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VOLUME CXXXII, NUMBER 2 The Pingry School, Martinsville, New Jersey DECEMBER 16, 2005 Classrooms, Record Of- Diversity Poll Finds Diversity of Opinion importance of racial diver- By ADAM GOLDSTEIN (VI) sity. More than two-thirds fice Targeted by Thieves The Pingry Recordʼs first- of the faculty say a racially ever diversity poll found a diverse student body is “very By ZARA MANNAN (III) diverse range of opinions important,” but only a fifth about diversity at the school. sons and publications, like the of students share that view. Mainly since Thanksgiv- Teachers overwhelmingly Similarly, only 14 percent ing, expensive and important Record, have had to scramble harder to meet deadlines. value diversity, but students of students view a racially electronic equipment has been are split about what kinds of disappearing from school class- Editors who had planned diverse faculty as “very im- diversity are important. rooms and offices on the week- on finishing layout this past portant,” but 60 percent of the ends. When the first projectors weekend, were prevented from The 12-question poll asked faculty hold that view. disappeared in early November, doing so when security neces- about racial and socioeco- This trend holds for virtu- faculty wondered if they were sitated that the Record office nomic diversity and diversity ally every other question of simply being “borrowed.” But stay locked. of opinion. Students and fac- diversity. By a 3:1 margin, over the past several weeks, it The school administra- ulty both answered the poll, faculty say opinion diversity has become clear that this is no tion and business department including whites, blacks, is “very important” in the N. Lee (VI) little stealing problem; this is a have acted quickly to contain Asians, and Hispanics. student body—an opinion Seniors, Mr. Bourne and Mr. Grant on the couches. stealing scandal. Even as this the problem. According to shared by barely half of stu- Mr. Pratt, CFO of the Pingry FACULTY/STUDENT ity of whites and Asians call article was being prepared for dents. Overall, there was not MALE/FEMALE racial diversity “somewhat publication, The Record had its School, the police have already a single facet of diversity that been contacted and are involved DIFFERENCES important,” while Hispanics most recent acquisition, a new a lower percentage of faculty DIFFERENCES G5 IMAC, stolen. in the investigation. and blacks are divided as A major concern of the ad- Faculty and students than of students called “very to whether racial diversity As the Record went to press, strongly disagree over the important." Gender differences appear in addition to the IMAC, a total ministration right now is to in the poll results as well. is very important or merely of eleven projectors and six tighten security. Surveillance Girls call nearly every kind somewhat important. On is- laptops had been stolen. Two cameras are being considered, of diversity “very important” sues of socioeconomic diver- projectors were stolen from the but it is unsure at this point more often than boys do, es- sity and diversity of opinion, whether that will be a definite Math department, one from the pecially with regard to racial however, people of all races English department, and several addition to our school. are in general agreement (see When asked whether the diversity. Similar numbers of have been taken from the For- girls and boys call diversity Graphs on pages 6 and 7). eign Language department. culprit could be a student, Mr. “somewhat important,” and Different races also had Also, both the English and Pratt responded that he really far more boys that girls call different ranges of opin- Science departments are miss- did not know. “So many people ions. Hispanic responses, come in and out of Pingry,” he different kinds of diversity ing laptops. According to Mr. for example, were often said, “that it is hard to pinpoint “not important at all.” In the Quoc Vo, the estimated cost for split among several choices, a projector can go up to about exactly who could be stealing aggregate, girls are in general from the school.” more sympathetic to the ideal as when equal numbers of $1100 and laptops can cost up Hispanics said there was to $1500. Within the past four years, I of diversity that boys. “not enough” and “almost One of the many unset- have had no experiences with There are exceptions to tling consequences of the lost stealing and no reason to call this trend, however. A higher enough” socioeconomic di- equipment was that teachers percentage of boys than girls versity in the student body. Courtesy of the Bluebook. Asian opinion was in gen- are unable to teach planned les- Continued on Page 8 The Pingry Class of 1955. call opinion diversity in the faculty “very important,” for eral more uniform, as when example. a clear two-thirds majority of Asians said there was “al- 100 SENIORS RACIAL DIFFERENCES most enough” socioeconomic Breaking Out Our Blue and White diversity in the faculty. Such agreement within a group Callaghan thinks the new Various racial groups also And he should be; much of APPLY EARLY was uncommon among other By JEN HETRICK (VI) the recent school spirit is a re- Athletic Director (A.D.), Mr. hold greatly different opin- Vanasse, has been a “great ions about the importance of On Saturday, October 29, sult of Riccardiʼs enthusiasm. Continued on Page 7 addition to the community, diversity at Pingry. A major- Pingry fans in the stands finally Riccardi has attended “at least TO COLLEGE especially in attendance at yelled “Go! Fight! Win!” when two dozen games” this year games,” and students also three fall athletics teams played and has encouraged many think that the administration DECLINE FROM LAST YEAR in the Somerset County Finals. others to sit on the spectatorsʼ Inside The Record has “tried harder this year to Girlsʼ Varsity Field Hockey side of the field. Although he support school spirit.” Many defended their title winning was unaware of the superlative By MELISSA LOEWINGER (V) agree that events such as the 1-0 in overtime against Bridge- when he started bringing his “Friday Night Lights” football water. Girlsʼ Varsity Soccer infamous bag of pots and pans, As of December 1, 100 se- game that occurred on October defeated Hillsborough 4-0, and Riccardi is proud of his title, niors, constituting 80.6% of the 21 and the trio of finals on Oc- Boysʼ Varsity Soccer finished saying “Pingry needs some senior class, had submitted early tober 29 have encouraged both 2-0 against Bridgewater. It more school spirit, and I think applications to the colleges of students and teachers to come comes as no surprise that so weʼve had a lot lately.” their choice. These seniors have out and support their teams. many teams came out on top Senior Field Hockey Cap- submitted 133 early applications But the best lesson here is this fall (last year, Pingry tain, Frances Callaghan agreed in total. that school spirit has to come ended the fall season with 5 that “school spirit could defi- Last year, 82.4% of the senior from the students themselves. county titles); however, the nitely improve.” She pointed class applied early, showing the out that major events get a “It has to be popular to go early application trend to be fairly to the games, not a burden,” consistent. Three more seniors noted Rob Tilson (VI), but Mr. applied early last year, although Vanasse has definitely done his six more early applications were part. As the new A.D., he has filed this year. Director of College made an effort to get involved Counseling Mr. Robert MacLel- in athletics by attending prac- lan does not foresee any drastic tices, advertising games, and change in this trend, saying that N. Lee (VI) scheduling special events. most years around 75% of the Senior girls lit up the field and the court during Pow- derpuff football. The success of events such senior class applies early. as “Friday Night Lights” There are three main types Senior Stress Revisited Powerder Puff vs. Cream Puff makes some wonder why we of early applications. The most How much emphasis on college is donʼt have more fan-worthy popular, Mr. MacLellan said, has Junior and senior girls faced off too much? Sam Adriance (V) reflects. in day-glo colors, and Michelle Yuan facilities. Despite his personal always been early decision, in Pg. 2 enthusiasm, Riccardi notes that explains how to stay away from tempt- which a student can only apply to ing treats over the holidays. P. 10 “if we had lights and stands at one school and must matriculate Apples, Anyone? our soccer or football fields, there if accepted. Sixty students like Ridge High School, we applied early decision this year. Ryan Macgibbon reviews his favor- Hungry? Try Keum Ho Jung would not only get students Early action is different from ite fall treat whilte Isaac Davis reviews sultry singer Fiona Apple. Pg. 5 Justin Louie (IV) recommends out to watch the games and early decision in that a student can this Korean restaurant. P. 11 N. Lee (IV) hangout on Friday nights, we apply to multiple schools, and if Senior fans at a playoff soccer game. The Importance of Being would also get parents and accepted, the student can decide Bags, Boots and Blouses alumni out there.” Diverse real shock value came when good turnout, but there is little whether or not to attend that Even without such luxuries, school by May 1. There were 53 This year's winter fashions hail the athletes themselves looked consistency when it comes to Dr. Diana Artis explains the school's from Victorian England and Old-World students are starting to make early action applications submit- Multicultural Outreach Program. Pg. 7 up into the stands. every day games and events. an effort. Tilson and his trom- Europe P. 12 “I donʼt think Iʼve ever Most sports teams have dealt ted this year. Restrictive early ac- bone joined the fan club at the tion limits the student to one early Sections seen so many Pingry students with a fan base of parents and Varsity Boysʼ Soccer County The Unimportance of Being at a sporting event,” said Bard reluctant younger siblings for application but is not binding, and News...... 1,8, 10-11 Final, and inspired spectators is used only by Harvard, Yale, "Diverse" Commentary...... 2-3,9 Riccardi (VI), the senior voted seasons, but big games, like the to rally together behind songs “Biggest Fan” this year. “Iʼve county finals, usually attract and Stanford. Thirteen restrictive Katie Jennings (VI) expounds upon Arts...... 4-5 been really impressed with the more fans from the greater what types of diversity really matter. Special Report...... 6-7 school spirit as of late.” community. Continued on Page 11 Continued on Page 11 P. 8 Sports...... 12 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY DECEMBER 16, 2005

EDITORIAL Diversifying Diversity

It seems as if appearance is everything at our school. Even though we are taught “not to judge a book by its cover,” as the adage goes, it often seems inevitable to do so. Students judge others based on test scores, cloth- ing, general appearance and sports ability instead of by the character of oneʼs personality. Even the Record is guilty of reinforcing this transgression: we run fashion articles that may not directly contribute to the prob- lem of quick judgments, but they indeniably foster an awareness of the names on the tags of our clothing. It is not just the students, however, who judge based on appearance instead of character; it is the school com- munity as a whole. Last year, the College Counseling department and the administration asked the seniors to refrain from hanging rejection letters on the tree in the lower commons, but the rule was not absolute. The seniors were permitted to hang their letters if they made them into snowflakes or origami first. Again, the appearance of the letter alone was the deciding factor in its qualifying as an appropriate ornament. On a more serious level, the way we measure diver- sity at school is primarily based on ethnicity, which is usually also skin color. Measuring the level of diversity in our school based on the numbers of students and faculty who have skin that is not pink is, by definition, judging a book by its cover. At first, I was surprised when some faculty members indicated on the Recordʼs diversity poll that they think racial diversity among By Matt Laud (V) students and faculty in a high school is inconsequen- tial. Now, however, I understand the merit of their opinions. They are not racists; they believe (as some indicated in writing on their polls) that race should not even be an issue. Is College the Only Choice? There are many different levels of diversity, includ- Now is the time of year however, only Sam Adriance (V) ing us into the only one moment — not for our one of many people that we parents who push us, not for ing, but not limited to, race, gender, socioeconomic when every senior appears to CULTURAL OPINION status, and opinion. When we measure diversity by only be constantly frantic, trying to possible steps will become. our teachersʼ approval, not for juggle a demanding workload along the path of life. Do we really want to spend grades, not for college, not for one of these factors, however, we cannot sufficiently with college applications. It Everyone who goes to Pin- these most formative years money, but for ourselves. say if we have “enough” diversity in our community is only too common to hear gry eventually goes to college. with our eyes always toward because we have not taken into account all types of seniors say that theyʼll kill Everyone. Why? Is it because what lies in the immediate diversity. Whatʼs more, it is impossible even to calcu- themselves if they donʼt get weʼve all sat down and de- future and college? Do we ever CORRECTIONS late if we have “enough” diversity because everyoneʼs into a particular school. At this cided, after careful deliberation take a second to live today, to definition of “enough” is different. point, the average senior seems that going to college is in our live now? From the October 24 to place getting into college as best interest? Or is it simply, in Of course, everything I say As the Recordʼs diversity poll indicated, subsets of priority number one, and ev- the words of the movie Orange must be taken with a grain of Issue students greatly differed in their opinions of the level erything else County, “what salt. Iʼm a Pingry student, and of diversity at Pingry. While the majority of faculty as second- What's the point? you do after I plan to go to college too. In our October 24 issue, ary. Even high school?” Even as I write this article, the Editorial Staff incorrect- members and black and Hispanic students say there ly attributed "Duffy Guides is “not enough” racial diversity in the student body, underclass- What are we doing T h e i d e a Iʼm aware of a looming history that the col- paper that I “have” to get done. MS Students in Their Stud- pluralities of white and Asian students say there is men always have an eye with our lives? lege we go to I can learn as much from the ies" (p. 9) to sophomore “almost enough.” t o w a r d s d e t e r m i n e s paper by handing it in late as Hallie Bianco. In actuality, As the poll indicates, there are many perspectives what their our value as I would from handing it in on the article was co-written by on how to count diversity and what types of diversity school performance will mean a person or the happiness we time, so what is the motivation Hallie Bianco and freshman for their college acceptance, will have in life is culturally for handing it in on time except Diana Jiang . are important to our community. It is important to see We apologize for the mis- not only that we have different skin colors, but also and many juniors have already imposed, and, for the most part, to receive a good grade? And begun looking at colleges, not baseless. Will going to Princ- what is the motivation for take. that we hold many different perceptions in the way to mention some who have eton or Harvard mean we will getting a good grade if not for we view diversity and other topics. Perhaps it is time, already decided where they probably make more money how it will affect my chances Please report all errors and therefore, for us to judge others not “by the color of want to go. than if we decide to got to Rari- of college acceptance? admissions to the Record at their skin, but by the content of their character,” (as I suppose it is not surpris- tan Valley Community College So, I, too am stricken with thepingryrecord@gmail. com. Mr. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked us to do 62 years ing that so many of us are so or skip college altogether? the same disease as every- ago), whether we are trying to measure diversity or preoccupied with college. We Probably. Will it make anyone one else; almost all of us are, The Record welcomes all let- happier? Probably not. It isnʼt whether we want to admit it or all attend, after all, a college ters to the editor. Anonymous just having a classroom discussion. preparatory school. But my as if any Pingry student is go- not. I donʼt mean to say that question is this: whatʼs the ing to starve without a college we all should shirk our school- submissions cannot be print- - Nadine Reitman point? What are we doing with education, and probably very work, throw out our college ap- ed. Submissions may be ed- our lives? I donʼt mean to imply few of us would even have plications, or just forget about ited due to length constraints. that college is valueless; it is, trouble making a decent living. the whole thing altogether. Send all correspondence to So is the difference between Letʼs just try to live our lives thepingryrecord@gmail. $40,000 and $2 million a year — even if for only one day, for com.

VOLUME CXXXII going to make you a happier NUMBER 2 person? How many Disney movies do we have to see Happy Holidays from the Staff of before we start to really under- Editors in Chief stand that, despite the triteness The Pingry Record! Nadine Reitman of the phrase, money truly does Chantal Berman not buy happiness? As I said before, we go to a prep school, a college prep Managing Editor school. My counter to this is, Staff Writer Sports Editor Adam Goldstein Hadley Johnson what about a life preparatory Hallie Bianco school? Isnʼt becoming more prepared for life more impor- Copy Editors Assistant Editors Photo Editors tant than being prepared for Katie Jennings Catherine Chong college? Does that mean that Nelson Lee Olivia Delia Melissa Loewinger the point of everything we learn Josh Freedman Justin Louie here is only to prepare us for Sam Adriance college? I thought the point of Darina Shtrakhman Layout Staff school was supposed to be to Faculty Adviser Jack Dimassimo learn, not to get into a presti- Dr. Susan Dineen gious university. It is often said that our teenage years are the All rights reserved. All contents © 2005 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. most important time in shap- THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY DECEMBER 16, 2005 3 The Bubble: Privileged, Popped No Agenda, Just

At school, we live in a will take your TREVOR TOPF (IV) worth the risk which these thefts were able bubble in which our great- property out — I realized SCHOOL OPINION to happen. the Truth est worries are our math of pure spite, that this inci- Therefore, the bubble literate and in- grades, whether or not we especially if itʼs valuable. dent shows how fortunate is far from burst. It is the This past Sam Adriance (V) telligent man, are going to snag starting At our school, however, we we are that things like this bubble itself that allowed Veteranʼs Day, SCHOOL OPINION talked about spots on sports teams, or have trust in each otherʼs in- donʼt happen all the time. this incident to occur, and I saw the best his own inner conflict between (more often) doing all we tegrity, and apart from mak- Most of the time, the Honor while this may be the down- speaker, Jason Christopher his compassionate instincts possibly can to have fun. ing life easy for the thieves, Code does a great job in side of the bubble, it might Hartley, that this school has and his violent ones. He never Itʼs a good life. Our bubble our trust goes a long way in making our open environ- be the only one. I would had in the three years Iʼve tried to convince us that one is unique, though. In our making our school the great ment safe. The proof is that like to tentatively put forth been here. For the first time, instinct was more natural. He bubble we have a sense of place it is. because of the Honor Code, that our open community is I saw someone on stage not made no attempt to glorify war trust in the integrity of the Even with the knowledge we have been able to create worth it; I would not want preaching rhetorically about or to belittle it. He also made community and each other. of the value of the projec- the open environment in it any other way. how I should live my life but This feeling is enabled by tor units and laptops, the simply telling no move to the honor code. greatest damage that will us what things Honesty is sorely even judge Some people, how - probably come from the were like for the current ever, say that our bubble recent thievery is to make him. lacking in our war in Iraq has burst. This sorry fact us doubt the ability of the Honesty is until spe- dawned on me after my first Honor Code to protect us in sorely lacking culture. c i f i c a l l y and second period classes on all situations. The reason for in our culture asked about Monday, December 5. Over this is that due to the open in general, and it and even the weekend, my classmates environment the Honor the issues surrounding it are then had only a remark on the and I discovered, the projec- Code allows, these thefts often compounded in public tactics being employed and tor units in those rooms had were able to occur. speaking, where speakers made no attempt to further been neatly pilfered. In a However, while this situ- generally have an agenda, a a political agenda. Instead, school where oneʼs posses- ation is upsetting, I would point to get across to their he stood in front of upwards sions are generally safe this like to point out that this audience and, therefore, tend of 700 students and faculty was a symbolic slap in the is the first serious case of to avoid any truth that con- and simply related his own face. Oops! Bad stuff does theft at Pingry that I have tradicts their of views. The experience. happen here. I am not talk- heard of. brilliance of Mr. Hartleyʼs pre- Perhaps Mr. Hartleyʼs most ing about a book here and I think that thatʼs quite sentation was that he seemed honest moment was his re- there. I am talking about impressive. After my initial to have no agenda except to sponse to what things were nine projectors, six laptops, anger — and some question- tell us the truth (and maybe like returning from war. His and one desktop computer. ing about whether the open to sell a few copies of his admission that he was com- Even in this school, where environment that we enjoy By MATT LAUD (V) book, Just Another Soldier). pletely unhappy to a group of it is very difficult to im- with our Honor Code is Mr. Hartley, clearly a very that size indicated the lengths press your fellow students to which he was willing to tell with high-tech gadgets, the truth. Even his discussion itʼs pretty easy to see how of the cruel way he dealt with much money that hardware No Tolerance for Intolerance insects as a child underscored is worth. this point. However, the monetary friends and I could not keep his thoughts To whatever extent weʼve Over Thanksgiving crowd of peo- Juliette Jordan (VI) all committed violent acts value is second in impor- break, I went with five of ple laughed CULTURAL OPINION went outside to himself for three hours. tance to the fact that some- to discuss When I started to verbalize that we regret, we tend to my friends to see the mov- and supported be reluctant to discuss them. one is obviously stealing, ie version of Rent at the his claim. I felt angry, and I what we had just seen. I was my thoughts to my friends, and not out of panic for a still upset so I was not say- I could not even formulate Mr. Hartley was willing to Bridgewater mall. I had seen wanted to get up out of my face them for our sake. Even test, but in relentless pur- the original musical version seat and smack him. Instead, ing anything, but the more a sentence because I was suit of the almighty dollar, I thought about what had crying so hard. here he neither condoned nor in New York City about five I sat in my seat, bothered, condemned his own actions, regardless of the hurt they years ago, but looking back, until the end of the movie. just happened, the angrier To quote The Laramie are causing the school. I got. I do not understand Project, “I guess I didnʼt giving us his experience, and I realize I was too young to When the lights came letting us interpret the data As bad as the situation appreciate b a c k o n , why people, who must have understand the magnitude is, it has helped me to put known the content of the with which some people how we saw fit. His stories the subject the people about his time in Iraq were, things in perspective. The matter. I am bothered by a behind me film, would consciously buy hate.” Maybe I am taking people (or person) who a ticket and sit through the some immature comments again, about truth and experi- I bought group who not only were having ence instead of opinion and stole the projectors and m y t i c k e t a loud con- movie if they do not agree too far, but by laughing at computers did not need with what it is portraying. the inappropriate comments rhetoric. and walked hates but also has versation in My affection for what he to be particularly clever. i n t o t h e which one The movie is not about of one person, an entire Even though we have a no respect for those political or personal views; crowd of people showed presented was strengthened extremely girl said, when, before drama rehearsal security guard and locked c r o w d e d who tolerate. “Thank God it is about the dying Bohe- their agreement with his classrooms on weekends, mia lifestyle of a group of views. I am bothered by a that day, Mr. Hartley talked theater, ful- that movie to us a little bit more. He ac- our school does not employ ly prepared is over. I friends living in New York group that not only hates but a huge security force. City with AIDS. Everyone also has no respect for those knowledged that the speeches to become emotionally in- donʼt think I could have sat he had been giving were “tor- Despite what has hap- volved in the tragic tale and through any more singing.” is entitled to his or her own who tolerate. pened, I am proud of our opinion regarding homo- ture” and that he hoped we to hear the amazing music. I The guy that she was with Want to get your were getting something out minimal security, even if was completely mesmerized responded “Yeah, I thought sexuality, but it is not fair we have to change it now. for an entire movie to be voice heard? Submit of them because it was a ma- by the first several scenes, it ended at least four times... jor ordeal for him to discuss It means that both students but my mood soon changed Get me out of here!” I was ruined because one person is opinion pieces to The and faculty have enough too immature to understand things he would rather not after Angel and Roger (two stunned to hear such nega- Record. Please email experience again. So for his trust in the Honor Code to men) kissed for the first tive reactions, especially the issues that are being assume that things like this presented. all submissions to sake, or just for our own, letʼs time, and a boy near the since I was still crying after take something important wonʼt normally happen. front of the theater screamed watching the final scenes of I was not only appalled thepingryrecord@ Thatʼs saying something. with this personʼs intoler- from this: truth is a powerful out, “Thatʼs disgusting!” the film. gmail.org. thing, so letʼs embrace it. At other schools, people I sat shocked while a After the movie, my ance, but also by the way he Word in the Hall: What Should Be Done About the Thefts?

JAKE KREEGER (V) TAHA RAKLA (III) GRAHAM HONE (VI) CHRISTINE MALANGA (V) MEGAN CRAIGHEAD (IV) "What can be "I don't want the "I say we set "The punishment "I think the done? If they're Honor Code or up land mines should be pretty culprits should be going to steal, they school policy all around the severe; theft is a hanged, drawn, will steal." changed, so I guess school." serious crime." and quartered." nothing." 4 THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS DECEMBER 16, 2005 Hot Looks for Cold Winter Weather A Worthy Glimpse blouses with ornate cuffs and short jackets, and silk blouses. on the hips are also popular By JENNA DEVINE (IV) full skirts embellished with You can update and add polish accessories this season. Wear of La Vie Boheme This winter fashion season ruffl es or fl ounces. Be careful to the boho look by trading in one to dress down a long skirt epidemic, Rent is a candid look can be summed up in one with this one, however: too oversized sweaters for fi tted or to dress up skinny jeans. By HANNAH GOLDSTEIN (III) at the characters of Joanne, word—drama. Think opulence much of it can make you like cropped jackets and a mixture Be sure to look for embel- The lyrics to the Broadway Maureen, Mark, Mimi, Angel, in everything – rich colors, rich a stuffy character from a period of fabric textures. lished pieces when creating ballad “Seasons of Love” read, Benny, “Collins,” and Roger. fabrics, and rich accessories. piece. The essential idea is to Black is back for this season your winter style. Hardware “525, 600 minutes, 525,600 Each character is recognizable Winter can make you want combine a themed piece with as well. This wardrobe staple such as buckles and grommets moments so dear.” If one were but far from cliché - the warm- to hibernate on the couch in a modern one. Try teaming a is trendy again and works as on shoes and bags make for to replace the 525,600 with 135, hearted drag queen or the black old sweats. What to do? Put Victorian blouse with jeans a great base for the popular eye-catching accessories, and this would probably be the most lesbian lawyer, for example. on something jewel-toned and and heels, or a classic skirt jewel tones of the season. Pair simple tops are stunning when fi tting explanation of the amaz- But their shared optimism in a go out! Emerald and purple with a modern blouse or tee. colorful accessories with a detailed with embroidery, lace ing journey that is Rent. gloomy world makes this group dominated the runways, but simple black base, or work the eyelets, or even pompoms. Possibly the most interesting of friends one that can withstand raspberry and peacock blue Donʼt put away your gypsy monochromatic look by mix- Boots of all types are also a feature of this musical movie the horrors and disappointments were there as well. Luxe fab- skirts just yet, though: hippie ing different fabric textures to must-have for this season. Pos- is that it completely defi es the they face. The mu- rics are also in this season. chic is still in style but modi- enrich the style. sibilities include high boots, stereotypes sic alone is Velvet, silk, chiffon, suede, fi ed for the winter season. The As for accessories, you fl at boots, cowboy boots and of both musi- new hippie chic is higher on canʼt go wrong with metallic. stilettos. There is one excep- cals and mov- absolutely fur—donʼt be afraid to mix and f a n t a s t i c glamour than the previous Metallic handbags in bronze, tion, however: leave the Uggs ies. When match textures. and makes season. Designers have paired gold and burnished silver add at home. Theyʼre a two-year- walking into Fashions influenced by the movie full, below-the-knee skirts luxury to even the simplest of old cliché, no matter how the theater, Moscow trends appeared all oblivious to a must-see. with embellished knitwear, outfi ts. Wide belts worn low warm they keep your feet. over runways this season. the movieʼs The indi- Anna Sui and Costume Na- story line, vidual char- tional decked their models in one might acters have oversized fur hats, while Miu expect to see the ability to Miu went for a peasant feel a fun, hap- inflect tone with long embroidered skirts py show in a n d f e e l - and scarves. Balenciaga had which every- ing into the a more military take on the one breaks notes in the theme with Cossack-style, into song at score. With double-breasted coats. To take the perfect the famous this runway look to the streets, m o m e n t s . harmony of try pairing a military-inspired But unlike “ S e a s o n s jacket with a feminine cut, a t h e a v e r- of Love,” pair of fl at, high leather boots, age musical, the upbeat, and a long, fl owing skirt. R e n t e x - fun rhythm Victoriana is also a trend to plores some- of “Today 4 watch this winter. It is a style thing deeper U,” and the that brings back Victorian than the typi- c o n f i d e n t England with a modern twist. cal Broad- shouts of “La Vie Bo- Styles include high-necked way “fluff.” And unlike heme,” this the average “rock opera” movie, Rent Courtesy of Broadwaycares.org is fi lled with also brings the viewer into the conversa- A Cookie-Cutter story. Instead of just serving as tions put to music. a movie spectator, the audience There is not very much dance members leave the movie with in this movie - much less than Hollywood Mystery the feeling that they have spent expected - but this missing link By MATT LAUD (V) the last two hours and 15 min- is hardly noticable. The excep- utes with good friends. tion is “Tango: Maureen” which Jodie Fosterʼs latest fi lm, culpritʼs plan depends on Based on Pucciniʼs opera showcases some intense Spanish “Flightplan,” is a classic Hol- the precise occurrence of too “La Boheme,” this masterpiece dancing. lywood mystery. The plot many events and interlocking by Jonathan Larson tells the Rent is both an enjoyable and follows Fosterʼs character, variables, and some things story of eight Bohemians liv- a worthwhile movie. It should Kyle, an American avionics are left unexplained at the ing in New York City in the leave viewers with more aware- expert working in Berlin, as end of the movie. But, for From top left, J.Crew Pea Coat, Forever 21 Peasant Skirt, Frye early 1990ʼs. Examining topics ness of the world around them... she travels back to the US to the average moviegoer, the Cowboy Boots at Bloomingdale's, Abercrombie and Fitch Fur- such as homosexuality, poverty, and possibly a few great songs bury her recently deceased fi lm works. lined Jacket, Metallic Handbag. homelessness, and the AIDS stuck in their heads. husband. Aboard the plane, One would think Jodie Fos- a state of the art double- ter could deliver a convincing decker commercial vessel of performance, having devel- the imaginary Alto Airlines, oped with modest success the I'm Gung-Ho for Keum Ho Jung Restaurant in Korean dressings, and lastly, opted to wait. fi rst entrée. Kyleʼs daughter Julia goes panicked mother character in By JUSTIN LOUIE (IV) missing. After searching both 2002ʼs “Panic Room,” but the pickled cabbage dipped in chili I asked for some suggestions, The second item she sug- fl oors of the plane thoroughly, role was somewhat overacted. In my fi fteen years of dining, or kimchi. The manager told me since it was my first time at gested was their famous BBQ that kimchi is a Korean res- Bul Go Gi, which is sliced ten- Kyle begins Her bloated I had yet to eat at a Korean res- always served Pros: taurant, and the der sirloin marinated in a spe- to panic. panic and taurant. Thatʼs why I went to a critically acclaimed Korean and in Korean res- - Good staff manager sug- cial sauce. The sirloin is eaten Her grow- e t e r n a l l y taurants, but - Although only 16 tabes and gested the bibim with long slivers of scallions ing hysteria, bloodshot Japanese Restaurant, Keum Ho Jung. From the hostess I was the taste may 4 private rooms, the seating bap, assorted wrapped together in a large much to the eyes would able to fi nd out that the Keum differ accord- arrangements were capacious vegetables with piece of romaine lettuce. This discomfort have been ing to the beef and an egg hot wrap tasted juicy and tender Ho Jung fi rst opened in Palisade - Knowledgeable service of her 400 a p p r o p r i - Park in 1988. Due to competition ingredients over rice, priced due to their tasty homemade fellow pas- ate during a from numerous Korean Restau- used and the at $9.50. The marinade. The thin meat was s e n g e r s plot climax, rants, they moved to Edison in fermentation Prices of food: rice, when I fi rst then cooked on a portable grill b e g i n s t o but instead October 1997. process. The - Naeng Myun (cold noodles), bit into it, was set on the table. The other house anger the it exhausts After being seated, I noticed one I had $9.50 noticeably dif- special for BBQ they suggested, crew of the t h e a u d i - there were only 16 booths, each was only one - Bul Go Gi (BBQ), $15.95 ferent from Chi- but I did not order, was the Kal variation out nese rice, due to Bi. The Kal Bi is not cooked on plane, who ence from able to accommodate a party of - Gbibim Bap, $9.50 grudgingly frame one six. Also, above every table is a of the three the fact that they a portable grill, but rather cooked a t t e m p t to the cred- gigantic vent, which clears the K e u m H o mix their rice in the charcoal grill that was built to find the its. Peter smoke created by the BBQ thatʼs Jung served. She also told me with sesame seeds and sesame into the table. girl. Sarsgaard, cooked right on the table. that the nine-part panchan was seed oil. I mixed the ingredients To top off the best of the hot usually eaten while eating the in a steaming clay pot before BBQ, the manager suggested D i r e c - h o w e v e r , Even before I ordered, I was Courtesy of cinecon.com entrée, not as an appetizer. So I digging in. It was a very delicious that I order the Naeng Myun tor Robert as Schwen- served a yellow-tinted tea, bo-ree cha,that tasted quite different noodles. This is the fi rst time Schwentke, relatively new tkeʼs innocuous undercover in my life that I ever had cold to Hollywood, feature-length air marshal with a hidden ill from the green tea I was used to drinking. The tea, made from noodles beef in cold beef broth. mystery, and fi lm direction intent, acts adeptly. corn and barley, left a warm and When I finished the main in general, has written a text- For a fi rst shot at a full- sweet taste in my mouth that was course, there were no real des- book Hollywood mystery. length feature, Schwentke has quite refreshing. serts, but they did offer a Korean Although by no means com- done well. His audience is After the tea, instead of the pre-packaged fruit drink called parable to, say Hitchcock, kept guessing, the acting is for pickled vegetables served at Vilac, which had the sweetness whose work he has been said the most part well directed, Chinese restaurants, they served of a peach but the aftertaste of to resemble, he is on that and the setting inside the air- panchan, which can differ from a pear. path. Schwentke adeptly ren- plane makes for a stylistic and restaurant to restaurant in size Overall, the staff was excel- ders convincing plot twists, aesthetically pleasing picture. and ingredients. lent and knowledgeable and developing characters and a His intriguing story and good At Keum Ho Jung, they serve willing to help. The service was fl owing story. use of the mystery medium a nine-part panchan, including quite fast, and the food was very His plot is implausible provides a satisfying, if not clams, watercress, two macker- good. Thanks to Keum-Ho Jung, my fi rst experiences with Korean at times. For example, the landmark work of cinema. els, acorn gelatin, strips of stewed Courtesy of villagephotos.com beef, bean sprouts, green salads Panchan, a Korean appetizer. food were great. THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS DECEMBER 16, 2005 5 Give Me Some Sugar, Dip Me in Nuts latter is condensed on one level interest in the treat, but over a Jazzy Fiona Apple Completes By RYAN MACGIBBON (VI) of taste, while the former spans much longer period of time. The Leading up to and through multiple levels. apple spreads a layered sense of Halloween and Thanksgiving, To illustrate, a person eat- sweetness to every point of the Another "Extraordinary" Album the autumnʼs brisk air and turn- ing mounds of candy bars will pallet receptive to the fine sensa- The rest of the songs on end up with a seriously good ing leaves bring about a sense of eventually lose interest in the dull tion of natural sugar. This leaves By ISAAC DAVIS (V) the album have the classic song. tradition and nostalgia. As we uniformity of each treat. Itʼs the the mouth pleasantly rather than Far from being another Apple piano accompaniment, The last song on the album rest in the soft com- violently stimu- light, airy, clone of the “feel- which is just enough to give is a waltzy, appropriately fort of past memories, lated. good” Norah Jones and the a strong melody and rhythm entitled “Waltz, Better than the apple tree stands We are stuck, in to the songs, yet not so much Fine,” a jovial tune that cel- resolute, hanging onto our society, in the like, Fiona Apple uses her bit- ing sense of cynical humor and as to overpower them. This is ebrates a little pointlessness in its fruit as the wind realm of processed embellished by the occasional life: “If you donʼt have a date, whips through barren sugar acceptance, smoky, jazzy voice to write songs that are, for lack of a marimba or flute; however, the celebrate/ go out and sit on the branches. It is for this the short-lived focus of the songs seems not lawn and do nothing/ If you reason that the apple land of constricted better word, extremely well- balanced. Not dominated by to be the instrumentation so donʼt have a point to makes is the traditional fruit taste. Because it much as it is Appleʼs sarcastic donʼt sweat it”. This song is of the fall. is not possible to loud or unnecessarily complex piano accompaniment, not too lyrics and singing. a perfect way to wrap up the However, to the instantly transport More often then not, her album. In fact itʼs one of the bitter disappointment heavy or depressing, and yet ourselves to the lyrics mock those sheʼs known most fitting last songs of any of my childhood, the not over-the-top bubbly and promised land of or loved. For example, she album Iʼve heard, and “Waltz,” apple is slipping away, ecstatic, Appleʼs songs have inherently textured sings, “Oh you silly stupid along with the eleven other only to be overtaken always had a certain air of taste, a bridge must pastime of mine” in “Parting songs on the album, make by the mass-produced be constructed to maturity over their contem- Gift,” and her clever, teas- “Extraordinary Machine” a treats of various candy bring together both poraries. ing lyrics are what really set very enjoyable experience for companies. The subtle sides. The caramel “Extraordinary Machine,” Apple apart from, say, Norah anyone into “smart” music. extravagance of the apple is a perfect her first new album in six Jones, or even Nellie McKay. sweetness of an apple blend of cured and years, combines her witty As a side note, this particular Appleʼs true claim to fame is no match for the natural sugar, an lyrics, soft piano chords, jaun- album includes a DVD with bold rush of sugar that enticing outside ty rhythm, and an unusual, is her outstanding ability to ten videos of Apple perform- any candy bar offers. Courtesy of antonsfruitranch.com introducing a natu- though not entirely out of combine wry lyrics and dart- ing live, making it a very nice Childrenʼs pallets no longer hold effect of a great pounding on one rally refined inside. place, string section to produce ing, energetic melody, yet still package for $18.99. a sense of fine taste, the result of pinpoint section of the pallet. Yet one must be careful in his a superb disc. too much artificial flavoring. The Yet, a person experienced in or her selection of an apple. Be- “Extraordinary Machineʼ”s main difference between natural the art of taste, who is forced to cause store-bought apples have a first track and namesake song and artificial sweetness is that the eat heaps of apples, will also lose vinegary taste of preserved death opens with plucked cello, when nearing the core, almost along with what sounds like a ruining the fragile flavor, a home- marimba, setting an appropri- made caramel apple is best for the ately “playful” mood for the Fall Play Addresses Ha- bridging experience. It begins rest of the album. When the with the first bite as your teeth fail bassoon, the gong, and Apple to penetrate the smooth caramel herself join in, the song begins tred; Students Love It and slide across it, scraping off to sound not unlike a Looney could be summarized in Poudre nuts along the way. The next bite Tunes soundtrack (which is By MELISSA LOEWINGER (V) Valley Hospital C.E.O. Rulon is a quick slash to break through. not a bad thing), and one can There is no mistaking the pow- Staceyʼs line: “I guess I didnʼt The crisp snap of an apple divot imagine an animated cat or er and profundity of a play when understand the magnitude with being lopped off is satisfying. dog sneaking about, clumsily the audience sits mesmerized which some people hate.” From there on, one indulges in stalking some animated prey. without opening a single crinkly Actor Michael Kreisbuch (VI) the perfect marriage of past and But donʼt let this fool you; the mint wrapper or coughing once agreed with Mr. Romano, saying, modern Halloween tastes, around liveliness of it all in no way de- in the course of three whole hours. “The main issue in the play is and around until the apple is bare. tracts from its musical quality. Or perhaps I did not notice any hatred. Itʼs not homosexuality, itʼs Caramel holds firmly to the teeth, In fact, the mood of the album such disturbances because I was not male or female, itʼs hatred at but a few final bites of apple seems to add to its refinement, not in the Macrae Theatre on Sat- the core.” Kreisbuch also believes eliminate this fault. The fruit and it is Appleʼs ability to write urday, November 19, watching the that this topic was of special of fall still reigns supreme and, a really good song that doesnʼt last of the three performances of importance to the school, saying, dipped in caramel, cradles eternal take itself too seriously that I the Tectonic Theater Projectʼs The “This is one of those things that tradition, a delectable experience find most enjoyable. Laramie Project. Instead I was in needs to be discussed. I think there of fulfilled autumn. Courtesy of amazon.com Laramie, Wyoming, experiencing is a lot of unseen hatred here at the most poignant moments of the Pingry, and we donʼt see it because aftermath of the murder of gay it is a suppressed society. Although 21-year-old Matthew Shepard the play may not have changed Shades of Grey on Sunday Nights seemingly first hand. people, it at least forced them to Director Mr. Al Romano said, think about things.” the only cast member nominated adds a boyish charm to the offbeat pletely fallen for a doctor, Derek “This was one of the strongest The expert set design, which By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV) for an Emmy, has been acclaimed character, and although he doesnʼt Shepard (Patrick Dempsey), nick- can be attributed to volunteer by CNN and TV Guide as “the get the ladies onscreen, heʼs the named Dr. McDreamy. The irony casts Iʻve ever had. This is partly “Operations. Relations. Com- because it was comprised of parent Jane Asch and a crew of staple of the cast.” one all the girls are rooting for is that the more Meredith tries to devoted students, also played a plications.” The tagline for last Izzie is the poor, small-town from their couches at home. keep her personal life a secret, students who have been study- springʼs surprise hit and this fallʼs ing drama here for two and three huge part in making the play as ef- girl, who paid for medical school Rounding out the sexy sur- the more everyone in the hospital fective as it was. The ever-present guilty pleasure, Greyʼs Anatomy, by modeling, and yet still struggles geons is Alex, the smooth-talking knows whatʼs going on. years.” He also said that a reason says it all. the play was so successful was be- fence where Matthew Sheppard But, as it turns out, died, the victim of a hate crime, The show, which Meredith isnʼt the only cause “the challenge is to make the received one Emmy audience believe in the reality of gave the whole play a sinister one with a secret. Since flavor appropriate to the subject and three Emmy nods, last springʼs shocker the characters. In order to do this, stars Ellen Pompeo as the actors must believe in their matter even when the mood of a revealing that Cristina scene was more light hearted and first-year surgical intern is pregnant with Burkeʼs characters. The cast did a great job Meredith Grey (hence with belief, and thatʼs what made comedic. baby (she has since had The slides that served as back- the showʼs name) along a miscarriage), it has this play so effective.” with fellow newbies The Laramie Project is a ground gave the atmosphere an come out that Shepard even more realistic aura. One of Cristina Yang (San- has an estranged wife, unique play in that all of the dra Oh), Izzie Stevens characters are real people and all the slides shown was a photograph Dr. Addison Sheppard of Matthew Sheppard before (Katherine Heigl), (Kate Walsh), who is of the lines they say were actually George OʼMalley (T.R. said. The Tectonic Theater Project he died. Actress Annie Hanson now vying for his love said of this photo, “It made me Knight) and Alex Karev again, Izzie and Alex developed this play by conduct- (Justin Chambers). ing over 200 interviews with the see the reality of the play. Itʼs so may have a thing for much more than a play. Itʼs sick, Students just yes- each other, and chief of citizens of Laramie during the terday, the five interns year and a half following Matthew sad, disgusting. Itʼs terrible. Yet it surgery Richard Web- gives you hope…while saddening now find themselves ber (James Pickens) Shepardʼs death. scrubbing in on surger- Mr. Romano said that the main you too.” may have once had a ies and running medical fling with Meredithʼs point the play tried to advance tests at Seattle Grace Courtesy of Series Online mom. As Cristina puts Hospital, the toughest it, “Oh those bad, saucy, surgical residency program west with her self-esteem. Although jerk, who masks his working-class naughty nurses.” of Harvard. Today they are doc- Heiglʼs scenes lack Pompeoʼs roots with sarcasm, jokes, and Greyʼs Anatomy, which has tors, and in a world where on-the- insightful monologues and Ohʼs ambition. Chambers has had little gotten rave reviews and reels in job training can be a matter of life witty remarks, she manages to previous acting experience but he between 15 and 20 million view- and death, they have to balance hold her own with girl-next-door still manages to bring a certain ers a week, focuses on young their work while juggling the ups beauty and some emotional inter- flavor to the screen by being that people struggling to be doctors and downs of their incredibly actions with patients. stereotypical guy who everyone and doctors struggling to stay hu- convoluted personal lives. George OʼMalley is the clas- loves to hate. man. Itʼs the drama and intensity Cristina is a wonderful contra- sic dork, warm but insecure, and In the midst of a tangled web of medical training mixed with diction. She starts out as a stickler always managing to do or say the of story lines, Meredithʼs medical the funny, sexy, painful lives of for the rules, but she winds up wrong thing at the wrong time. In ambition is overshadowed by two interns who are about to discover sleeping with a head surgeon, spite of his attempts at flirting, heʼs troubling secrets: her mother, a that neither medicine nor relation- Preston Burke (Isaiah Washing- treated as “just one of the girls,” noted pioneering surgeon, is strug- ships can be defined in black and ton), whose arrogance is second especially in the house he shares gling with Alzheimerʼs, and in white. Real life only comes in N. Lee (IV) with Meredith and Izzie. Knight addition to that pain she has com- Max Cooper (VI), Cori Hundt (V) and Liz Castle (V). only to his skill with a scalpel. Oh, shades of grey. 6 THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT DECEMBER 16, 2005 SPECIAL REPORT:

Psychologists Outline the How important is diversity of taste and History of Diversity at Pingry opinions in the students body? Dr. Richardson agreed that it works to prevent diversity.” By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV) there is no intentional racism or Mrs. Lionetti added that di- Student response Faculty response While the Recordʼs diversity stereotyping going on at Pingry. versity is especially important in poll revealed that many students “Discrimination here isnʼt overt; education because “We live in a think there is “almost enough” when it occurs it is usually the multicultural world. Most kids here diversity in the student body, result of an adolescentʼs myo- will go into some kind of occupa- school psychologists Dr. Michael pic view of the world (everyone tion where they will have to work Richardson and Mrs. Patricia should be like me),” he said. with people who are different than Lionetti said that diversity, though “Some Pingry kids say that they are. Everyone needs to be increasing, still has a long way to when they go back to their com- taught how to react and respond in go. They said that faculty diversity, munities, other kids laugh and those situations,” she said. in particular, needs improving. say, ʻYou go to a rich, fancy prep Dr. Richardson discussed a Both psychologists agreed that school,” and this is a type of re- different perspective. He explained the definition of diversity may vary verse discrimination. Some people that “to be an educated student is and that students here may have have a view of Pingry students that basically to learn to think. When a different view of diversity than is stereotypical of the kind of ob- you are exposed to other people, kids at other schools. Mrs. Lio- jectionable, wealthy, spoiled child you get more flexible and open- netti also noted, “When I started that is often depicted in movies. minded about accepting ideas that [working] here, hardly any type of The reality is most Pingry students are different from your own. That diversity existed. Weʼve certainly are a far cry from that and many of helps you gain new perspectives on come far.” their parents struggle to send them the world and everyone in it.” Dr. Richardson echoed this here,” he explained. He added that lack of diversity sentiment saying, “Back then, be- Mrs. Lionetti says that some is not just a problem at our school, How important is socioeconomic ing Italian or Jewish at Pingry was kids have a difficult time transi- but also in the greater United considered diversity. Most people tioning from the friends they have States. He explained that, “So diversity in the student body? were from similar socio-economic in their community to their Pingry many conflicts in America are backgrounds.” friends: “For some students, their still due to stereotypes. We are Student response Faculty Response They also agreed that Pingry world is at the other end of the not exposed enough to diverse may actually be more diverse than spectrum from Pingry. Itʼs like peoples, which is why people other area schools. “I think when living in two different worlds. form stereotypes in the first place. kids here think of diversity, they The hard part is, you sometimes Stereotyping comes from a fear of mostly think about race. Most may feel you donʼt really belong what you donʼt know.” public schools in this area donʼt in either one.” Mrs. Lionetti said that kids even have that much variety in race Mrs. Lionetti also described and faculty alike are realizing that or economic background. They a different perspective on why diversity is something that needs have some upper middle class mi- prejudices and cliques occur. “If to be talked about. “It is brought norities, but thatʼs not all diversity you look at it from an evolutionary up a lot within English, Foreign entails,” Dr. Richardson said. psychological perspective,” she Language and History classes, Both Dr. Richardson and Mrs. said, “people banded like-with-like which is where it is most appropri- Lionetti mentioned how important for thousands of years as a protec- ate. Students take the material that it is to realize that diversity is more tive mechanism, not just a social they are learning and help it come than just skin color. Dr. Richardson function. Cliques in schools may alive by discussing how itʼs still an added that people need to under- come from that and itʼs not even issue today. Itʼs helping kids real- stand how differently some people out of snobbish attitudes a lot of ize that the world would be such a live. He said, “If you think of the times either. The clique represents boring place if everyone was just three classes in American society safety, a form of survival, but sadly like you.” – lower, middle, and upper – most of the time those classes are very distinctly separated. Visiting the neighborhood of a different class Conard: Diversity of All Kinds Is Important can be like visiting a different communityʼs demographics is there was not enough racial of the Pingry community, the other ways for Pingry to in- country. The world that inner-city By ADAM GOLDSTEIN (VI) inadequate, because those sta- diversity in the faculty. easier it is to achieve the very crease the diversity of opinions, kids come from is just so differ- Headmaster Mr. Nat Conard, tistics canʼt measure the climate Mr. Conard said that he in- diversity that we seek.” according to Mr. Conard. ent.” in an interview with the Pingry of diversity—the respect, the tends to increase faculty diversi- One of the pragmatic limi- People hold a variety of Mrs. Lionetti also described Record, said he thinks that healthy interchange of ideas and ty, but said that, “while there are tations to economic diversity, opinions, some of which are how discrimination is sometimes both racial and socioeconomic experience.” a number of specific strategies however, is the cost of finan- “considered,” some of which formed unintentionally and not diversity are important, but that “My take on diversity is that we will be employing, one cial aid. Mr. Conard said that are “inherited,” and some of because of skin color. “Fitting in there are many others measures that youʼre not looking for of the greatest determinants of a “need-blind” admissions which are “unexamined” opin- has to do with more than just skin of a diverse student body. “Re- 500 people each of whom has our success will be the work we system, where Pingry would ions, he said. “The quality of color,” she explained. ligious diversity, cultural di- do as a community on the topic ignore the financial condition of thinking is closely related to the “Being able to dress the way versity, sexual orientation—the "Anyone who isn't wil- of diversity.” He anticipates prospective students, is a “noble diversity of opinion,” he said. that other kids do, being able to list is long,” he said, ticking ing to back up an opin- that a widespread commitment goal.” Still, Mr. Conard said, “a “Anyone who isnʼt willing do the same kinds of things they off a list of characteristics that to community diversity would great deal of thought and discus- to back up an opinion should do, buying new sports equipment could contribute to Pingryʼs ion should rethink it." make it easier for the school to sion would be needed” before rethink it,” he said. In addi- and going on Spain trips, those diversity. increase diversity even further. implementing such a policy, tion, to promote a diversity of are the things that help new kids At the same time, he said, - Nat Conard “There is a very real chicken since need-blind admissions opinions, “we should encourage fit in. If they canʼt afford to do “measuring diversity by sta- and egg dynamic when it comes “probably would be extremely the open discussion of opinions those things, that makes it more tistical descriptors of the the same skill set but is from to diversity,” he said. "The more expensive for Pingry.” within our classes—but always difficult,” she said. a different background. The evident it is to the outside world Still, short of a need-blind with the caveat that it be done in diversity we seek goes beyond that diversity is a core value admissions system, there are a respectful way,” he said. the visible; everyoneʼs experi- Minority Enrollement ence is enriched when people bring different perspectives,” How much racial diversity is there in the faculty? Grades K-12 he said. On the other hand, he said, increased diversity does not have to come at the expense of a meritocratic admissions pro- cess. There are many different kinds of merit—intellectual, athletic, and musical, for ex- ample—and all applicants must cross an academic threshold to even be considered for admis- sion, he said. “Nobody gets in based on just one thing,” he added, so a desire for diversity would never override the qualms of the admissions staff if they felt someone could not handle Pingryʼs classes. In general, though, Mr. Co- nard agreed with most respons- es to the Recordʼs diversity poll. Caucasian Black Asian Hispanic For example, he agreed with Students/Faculty most faculty and students that Students/Faculty Students/Faculty Students/Faculty THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT DECEMBER 16, 2005 THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT DECEMBER 16, 2005 7 DIVERSITY AT PINGRY POLLED STUDENTS, TEACHERS SAY DIVERSITY IS LACKING

Headmaster Conard Advocates Multi-faceted Approach to Diversity Student Responses Differ in Poll How much racial diversity is there in the student body? female respondents. Continued From Page 1 split between those who think there is “not enough” socio- Fourteen of the respon- economic diversity and those dents identified themselves as racial groups, and almost at least partially black, 25 as nonexistent among students, who think there is “almost enough.” at least partially Asian, nine faculty, and respondents of as at least partially Hispanic, different genders. The most disagreement occurs over assessments of and 193 as at least partially the presence of differing opin- white. DIFFERING ASESSMENTS ions at Pingry. Most faculty For counting purposes, “whites” included all who Beyond the amount of di- members say there is “not enough” difference of opin- were at least partially white, versity people think there “blacks” included all who should be at Pingry, there are ion in the student body, but a sizable plurality of stu- were at least partially black, large difference of opinion and so on. about how much diversity dents say there is “the perfect amount.” Asians, on average, Cumulative averages were there is at school. not weighted to reflect the The majority of blacks, come down between these two stances, saying there is prevalence of different minor- Hispanics, and faculty mem- ity groups in the actual student bers, say there is “not enough” “almost enough” difference of opinion in the student body. body, since the percentage of racial diversity in the student respondents of different racial body, while pluralities of On issues of differences of opinion within the faculty, groups was very close to the students, whites, and Asians percentage of those respon- say there is “almost enough.” there is also a large age dif- dents in the student body as Caucasian Black Asian Hispanic The majority of every group ference. A plurality of stu- a whole. Students/Faculty Students/Faculty Students/Faculty agree that there is not enough dents say there is a “perfect Students/Faculty faculty diversity. amount” of opinion diversity On assessments of socio- in the faculty, but a majority economic diversity, opinion is of faculty say there is “almost split. 95 percent of the faculty enough.” Diversity Has Increased Over the Last Decade say there is “not enough” so- cioeconomic diversity in the METHODOLOGY student body, but a plurality of The poll was distributed Say Admissions Officers Boisvert and Artis students says there is “almost by advisor group and admin- diverse neighborhoods. We picture of the Pingry commu- houses to increase awareness enough.” A plurality of whites istered by advisors. By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV) need ways for students from nity while identifying areas of our outreach programs and and Asians says there is not Overall, there were 234 re- Dr. Diana Artis, Assistant diverse communities that are that need improvement.” The to explain what it means to enough socioeconomic diver- sponses, including 20 faculty Director of Admissions and further away, to reach this schoolʼs focus on community “craft a class.” sity, but a plurality of blacks and 214 students. There were Coordinator of Multicultural school.” service is a major selling “We explain that diversity says there is almost enough. 129 male respondents and 105 Outreach, and Director of Pingryʼs Long Range Plan, point, she said. “Anybody is more than just different Hispanic opinion is evenly Admissions Sara Boisvert published in 2001, sets a who has the choice to at- ethnic backgrounds; diver- agree that diversity among guideline for the diversity tend Pingry is privileged, sity also includes talents and How important How important is socioeconomic students is increasing, but efforts in but we work perspectives,” Ms. Boisvert is racial diversity believe there is still room for admissions. hard to focus said. diversity among among faculty? improvement. T h e P l a n Diversity is more than on thinking Finally she noted that the faculty? School statistics show states: “The just different ethic of others, school tries to reflect the that enrollment of students School will which is also larger society because that Not Not backgrounds. is what kids will experi- Somewhat Very Somewhat Very of color has increased from m a i n t a i n important to at all at all 18 percent to 23 percent over recruiting, a lot of par- ence when they graduate. the past five years, Ms. Bois- admissions, ents.” “Experiencing a learning vert explained. She attributes and financial aid policies that The Honor Code and ethics environment as diverse as Students this increase to ever-expand- promote the ethnic, cultural, of the school in general are the real world is absolute,” ing outreach programs. Ms. and socioeconomic diversity also selling points, she add- she said. Boisvert also reports that of the student body.” ed. During open houses, Dr. As Dr. Artis put it, “Peo- an increase in financial aid When asked how they Artis discusses the schoolʼs pleʼs interest in this school Faculty availability (from $613,779 manage to advertise the commitment to diversity of is always grounded in the in 1990 to $1,895,417 this school realistically without all kinds, including religious, same thing: we all want a school year) has helped in painting a false picture, Dr. socioeconomic, racial and good education for our chil- the efforts to increase eco- Artis responded that she ethnic diversity. The Admis- dren. Diversity just makes Males nomic diversity. According works to present a realistic sion Office also uses open it better.” to Dr. Artis, outreach is mostly accomplished in one Number of Minority Students Enrolled on a Yearly Basis of four ways: word of mouth Females by current and past Pingry families, parent receptions, spreading positive aspects about the school at orga- Whites nizations such as Jack and Jill, and by visiting feeder schools.” One-on-one visits are Blacks key,” she elaborated. “Meet and greets at someoneʼs house where you get to chat with a person face-to-face Asians in a casual setting: that re- ally helps.” Additionally, a discussion of diversity initia- tives is a part of all applicant Hispanics interviews. Future plans to increase outreach include reviewing the transportation that is Average available to different com- munities. As Dr. Artis ex- Dots indicate the average response of a group to a poll plained, “Martinsville and question; lines indicate the range of responses. Short Hills are not very 8 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 16, 2005 Food, Fun and Foriegners at AFS Weekend "Secretly X" Secretly AFS coordinator Mrs. Kelly going to various high schools Somerset County has to offer, By CHANTAL BERMAN (VI) Jordan said, “This was by far in northern New Jersey, and including disco ice skating, On Friday, December 2, the nicest group of AFS stu- the Pingry AFS weekend gives pizza at Chimney Rock restau- Hacks Online Bboard dents weʼve ever had. They them a chance to experience rant, movies at the Bridgewa- the BBoard in 2004, the school has Pingry experienced a veritable By MAX HORLBECK (V) wave of diversity when 19 were anxious to share their even more of their host coun- ter Commons, and lunch at the had 324 registered users and 2869 foreign high school students, cultures with us, but at the try. While most of the students Savello residence in Warren. On Tuesday, October 18 the posted articles. from such disparate countries same time wanted to learn have been in New Jersey since The students got along schoolʼs online bulletin board was The software for the BBoard is as France, Thailand and New more about each host family this past August, some have well with their host families. hacked by an assailant known only provided free of charge by phpBB, Zealand, visited classes, clubs, and about Pingry.” been here much longer. “In “All the students were really as “Secret X.” The hacker manipu- a community of internet program- and sports with their Pingry All of the students are cur- New Zealand, because of the sweet,” said Katie Jennings lated the website bboard.pingry. mers who can read the source code counterparts. rently living with families and seasons, the school year runs (VI). The Jennings family org, along with many similar sites and make their own changes to it. from February until December, hosted Julia, a year-long AFS to display his or her own personal Mr. Vo said, “Open Source pro- so Iʼve been here since last student from Germany, two website. gramming is more secure because winter and Iʼll be going home years ago, and were eager to The Technology Department more eyes are looking at the code, very soon,” said a student from meet another foreign student. does not know how exactly the and it doesnʼt mean folks can dig New Zealand. “My AFS student, Camille, hack was carried out, but Depart- into the installed software.” AFS students stay with loved ice skating and sitting ment Head Mr. Quoc Vo was The phpBB software is very their host families over vaca- on the senior couches,” Katie relieved that there was no lasting popular among internet hosting tions and holidays, so they do continued. “She also liked damage. Mr. Vo said, “It wasnʼt circles, but does contain some not see their families or home visiting the Record office. She a bad hack. The hacker just re- vulnerabilities. Since the hacking, countries for their entire term said that Pingry was more like directed the front page, so no the department has upgraded to abroad. “I do miss my family,” her school in France than her data was compromised.” Mr. Vo the latest version of the software, said Leslie Del Re of Paris, current school, Morristown added that this attack was by no which incorporates security mea- France, “But Iʼm having a High School.” means targeted; many other sites sures to protect against hackers good time in America. I like “All in all,” Mrs. Jordan implementing the same Bboard like “Secret X”. my host family and my school said, “It was an excellent operating software were hacked However, both this incident and I talk to my brother and weekend. Pingry has been by the same culprit. and the crippling network crash a sister often on the phone.” involved with AFS for more The BBoard is an online fo- few weeks ago, have raised ques- Over the course of their than 40 years, and this kind rum where teachers and students tions about the security of Pingry three-day weekend, the AFS of experience for both foreign can post information and hold technology in general. Courtesay of Mrs. Jordan students and their hosts expe- students and hosts is exactly Mr. Vo notes, “We bolt every- Tai DiMaio (VI) enjoys pizza with AFS students. discussions pertinent to academic rienced the best food and fun what the program is about.” classes. Since the introduction of thing down very well,” meaning that the department works hard to protect the school network. How- ever, he adds, third-party software Students Pick Losing Side in Gubernatorial Election is more vulnerable, despite the SECURITY TO BE departmentʼs frequent software Pingry Students Pingry Faculty New Jersey updates. Despite the occasional large- HEIGHTENED scale failure, however, Mr. Vo believes that for the most part the technology problems stem from School Projecors, internal abuse. He encourages Computers Under students to be more respectful of school technology, saying “Paper Surveillance waste through school printers by students, broken laptops in the library by students, broken Continued From Page 1 machines in the computer lab by students and the blatant disregard the police, so this is a rare and for computer lab rule such as no unfortunate experience for our eating/drinking and game play- school.” ing… are just some of the things English teacher Mr. Tom that we in technology struggle Keating, whose laptop and with everyday...let alone keep a boxes of Power Bars were sto- look out for hackers.” len, explained that the last time there was a string of thefts, se- curity officers patrolled outside of the school in order to catch the thieves. “It turned out that Students Find Motivational Speaker Intoxicating the culprits were throwing the Mr. Creagh then eased or alcohol and the effect who will be at parties their the room just went ʻOh!ʼ equipment out of the windows, By HALLIE BIANCO (IV) But then he explained, ʻAll and then going around to the in- into the topic of drugs and that they have on people children are attending, and Usually, students do not alcohol by telling more and families. “Over 75 per- teaching their children to I know about you is your ner yard to collect it,” he said. name, where you live, where Many teachers have also respond much to assemblies stories, this time about real cent of our students,” Mrs. socialize without drugs and you work, and what kind been affected by the stealing. about drugs and alcohol, kids who have been affected Hearst said, “were standing. alcohol. Mrs. Isabel Roach, a seventh but this was not the case by drugs and alcohol. “He You could have heard a pin Mrs. Hearst said that one of car you drive. I havenʼt grade English teacher, had a when Mr. Milton Creagh told stories instead of just drop. It was quietly emo- of the points she recalls from asked the right questions. I case of Sharpie markers stolen addressed high school and listing facts,” said middle tional. It was freeing. We the parentʼs presentation donʼt know if you run your from her desk. Hoping to de- middle school students on school student Schuyler were no longer hiding; we that night was when “Mr. house as a parent the way ter further thefts, Mrs. Roach Thursday, October 20. In- Bianco (I). were raw with honesty.” Creagh had a father stand. that I run my house.ʼ” locked her desk and hid the key, stead, the audience was The closing, titled “The That evening, Mr. Creagh He said to him ʻWhatʼs Mr. Creaghʼs presentation only to have the key found and completely engaged, lis- Mask,” stunned the most gave a similar presentation your name? Where do you of the information and facts her desk vandalized once more. tening and participating people. His instructions to the parents during which work? Where do you live? clearly had an effect on the “The recent thefts have created throughout the assembly. were simple: “When some- he stressed the importance What kind of car do you school. “After the assem- an uncomfortable feeling,” she “He definitely got the point thing I ask applies to you, of parents discussing these drive?ʼ and then he said, bly, the whole school was said. “Itʼs especially difficult across,” Ije Eboh (IV) said. stand, and remain standing.” issues with their children, ʻMy daughter canʼt go over really solemn. It was silent for me because Pingry is like He then asked five simple knowing their childrenʼs to your house.ʼ I think at at lunch,” Ije Eboh (IV) home away from home and we Mr. Creagh, who is de- scribed on his web-site as questions relating to drugs friends, calling the parents that moment everyone in said, “He really provoked pride ourselves on providing an discussion and promoted environment that puts a great “the motivational speaker who talks to more American awareness,” Eliza Adams deal of trust in everyone. Un- (IV) added. Many students fortunately, I have been forced high school students per agreed that it was one of to clear my desk every night year than anyone,” did not and lock everything up before I jump directly into a lecture, the most interesting and leave the building. Itʼs an eerie but began with his own per- powerful assemblies they feeling knowing that someone sonal stories. had seen. has gone through my things.” “I knew right away that The next day all advisor Having lost several projec- the kids were going to re- groups met jointly with one tors, the Math Department is spond,” Mr. Leef said, “be- or two other advisor groups also concerned about the steal- cause he just had such cha- and discussed the assem- ing. Mr. Emanuel Tramontana, risma and energy on stage bly. Discussions ranged Chair of the Math Department, from the beginning.” from shock at the extreme said, “As in the past, the inva- Talking about his child- statistics Mr. Creagh gave sion of our school community hood, family and college life to questioning school inter- affects everyoneʼs sense of our vention in drug and alcohol security and comfort. These rob- got the audience interested quickly. The audience lis- related issues to discussing beries are far more detrimental Mr. Creaghʼs method of de- to our school than the actual loss tened and even laughed as Mr. Creagh limped across livering his information. of our equipment. The Math “Every student had an department has had two projec- the stage doing the “cool opinion to share” Cori Hun- tors stolen, and since that time walk.” Chris DeMeo (IV) weʼve been taking measures to said, “Mr. Creagh really hit dt (V) said, “ and teachers J.Louie (IV) related what heʼd said to real save the rest. It is a shame that home. He was very moti- Students under the influence of Milton Creagh. we have to do that.” vated about his topic.” people they knew.” THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 16, 2005 THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT COMMENTARY DECEMBER 16, 2005 9 Diversity Should Be an Eye- Views of a European-American The school community Sam Adriance (V) diversity in our school, to we are all members of is, SCHOOL OPINION the point that I think a lot of Opening Experience undoubtedly, less racially us (including me, at times) diverse than it could be. To with saying more offensive start to feel guilty that weʼre In general, our school has Josh Freedman (V) politically correct surface, what degree this is a product things about white people rich and white and that there an unparalleled amount of re- SCHOOL OPINION nobody will feel safe openly discussing his or her views of some flaw in school policy than about any other racial arenʼt many blacks at Pingry. spect and sensitivity for oth- or simply a lack of racial We hate thinking that there is and experiences, also known and opinions. We should not group, perhaps justifiably: the ersʼ feelings. These qualities, diversity in the area imme- any racism inside us and to as a diverse group. A diverse condemn ideas because they indescribably cruel and racist although admirable, hinder diately surrounding Pingry prove that we arenʼt racist, groupʼs range of perspectives approach a sensitive subject; acts that have been commit- our ability to move forward is debatable. But regardless we become overly sensitive leads to differences of opin- instead, we should explore as a community and become of its causes, it certainly af- ourselves about racial issues. ions, more discussions, and, them further and delve deeper A lot of the fear sur- an open forum for everyoneʼs fects how we approach racial This only serves to deepen in the end, better experiences into their significance. ideas. issues. rounding the issue racial divides because we for all involved. An example of hyper- In my view, we are very The relative homogeneity start to treat minorities as A person without access to sensitivity comes from last stems from the lack of hesitant to approach taboo of places like Pingry tends to something other than simply a diverse group and thought- yearʼs Broken Wreckord, the issues in our community make these issues especially diversity in our school. people, which is the defini- provoking discussions will be schoolʼs humor and satire because we are afraid that sensitive and make people tion of racism. what we say will be offensive ignorant of opposing views, newspaper. An article sa- very hesitant to say or do any- ted by whites in our countryʼs This is where “African- to someone. This political and this ignorance is the first tirically attacked the schoolʼs thing that might be construed history are not forgotten eas- American” comes from. The correctness would be fine if step towards intolerance. The lack of diversity, and was met as racist in any way. ily, nor should they be. phrase screams at the listener our goal in and outside of best way to rid our society with substantial backlash as Take, for example, the term For instance, I can imagine (and probably the speaker the classroom were only to being “offensive,” largely due “African-American.” It seems Max Cooper getting plenty of too), “I swear, I swear, I swear deal superficially with the to its candid manner in deal- Our school has an to me that calling someone an laughs for making fun of “old that Iʼm not a racist, please issues facing the world. The ing with race at the school. “African-American” is more white guys” at an SAC as- believe me.” But as long best way to learn, however, unparalleled amount The point of the article, racist than calling someone sembly, and a deathly silence as we consider whites to be is to delve deeply into a sub- dealing with the small amount of respect and sensi- black. Iʼm white; people following a similar joke about fundamentally different than ject and explore all possible of diversity at the school, has donʼt call me a “European- black people. blacks, however implicitly, angles of it. considerable merit: eighty tivity for others' American.” Instead, they In our specific case, I think all we are saying is, “I think One important issue, which percent of the respondents in call me white. So why is the a lot of the fear of the whole of you as a black person first, is taboo at our school, is race. feelings. the current Record Diversity poll said that there was “not most acceptable and suppos- issue stems from the lack of and a person second.” In order to have a detailed, edly respectful thing to call of discrimination and preju- enough” or “almost enough” thought-provoking discus- someone of African descent diced behavior is to become racial diversity. sion about an issue that in- a phrase that describes not knowledgeable about othersʼ In the future, maybe we No Affirmation for volves race, everyone must skin color, (as it is for a white cultures and ideas. should step back and think be willing to speak his or person), but a description of The reasons outlined about what an article is re- her mind and listen to other descent? above illustrate why diver- ally trying to say, rather Affirmative Action opinions. When we hesitate The issue is not, of course, sity, whether based on race, than immediately labeling it N o n - d i s - maining within or try to skirt around the sub- that one criterion is better Katie Jennings (VI) gender or socioeconomic offensive. In the classroom, crimination the confines of ject, everyone gets hurt. We than another. Instead, by CULTURAL OPINION status, is so important in instead of rejecting any com- laws were first the law? In my miss important discussions making it more acceptable our school. We want to hear ment without any thought, instituted in the opinion, the that could open our minds to call a white person by one different ideas coming from we should discuss the ideas 1960ʼs through Lyndon John- current racially based affir- and enlighten us to different criterion and a black person students and faculty of dif- to enrich all who are present. sonʼs Executive Order 11246, mative action programs should views and perspectives, but by another, we acknowledge ferent backgrounds. Outside of the classroom, in which prohibited discrimina- be phased out over a period instead we prefer to be silent something inherently differ- In addition to being open all of our lives, we should be tion “against any employee or of fifteen to twenty years, and because we are afraid of be- ent about the two races. to all opinions, we need to less judgmental about taboo applicant for employment be- replaced with socioeconomic ing offensive. This issue also comes in be less hypersensitive. If we issues, as open-mindedness cause of race, color, religion, programs. Socioeconomic Different perspectives many other forms. Take com- take offense immediately to will lead to a better Pingry sex or national origin.” diversity would, by design, come from different people edy, where one can get away with dissimilar backgrounds every issue that breaks the for everyone. The order was in response facilitate ethnic diversity, to both the Civil Rights and because poverty does not tar- Womenʼs Rights Movements, get specific ethnicities and is and the long-standing preju- nondiscriminatory. Blinded by the White dice against ethnic minorities When colleges are search- and females. Eventually, ing for “diversity,” they be- If thereʼs one thing the stu- this out in the Catherine Chong (V) a “twinkie: yel- sometimes the only avenues non-discrimination policies come too pre-occupied with dent body carps on year after subsequent is- low on the out- through which minority stu- evolved into affirmative ac- the semantics of “ethnicity,” SCHOOL OPINION dents or poor students can year, itʼs diversity or the lack sues because I side, white on tion programs which were when in reality, they should thereof. Looking out into the felt that I was the inside” be- receive a top-notch education. seen as a way be searching audience during all-school as- being too fastidious with the cause I go to a private school, Only by giving equal oppor- to level the for “diversity semblies, Pingryʼs monotone semantics, but it bothered me live in a predominantly white tunities to children during the The current race- community is all too evident. nonetheless. neighborhood, and speak only earliest years of their lives playing field of lifestyle.” Even though every year there I know that Mr. Neiswender mediocre Korean. Here, how- can society ever reach true in Americaʼs based affirmative ac- For example, is a great deal of arm-flailing did not intentionally try to ever, I am “very aZn” because colorblindness. white male- if a college about this issue, little im- mislead the school and that I am not athletic, play the vio- I know that this is an almost d o m i n a t e d tions programs should were to ac- provement is visible. he tried his best to recruit mi- lin, and freak out too often. unfathomable dream, but at society by be phased out. cept five stu- During the spring of my nority faculty, but I had done My shortcomings aside, least, as always, Pingry can giving pref- dents from freshman year, I wrote an nothing to point out the error I think there exists an un- make a little dent in the world. erence to mi- t h e s a m e article about faculty diver- and neither had he. derlying problem that the As a wealthy and prestigious norities and women, some- elite, private school, who sity. Mr. Neiswender gave The school has seen some administration and the admis- school, we have the means to times by relaxing standards. each identify themselves with me an erroneous statistic; he changes since then: Mr. Neis- sions department have yet to recruit and admit more minor- The initial intention of af- one specific ethnic group had told me that 12% of the wender is gone, Mr. Quoc Vo figure out: how to get Pingry ity students and give them firmative action was com- of the following— Cauca- schoolʼs administration was is a part of the administrative diverse. the best education around. mendable, as it sought to sian, African American, Asian of color. When the paper was team as Head of the Technol- Maybe there arenʼt that Non-minority students also decrease stereotypes and in- American, Pacific Islander, circulated around the school, ogy Department, and Mr. many interested students of reap the benefits of having crease diversity, thereby help- and Mexican American — the friends and classmates of all two faculty members alerted Conardʼs era has begun. How- color, or maybe the students ing those who previously had “diversity” of the college me that there were, in fact, no ever, there still has not been a that would be interested in the different racial and socioeco- faced rigid barriers to entry would seemingly be increased. administrators of color. Ms. major change in the schoolʼs school do not know about our nomic backgrounds. Minority Chatterji, the middle school demographics. The school is school. If that is the case, it is students, therefore, would not and advancement. Over the However, aside from their dean, had been included in Mr. still very upper-middle class our job to reach out to those need to isolate themselves or years, however, as affirma- various cultural differences, Neiswenderʼs statistic even and very white. would-be Pingry students. completely separate them- tive actions programs became the students would have strik- though she was not a part of Even as an Asian-American, I believe that affirmative selves from their cultural more common, they were not ingly similar lifestyles and the administrative team that I am not “Asian” enough out- action and recruitment pro- identities. the panacea originally envi- experiences. met in the Board Room every side of our Pingry microcosm. grams, like NJ SEEDS, are That way, I wouldnʼt have sioned. As this example suggests, Monday morning. My outside-of-school Asian essential in private school to be “aZn” or a “twinkie” but Such programs faced charg- an increase in ethnicity would I had neglected to point friends platonically label me admissions because those are just plain old me. es of reverse discrimination not necessarily result in an when better-qualified white increase of diversity. males were excluded by quo- “Diversity” is a relative tas. In the 1978 case, Bakke term, because regardless of Word in the Hall: Is the School Doing v. California, the Supreme their ethnicities, the experi- Court ruled ethnic quotas ences of the five students unconstitutional in the college are similar. Actual diversity Enough to Promote Diversity? admission process of public would be accepting one poor universities. student from rural Missouri, TIM NARATIL (III) In the resulting backlash, one rich student from urban GREG SELOVER (VI) many questioned the creden- New York City, one middle "We could always tials of those affirmative action class student from suburban "True diversity is in use a more diverse candidates who did not have to New Jersey, etc. meet the same entry standards, Ethnicity is simply a label thought; no statistic population, but but were simply offered entry describing certain ancestral can support that." diversity should not because of their status. and cultural traditions, where- So what is the best standard as social and economic status be forced." to increase diversity while re- determines a lifestyle. 10 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 16, 2005 Powder Puff Football Game Kicks Off in Spite Senior Models Hit the of Weather Conditions and Lack of Fans Runway for Benefit er, turnout at the game was Gabe Fernando, Zac Flow- ball, the juniors gave a turn- By CORI HUNDT (V) small with about 20 seniors erman and Ross Millard led over that senior Amy Birken- By OLIVIA DELIA (IV) The Powder Puff football and nine juniors playing. the junior team. stock recovered and ran, This yearʼs fashion show, a looked fabulous—and I loved game between the junior and Coaches Morgan Griff, Nick The event started off with eventually scoring a touch- segment of the PSPA-hosted fall every minute of it. The dress code senior girls took place from Molé, Drew Gatewood, Nick warm-ups at three. The game down. The game ended after benefit “Journey Through the was not on my mind.” Ming Dynasty,” exhibited the 3-4 p.m. on November 22, Kasten and Andrew Gunther got started at 3:20 and went one possession each, but What a Girl Wants and Gito led the senior team, and until about 3:45, at which not before having a group fashions of the season on the most Boutique provided the girlsʼ the day before Thanksgiv- fashionable of models—Pingry coaches Julian Quintanilla, time the activities were of unidentified “streakers” clothes for the show; the boysʼ ing break. It was a charity seniors. Held at the Birchwood clothes came from Brooks Broth- interrupt the game for a five event to help raise money Manor on November 2, the fash- ers and Cozy Tuxedo. According for FOP and was organized minutes by catching an in- ion show lasted a half hour, but to Jen Hetrick (VI), “Everyone by Community Service Di- terception of their own and took much lon- got awesome rector Mrs. Shelley Hartz, running away with the ball. ger to organize. hair-dos and seniors Jen Hetrick, Lena At the culmination of the Senior mother professionally Young and Sarah Oberren- football portion, seniors had Robin Hetrick, applied make- der, and juniors Hope Scott one touchdown without the a member of the up... even the and Caroline Kwon. chance for a kick to score an Pingry School boys.” Players bought $20 long extra point, and the juniors Parents Asso- The senior sleeve t-shirts with a nick- were scoreless. ciation (PSPA), response to the name and number on the Once inside, a fierce and professional show was ex- back to wear as jerseys dodge ball match ensued. fashion show tremely posi- during the game. About The girls played three games, coordinator Car- tive, and many 120 shirts were ordered, the first of which went to the ole Washington were excited spent nearly a not including the spectator seniors as the juniors were about the dif- largely outnumbered 20 to year planning ferent styles shirts that anyone can still and coordinat- 9. The second game also they were able buy for $5. ing the event. to model; out- N. Lee (IV) went to the seniors, with Due to inclement weath- Seniors rushing against juniors in the Powderpuff game. “Working fits ranged from an intense final moment with the seniors oriental fash- moved inside due to 40-de- as ten seniors faced a lone was fun,” said ions to the typi- gree temperatures, wind and junior, Sarah Levinn. For Mrs. Hetrick. cal “preppy” Fit into Your Stockings rain. The game continued in the final dodge ball game, “The night was look. Caitlin the form of dodge ball in the some seniors were traded to a great suc- Courtesy of J. Hetrick (VI) Jennings (VI) Hyde and Watson gym. the junior side and some of cess.” Kristen Maletsky (VI) gets her raved that “ev- This Holiday Season At the start of the football the coaches were allowed to Wi t h t h e hair styled before the show. eryone looked portion, Headmaster Nat join as well. With the help, participation of a m a z i n g — I By MICHELLE YUAN (V) Conard led the coin toss, and juniors finally prevailed in 36 members of the senior class would tell any underclassman to and several professional mod- do it when theyʼre a senior.” When the holidays come be tempted. the seniors gained the first the last match. els, the fashion show attracted “It was so fun to be treated like around the corner, people look 6. When someone offers possession. With referees Overall, according to se- Upper School Director Jon nior organizer, Jen Hetrick, the largest audience in PSPA a model,” said fellow participant, forward to one thing: food. you a piece of food, just history—approximately four Leef and Athletic Director “the event was a success. It Caroline Holt (VI). “The best And after the holidays are say no. Psychologist Edward hundred people. part was definitely ʻworkingʼ the over, it is easy to find yourself Abramson from Shape Maga- Gerry Vanasse, the seniors probably would have been better if it had not rained, In the audience were Mrs. runway.” in a depressing situation, feel- zine says “Recognize that had a scoreless first posses- Hearst, Mr. Conard, and Ms. but we achieved the main Overall, the fashion show ing frustrated and stressed out what you put in your mouth sion and the ball was turned Chatterji. According to Mrs. proved to be a hit among both goal of raising money for because of the gained weight. is your business and nobody over to the juniors. Hearst, “The music was great, the models and audience members During the holidays, there are elseʼs. The critical thing is to Unprepared to snap the FOP.” kids had a fun time—everyone alike. ten essential strategies that get your own thinking straight you need to remember in order so that you know whatʼs right to prevent weight gain. Fol- for you.” low these strategies to avoid 7. Make sure that when Waksman Student Scholars Program gaining any weight and to you get your foods, there is a stay mentally and physically balance of protein, carbohy- healthy: drates, and fat. A fun way to Provides Yearlong Biotech Opportunities 1. Before the holidays check this is shown in number had isolated more than 100 identified and isolated by year in which a large team even start, maintain your eight. By EVAN ROSENMAN (IV) samples of cloned Artemia Agarwal, Dimassimo, and has been able to meet on own weight and try not to shed 8. When you get your plate franciscana (sea monkey) Mrs. OʼMara using tools a regular basis, the Pingry pounds. Tell yourself that this full of food, do the “rain- For students interested DNA. available at Rutgers. Science Department had holiday, you will try to watch bow check.” Make sure there in doing hands-on work Sea monkeys are a species The next step in the pro- expressed interest in the pro- out for your own weight. is a little of every color on in the field of biology, the of interest because they are cess is to discover the length gram several years ago. Mr. 2. One way to beat the fat is your plate. (i.e. carrots, string Waksman Student Scholars able to enter a state of hiber- of the Artemia DNA inserts; Maxwell took the reins last to choose your pleasure. Kelly beans, mashed potatoes, etc. Program has provided an ex- nation in a hostile environ- for this task, Wyatt and year after current seniors Brownwell, Ph.D. from Shape make up a colorful combina- citing research opportunity. ment. Due to this quality and Rosenman were recruited Bard Ricciardi and Stephan Magazine, advises to “Make tion.) The project, which is spon- others, the teamʼs research is at the beginning of the year. Cizmar attended the 2004 every calorie count! Have the 9. According to the USDA: sored by Mrs. OʼMara, cur- “very promising and could Bobby and Melissa later Rutgers summer session. once-a-year Center for rently involves six students: aid in discovering novel joined the team. With the aid of Max Horl- pleasures.” Public Inter- Evan Rosenman (IV), Parul things dealing with humans Using chemicals to cut beck (V), the team man- People tend est, “it takes Agarwal (IV), Jack DiMas- aged to identify about forty to “pig out”; 20 minutes simo (IV), Wyatt Komarin inserts and submit a small instead, try to for your brain (IV), Melissa Loewinger (V) number to Rutgers. Mr. eat the foods to send the and Bobby Blatt (IV). Maxwell was thoroughly that you want signal that Agarwal and DiMassimo impressed by the program, to enjoy all at youʼve had have been involved since calling it “really excellent” once instead e n o u g h t o late last year, and spent the and lauding how it “gets kids of picking up eat. This also month of July commuting into true research.” “To be random deli- means that to Rutgers University with able to say ʻI published this cacies here you may not Mrs. OʼMara. The forty stu- sequenceʼ is really excit- and there. need a sec- dents from roughly twenty ing,” he said. With the aid 3 . M o s t ond helping New Jersey schools who of more efficient research people think most of the participated in the summer tools, this yearʼs team hopes that the way time. Your program were thrust into to improve upon last yearʼs t o a v o i d brain hasnʼt an experience of learning success. weight gain got the mes- by doing. is by eating Courtesy of MSNBC.com sage that you Although the team faces “In the mornings we at- a significant extracurricu- less fat. This had enough Courtesy of E. Rosenman IV) tended lectures by Dr. Wil- lar commitment over the is the most common mistake. yet due to the 20 minute lag liam Sofer on the analysis Sophomore members of Pingry's WSSP Team. Everyone should eat a moder- coming year — as many time in communications!” So program and things you as well,” said Agarwal. and copy DNA segments, ate amount of fat to prevent after your first course, slow conference periods, frees, need to know about research Rutgers professor Dr. the team has been able to overeating carbohydrates and down and wait for your brain and evenings will be spent in general,” said Agarwal. Martin Nemeroff used sev- separate inserts of differ- to satisfy the appetite. to catch up. at Rutgers lectures or in Mrs. Dr. Sofer is Professor of eral reactions to collect a ent length by running them 4. When you eat something, 10. Always remember that OʼMaraʼs room with pipette Genetics and WSSP course large sample of Artemia through a gel. Those that in hand — they are very ex- sit down and really eat it. Take just because youʼve worked director. “Then we went to a couple of minutes to eat it DNA. Using a complex contain large inserts can then cited to participate in such out doesnʼt mean that you can the lab and learned how to and really savor the flavor in eat everything. Even after a method, he inserted different be sent out to a lab to have an extraordinary program. do mini-preps, digests, PCR, your mouth. Donʼt stand over long workout, you shouldnʼt samples of this DNA into the their DNA sequenced (with As Mrs. OʼMara said, plate bacteria, pour [electro- foods and do taste tests. gulp everything down. Be nuclei of bacteria and grew GE Healthcare generously “There are very few op- phoresis] gels, and take [gel] 5. Raid your refrigerator reasonable. colonies of these bacteria sponsoring this research), portunities that high school pictures.” and throw out foods that get Follow these ten simple on an agar plate. Colonies enabling the DNA to be students have to actually you tempted to eat more. You strategies, and youʼre sure to By the end of the program, which had successfully ab- compared with that of other contribute to real science, may want to let other people have a delicious yet healthy Pingryʼs student represen- sorbed sea monkey DNA organisms, and archived. and this program is the best toss them for you so you won't holiday break. tatives and Mrs. OʼMara turned white and thus were Though this is the first one I have ever seen.” THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 16, 2005 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 16, 2005 11 Ex-Iraq Soldier Gives Perspective Costumes, Community, Comedy left Iraq at the end of December given so that our country can stay system and stuffed envelopes By CATHERINE CHONG (V) 2004 and was released from active free. Go to your townʼs cemetery challenged children in hopes By BEN MACKOFF (V) with letters asking for dona- duty in January 2005. and notice all the little American of lightening their day with a As a soldier on active duty tions. After finishing his presenta- flags, and then youʼll know what This year, Rufus Gunther few hours of needed enjoyment during the current Iraq War, Jason The Junior class went to tion, Hartley opened the floor Veteranʼs Day really means,” Day occurred on October 28. and humor.” Christopher Hartley kept a con- Sandy Hook where they par- to questions from students and Mr. Nazario said. Usually, Rufus Gunther Day The senior class was split to troversial online weblog in order ticipated in an environmental teachers. Queries ranged from Mr. Other teachers believed that entails a comedic assembly complete two projects. Some to record his experiences, experi- improvement project that en- Hartleyʼs battlefield experiences there was validity in Mr. Hartleyʼs run by the S.A.C (Student seniors went to the Veterans ences he would later share with the tailed garbage pickup and dune to his assessment of the Iraq War speech, such as Mr. Raby, who Activities Club) and various Hospital in Lyons, where they Pingry school during an assembly grass planting. The Middle thus far. also had a differing opinion on the community service projects. spent the afternoon with elder- this past Veteranʼs Day. Hartleyʼs School and some students from November 11 presentation and the Hartleyʼs assembly was orga- purpose of Veteranʼs Day. “I see This yearʼs assembly fol- ly citizens.. The other group of Q&A follow-up stirred contro- nized, like each yearʼs Veteranʼs Veteranʼs Day, not as a celebration lowed the same seniors went versy in the community, inciting Day Assembly, by history teacher of veterans, but rather a reflection format as last to Loantaka debate among students, teachers, Mrs. Madeline Landau. While on the wars that have occurred,” yearʼs, which is Park, where and administrators. watching CNN one day, Mrs. he said. based on a Sat- they partici- Mr. Hartley joined the Army Landau heard a sound byte about While Mr. Conard believed urday Night Live pated in “In- National Guard in Utah at age 17, Hartleyʼs book and immediately that Mr. Hartley had made some mock news report vasive Plant when he was expelled from high read the book and contacted his unfair generalizations, he did not called Weekend Removal.” school for creating an underground publicist. think Mr. Hartley had tried to be Update. "Pingry Jen Hetrick newspaper. He would later go on About the assembly, Mrs. overly political about the issues Update” was (VI) noted to earn his Bachelorʼs degree, and Landau commented, “I thought at hand. “Some of the comments hosted by Max “the project several years later, after graduating that he gave a fair perspective of he made were unfortunate. The Cooper (VI) and wasnʼt very from college and moving to New his experiences in the war, and first thing that comes to mind was Jeremy Teicher fulfilling” be- York City, he was assigned to the he gave an intelligent speech. when he told the audience that (VI). cause she felt New York Army National Guard Obviously, during the questions, people joined the army because The highlight like she “was based in Manhattan. political questions came up and they liked killing people. That of the assembly doing a lot In 2001, he was activated on in his responses, he couldnʼt lie must have been very disturbing was, as always, of nothing.” September 11 and helped in the about his own views.” to the students and faculty who the parade of The project clean-up and security at Ground Other faculty members, how- knew anybody in the army, but costumes by the i n v o l v e d Zero. Thirteen years after joining ever, expressed concern about the he did not entirely condemn the student body and J. Louie (IV) r e m o v i n g the National Guard, he was called content of the assembly. On the army. When Michael Kreisbuch faculty. Some fa- Jeremy Teicher (VI) and Max Cooper (VI) onstage on Rufus thorny multi- to active duty to fight in the current Monday morning after Veteransʼ (VI) asked if they were well sup- vorites included Gunther Day. flora rose Iraq War. Day, Headmaster Mr. Nat Conard plied, Mr. Hartley said that though “Ron Burgundy” by Bard Ric- the lower campus helped with bushes from the park, which Hartley arrived in Iraq in Feb- allowed Mrs. Hoffman, Mr. Ma- they were not well supplied in the ciardi (VI); “Some of the Many the cleanup project. Hetrick described “as about as ruary 2004 and was stationed in gadini, Mr. Nazario, and Mr. Leef beginning, they were in the end,” Faces of Mike Bayersdorfer” On a smaller scale, Mr. much fun as it sounds.” Ad Dujayl, a town notorious for to share their opinions about what Mr. Conard explained. by Craig Ramirez (V), Peter Conardʼs advisee group re- Overall, this yearʼs Rufus Saddam Husseinʼs massacre in Veteranʼs Day meant to them. About the short speeches on Cipriano (VI), and Anthony mained in school and worked Gunther Day was easily a 1982. During his year of active Mr. Nazariosʼs speech, in par- Monday morning, Mrs. Landau Feenick (VI); and “What You for the Bridges organization. success. Ted Moller (V) com- service he created a weblog to ticular, prompted a long applause commmented, “I was disap- Donʼt See In the Produce Isle” Mr. Leefʼs advisee group also mented, “The combination of record his experiences, but eventu- and standing ovation. pointed that some people were by Michael “Boosh” Kreis- remained in school to create community service and the ally his commander ordered him “What Mr. Hartley said was offended by Jason Hartley because buch. (VI). mailings for the FOP organiza- assembly make the day fun and to take it down. When he refused, fine, but at a different time and at I saw his recent experience as a Interesting movie segments tion. A group of Form V Drama important at the same time.” he was demoted from Sergeant a different celebration. Veteranʼs veteran as being a point of view included “Celebrity Look- students went to ECLC in Cha- Moller summed up the day by and prohibited from fighting. He Day is a day to celebrate the lives we need to understand and honor Alikes,” in which pictures tham where, according to Gar- saying, “I canʼt wait for next on Veterans Day. of members of the Pingry rett Keating (V), they “acted yearʼs Rufus Gunther Day.” Mrs. Landau added that “Mr. community are put next to and improvised for mentally Hartley had said that his visit to celebrities to whom the pay Pingry had been the most mean- some resemblance. The most ingful day he had had since return- memorable of these was a ing from Iraq. He had originally comparison of Upper School Megaphones and Mega planned to leave soon after the Head Jon Leef to Joe Camel. assembly, but one of my students Also popular was a movie asked me if he could come speak of hosts Teicher and Cooper Fans at Mega Games having a joint flashback to turnout. “How could anyone to our history class. After that, he Continued From Page 1 visited a number of classes and freshman yearʼ. miss Gold Digger? Whenever ended up staying all day.” The main complaint about the ball went out of bounds, I noted Rob Tilson (VI), but “I think itʼs important to real- the assembly had to do with just tried to take it all in,” said Mr. Vanasse has definitely ize,” she continued, “that Jason some of the skits, which some soccer player Brian Combias done his part. As the new was happy to be back in his students didnʼt find that fun- (VI). A.D., he has made an effort country and be free to express his ny. Riccardi and the rest of to get involved in athletics by love of his nation and the military. The most rewarding and the senior fans have started attending practices, advertis- After being censored in Iraq, he memorable part of the day a trend that will many hope ing games, and scheduling especially appreciated his freedom came after the assembly, when will become an integral part of special events. to speak out.” groups of students traveled the community. They donned The success of events such Mrs. Landau also said, “He around New Jersey to perform blue-and-white paw prints and as “Friday Night Lights” was so impressed by the intel- community service. The Fresh- “Pʼs” and shared their face makes some wonder why the ligence of Pingry students and the man and Sophomore classes paint with all other willing school doesn't have more fan- fine questions they asked. This for worked at the Food Bank in fans. The “superfans,” who J. Louie (IV) worthy facilities. Despite his him is what democracy and our Hillside, where they organized painted “PINGRY” across Hartley speaks about his experience in Iraq. personal enthusiasm, Riccardi nation are all about.” food donations into a boxing their bare chests, have set the notes that “if we had lights and standard, and as organizer stands at our soccer or football Riccardi said, “it was so grati- fields, like Ridge High School, fying to hear the other fans E.D. is not Easy: Senior Applicants Speak Out we would not only get stu- cheer when we stepped up application if the student applies mont. She identified the university wants to know where he is going dents out to watch the games onto the bleachers half naked Continued From Page 1 there early. as a school she considers “safe”, to college as soon as possible, say- and hangout on Friday nights, in 40 degree weather.” early action applications to these Mr. MacLellan said, meaning that she is extremely ing, “I just want this whole thing we would also get parents and In the short-term, this three schools were submitted “The most important issue con- likely to be accepted. She applied to be over with.” alumni out there.” yearʼs intensity will hope- this year. cerning early applying is the there because it was the school she Justin Oplinger is one of the Even without such luxuries, fully continue into the winter This yearʼs senior class shows match. The main goal of the felt the most natural affinity for, schoolʼs athletes who will be students are starting to make and spring seasons; fall may a decline in early applying to Ivy college counseling department saying “It was my favorite school. continuing his athletic endeav- an effort. Tilson and his trom- be Pingryʼs time to restock League Colleges, with only 33 ap- is to match the student with the I felt like I really belonged there. ors in college. Oplinger applied bone joined the fan club at the the trophy case, but many plications submitted compared to school that is right for him or her Itʼs a beautiful place, and when restrictive early action to Yale Varsity Boysʼ Soccer County students now realize that the last yearʼs 51 applications. Three individually.” Whether it is his or I visited there, I could envision University, saying, “Iʼm applying Final, and inspired spectators only way to get more fans at seniors applied to Princeton this her dream school that these 100 myself walking the paths of that to Yale early because thatʼs the to rally together behind songs their games is to be a bigger year compared to eight seniors seniors applied to early, a safety campus next year.” school most interested in me for such as “Gold Digger,” the fan at others. last yearʼs, and five students ap- school, or a school that recruited On the other hand, Zack Cor- football.” When asked if he would Notre Dame Fight Song, “We As the weather gets even plied to Harvard early this year them for athletic ability, each dero (VI) applied early decision to want to attend Yale even if he Be Burninʼ,” and “Apache.” colder, letʼs hope that more compared to nine students last senior has a reason for his or her a college he considers a “reach” was not going to play football for Players on the field also students break-out the blue- year. Yale, however, was a more school choice, be it an instinct or school because he thinks he may them, he responded affirmatively, appreciated the enthusiastic and-white paint. popular Ivy this year, with seven a careful calculation. have a better chance at getting ac- saying, “I wanted a city school, students applying early compared Lisa Harris (VI) applied early cepted in the early decision pool and Yaleʼs really good.” to last yearʼs four. action to the University of Ver- of applicants. Zack said that he Like Oplinger, senior August Mr. Robert MacLellan said DuPont said, “I was looking for that many colleges favor early Early Applications Submitted by Seniors an urban college, and New York decision over other forms of early is perfect for that. Also, Columbia applying because “It allows them offered the majors I am interested to solidify their class by mid-De- in.” For a while, DuPont says, he cember.” Several schools such was considering whether college as University of Pennsylvania, was the answer for him at all. He and more recently, Columbia said, “ I was actually trying to University, give advantages to decide whether I wanted to go to students who apply there early. college or not. But I decided to go The University of Pennsylvania to become a teacher, and once I also only counts legacy status made that decision, early was the Courtesy of Jen Hetrick (VI) as an advantage to a studentʼs way to go.” Dana Appruseze (VI) supports the soccer team. Page

V12olume CXXXII, Number 2 SPORTThe Pingry School, Martinsville, New Jersey S December 16, 2005 Winter Sports Heat Up Pingry

for young guys to get into Teicher (VI) for the boys By MELISSA LOEWINGER the program to help ensure and Alex Budd (VI) and (V), HADLEY JOHNSON (V), its future.” Lack of experi- Dana Apruzzese (VI) for CORI HUNDT (V), ANDREW ence could hurt the team that the girls, as well as a large SARTORIUS (IV) and WILL has only three upperclass- group of enthusiastic under- BRUNDGAGE (IV) men, two of whom are senior classmen. captains Drew Gatewood The team trains at Moun- and Sean Bruno. tain Creek three times a The team hopes to over- week in addition to dry land come its lack of experi- practices, which include ence through hard work and conditioning and weight- a willingness to improve. lifting. Gatewood commented, “At In addition to the coaches this stage in the year, we are affiliated with the school, already where we were at the instructors from Mountain end of last season.” Creek also help out with N. Reitman (VI) ENCING Coach Facciani was the practices. Pingry parent F pleased with the effort and also Doug Hiscano came 0-0 in to help the team on the N. Lee (VI) progress thus far, saying The boys' and girls' fencing “Iʼm thrilled with the atti- mountain. SWIMMING N. Lee (VI) program is hoping for a good sea- Courtesy of Google Images tude in the gym and itʼs not Over the course of the son this year. With forty-fi ve fenc- season, the coaches expect OYS ASKETBALL BOYS 0-2 hard to see they really care CHEERLEADING ers and strong leadership from B ' B about improving” the team to continue to im- captains Marissa Bialecki (VI), IRLS 0-0 G 2-0 With this type of hard Led by captains Karen prove and help each other Tai DiMaio (VI), Adam Goldstein Led by senior captains work and dedication, the Thomson (IV) and Grace Lin along the way. Ski coordi- (VI) and Ameesha Sampat (VI), Up is the only way to go for (IV), the varsity cheerleading Katie OʼConnor and Eddie varsity wrestling team looks nator Ms. Malla Godfrey the outlook is good. Although boysʼ varsity basketball after a team will perform at all of the Layng, girlsʼ and boysʼ var- forward to a fun and hope- commented that “These are the team hopes to do well in their disappointing 2004-2005 cam- home basketball games and sity swimming have records fully successful season. all great kids and they are dual meets, coach Mr. Ted Li said paign in which the team fi nished compete in two competitions. 6-16 and was knocked out in the of 2-0 and 0-2, respectively. truly committed to the sport, that, “winning the tournaments With only two new members second round of the SCIAAs. This Though the team is not de- to each other, and to their is more important than winning on the thirteen-person team, the dual meets.” Other coaches year the team hopes to turn the tide fending any titles, goals for school. It is an honor to be Coach Lisa Kretschmann said, affiliated with this team.” include Mr. Tom Varnes, from the around with a core of experienced this year include placing “We have a large percentage language department, and adjunct seniors including Mark Garcia, higher at the Colonial Hills of returnees, so we’re much coaches, Tetyana Stankovich and Kevin Miicke, Morgan Griff and Conference and Counties further along in this season Vasil Stankovich, both of whom Anthony Feenick. New to the team and to qualify for States. In than we’ve ever been able to are former international com- this year is head coach Eric Mur- the Big Blue Invitational on be in the past. Everyone seems petitors and national foil coaches. dock, a former player in the NBA. December 3, both the girlsʼ to have a great attitude and With the core of the fencing team The team has many of the same and boysʼ teams placed sec- the newer girls are picking up consisting of sophomores and ju- familiar foes from the calendar ond. Big rivals are Mountain things very quickly.” niors, Mr. Li added that one of the last year, including rivals Bernards Lakes and Lawrenceville, The team will compete in main goals for this season is to, and Boonton, who won the meet- though Lawrenceville might the Harrison Blue Tide Invita- “ develop the players.” Overall, ing last year, 65-63. On top of the not pose so great a threat tional in mid-February, and the both the boys and girls fencing regular season, Pingry will also since the girlsʼ team beat “Quest for the Best” Cheer and teams are full of enthusiasm for participate in the David Brearley them on December 7. Coach Dance Championship at the end the upcoming season and have Tournament (12/28-12/29), as well Judith Lee, commenting on of February. They will cheer high hopes of doing well. as in the SCIAAs (2/4/06). the girlsʼ team, says, “This N. Lee (VI) during Winter Sports Night on Courtesy of Google Images February 27, instead of taking is a team with a lot of depth. GIRLS' BASKETBALL SQUASH Though we graduated two the bid to Nationals in Texas strong seniors last year there 0-0 that the Fall Varsity Cheerlead- 0-0 ing Team won at the America’s are no real weaknesses on Varsity girlsʼ basketball Beginning its third sea- the team.” Big contribu- Best Tournament on November son, varsity squash will be hopes to carry past successes 18. Coach Kretchmann said, tors to the girlsʼ effort are rebuilding this year after into this season. Last winter, “We’re looking forward to a Sandra Hough (V), Maja graduating ten seniors out Big Blue finished with 12 phenomenal season, and we of a squad of eighteen. The Feenick (III), and Ana Barry wins and 11 losses, earning encourage all members of (IV). On the boysʼ side are its first winning season in the Pingry community to team is led by coach Randy Brian Wilson (V), Zack Cor- school history. This yearʼs come out and support us at Vehslage and senior captain dero (VI), and John Guiffre team, led by head coach Da- games and competitions!” Peter Cipriano. The team (IV). vid White and senior captains still hopes to make this Jen Hetrick and Julianne a productive season even J. Louie (IV) Dileo, has two goals. The though a lot of talent gradu- first is to have another win- ated last June. ning season, and the second Last yearʼs seniors in- Comeback Football is to progress further in the cluded captain Maggie Somerset County Interscho- OʼToole, Drew Blacker, lastic Athletic Association who was ranked sixth in the Season Ends With a Bang tournament (the team lost Under-19 boysʼ division in After a slow start to the sea- first two games to Boonton last year in the first round to the United States, and Alix son, Pingry football advanced and Mountain Lakes, but Paramus Catholic). Watson, who finished third into the state playoffs after bounced back by trouncing The team is likely to ac- in the State High School scoring a 27-7 win over Kin- Whippany Park, 49-28. After complish its first goal, as Championships. nelon. Leading rusher Sean this win, Pingry dropped two there are many returning Coach Vehslage is look- Bruno (VI), who averaged 118 more games against Bernards players as well as eager ing to build his team around yards a game this year, tore and Verona but finished the freshmen. One of the reasons N. Lee (VI) Courtesy of J. Teicher (VI) a strong base of sopho- through the Kinnelon defense season strong by winning the team finished 12-11 last WRESTLING SKIING mores and especially Brian by carrying 21 times for 128 its last three games against season was due to several OʼToole.Their first match injuries during close games. yards and scoring two touch- MKA, Newark Academy, 0-0 was at Poly Prep on Decem- If the team can stay healthy, 0-0 downs. Rob Tilson (VI), who and Kinnelon. Because of ber 12. Last year, the varsity it should perform to its po- After coming off of a averaged 47 passing yards its most recent win, Pingry, Apart from participating wrestling teamʼs record did tential. winning season marked by per game this year, also threw seeded seventh, qualified for not reflect the success of Big Blue will open the both personal and team im- in matches, the team will for 27 yards and rushed for the NJSIAA Non-Public State their campaign because they season away at Newark Arts provement, the boys and also compete in various one touchdown in the game. Championships, and traveled were unable to fill all the on December 16. One of the girls varsity ski teams look tournaments such as the US The game was never close, as to Bergen County to play weight slots. This yearʼs most significant tournaments forward to another fun and Juniors at Yale (December Pingry possessed a 20-0 lead Queen of Peace on November team, however, has a solid the team will play in will be developmental year on the 17-20), the New Jersey State by halftime. 12 at 1 p.m. chance to double or triple the Big Blue Holiday Tourna- slopes. High School Championship Led by senior captains Freshman James White their wins simply because ment from December 19-21, The team, composed of at Lawrenceville (January Logan Bartlett and Justin commented, “Going into this they have more students go- a tournament in which the 13 boys and 14 girls, has a 8), and the National High Marchigiano, Pingry had game, we were not intimidat- ing out for the team. team performed well last strong core of upperclass- School Team Champion- four wins and four losses this ed. We were confident that we Coach Mark Facciani year, beating Kent Place and men leaders in captains Greg ships at Yale (February 10- season. Big Blue started off could go in there and knock stressed that, “it is essential Morristown Beard. Selover (VI) and Jeremy 12). the year slowly by losing its off Queen of Peace.”