The Nation's Oldest ON THE WEB: Country Day School www.pingry.org/stu- Newspaper dents/therecord.html

Volume CXXXIII, Number 2 The Pingry School, Martinsville, New Jersey December 18, 2006 Issue of School Safety Becomes Top Priority “In the case of an actual fire, By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (V) remembering your spot in line is As many students and faculty going to be one of the last things members may have noticed, the on your mind. This is not even administration has been working mentioning the fact that it takes hard this year to increase aware- a while for one member of stu- ness of potential dangers in the dent government to go down the building. From fire to armed long line to make sure that ev- entry, they have been educating eryone is there. It is much easier the community about potential to go to your advisor group and hazards and have emphasized make sure that a small group of the necessity for the student people is accounted for,” said body to practice not only fire Jenny Gorelick (III). drills but also lockdowns. Mr. Conard countered that This begs the question: how “the reality is, the drills are safe is the school? The answer only effective to the extent that to this is threefold; to examine it, people take them seriously.” one must look at the efficiency He added, “Although we all of fire drills, lockdowns, and hope to avoid such drills, we security at the entryways to the need to practice in case some- school. thing happens and people’s lives are at stake.” The school has adopted a Six pieces of student and faculty art were damaged over Thanksgiving break. Courtesy of Ms. Laurinda Stockwell new policy of making students Lockdowns, however, are within each grade line up in handled very differently. The alphabetical order during a fire key in a lockdown situation is to drill. get people out of the hallways; Vandals Destroy Art in Sculpture Garden when the police come in, they As Headmaster Nat Conard one piece blown over. He investigation, but there has The specifics concerning need to be able to identify the By CONNOR SHEEHAN (IV) explained, the goals of a fire drill mistakenly assumed that it been some progress. Marks the method of the vandal- are to empty the building and culprits immediately, Mr. Co- nard noted. As the Martinsville com- had been knocked down by from skateboard wheels lit- ism are vague, although figure out who is missing. He munity learned in morning the wind, but after he went tered the ground, and skate it appears that one piece has found both at his previous “We had never done this be- fore, so we had to start at square assembly the week after outside to set it back up, he wax was discovered on the was thrown off of the stair- school and at numerous other Thanksgiving break, van- saw the full extent of the stone benches, providing case, due to the presence of schools that he has spoken to one and do our best. We knew dals had defaced artwork damage. some clues about the identi- paint on the top stair. Mr. that alphabetical order is the that the windows and locks on in the sculpture garden Mr. Freiwald proceeded ties of the miscreants. Freiwald is currently in the most effective way of achieving the doors presented a challenge. to inform the administra- “My guess is that it was process of attempting to fix the second goal. But you just have to make the some time during the holi- tors, who then called the perhaps a group of kids three pieces that were not Head of the Upper School best of a difficult situation. The day. The sculpture garden, Bernards Township Po- Jon Leef considered the first fire Bernards Township Police De- outside the Arts Wing, is looking for somewhere to beyond repair. drill of this year to be a success. partment sent several officials filled with pieces produced lice Department, which skate, who made some bad The sculpture garden “What we were striving for was to monitor the lockdown drill by students, faculty, and has been very supportive decisions,” said Mr. Leef. has been a part of the Arts more accurate attendance. I and make suggestions so that we staff. Six pieces of student of the school in the past, The administration believes department since 2001, would say it was less of a social can be even more efficient next artwork and one faculty from walking through the that it was someone that when the new Arts wing was gathering than usual and went time,” explained Mr. Leef. piece were damaged or de- construction of the new isn’t closely affiliated with constructed. It has become faster than I thought it would. No attendance is taken at stroyed. Middle School to helping the Pingry community. an important part of the Lining up creates order,” he lockdowns because there is no Mr. Richard Freiwald, the organize the recently intro- As Mr. Freiwald ex- sculpture classes. “It’s our said. way of communicating the in- sculpture and clay teacher, duced “lockdown” drills. plained, “It just doesn’t Not all students agreed that formation from room to room. discovered the damage on Head of the Upper School make sense, you know?” Continued on Page 4 this new method was more ef- Since the police department the Monday that classes Jon Leef said, “They’re just ficient than the previous one, in has advised the school that no resumed after the weeklong a pretty helpful group.” which students found their advi- break. When he glanced There is no word yet as sors and advisory groups. Continued on Page 8 out his window, he saw to any leads concerning the Inside The Record Quiz Bowl Team Competes on Television (VI), Josh Freedman (VI), swered,” Freedman explained. member on the team. By LIANE GOLE (III) Isaac Davis (VI), and first- While Max handles mostly sci- Despite the fact that the round alternate Julian Quinta- ence questions, Isaac answers members specialize in different On November 18, 2006, nilla (VI). Tungare, Horlbeck, math related questions. Josh topics, they all work together the Quiz Bowl team competed and Freedman are the three does sports, pop culture, and as a team. “I don’t think there on The Challenge, a televised captains. politics, and Julian special- was just one particular person tournament taped at Rutgers Each member is positioned izes in history and languages. answering all the questions,” University and broadcast on on the team for his specific area Though he does not have a said Mrs. Ronalee Newman, Cablevision News 12. of expertise. “If each person specific best subject, all of the physics teacher and an enthusi- The team consisted of Ajay has his own role on the team, other teammates agree that astic supporter. “They all con- Tungare (VI), Max Horlbeck more questions can be an- Ajay is the most well rounded tributed in different ways. They all had different strengths.” The team’s first match, which was against Union Hill J. Au (VI) from Union City, consisted of Cans donated by students, faculty, and staff for Mr. three rounds. In the first round, Nazario's food drive fed 150 families on Thanksgiving. each team started out with one hundred points. Answering a Pingry or Phillips Exeter? Mourning a Friend multiple choice question cor- Evan Rosenman (V) remembers rectly from one of four catego- Columnist Ned Adriance (IV) eval- uates the new Harkness tables that are former Pingry student Kat Werner, ries earned five points, while being put in classrooms. P 2. who lost her life in a car accident. P 9. answering incorrectly earned none. The team that answered correctly earned the right to Seniors Apply to College The Inconsistency of Beck choose the next category. Darina Shtrakhman (V) explores Connor Sheehan (IV) reviews Even though the Quiz Bowl early application statistics and trends Beck's latest album, "The Information." team was not used to being and talks to college counselors. P. 4. P 10. filmed, they adjusted quickly to the different setting. “I wasn’t Parent + Artist Trophy Extravaganza really nervous for the taping,” Parent of a current student and The fall sports season was capped said Tungare. “There wasn’t a esteemed artist Gary Komarin put his by team championships and individual big difference from our nor- work on display in the Art Gallery. P. 5. honors. P 12. mal tournaments.” Freedman Sections agreed, noting, “At first it was a little nerve-wracking with all A Diverse Range of Opinions News...... 1,4-5,8-9 the lights and cameras, but then Commentary...... 2-3 Students and faculty share their Special Report...... 6-7 Courtesy of Powertolearn.com opinions about the diversity letter con- Arts...... 10-11 Continued on Page 4 troversy. Special Report, P 6-7. The Quiz Bowl team on the set at Rutgers University. Sports...... 12  THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY DECEMBER 18, 2006 EDITORIAL Demagoguery at the Dinner Table ago, my uncle’s confident that she grows up accepting, someone of Hispanic descent. By HEATHER BENJAMIN (VI) The Colorblind political spiels over dinner compassionate, and tolerant, And those ideas weren’t nec- The man had been sitting either passed over my head or prevents me from merely essarily instilled in me point- Generation on the bench across from me were blindly absorbed into my quietly disagreeing with my blank by lecturing relatives; for at least ten minutes, but we system. Around the beginning uncle—I have to be vocal. they more likely came in the Since my freshman year, “The Record” has covered diver- hadn’t made eye contact. He of my teens, I began silently It’s not as though my sis- form of subtleties and atti- sity. In every editorial and column that we have published was dressed simply and was questioning his dinnertime ter’s nine-year-old mind even tudes which, being younger, on diversity, writers have complained about Pingry’s rela- slightly stocky, with an obvi- politics. And now that my knows exactly what a funda- I took for granted. I wasn’t tive homogeneity and inaction. It was odd for me this time ously Hispanic complexion. younger sister sits in on his mentalist is, but my uncle’s exactly well versed on U.S. that the anonymous author(s) of the letter that Mr. Conard, When he eventually caught lectures along with the rest ridiculous generalization is foreign policy (or, for that administrators, and parents received thought the school was my gaze, we exchanged a of the family, I find myself not the sort of thing that she matter, racism) when I was being too pro-active. smile, and he asked me if the even more concerned with my should be mindlessly repeat- seven, so anything any adult Even more striking than the author(s)’ stance was the next train was going to New uncle’s words. ing to her friends. Would she said to me about it seemed author(s)’ eloquence. At first glance, the letter seemed to York. I told him it was, and he I accept that he has a larger raise her hand and contribute legitimate to me. be well thought out and rational. With a closer look, how- thanked me. array of experiences to draw that sentence to a class discus- Obviously, this is now a sit- ever, I found three ridiculous claims. One was that minority It was hardly a noteworthy upon than I do, but I also think sion on religion? Does she uation that necessitates skep- students had more family problems than white students. conversation, but a minute it’s important for me to take know which of her friends are ticism, on my part, towards Another was that minority students were less ethical. The later, I inexplicably felt sur- my parents’ and other rela- Muslim? Would she jump to those relatives’ attitudes. last was that underachieving minorities were lowering the prised. With some thought, I tives’ opinions with a grain of conclusions about any woman Those experiences that they school’s academic quality. realized that I actually hadn’t salt. I should speak up when I wearing a headscarf? The later draw their opinions from may As for the first assertion, the author cited an example of expected this man to be able disagree with something, even in life, the harder it is to un- be legitimate experiences, but a Lower School student coming into school every day afraid to understand what I said, if it leads to an unpleasant din- learn bigoted, practically jin- they didn’t happen to me, so that her father would kill her. He then tried to connect fam- let alone respond in accent- ner, simply goistic atti- why should they shape my ily problems to diversity, which, as many students know, is free English. I proceeded to because I Question everything tudes when thoughts? Yes, it’s important completely unfounded. completely beat myself up don’t want t h e y ’ v e for me to respectfully listen The second statement is equally as ludicrous. The in- about such a ridiculously my sister now, whether or not been plant- and understand everyone’s clination towards unethical behavior is not determined by unfair assumption—why had taking out- you think you'll end up e d l i k e opinions—how else can a race. I assumed him to fit such a dated, radi- sour seeds person make informed, rea- But the more pressing question was presented in the stereotype? cally con- agreeing with it. inside you sonable decisions? But it’s es- last claim, which was really the crux of the student body’s Try to imagine how dif- s e r v a t i v e since child- sential for young adults to use concerns. The author(s) imply that academic standards are ferent your worldly opinions opinions as hood, when the opinions of their elders as lowered by the school’s diversity but, in the end, do not would be if you’d never been fact. No matter which end they’re reiterated over the din- starting points to build off of, present any convincing evidence. exposed to anyone else’s of the political spectrum she ner table every evening. Save rather than blindly accepting The author(s) complain that over half of this year’s opinions, if you’d been left to eventually ends up on as an yourself the trouble of trying their parents’ hand-me-down kindergarten class is made up of minority students, who figure it all out yourself from adult, I’ll respect her choice, to reconstruct your personal politics. are supposedly bringing down the academic quality of the scratch. Now try to imagine but I think it’s unhealthy for politics later in life—question I can’t stress enough that school. That is not the case, however. Admissions statistics how it would be if you’d first her not to be exposed to each everything now, whether or I’m not advocating total rejec- show that, in this case, minority students actually scored been exposed to every side and every side of a given po- not you think you’ll end up tion of all our parents’ ideas. better than white students. of an issue, and, unbiased, litical issue. agreeing with it in the end. On the contrary, exposure to According to Assistant Director of Admissions, Dr. Diana had viewed each opinion as During a recent dinner Since that night at the train all perspectives, no matter Artis, “the standards of our school have not changed. We an equal piece in a larger conversation, my uncle as- station, I’ve found myself how outdated or outrageous, are still creating a community in which excellence is the puzzle. serted that all Muslims are reevaluating all my opinions, is vital to an intellectually standard, and the only thing that has changed is the face Even the least politically fundamentalists. It would be as well as those of my parents. healthy lifestyle. All I ask is of that school. Students from diverse backgrounds who aware teenager acknowledges a waste of energy for me to I’m positive that I have no that my peers not absentmind- are qualified, who would in the past have considered other that the times have changed stress about his completely prejudice against Hispanic edly follow the politics of their independent schools, are now considering Pingry.” since our parents were in their unfair generalization; it’s far people, but obviously narrow- elders without doing a bit of Frankly, finding out the facts about the academic creden- prime. Yet we tend, like good more important for me to use minded ideas were stashed in investigative thinking them- tials of our diverse students should make us all proud. little children, to revere our our conflict constructively. By me at some point in my past. selves. Whether you choose We should also be proud that the value of including stu- parents to the point where we thinking the issue over and do- I figure that many of these to agree or disagree with them dents from diverse backgrounds is apparent in all aspects accept their political opin- ing research to educate myself unreasonable views stem from on a given issue is your own of school life. As you can see in this issue of the Record, ions as pure fact, especially and form my own ideas, his radically conservative rela- respectable decision—I just talented soccer players attract droves of fans to the stands when those opinions deal opinion is acting as a catalyst tives, embittered by job losses hope that when you decide while a talented singer/songwriter moved the audience on with issues we aren’t famil- for my intellectual growth. and whatever other nega- one way or the other, you’re Rufus Gunther Day. iar enough with to judge by But the responsibility I feel tive experiences they’ve had doing it because of what you, The value of diversity is even more visible in our class- ourselves. Until a few years towards my sister, to ensure that just happened to include not they, think. rooms. One day in my Freedom class, our class was dis- cussing nuclear proliferation. While listing countries with possible nuclear power, North Korea and Israel quickly came up. As a Korean, I spoke about the widely-held hopes for How Great is the Harkness Table? unification between North and South Korea, while a Jewish Harkness Table. The table is there are several problems a teacher must fully embrace student elaborated on the Arab-Israeli conflict. I realized By NED ADRIANCE (IV) the keystone of the “Harkness with the system that severely the idea of students being their that students learn from each other, and they also learn tol- Method”, a teaching philoso- conflict with the interests of equals, and the teachers must erance as a result. Exposure to various cultures imbues the It is eighth period, and I’m listening to my history teacher phy that originated at Phillips the students. also keep their moderation to student body with worldly knowledge and tolerance. Exeter Academy, which was I don’t mean to paint a nega- a bare minimum. Essentially, Particularly at a younger age, it is important to give talk about French absolutism in the 17th century. I won’t be designed to encourage students tive picture of the Harkness the goal of the Harkness Table students a chance to learn from and play with students of called on if I raise my hand to speak more openly and see Method. To the contrary, I am is to allow students to teach diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. As we are because it isn’t permitted, but I their instructors as equals. making an attempt to point themselves. better able to attract minorities at a young age, the school have something I’d like to say. As the aforementioned in- out that the changes must be We cannot neglect our role is setting the stage for a true meritocracy in the future, a I start to talk, but I’m quickly cident has made clear, how- made in our own community as students in the educational community which eliminates and corrects past racial and cut off by someone louder and ever, this purported, “Harkness of faculty and students, rather process. Students must make socioeconomic injustice. Contributing to the creation of a more assertive than I am. Table-induced” feeling of free- than in the method itself. a conscious decision about colorblind meritocracy is what, I hope, even the author(s) A recent furniture change dom and willingness to take First, the classes that sport whether or not they truly want of the letter want. in room 320, my history class- risks in class has yet to strike the new tables must have a to learn. If their answer is yes, me. Rather, I have endured maximum of 12 students, a the student is obligated to be Catherine Chong room, has replaced the 18 — desks with a large, ovular a competitive classroom dy- requirement that the method’s respectful of the opinions of namic, where only those who creators decreed. In my sopho- others at the table and refrain have the ambition to make their more World History class, there from interruption, while at the voice the loudest are endowed are 17 students, and it is quite same time feeling prepared to Volume CXXXIII with the right to chime in on the struggle to fit each of us contribute to the discussion. Number 2 the discussion. around the table. I believe that Although this may sound It is in our community’s the number of students in my like the “Guidelines for Discus- Editors in Chief blood to compete with one class contributes to feelings of sion” sheets that are doomed to Josh Freedman another, be it on the sports censorship—we are all fighting be crumpled in the bottom of field, on the stage, or in the to be heard by one man. students’ backpacks, there is Catherine Chong classroom. After all, Pingry is My English class has incor- truth to this decree: students a college “preparatory” school porated the Harkness Table as play the biggest role in their Executive Editor that teaches its students that well, but in this case, there are education. Photo Editor Sports Editors Darina Shtrakhman Andrew Sartorius the importance of our entire significantly fewer students, Finally, the entire Pingry Meredith Skiba Cori Hundt high school career is to receive and the table has had a much community—faculty and stu- admission to the best college more positive impact on the dents alike—must be able to Managing Editor possible. classroom experience. separate themselves from the Melissa Loewinger Pingry’s adoption of the Also, if a teacher makes the outside world when participat- Harkness Table in at least four decision to utilize a Harkness ing in a Harkness classroom. of its classrooms symbolizes a Table in his or her classroom, That may not be a feasible Copy Editors Technical Director Faculty Advisor valiant effort to diminish this he or she must adopt the Hark- request, but to whatever extent Diana Jiang unhealthy culture of animosity. ness method in its entirety. I it is possible, the win-lose, Jack DiMassimo Dr. Susan Dineen Evan Rosenman It is clear that we are trying to find that in all three classes that cutthroat academic attitude improve the level of rigor and use the method, my teachers must be dropped. Without it, Ned Adriance encourage real thought on the haven’t fully embraced the and only without it, will the part of the students. However, philosophy. For the Harkness Harkness Method succeed here All rights reserved. All contents © 2006 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. inherent in any new initiative, Method to truly be successful, at Pingry. THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY DECEMBER 18, 2006  No Longer an Amish Paradise Student Government Update: the house-to-house delivery their voices, the Amish have By DAVID YOUNG (V) of news when we are used to provided us with a moral and Responsibility and Privilege connecting to the world with ethical compass for these trou- It is always heartbreaking electronic gadgets and the flick bled times. It contrasts mark- Dan Davidson (VI) countless other students who us respect when things like whenever one hears news of our fingers. I am also talk- edly with all else that has gone do not push the envelope on this occur? of any school shooting, and ing about the brotherly love wrong in this world. The feuds STUDENT GOVERNMENT Dress Down Days. There’s no time like the there have been quite a few and respect for each other in a that we seek with other nations There are a tremendous This theory can and should present to change the little lately. But there is something community in which everyone on the false pretext of national number of exciting things be extended to everything we things in the way we act at overwhelmingly sad and trou- looks out for the welfare of security and ideology, the dirty happening right now in Stu- do while at Pingry. The free- school that will make a big bling about the recent Amish others. partisan and personal attacks dent Government, but before doms we are given are often difference in the way we are massacre that refuses to leave The Amish way of liv- aired continuously just to gain sharing them with you, I’d taken for granted; yet when viewed by teachers and ad- my mind. ing stirs the deepest roots of a few extra votes, the flashy like to give some credit our freedoms are restricted, ministrators. A change in at- It was not just the brutal nostalgia for a bygone time. I aura of consumerism that where credit is due. Lisa we look not to ourselves, titude coupled with Student nature of the massacre that recall relishing annual family underlies the core foundation Thomas (VI) deserves some instead finding others to Government successes will stood out, even though this visits to the Amish country of our times: the list goes on serious kudos for the effort blame. It is exceedingly easy lead to a Pingry in which we massacre was as brutal as since I was young. In many and on. It even belittles all the to clean up your lunch table, can all enjoy our freedoms possible. On October 2, a ways, this annual trip had endless discussion about ethi- she dedicated to planning and executing Homecoming, and yet many of us still leave without fear of having them beautiful morning, thirty-two become my personal pilgrim- cal conduct in school and the a mess in the cafeteria. How taken away. Let’s all do our year old Charles C. Roberts IV age to achieve meaning and merits of the Honor Code, as which I thought was a great event in terms of turnout can we expect the adminis- part to make this place better walked into the West Nickel renewal. There is a certain worthwhile as this may sound. tration and faculty to give for one another. Mines Amish School, a simple joyful stillness and an ever- For, in the eyes of the Amish and levels of fun. Thanks one-room schoolhouse in Lan- lasting peaceful quality to the people, we have solely missed to all of you, we now have caster County, and killed five Amish lifestyle that has been the point. The Honor Code is plenty of money in the bank innocent little girls. The man imprinted permanently in my simply a code of conduct that to use towards great upcom- EDITORIAL then pressed the gun against psyche. one abides by naturally, not ing events, which you will his own head and blasted a What also stood out about because the school demands it, probably start hearing about fatal final shot. It could have this sad incident was how the but because it reflects a deeper soon. Making the Safe Choice been worse: the girls could Amish mourned in its after- understanding of moral values. Student Government is have been sexually assaulted math. They mourned with Education should not be solely currently working very hard The directions for students and faculty during the lockdown and then killed had the police forgiveness. Thousands of about the academic race and to make some improvements drill were very simple: find a room, get in it and out of sight of not stormed into the school- mourners stopped in each of pressure that the school advo- around school that will ben- the doorway, and lock it. It seemed pretty simple, until somebody house. the victims’ homes to view cates through its rigid and hi- efit us in our everyday ac- voiced the question that had plagued me since Mr. Leef and Mr. More of the macabre plot the sad little corpses dressed erarchical grading and awards tivities here. What I’d like Conard began their explanation: what if someone is locked out unfolded with the subsequent in white. They also stopped distinction systems and its to stress in this article, how- of all of the rooms? If students are supposed to get into a room investigation. The murderer, by the murderer’s home to emphasis on the pitfalls and ever, is that Student Govern- as quickly as possible and lock the door, won’t some students who possessed no previous embrace his wife and chil- the draconian consequences ment can only do so much be helpless against the threat, whatever it may be, that has free criminal record or history of dren with forgiveness. While that violations of the Honor when it comes to influencing roam in the hallways? psychiatric illness, had in fact reluctantly accepting dona- Code will bring. Education administration policy. Mr. Leef vacillated, then explained that “those who are slower molested two young relatives tions for the victims’ families, ought to be more about devel- This year, your leaders to react” (the politically correct way to group anyone who is twenty years ago. This was the Amish requested to have oping a “whole person,” so will do a stellar job in se- left out) should, if they try to enter a room that has already been only clarified through the note funds sent to the murderer’s that the student can truly learn curing you new privileges, locked, move on to the next room and attempt to enter that one. that he left behind to his wife, family as well. The funerals for fun and for self-motivated but these privileges come at A good suggestion, but what happens if all of the rooms are Marie. The note also said that were carried out in privacy; interest, away from the fear a cost. As members of the locked? I can picture the haunting image of a helpless student, he was upset with the loss all mourning was done from of early academic failure that Pingry community, we are trying to open door after door in vain and hearing the clicking of their infant daughter nine within, away from cameras or fuels the need for breaking the obliged to not take advantage of locks all around. years ago. any other public fanfare. Honor Code. of our privileges for the sake Imagine a student inside a locked classroom, crouching in It was not, however, the sum When asked why they In this sense, the Honor of our fellow students. If, the corner with a number of other students and teachers. He of all these sinister details that needed to be supportive of Code is a by-product of a for example, sweatpants are or she hears a loud, frantic knocking on the door. The person made this massacre different the killer’s family, one of the higher ethical understanding outside could be one of those people who is “slower to react,” once again allowed on Dress from the others. What stood Amish seniors simply replied, that must be abided by ev- or it could be the killer that caused the lockdown in the first Down Days, you will be out, and what refuses to leave “Judge not, that ye be not eryone, not just students. To place. Since the student was instructed to not reveal themselves me, is the harm inflicted on a judged.” continuously emphasize the presented with a choice. You through the window of the classroom, they cannot see who is community that is known for Enos Miller, the grandfa- effect rather than the cause can abide by the standards of outside. Should this student open the door and let in the helpless its God-loving innocence and ther of two sisters who were is tantamount to healing an decency that the administra- classmate who is stranded in the hallway and risk the possibility its self-made choice to stay both killed, was with the girls illness without understanding tion put forth, and preserve that it is the killer? frozen in time for centuries, when they died. When a re- the underlying root. the privilege, or you can take Personally, I am not sure what the right course of action to away from the technology that porter asked him about the In many ways, I find that advantage of the rules and take is in this situation. Leaving the door locked would, in es- is ubiquitous in the surround- murderer, he said simply that, the Amish, for all their “back- have the privilege rescinded. sence, leave the person in the hall at the mercy of the killer. On ing world. I am talking about in his heart, he had already wardness and living in the The actions of a few can the other hand, opening the door would put the many people in the use of horses and buggies forgiven Roberts “through past,” are in fact better pre- easily put to waste the hard the room in danger to just save one person. The students and at a time when high-powered God’s help.” pared for the future than the work of Student Government faculty in the room have to make an instantaneous decision cars are the norm, and about Without so much as raising rest of us. and the good intentions of one way or the other and then live with whatever consequences may ensue. My gut feeling is that most students would open the door to let in the stranger; Pingry students, myself included, would prob- ably just open up the door assuming that the knocking is from a classmate in distress. There is a sense of trust in the school, a sense that everything is just a precaution, that fire drills are drills and not real fires. Very few of us, if any, have ever experienced a real fire or a real hallway threat; every precautionary measure we’ve taken has been exactly that. Technically, the correct course of action to take in the lock- down situation is to leave the student in the hallway locked out to save everyone in the room. With the only drill experience we have, real situations will also be like drills. The student in the room will let those who are locked-out into the room without hesitation; after all, the only harm that can be done to them is being yelled at. The world outside of the school is a dangerous one; watch one half-hour of news and you’ll be inundated with enough tragic occurrences to think about for a week. Inside school, everyone is sheltered from the outside world. There are no fires, no threats inside of the school community; instead, there are only fire drills and lockdowns to prepare for some unimaginable occurrence. The lockdown drill, therefore, is either good or bad but cannot be both. If we are to take the lockdown seriously and be fully prepared for a threat, we will destroy the environment of trust that exists inside of the walls of the school. We will forever bring the dangers of the outside world into the school community. If, however, we do not take the lockdown seriously, the school will be unprepared for a situation like those that have happened in schools around the country. This year seems to be filled with choices, ranging from moral questions that pit honor against friendship to safety questions that force each of us to decide whether or not we will open the door. None of them have right answers, putting the onus on every one of us to make our own choice. In this situation, I value the trust in the school community over the regimented laws that claim to be the safest. Without the ubiquitous air of trust everyone who walks through the hall breathes, the concept of Pingry, along with anyone who is “slower to react,” would be gone forever. By MATT LAUD (VI) —Josh Freedman  THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2006 Form III Discusses Vandals Destroy Number of Seniors Applying Issues on Peer Night Student, Faculty Early to Colleges Increases and questions were directed at Art on Display By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (V) By MORGAN MCCOLLUM (III) the parents. Percent ofPercent Seniors of Students Applying Who Early by Applied Year Early Questions from both sides As of December 2, 105 se- On Thursday, October 26, included, “What do you really Continued From Page 1 niors, constituting 86% of the 89% freshmen joined their parents talk about on Instant Messen- senior class, had submitted early and Peer Leaders for the annual ger?” and “If you had to do it outdoor classroom,” Mr. applications to the colleges of 87% Parents Night. all over again, would you go Freiwald noted. “We can their choice. These seniors have 85% The event began with three to Pingry?” There were ques- build big out there.” submitted 144 early applications skits written by the Peer Lead- tions about drinking, parties, So far, no action has been in total. 83% ers. The skits showed parents and many other topics, which taken to prevent this kind Last year, 80.6% of the senior 81% how they should approach their students generally avoid when of vandalism from happen- class applied early and 82.4% of children when they receive a talking to their parents. ing again, but the police the senior class applied early in 79% bad grade and how to appropri- “It was funny because some have recommended that the 2004, showing the early applica- 77% ately reward their children when of the parents avoided certain school install a motion sen- tion trend to be fairly consistent. they receive a high grade. questions, and others just agreed Director of College Counseling 75% sor camera. 2004 2005 2006 The students and their parents with what everyone else said,” Mr. Conard explained Mr. Robert MacLellan said the Year were then separated into differ- Bozhena Lisko (III) noted. the victimization of student percentage of early applications ent rooms. Each room held two Ms. Laura Yorke, one of the and faculty artists who have submitted might be up a little apply to multiple schools, and if students applying early, up from peer groups and approximately heads of the Peer Leadership had their pieces destroyed, due to a smaller class size. accepted, the student can decide seven last year and four the year fifteen parents whose children program, said, “It was a great saying, “The senselessness There are three main types whether or not to attend that before. Last year, 69 students were in other rooms. success because I think every- and anonymity of the act is of early applications. The most school by May 1. Thirty-nine were eventually accepted to the Both the parents and the stu- one left with some valuable disturbing. Generally, it is popular, Mr. MacLellan said, students applied early action school where they applied early. dents wrote down questions that information.” tough when you’ve been the has always been early decision, this fall. Restrictive early action This does not mean that all 69 they wanted to see answered She added, “The seniors did victim of this sort of thing. in which a student can only ap- limits the student to one early got accepted in December: some from the others’ perspective. an excellent job facilitating the Your space has been invaded, ply to one school and is required application but is not binding of those students were waitlisted First, the freshmen had to sit discussion between parents and which leads to a sense of to matriculate there if accepted. and is used only by Harvard, or deferred but accepted in the inside a circle while the parents kids.” vulnerability with exposure, Fifty-seven students applied Yale, and Stanford. Seventeen spring. In the Class of 2005, 68 sat outside in chairs. The parents In the end, there seemed to and your creations have been early decision this year, which restrictive early action applica- eventually got in where they were not allowed to say any- be a consensus that both the destroyed. Will these artists shows a slight decrease from the tions to these three schools were applied early, showing the trend thing while the kids answered freshmen and their parents left be hesitant to show their 60 that applied last year. Early submitted this year. to be fairly consistent. Not all questions. Then, the parents and with a better understanding of work again? Probably and action is different from early This year’s senior class of those students necessarily the freshmen switched places, one another. understandably.” decision in that a student can shows an increase in applying ended up matriculating at those early to Ivy League Colleges, schools. with 42 applications submitted Mr. Robert MacLellan said compared to last year’s 33 ap- that many colleges favor early plications. On the other hand, decision over other forms of 51 applications were submit- early applying because it shows ted early to the Ivy League a real commitment to the school. two years ago. Four seniors Several schools such as Univer- applied to Princeton this year sity of Pennsylvania and, more compared to three seniors last recently, Columbia University, year, and eight students applied give advantages to students who to Harvard early this year com- apply there early. U Penn also pared to five students last year. only counts legacy as an advan- Yale, however, was the most tage to a student’s application if popular Ivy this year, with nine the student applies there early. Quiz Bowl Tourna- ment on Television swer subtracted ten. In this Continued From Page 1 round, the four categories were The school donated soccer equipment, including old jerseys, to Cameroon. Courtesy of Mr. Gerry Vanasse France, Osteology, Angles and we settled down and it felt like Fantasy. Again, the Quiz Bowl any other tournament.” Despite team proved to be well rounded the fact that the team members as they successfully answered Community Service Projects Go Global may have been nervous, they almost every question thrown did a great job of “keeping at them. The game ended in By DIANA JIANG (IV) her goal is to care for seventy- people. Skiba, who has volun- five hundred soccer balls, one hun- five children and ultimately help teered at the organization for five dred pairs of cleats, and many sets their cool,” explained Dean a 330 to 125 Pingry victory, In the coming months, the them develop into future leaders years and served as an assistant of Pingry soccer uniforms were of Students Mrs. Joan Hearst. meaning the team will continue Pingry community will raise of Tanzania. to the physical therapist, said, sent to Cameroon. Mr. Batamak “They didn’t seem nervous. on in the single-elimination money for several charitable Ms. Sara Boisvert, Head of “Working with these kids really Pierre Joseph, the President of These kids just did it so calmly tournament draw. organizations with a slew of Admissions, volunteered at the makes me appreciate the basic the Cameroon Youth Soccer As- it was incredible.” Even though this was an dress-down days, drives, and orphanage for three weeks this tasks I do everyday. Seeing the sociation, wrote to Mr. Vanasse, The first round’s categories exciting accomplishment, the other fundraisers. In the fall, past summer, teaching English to improvement throughout the year “You cannot believe the happi- included The Constitution, team is not finished yet. The the school participated in Señor young students. She said, “I got is really enjoyable.” ness those packages will bring Decimals, Arthropods, and next round of The Challenge Nazario’s highly successful can incredibly attached to the kids, and In the coming months the to the young Cameroonians after Novels. Even though these cat- featuring the team will air drive and the Middle School’s it was very hard to leave.” school will also be donating to this World Cup… Thank you for egories are extremely diverse, in March against Midland “Funky Sock” Day. The can Last year, the Shades of Color the Youth Soccer Program in the everything… May God bless all the Quiz Bowl team proved to Park, which also won its first drive collected food to provide Club raised two hundred dollars West African nation of Cameroon. of us for this action.” be confident in each of them. match. underprivileged families with a for the Children’s Fund by host- Pingry’s involvement in the pro- This year, the motto for the “Once you practice the format If the team continues to win, Thanksgiving meal, while the ing a dance at the end of the year. gram began last year when athletic program is “One Ball, One Heart.” enough, it’s not that hard,” it can gain the title of New October 31st sock day involved This year, they will again donate director Mr. Gerry Vanasse started Seventeen other schools in Som- Freedman noted. “Most of the Jersey Challenge champion students and faculty wearing to the fund. Dr. Diana Artis, As- a plan to give a soccer ball to erset County are also getting questions are related to topics and earn a prize of $2,500 for quirky footwear as they collected sistant Director of Admissions, each player in the program. He involved, especially Somerville we’ve learned about during the school. The tournament, new, unused socks for Bridges. said, “Education is a great focus first heard about the Cameroon and Somerset Vocational Techni- regular classes.” Although however, does not end in New Recently, the Shades of Color at this orphanage, which fits with soccer players’ plight when he cal Institute. With the help of other Union Hill started out strong, Jersey. The winners from Con- Club hosted a dress-down day for the Pingry mission.” sat down with Albert Nguidjol, athletic directors and volunteers, Pingry finished the first round necticut and Long Island play the Tanzanian Children’s Fund. Early next year, Meredith a member of the Cameroonian Mr. Vanasse is hoping to reach in the lead with a score of 140 the New Jersey champion to Started by India Howell in 2003, Skiba (V), Evan Rosenman (V), national soccer team and assistant his goal of 7,200 soccer balls to 115. compete for an overall victor. the fund “provides financial and and Anthony Parisi (III) will host coach at Pingry’s summer camp. – for 7,200 players – by the end The second round, known This team who is the overall intellectual support to projects and a dress-down day to raise money During soccer practice, an old of the year. as the “Lightning Round,” winner is awarded a prize of programs designed to improve the for two organizations: the Support soccer ball had been kicked into The program is in its early provided each team with sixty $10,000 for its school and an lives of children in need.” It spon- Our Siblings Autism Foundation the woods. Nguidjol immediately stages, but two hundred soccer seconds to answer a total of ten additional $500 per person on sors several initiatives to combat and Stepping Stones. Support Our said, “Don’t worry. I’ll go get the balls have already been collected questions in a specific category. the team. “We’re all looking poverty, most notably an orphan- Siblings provides opportunities for ball.” The players all tried tell- this year. Steady progress has been Union Hill went first and cor- forward to the next round and age in Tanzania. The orphanage autistic children to acquire skills ing him that it was no big deal, made on cleaning, deflating, pack- rectly answered six out of the seeing how far we can go,” is unique in that it does not allow necessary for life in the real world but Albert said, “No, no. In my ing, and shipping the thousands ten questions in the category Horlbeck said. adoptions but instead serves as a and to become more independent. country, a soccer ball’s worth more of balls. “Horror Movies.” Pingry went Even though the Quiz Bowl true home for children. It pays for Stepping Stones is a non-profit than gold.” Mr. Vanasse says, “I think second and scored a perfect ten team has only advanced one its students to attend grades one school and early intervention The collection was a phenom- more students should have an out of ten in “T.V. Parents.” round so far, all of the captains through seven at the local village center for children up to the age enal success last year. Colleen awareness and appreciation for This victory gave the team expect to “go the distance” school, and some students go on of nine who suffer from Down Tapen (IV) gathered one hundred how fortunate they are. This is our ten more points and increased and are extremely enthusiastic to college. Syndrome and other disabilities. soccer balls and Dr. Tom Hakes, chance to think about others and its lead. about the whole tournament. Howell’s orphanage currently The school teaches children basic CEO of C/S Group, provided for make a major impact on a country In the third and final round, “We have a strong team in houses forty-one children, and tasks and helps them develop as the shipping expense. Altogether, thousands of miles away.” a correct answer earned ten general,” Tungare explained, points while an incorrect an- “so we expect to do well.” THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2006  Veterans Day Speak- Service and Laughs Together on Halloween when teachers were com- performances. efforts around the Pingry By IAN MARTIN-KATZ (IV) pared to celebrities and his- In addition to musical campus, doing projects such torical figures in the SAC performances and Hallow- er Shares Emotions On Friday, October 27, as planting bulbs, painting slide show. The slide show een spirit, the main features than most languages because students participated in Ru- lacrosse nets, and cleaning By MORGAN FOSTER (III) also included predictions of the Rufus Gunther Day th of the different tones of the fus Gunther Day activities, buses. The 12 graders were of what the offspring of se- assembly were the videos th words, and American soldiers including an assembly and divided among several tasks, On November 11 , Pingry lect members of the Pingry submitted by students. One had a hard time communicat- various community service including organizing mail- welcomed Dr. James Finn, a faculty would look like; the video depicted Pingry’s mas- ing with locals and figuring endeavors. ings for Bridges, FOP Re- United States Navy veteran results both shocked and ter- cot Big Blue on an everyday out who was on which side of The day began with an search, Kids Cancer Research of the Vietnam War, to speak rified the crowd. excursion to the Bridgewater the war. Dr. Finn brightened assembly led by the Student and working at the Veterans at the annual Veterans Day Musical performances also Mall, and another portrayed the otherwise somber mood Activities Committee (SAC), Association Hospital. In ad- assembly. entertained the students. A a homeless student, played of the assembly by telling which worked tirelessly to dition to the grade-by-grade After being drafted, Dr. trio consisting of Connor by Kevin McNulty (IV), who some amusing stories about put together videos, jokes, community service assign- Finn served in the Navy from Sheehan (IV) on drums, Dan joins the student body. “I 1969 to 1973 as a top-secret certain phrases gone awry and performances to entertain ments, Girls Chorus, Drama polyglot, trying to keep tabs when they were translated to the school. Sam Waterbury on enemy units and preventing Vietnamese. (VI) and Matt Laud (VI), them from winning southern One of the biggest dif- the heads of SAC, served as Vietnam. During his last two ferences, though, was the emcees. years in Vietnam, he was a variation in their value sys- The assembly kicked off field interpreter for the Navy tem. As Vietnam had been with appearances by 9th Special Forces Unit. involved in constant warfare graders who were dressed for While discussing his days for many centuries, many of Halloween, and the costume in Vietnam, Dr. Finn brought the citizens were numb to the that received the greatest forward many differences that suffering and destruction. Dr. crowd reaction was “A Pirate gave the American soldiers Finn noted, “[The Vietnamese on Vacation” portrayed by a disadvantage: the climate, were] willing to take appalling Brian Green. culture, values, and language. casualties in order to obtain The 10th grade winner The climate tends to be ex- their long-term goal.” was “The Quiz Bowl Team” Although portrayed by girls’ soccer he willingly players, and highlights of discussed his the 11th grade costumes “war stories” included “The Breakfast with the Pin- Club” and Scott Lalli’s duct gry commu- tape interpretation of “A nity, it was Robot.” The unanimous quite evident winner in the senior class that reminisc- was Russell Simpson’s “Phil ing about his Artis,” which received roar- A. Hui (V) friends, some ing applause. The Pingry of whom were faculty participated as well, Mr. Bugliari gauges audience support for juniors presenting their costumes. survivors and featuring a lacrosse-stick- Davidson (VI) on guitar and liked Kevin’s video because 3, and Drama 4 traveled to others who wielding Mr. Hedengren as saxophone, and Ted Moller it was funny, but still had an ECLC and Matheny School were killed in “Kim Kimber.” (VI) on vocals and rhythm important message behind to entertain young men and Vietnam, was “The costumes were great guitar riled up the crowd. it,” said Georgia Cook (IV). women with disabilities. painful for and added a fun component Ned Adriance (IV) comment- Following the assembly, Although the individual Dr. Finn. He to the day,” stated Brian ed, “The trio’s sensational members of the community tasks of these projects may mentioned a Quinn (IV), “but it would be combination of percussion, set out to take part in various have varied, the overall goal few times that more enjoyable if a greater guitar, and vocal wizardry community service projects. remained the same. he felt guilty percentage of the commu- successfully got the students Students in 6th through 10th As Jack DiMassimo (V) for surviving nity participated and dressed swaying to the beat of the grades traveled to the Food explained, “We were able to while some up.” oldies.” Rebecca Behrman Bank of New Jersey to stuff extend a helping hand to the of his friends The faculty afforded the (V) and Elisabeth Youngdahl envelopes and organize items. greater community while also had not made audience even more laughs (VI) also added solo acoustic 11th graders focused their having fun." A. Hui (V) it through the Dr. James Finn spoke to the school about war. When his war experiences in Vietnam. asked if he tremely hot, different from had revisited Thanksgiving Can Drive Helps The Hungry the seasonal weather most Vietnam, he replied, “I would Nazario’s. He said, “It’s the she’s been ill, yet she never retrieve a basket of cans. Americans experience. The feel even more guilty about By MELISSA LOEWINGER (VI) school’s drive. I just make asks for anything. When When asked why the culture is also vastly different, surviving it if I were to go Every year for the past the announcements.” you do things with Mrs. recommended number is leading to confusing misin- back.” The cans are presented Floyd her attitude toward three cans, Mr. Nazario Dr. Finn’s combination 30 years, Spanish teacher terpretations. For example, Mr. Victor Nazario has or- to Mrs. Rosa Floyd, who giving becomes contagious. said, “I feel that three is a simple hand gestures that of humor and heart-wrench- ing stories also contained ganized a can drive in which serves as the main director You can’t help but get in small enough number that it Americans would consider of the can drive and who has there and help her out,” said is manageable for kids and polite or friendly could come an important message about students are encouraged to been helping the impover- Mr. Nazario. yet a large enough number across as offensive to a Viet- the American dream and the bring in three cans. This namese citizen. troops who fight in wars. year marks the 38th an- ished for years. After the drive is over, to feed so many families. The language difference He commented, “Freedom nual canned-foods drive, a “Rosa Floyd is an incred- Mrs. Floyd brings the cans If I was to ask for five, I created another barrier be- that we take for granted is school-run endeavor that is ible woman, who believes in to a church, where families wouldn’t get as much as I tween the Vietnamese and the really our most valuable pos- not, contrary to popular be- giving instead of asking for from the Elizabeth, Irving- get asking for three.” Americans. The Vietnamese session. However, freedom lief, a private project of Mr. herself. The last few years ton and the Newark area can Despite Mr. Nazario’s language is harder to master isn’t free.” continuous appeals for “just three cans,” the school still does not have 100% par- ticipation. Gary Komarin Displays Colorful Work in Art Gallery “Some people think this ally attended the New York playfulness is vital to Mr. Mr. Komarin add- three can bit is not meant By NED ADRIANCE (IV) Studio School. Komarin’s artwork, as all of ed, “I want to pull for them. Luckily, the gen- The art, according to Mr. his pieces are “completely people into the art erosity of kids who give “I don’t like to be boxed Komarin, is intended to be intuitively based—there’s and…well, I want more than asked, without in—there’s no need to cat- a combination between still no set program. I really al- to make money.” expecting anything, over- egorize art, or anything life, landscape, and abstract low the painting to speak T h e a r t i s t ’s powers those who feel that for that matter,” said Gary art, but as he put it, “it’s re- to me, and I’ll jot down a work has been three cans is not cool,” Mr. Komarin as he watched stu- ally impossible to describe series of marks that come successfully on Nazario reasoned. dents, faculty, and parents it with a specific term or to mind,” said Mr. Komarin, display in various Last year the school re- admire his art on display categorization.” Color and pointing to a particularly galleries and mu- ceived enough cans to feed in the Hostetter Art Cen- layering play an important abstract piece. seums across the 150 families. ter Gallery. Mr. Komarin, role in the design of Mr. Ko- “He’s certainly an ab- world, and Mr. “The number of families who is the father of Wyatt marin’s work, and he “man- stract artist, but there are Delman, on be- we are able to feed increases Komarin (V), will have his ages to find the beauty in the several representational half of the entire each year. Every year I hope artwork on display until most mundane things—like elements and variety in his community, said that we’ll be able to feed January 10th. a wig or a cake,” said Ian work, which makes it nearly “we really appre- one more family. When you Mr. Komarin was born in Martin-Katz (IV). impossible to classify him ciate that he has see how much you have and New York City in 1951. He Mr. Peter Delman, an art or his artwork at all,” Mr. decided to come how little others have, you attended Albany State Uni- teacher, elaborated on Mr. Delman asserted, speaking to our school and wish you had a truckload versity and received a BA Komarin’s style, explaining with a tone of reverence give us a won- of can-filled boxes,” Mr. in English Literature and that “there is an element towards Mr. Komarin. derful variety of Nazario said,.“I personally Art. He then graduated from of playfulness to all of his Mr. Komarin’s desires his drawings and want to thank all of those Boston University Graduate work—and one can sense for his artwork are mainly paintings to pres- who gave, and for all of the School of Fine Arts with a the tension between a cer- centered on his personal ent to everyone— people who did not give, I Master of Fine Arts in paint- tain effortless spontaneity self-expression, not to have thus far he’s re- M. Skiba (V) would like for them to think ing and a Graduate Teaching and layers of painting.” a specific impact on those ally sent a lot of Artist Gary Komarin poses in front of of giving sometime in their Fellowship, and addition- This aforementioned who view his displays. Still, his work.” one of his pieces. life. Giving is cool.”  THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT DECEMBER 18, 2006 SPECIAL REPORT: Letter Creates Controversy he described the extent of the one to look around and see the the school,” he said. Mr. Conard felt the meet- admissions process has been By JOSH FREEDMAN (VI) falsities in it and talked about faculty’s pro-diversity view. The letter prompted an im- ing was a success. “It was explored before. Last year, its overall message. This reflected, according to mediate reaction from some very helpful,” he explained, the Record conducted a poll An anonymous letter, ques- Calling it a “vehicle of Mr. Conard, the most impor- students who felt it was im- “as people got to hear and and gathered statistics about tioning and denouncing the hate,” Mr. Conard compared tant role of the meeting and portant to show that the entire understand why the letter diversity in the school com- level of diversity in the school community strongly supported would have felt threatening munity. The poll revealed that and the admissions process, diversity. Students created to some.” 88 percent of students and 95 has created a stir among fac- large posters, hung on the The letter had both nega- percent of faculty felt diversity ulty, students, and families cafeteria walls, with spaces for tive and positive effects, Mr. of tastes and opinions was during the past month. students to sign their names if Conard noted. On the nega- “somewhat” or “very” impor- The letter was original- they supported diversity and tive side, the letter brought a tant, and that 74 percent of stu- ly sent to Headmaster Nat to write comments about the sense of uneasiness and fear dents and the same 95 percent Conard, Head of the Lower importance of diversity in the to members of the community. of faculty felt socioeconomic School Ted Corvino Sr., Chair community. “Families who felt uneasy and diversity was “somewhat” or of the Board of Trustees Vic- Not everyone, however, felt personally threatened by the “very” important. toria Brooks, and Head of the that Mr. Conard had handled fact that the letter was written “Diversity at Pingry is so PSPA Tzu-Lin Toner in late the situation in the best pos- don’t know how widespread multi-dimensional; it all boils September; due to the writer’s sible way. Ross Millard (VI) the sentiment is,” he said. down to diversity of perspec- anonymity, however, the letter commented, “Mr. Conard On the positive side, Mr. tive,” said Mr. Conard. “The was disregarded and no action emphasized the importance Conard said, “The letter served diversity that we seek cannot was taken. of discussion in the aftermath as a rallying point for people be measured by skin color or Mr. Conard explained, “We of the presence of the letter. to step forward and say that family income distribution didn’t want to legitimize that Unfortunately, the announce- we believe in diversity. It also alone.” kind of approach by reacting ment mentioned no specifics prompted more open discus- The presence of the letter publicly until we had to.” and was very foggy and vague sion about the issue and the in the community brought the On November 6th, the same regarding any details – it is im- value of diversity and how we issue of diversity back to the letter with an attached cover possible to have a discussion can achieve it.” forefront of school discus- letter was sent to various mem- when nobody is on the same “It was always clear that sion and seemed to, from the bers of the school community, level of understanding about diversity was a school-wide overall reaction of the school, including PSPA members and the situation.” goal that predates my arrival,” reinforce the goal of an in- their families. At this point, On the following Monday, continued Mr. Conard. “I think crease in the diversity of the the administration decided M. Skiba (V) Mr. Conard held an open meet- it is tremendously important student body. that the issue needed to be ad- Mr. Conard explained the situation at a special assembly. ing for parents at the Short for a lot of reasons. Not least Mr. Conard explained the dressed. Mr. Conard emailed Hills campus to discuss the because the reality is that the importance of diversity, say- parents about the letter and the letter to hate crimes such the email: to show the student letter. A large number of par- world that you guys are going ing, “There is an intangible held an all-school meeting as burning down churches. body that the school did not ents attended; all of the seats to run is a diverse world. If goal of having a student body to explain the situation to Even though some students condone this letter. were filled and many attendees you don’t understand how to and faculty where in there is students. considered this reference to be “I felt it was tremendously had to stand. The meeting work with people who are dif- a sufficient variety of back- In his speech and email, hyperbolic, Mr. Conard later important that all members was mostly an open forum ferent than you, you won’t be grounds represented so that Mr. Conard acknowledged the defended his choice of meta- of the community who might for discussion about any topic successful.” you can have the best possible presence of the letter and pro- phor, saying, “Throughout his- have felt targeted by the letter regarding the letter or diversity The issue of diversity in thinking and learning experi- vided a response to many pos- tory, intolerance movements ended up feeling supported by at the school. the student body and in the ence.” sible discrepancies between have often cloaked themselves the content and the form in in pseudo-intellectual trap- which the letter appeared. pings, relying on apathy and “I wanted to respond to the anonymity to gain traction. choice of medium pretty deci- Hate speech and hate crimes sively and without legitimizing are often done anonymously. the vehicle.” Mr. Conard said. Why does the KKK wear “I also wanted to correct some hoods? It conceals their iden- of the misconceptions, and it tity. The content of the letter had to happen quickly.” was raising issues related to Mr. Conard first addressed discrimination and was doing the anonymity of the letter, it in an unattributable fashion. calling it cowardly and urg- It was not too big a step and ing those who have opinions it was also meant partly to to not be afraid to share them shock. We sometimes have and stand up for them. With an a tendency to be apathetic or anonymous letter, he said, “We passive to minor injustices, can’t respond to the author. We which could desensitize us to can’t have meaningful conver- major injustices such as Darfur sation. If it had been signed, or the Holocaust.” we could have just picked up At the conclusion of the the phone and asked, ‘Why did meeting, Mr. Conard asked you send us this?’” any of the faculty who sup- Mr. Conard then spoke ported diversity at school to about the contents of the letter. stand up. After every member While he never specifically of the faculty immediately Courtesy of The Development Office quoted anything in the letter, rose, Mr. Conard asked every- Lower School students watch the 2005 Winter Festival. Word in the Hall: What Did You Think of Mr. Conard's Response?

Nick Gilligan (III) Dan Levin (IV) Heather Benjamin (VI) Annabell Suh (VI) Lucy Marchese (VI) "It was intense." "He helped control "He could’ve been "It was really "It was hard to deal the issue by putting more informative good." with, but I think he down the negative about the contents handled it as well as ideas raised by the of the letter before anyone could." projecting opinions letter." about it." THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT DECEMBER 18, 2006 THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT DECEMBER 18, 2006  The Community Speaks Out Writing Style The Response

By ISAAC DAVIS (VI) By DR. DIANA ARTIS While I was greatly relieved by both the student body’s In the days immediately following the appearance of “the and Mr. Conard’s response to the recent anonymous “diver- letter,” I shifted into a critical and analytical mode as I joined sity” letter incident, I am disturbed by the initial response forces with several faculty and staff to process and respond. I of many students and parents of: “well, this is well-written, did not afford myself much of an opportunity to explore my so it certainly has some valid points.” It is this that I want emotions. Now that much of the dust has settled, however, I am to specifically address, because this is exactly how small- grateful for the opportunity to explore and share my feelings minded bigots attempt to gain credibility: by masking blatant as a woman of color, as a member of the staff, and as a parent prejudice with clever and “correct” language. It is only by within the community. realizing that, although this letter may not use explicitly By MATT LAUD (VI) I was initially angered and saddened by the words expressed hateful language, it is still, as Mr. Conard so aptly put it, a in the letter, but ultimately I am struck by the irony. In my var- “vehicle of hate.” ied roles within our school, I have come to appreciate and feel Consider the following, rather graphic, example: someone certain about our school’s commitment to diversity initiatives, offers you a paper bag full of excrement. Now, let’s say that, The Reaction and I work to communicate those commitments to our current instead of a paper bag, it was a leather Coach bag full of and prospective families. The author(s) of the letter have sig- excrement. Would you consider the latter a friendlier gesture By DAN DAVIDSON (VI) nificantly helped my efforts by eliciting a response within the than the former? Would the difference between a paper bag Pingry community that unequivocally highlights our school’s and a Coach bag distract you from the inherent grossness of When I read the now-infamous letter the day before commitment to diversity. the contents? No. Either way, it’s still a bag of excrement. the assembly that addressed it, I was shocked by its Our headmaster’s immediate and explicit response to the Now, let us put this metaphor in terms of recent events: many glaring inconsistencies and fairly apparent racial letter, coupled with the outrage of our faculty, staff, parents, if someone spray-paints onto a wall an offensive racial slur insensitivity. What the authors called disturbing trends and students, speaks volumes about the Pingry community. indicating that minority students aren’t welcome at Pingry, were backed up with virtually no evidence, and some of The letter, whose motivation was anything but empowerment, should we consider this any more or less offensive than if the statements were simply outrageous. Why then, with has done just that. The divisive, harmful tone has served to someone sends around an anonymous but “well-written” letter my distaste for the contents of the letter stirring in my empower many members of Pingry to speak forcefully in sup- with basically the same message? Does committing a message mind, did I find myself arguing with people who shared port of diversity. As a result, current families and prospective to letterhead validate it in a way that writing it in graffiti my sentiments after the Headmaster’s speech? families are not left with sadness or anger, but rather a sense doesn’t? No. Either way, it’s still the same basic message. The reaction to the letter was flawed in its unin- of security about diversity at Pingry. It would be difficult to Think about this: Hitler begins “Mein Kampf” with what hibited and unnecessary attack on viewpoints that are question our school’s commitment to diversity in light of these many people considered “valid” points about economy and likely held only by a small minority of community responses. I am sure the author(s) did not envision a positive society. Once he has gotten his reader’s attention with clever members. Saying that writing this letter is not very impact on the diversity initiatives of our school. writing and observations about the “disturbing trends” in his far removed from committing hate crimes like arson As a woman of color and as a parent, I could allow myself world, he explains that everything is the fault of a Jewish is quite a stretch. While the former can certainly lead to worry and wonder about the author of the letter. Specifically, conspiracy. The anonymous letter follows a similar pattern. to the latter, I find it hard to seriously believe that I could wonder about the author’s proximity to my children Its first goal is to draw in the reader’s attention and trust by next week the authors of the letter will go on a spree and the impact on my children’s experiences. Instead, I am pointing out problems in the Pingry community. The reader of church burnings. This comparison was the defining empowered by the community’s response. I remain certain thinks perhaps the writer is describing the recent concerns moment of the assembly, which instead of reassuring and take comfort in knowing that my children are members about cheating. Then, once the author has the readers nodding and informing students, left them mostly in the dark as of a community where the power base is not afraid to take a their heads, the blame is placed on the school’s admission to the details of the situation and made it appear as if a stand for equality and justice. I cannot really ask for more in a policy to draw in minorities. grave crisis was unfolding before our very eyes. world where the emotions of “the letter” do exist, so I choose If nothing else, we should gain from a Pingry education the If, as I’ve heard suggested, the letter was penned by not to dwell on the fears that such a letter could invoke. Rather, ability to distinguish the message from the medium. As such, a few angry parents, why was such a furious response I choose to remain invigorated, energized, and motivated by it is our own responsibility to recognize that, whether it is necessary? Why do we need the entire faculty to stand those who join me in a stand against the feelings expressed in presented in an anonymous letter, in graffiti on a wall, or in up in support of diversity? Since it is almost inconceiv- the letter. I remain committed to the goals of diversity. I remain any other form of communication, a message of hatred is still able that a faculty member would remain sitting, even committed to the Pingry community. a message of hatred, and it is not validated by its medium. if he or she was a closet racist, this gesture was mean- ingless and an insult to the Student Body’s ability to evaluate the moral fiber of our teachers on our own. Pingry Values Anonymity Even if more than a few people are responsible for the letter, responding to them with hatred accomplishes By MS. VICTORIA BROOKS By LISA THOMAS (VI) little, and in the long run will have a detrimental effect on the school. The animosity shown towards the authors When I was younger, I used to spend hours practicing my Almost 20 years ago, my husband and I chose to send our chil- signature. No scrap of paper could escape my mark. I could of the letter was so vast that if it becomes a trend in dren to Pingry for the same reasons that parents today are enrolling be talking on the phone or watching television. It didn’t really matters in which a large majority at school is united their children here: to be a part of a community that embraces its matter what I was doing; I just wanted a chance to make my against a fringe viewpoint, the minority will have its core values of honor, mutual respect, diversity and inclusion. We signature perfect. I wanted it to look adult-like, to look profes- right to free speech stifled, even in cases where the didn’t just want a school that would “help our kids get into a good sional, so that people would recognize it and begin to understand ideas at stake are far less inflammatory than racism. college,” but one where they would be intellectually challenged to the sort of person I was. Just as the letter has been perceived by some as a become lifelong learners. In 2001, during the last strategic planning In today’s world, we are constantly being asked to sign fear tactic, the assembly was an attempt to intimidate process, the Board revised the wording of the School’s mission; it things, whether it’s as simple as signing for a package or as those who wrote or were in agreement with aspects of now truly reflects the essence of Pingry, as well as my own personal big as signing a contract for a new car. Our signature is the the letter. Laws making hate speech illegal have been passion as a parent and trustee of the School: way we tell the world that we have agreed to do something or struck down by the Supreme Court because, unless it “The mission of The Pingry School is to foster in students a that something holds enough importance in our life that we are clearly incites violence, hate speech is just as legitimate lifelong commitment to intellectual exploration, individual growth, willing to sign our name to it, willing to put a piece of ourselves a form of expression as any under the Constitution. The and social responsibility by inspiring and supporting them to strive on it. This is hugely important because when your name is on principle of free speech in America works best when for academic and personal excellence within an ethical framework something, you are now held accountable. You can’t sign a ideas are attacked with the presentation of other ideas, that places the highest value on honor and respect for others.” document and walk away from it; you are responsible for what At that time we also updated our statement of philosophy that not with assaults on the people who have the ideas. incorporates Pingry’s core values: respect for students, a desire to it says and for the ramifications of the document. Unfortunately, this is not what occurred. Instead The importance of a signature has been seen countless strive for excellence in everything we do, a strong emphasis on of recognizing that a percentage of the population, times throughout history. For example, our forefathers took ethical education and respect for others, a belief in multiculturalism, an enormous risk signing their names to the Declaration of however small, has concerns that should be addressed, and a sincere desire to be an inclusive community. Independence, but they did it anyway because the message of the authors of the letter were wantonly attacked and Mission and values are the bedrock of Pingry; they are the rea- the document meant something to them. They risked their lives automatically labeled racists. Instead of proving to the son people join our community. Because they are what we hold by signing their names to that piece of paper. When you don’t community that diversity is important and necessary, most dear, all of us, every day, have a commitment to bring them sign your name on a document you’re presenting, its contents the issue was sidestepped. The possible, albeit inferred, alive in our daily dealings with each other. No one says that being lose value. racism of the authors does not give us a right to refuse a member of our values-based community is easy, and indeed on If you are unwilling to sign your name to ideas and feelings to address an issue important to the school. Now, in- some days it may seem as though we are far from achieving the that you claim to have, then I cannot respond to them or respect stead of fostering communication between supporters School’s mission. them. The writer of an anonymous letter does not want to create and opponents of increased diversity, the possibility of Nothing distresses me more, however, than when I hear of some- dialogue but instead discord. The things said in that letter were open forum has been destroyed. Who would dare speak one in our community not treating others with respect or integrity, hurtful, but I would have been more willing to listen to them his or her mind now that it has been demonstrated that be it a student, parent, faculty, alumni or trustee. While we may and try to understand where they were coming from if I knew anyone who opposes greater diversity will be quickly indeed have different opinions about how we achieve our mission who was saying them. I don’t care what people have to say as deemed a racist? and the timetable that we decide upon, it both outrages and deeply long as they have the courage to say yes, I believe this, yes, I In the end, the proper thing to do would have been to saddens me when I hear about members of our community who will sign my name to this. don’t truly believe in the school’s core values. educate the Student Body about the facts surrounding While the Board is the ultimate steward of our values and our Some people might say that feelings and opinions like the the letter and the state of diversity at Pingry. We are ones expressed in the letter administrators and parents received Headmaster is our chosen leader to be a role model, teach and lead all intelligent people and could easily see through the cannot be shared openly because the writer would automatically the school, at the end of the day, Pingry is only as strong as our be deemed a racist. stupidity of most of what was written. Instead of giv- ‘weakest link.’ All members of Pingry must be believers or the But if you really believe something, if you really want to ing a vote of confidence to the Pingry community, the community suffers because of their individual actions. change something, then that is a risk you have to be willing school’s response is an alarming signal. Racial tension My hope and the goal I am committed to achieving twenty years to take. To not sign your name is cowardly. The next time you will not disappear because of the hateful counterattack; from now, even though Pingry may look and feel different as it pick up your pen to sign a document, whether it is a test, a it will continue to escalate if the school continues to focuses on being an educational school in a global interconnected contract, or a letter, please remember that you are not simply act in a confrontational manner, or will be forcefully world, is for parents to want to send their children here for the writing your name, you are saying that you are responsible for subdued along with many other issues we have a right same reasons that our family did many years ago: to join a values- whatever that document says and that you are willing to deal to address. based community that embraces honor, mutual respect, diversity with the consequences. and inclusion.  THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2006 Chinese Artist Hsu Dan Displays Paintings School Safety Issues is still involved in teaching Mr. Hsu’s art is a blend of subjects to paint from; he By HENRIETTA HAKES (IV) today. He has two studios, classical and modern tech- clarified, however, “I paint Prompt Preparedness Hsu Dan combines East and “Hsu Dan Art Institute” and niques, using both eastern and what I see and what I feel.” As West, old and new, in a unique, “Green Screen Studio Gal- western elements. He invokes he shrugged his shoulders, he Continued From Page 1 help in the event of a fire, electri- original style; his distinctive lery,” where he displays his the traditional use of Chinese added, “I see something and cal power outage, or plumbing paintings were on view in the work and instructs pupils in characters and mountain vis- then know I want to paint it, form of audio communication crisis. To say their job is to Art Gallery from October 23 his distinctive techniques. tas, while also incorporating and I know how.” can be relied upon during a secure the building from people to November 28. “When teaching you build up. bright colors and city scenes. Over the course of his lockdown, the drill ends when outside is a misrepresentation. The artist has contributed to Start simply with things like “They’re equal,” Mr. Hsu stat- career, Mr. Hsu has always an administrator comes to the We also know that the sprawl- the school’s arts program be- flowers and calligraphy. Then, ed in regard to his preference retained an optimistic en- room to dismiss everyone, quite ing nature of the building makes fore by hosting an exhibition at when you have mastered those of techniques, “They can’t be thusiasm for his work. “My unlike the way that fire drills securing entrances increasingly the C.B. Newton Library and things, use all the skills you compared.” ancestors were painters, and I are ended. difficult,” said Mr. Leef. performing demonstrations learned to paint landscapes,” When asked what he de- carry and pass on the art that Some students feel that lock- Head of Maintenance Mr. for Mr. Paton’s art history Mr. Hsu smiled as his daughter cides to paint and what tech- is part of our culture,” he said. down drills are unnecessary, Mike Virzi confirms that some- classes. Mr. Hsu comes from translated the very abbreviated nique to use, he replied, “I Mr. Hsu carried on the legacy as it is very unlikely that a real one is responsible for building a tradition of artists and is ac- process of creating a classical paint what I see.” Having trav- of his ancestors with his art lockdown would occur. security by the front door at complished in his own right, Chinese painting, then added, eled extensively throughout exhibit in the school gallery “Honestly, I find the ha- all times from 4:30 pm until 8 as his work has been displayed “Remember to take your time China, America, and Europe, that transcended culture and rangues about exact procedure am. The first shift is worked at the Great Hall of the People and practice.” Mr. Hsu has any number of time. excruciating,” said Adrienne by someone from Pingry’s fa- in Beijing and the Jiangsu Art Spiegel (V). cilities department, who sits Museum. Mr. Conard added, “One of approximately until midnight; Growing up in the pictur- the things that keeps people in the next shift, which lasts until 8 esque city of Hangzhou in Chi- the community safe is know- am, is worked by someone from na, Mr. Hsu showed an interest ing one another and identifying the security firm with which the and talent in art at an early age. strangers. It is important to school has a contract. He held his first exhibition at report suspicious behavior and The job specifically in- age thirteen, meaning that he unusual visitors to an adult.” volves sitting at the desk by has worked for more than half The third and final way to the door and making rounds, a century as a professional keep the school safe is by moni- logging in at certain points on artist. Upon graduation from toring the entrances into the schedule. At no point during the the Art Institute of China, Mr. building. The school has three rounds does the security officer Hsu decided to attend Tong Ji obvious entrances (the front go outside of the building. University in Shanghai. He door, the athletic entrance, and Mr. Conard also confirms that majored in architecture and the arts entrance), but there all doors, except for the front garden design, not exclusively are other entry points that go door, lock at 8:30 am on school focusing on art for economic unnoticed: the side entrance days, and someone is on duty 24 reasons. After receiving his in the middle school wing, the hours per day on weekends. degree, Mr. Hsu taught for cafeteria entrance, the entrance “The goal is to limit access thirty years at Southeast Uni- by the Safe Room, and the en- points to the building. We are versity in Nanjing and during trance in the science wing, to looking into having more safety the 1980s immigrated to the name a few. features installed to monitor the United States. “The entryways are not as other doors in the future. For “Teaching is necessary to secure as they should be. The now, we are looking for coop- pass on culture. It’s an art people at the front desk are really eration from the students and A. Hui (V) faculty to keep everyone safe,” itself,” says Mr. Hsu, who Hsu Dan uses traditional painting methods. there monitoring electrical sys- tems and so on. They are there to he said. Ceremony Marks Opening of New Smith Middle School in all seriousness, the build- Form I is based on the study the center, but we’d also dents are allowed to choose figure out how Chinese will By CATHERINE CHONG (VI) ing looks gorgeous, and the of culture. Form II examines bring in history from other between three languages: fit into Pingry. It is not a science facilities are very the American Journey from parts of the world.” Spanish, French, and Ger- question of whether we will November 14th and 15th impressive.” the Depression through the In the same pursuit of a man. The current proposal offer the language. It is a marked the two-day celebra- Behind the scenes, much modern time. There is not global perspective, he elabo- is to offer Spanish, French, question of how – and how tion of the opening of the work has gone into planning the kind of continuity that rated, the foreign language and German beginning in soon.” new Carol & Park B. Smith the new Middle School. should exist from 6th through department is looking to add sixth grade. “We want to ad- Finding the “Pingry fit” ’50 Middle School. The Construction began on July 8th. What we want to do is Chinese to the curriculum just to the changing times,” has been the school’s great- opening began with a sneak- 25, 2005. It took approxi- create bridges across the somewhere down the road. Mr. Cox said. “The study of est concern in building the peek on November 14, with mately 14 months to build grades, focusing on one As of now, students from Chinese—and of Chinese new Middle School. And fifth graders and sixth grad- the Middle School and move concept per year. We want first grade to sixth grade culture—are important for with a successful ceremony, ers joining current Middle in the furniture. to tie everything together. learn Spanish and start- students in the world they history is well on its way to School students on a tour. To prepare for the Middle American history would be ing in seventh grade, stu- are inheriting. We have to being made. The Ribbon Cutting Cer- School move-in, the Upper emony and Dedication oc- School Space Utilization curred at 4:15 the next day, Committee, headed by Up- with Mr. Conard and Mrs. per School Head Jon Leef Brooks making their open- and Upper School Physics ing remarks to a large, ex- teacher Mr. Bill Bourne, was cited crowd. formed to put empty rooms Later, Mr. Park B. Smith to use. During winter break, ’50, for whom the building the present Middle School is named, gave a lengthier office will be demolished speech. He explained how to make more room in the his five-year tenure at Pingry cafeteria. “Even with an and his experiences at the addition of a new grade, we College of the Holy Cross don’t anticipate space prob- and the United States Marine lems in the cafeteria if the Corps have inspired him to Upper School students don’t live a life based on three eat during Middle School tenets: excellence, service, lunch,” said Mr. Phil Cox, and honor. In donating to the Middle School Director. project, Mr. Smith hoped to While physical changes further those three values. have been immense, curricu- The speeches were then lum changes will vary de- followed by an open tour, in pending on the department. which students, faculty, and Some courses will undergo parents could walk around no changes while others the building, watch perfor- will experience a complete mances, and examine the overhaul. The math and sci- various exhibits. In one ences will not undergo or- of the classrooms, Drama ganizational modifications. 8 students put on a two- The English, History, and minute play written by Up- Foreign Languages, on the per School drama students other hand, will be altered Maureen Brady (V), Scott rather drastically. Eckenthal (V), and Mike “Right now,” Mr. Cox Martinson (V). explained, “the sixth grade “The food at the cer- course of study includes co- emony was great!” joked lonial American History, and M. Skiba (V) Hadley Johnson (VI). “But concludes with the Civil War. Mr. Park B. Smith '50 cuts the ribbon at the opening of the new middle school. THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2006 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2006  Seniors Strut Their In Memoriam: Katheryn "Kat" Werner being. Living and loving were syn- tact dwindled in the final months By EVAN ROSENMAN (V) our one big fight, because only the onymous to her, and as she lived of her life. She will always be the best of friends can scream at each Stuff on the Runway boundlessly and effervescently, so girl who made me dance at my Bar The life of Kat Werner was other one day and laugh about it too did she love. Mitzvah, the girl who convinced the next. By HALLIE BIANCO (V) up done professionally. lived without borders and without “I would say for me it Perhaps this is why she left such me to see “Mean Girls,” the girl And although there will be fear, and so in each day of the an indelible impression on all who who would always know when On November 2nd, 36 was a fabulous experience 6,150 she spent on this earth, the no more memories of Kat, there knew her. Though Kat left Pingry I was unhappy and would offer will always be opportunities to Pingry seniors strutted their because of the wonderful world became a little brighter. And in 2003, she never strayed far from a bone-crushing hug. But more stuff on the runway at the people I got to work with. as she brightened the world, so too get to know her. If you perform a the thoughts of her friends. Kat than that, I will always feel her random, even silly, act of kindness, Pingry School Parents As- Everyone had an upbeat at- did Kat become closer to God, was so full of energy and life that influence in my own heart, and until on October 2, 2006 there was you are getting in touch with your sociation (PSPA) “Rock titude, and it was such a fun you couldn’t help but love her; I will cherish my own personal own Kat Werner. If you take a mo- Around the Clock” benefit day. Everybody who helped no more distance to traverse. That as her homeroom teacher Mrs. Kat Werner as the truest part of was the day that a car crash took ment out of your day to stop and luncheon and fashion show. made it a success,” Mrs. focus on what is truly important, her away from us—physically, The benefit took place Spellman said. you are meeting with her and say- at least. at the Birchwood Manor in Earlier this year, senior ing hello. And if you laugh simply Yet, spirited as she was, Kat Whippany, New Jersey. students eagerly signed up to for the sake of being young and would not have us dwell on our PSPA member Mrs. Julie model in the fashion show. new and vivacious, then she is loss. So instead I shall dwell on Spellman, who helped orga- “I did it because I am laughing with you. her life, the beautiful life that it I like to think that I have had nize the benefit, said that the considering being an actor was an absolute privilege to be a a glimpse as to where she would PSPA started planning the in the years to come,” said part of. I think my friend Charlotte go in leaving life. That vision, my event last March, but every- Sam Waterbury (VI), “and Conway (V) said it best: “The day single favorite memory of her, took thing “really came together one thing that actors often after I found out about her death place on Mother’s Day 2003, as in the last two months.” do when they’re out of work, I was walking in the halls, and Midori Wada (V), Kat, and I bun- The fashion show, which which they usually are, is some people who knew that I was gee jumped from 180 feet in the lasted for about half an hour model.” friends with her told me how sorry air. Too-cool kid that she was, Kat and was attended by Mrs. “I’d heard over the years they were, and I just wanted to say laughed at my increasing vertigo as Hearst and Mr. Conard, that the fashion show was a how sorry I was for them, that they the cable raised us up, until she too didn’t get to know her too.” featured the seniors wearing lot of fun, and I wanted to began to get frightened. Yet when Kat’s life does not lend itself Courtesy of Katwerner.org clothing donated by Lord & try it out for myself,” said Midori finally pulled the cord to easily to description; she was the Taylor, After Hours Formal Cori Hundt (VI). Everett put it, “Kat was a breath myself. send us sailing through the air, all type of person who was character- Wear, and Gito, a Millburn M r s . S p e l l m a n s a i d , of fresh air and, occasionally, a I am so sorry for those of you of Kat’s fear flowed away. ized so much by the things she did, boutique. Schultz Furriers “There was a lot of team- gust of wind.” who never got to love, or even I like to think of Kat now as by her way of being in the world, also donated various acces- work. We got to work with Her friend Rebecca Behrman meet, Kat. There are so many I saw her in that moment: flying that it is nearly impossible to refer sories, including wraps. great people. The talent pool (V) remembers, “She could make amazing times that many people over all, looking down not only to her with a single noun. I think Seniors arrived at the was absolutely amazing. friends with anybody, and I al- shared with her. I will always with limitless compassion, but also she would have wanted it this way. ways envied that.” Zach Carr (V) remember our chalk wars, our in- with a beaming smile of exhilara- Birchwood Manor early on Everyone contributed their Nouns classify. They remove some adds, “She was just such a cool sult fights with Zach, and the way tion and delight. the morning of the benefit great talents to make it a of the inherent individuality in the person.” we’d send each other “subliminal Goodbye Kat. We’ll love and and had their hair and make- success.” human soul. Kat could enter your heart in messages” in class by speaking miss you always. And so Kat was all verbs, and the span of a single conversation, as low and fast as possible. Ev- more than a handful can be attrib- and when she did, a piece of you ery experience I shared with her Kat Werner attended Pingry uted to her hinking, praying, —t became Kat Werner, became was improved by her presence, for three years as a member of writing, hugging, laughing. Yet by somehow more buoyant. This is whether it was a school dance or the class of 2008. In 2003, after far the most important was loving, why I will always consider Kat a a Coldplay concert, or one of the completing Form I, she moved an action which, to Kat, was not best friend—a once-and-forever dozens of movies we saw together. with her family to New York. an action at all but rather a state of best friend—even though our con- I will even cherish the memory of Chess Phenom Ju Teaches Young Players since he was 5 years old. commented Ju on his overall expe- logic for,” noted Ju. He has also By SAM MACKOFF (IV) When Ju was five, he saw rience. He enjoyed getting to work gotten to travel to places such as As the #1 ranked chess player his babysitter playing chess on a with kids who were so enthusiastic France, Crete, Greece, and many in New Jersey and # 2 ranked in computer and was fascinated by and interested in learning more. different parts of the U.S. to play the nation for kids 16 years old and it. “I was interested in the way The kids at the school were so in tournaments. younger, chess has been a major the pieces moved,” he said. The grateful for Ju’s visit that one of Chess has been a very positive part of sophomore Evan Ju’s life next day, his parents bought him them sent him a letter thanking influence on Ju’s life since he Courtesy of C. Hundt (VI) since he was young. Ju has been his first chess set and taught him him for coming. was 5, and he hopes to continue how to play. As a child, Ju was so His enjoyment of the game being actively involved for years Seniors participated in the PSPA fashion show. playing chess competitively in tournaments all around the world enthusiastic about the game that has been part of the reason that to come. He has enjoyed traveling he was able to beat his father only he has been able to become so and getting an opportunity to play one month after learning to play. successful. “I enjoy the thrill of the game he loves. Ju explained, Following that, his parents started competition, and I enjoy getting “I’ve had many great experiences entering him in tournaments to to play a game which I can use my and met many new people.” Author of "The Wal-Mart Effect" play competitively. Becoming the chess player that he is today took dedication Speaks to School at Finance Cafe and commitment to the game. Ju saying, “I like talking about jobs and answer session, Mr. Fish- has been taking lessons since he By MELISSA LOEWINGER (VI) better than Wal-Mart.” man said, “Wal-Mart is not the was 6 years old. He has also spent Charles Fishman, the author After the luncheon, the party problem with America. Why many hours studying strategies by of “The Wal-Mart Effect,” dis- relocated to the Hauser audi- do Democrats attack Wal-Mart? reading books and learning them cussed his theories about the torium for the presentation. Democrats shop at Wal-Mart. from coaches. “I think I have a superstore chain on November Mr. Fishman, a journalist, first Barack Obama (the Senator from good sense of logic,” explained 17 at the Finance Cafe. Mr. became interested in Wal-Mart Illinois) needs to focus on more Ju, regarding his natural talent at Fishman devoted the first hour due to an assignment from his urgent issues. He thinks he’s sup- chess. of his speech to explaining how boss. He said, “I didn’t decide to porting Blue Collar ideals, but On October 16, during a day Wal-Mart is transforming the write a book about Wal-Mart. It he’s not. What about the millions off from school, Ju spent time at American economy and affecting started with a magazine article of people buying there?” an elementary school in Roxbury the world at large. An hour-long for a dumb assignment from Upper School Economics working with the students. He question-and-answer session my boss. He told me to talk to teacher Leslie Wolfson said, was invited by the school to come followed. people who were forced to move “What I took out of his presenta- and talk to the students in the 4th Mr. Fishman usually charges from big cities like New York tion most is how he felt that Wal- grade chess club. He accepted the an honorarium of $10,000, but to a tiny little town, because of Mart does good things like keep invitation because he thought it he agreed to speak at Pingry for Wal-Mart. I’m a journalist. I the inflation rate low and make would be a great experience for less. Before his presentation, Mr. write about how people get their many goods available to lower him to teach young kids who are Fishman attended a luncheon work done.” income citizens but how he also interested in chess. in the faculty lounge where he When asked whether he be- recognized that Wal-Mart does He spent the first part of his spoke to AP Economics students lieved Wal-Mart benefited more some very bad things like treat- time talking to the students about and several teachers about the people than it hurt through its ing their workers poorly and not his background in chess and how frequency with which they go to competition, he responded, “Wal- supplying health insurance. What he got started playing. The kids Wal-Mart. He went around the Mart benefits far more people I liked best about Mr. Fishman then began to ask him questions room asking the students to state than it hurts. It holds the inflation is how he said that it’s our job as about strategies and more about their names and the last time they rate down, which is great.” citizens to encourage Wal-Mart his background. After that, several were in a Wal-Mart. Ryan Sellinger (VI) asked Mr. in the good things they do and chessboards were set up and Ju One senior could not recall Fishman whether he was for or discourage them in the bad.” proceeded to play every student ever being in a Wal-Mart. Only against Wal-Mart. Mr. Fishman After the presentation, Mr. in the club. During each game, he two people in the lounge, John responded, “I’m for understand- Fishman signed copies of “The provided them with pointers on Scrudato (VI) and Mrs. Evelyn ing Wal-Mart. I don’t think ask- Wal-Mart Effect” and answered how to improve. Kastl, said that they shop at ing whether Wal-Mart is good or additional questions. Ms. Wolf- “My time at the Roxbury Wal-Mart often. Mr. Fishman bad is a constructive question. son said, “I would like to get School was a great experience for was shocked at this low statistic You should ask, what benefits Mr. Fishman back for a Friday me. The atmosphere just had an A. Hui (V) and moved onto inquire about the does Wal-Mart have?” assembly for the entire commu- exciting feel and the kids reminded Evan Ju (IV) contemplates his next move. students’ potential career paths, In the last part of the question nity to hear.” me so much of when I was young,” 10 THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS DECEMBER 18, 2006 "Armageddon's Chil- Eastwood Directs"Flags of Our Fathers" the men keep saying that they of war. his character, is forcibly re- By SAM BARON (III) are not heroes, and that the men Ryan Phillippe (as John moved from a bar because he is dren" Is Real Thriller Through a dramatic, thought- who died on Iwo Jima and the “Doc” Bradley) and Jesse a Native American, even though with different viewpoints about provoking, and gut-wrenching men who were still fighting are Bradford (as Rene Gagnon) he is wearing full Marine garb By BRIAN GREEN (III) the world, strengths, weak- series of events, “Flags of Our the true heroes. give convincing performances and is already a famous name nesses, and personalities. All Fathers” delivers a powerful To the viewer, the blood and of characters truly hardened in town. Hayes, who is by now Imagine that you live in a are well-rounded people, from message of America’s past. gore of the film truly highlight by the war. As these men are depressed and angered by what world without electricity, a the grim-faced, tired Indian who The story of an iconic image of the cruelty of war. Within the dragged about the country in he saw on Iwo Jima, falls into a world in which the number of warns of the final end of the American history, the raising of opening moments of the film, countless efforts to endorse war downward spiral, leading to his human beings has gone down world to the main villain’s sec- the American flag on the Japa- men are seen strewn about the bonds, the actors’ talents shine premature death. from over six billion to mere ond-in-command, who dreams nese island of Iwo Jima, is told beaches of Iwo Jima with brutal through. The plot, at times, may con- thousands. Imagine that in this of usurping his boss’s position. in vivid and brutal detail taken H o w - fuse the audience. Constant world, safety has gone the way The only problem with the directly from interviews with e v e r , t h e flashbacks of the soldiers makes of the horse and buggy. Imagine writing is that occasionally, World War Two veterans. performance the film engaging but because that at any moment, any time, between chapters, Brooks leaps Directed by Clint Eastwood, t h a t p e r - of the many characters, it is there is a strong possibility that into another person’s writing the movie is based on the book haps makes difficult to keep track of all the you will die. Imagine a world style without an introduction or “Flags of Our Fathers: Heroes “ F l a g s o f soldiers. It is possible, however, gone horribly wrong. transition. But there is so much of Iwo Jima,” by James Bradley. Our Fathers” that Clint Eastwood purposely Enter the world of “Arma- going on that such subtleties, The story follows three mem- a worthwhile did this to imply that in war, all geddon’s Children,” a novel by at first glance, are easily over- bers of the Easy Company in film is that of soldiers’ identities meld into Terry Brooks, in which the world looked. the United States Marine Corps: Adam Beach, one. He further emphasizes this has gone out of control, due to Within the story there are so John “Doc” Bradley, Rene Ga- who portrays when a soldier, who fought on plagues, warfare, and environ- many symbols, so many parallels gnon, and Ira Hayes. Although Ira Hayes, Iwo Jima, says that they were mental degradation. Marauders to modern times. These symbols the story revolves around these a N a t i v e not only fighting for their coun- hunt in the few inhabited areas and parallels are not coinci- men, it tells the truth about the A m e r i c a n try but also for their own lives left, and humanity is on the brink dences, and Brooks has attested flag-raising on Iwo Jima. who experi- and their own companions. “Flags of Our Fathers” is ences preju- of extinction. Humanity’s future to this, saying that he wrote The movie is appropriately careful in reminding us that dice even as rated R for graphic war vio- now lies solely in the hands of the novel to address “issues those who raised the flag in the a war hero. lence, carnage and language. three individuals, a man haunted of this world as we’re dealing famous image were, in fact, not T h e a l c o - This rating, however, should by his past, with now.” the first to raise the flag. This holic, care- not be used to judge the quality a woman Through- flag was actually the second free Hayes is of the picture. unsuited o u t t h e flag to be raised because Colo- an anti-hero “Flags of Our Fathers” is a for combat, novel, he nel Chandler Johnson, played who brings genuine film that reflects the and a boy comments by Robert Patrick, ordered the tears to the lives of three young men, not who is just on the deg- original flag down to be pre- Courtesy of IMDB.com v i e w e r s ’ much older than high school beginning radation of served. The real tragedies in the e y e s . H i s students. After seeing the to realize the envi- movie occur after the battle. lacerations and wounds. ravishing performance tells of movie, I was able to reflect his destiny. ronment, The men who raised that flag To further emphasize the a heart-breaking journey of a upon what my grandfather may Together, the futility are taken around the country horrors of Iwo Jima, the movie man who simply cannot fit into have seen in World War Two. I they must of war, and in an effort to raise money for was filmed with a very dull and society because of his race. strongly recommend seeing this find a way even the war bonds. They are marketed grayish filter that almost gives Adam Beach beautifully ex- movie, not just for the entertain- t o s a v e avian flu. as the “Heroes of Iwo Jima.” In one the feeling of experienc- ecutes his role and is strikingly ment but for the message that it h u m a n - All of these all of their speeches, however, ing nausea with the atrocities realistic. For instance, Hayes, imprints on all of its viewers. ity before disasters the final build up to nukes are the world in launched. which the T h e novel takes NBC's "Heroes" Proves to be Herculean novel, like place. But By JENNIFER SOONG (III) through walls; a drug addict Tim Kring also uses Isaac’s the nuclear explosion Isaac has all of Terry in the story artist (Isaac) who can paint the ability to paint the future as painted, or how characters like B r o o k s ’ there still Superheroes destined to future; a policeman (Matt) who a way of linking all the char- Niki and Peter will learn to n o v e l s , Courtesy of Amazon.com is a chance save the world. Sounds tacky, can read minds; and a Japanese acters. In the second episode, control their powers, or how is mainly to reverse doesn’t it? But the new drama, office worker (Hiro) who can fantasy. Spells and magic are these calamities. It is the same Heroes, which is airing this stop time and teleport. abundant in the world. Demons chance we have today, Brooks season on NBC, puts a whole In each episode, creator and and holy warriors run loose is saying, to prevent the future new twist on the typical “X- writer Tim Kring (of NBC’s while most of the world doesn’t portrayed in the book from ever Men” plot that we’re all used Crossing Jordan) continues to realize they even exist. happening. to hearing. unravel the plot by bringing Brooks, however, is able In the novel, the ones behind The show tells the story of all of his characters together to bring together magic and the problem are the demons, eight extraordinary men and in subtle ways. realism. Yes, there are magical but Terry Brooks writes, “The women who wake up one day Kring cleverly re-uses a creatures that roam another real enemies are the once-men, to find they possess super- symbol that resembles a DNA dimension, but there are also humans subverted not by radia- natural abilities: a high school strand throughout the episodes night-vision goggles, flechette tion and chemicals, but by false cheerleader (Claire) who is un- to bring the characters together. weapons, and solar-powered promises and lies.” So even able to die; a romantic young In past episodes, it has shown cars, some of which are even though the story is fictitious, it man (Peter) who is capable of up in the swimming pool of a used today. In the end, though, reveals a profound and startling mimicry; his politician brother crime scene Matt was working it is the characters that bring the truth about humans. The demons (Nathan) who can fly; a Las at, on a drawing done by Peter, story alive. in the book, the cause of the Vegas showgirl (Niki) who has as a tattoo on Niki’s alternate The characters are almost as problems that lead to the hellish an evil alter-ego; her criminal persona, and on Claire’s geom- engaging as the high-intensity setting of the book, are, in real- husband (D.L) who can go etry book. plot. Each character is unique, ity, ourselves. 9.5/10. Beck Shows Yet Another Face in New CD very, very well, with the help record. minimalist, dreamy “Movie By CONNOR SHEEHAN (IV) of Neil Godrich, the album’s Throughout the album, Theme” is Radiohead, both in Beck has always been a producer. Beck’s influences vary along the title and in the song. staple in the “indie” music On his latest effort, “The with his sound: “Strange Ap- The second half of the album scene, and his ever-evolving Information,” Beck opens with parition” sounds a bit too much is lackluster, comparatively persona always gives fans a “Elevator Music,” a track full like the Rolling Stones for its speaking; every track begins reason to love him. of his signature style. “Eleva- own good, and the title track to sound the same, each one Whether he is the funky, tor” appeals to most people’s sounds like a song straight having the same basic, elec- moderately psychedelic singer/ ideas of what Beck’s music from an Interpol album. It tronic sound and is not nearly Courtesy of NBC.com songwriter, or the rhythmic, sounds like. He continues to doesn’t stop there; the layered, as pleasing to the ears. Masi Oka as Hiro Nakamura has the power to halt time. sampling, avant-garde artist play into the ste- All in all, the al- who’s too “out there” for his reotypical singer/ bum plays through own good, or lastly, the rare, songwriter persona like a musical au- “Don’t Look Back,” Hiro gets Claire will learn of her father’s but still exceptional, depressed, but then proceeds tobiography, each hold of a comic book of his true identity are all waiting to love-torn chanter most visible to hit you with the track documenting own past and future drawn be answered. It is said that in on his 2002 break-up album, click-hop, eerie a page in Beck’s by Isaac. Following the order the upcoming episodes, new “Sea Change,” he always man- track, “Cellphone’s musical career, rep- of the comic book, Hiro then characters will start to develop ages to create unique and eclec- Dead,” with a part- resenting a point in freezes time and goes to the powers, such as Niki’s young tic music. live, part-electronic his life. With each future where he reveals a son, Micah. Generally, up until Beck’s instrumentation, and breakdown, rap prophecy to Peter: “Save the Heroes has won acclaim 2005 hit, “Guero,” these per- a seemingly con- verse, electronic cheerleader, save the world.” from TV critics and viewers. sonalities had been isolated stant flow of non- beat, and random, As with any good plot, Its diverse characters and plot album-to-album. After Sea sensical rhymes. It spoken-word cameo, many secrets have been re- leave the viewer on the edge of Change, however, he got back is exactly the kind of “The Information” vealed, but many still remain his or her seat from beginning to doing what he did best: being thing you’ve come screams Beck from hidden. Questions like how the to end, and it is definitely worth very, very strange, and doing it characters will save NYC from watching. to expect on a Beck Courtesy of Amazon.com all sides. THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS DECEMBER 18, 2006 THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS DECEMBER 18, 2006 11 Alternative Rock Band "Split "A Winter's Tale" Is a Success and pure hatred for Polixenes and Zacharias (VI). By NICK RICE (III) Hermione, falsely accusing them Without knowing that his fa- Fifty" Produces Great Music both of treason and adultery. ther is listening, Florizell reveals Father of Lies.” formed quite a bit as well. “The Winter’s Tale” amazed Hermione is sent to prison, his plans to marry the Shepherd’s By MORGAN FOSTER (III) The instrumentation is dark, Instead of pushing a whiny, audiences three nights in a row. focusing mainly on the bass anti-government theme, their Parents, students, and teachers While they may not be as and drums. new record, according to lead alike gathered in the Macrae The- famous as The Beatles, Nir- While the ruggedness of vocalist Zach “Fifty” Hosier, is ater to see the result of months vana, or The Foo Fighters, “We Live Forever” definitely “similar to a musical, in which of hard work: the fall drama the members of Split Fifty, worked for the band, they be- the lyrics are written around a production. Shakespeare wrote an alternative rock band from lieve that the different styles story.” the original “The Winter’s Tale” Tannersville, Pennsylvania, displayed in newer songs were As well as having an incred- in 1610. The school’s version was definitely have the musicality to an organic transition. Guitarist ible studio album, their live directed by Mr. Al Romano and compare with the best of their Josh Bodwell noted, “It was performances are also excel- played by 31 students. inspirations. a completely natural growth. lent. At a November show at The audience was greeted Their first album, “We Live We’ll always be making music the Hamilton Street Café, they by Father Time, played by Alex Forever,” has a raw sound, that makes us happy and makes attracted a crowd of less than Snape (VI), who pushes the play a sense of harshness about it us feel creative. I think we’ll al- thirty yet still played with into full swing. with dismissive and question- ways be reinventing ourselves.” enough energy to rock an arena. The play opens with a party ing lyrics such as “Sometimes And reinvent themselves is From Mike’s flamboyant drum- in Sicilia thrown by King Le- I want to know where did the exactly what they did. ming to the odd poses struck ontes (Ted Moller —VI), for his innocence go/everyone is de- Drummer Mike Lucchetti by Zach, Ted, and Keith, Split good friend Polixenes, King of pressed and the whole damn explained, “There are so many Fifty has charisma and knows Bohemia (Jake Kreeger —VI). world’s a mess” from the song genres of music, such as swing, how to entertain an audience Tension begins to grow when “She Smells like Headaches that are forgotten about by mod- while playing music. Leontes notices Polixenes’ seem- Courtesy of J. Devine (V) and Alcohol,” and “The money ern generations. We want to try Split Fifty is a band worth ingly romantic interactions with Annie Hanson (VI) lectures her son, the young prince. is in your place/your hand is and incorporate them into our listening to, whether you pur- Leontes’ wife, Hermione, played down their pants/in the name music as much as possible.” chase their album or simply lis- by Annie Hanson (VI). Leontes’s where she gives birth to a baby adopted daughter, Perdita, played of God you slay. What you As well as changes in the ten to their music on MySpace emotions get the best of him as girl, Perdita. At Hermione’s trial, by Sarah Paton (IV). Polixenes, build will fall down” from “Our music, the lyrics have trans- or PureVolume. he builds up a sense of jealousy the Oracle reads that Hermione is unaware that Perdita is actually innocent, but a stubborn Leontes the daughter of Leontes, forbids proceeds to defy the Oracle, im- the marriage because she is not mediately resulting in the death from a royal family. The play Holiday Styles Brighten Up the Winter of his young son, Mamillius, progresses, ending with a sur- was just for bagpipe players? skirt. Still too attached to leave zirconium is a thrifty girl’s best portrayed by Mark Shtrakhman prise and a reuniting of families By HANNAH GOLDSTEIN (IV) A sign of a true fashionista the miniskirt behind? Revamp friend—so pop in some studs (3). Hermione faints in grief, once divided. There’s nothing like some is the ability to wear pants well. the look with embellished and and never feel lonely again. And but is reported dead of a heart “The Winter’s Tale” was a holiday cheer to add a whole new Pants are usually relatively neutral, chic minis in varying colors – but who says fingernails can’t be ac- attack. Leontes, who wrongly great success due to all the hard dimension to a winter wardrobe. so interesting tops often play them only if layered with neutral tights cessories? Chanel nail polishes believes the newborn babe to be work that was put in by the cast As the old adage goes, “It’s not up. To a certain extent, however, or patterned, knit leggings (just in black and red are flying off the the child of Polixenes, has the and crew. This was the first what you wear, but how you wear the pants have to emphasize the make sure to keep the “miniskirts” shelves—stock up on a few as baby abandoned on the coast Shakespearian performance for it.” This is the mantra for fashion tops as well. Stovepipe jeans are no shorter than four inches above stocking stuffers for the season. of Bohemia. A shepherd, Scott many of the actors. mavens worldwide. However, still basking in the limelight after the knee). Before stepping out the door Eckenthal (V), and his dim witted “It combined so many things everyone wants a few new clothes their recent debut, and they work Now more than ever, people á la Audrey Hepburn, toss on a son, Louis Riccardi (V), find the that Shakespeare tried to achieve now and then. So what to put on best this season balanced with seem to have something to say. chunky knit scarf or hat to keep baby and raise her, not knowing in his career into one play: trag- the wish list this year? larger tops, such as billowy tunics Where better to put it than straight warm. Top the outfit off with an that she is the daughter of Leon- edy, comedy, loss, and love,” Color-wise, stick to the basic or baby dolls. For those who flinch on a tee for the entire world to see? insulated pea coat and show the tes. The humorous pair appears Eckenthal said. black, white and gray. Then, at the words “skinny jeans,” take Unfortunately, this trend has to be weather who’s in charge. Or, for throughout the play, providing The audience agreed that for an unexpected punch, add a comfort in a groundbreaking new saved for the last Friday of every a funkier touch, don a white, fur- comic relief. they pulled it off. Erin Toner splash of red. Red is everywhere trend: oversize pants. Balanced month. In the meantime, thermals trimmed quilted jacket and match After intermission, sixteen (VI) commented, “The acting this season. After all, what other with a fitted blazer or a crisp tee, are a warm and cozy way to stay the snow in style. years have passed, all of which was amazing. They created an color matches Santa caps oh-so- these pants are both comfortable on top of the trends. For an extra One final note to remember Leontes spent mourning the loss interpretation of Shakespeare that perfectly? This winter is about and stylish—and they create a layer, add a knitted v-neck sweater is that fashionable clothes do not of his wife and son by kneeling was understandable for modern glamour, and no color does glam- most fabulous silhouette. or a funky patterned cardigan. have to be from traditionally high by the graves and weeping dur- viewers.” The students also had our like red. As the weather gets colder, When it comes to accessories, fashion stores. Stores from Old ing every minute of his free time. a great stage to work on and fan- The fabrics of choice this win- fashion magazines are advis- glamour is central yet again. Clas- Navy to Marc Jacobs are stock- Polixenes and Camillo, Lord of tastic costumes to wear. ter are equally glamorous. Think ing against wearing miniskirts sic is key: leather bags and belts, ing up on clothes, accessories, Sicilia, played by Sam Adriance In the end, great acting, a old-Hollywood style: cozy (faux!) barelegged. Not only is a micro- black stiletto pumps, and even and outerwear for the upcoming (VI), attend a sheep shearing beautiful set, and a dramatic fur trim, luxurious cashmere, and mini without tights impractical, long gloves have made cameos in winter season, so there’s no need festival in disguise to monitor storyline with constant comic gorgeous lace. Take a cue from but it is tacky as well—save it for recent runway shows. Of course, to blow all the Christmas money the activity of Polixenes’s son, relief made “The Winter’s Tale” traditional British high fashion as the Jersey Shore party next sum- it never hurts to add some sparkle on one garment. This winter, Florizell, portrayed by Ricky a huge success. well with couture fair-isle sweat- mer. This winter, update the closet to an ensemble. Diamonds are shop well, stay stylish, and have ers and tartan. Whoever said tartan with a more cold weather-oriented a girl’s best friends—and cubic a fantastic holiday season! California Pizza Kitchen Not Worth It Finally, we arrive at the pizza, By SCOTT ECKENTHAL (V) which CPK flaunts with great pride without reason. The menu Short Hills Mall-goers will boasts about the Thai Chicken be intrigued by California Piz- Pizza, saying, “This is the origi- za Kitchen’s interesting atmo- nal.” It’s a funky combo of cheese, sphere: a fresh Santa Monica style peanuts, and vegetables. It’s inter- lounge accented by urban stainless esting, but for a personal pizza at steel and yellow walls cleverly $11.99, the chef is simply trying adorned with pizza-box art. An too hard. Instead, I tried a classic. open kitchen and a brick oven How could someone mess up The bring a pizzeria feel to the space, Fresh Tomato, Basil, & Garlic and the large staff is surprisingly Pizza ($9.79)? By making the personable. When a menu opens, cheese too grainy and undercook- however, a new (and expensive) ing it, of course. wind blows. The desserts continued the The entire menu is quite pric- expensive theme. The new Choco- ey: the average appetizer costs late Banana Royale Cake was a $7.79. The Singapore Shrimp combination of moist chocolate Rolls ($7.79) and Sesame Ginger cake and imitation banana sauce, Chicken Dumplings ($6.49) were and was $6.29 without ice cream. both served quickly, perhaps If you’d like ice cream, you have because there was actually little to add $1.50 to any of the other food on the plate. typical, yet high-priced, desserts. Salads have similar price CPK has joined the ranks of tags. The Waldorf Chicken Salad hip restaurants that feel they can ($7.49) is described on the menu sell mediocre food at a high price as an “NYC favorite.” This was due to their “chic” atmosphere. If another letdown, however; it you’re at the mall, try Legal Sea was unexceptional, considering Foods or Joe’s American Bar & the price. Grill. If you’re into a more relaxed With soups, we found a winner. environment, Johnny Rockets From top left: Urban Outfitters Hearts Legwarmers, Chanel Rose Nail Polish, Abercrombie&Fitch Joanna Knit, Anthro- They were costly (4.99-5.99), but is always fun. However, if your pologie Isle of Skye Trousers, American Eagle Vest, American Eagle Snowflake Pattern Scarf, Anthropologie Glee Overcoat, with the price came an unexpect- heart is set on pizza, you’ll be Weitzman Tall Riding Boots edly large portion and a choice much more satisfied with your between three soups. local pizzeria. Page

V12olume CXXXIII, Number 2 SportThe Pingry School, Martinsville, New Jersey S December 18, 2006 Girls' Soccer Wins Championship Kerr, Reef, Moore Headline favorite memories of the season winning goal for the team, and By CORI HUNDT (VI) will be of the pasta parties we had Pingry girls’ soccer claimed the It was another successful year the nights before the games.” state championship once again. Dominant Girls' Tennis Season for the girls’ soccer team. After a The team’s hard work paid off Teamwork was a large part but lost 3-2 to Immaculate Heart play better when we are relaxed, By PIERCE FOWLER (III) and long, intense season, the team fin- when, at the end of the season, of their success, but many of the Academy. so going into the finals we were ANDREW SARTORIUS (IV) ished with a record of 21 wins, 2 they were crowned Colonial players were also recognized for Moore had great individual just ready to have a good time and losses, and 1 tie. Captains Kather- Hills Conference Champions, their individual success. Sheeleigh The girls’ tennis team, led by success this season, winning give it our all.” ine Sheeleigh (VI), Michelle Au- Somerset County Finalists and and Kroll were named Courier senior captains Sandra Hough the Colonial Hills Conference Kerr thought that the pair’s eron (VI) and Liz Lan (VI) led the New Jersey State Champions for News All-Area players. Sheeleigh and Robin Moore, had a success- Player of the Year award. She was style of play helped them to be team along with coach Andrew the third year in a row. To win was also named Player of the Year ful campaign this year. Consist- also named to the All-Somerset successful; she explained, “Jackie Egginton, who was nominated for the state championship, the team in the Colonial Hills Conference ing of singles players Hough, County Second Team for singles. would drive it deep and stay back Courier News Coach of the Year beat its southern New Jersey and was inducted to the 2006 Moore, and Chelsea Garber (IV), Garber was also recognized; she until I was able to hit a volley and the New Jersey Girls’ Soccer rival, Red Bank Catholic, 2-1 in All-America team, a prestigious and doubles teams, Aly Kerr was named to the All-Somerset winner at the net.” Kerr thinks Coaches Association North 2 double overtime. The previous honor bestowed on only 78 high (V) and Jackie Reef (IV), and County Third Team for singles. that the partnership will be broken Coach of the Year Award. Over year, the two teams shared the school girls throughout the coun- Jordan Homer (VI) and Natalie The most successful duo on the up and the two will probably not the course of the season, the team championship after drawing 0-0 try. Strackhouse, Kroll, Aueron, Battista (III), the team finished team was the partnership of Kerr play together next year because scored 85 goals (an average of 3.5 in the finals. Caroline Albanese (IV) and Casey with a regular season record of and Reef, which won the NJISAA the team is “losing four seniors, goals per game) during the season Pingry was down 1-0 at the Rupon (V) were named to the 19-4. They were ranked 14th in State Doubles Tournament and meaning one of us will probably and recorded 16 shutout games. end of the first half, and Red Bank All Colonial Hills First Team. the Star Ledger Top 20 Poll and was named to the All-State and have to play singles.” Jackie, The season started off well Catholic’s lead seemed eerily Adrienne Spiegel (V) and Alyssa ranked 3rd in Somerset County All-Somerset County First Team however, is optimistic the pair will with a very productive preseason. similar to Montgomery’s in the Zupon (IV) were named to the All behind champions Bernards and for doubles. Kerr, described as stick together: “I hope that we get The girls worked on their skills county finals. Therefore, the team Colonial Hills Conference Second runners-up Hillsborough. In the “dominant at the net” by the Star to play together next year and we during team practices and took a came back in the second half with Team, and Lan and Nicole Gayda Colonial Hills Conference, they Ledger, worked with Reef to can do well again. I guess we just four-day team bonding and train- a fierce tenacity to score as soon (VI) were awarded honorable were co-champions with Hills- compile a record of 22-2. have to see what happens with the ing trip to Martha’s Vineyard in as possible. Kim Kroll (V) tied mentions. borough. Reef thought that the hard- lineup. Everything depends on Massachusetts. Highlights of the up the score with a goal to send Overall, the girls’ soccer team In the state tournament, the est game was not the finals, but what is best for the team.” trip included jet skiing, parasail- the game into overtime. After a had a successful championship- team was in the North A group and rather the semi-finals against Reef believes that the team ing and an 18-mile bike ride. scoreless first overtime, the game winning season because of hard given the number one seed out of Immaculata. had a positive season overall; The team’s bonding continued became a sudden death match. work and the determination to a field of eight teams. The team “In the semis, we lost the first she said, “We finished with a throughout the season; Sarah However, before the second win. Sheeleigh summed up the performed well, defeating Acad- set after Aly was hit in the head great record and had a great time Strackhouse (V) said, “One of my overtime ran out, Lan scored the victory: “Winning the state finals emy of the Holy Angels 5-0 in with a ball by the other team,” playing together.” To repeat next [2-1] against Red Bank Catholic the first round, and fourth-seeded she explained. “After recovering year, the team will “need to just in double overtime was the one of Immaculata 4-1 in the semi-finals. from the semis, I think we went keep supporting each other and the best moments of the season.” In the finals, the team fought hard, into the finals more relaxed. We working hard.” Boys' Soccer Takes Eighth Seed to Title on ninth seeded Paramus Catholic unpredictable road to success The state championship game, By ANDREW SARTORIUS (IV) in their first round game. After came on November 8th against against the winner of the South grabbing an early lead with a goal the Delbarton Green Wave. Pe- sectional group, Christian Broth- On November 15th, 2006, the by Zimering, the team held on un- rennial rivals, Delbarton had ers Academy in Lincroft, pitted boys’ varsity soccer team won the til the 75th minute, when, against ended Big Blue’s season two two eighth seeded teams against Non-Public A state title, defeat- the flow of play, Paramus scored years ago with a 2-1 win. Despite each other as CBA had battled to ing Christian Brothers Academy on a 35-yard strike. The game giving up an early first-half goal, the finals in a similar fashion. The 1-0 at the College of New Jersey. ended in the second overtime the team equalized late in the first schools had met twice in the last Over the past month, the team had when Eric Hynes (V) scored off a half on a header by Zimering. In ten years, both times in the state mystified its critics by continuing cross from David Miller (V). the second half, Hynes scored in championship game. “It’s a huge to beat higher-ranked opposition In the next game, the team the 60th minute off of a cutting rivalry because it’s always for a in the NJSIAA state tournament. took on Seton Hall Prep, ranked pass from freshman midfielder championship,” said Lan. Led by goalkeeper Grant Sch- 3rd in the Star Ledger Top 20 Scott Keogh. Both teams struggled on the onberg (V), defender Richard Poll and seeded number one in With two upsets under its belt, fast-paced turf, but sophomore Bradley (VI), sweeper Austin Lan the tournament. “This was our the team headed into the sectional midfielder Matt Fechter capital- (VI), midfielder Kim Kimber (VI) hardest game,” said Lan, who, final against second-seeded Don ized on an opening in the middle and striker Jeff Zimering (VI), along with Zimering, captained Bosco Prep. The first half was of the field to score the only goal the team performed well over the the team. “They had only one loss scoreless, with both sides strug- of the game. With strong defense, course of the season despite many and had beaten us last year to end gling to adjust to the turf. Early the team quashed CBA in the injuries, including a season ending our season.” The game began with in the second half, Don Bosco second half, allowing only one leg injury to senior midfielder and Seton Hall dominating time of opened the scoring after the ball scoring chance. When the final assistant captain Nick Devers in possession and chances on goal. bounced around near the goal. whistle sounded, Pingry had won the second round of the Somerset In the 10th minute, however, With five minutes left in regula- its fourth state championship, and B. Morrison '64 County Tournament. Zimering curled in a free kick tion, Big Blue struck back when its first in five years. Katherine Sheeleigh (VI) assisted the game-winning goal. Finishing the regular season from twenty yards out to grab the Kimber scored off of a bouncing “It was great to end my career with eleven wins, two ties and lead. Shelled by numerous Seton ball. The game went through two on a high note when we had to two losses, and with a share of Hall scoring attempts, Schonberg more scoreless overtime periods, end the previous three years with the Somerset County Tournament stepped up in goal, making many followed by a penalty shootout. losses,” Lan said, “and we have a Football Beats N.A. in title, the team was ranked eighth saves, including one to deny a Zimering, Bradley, and Kimber bigger chance next year than we out of a field of ten teams in the Seton Hall striker from point- converted their kicks, and Schon- did this year. We had three fresh- North A group of the NJSIAA blank range. berg saved two of the opponents’ men starting this year and they’ll "Friday Night Lights" state tournament. Big Blue took The biggest game of Pingry’s to give the team the victory. only get more experienced.” led by seniors Russell Simpson By SAM FISHER (III) and Ross Millard, Parsels threw One of the final Pingry foot- a 52-yard touchdown pass to ball games, which was against Chris Cummins (VI) to make the Newark Academy, was known as score 16-0. “Friday Night Lights.” The game Newark Academy proceeded brought out the best school spirit to score a touchdown, making the that the football team has seen score 6-0, and then later a safety, all season. to make the score 16-8. The team beat Newark Acad- When it looked as if New- emy 16-8 in the cold and pouring ark Academy might complete rain for its second straight win. an improbable fourth quarter The night began on a solemn comeback with a touchdown note, when Pingry announced drive with very little time left, the its retirement of the number 63 defense sealed the victory with jersey, in honor of John Babbitt. an interception with just under a Pingry presented the Babbitt fam- minute remaining on the clock. ily with the jersey in front of the Led by seniors John Scrudato, packed stands in the specially lit Gabe Fernando, Ross Millard, football field. Chris Cummins, and Russell Quarterback Tyler Parsels (V) Simpson, it was a great moment kickstarted Pingry’s offense at the for the boys in what was the last start of the game, engineering a football home game that they will touchdown drive capped off by ever play for Pingry. his 27-yard run to put Pingry The team followed the win up 8-0. under the lights with another win After strong defensive holds to close out the season. B. Morrison '64