and because America is the most powerful country in the world,” he responded. B. Murphy (IV) He also believes that study- the rib-eye steak (his favorite going.” ing in America will give him meal here) and offered some in- In school, Visani is cur- an advantage when he looks for teresting comments on cultural rently a part of the water polo jobs in the future. Absorbing aspects of friendliness. team and would like to join the Middle Schoolers present the Honor Code. Courtesy of Pingry Communications American culture and integrat- On the one hand, he is defi- basketball team in the winter. rated the Honor Code for genera- Board: Maddie Temares (VI) and second one sweet, flavorful, and ing himself into an American nitely experiencing a lot of Not only does Visani enjoy tions: Convocation. Convocation Butrico. This tradition of bringing complex.” community will, he hopes, help friendliness at Pingry. He said, sports, but he also likes to marks the official opening of the the entire school together to cel- Headmaster Conard relates him later in life. “I like the fact that I can leave “hang out with friends, listen school year as teachers, trustees, ebrate the core code of academic the homegrown tomato to a Visani shared that his fa- my backpack anywhere with to music, watch movies and and students gather in reverence and social excellence is cherished developing Pingry student. The vorite part of America so far no concern.” In addition, he is read books” in his free time. He and pride for their school. by both faculty and students. perseverance and seemingly is its multiculturalism. He said grateful for all of the help he also enjoys math because it is September 11 also marked the As Nick Matukaitis (VI) said, endless tasks needed to grow the that multiculturalism has been has gotten. the most straightforward of all 14th anniversary of the 9/11 ter- “I think it’s a great tradition for tomato symbolize the experiences virtually non-existent in Italy, “Everyone is willing to the subjects. rorist attacks on the World Trade the students and faculty. It brings that Pingry students face both in but is beginning to emerge bring me somewhere if I don’t After Visani answered all of Center. Before the speeches and everyone together and gives the and out of school. Even though because of the large number of know where it is,” he said. the questions, he wanted to part school-wide pledge to the Honor school a strong sense of com- some decisions students face are immigrants who are settling in On the other hand, he feels with these words: “I’m here Code, all in attendance observed munity.” difficult, and efforts to balance the country. as though the people here can hoping to have the best year of a moment of silence for those af- Board of Trustees member, school with extracurricular life Multiculturalism amazes be “all friendly at first, but then my life.” fected by 9/11. After this moment Jeff Edwards ’78 touched upon can be burdensome, in the end, of remembrance, the commemo- the idea of school being part of it is these hardships that help to ration began and several speakers a journey. He said, “Life is about ripen students to their best selves. addressed the student body. living: the acts that you under- Emilia McManus (VI) Art Gallery Features Jaz Graf First, senior faculty member take, and not the inventory of summed up what many students textiles to create her work. tion, drawing and painting By JOSIE CUMMINGS (IV) Miller Bugliari ’52 focused his memories.” felt about Convocation: “It is She takes these materials, student Katie Coyne (VI) invocation on the message of “be- Lastly, Headmaster Nat Co- the little things that I enjoy most The Hostetter Art Gallery deconstructs them, and then said, “I like how the artist ing your true self.” Next, Student nard employed a somewhat about that day: everyone dress- is currently showing its first reconstructs them in unique was able to layer a lot of Body President Holly Butrico surprising metaphor, relating ing up in their nicest outfits, the exhibition of the 2015-2016 and unexpected ways. Graf texture while still keeping (VI) encouraged students to “try tomatoes and students to de- teachers dressed in their collegiate school year, featuring art- utilizes the traditional meth- the overall feeling light and something new. Try asking more scribe development as a person. gowns, and the ceremony ending ist Jaz Graf’s collection ods of printmaking while airy.” questions. Make new traditions He placed two tomatoes on the with a rousing rendition of Old entitled “A Clearing.” On incorporating modern digital Eviscera, the largest and and new habits for yourself.” podium: a store bought one, in John Pingry.” display from September 16 imagery simultaneously. most prominent piece in the to October 16, the exhibition Although each of her exhibition, features narra- displays a variety of different pieces is unique, they all tives from old sketchbooks Ms. Eiras Adds Perspective to and journals printed onto muslin. “Her thoughts and words are memorialized or even mummified in these Middle School English books,” said Pingry art teach- By CHRISTINE SHAO (III) the field of journalism and Her experience at Pingry so er Mr. Delman. “She is taking Ms. Kyrie Eiras, a new volunteered with the Special far has been outstanding. Ms. the inside of a journal and member of the English De- Olympics. Eiras talked about how “fac- putting it on the outside, re- partment, is teaching two She earned her BA from ulty members and students in- vealing her inner feelings,” sections each spire her every day.” he continued. The title of in the 7th and She can easily see the work is derived from the 8th grades. Pingry becoming her Latin word eviscerate - to Ms. Ei- new home. take one’s organs from their ras’s child- Her goals for stu- body - referencing the idea hood experi- dents are mostly cen- that the books have been ence led her tered on helping them turned inside out, creating a to pursue a develop their writing waterfall of words. career in skills. Graf’s use of text can also be seen in her other works, education. “I Aside from this such as a piece entitled She’s had always goal, she is also in- terested in learning an Open Book, in which she admired my selected poems and covered grandmoth- as much as possible about being a part of them in fibers. er’s strength Just like in Eviscera, the the community. and belief text has been obscured. “The “The students here that educa- words are there, but you need tion was a make my day,” she to search for them,” said Mr. gateway to a said. She is amazed by Juniors enjoy the National Constitution H. Park (VI) Delman. better life,” A. Van Orden (V) her students’ talents, Center in Philadelphia. Students are encouraged she explained. Bowdoin College, with a de- interests, and insights and works including experimen- have similar undertones and to take a few minutes out Her grandmother’s actions gree in English and a minor looks forward to getting to tal prints, sculptural paper, evoke similar feelings. The of their busy schedules to and courage showed Ms. Eiras in Government and an MA know every student and their artist books, and mixed me- exhibition as a whole is quite visit the Gallery’s exhibitions that everyone’s lives can be in English Education from families better. dia drawings. earthy, neutral, and organic. throughout the year. The improved by teaching and Teachers College, Columbia Outside of school, Ms. Ei- The idea of using differ- Many of the pieces contain Gallery provides the unique learning. Pursuing education, University. In fact, just a ras enjoys comedy, whether it ent kinds of media is cen- references to the natural opportunity to learn about a she believes, gives her life a few weeks prior to her first be “watching, writing, or even tral to Jaz Graf’s style, as world or incorporate the idea range of artists and styles, an purpose. Before coming to day teaching at Pingry, she performing comedy in New she focuses on using fabric, of revitalizing the past. experience that few schools Pingry, she also worked in received her master’s degree. York City.” wire, paper, plant fibers, and Upon visiting this exhibi- are able to provide. 11 THE PINGRY RECORD CLASS TRIPS OCTOBER 13, 2015 Freshmen Get to Know One Seniors De-Stress Before Hectic Another on Annual Peer Retreat School Year By MARY NUSSBAUMER (IV) and fellow “peer groupies” decked out in tourist attire. By KATHRYN ABBOTT (VI) Amanda Cosentino (VI) noted, must face in order to admit the up- On September 1, all Form for the first time. Nnaeto described the mo- “It was really great getting to coming class. All students agreed III students and Senior Peer The bonding activities ment as “a highlight of senior The Class of 2016 kicked off spend time with people who I do that they could now understand Leaders departed for Camp that ensued on the trip al- year and the trip.” its senior year with a fun-filled not see as much in school,” add- that, while there are a countless Louemma in Pine Brook, lowed the freshmen to form Lauren Shelby (III) de- overnight trip to the Pocono ing that, “the grade really came number of qualified students, New Jersey for the annual friendships within their scribed the dance as “really Valley Resort in Reeders, Penn- together as whole.” schools can only admit a select Peer Leadership retreat. The peer groups. Peer Leader fun, and when the seniors ran sylvania. At night, a camouflage-themed amount. trip enables new freshmen Amaka Nnaeto (VI) specifi- in, it just made the night that Arriving around noon on Sep- dance was held for the seniors, fol- In another activity, led by Co- to bond with returning stu- cally highlighted “having an much better.” tember 8, students were given lowed by a bonfire with delicious ordinator of Diversity & Multicul- dents, and allows everyone amazing time on the scaven- The following day was several hours to roam around the s’mores. Lights out in the cabin tural Affairs Dr. Diana Artis and to become acquainted with ger hunt.” She added, “Our packed with even more ac- resort, hang out with friends and brought the night to a relaxing the Student Diversity Leadership take part in various activities, end, and members of each bunk Club, students watched videos tivities, which included playing beach got a good night’s rest for another about and openly discussed the including volleyball, running around in busy day. issues of discrimination, micro- an intense “hamster balls,” zip lining across The next morning, it was back aggression and bullying. canoe relay a beautiful lake and even maneu- to work for the seniors. College After the sessions, students ate race. Alli vering across an intricate obstacle Counselors Mr. Timothy Lear, lunch at the dining hall and then Simon (III) course 50 feet above the ground. Ms. Amy Cooperman, Ms. Susan packed up to head back home. reminisced “There were so many fun Kinney, and Ms. Meghan Finegan Tired and sweaty, most students on the time activities to choose from,” said held workshops for the students squeezed in a quick nap on the bus when she Christopher Dugan (VI). “My on writing unique college essays before arriving back to Pingry in and her friends and I could not decide and discussing the college admis- time for Upper School athletics. Peer Leader which ones to do, as we wanted sion process. Following the trip, the senior fell into the to do them all.” In one activity, students were class was ready to start the year lake, noting Other students enjoyed loung- given a packet with descriptions feeling connected as a whole, that it was ing by the pool and catching the of six prospective students who and excited for their final year of “a really last few rays of sunshine before applied to Pingry, and were asked high school. A big part of senior funny mo- the start of classes. A huge game to choose one applicant to be year is for students to spend time ment.” of water polo was arranged, which accepted, two to be rejected and with the people who have changed Later built a sense of companionship three to be waitlisted. Seniors their high school experience and that day, and allowed brand new friend- were introduced to the difficulties who will hopefully remain in their all students ships to form among students. that college admissions offices lives in years to come. returned to Pingry, sad C. Terens (VI) that the re- treat had their peer groups for the year. peer group definitely shared come to a close. Both fresh- Holding the retreat before a few great laughs.” She men and seniors, however, school started, a fairly new added that her group enjoyed are very excited to spend tradition, provided a great several other bonding activi- more time with their peer way for students to get to ties, such as “casual games groups in the year ahead. know each other in a relaxed, of basketball and volleyball.” Nnaeto and other leaders nonacademic environment. That night, the freshmen expressed their thrill to “be Each peer group consists headed to the highly an- working with such a great of two Senior Peer Leaders ticipated dance at the camp- group of seniors and fresh- and about eight freshmen. grounds. To their surprise, men” and is eager to continue Upon arriving at school, stu- the seniors ran onto the bonding with them through- dents met their Peer Leaders dance floor midway through, out the school year. Juniors Explore Nation’s History in Philadelpha T. Wang (VI) It is safe to say that all students vidual cells, as it was believed By JASON RESNICK (V) were very full after visiting the that total isolation was the only On September 9, the Class of market, as there were so many way for rehabilitation. 2017 traveled to Philadelphia, delicious options. Will Long (V) described the Sophomores Experience Culture a historic city that is home to When asked about the Read- Penitentiary as “pretty scary, but Independence Hall, the Consti- ing Terminal Market, Sam Scherl it was really interesting to see tutional Convention and many (V) said, “I really enjoyed the how a prison was run in the early at Museum and Broadway Play other famous sights. ambiance that the market had American times.” venture into Broadway. As they Christopher, who leaves his nor- Students first enjoyed walk- to offer. It was like a foodie Although it was quite hot By ALYSSA CHEN (IV) arrived and filed out of the buses, mal comfort zone in order to find ing around the area outside of paradise.” Ben Zhou (V) agreed, outside and there was a lot of the students were given tickets to out who killed his neighbor’s the National Constitution Hall, adding, “The market had great walking, students really enjoyed On September 9, the sopho- their seats in the orchestra sec- dog. The play’s innovative and where they had the opportunity cookies and cheesesteaks, and I the trip to Philadelphia, exploring more class embarked on an an- tion of the theater. After waiting contemporary set, with its grid to see the notable Liberty Bell. even tried ‘gator gumbo.’ It was the rich history the city offers, as nual field trip to Manhattan, in line, they entered the theater, walls and minimalistic black box Then, students walked to Ben- my favorite part of the trip.” well as its magnificent culture. where they visited the Museum found their seats, and bought theatre design, reflects Chris- jamin Franklin’s old printing After lunch, the class visited Leaving Philly, students got of Natural History and saw the snacks to enjoy during the highly- topher’s outlook on life. Maya press, and were educated about Eastern State Penitentiary, a for- a glimpse of the famous Rocky Tony Award winning play “The anticipated show. Huffman (IV) said, “I really liked the concept of printing in the mid- mer prison located just outside statue outside of the Philadelphia Curious Incident of the Dog in the 1700s. Later, students visited of Philadelphia where notorious Museum of Art, a favorite sight Nighttime” on Broadway. Christ Church Philadelphia, and criminal Al Capone was held in from the trip. As a whole, the trip On the morning of the trip, even sat in the exact seats where 1929. Students toured the prison was a great opportunity for the students boarded three buses and George Washington, Thomas and learned about its operation class to bond, both on the bus and headed into the city. Though there Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin from 1829 to 1971. For instance, walking around the city, before was some traffic getting there, once sat. Daniel Hutt (V) said, “It the prisoners were held in indi- the start of the school year. the students arrived with plenty was really cool of time to explore the museum in to experience their advisory groups. firsthand places To help them navigate through which have such the museum, students were given great historical scavenger hunt question-and-an- importance to swer sheets that led them through our nation.” each of the exhibits, starting With the tem- from the Rose Center for Earth perature peaking and Space and ending at the at 93 degrees, massive T. Rex fossil mount. students were Students worked with their ad- glad to board visory groups to answer as many the buses to cool questions within the allotted time. off and eat lunch Some students found the scav- at the Reading enger hunt to be a slight incon- Terminal Mar- venience. Sehyr Khan (IV) said, ket. The famous “The scavenger hunt was a little K. Peterson (IV) indoor market rushed, and we didn’t get enough “The Curious Incident of the the play. The set was really nice, offers a variety time to explore each section of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a play and the acting was spot-on.” of food, rang- museum. But it also allowed us to adapted from Mark Haddon’s In the end, the sophomores ing from the re- cover a lot of different exhibits in coming-of-age novel, which found the trip to be interesting, nowned Philly a shorter period of time.” many of the sophomore students educational and fun. Anna Wood Cheesesteaks to After visiting the museum had read for summer reading the (IV) said, “It was a good way to Pennsylvania and enjoying an outdoor lunch, previous year. transition into the school year Dutch cuisine. Form IV students boarded their The novel is told from the from summer and a great way to C. Stillitano (V) buses once again, this time to perspective of an autistic boy, kick off the year.” Page port 12olume umber V CXLI, N 1 S The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New JerseyS October 13, 2015 By NIKHIL RAO (IV), DAR- season has had a rocky start be a coach!” LENE FUNG (III), LINDSEY Looking forward, Coach YU (IV), BROOKE MURPHY but we look forward to The captains of the var- Shilts said that “the goal (IV), JACQUIE JAKIMOWICZ working hard and control- sity team, Casey Malone, this season is simple: to be (VI), JULIA AXTELL (VI), ling what we can control,” Emilia McManus, and Ama- 1% better every day,” add- KETAKI TAVAN (III), and Rotatori says. “As long as ka Nnaeto (VI), are also ing that the most important MIRO BERGAM (III) we put in heart, hard work, excited about the season. game of the season is always and pride into our practices Nnaeto says, “We have a lot the next one. BOYS’ SOCCER and games there is nothing of returning talent as well as On Friday October 30, more we can ask for.” some strong underclassmen 7-2-1 the team will take on South FIELD HOCKEY so we are hoping for a great Hunterdon Regional High season!” School as part of their an- The boys’ soccer team has 5-7 had a strong start this season GIRLS’ TENNIS nual Friday Night Lights with a 7-2-1 record so far. Game. When asked about At Homecoming, they beat Big Blue Field hockey 5-5 the game, Matukaitus said, Watchung Hills 3-0. Vineil has started the season with The girls’ varsity ten- “the energetic atmosphere Reddy (IV) said, “Henry a 5-7 record. nis team is starting their of the night makes the game Kraham (V) was the MVP Head Coach Judy Lee season with a winning re- extremely fun to play in.” of the game” by scoring two sees great promise in her cord. Pingry has defeated With strong senior leader- goals to win against Watc- players and sets high goals some tough teams thus far. ship and some new talent on Ridge is always a big com- the field, the team is deter- petitor and Pingry captured mined to secure more wins a win over them, 3-2. Wins this year. from Jessica Lee at second singles, Lindsey Yu at third Courtesy of Pingry Communications singles, and Brooke Murphy V. Vollbrechthausen (IV) looks for an open player. WATER POLO and Wesley Streicher at 8-4 first doubles. The weekend have several fabulous new “Despite the team being th Coed water polo is off to a of September 19 the team freshmen who are more than made up of mostly fresh- strong start this season with went into counties to play making up for the many men, this year’s squad will a 8-4 record. opponents within Somerset seniors who left last year.” be stronger than last year’s The team is led by cap- County. The team placed Mehta added that “Anna by the end of the season,” tains Henry Biedron (V), fourth overall, and Wesley Wood (IV) is extremely fast Barker said. Barker also Sandeep Biswas (V), Mat- Streicher and Brooke Mur- and leading our running cited the hard work of each thew Stanton (IV) and Vic- phy placed first in the first pack.” team member so far. tor Vollbrecthausen (IV). doubles category. In their When asked about this Barker’s favorite part of Valued team members also final match they came back season’s goals, Li hopes that being a member of the boys’ include Adam Present (V), after being down a set to “a group state champion- cross country team is getting Connor Smith (IV), Billy Montgomery, whom they had already lost to previ- ously in their season. They ended up winning the match after a vigorous battle 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. With a young team Pingry is looking forward to a lot of success ahead. Junior captain, Wesley Streicher says, “Since more than half C. Zhu (VI) goes for a header. B. Murphy (IV) the team is underclassmen, hung Hills. for the team this year. “I there’s a lot of room to grow Assistant Coach David hope to get as far in the Som- as a team in the next couple Fahey remarked, “The win erset County Tournament as years”. against Watchung Hills was last year’s team (the semifi- our best win because it was nals), even into the finals,” GIRLS’ CROSS the game after a loss.” He Lee said. She would like to COUNTRY added, “I was very sat- see the team get to the 2nd isfied with how the boys or 3rd round of States and 5-1 dominated possession, won maintain an overall record The girls’ cross-country 50-50 balls, created scoring of over .500. team, led by Coach Timothy opportunities, and executed Coach Lee is enjoying the Grant and captains Rachel during those opportunities.” season so far. “It is fun to get Wu (V), Sonali Mehta (VI) Despite their recent vic- to know the girls on the team and Ellen Li (V), is off to a tories, both Eddie Acosta and working with them,” she strong start with a 5-1 record K. Sullivan (VI) looks for an open player. (IV) and Mitchell Flugstad- said. “Watching the girls Courtesy of Pingry Communications thus far. ship as well as perhaps the “to run everyday with some Fallon (IV) and AFS student Clarke (IV) said, “The team push themselves further than In reflecting on the team’s conference championship” of his closest friends.” Tar- Gian Marco Visani (V). has to work on being more they thought they could is potential, Wu noted, “We is on the team’s horizon. As antino echoes that the team Despite the loss of four consistent if we are going one of the reasons I love to a junior, Li looks forward feels “like a second family key members, the team to win more games against to leading her teammates in to him.” has had some impressive better teams.” When asked a promising season, noting The team looks forward to wins against Horace Mann, about the team’s chances that she is “always amazed competing in States and the St.Peters Prep, and Ethical at the state title this year, by how strong the other run- NJ Meet of Champions this Culture Fieldston. Their Coach Fahey said, “It will ners can be.” November. only loss came against long- definitely be very competi- “All of our goals can time rival Pennington with a tive this year, but they have be met, with the leader- tough 20-15 loss. the talent to win. They just FOOTBALL ship of Rachel Wu, Sonali The water polo team cur- have to have the heart.” Mehta, and Ellen Li, along 1-3 rently has no senior play- GIRLS’ SOCCER with Anna Wood,” said Mr. With a current record of ers, meaning the roster will Grant, adding that, “We 1-3, the boys’ football team largely remain the same next 5-5 should have an excellent has had a rough start to the season. Head Coach Mr. With a current score of season.” season. Jeffrey Jenkins says that the 5-5, the girl’s soccer team BOYS’ CROSS Led by captains Michael team’s goal is to be “as close has had a mixed start to the Carr (VI), Kevin Chow (VI) to unstoppable as we can season. After losing four of COUNTRY and Nick Matukaitis (VI), next year,” which leaves this their first five games, the 3-2 the team hopes to finish with season to set the foundation team worked hard to win a record of .500 or above and for success. the next two. Led by cap- The boys’ cross country to not get shut out. tains Christina Costa (VI), team is well on its way to a Head Coach Mr. Christo- Julia Rotatori (VI), Maddie good season. pher Shilts said, “The energy Temares (VI) and Caro- Despite losing three se- has been great.” He noted All scores are current line Terens (VI), they hope niors, the young team still that the team has a solid as of October 9th. to continue their positive has a formidable top three group of seniors, but is fairly trend during their upcoming in Matthew Peacock (V) and young this year. There are a Go Big Blue! games. captains Jamie Barker (VI) lot of freshmen players who D. Fradkin (VI) returns a serve. “I would say that our B. Murphy (IV) and Thomas Tarantino (V). have locked down key spots.