The Nation's Oldest ON THE WEB: Country Day School www.pingry.org/ Newspaper record

Volume CXLII, Number 1 The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey October 28, 2016 Homecoming Marks End of Ms. Chatterji Steps In nell University while her two By NAMITA DAVEY (V) younger sisters went to Pingry. Blueprint Campaign After Dr. Denise Brown- At Bucknell, she majored This will include not only in math and religion and came By RYAN FUENTES (V) Allen left Pingry at the end a new 44,000 square-foot of June, Ms. Ananya Chatterji to Pingry in 1996 as a math athletics center complete with teacher. She claims that she On October 8, Homecom- stepped up to take her place eight squash courts, two large as interim Head of the Upper was attracted to the school’s ing Day, Pingry hosted a major contiguous gymnasiums, and atmosphere, which was “vi- celebration to mark the official School. A search for a perma- a fitness center nearly triple nent Upper School Director brant and full of life.” When close of the six-year Blueprint the size of the current one, asked if she missed teaching for the Future Campaign. At will take place this year. but also tennis courts and “Head of the Upper School” math, Ms. Chatterji admits that noon, an hour of speakers and an artificial turf field lined she is very eager to get back to festivities commemorated the is one of many titles that Ms. for football and lacrosse to Chatterji holds. She is also an the classroom, hopefully by special occasion and thanked replace the running track and Academic Dean, college coun- next year. the vast number of donors the football field. selor, advisor, and mother. Ms. Ms. Chatterji’s main goal who supported the campaign. Despite the campaign’s Chatterji admits that this is a going forward as Head of the There also were tours of the apparent success, it also had lot to manage, but she is taking Upper School is to encourage newly constructed Miller A. its fair share of challenges. it week-by-week and is focus- kindness and empathy in the Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center, Perhaps the largest was the ing on one thing at a time. school. Her passion for helping followed by a barbeque lunch 2008 financial crisis, which She explains that she was people understand and be kind open to all members of the forced the postponement of willing to take on this extra to one another is exemplified Pingry community. the campaign for two years work and important position in the powerful story she told According to Melanie before finally launching in because she “loves and be- during the first Upper School Hoffmann, the Director of 2010. As Ms. Hoffmann said, lieves in the Institutional Advancement, “It was hard to get ready to students at the campaign, which began start and then have to suddenly Pingry and in 2010, has raised an as- pull back.” the foun- tounding 76.7 million in six Another challenge Hoff- dation of years, surpassing its intended mann’s team faced was attract- the Honor goal of 65 million. Donations ing more donors. However, Code.” She came from every corner of the with a lot of hard work, they feels that community, including alumni, succeeded in doing so. “every fresh- parents, and trustees. Ninety- “What was so great about man walks in eight percent of the faculty this campaign was more peo- as one per- and staff made contributions. ple participated than ever son and ev- In total, over 5,100 people before and showed a tremen- ery graduate gave to the campaign. Ms. dous amount of dedication to walks out as Hoffmann said this “showed a this campaign’s success,” Ms. a complete- lot about the community here Pingry Communications Hoffmann said. ly different at Pingry.” According to Ms. This year’s Homecoming person.” She N. Davey (V) Hoffmann, “In most schools, determine what was needed porting financial aid, 5 million wants to help them during that morning meeting about a blind most. to retaining and developing celebration honored the great man giving comfort and hope just ten to twenty percent give achievements and successes of “molding” process. most of the money, but here During this process, Ms. the faculty, 6.35 million and Ms. Chatterji was born in to another old man in the Hoffmann said, “We had to 3 million, respectively, to the campaign and those who hospital bed next to his. Ms. at Pingry, the majority gave made it possible. Thousands Ohio and grew up in upstate something to the campaign.” narrow it down to what we modernize the Upper and New York. She moved to Chatterji firmly believes that could do, how big the build- Lower Schools, 16.25 mil- have contributed and taken “small kindnesses go a long The money raised will be an active role in the immedi- Berkeley Heights when she ing could be, and what donors lion towards the Pingry Fund, was in middle school. The way, even if it is just smiling allocated to meet various ate advancement of the com- would be willing to fund.” In and 14.4 million to improve oldest of three sisters, she at someone or holding a door needs throughout both cam- munity that will last for many other words, sometimes her athletic facilities. attended college at Buck- open for them.” puses and the community. generations to come. Throughout the campaign, team would have to adjust Ms. Hoffmann and her staff its goals to meet its financial worked closely with the ad- reality. ministration and Trustees to They determined that 20 million would go towards sup- The Campus Expands and Modernizes turf field and track, and con- modernization effort. building will allow greater ac- By ELLE BRAVERMAN (V) structing a new stadium. Chemistry teacher Mr. Tim- cessibility to common spaces Inside The Record With the start of a new Construction inside Pingry’s othy Grant explained that the for teamwork and thus will school year, summer construc- main academic building has new chemistry rooms “have build a greater sense of com- tion and renovation projects only just begun. Two summers helped teachers and students munity within the school. were still underway around ago, the biology rooms and lab- be more creative because the Soon, areas will be added to the school. oratories were all completely desks can move to different ar- display students’ work, flex- Only one season remains redone. Each was filled with eas and formations for classes ible furniture will be made until the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center is completed. The brand new innovative ath- letic building is scheduled to be finished by and in use for this year’s spring athletic season. As described on the school website, the new state-of-the art athletic center will include a multi-purpose indoor practice area that will be larger than two full-sized gyms, a new weight room that will be three times the size of Pingry’s current one, six full-sized squash courts, and new luxurious locker rooms. The athletic center will also allow student athletes to train in Headmaster Conard Speaks at Convocation. See page 14. a comfortable environment re- gardless of the weather outside. Op-Eds Meet Luis Mora Ortiz (V) The building will accom- P.14 modate the school’s diverse Rachel Chen (V) confronts how group of athletes and celebrate to handle disagreements gracefully. Josh Metzger (VI) Compiles P.3 the many athletes who have Election Polls P.12-13 come before them. To keep New Faculty Members the school’s history a central Sports feature in the new building, Fifteen new teachers join the the achievements of previous Upper School and Middle School Girls’ Varsity Tennis has a strong Pingry athletes and teams will Courtesy of Mr. Vehslage faculty. P. 8-10 13-2 record this fall. P.16 be commemorated in the new the highest quality equipment. and labs.” He added, “It’s a accessible to students, and con- The biology labs were only wonderful situation.” nections between hallways and What’s It Like to Be... Athletics Hall of Fame. According to the website, in the first to undergo Pingry’s Every summer, more of classrooms will be constructed. Alex Chiang (III), Vicky Chen News...... 1,11,14-15 addition to the Miller A. Bugli- modernization of the Upper Pingry will be modernized to Pingry strives to help stu- and Kristine Fu (IV), Anna Wood (V), Commentary...... 2-3 ari ’52 Athletics center, other School. This past summer, the create spaces that can better dents excel in every aspect and Yelena Salvador (VI) explore their Summer Experiences...... 4-5 upcoming athletic construction chemistry rooms, chemistry support Pingry’s collaborative of their lives, and the new grade level experiences. New Faculty...... 8-10 projects include upgrading the laboratories, and the sopho- learning and teaching. construction efforts will allow tennis courts, renovating the more area were added to the The renovations in the main them to do so. 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Let Pingry Be the Microcosm for the World Debate Without Carnage with whom you disagree get isn’t conducive to holding a the time, inflammatory word- By RACHEL CHEN (V) absolutely wrecked, especially productive conversation with ing only triggers unproductive cultivate our ideas, and express You know that intoxicat- in public. mutual learning and conces- arguments about word choice, By KATIE HO (VI) them with confidence. After ing feeling of being right? However, as a club sions. which sidetracks the entire With November 8 rapidly all, without our diversity of When everyone’s applauding leader, I have also realized that Second, being exces- discussion. you and you’re trying to be approaching and my voter reg- opinions, our school would be this kind of hypercompetitive sively emotional, aggressive, ● Handle disagree- humble, but it’s just so hard istration form filled out (one of full of mindless robots carrying behavior can breed resentment or obstinate undermines your ments gracefully. Be flexible, when the unlucky person who and discourage people from credibility to other discussion reasonable, and open to new the many perks of being 18), out duties rather than learning, disagreed with you is hanging creating, and growing. participating. In the process members. To witnesses, your ideas. Be willing to make I am already certain of which his head in defeat? Maybe of trouncing an opponent to dramatic behavior makes you concessions and acknowledge candidate I will be voting for. Nobody should feel “shut it’s after the Webster Truman the ground, we often lose seem unreasonable and un- when your opponent makes However, while I speak down” by anyone in the com- Trial in eighth grade History, sight of the ultimate goal of yielding. In the future, instead a good point. Offering this freely to my family and friends munity as long as they respect- and you’ve just obliterated the the discussion: not to win or to of focusing on the content respect to your opponent will about my own political opin- fully state their personal beliefs. other lawyer’s case. Maybe destroy your opponents, but to of your ideas, they are more encourage them to do the same ions, and while I have a mas- Political talk should certainly it’s this morning, and you have a productive, educational likely to pay attention to the for you. sive support sticker stuck on not be banned in our commu- finally took down the loud, conversation about a difficult tone you use to deliver it. They And most importantly: my computer, I have noticed nity. Our Honor Code states, annoying kid in English (the topic. might even disregard your en- ● Listen, listen, listen! that I have recently become a “The members of the Pingry one who never stops talking There are several tire point simply because you It’s cliché, but you and your proud, silent supporter in order community should honor the during Harkness) in front of reasons why competitive be- are the person who said it. opponent are not adversaries the entire class. to maintain harmony in our rights of others, conducting havior often prevents us from To avoid the dangers so much as team members, I both witness and achieving this goal. First, an of over-competitiveness, here united in the goal of trying to community. I am not always themselves at all times in a experience that high every comfortable verbalizing my po- moral and decent manner while overly competitive attitude are a few key tips that keep me educate yourselves and push time I step into a Pingry Poli- and the aggressive language focused and the conversation each other. Respect where at Pingry and throughout their litical opinions, and I know that tics meeting. In a civil: they’re coming from even if I am not alone in that feeling. lives as citizens of and contribu- room filled with ● Speak from the I you don’t agree, and don’t take In fact, the recent political tors to the larger community of such dynamic, perspective. Contrary to your it as a personal offense if you divisiveness of our country is the world.” Respect applies to well-spoken, own belief, you are not always can’t convince them. not just a high school or col- both parties: the speaker should opinionated right and not everyone will Even though this lege issue. state their opinions from the “I” people, verbal hold the same values as you. piece was inspired by a con- A recent article in The As- perspective, and the receiver sparring match- Speaking from the I perspec- versation about politics, this sociated Press “Election Cam- should listen attentively and es are inevitable. tive subtly reminds you and advice applies to any situa- paign Sparks More Chatter, wholeheartedly instead of criti- In fact, they’re your opponent that you are tion with disagreeing parties. Anger in Workplaces” noted cizing or immediately tuning the reason these both discussing the same facts, No matter in what context, a the other person out. club meetings only with different personal discussion between oppos- that workplaces are also being are so fun. affected by “the contentious- As the election nears, per- interpretations. ing views requires a certain With tensions ● Support your claims amount of diplomacy, mu- ness of this political campaign. haps we can start thinking of running high N. Lu (VI) with facts. Statistics, data, tual respect, and neutral word our school as a microcosm for As Election Day nears, own- and palpable energy bounc- quotes, evidence -- anything choice. Although modifying ers are seeing more anger. Some society in the future. If we start ing between opposing camps, that accompanies it can have a polarizing effect on your that can put your argument and the words you speak without say the level of acrimony is holding ourselves to a higher it’s hard not to get invested theirs on the same framework modifying their contents may affecting employees’ ability to standard, speaking confidently in which side of an argument opponent. If the person you’re disagreeing with feels like will allow the conversation to seem “too politically correct” work together. Many want to and respectfully not just about will emerge from the fight have real substance, instead or “like a real pain in the butt,” victorious. And anyone who you’re attacking them, he or ban political talk altogether.” politics, but about all issues she is less likely to listen to of only broad statements and it’s important to remember Hostility is forming in vari- that come up, Pingry students has been to a meeting -- or baseless opinions. simple common sense: if you who has simply gotten into your case, to try to understand ous collaborative environments will be setting the example for your perspective, or to con- ● Avoid extreme want to have a civil, productive because people have differing the communities they are a part an argument -- will agree that phrasing or language with discussion, don’t purposefully there is something shamefully cede their points. Instead, he opinions (which is healthy, of in ten, twenty, thirty years harsh connotations unless it is upset the other person. Then satisfying in seeing someone or she will probably become normal, and necessary), but from now. Current students will stubborn and defensive, which key to your argument. Most of nobody wins. when people start attacking continue to be leaders in the each other instead of expressing future, exercising their prob- their opinions in a civil manner, lem solving skills, and having as Rachel Chen (V) pointed out substantial conversations to Don’t Be a Distracted Eater tasting them, look at something that the occupied mind seeks are characterized by ruminative in her op-ed, “We often lose achieve their goals. By MARIAM TRICHAS (V) sight of the ultimate goal of Having differing views is beautiful without seeing it. the most familiar and inevitably thought patterns. These thoughts the discussion: not to win or to more than healthy, and debate Have you ever used your An entire exchange with my less interesting solution, though can consume mental capacity, destroy your opponents, but to should be encouraged. How- phone or watched TV while daughter (please forgive me) its natural tendency is to explore leading to dull thought patterns can take place without my being and favor novelty. and a lessened ability to experi- have a productive, educational ever, let’s listen and then speak, eating? For many of us, view- ing some type of screen during there at all.” Dr. Bar says that there is ten- ence pleasure. conversation about a difficult and make our school a place a meal is routine. Besides the In a study published in the sion between experimentation Dr. Bar says that he gives topic.” where all people are willing to negative health implications of Psychological Science Journal, and exploitation in our brains. himself a yearly “birthday gift” At Pingry, we should be share their viewpoints. distracted eating (such as poor Dr. Bar and graduate student When we are exploratory, we of a week of silence at a medita- able to process information, - Katie Ho digestion, weight gain, and Shira Baror demonstrate that are inquisitive and curious, hav- tion retreat. By being silent for overall unhealthiness), it is also “the capacity for original and ing an open mind and desiring to a week, he aims to empty his harmful in a different way. creative thinking is markedly learn. As Dr. Bar says, “Other mind of thought and become When distracted by a device, stymied by stray thoughts, ob- times, we rely on, or ‘exploit,’ more aware of his presence and like a phone, or a TV program sessive ruminations and other what we already know, leaning surroundings, such as the taste instead of the actual food we are forms of ‘mental load.’” on our expectations, trusting of the food he is eating, and eating, we are not tasting or sa- Their findings suggest that the comfort of a predictable the visual pleasure a flower’s voring the food, but rather mind- “innovative thinking” is the environment.” Most of our lives beauty can bring. He would lessly consuming it. Our minds mind’s default mode when it are spent somewhere between feel gratified after looking at a are too occupied with thoughts is clear, which is unlike the these extremes. We tend to be flower for as long as 45 minutes to permit full immersion in what assumption of many psycholo- more exploratory when we are and “wondered how a simple is right in front of us. gists that the mind is inclined to in a different country, while we tomato could taste so good.” The same idea is present in follow a routine ideation when are more inclined to exploitation When he returned to the act of many different areas of our lives. left to its own devices. when we have just gotten home thinking about something, he As Moshe Bar, neuroscientist Dr. Bar and Shira Baror con- after a rough day at school. noticed that his thoughts were and professor at Harvard Medi- ducted a series of experiments There are benefits to both noticeably more unique, fresher, cal School, explains in his article in which they gave participants outlooks: exploitation prevents and surprising. “Think Less, Think Better,” a “free-association task while us from taking too many risks Although we may not have simultaneously taxing their that may end up harming us, the desire or the time to go on N. Lu (VI) “too often we eat meals without mental capacity to different while being exploratory allows a week long meditation retreat, degrees.” Two groups of par- us to discover new things that we can take some time once in Volume CXLII ticipants were asked to respond may benefit us. Ms. Baror and a while to focus on our present Number 1 to questions while remembering Dr. Bar’s study suggests that our actions and feelings in an effort a string of seven and two num- internal exploration is too often to “expel the mind-wandering bers, respectively. They found lessened by an over-occupied and ruminations which become that the participants with seven mind, which is also the case for a tax on the quality of our lives,” Copy Editors Editor-in-Chief Layout Editors digits to recall had the most our experience with our external as Dr. Bar says. Alyssa Chen Katie Ho Ryan Fuentes (Head) statistically common responses, environment. We overlook many aspects of Will Digrande Mary Nussbaumer while participants with two dig- In our everyday lives, we the world and fail to experience its to recall gave less typical and may find ourselves overloading life to the fullest when our minds Mackinley Taylor Assistant Editors more creative ones. our minds in different ways: are cluttered or overwhelmed. Mariam Trichas Rachel Chen Photo Editor In another experiment, Ms. memorizing vocabulary terms Having the ability to remove Yelena Salvador Megan Pan Brooke Murphy Baror and Dr. Bar found that for a test so that we don’t forget our mental load, even for a longer response times were them, practicing what we’re few moments, can improve the associated with less diverse going to say during a class quality of our contributions to Website Editor Column Editors Faculty Advisor responses, ruling out the “pos- presentation, or rehearsing the our classes and conversations. Lindsey Yu Alexis Elliot Dr. Susan Dineen sibility that participants with low name of someone we just met Even something small, such as mental loads simply took more so that we don’t forget it. trying to eat our meals without Ally Pyne time to generate an interesting There are also the “ever- watching an electronic device Sports Editor Layout Advisor response.” It appears that with present wanderings of the nor- or seeing the beauty in a simple Will Digrande Mr. Tom Varnes a higher mental load, one needs mal mind.” Additionally, there object, can help us keep our more time to generate even an are more chronic sources of minds in the present so that All rights reserved. All contents © 2016 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. ordinary thought. mental load, such as anxiety, we can produce more original, These experiments suggest stress, and depression, which creative thoughts. 3 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY OCTOBER 28, 2016 Do We Know Enough About How Netflix Current Events? Ruined and Saved my Life the Pingry academic expe- right. Regardless, the media cliffhanger that you just can’t By ALLY PYNE (V) By MACKINLEY TAYLOR (VI) you have to make when decid- rience. Current events are exists and continues to serve accept; so yes, of course you ing how to spend your time. Googling the words “cur- treated as the side dish to as the public’s main source I have watched every epi- start the first episode of the That’s not to say that there rent events” yields search an entrée that some Pingry of information. sode of every season of Grey’s next season. And the cycle is a right or wrong way to results including “breaking students never fully learn to However, students are Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Scan- news” and “what is cur- appreciate. taught to evaluate media bias dal, The Office, One Tree Hill, rently happening around the Explanation #2: Current and credibility of sources as a and How I Met Your Mother. world.” Admittedly, while events only apply to History part of fact-finding in library And those are just the first few quick searches on the Inter- courses. skills classes and when writ- that I can think of. net do not constitute deep There is no reason for ing research papers, which I like to challenge my research, they provide a this to be the case. Annually means that media bias should friends to find a show that I form of shared understand- distinguished awards such as not prevent current events have not already watched. ing. News that is important the Nobel, Hult, Pulitzer, and from being in the Pingry Friday Night Lights? Seen enough to be relevant around Steele are granted to world- curriculum. it. Psych? Yep. I am a Var- the world seems like a criti- renowned scholars in various Furthermore, the curricu- sity Netflix-watcher. If it’s out cal educational component. categories such as mathemat- lar philosophy at the Upper there, I’ve seen it. Now juxtapose current ics, literature, social justice, School as outlined in Cur- Netflix is a great app. You events with a more univer- and scientific research. These riculum Guide seems to cry can watch almost any movie sally understood term: cur- accomplishments represent out for current events. The or TV show that you want, riculum. The term curricu- new ideas, solutions to grand aforementioned document whenever or wherever you lum refers to the collective challenges, and groundbreak- reads, “Through their course want. It doesn’t get much bet- courses at an educational ing works of art that could work in the Upper School, ter than that. institution. allow Pingry’s teachers to Pingry students have the The only problem is, I get Both words, current and bolster their curricular con- opportunity to develop an so involved with Piper Chap- curriculum, share the same tent and help to draw con- informed, nuanced picture of man’s life in prison or Rory Latin root, currere, which nections across time. the world as viewed through Gilmore’s latest drama in Stars means “to run,” according Incorporating these fresh the various disciplines.” Hollow that I put off things in to the Merriam Webster perspectives with time-tested But, I ask you, how can my own life to keep watching. dictionary. So why is it that classics would advance our we, Pingry students, accu- There was a time in my current events rately develop life that I like to call B.N., or are not part of an “informed, “Before-Netflix.” It was a very the Pingry cur- nuanced picture different time, a time during riculum? of the world” which I came home, did my There could without apply- homework, and went to bed N. Lu (VI) be several logi- ing the hap- at a decent hour. continues. get things done, but learning cal explana- penings in our But then I was exposed to Every night as I drive home to adjust to accommodate tions, but let’s world to the the world of non-stop enter- I always say to myself: To- change is the most vital and test a few of standing cur- tainment. Now, the phase of night, I’m going to be produc- realistic form of time-man- them for valid- riculum? my life titled P.N., or “Post- tive. I won’t watch Netflix. I agement that exists. ity. While I ac- Netflix,” involves me com- get home and eat dinner while I watch a lot of Netflix. It Explanation knowledge that ing home from practice after still fully intending to start might not be the best decision, #1: Current certain Pingry school, showering and eating working after I get out of the but I have learned to work events are best teachers em- dinner, and then Netflix-ing. shower. But then a sly little with it. On nights that I have suited for co- brace and al- To any student out there thought creeps into my mind: to study for tests or write an N. Lu (VI) curricular clubs and activi- lude to current who has not yet fallen victim One episode won’t hurt – I can essay, I make sure to turn my ties. understanding of the content events, there are just as many to Netflix’s grasp, stay away. start my homework right after phone off to force myself to The Pingry curriculum that is helpful for standard- who do not. The good news DO NOT ENTER! Once you it finishes! concentrate. When I do get largely relegates current ized tests, like the ACT and is that a potential solution to make the decision to watch a I start the episode, and we caught up in the whirlwind of events to co-curricular sta- SAT, but more importantly, this situation is quite clear. show and do homework later, all know how this story ends. a TV show, I have learned to tus, which leaves those who would compel us to join the We need to speak out it is already too late. I sit there watching my show exercise self-control to have do not actively participate in world dialogue that supports more with our teachers and There are consequences of while having an internal argu- enough time to complete my such clubs at a loss. Some life-long learning. administrators about what your Netflix enjoyment. Only ment with myself about why work. students think of clubs as a Explanation #3: Current we’d like to see taught in our those who have experienced I always end up making the Knowing that work has distraction, chore, or simply events are shaped by the curriculum. the P.N. lifestyle truly under- same mistake. A few hours to get done and feeling pres- something to put on their media bias. It’s time for students to use stand the futility of trying to pass and it’s quite late. Finally sured with a time constraint college applications, and, A fair number of credible their curiosity and interest avoid falling into the bottom- I get the willpower to make often makes me more ef- subsequently, do not make an sources document media to call for the changes they less pit that is starting a new myself leave Netflix behind ficient. Netflix has helped active effort to stay involved. bias. A quick look at the would like. series on Netflix. and start my homework. me learn that I write my best This means that, more of- current presidential election I therefore encourage stu- At first, you just watch the At this point, I have four essays at midnight. ten than not, current events, shows news outlets pointing dents to speak out and advo- pilot. Everything seems great subjects of homework to do So maybe I am a little ad- which provide us context fingers at each other for being cate for other topics, besides – just some new characters in a before the morning and I dicted to Netflix. I probably for content we learn in our overly supportive or dismis- current events, they wish to new setting and a plot that you wonder why I always do this would get more sleep if it classes and life, fall outside sive of candidates left and learn more about. are seeing for the first time. to myself again. didn’t exist. But during my But then you watch another Despite all of this, I have P.N. years, I have learned episode. And then another. learned a valuable lesson from how to balance keeping up Soon, you are waiting all my Netflix addiction that all with Serena and Blair in day for time to watch another students must learn. Gossip Girl and getting my Remain Civil in a Time episode and find out who “A” There will always be dis- Calculus homework done. I is in Pretty Little Liars be- tractions and options in life. even managed to stop watch- cause you just have to know. Whether it is watching a show ing Stranger Things just long of Divisiveness But then it is the season finale on Netflix or going out with enough to write this. along. And while this approach and how one arrived there. and the episode finishes with a friends, there are choices that By DAVID FROMM (IV) may reduce friction, it is a sad Whether white, black, Asian, or No matter where you lie fact that in a school like Pingry, Hispanic; a Trump supporter, a game where nobody wins. on the political spectrum, one with incredibly intelligent and Hillary supporter, or otherwise; And yet we’re seeing it thing is apparent: we have well-informed people roaming it is imperative to imagine your- in abundance this election trouble getting along. the halls, we’ve been reduced self as someone else. season. Unfortunately, our coun- to avoiding discussions about The best way to convince It’s time for all of us to try’s new level of political what may be the most impor- anyone of your point is to put tap into our emotional and divisiveness has seeped into tant political event for years yourself in that person’s shoes. intellectual resources and the Pingry community. Divi- to come. So why aren’t we? talk to each other patiently sive rhetoric has been thrust During this election season, I would argue that, in our and amicably, even of our into the mainstream through we have had problems with lives both in and outside of country may not be able to. emerging political candidates, the way we speak and the way school, many of us are stuck On Convocation Day, a and it has now become diffi- we think about one another’s in political echo chambers day that many students find cult to have substantive politi- political views. When there is where we are only surrounded stale (including myself), cal conversations without be- conversation, often people talk by people and media that reaf- I found that my interest ing insulted for your opinions. not with the other person, but firm our existing beliefs and was piqued by our Head- I consider myself someone at them. I’ve found that even do not challenge the ones we master Nat Conard’s and who jumps at the opportunity in a special environment like already have. We fail to expose Student Body President to discuss politics, but I’ve Pingry, we often treat each ourselves to new beliefs and Zach Keller’s respective found doing so is no longer other like political opponents ideology. speeches. Both speeches held a striking similarity, conducive to maintaining an who must be proven wrong, This lack of exposure leads N. Lu (VI) amicable relationship with a not individuals with a unique us to be more and more emo- whether through political clubs, them” mentality that demonizes each focusing on the need for person I disagree with. perspective who are worthy of tionally tied into our political Facebook groups, or otherwise. groups of people or individu- constructive dialogue about the During the first few weeks sharing a dialogue. beliefs and less willing to hear While I am not arguing als who vocally disagree with issues that face the country, and of school, I’ve felt as if avoid- We have forgotten one of the the other side. Within the Pingry against the existence of these them. the prudence of being intolerant ing these conversations (the most fundamental principles community, there are organiza- groups (they can be great ways This hostility to other opin- of intolerance. best I can) is the only way to of civil discourse: considering tions that solely cater to one for similarly-minded people to ions only increases division, As a community, let’s take a avoid confrontation and get another person’s point of view specific ideology or group, congregate), I do believe they heightens tension, and lowers page from our school’s leaders, can contribute to an “us against productivity. It’s a zero sum and talk…with respect. 4 THE PINGRY RECORD SUMMER EXPERIENCES OCTOBER 28, 2016 Finding My American Identity in China Rethinking Community By MEGAN PAN (IV) able to write scripts for the area to the broadcast room. I words to say, and some would broadcast and record English remember, very distinctly, a call me a “banana” — yellow at the Island School My summer can be quickly voiceovers. conversation I had with one on the outside but white on ism industry and what it summarized as an internship I never would have ex- particular guest. the inside. By CAROLINE PETROW- means to be a tourist. and a homestay in China. In pected my international tele- After I had greeted him in Upon finding out that I COHEN (V) On our four-day DIT, we reality, what I gained — and vision debut to be the English (admittedly) less-than-stellar was American, some people pitched tents on beautiful what I learned — made it so voiceover of Zorana Miha- Chinese, he looked at me and would ask me very seriously Sixty-one days ago, I much more than that. jlovic, Serbian Deputy Prime said, “You don’t speak very if I had ever eaten with chop- landed in the Bahamas with beaches, started fires to This past summer, I spent Minister, but hey — life takes well, do you?” sticks before, while others a plane full of strangers cook dinner, and washed six weeks living in a family you to unexpected places. “I grew up in America,” I would simply look at me as and stepped into the thick, our dishes in the ocean. friend’s apartment in Beijing, CCTV was a great learn- explained. if it were such a shame that humid air. We flew from This class was especially China, for an internship at ing experience; I loved wit- “Oh, so you’re one of an otherwise fine Chinese girl Nassau to Eleuthera and important to me because China Central Television nessing tidbits of insider info those American-born Chi- was “Westernized.” loaded into vans to make of what I saw and learned (CCTV). My parents, hop- that aren’t obvious to the nese,” he responded, a hint None of these little ex- the trip to South Eleu- about the island, the people ing that I could develop my outside eye. of scorn in his voice. periences were particularly thera and the Island School around me, and myself. language abilities while I Did you know traumatizing, but campus. South Elethuera The sense of community was there, opted for me to that teleprompt they did lead me would become my home cultivated through an expe- go alone. scripts are writ- to question my for the next month, and the rience like this one is hard This trip would be a test ten with ellipses identity as an strangers around me would to put into words. Over of my independence, and I instead of peri- American citizen become family. the course of the month, wanted to prove that I was ods to space apart of Chinese descent. The Island School is on and especially during my more than capable of han- the sentences and Have I really been Eleuthera, a small, undevel- DIT, I shared experiences dling it. make it easier for “corrupted” by the oped island in the Bahamas. with incredible people that However, the experience the announcer to American half of To my 51 fellow students truly taught me more about proved to be much more read? The little my identity? And and me, it seemed like a myself and what it means difficult than I had initially headlines that pop to whom do I owe private oasis of white sand to live well in a place and imagined. up near the bot- the right to be who beaches and beautiful ma- in a community. The internship itself was tom have to be I am? rine life, and we couldn’t My time at the Island a step outside my comfort written into the In China, I em- wait to explore the class- School could never be zone. Every day, I would script too, and braced my “Amer- room. summed up in a brief walk to the subway station there are people ican-ness” much My time at the Island description of my three and take the subway alone to responsible for more enthusiasti- School was split into three classes, which is part of CCTV headquarters. timing their ap- cally than I ever unique classes, all based why this experience was Because I wasn’t a Chinese pearance and dis- had in America. At on the life and culture of so special. citizen, I had to phone some- appearance during the time, it was one Eleuthera. At the Island School, one to escort me through the the live broadcast. of the few things In my first class, Sus- I tried new things, from security gates and up to the Once, I was al- that would keep me tainable Systems, I worked learning a cultural dance lowed to be inside M. Pan (V) going as I strug- tenth floor, where the staff hands on with the sustain- with natives to catching of China 24 would be hard the studio during filming. It Although this guest likely gled to get by in a country able systems on campus, and tagging a six-foot long at work preparing for each was strange to see the an- didn’t mean any harm, what whose people resembled me including solar panels, nurse shark and jumping night’s live broadcast at 8:15 chor switch from “announcer he said, coupled with his in appearance but perhaps not wind turbines, aquaponics, off twenty-foot cliffs on PM. mode” to a video segment tone, really bothered me. in culture. and biodiesel. We learned an almost daily basis. I China 24 is an English- when she had the freedom Admittedly, it wasn’t the Looking back, it seems a trained for a six mile run- speaking news program that to relax and joke with the first or last time someone bit counterintuitive: I went to what it takes to make these covers news related to the cameramen on scene. had commented on my poor China to study the language, systems work for a com- ning and swimming duath- Chinese mainland. That’s A few times, I was re- Chinese or my American but simultaneously I discov- munity and developed ideas lon and spent a full day and how, despite my lack of sponsible for escorting guest identity. People would laugh ered what it meant to be an on what it means to live night alone on a beach with fluency in Chinese, I was speakers from the reception as I tripped over the right American. sustainably. just a tarp and water for my In my next class, Marine 24 hour solo. Ecology, I dove forty feet I’m so grateful to the Is- Beyond the Wall and Beyond the Classroom under the waves to study land School and the people By DARLENE FUNG (IV) in the morning. We were of- was also a trail of bricks that cupation Monument symbol- ficially immersed in the easy- encompassed West Berlin, ized an “innocent” Hungary This summer, I participated going, artistic aura of Europe. marking where the wall had being attacked by communist in a 12-day trip to Berlin, After collecting our lug- been. The prominence of the Germans, when in fact Hun- Prague, and Budapest, led gage, we hopped on the tram, Berlin Wall made us real- gary played a major role in by history teachers Ms. Julia a method of transportation we ize how open the Germans establishing communism in Dunbar and Dr. Megan Jones, would use every day through- are to their history, publicly Hungary. as part of the Pingry Global out the entire trip to get to our acknowledging their experi- The House of Terror, an- Program. On this journey, six hotel. This fifteen-minute ride ence with communism in their other tourist attraction, was other Pingry students and I was an adventure in itself, as country. a museum assembled in the discovered the history, cul- we held suitcases between On the contrary, we found same building where Hungar- tures, and unique perspectives our legs, grabbed onto any that Prague and Budapest, our ians were secretly tortured of each country as results of handles or hand rails we could second and third stops on the during the rule of the Soviet communism. get ahold of, and were vigilant trip, expressed their histories Union. In both the monument Before August, I had never to avoid pickpockets in the very differently. In Prague, and the museum, there was set foot outside of the country. crowded car, all as the tram the Lennon Wall and the le- always a sense of complete I had no idea what life would Hungarian innocence during C. Petrow-Cohen (V) be like thousands of miles the communist period, even coral reefs and the vast there with me for giving me away: what did I need to though the Hungarian gov- marine ecosystem. Earning a truly life changing and ernment was often involved pack? What if I got lost? What my scuba certification was once in a lifetime experi- in the deaths of many inno- if I didn’t like the food? one of my most challenging ence. cent people. And the scariest part was and rewarding experiences After my month on Eleu- that I would be doing all these Not only was Beyond the Wall an amazing learning ex- at the Island School. thera, I couldn’t wait to firsts without my parents, who Performing tasks on the take what I learned back to had always been there to help perience, but it was also an in- bottom of the ocean was Pingry. Living sustainably me out in the past. Yet there I credible bonding experience. nerve-wracking to say the was an integral part of my was in the airport, standing We went from acquaintances least, but sinking down life at the Island School, with my suitcase in a circle of to family, teachers and tour under the surface, I found and I hope to spread aware- seven peers (none of whom I guide included! was familiar with), about to Despite all the amazing a new world bursting with ness about sustainable liv- D. Fung (IV) embark on the adventure of sights, my best memories of life where I quickly forgot ing and unique ways of a lifetime. whipped mercilessly around gal graffiti walls scattered the trip were all the times we my fears. doing so. After a ten-hour flight sharp turns and stopped in- throughout the city marked the just hung out as a big group, My third class was Tour- I also learned to appre- and less than three hours of termittently. ways the people had openly like finding a place to stop ism and Development, dur- ciate community in a new sleep, we arrived, severely jet- Once we arrived at our expressed their thoughts on the for dessert and chatting about ing which we travelled on way at the Island School, lagged, but finally in Europe. stop, we were eager to get government at the time. These all the monuments we had a Down Island Trip (DIT) which I know I will carry We went through customs, off and, though slightly dizzy walls were covered in quotes, visited. These were the times and lived out of a van for with me at Pingry. My where my passport got its first from the jarring ride, we were images, and previously banned when age, grade, profession, four days. We studied the Island School community stamp from a smiling elderly ready to begin the trip. song lyrics about peace and and any other dividing factors settlements on Eleuthera was strengthened by our man in a stuffy glass booth. Berlin was where we were freedom, ideas that had been would melt away. We were all and gained new perspec- shared experiences and As we walked to meet our first introduced to the effects prohibited back then. just the “Beyond the Wall- tives on tourism. unique backgrounds, and tour guide for the trip, we of communism in Europe. In Budapest, our favorite ers”, as we dubbed ourselves, Through this class I un- returning to Pingry after were immediately greeted by Sections of the Berlin Wall city because of its beautiful learning and experiencing derstood a new meaning of this experience has made music being played by circles still stood in the city, from castles and amazing gelato, amazing things about Com- culture, especially in the me value the community of people sitting throughout which we experienced the se- was rather misleading in con- munism beyond not only the Bahamas, and questioned we have created here even the narrow hallway, all cheer- curity of the looming cement veying its history to the public. Berlin Wall, but also beyond both the ethics of the tour- more. ful and alert at eight o’clock partition first hand. There For example, the German Oc- classroom walls as well. 5 THE PINGRY RECORD SUMMER EXPERIENCES OCTOBER 28, 2016 What I Learned as a Counselor at Pingry Summer Camp these made me question why the opportunity to de- By KETAKI TEVAN (IV) I applied to be a counselor in velop some of these skills This summer, I got my first the first place. through their classes, job, the description of which However, as the summer writing being a perfect read, “Babysit 20 kids all day came to a close and I had col- example of that. In ev- and return them safely to their lected numerous funny stories erything we engage in parents at 4 pm, all in one to add to my repertoire, I real- during our time here, we piece.” That’s right. I was a ized that I had gained more are constantly pushed in camp counselor – specifically, from this summer than just the the areas of writing and a camp counselor at Pingry’s endless friendship bracelets general communication. day camp. that my kids made for me. These skills are indis- Most of my days, or so it Although this may seem like putably vital regardless of felt, were comprised of con- a given, counseling provided the career path a student vincing children entering the me with the experience of chooses to pursue. Camp 4th and 5th grades to put on taking part in a professional counseling, surprisingly their sunscreen, allowing my workplace, the significance of enough, was an opportu- hair to fall victim to endless which cannot be overlooked. nity for me to check off hair braiding sessions, and First, however, I should several other universal taking kids to the fanciest probably address the question skills from my “Skills to that may have crossed some of Have Before You Leave (also, the farthest) bathrooms K. Tevan (IV) because the others weren’t your minds: how could watch- High School or Else You’re which will not only apply to “good enough.” ing a group of kids running Finished” list. back effectively. When I re- The experience also taught each and every one of us in the I had one particularly around high on popsicles and Accepting feedback (both ceived my first less-than-per- me the value that not treating workplace, but in every facet troublesome kid in my group on life, who themselves are positive and negative) can be fect performance review for others as “less than” based on of our lives. whose behaviors often puzzled entirely sheltered from what challenging for some people, my work, my first instinct was a certain quality they possess. Universal skills aside, the me. I found him pointing his adulthood entails, be consid- myself included. If not pre- to defend myself; however, I’m sure many of us have had most rewarding aspect of this pinky finger at other camp- ered “professional”? sented correctly, it can cause after some reflection, I was our ideas turned down or un- past summer was the impact ers all the time, so one day, I There are certain universal recipients to react defensively, able to identify how to compre- derestimated just because they that my work had on the kids asked him what it meant. “It’s skills that you simply can’t or on the other hand, it can lead hend and apply the feedback I were coming from a child, but I counseled. I didn’t realize it the Chinese Pinky,” he replied. do without as you transition to recipients thinking that they received effectually. this summer tested my ability when I walked into my first day “It means the middle finger.” from your high school and have nothing to improve on, Feedback is an important to hear everyone out, no mat- of camp, but I truly was put in Then he actually did give me college careers to contributing resulting in them never making aspect involved with working ter the age of the person it was the position of a role model the finger. to society as a member of the progress. with others, a situation that is coming from. to innocent, funny, insightful, Needing to deal with minor workforce. This summer, I was pushed simply impossible to escape This principle stems from still-developing minds. but ridiculous situations like Pingry students are given to both receive and give feed- in any job. the idea of mutual respect, Spending the Summer with Family A Summer Interning at the Met of us. We caught up, swam, addition of a new child every Islamic jewelry, chess pieces, By MIRO BERGAM (IV) By PATRICK GILFILLAN (VI) biked, went to the beach, two or so years). royal commissions, and many This year, I embarked on took pictures, and traversed She graduated from our This past summer, I had other ancient objects. one of the most life changing our little South Carolina little coalition of children, the amazing opportunity to I felt extremely lucky that trips of my life…in the back island that we knew by heart and I couldn’t fully grasp it. participate in the Metropolitan I was experiencing thousands of my family’s crowded, from previous summers. These static memories of our Museum of Art’s High School of years of art history directly kidnapper-esque white van Soon enough, it felt like childhood flipped through my Internship Program. in front of my eyes and even in for 17 hours. the sister I knew before the head, feeling as if they hap- I interned within the Edu- the grip of my fingers. Within I can’t pinpoint the exact rush of junior year and col- pened eternities ago. I tried cation and Islamic Art De- the department, I learned how one, but upon one of my six lege applications never left to reach out and cling to them partments at the museum and to analyze and depict ancient siblings’ births, we decided our little herd. Our septet was all as they flew past me, until experienced a new world filled works of art. I immersed my- it was no longer feasible to whole once with creative minds that work self in a foreign culture whose again. together to bring forth thou- P. Gilfillan (VI) beautiful artwork fully engaged squeeze into a plane for fam- tion and orientation, I was led Howev- sands of artistic visions. This me. ily vacations. Plus, we ran through a back hallway and out of seats in the minivan er, as time experience showed me the At the same time, I realized importance and influence of art four floors up an elevator to the the importance of art history when my youngest sibling passed, I was Education Department, where was born two years ago. As begrudgingly throughout the world. and how art expresses the emo- I spent the majority of my five tions, feelings, and beliefs of a result, we got a big, 12-seat reminded of I first had to send in a writ- weeks at The Met. the society and time period white van. the fast ap- ten application and then attend Within the Education De- from which they originate. Obviously, travelling via proaching a follow-up interview in May, partment, I helped plan an event My five weeks at The Met car limited our vacation op- first day of where I competed against stu- on October 28 called Teens went by much too quickly. tions quite heavily. But now, school, a.k.a. dents from the tri-state area Take the Met! and, along with Each morning I woke up ready after almost five years of my sister’s who all seemed much more artistically aware than me. a few other interns, ran the Met- and excited for the day ahead. practice, we are used to driv- departure to Teens Instagram. Brown Uni- After my interview, I had When I reflect on the experi- ing to Florida and South While working on the Met- ence, I realized how much pro- versity, four convinced myself that the other Carolina every summer. Teens Instagram, I had the fessional experience I gained Being in such a big family whole states students applying for the same position were much more quali- pleasure of meeting The Met from this program. shapes how we function a lot. away. fied than I was, causing me to Social Media Manager, Kim- I also learned how to con- Because I am the second old- The re- expect a regretful email in my berly Drew. With over one verse with adults and how to est, a position I was given at alization inbox in the proceeding weeks. hundred thousand followers on speak in meetings. I was taught a young age, I have learned hit me: not Instagram and a Tumblr called how to work with others with- only would Luckily, though, I was sent the values of leadership and an email which offered me a Black Contemporary Art that out diminishing creativity and sharing. It’s become a part my sister be is so popular it has been the positive energy. checking out position at the museum, and of my identity and has given I immediately smiled. I had subject of articles in the New Ultimately. working in Man- of our pack me some of the best friends absolutely no idea what I was Yorker and Glamour Magazine, hattan helped me transform once again, that I’ll have for the rest of going to be doing at The Met. Kim Drew inspired me to break into an independent young but also this M. Bergam (IV) my life. The thought of working in from social conformity in order adult who is not afraid to travel would be the final time. Thus, what made this spe- I realized it was time to let go Manhattan, however, created to gain a creative perspective. alone and ask questions. The Our gaggle wouldn’t ever cific summer trip so life (partly because our mom was a sense of joy in my mind that The Education Department Metropolitan Museum of Art changing was the fact that be whole in the same way it hogging all the tears in the overshadowed any uncertain- highlighted the importance taught me the importance of my sister would depart for once was. room, I needed to suck it up ties. Excitement filled me as I of arts education and the vast arts education and allowed me college in the fall. The true It sounds dramatic. Obvi- for everyone’s sake). realized that I would finally be connections art fuses together. to interact with a diverse group impact of this didn’t hit me ously, my sister is still going With the blistering wish able to spend time in a city that I learned to dig through my of students that I could never for a while. My older sister, to be my sibling. She will be that I had spent more time always consumed my curiosity. brain to think of innovative experience at Pingry. Scarlett, had been so busy back on holidays and summer with her, I accepted the situ- On July 11, I rushed from ideas in terms of event planning Each person that I met at with applying, studying, vacations; she will always be ation with a lesson learned: my house to catch the train and creating content for Met- the museum opened me to new writing, packing, and squash- a part of our lives. spend more time with your with my brother. My heart Teens’ social media platforms. ways of thinking and exploring playing that, for a whole year But there probably won’t siblings and parents. As a began to beat as I entered the The Education Department ideas. I was able to put my artis- prior to leaving for college, ever be a time when we all Pingry student and profes- crux of contemporary culture expressed the importance of tic skills, though quite limited, it felt like she was gone live in the same house again. sional overcommiter, this and concrete skyscrapers, also creative collaboration, which to work as I collaborated with already. There won’t ever be a time vital task often lands at the known as Manhattan. inspired me to strive to become the staff of the Education and Then, this trip happened. when we can play in the yard very bottom of my to-do list. I found my way off the a much more positive person. Islamic Departments. You see, when you’re trapped as a bunch of little kids again, But I implore all high- train and to the subway, which During my internship, I also Each day of my internship, I in a moving metal box for unconscious of the stresses schoolers (myself included) took me up the east side to the had a wonderful opportunity to grew to love The Met and New tens of hours, stopping in of adulthood. We wouldn’t to make family a priority, museum where I would spend assist on a research project in York City more and more. I the Curatorial Department of the Deep South for weeks, go to the little chapel at because when the time comes the rest of my summer. I could experienced a diverse group of Islamic Art. you don’t have many options our father’s hospital every to be shipped off to college, not have been more excited and people who opened my eyes to Once I stepped into the other than to talk to your Sunday, a tradition that has you and your family are both anxious as I walked through the new ways of thinking, which offices, I was astonished by fellow passengers. So we steadfastly remained for over going to wish you spent every doors of 1000 Fifth Avenue. allowed me to unearth different the sheer number of art pieces talked, Scarlett and the rest a decade now (aside from the spare hour together. After a quick introduc- cultures through history and they held. I was able to analyze understand that art matters. 6 THE PINGRY RECORD COLUMNS OCTOBER 28, 2016 Looks in the Halls: The Pingry Palate Athletic and Comfortable (Food for the Hungry Student) on the columns. The music was rant’s salsa with the large bowl are worn over standard col- dresses, and even decorating By ALYSSA CHEN (V) By ANNA WOOD (V) cheerful and not too loud, inter- of tortilla chips served before and KRISTINE FU (IV) lared shirts. As the fall season the models’ nails with metal continues, warmer sweaters are detailing. Marchesa, a popular Colorful atmosphere and tasty acting with the conversations of the meal. I found the salsa to be predicted to be a staple. red carpet choice, impressed its food: a delicious dining experi- restaurant-goers to create a level fresh and flavorful, though some Fall is arguably the most ence awaits the everyday student of cozy intimacy. The restaurant may prefer a more spicy or fiery important season for the fashion Fall doesn’t just begin a new audience with gorgeous sheer de- fashion school year at Pingry––it signs, delicate flowers, and play- at Casa Maya, a Mexican restau- seemed to transport its guests to flavor. Some conversation passed industry, as we swap flip-flops rant located in nearby Gillette, a different place and a different before the main plates, large and for boots, t-shirts for sweaters, also signals the start of the fash- ful ruffles––many of which will ion industry with the Fall/Spring appear at next year’s Academy New Jersey. I had the chance to time, succeeding in a task at hot from the stove, came out. and look out for New York visit this local gem recently, along which many international cuisine Eating the dish was a messy fashion week. 2017 collections. From New Awards and Grammy Awards York City to London to Milan, shows. with a few friends who needed a restaurants fail. affair, but, overall, the flour tortilla This fall women’s fashion break from the flavorful but some- As this was the first time I had was deliciously crispy and the remains stylishly comfortable and finally, Paris, designers are Other brands such as Hood showcasing their work to buyers, By Air unveiled futuristic and what monotonous Sage Dining eaten at a Mexican restaurant, fresh ingredients helped to bring and athletic. Adidas Superstar experience. Casa Maya proved it took time for me to decide out the flavors of the chicken. sneakers still dominate the foot- the press, and the public. Famous daring designs of double-sided designers return to the runway to boots and randomly buttoned to be the right choice: though the between all the exciting menu My only complaint was that the wear scene, complete with all wait was long — nearly thirty choices. Based on the waiter’s chicken was drier than what I sorts of fun colors and patterns. surprise us with their creativity jackets. The designer Shayne while new designers are given Oliver is deliberately breaking all minutes, due to its popularity and recommendation, I chose the would have preferred and the dif- Converse sneakers have also limited seating — our entrance Tostada Maya, a crispy flour ferent elements of the dish were made a comeback, particularly the chance to show their style the rules of fashion. “I’m always and originality. Beginning with trying to figure out how to trans- was greeted by a friendly hostess tortilla filled with chicken. First, somewhat disproportional. in white. Steve Madden flats of who guided us through the small however, we sampled the restau- In the end, though, we had every color are a popular choice Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 4 late something into a distorted and ending with Marc Jacobs, version of itself, and blur the space and sat us in a fantastic time that as well. a cozy booth sur- certainly made up for As for clothing, comfy jog- this year’s runway was full of lines of what it actually is [...] We excitement. Models of all ages, know what’s next, and I think it’s rounded by light- any delayed service gers, overalls, and jumpers are ing and décor. we experienced. The trendy this season, ccmple- sizes, ethnicities, and gender time to take it upon ourselves.” identities walked the runway, Other brands such as Misha and In fact, the at- lively atmosphere al- mented by layered t-shirts. As mosphere is what lowed for great con- fall weather can be tricky, many making this year one of the most R13 are experimenting with 90’s inclusive model castings. grunge fashion, making pierced makes the res- versation, the décor opt to layer with a cardigan or taurant stand out: was fun, and the food pullover, oversized sweaters. As This fall, the runway clothing and chokers trendy was dominated by bright, play- once more. strings of color- was tasty and true to for new jewelry styles, home- ful lights hanging its origins. made beaded products seem to ful, and bold hues. Big and strik- Overall, the fall of ing statement earrings were seen 2016 will encourage a mix of from every nook, If you are looking be the number one accessory this toy trains and tra- for a refreshingly col- season. Beaded chokers, chain at Altuzarra and Delpozo. These various fashion trends and de- exaggerated earrings, paired with signs before heading into the ditional dolls lining orful restaurant close necklaces, and bracelets have the walls, and in- to home, look no fur- taken over the jewelry scene. structured wraps, created terestingly-shaped ther than Casa Maya. For men’s fashion, look out guitars displayed for athletic footwear and preppy a dramatic and Google Images apparel. Athletic training shoes lively look. fill every classroom, especially The Blonds, the Nike running shoes. Breath- praised for its able sneakers are a sensible inclusivity in Narcos: A Netflix Original casting a di- choice, as the weather is not yet Colombia’s military forces the DEA, Los Pepes’ tactics are verse line of By ALEXIS ELLIOT (V) cold enough to sport popular through his classic tactic, brib- to decimate anybody who has boot choices such as Timber- models, show- cased its usual The opening of Netflix’s ery. He then decides to go into any relation to Escobar. Their lands. Like women’s fashion hiding throughout Columbia to brutal killings are put on display trends, fall layering is a great “over the top original show, Narcos, displays aesthetic” the words “Magical Realism” escape the Colombian govern- to persuade entire towns to join way to remain comfortable ment. their movement. throughout the day. Vineyard with platinum and represents its definition. blond wigs, Magical realism is described What makes Season 2 of Nar- When Los Pepes plans to at- Vines pullovers, team spirit cos so intriguing is the depiction tack Pablo’s family — targeting clothing, and lightweight jackets glittering Google Images as a literary or artistic genre in which realistic narrative of Pablo Escobar’s demise. his aging mother, wife, and two techniques are combined with Season 1 showed Escobar’s children —viewers sympathize surreal elements of dream or many successes with his several with the Escobars. However, Seeking out Tunes: Rikki’s Picks fantasy. mansions, When viewers see the de- ability to By RIKKI BORKOWSKI (VI) depend on tours and merchandise It is a punctuation to the end of an struction Pablo Escobar and his trade tons sales as primary sources of rev- album that houses soulful tracks of cocaine enue. Cary Sherman, chairman like “Come Down” and “The drug cartel inflict upon Colom- Music finds us everywhere. bia, his terror may all seem like at a time, Even in an elevator we can be of the Recording Industry As- Season/Carry Me”. an impossible nightmare. But, and his surrounded by a dusty version sociation of America, states in a My second pick is “The Heat” ability to of Madonna’s “Holiday” that blog post, “Many services rake in by Jungle. This song opens Jun- these events actually happened in real life. After the formation keep loyal sounds like it’s being amplified billions of dollars for themselves gle’s debut album from 2014, followers. in a tin can. Whether we choose on the backs of music’s popularity which features other favorites of his drug cartel (The Medel- but pay only relative pennies for like “Time”, “Busy Earnin’” and lin Cartel) in 1972, Escobar Season to listen to music or simply find 2 offers ourselves in an elevator, there is artists and labels.” “Platoon”. This band reshapes becomes a drug kingpin and always music close to us. We lis- Some apps, like Huzza, are 60’s soul with spine-tingling monopolizes the cocaine indus- different ten to music to destress, to get mo- trying to solve this problem by electric bass and dub overlays. try. Escobar turns Medellin, Co- images. tivated, to wake up, to celebrate, shortening the gap between where This recent stint in modern funk lombia into a city of violence, Many of and for many more reasons. the listener’s money goes and and R&B led me to The Meters. terrorism, and devastation. Escobar’s But what we tend not to think what money the artist receives, A funk band from the 60s and Drug Enforcement Agency mansions about is how we are listening to by allowing fans to tip their 70s that continued to play into the (DEA) Agents, Steve Murphy have been our favorite tunes. Since the CD favorite musicians during a live 2000s, The Meters created songs attacked performance. I think these apps like “Cissy Strut” and “Look-ka and Javier Peña join in a war boom of 1998 and 1999, we don’t against Escobar. Steve Murphy, by Search really listen to hard copies of mu- have yet to be perfected, but Py Py” that are considered funk Bloc, his sic anymore. Vinyl record sales are worth exploring. Sherman classics. “Cissy Strut” and “Hand an agent originally from Florida, serves as the series’ narrator, cocaine are actually taking over the CD Clapping Song” are my two factories market, making up about 11% favorites right now. guiding the viewer on how the But I could not finish this col- USA planned to take down have been of all physical album purchases, slowed by according to the Nielsen Music umn for a school in New Jersey the kingpin. Murphy and Peña Report of 2016. without noting the newest Bruce join forces with Search Bloc, a his impris- In the past six months, the likes Springsteen release, Chapter and Colombian military force led by onment, of Spotify and Apple Music have Verse. This is an album meant to Horatio Carrillo. Together they and Co- begun to show signs of rescue for accompany his memoir, Born to make a lethal team in taking lombians Google Images the previously unsteady music Run, as a story of his growth as a down members of the Medellin are tired of Escobar’s tyranny. man and a musician. The album Narcos presents the viewer Pablo’s response to the threat business. I am a happy user of Cartel and imprisoning Pablo is even more contemptible. He Apple Music and believe it to be features five newly released with a conflict. Viewers hope songs from before his tenure with Escobar. bombs a series of town centers a streamlined and curated way for Season 2 of Narcos opens that Murphy and Peña catch me to construct playlists, listen to Columbia Records. These tracks and imprison Escobar, but at in order to elicit a response from with Pablo Escobar narrowly the government. His goal is for Beats 1 Radio, or discover new Google Images show Springsteen looking for his the same time, viewers root for escaping death after the Co- the government to exonerate him music. But I am not the only one brought up another point in her sound before the revelation that him because he is depicted as a taking advantage of a monthly was “Born to Run”. My favorite lombian military attempt to and erase the threat of Los Pepes. post that was about torrent sites execute him. The Colombian family man and a good father. subscription; U.S. streaming where you can find free copies of from this 18-song release is “The However, viewers have to tune Ballad of Jesse James.” government originally planned Season 2 heightens this conflict revenue grew 57 percent to $1.6 music for download. “Pirate sites with the addition of a new death in and see how the schemes of billion in the first half of 2016 operate with seeming impunity,” A Pitchfork review of the to incarcerate Escobar, but Escobar’s enemies unfold. and accounted for almost half album states, “’Jesse James’ eventually discovered that his squad, Los Pepes, and Pablo’s she writes. series of bombings. Narcos Season 2 promises to of industry sales, as reported by Although there is turmoil and showcases Springsteen’s already- assassination was the only way have many twists and turns, and Bloomberg Technology. This arena-sized ambition at a time to end his empire. What Escobar Although Escobar had many challenge within the industry, we cohorts in the beginning of the defeat of Pablo Escobar’s sounds great; the floundering mu- continue to benefit from music as when he didn’t necessarily have feared the most was being in- drug cartel is something to look sic industry is finally getting back an expression of our own emo- anything important to say.” This carcerated in the United States, Narcos, his greediness and treat- song captures an emotion that I ment of his colleagues causes out for. In addition to action on its feet by way of the Internet. tions. It is a huge part of my life, but in Colombia, incarceration scenes and cliffhangers, “red However, many are still skep- and I would like to share a few of believe most teenagers struggle him to make enemies. Pablo is with. Springsteen asks in each meant being confined to his lav- herrings” are scattered through- tical that paid subscriptions to my latest favorites. ish compound. able to kill most of his enemies, Spotify and ad placement on chorus, “Well don’t you wanna but a few of them collude to out the plot. Narcos keeps the My first pick is “The Dream- Colombians believed that viewer thoroughly interested YouTube is the easy answer to er” by Anderson. Paak. Released be an outlaw / Don’t you wanna form Los Pepes, a group of drug all the industry’s problems. Artists ride the range / Don’t you wanna jailing Escobar would bring in how Escobar is finally taken at the beginning of this year, “The the end to his power, but as the cartels who share the goal of de- and labels continue to struggle Dreamer” is the final track on a be an outlaw, children / just like down and Colombia ends a reign Jesse, like Jesse James, just like beginning of Season 2 reveals, stroying Pablo Escobar and his to make large sums of money masterful album, Malibu, that empire. Unlike Search Bloc or of terror. off their music and continue to outlines Paak’s personal growth. Jesse boy.” they are wrong. Escobar escapes 7 THE PINGRY RECORD GRADE EXPERIENCE OCTOBER 28, 2016 Junior Year: Learning to Survive Grade 9: It All Lies Ahead cision and care. During flex As upperclassmen, we have day, each one feels like an eter- accomplish more than if you By ANNA WOOD (V) By ALEX CHIANG (III) periods, many juniors opt to picked up leadership posi- nity. Grades go onto your tran- simply sit down and open your Although the Class of 2018 study instead of socialize. The tions and started clubs. Being High school: the last four script for all your dream colleges laptop, only to be distracted by has hardly been juniors for cafeteria is often filled with a cross-country captain has years of required learning. You to judge. Many friend groups new fantasy football updates or a month, they have already clumps of juniors bent over allowed me to exercise my have loads of free time and free- seem to be formed without you, the latest gossip. begun to sense the huge tran- papers and laptops. ideas and hopes for the team. dom, as well as a great variety of and the abundant amount of free Another tip: trying new clubs sition. Although the workload I am also thrilled to have a free clubs and sports for you to use as time everyone has been telling or sports allows you to meet new There is no doubt that Ju- is tough, we can enroll in block that allows me to pick up a means of bonding with people you about is nowhere to be found, friends who will often share sev- nior year is a crucial one, with classes that interest us more. another class. whom with you share similar with time spent mostly cramming eral common interests with you. AP’s, SAT’s, ACT’s, driving Our course requirements are Junior year is grueling, for interests. Sound about right? homework. You’re sure to make a couple new tests, and the beginning of the less structured, and we can sure, but it is arguably the most In our high school curriculum, In addition to all that, science friends, at least. college process all on the way. choose from a collection of rewarding year. Class presi- you only take four classes each classes occupy about half of your Lastly, be sure not to over- Angst is in the air as we are history, science, English, art, dent Michael Weber wants day, and, generally speaking, two flex periods. Nevertheless, high whelm yourself. Trying ev- learning to handle the most and language classes, as well the juniors “not to freak out, out of a student’s seven periods school does have less structured erything is always great, but important workloads of our as an extra elective. Enjoying because everything will be not are non-academic courses. time than middle Pingry careers. Rachel Chen our classes makes the stress good, but great.” While there Freshmen year brings many school, and the (V) attested, “On one hand, I more worthwhile. is a ton of pressure, junior year new changes. For instance, there high school com- feel like we’ve been preparing By tailoring our own sched- will be worth it. are around fifty new people to munity is a lot for this year, but on the other, ules to our personal wants and High school is like a mile befriend, and, unlike the middle more unified and I’m terrified! Someone once needs, we are making room for around a track. The first lap school, students can have their supportive. told me that junior year is like what is most important to us. is for finding your pace. The phones on them the whole day. Some things the final stretch of a marathon, Our focus is shifting and zero- second feels the easiest. The This perfect image has been pre- that we have found so finish strong.” Chen joked, ing in on our top priorities. We third is the hardest, but some- sented to rising middle schoolers useful ourselves “I’m not exactly a great dis- are done exploring high school times it is the one that makes by upperclassmen and teachers include planning tance runner, so the analogy and have identified our focal the race. And the fourth is the alike. ahead, trying new is just making me nervous.” points, both in and out of Pin- one where you give all you But, of course, when you are things, and mak- L. Larson (V) Not surprisingly, the gry, whatever they might be. have left. first introduced to something, ing sure we don’t overwork make sure you can manage it. workload has in- your initial excitement causes ourselves. Remember, balance is essential creased by leaps and you to ignore any faults. Planning ahead, whether it be to leading a healthy life. bounds, with exams The reality of high school, like your homework load or what to High school is a wonderful and essays due not many things, is that it isn’t all do during flex, never hurts. If you place where many different op- long after the start sunshine and rainbows. Because plan to visit a teacher or complete portunities present themselves to of school. It is es- there are only four classes each one specific assignment, you you. Don’t be afraid to explore. pecially hard to find the healthy balance between academics, extracurriculars, and 12: The Final Stretch social lives that have different obstacles whether it is games with your friends, attend seemed to occur so By YELENA SALVADOR (VI) in academics, sports, or the arts. the dances, and show off your naturally throughout Senior year is what some may It is important to manage your school pride every chance you the underclassmen call “the beginning of the end.” time, be organized, and ask for get because these are the most years. As I head into my last year at help when you need it. You have memorable experiences. With all of the Pingry, I notice how much ev- teachers who care about you and Although these are things I newfound intensity, eryone has changed and reflect on want you to do well, so go see have learned, I still struggle with the atmosphere has all the things I have learned. Here them whenever you can. them during my senior year. I changed. We are ap- are some pieces of advice and Number 4: Do not let college find it hard to create a balance proaching our work thoughts I want to share with you. dictate your decisions. This is between having fun and focus- with incredible pre- Number 1: Be open to N. Davey (V) ing my efforts on the college change. I have different process. friends, different interests, However, I know that the and different opinions than stressful time of applying Enjoy Being a Sophomore! I did in my freshmen year. to college and deciding my high school would ensue, we longer feel that lingering sense This is true for everybody. future is not something I have By VICKY CHEN (IV) When you leave Pingry, to do alone. The experience of and KRISTINE FU (IV) could comfortably transition to of apprehension. Ally Hosler the new school year. (IV) noted, “[sophomore year] you will not be the same facing rejection, pulling all- person you were when you As Form IV Advisor Mr. The adjustment from fresh- is fun and better because I came nighters, and ultimately sur- first entered high school, Douglas Scott said at a re- man year to sophomore year into the year knowing people.” viving high school is shared and that’s okay. cent form meeting, “The word has been fairly easy. Being However, other aspects amongst every student in Number 2: Try some- ‘sophomore’ means ‘acquired already familiar with other of student life have become your class. thing new. There are so skill or clever device.’” The students, teachers, and the more difficult––especially the As a senior, I have many different opportuni- N. Davey (V) word “sophomore” may also school layout, sophomores no workload. Unlike freshman watched my grade become ties at Pingry that are yours for the hard to remember when such be a compound of “sophos,” year, which began with closer and more inclusive, taking. When I was a freshman, talented and competitive students meaning wise, and “moros,” icebreakers and introduc- and as I embark the end of my I thought I wanted to be a doctor surround you. High school is a meaning foolish and dull. tions, teachers dove into the Pingry journey, I know that I and study medicine. Three years time to explore your interests, so As sophomores, we have material right away. have an amazing class that will later, I now want to be a journalist don’t base everything you do off more knowledge and expe- Another change from support me. after writing for the newspaper what you think colleges will like. rience than we did last year. freshman year includes the To my fellow seniors, al- and joining different publications. Number 5: Have fun. Grades However, sophomore year apparent lack of couches though college is a stressful topic Step out of your comfort zone and are important, but when you is still less exciting than the available in the “sophomore to think about, just know you will get involved. look back at your high school busy activities and college- area” located by the Biol- be happy whatever you decide. Number 3: The work gets years, they will not be things planning of junior and senior ogy and Chemistry wings. This year will go by so fast and harder. Every year, you will face you will remember. Go to sports year. Kyle Aanstoots (IV) said, “I I’m happy to share it with you all. Arriving at Pingry on would like some couches.” looking forward to Friday freedom associated with it. college. But sophomore year, the first day of school, anx- Although there are no com- Night Lights,” said Luke It- Sophomore year also feels no one’s really watching, just ious freshmen scrambled fortable couches, there is a tycheria (IV). “The football incredibly random. We are no like how real life is.” Although through the halls, looking new collaboration area with games are really fun. I get to longer caught up in the “new- it easy to become complacent, down at their schedules and desks and white boards. mingle with my peers,” said Nia ness” of everything, and col- we should challenge ourselves. desperately trying to find Darlene Fung (IV) said, Phillips (IV). Sophomores tak- lege and graduation still feels He also noted the diligence and their advisory locations. As “The new collaboration ing Driver’s Education are also far away. maturity of the Class of 2019 sophomores, we entered the area is really nice.” eager to learn how to drive. As As Mr. Scott said “Fresh- that has impressed him. building greeted by familiar- Many sophomores are a rite of passage into adulthood, men year, everyone’s holding Class of 2019, let’s stress ity and old friends. No longer excited for this year’s fun the symbolic value of a driver’s your hand. Junior and senior less and have a great sopho- activities and events. “I’m year, your focus is on tests and terrified and unsure of what L. Larson (V) license is the independence and more year! Word in the Halls: What are your Goals for this Year?

Avery Didden and Vicky Claire O’Mara (VI) Josie Cummings (V) Nick Grimaldi (IV) Jamie Wang (III) Chen (IV) “To make sure I enjoy this “To always maintain a positive “To not fail and do well in my “Get good grades.” “To stress less and prioritize year in ways I haven’t had the attitude” classes.” what’s important.” chance to junior, sophomore, Photos and Interviews by and freshman year because Brooke Murphy (V) & Lindsey Larson (V) I had to be more focused on academics.” 8 THE PINGRY RECORD NEW FACULTY OCTOBER 28, 2016 Ms. Allain Takes Over AP Psych Ms. Logerfo Officially By OUARIDA BENATIA (V) very big inspirations for her, be amazing. and she looks up to them for Ms. Allain also admires her Ms. Julia Allain, who is very different reasons. mother for being a great person Joins Bio Department teaching four sections of AP Her father has been a hockey in general, and also for being ways the “teacher” of her to help others in every way By JONATHAN CHEN (IV) Psychology, is also an assistant coach for as long as she can so accepting of change. The friend group in college. As an possible, devoting lots of her coach of the girls’ varsity soc- remember, and she believes Allain family moved around Ms. Alexandra Logerfo, alumnus, Ms. Logerfo said, time to charities. In addition, cer team. She may coach other that he is the best coach. She quite often due to Mr. Allain’s who graduated from Pingry in “One of the hardest adjust- Ms. Logerfo often helps out at ments was calling my own a local animal shelter. When sports as well. sees many parallels between father’s job, and yet her mother 2011, begins her first full year high school teachers by their she is not volunteering, Ms. Ms. Allain completed her coaching and teaching and has was always able to handle any of teaching as a member of first names instead of their Logerfo enjoys cooking and undergraduate degree at Provi- learned a lot from him through- change, obstacle, or challenge the Upper School dence College, and received that came her way. Ms. Al- Science Depart- her graduate degree in Sports lain aspires to be like her ment. She is Psychology at McGill Univer- mother in the face of new teaching Honors sity in Montreal, Canada. experiences, such as her own Biology II, Biol- This is her first year as a coming to Pingry. ogy I, and Intro- teacher, and she finds it fun Ms. Allain has an older duction to Scien- teaching her students because sister and a younger brother, tific Research, as they are receptive and willing and when preparing to teach well as advising to learn. at Pingry, she enjoyed con- the journal club She strives to improve sulting her seventeen-year- and serving as a as a teacher everyday and old brother and bonding with coach of the win- wants to make her class both him over his high school ter track team. fun and informative. When experience. After graduat- asked what influenced her to She is very excited to ing from Pingry, become a teacher, she said, get on with the more fun Ms. Logerfo at- “The longer I was in school and informative topics in tended George- and the older I got, the more AP Psychology, and is even town University I actually enjoyed learning.” more excited for a wonder- where she stud- She added, “If I can help other ful school year. She adds ied Psychology people enjoy learning as much O. Benatia (V) that “everyone has been so and Italian and earned with a J. Chen (IV) as I do, I feel like I’d be doing welcoming and kind.” She last!” out her life on how to do both. B.S. in Biology.. playing the piano. something right.” remarked that Pingry is the Although she is not new to She believes that if she could When asked why she be- Her goals for this year are During her free time, Ms. ideal place to be a new fac- the community, Ms. Logerfo ever influence people someday came a teacher, Ms. Logerfo straightforward. She hopes to Allain likes to visit her family ulty member, and, for that, she notes, “There is certainly a dif- as much as her father influ- replied, “Teachers I loved from encourage students to become in Connecticut. Her parents are “would like to thank everyone ferent perspective as a teacher, ences his athletes, that would Pingry reached out to me to fill more involved in Biology, in the Pingry community.” but it is definitely an amazing in for Dr. D’Ausilio while she place to teach.” She loves the through Journal Club and iRT. was on maternity leave and I enthusiasm of her students, Because Ms. Logerfo helped happily accepted the opportu- which inspires her own en- create both of these science Ms. Decatur Encourages nity to return to a place that thusiasm. She enjoys teach- programs as a Pingry senior, had previously provided me ing about something she is she brings first-hand knowl- with excellent opportunities interested in, hoping to inspire edge to the participants. “To New Historical Perspectives and memories.” others to be interested too. come back into the programs the community to be warm and Fresh out of college, Ms. In her free time, Ms. Lo- that I helped develop when I By ALLIE VERDESCA (V) welcoming. “I already feel like Logerfo easily adapted from gerfo teaches English as a was a student is truly a special Bringing with her a fresh look I’m a part of the community,” being a a student to a teacher, second language through a experience,” she said. on the history of the world, new she said, describing her first mainly because she was al- volunteer program. She likes History teacher Ms. Hannah couple of weeks as a member of Decatur strives to encourage the staff. She already feels “like students to not “be afraid to think Pingry students are really eager Mr. Brown differently from their peers.” Ms. to learn and eager to discuss Decatur encourages large-scale important issues.” group discussions and the devel- While she started off as an Brings Passion to Math opment of individual thought as a English major in college, she new member of the Upper School easily picked up a love of learn- By BRIAN LI (III) skills. He furthered this dream by extremely attractive. History Department. ing about the past and teaching studying divinity with the ultimate It provides an atmosphere She will be teaching two it to others. This fall, Mr. Andrew Brown goal of becoming a pastor. where he hopes to further his courses: World History 10 and Initially drawn to the subject joins the Upper School mathemat- Despite having multiple de- experience as an educator, work- Honors U.S. Environmental His- of history in college because ics faculty. He is teaching Geom- grees in Philosophy and Divinity, ing together with students to form tory Honors, in conjunction with of the spirited discussion it etry, Geometry and Advanced during his time working as a math connections and succeed. Mr. Matthew Horesta. A graduate created, she reflected that this Algebra, as well as Calculus tutor, Mr. Brown found that pur- While off campus, Mr. Brown of Johns Hopkins University in discussion-based attitude is classes. In addition to teaching, suing a career in math education has many varied hobbies. An Baltimore, Ms. Decatur received what she likes about Pingry, as A. Verdesca (V) he is coaching the Middle School could also al- low him to use her Bachelor’s degree there and “it is showing kids that’s what tory, Ms. Decatur is an Assistant math team and assisting with the his problem- is now working on her Master’s history can be at a younger age.” Coach for the field hockey team, Mr. Maxwell’s Form V advisory. solving skills degree at Wesleyan University in Ms. Decatur loves history and she said pre-season was an- A native of Tennessee, Mr. while serving Liberal Studies. because it is “not completely other way the Pingry community Brown attended Carson Newman his goal of be- Before arriving at Pingry this static. Even though things are made her feel welcome. University in his home state, and coming an edu- summer, Ms. Decatur taught at in the past, they have new in- In addition to helping with graduated with a B.A. in Religion cator. the Darlington School in Georgia terpretations, and historians are field hockey, Ms. Decatur is and Philosophy in 2005. Three “I realized for three years. constantly reinterpreting old working with Ms. Kent on the years later, he received a M.Div. that teaching Her main inspiration to teach information.” Yearbook and is coaching la- from the Princeton Theological made me hap- took root in her family life. Be- She enjoys teaching about the crosse in the spring. Seminary, the largest Presbyterian py, and I enjoy cause her father and her grand- post World War II time period, a In her free time, she likes to seminary in the United States. seeing students mother were both teachers, she topic covered by World History read, travel, and play with her In college, Mr. Brown wanted and solving felt a strong desire to work with 10, which should be a highlight puppy, who is aptly named King to study philosophy, a subject that problems with kids in the classroom setting. of the course’s curriculum. Henry. allowed him to make logical argu- So far, Ms. Decatur has found In addition to teaching his- ments and use his critical thinking them that they weren’t able to B. Li (III) solve before,” Mr. Brown said. avid player of board games, Mr. Prior to joining Pingry, Mr. Brown opts mainly to play rarer Students Mentor Peers at Writing Center Brown taught for five years as a By YELENA SALVADOR (VI) picked by teachers and accepted and also want to help you get the efficiency of peer editing. Pa- board games, citing Factory Fun Middle School Algebra and Ge- and Race for the Galaxy as his This school year, the Writing through an application process. better. pers can be emailed and will be ometry teacher at the Princeton Center, a student run club that Each member of the club wants What’s new this year? This returned within two to three days, personal favorites. In addition, he Academy of the Sacred Heart. also is a fan of Liverpool F.C., and helps others improve their essays to help others become better year Writing Center will be hold- and meetings can be set up to go Mr. Brown most recently re- and writing skills, is introducing writers and is eager to share their ing a variety of workshops, rang- over suggestions. Hopefully, this enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee located from his previous job in and soccer, which he has coached new services to the Pingry com- passion for writing. ing from tackling the SAT/ACT system will attract more students Jordan after two years as a teacher munity. Senior leaders, Katie Ho, Every Monday, Wednesday, Writing section to going over the to truly utilize the benefits of peer in the past. of Algebra, Geometry, and Phi- Overall, he admits, “It’s great to Sophie Ricciardi, Jake Mayer, and Thursday, Writing Center basics of writing a five-paragraph editing. losophy at the King’s Academy. and Yelena Salvador, along with will meet in Room 326. Any essay. Other workshops will The Writing Center was hap- be back in the States.” Meanwhile Reflecting on his time overseas, in the short run, he is gradually ad- faculty advisor Graig Peterson, and all students are welcome to include grammar and citation py to announce its grand reopen- Mr. Brown said, “The need for have worked together to bring come brainstorm, talk, or show reviews. These workshops are ing on September 28. Whenever justing to Pingry as a new faculty math education is universal, and member, and appreciates the em- better resources to the student a draft to one of the peer-editors. tailored to address the smallest of you feel like you are struggling it crosses borders.” body. The goal is to meet and receive obstacles when writing a paper. and can’t get passed that writer’s phasis on individual and investiga- On why he chose Pingry, Mr. tive learning. As to the year ahead, What is Writing Center? Writ- advice on papers from students Moreover, the Writing Center block, don’t hesitate and come by Brown found Pingry’s long his- ing Center is a group of talented who have experienced the same is hoping to launch an online ed- the Writing Center every Mon- Mr. Brown has a positive outlook. tory, great fellow faculty mem- “I’ll take it as it comes,” he said. English students who were hand struggles when writing a paper iting system this year to improve day, Wednesday, and Thursday! bers, and the student body to be 9 THE PINGRY RECORD NEW FACULTY OCTOBER 28, 2016 Ms. Huang-Hobbs Joins Chemistry Crew Mr. Lagarde the United States, Ms. Huang- dition, she worked at the Free Her goals in life are to al- By ALISON LEE (IV) Hobbs received her bachelor’s Library of Philadelphia, where ways reach for improvement, Tackles Calculus This fall, Ms. Huang-Hobbs degree in chemistry at McGill she worked with students in to never believe there cannot University, located in Montreal. a Maker Education program, be something different to try, avid sports fan, particularly in- joins the science faculty, teach- By DARLENE FUNG (IV) ing three sections of Chemistry She has two graduate degrees: a teaching college prep and SAT and to practice being okay with terested in football, hockey, and I this semester and Chemistry II masters in Chemistry from the prep. mistakes. She subscribes to the Mr. William Lagarde joins baseball, he looks forward to starting in January. She will also University of British Columbia Ms. Huang-Hobbs became philosophy of Neil deGrasse the Upper School Math Depart- going to school sporting events be assisting the Middle School in Vancouver, and a masters in interested in becoming a teach- Tyson, who has said, “I am ment to teach Geometry and AP and meeting new people along Science Olympiad. Because she Science in Education from the er because she had wonderful driven by two main philoso- Calculus. He graduated from the way. loves watching Good Eats with University of Pennsylvania. and supportive teachers her- phies: know more today about Harvard this past May with a Aside from sports, Mr. La- Alton Brown, a TV show about Before coming to Pingry, self. Caring about giving back the world than I knew yesterday Bachelor’s degree in Applied garde is also passionate about the science of foods Ms. Huang- Ms. Huang-Hobbs worked to the community and being and lessen the suffering of oth- Mathematics with Psychology. music. “I have been playing the Hobbs is especially excited for at a charter high school in supportive to others, her fa- ers. You’d be surprised how far This is Mr. Lagarde’s first piano since I was six years old, the Food Science competitions. Philadelphia, where she did vorite aspect of teaching is the that gets you.” year teaching, but he comes and I also sing,” he said. A citizen of both Canada and science support work. In ad- relationship between student Her colleagues in the sci- from a long line of teachers. Based on his own experience, and teacher. As a ence department think she is “My dad, grandparents, aunts Mr. Lagarde advises students to teacher, Ms. Huang- a wonderful addition, with and uncles were teachers. My “never stop exploring.” He said, Hobbs always tries a great sense of humor. Mr. uncle is a history teacher. My “I had a very specific plan in col- to brighten her stu- Grant said, “She brings great grandmother taught English lege of what my profession was dents’ day. energy and enthusiasm to our and worked in Ms. Huang- department,” and, according school libraries. Hobbs loves sci- to Mr. Bourne, she brings “a But both my dad ence because she fresh, new approach.” Mr. and grandfather says it connects to Burns added, “She’s excited were math teach- everything and pulls to get involved with all of the ers,” he said. back the curtain on scientific research.” Mr. Lagarde’s all the beauty in As a new member of the Pin- favorite math the world. But, she gry family, Ms. Huang-Hobbs course to teach acknowledges that said, “I’m just really happy to is Calculus. science can also be here. It just feels right.” “Throughout create disaster. An Outside of school, her hob- college I was improperly sealed bies include running, snow- using calculus, glass pipette caused boarding, arts and crafts, and so I’m very fa- a stream of etha- cooking. Her favorite thing miliar with how nol fire to burn Ms. to cook is Barefoot Contes- calculus works,” Huang-Hobbs. As a sa’s mustard soy salmon. Ms. he said. “I also result, she strongly Huang-Hobbs also has an ador- think it’s the first emphasizes the im- able adopted shepherd mix with class where you portance of safety. a missing eye named Xena. can sit down as A. Lee (IV) a group and talk about math for the whole period.” “It’s not just putting in number Mr. Peterson Settles Into English 9 & 10 and solving equa- selling pet supplies.” difficult texts without feeling ways encourages open thought tions. There can By ETHAN CHUNG (V) However, when Mr. Peterson overwhelmed.” and discussion.” Lee added, be opinions about started teaching at Pingry last “I do my best to incorporate “He’s really fun and often in- New to the Upper School, Mr. calculus. There year, he taught grade 6 and 8 abstract, free flowing discus- vites students to take risks and Graig Peterson joins the English can be questions D. Fung (IV) math in place of Ms. Nicole sions in class to allow for as step out of their comfort zone. Department to teach English about calculus that Cabral, who was on maternity much creativity as possible,” I have learned a lot already, and going to be, and when I realized 9 and 10. He will also be the are not quite answered. And, look forward to English class that wasn’t going to work, I was faculty advisor the Writing Cen- there can be multiple answers everyday.” in a tough spot for a while.” He ter, a program to help students to the same type of question,” Mr. Peterson is happy to be continued, “I think a lot of kids improve their writing abilities. he added. working at a school like Pingry. in high school will look to their In addition to teaching and as- When asked what brought He describes it as “a wonderful future and think they know what sisting students in achieving him to Pingry, Mr. Lagarde and supportive environment they want to do, but these plans their full academic potential, he explained that he was looking where everyone is incredibly usually don’t go as expected, will also serve as the assistant for teaching opportunities at kind and welcoming.” He finds so if they don’t, be ready to try coach to this year’s swim team. independent schools in the New teaching high schoolers English something new.” Mr. Peterson is also serving as a York and New Jersey area, be- to be “incredibly satisfying.” Mr. Lagarde has enjoyed his junior co-advisor alongside Ms. cause his fiancé had gotten a job He added, “I am overwhelmed first few weeks at Pingry, and Jill Kehoe. at Google. “I went to hiring fairs by how brilliant my students looks forward to the rest of the Mr. Peterson graduated from in New York and Boston, and are.” school year. He said, “My goal Dartmouth College and has from there, Mr. Leef contacted When he’s not teaching is to help my students fulfill been pursuing his Masters at the me,” he said. English, Mr. Peterson enjoys their goals in math. I really want Bread Loaf School of English at This winter, Mr. Lagarde both playing and watching to make sure that my teaching, Middlebury College. will also be coaching the JV basketball. “I like the NBA. I my availability to them, and the He started out as a manage- wrestling team. “I wrestled in know that few people consider direction I’m going in will help ment consultant, but his love of high school, and it was a big the Milwaukee Bucks their fa- them reach their full potential.” pets, particularly cats and dogs, part of my life,” he said. An vorite basketball team, but it’s “inspired [him] to open up a my favorite team,” he admitted. pet supply store in Milwaukee Mr. Peterson also enjoys read- ings that look called Hounds Around Town, the same but ing in his spare time. which is still open today,” he are just varia- Mr. Peterson hopes to “fill said. E. Chung (V) tions of each [his] classroom with creativ- In spite of his passion for other. My leave at the time. he said. ity.” pets, he wanted to pursue a work is all dif- This year, Mr. Peterson is According to Matthew Lee “I look forward to a great teaching job because, in his own ferent feelings “excited to be teaching Eng- (III), “Mr. Peterson is a teacher year teaching English in the words, “teaching is a fulfilling and styles that lish to upper schoolers.” More who is good at explaining the Upper School for my students and inspiring use of time. I hang together specifically, he hopes for his importance of themes in the and me,” he said. prefer discussing literature over because of the “students to be able to approach books that we read, and he al- metaphor.” Ms. Ring said, “This is why I can Ms. Ring Inspires Young Artists teach all dif- care about art and to be excited cultural Team. She looks forward person’s brain, building using ferent styles By ETHAN MALZBERG (IV) about art, that kinda rocks my to the Diversity Group’s “Coura- cardboard mats, and asking what and periods, Ms. Nancy Ring joins the Art world!” geous Conversations,” in which she calls “Beautiful Questions,” because I use Department as a Leave Replace- Ms. Ring will also serve issues facing diversity and its role theoretical questions students all of them in ment for Mrs. Jennifer Mack as the new Gallery Education in education are discussed. can ask the class that have no my own work, Watkins who is currently on Coordinator for the The Hostet- Ms. Ring graduated Cum right or wrong answer. and practice maternity leave. She will teach ter Gallery located in Pingry’s Laude with a Bachelor of Fine After school each day, Ms. them all the three sections of Upper School Arts Wing. Arts (BFA) in Studio Art from the Ring makes her way to her studio time. I’m not Art Fundamentals and one sec- The September exhibition in Syracuse University School of in Newark which is in the Solos just an abstract tion of Middle School Art and the Gallery features South Asian Visual and Performing Arts. She Project House, where she paints painter who is Nature. and Arabic cultures. When asked earned her Masters of Fine Arts for two to three hours with other E. Malzberg (IV) going to teach This school year marks Ms. about the current show, Ms. Ring (MFA) from the University of artists. She has also displayed her The exhibition has a domes- abstraction or someone who’s Ring’s 13th year of teaching, as said, “I would like to encourage the Arts in Philadelphia in 2010. work nationally in exhibitions in tic theme that is connected by a a realist and will teach real- she was a first grade Associate everyone at Pingry to come see One of her main goals for the New Jersey, New York, Penn- common thread of motherhood. ism. I can teach across the Art Integration Specialist at the it, even if just to walk through. year is to make fun and interac- sylvania, and Maryland. One of Primarily a painter with an disciplines,” she said. “Most Far Brook School for a decade It’s bright, sparkly and more than tive “Do Nows” as an activity to her woodblock prints was just emphasis on representation and artists can, but I’m actually before teaching art in the Maple- that, beautifully conceived and start each class. She said, “My shown in Northampton, Mas- realism, Ms. Ring also sculpts working on all of the disci- wood school district. thought-provoking.” hope is for the kids to really sachusetts at the NOHO Book and likes creating abstract art. plines at the same time which As to what inspired her to In addition to being the Gal- want to come into the classroom and Print Fair. “Most artists do their work is unusual!” she added. become a teacher, she said, lery Education Coordinator, Ms. everyday because they’ll be ex- Her exhibit at Kenise Barnes in series,” she said. “I like to Outside of teaching at Pin- “Artists naturally share what we Ring has also been asked to help cited about what they’re going to recently opened on September 17 break that idea; my art is con- gry and the studio, when Ms. do because we’re so incredibly out with the Green Group. She do right away.” and runs through October 29; it nected by color and metaphor, Ring has any extra free time, passionate about art.” She added, brings a passion for diversity to So far, some of her most can currently be viewed on the but not by similar color or size. she strength trains and runs. “I like to help others, so if I can Pingry from her previous job, well received “Do Nows” have gallery’s website (http://www. When you go to a gallery, you She also loves poetry, baking, inspire a younger generation to and is involved with the Multi- involved drawing maps of each kbfa.com/nan-ring/). will usually see all these paint- reading, and traveling. 10 THE PINGRY RECORD NEW FACULTY OCTOBER 28, 2016 Ms. Smith Shares Her Love of Latin Mr. Toler Teaches History Ms. Smith was inspired to By CAROLINE PETROW-COHEN (V) By STEVEN WU (III) had always been interested in reading about become a teacher from her the past and understanding how things were Ms. Kathryn Smith joins the experiences tutoring Latin Dr. Herbert Toler joins the Upper previously done. “The past is the blueprint Upper School Language De- students while she was at Skid- School History Department where he for the future,” he said. partment to teach Latin 1, Latin more College. “Tutoring was will be teaching World History 9 and When asked how he has liked his first 3, and AP Latin. She will also just very fulfilling. Teaching World History 10. He is also a co-advisor month, Dr. Toler said it has been “a wonder- be the assistant JV girls’ bas- people what I love is what led to Form V students and is working on a ful experience,” adding,“I am thankful to ketball coach and a co-leader me to become a full time teach- pilot research program in the humanities. have an administration that has welcomed He may also become the advisor to the me to the campus. They have been very open of the LGBTQ affinity group. er,” Ms. Smith said. Originally, Politics Club. and friendly, and have provided me a good Ms. Smith was a Biochemistry Ms. Smith attended Skid- Dr. Toler received a B.A. in History place to land.” more College where she earned major at the University of from Hampton University, an M.A. in Dr. Toler also spoke highly of his students. her B.A. in Classics, focusing Southern California, but she History from Howard University, an M.A. “I think the students are more than capable, on Latin and Ancient Greek. soon discovered that studying in Church History from Union Theologi- smart, and hardworking,” he said. “They are She then attended graduate language was her true passion. cal Seminary, and a Ph.D. in American very helpful, as far as conducting class and school at the University of One of Ms. Smith’s biggest History from Columbia University. getting the lesson that is going to be taught Kansas and earned her Masters goals for the year is to create After graduating from college, Dr. that day, and they are also very attentive.” degree in Classics while teach- a fun and engaging classroom Toler taught on the college level at the Dur- ing undergraduate students. environment where her Latin City College of the City University of ing his free While studying at the Uni- C. Petrow-Cohen (V) students can learn and be com- New York, Fairfield University, and the time, Dr. versity of Kansas, Ms. Smith spent six weeks in fortable. “I want my students to enjoy Latin class and NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Toler loves Greece at the Classical School in Athens. Before to feel like Latin class is a safe place to explore ideas.” Explaining what inspired him to reading, re- pursue teaching, Dr. Toler said, “Being searching, coming to Pingry, Ms. Smith traveled abroad again, Outside of Pingry, Ms. Smith enjoys horseback rid- a teacher is a harmless form of helping and writing ing, a sport she participated in at Skidmore College. spending six weeks in Rome for a research-based others.” about his- program where she studied at the American Academy She hopes to continue to pursue riding in New Jersey He also commented that many of tory because in Rome. while teaching. his own teachers prepared him for his “that’s what Ms. Smith is enjoying Pingry so far and taking To Ms. Smith, Pingry stands out among other schools career by inspiring him to follow in their historians advantage of new opportunities. After teaching at because it is genuine and authentic. “A lot of schools footsteps. do.” He the University of Kansas, Ms. Smith appreciates the claim to value diversity, individual learning, and student As a hockey dad, he visited Pingry by also spends personal teaching style she can develop at Pingry. focused classes. It’s often difficult to implement these chance during his son’s hockey match time sup- “Teaching at the University of Kansas, I usually had ideas, but what I see at Pingry shows me that here these down the street in January and had the porting his classes from thirty to seventy-five students,” she said. ideas are a reality,” she said. opportunity to look around the school. He children at She added that “having a smaller class is much more Excited about Pingry’s progressive and open-minded later decided to apply to work here after their sport- enjoyable” because she can learn all her students’ atmosphere, Ms. Smith is looking forward to her year of seeing an ad from an employment service. ing events. With a passion for history, Dr. Toler names, and learn more about them. teaching and being an active member of the community. S. Wu (III) Mrs. Weinberger Instructs Students Middle School: A New Interim in Advanced Math Head and 3 New English Teachers By KRISTINE FU (IV) ing. I strive to make mathematics nity Service, which has been her we’re balancing differ- accessible to anyone at any level passion since high school. “I’ve By RACHEL CHEN (V) This fall, Mrs. Jessica Wein- and hope students find the enjoy- done a lot of work with Bridges,” ent opportunities for our berger joins the Upper School ment in it as well!” she said. With three new faculty mem- students.” Math Department to teach Prior to coming to Pingry, In her free time, Mrs. Wein- bers and a new interim Director, Nevertheless, Ms. Advanced Algebra and Trigo- she worked for 15 years at Mor- berger likes to bake. “I’m always the Middle School has under- Hamm is excited to take nometry, Pre-calculus, and AP ristown Beard School located in playing around in my kitchen gone some significant changes on these responsibilities, Statistics. She is also helping Morristown, New Jersey, where and learning about different tech- this fall. and she is enjoying every out Student Government as a she held a variety of positions. niques.” She also enjoys sewing, All three new faculty mem- day of work in the Middle co-advisor. As Mrs. Weinberger transi- reading, and quilting. bers are teaching English in School. Mrs. Weinberger received her tions to a new environment, she different grade levels. Ms. Bria “Every morning, I have degree in Science, Technology, notes, “The pace is definitely Barnes is teaching Form I and this opportunity to stand and Society from Vassar college quick and I’m getting used to II while advising Form I, Mr. out front and greet the and minored in Mathematics. that.” She is appreciative of the Mike Coakley is teaching sixth students. It starts the day so She then studied at the Teachers friendly atmosphere that has grade and Form I while advising positively, because the kids College at Columbia University. helped her in her adjustment. the sixth grade, and Ms. Lori are so positive and kind Growing up, she always aspired “My encounters with the stu- Esmond is teaching Form I and Ms. Hamm and respectful — they’re to become a teacher. all the things that you would dents and faculty have all been II while advising Form II. it’s middle school. We still get “I was that kid in elementary want your kids to be,” she said. lovely with everyone wanting “The transition for all our to go outside during flex!” school who had her friends over “Add them to a place with such to help.” When asked about new folks was seamless,” Mid- However, it isn’t always just and had a chalkboard, and played invested teachers and wonderful her goals for the school year, dle School Office Coordinator fun and games in the Middle teacher, and they were students parents, and you get this great Mrs. Weinberger said that she Ms. Egan said. “Everyone feels School office. Ms. Hamm has in class,” Mrs. Weinberger said. community that’s really put- hopes to get involved with the like they’ve been here forever, already laid out her plans for When asked why she chose to school community as much as and everyone fits in beautifully. the school year. become a math teacher, she said she can. She is especially eager It’s a different dynamic but in a “The number one goal is to “Math was something that I was to get involved with Commu- very good way.” offer up this year as an oppor- always good at and enjoyed do- K. Fu (IV) Part of the new dynamic can tunity to evaluate what we do. be credited to the addition of We all read A More Beautiful interim Middle School Direc- Question by Warren Berger, You Have to Study for Staude tor Ms. Brenda Hamm to the and based on the model that the speech and debate team. an institution that is “quite faculty. Being married to Head- By DAVID METZGER (VI) author presents, we’re looking Prior to coming to Pingry, similar to Pingry in terms of master Conard and having two into curriculum, social media Mr. Ryan Staude has joined Mr. Staude attended SUNY culture and student body.” children who graduated from use, schedule, and advisory,” the History Department this Albany, where he majored When asked about his Pingry, Ms. Hamm has been she described. “We’re doing this fall, teaching two sections in history receiving his B.A, thoughts on what his goals are involved in school events for in ways that aren’t disruptive M.A., and Ph.D. for the year, Mr. Staude replied over a decade. Now, even after a but rather from the perspective Mr. Staude wittily that his goal is to “sur- month of work, she is as excited of celebrating what we’re doing explained how vive the year, as any first year as she was when she first took right and changing what needs Ms. Esmond he enjoys read- faculty member might say.” on the role. to be changed.” ing, writing, and On a more serious note, Mr. “It’s great! The kids are One of her greatest chal- talking about Staude described how he want- amazing, the teachers are amaz- lenges will be reevaluating history; thus, the ed to become familiar with the ing, and the administrative team the current scheduling system, “most logical ex- students, faculty members, and is amazing,” she said. “We’re especially with the new athletics tension of that” culture of our school. off to a really good start to the facility almost ready for use. would be to be- In his free time, Mr. Staude, year. It’s upbeat, it’s fun — and “With sixth grade and Forms come a teacher. who prefers not to be called I and II on different An added ben- Dr., enjoys practicing martial schedules, we really efit, Mr. Staude arts. He also enjoys watch- want to look at how the added, was the ing movies; his three favor- new facility should af- chance to have ites are Forrest Gump, Field fect PE and whether we his summers off. of Dreams, and A Beautiful need to allot more time After he grad- Mind. to other activities such D. Metzger (VI) uated, Mr. Staude One other lesser-known fact as the arts as well. These Ms. Barnes taught in New York at various about Mr. Staude is that many of World History 9 and one decisions will take a lot ting its best foot forward. I’ve colleges and then relocated to of his family members are part section of AP U.S. History. In of conversation with a worked at many other schools the Los Angeles area. While in of the New York State Police. addition to these classes, Mr. lot of different people, and loved them, but Pingry is LA, Mr. Stuade taught for ten but it gives us a great Staude is also co-coaching the Mr. Coakley truly unique.” years at the Windward School, opportunity to see how 11 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS OCTOBER 28, 2016 iRT Joins Forces With Computer Dean Ross and Miss Bartlett Science and Technology Work With Student Leaders by a case study that students to “equip students with the tools can be completed more his students. By ALICE BERNDT (V) and By SHRUTI SAGAR (V) discussed regarding the possi- to get ‘stuff’ done on campus, quickly and computing power Members of the Independent LINDSEY LARSON (V) bility of a “new Pingry policy” organize your classmates to The Independent Research can be harnessed more fully.” Research Team have had On August 26 and September that would require all student- make an effective change at the Team (iRT) is a group of about Mr. Orndorff is very excited a positive response to the 3, Ms. Shelby Bartlett ’08 and run clubs and organizations to school, and learn to communi- twenty to twenty-five students about the positive response addition of the computer Dean Jake Ross ’96 held leader- communicate directly through cate, collaborate, and leave an who work in small teams on the project has received from science project. Regarding ship workshops in which club Google Communities. It also impact.” Students who attended different research projects in students and iRT faculty the new project, iRT member leaders, student government rep- stipulated that a faculty member these workshops felt that they various fields of science. advisors. He is equally excited Jackie Chang (V) said, “I resentatives, and Honor Board must be included in each group. were effective in accomplishing Some of last year’s notable about the opportunity he now think it’s cool how iRT is members gathered to discuss Students discussed this proposal these goals. projects included research on has to expand iRT to include bringing in other sciences, like leadership roles at Pingry. and two other case studies in Junior Jenny Coyne said, zebrafish and addiction, the computer science. computer science, chemistry, While Pingry students tend small groups before opening up “The leadership workshop was a building of a 3-D microscope Mr. Orndorff said, “I’ve been and physics, rather than just to develop leadership skills to a larger group discussion. great way to reaffirm the school’s to analyze cells, and studies thinking about this project for biology.” naturally in the classroom, on Following discussion of the support of its student leaders. on memory deficits and a while, and I’m excited to The research community at the athletic field, and in the arts Alzheimer’s disease in fruit have a chance to run it here, Pingry is already thriving, department, flies. especially considering the with many students interested these work- In past years, iRT projects have number of interested students in joining programs like iRT, shops were mainly centered on the fields that have approached me Journal Club, Project 80, and intended to of biology and chemistry. This about it.” SMART Team, among others. “set aside time year, a physics project led by Since he loves to explore With the addition of new to focus de- Dr. Azadeh Samadani is a new concepts in the fields of projects like the computer liberately on recent addition, and iRT will math and computer science, science project, more students these skills,” expand to include a project in Mr. Orndorff felt that joining and teachers will be interested Ms. Bartlett the field of computer science. the iRT would be a great in joining and collaborating explained. Upper School Computer opportunity for himself and with their fellow peers. During Science Teacher these work- Mr. Josh shops, stu- Orndorff will dents par- lead this project. ticipated in a When asked range of ac- to describe tivities geared his idea, Mr. towards un- Orndorff said, derstanding “The project what it means I’m starting to be a good Courtesy of Pingry Website is in the field leader. The ac- of distributed case studies, students, along with While it sometimes feels hard tivities included team building Dean Ross and Ms. Bartlett, dis- to initiate change at Pingry, this computing. It exercises and several fictional strives to allow cussed the steps necessary to run workshop gave students the case studies, finally concluding a successful club at Pingry. These resources, tools, and confidence computer users with an open discussion about around the included how to find a meeting they need in order to enact and the necessary steps in running a location and how to keep track promote positive change in the world to share successful club. computing of attendance, cost, and profit. Pingry community.” One of the team building ex- Students also brainstormed and Dean Ross expects “to con- resources so that ercises was a challenge in which computations, discussed the qualities of good tinue with further workshops groups of four had to fit together leaders inside and outside school. during the course of the year so especially large puzzle pieces without commu- or complex Ms. Bartlett and Dean Ross’s that we can define what leader- nicating through speech or hand goals for these workshops were ship looks like at Pingry.” computations, L. Larson (V) motions. This was followed Pingry Celebrates Students’ Congratulations Achievements at Fall Awards Assembly to the newly By WILL DIGRANDE (VI) advance as finalists later this mentions for these awards sembly, with writers from each year. In addition, the National were asked to stand and be grade receiving awards in the On Friday September 23, Hispanic Recognition Program recognized, and winners were categories of poetry, memoir, inducted members Upper School students and recognized top scoring eligible invited on stage to receive their fiction, and flash fiction. Writ- faculty gathered in Hauser seniors for high-achieving stu- award. ers submitted their works at the Auditorium for the first awards dents of Hispanic background. Additionally, various math end of last year that were then of Cum Laude! assembly of the year, the Fall Ms. Ananya Chatterji, inter- and science awards were given judged by English teachers. Awards. These awards are im Head of the Upper School, to the students who excelled in Dr. Reid Cottingham presented given to students in recognition presented two awards to stu- those disciplines. These awards first place winners with their of their achievements from the dents from each grade voted on were followed by the presenta- awards on the stage. Tracy Cooper last academic year. by the faculty: the Citizenship tion of the college book prizes To conclude the ceremony, The National Merit Schol- Prize and the Faculty Award. to seniors who best embodied Upper School French teacher arship Program recognized The first award was given to the qualities of the namesake Mrs. Lydia Geacintov, Presi- Akshina Gupta forty students from Form VI for the student or students con- college. Recipients received a dent of the Pingry chapter their high scores on last year’s sidered model citizens in the book affiliated with the college of the Cum Laude Society, Akash Kumar PSAT exam. Thirty-three from school community, while the of their award, given to them inducted twelve seniors into the group were recognized as second was awarded to stu- onstage by Mr. Jonathan Leef. the society, a very prestigious Jack Laurent Commended Students and dents who have demonstrated The Justin Society then and well-regarded honor. To be seven as National Merit Semi- personal and academic growth. gave out prizes for their annual eligible for induction, students Nancy Lu finalists with the opportunity to Students who earned honorable writing competition at the as- must keep at least an A- aver- age, be on the Honor Roll, carry a full college Katharine Matthias preparatory course load, and receive at least half Greg Naratil of the votes from electing members of the school’s Sophie Ricciardi chapter. Following the Cum Laude induction, Yelena Salvador award winners and their parents were invited to a brief reception afterward. Wesley Streicher For the school-wide celebration of student Victoria Watson accomplishments, the Pingry community came Ben Zhou together to celebrate the honorees. Courtesy of Pingry Website 12 THE PINGRY RECORD THE ELECTION OCTOBER 28, 2016 Election 2016: What is Your Take on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton? Will you be supporting Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton this Presidential Election? During the last week of September, Pingry Politics polled students and faculty to get a better understanding of where members in our community stand on political issues.

According to the survey, in which 392 people responded, the majority of our school identifies as either a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, with the largest percentage of Democratic supporters. The poll concluded that a larger portion of the students and faculty would vote for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump.

Word in the Halls: Have You Been Comfortable Sharing Your Political Opinion?

Stuart Clark (III) Bert Yu (III) “Yes, because there’s such “Yes, because my opinions tend a diversity of opinion that I want to not conflict with other people’s.” to be a part of the conversation.”

Martha Lewand (III) Ketaki Tevan (IV) “Yes, because Pingry is a place where “Yes, I feel very comfortable. Everyone you can express lots of ideas and is very aware and respectful that there communicate with your peers.” are different opinions in the community, whether they agree with them or not.”

Kyle Aanstoots (IV) Isabella Drzala “I don’t really care about politics.” and Cathleen Parker (IV) Mihir Seth (IV) Survey done by Josh Metzger (VI) the week of September 26; interviews performed by Katie Ho (VI), Megan Pan “I just don’t like Donald Trump. “No, not really.” (V), and Rachel Chen (V); page layout done by Ryan Fuentes (V); canditate pictures taken from Google Images I don’t care who hears.” 13 THE PINGRY RECORD THE ELECTION OCTOBER 28, 2016

Word in the Halls: Have You Been Comfortable Sharing Your Political Opinion?

Sehyr Khan (V) Graham Matthews (V) “No, not at all. I’m comfortable with “Yes, because it feels comfortable myself but afraid of getting backlash and safe and people aren’t from peers and my own friends.” really going to judge me.”

Jewell Strickland (V) Claire O’Mara (VI) “No. I don’t want to go around offend- “No, because I don’t like ing people, and I don’t feel comfortable starting controversy with people.” backing up my argument to people who aren’t willing to listen.”

Josh Metzer (VI) Kiara Smith (VI) “In class I feel comfortable sharing “No, because there are a lot of radicals on because it helps to foster discussion both political parties within our school, and let people know where my values so it is difficult to voice one’s opinion and convictions stem from.” when you are on the neutral side.” Trump and Clinton at the Third Presidential Debate at the University of Nevada, Wednesday, October 19 14 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS OCTOBER 28, 2016 Students Commemorate the Honor Ortiz From Spain Joins Form V By MADDIE PARRISH (V) two high school cultures spends time at the cinema Many Pingry students is the popularity of sports. or the mall with his friends. Code in Convocation In Madrid, student ath- He said, “One good thing By FELICIA HO (IV) part of that special trust” in the race, D’Agostino urged travel great distances to get letes play sports outside about Madrid is the public On September 9, Upper promising to follow the Hon- Hamblin to get up and con- to school every morning. and Middle School students or Code and thus becoming a tinue; later, D’Agostino fell This year, however, there is gathered in Hauser Audito- part of the larger community. and Hamblin encouraged one student who has made rium to observe the timeless After Wang’s speech, ad- her to get up. Although in his way 3,608 miles to join tradition of reaffirming the visory representatives handed pain, both women success- the ranks of the Pingry ju- Honor Code at the 30th Con- signed Honor Pledges to fully completed the race. Mr. niors: Luis Mora Ortiz, this vocation ceremony. Keller and Wang, symboli- Edwards asked the students year’s AFS student from To begin the ceremony, cally bringing together the to emulate the determination Madrid, Spain. senior faculty member Miller entire school in the pursuit of of these two Olympians, em- excellence and honor. phasizing the importance of Through the foreign- Bugliari ’52 pointed out the exchange organization relationship between doing one’s best while making known as AFS, Ortiz was Pingry’s successful able to choose the country completion of the new and sus- Blueprint for the Fu- tainable friend- where he wanted to spend ture campaign and ships. his year, the United States the leadership of Lastly, Head- of America. However, the master Mr. Nat organization could decide members of the com- Conard re- the state and the school. munity. By asking flected on the the question, “What “I could have gone to recent debate Alaska or Hawaii, but I’m is your blueprint for surrounding the future?” Mr. Bu- in New Jersey, and I’m freedom of happy about it,” Ortiz said. gliari stressed the im- speech, espe- portance of leading cially involving Although he has been by example through the exchange of learning English since he B. Murphy (V) giving back to the potentially un- was five, this is Ortiz’s first of school. Ortiz explained transport.” He has a bus community rather popular or of- time in the United States. than only reaping that while some schools right in front of his house fensive ideas. So far, according to Ortiz, have sports, “there are a lot that only costs around one the benefits of other Citing the same nothing about the United people’s hard work. of people that go to school and a half euros ($1.69) University of States has defied his ex- but don’t play a sport at and can take him to the Next, Student Chicago letter Body President Zach pectations. all besides taking physical cinema in five minutes. as Keller, Mr. When asked what ste- education.” When asked to compare Keller (VI) spoke Conard pointed about becoming reotypes of American teen- The curriculum at his New York to Madrid, Ortiz out the potential agers he had expected, he more open-minded. tension between school in Madrid is differ- said, “New York is more Citing a Universi- said, “I knew it wasn’t ent as well. Students there majestic, but the problem the university’s going to be High School ty of Chicago let- intentions of are required to take eleven is the traffic.” So far, he ter sent to incoming encouraging Musical.” Even though he classes: Spanish, English, has only been to New York freshmen to support non-censored observed that the students French, physics, chemistry, for a weekend, but he will academic freedom free speech and at Pingry are similar to the history, biology, ethics, re- have many more opportu- and free exchange of being viewed students at his school in ligion, physical education, nities to explore the city ideas, Keller pushed as possibly Madrid, he does point out students to “challenge and Courtesy of Pingry Communications and math. throughout the year. supporting hate that one difference in the In Madrid, Ortiz often reexamine” themselves in Board of Trustees Chair speech. learning from all the talented Mr. Jeff Edwards ’78 then Mr. Conard challenged and diverse people at Pingry. highlighted the important val- students to start taking re- Afterwards, Honor Board ues of excellence, friendship, sponsibility in “making Chair Sean Wang (VI) em- and respect in light of the sound judgments about the Dr. Artis Introduces a New phasized the value of trust in recent Summer Olympics in responsible exercise of your the Honor Code. Influenced Rio. In the preliminary round right to speech.” by his volunteer work at a of the women’s 5,000-me- To close the ceremony, the Diversity Department hospital over the summer, community. ter race, Abbey D’Agostino trustees, the faculty, and the By SAMANTHA BURAK (III) helpful to have an Upper Wang related trust to an im- (United States) tripped over students joined together in For this school year, the School version,” she said. portant bond between doctor Nikki Hamblin (New Zea- singing a rousing rendition This fall, the school is department will oversee ra- Dr. Artis received train- and patient. Wang said stu- land), who had fallen in front of “Old John Pingry,” setting introducing a new Diver- cial/ethnic affinity groups, ing in psychology and edu- dents are “privileged to be a of her. Determined to finish the tone for a new school year. sity and Inclusion Depart- religious affinity groups, cation at the Teacher’s ment. With Dr. Diana Artis gender affinity groups, and College of Columbia Uni- as its new chair, the depart- the spectrum affinity group versity, where she earned ment is set to kick off a (previously known as the two masters and a doctorate John Ruddy Presents “Subconti- year of thought-provoking LGBTQ affinity group). degree. programs. Regarding the affinity In 2005, she joined the The school has had a groups, Dr. Artis said, “We staff as an outreach coor- nental” in the Art Gallery number of different di- created a training program dinator in the Admissions By HANNAH GRUBER (IV) from a completely different ferent theme, but all have an versity activities in place for the faculty and a cur- Office to increase diversity. This month, artist John Rud- perspective, but the neon colors aura of mystique that makes one during previous years, but riculum for the students, “It was a perfect fit for me, dy will be presenting his col- of the paintings are what made wonder about the background lection “Subcontinental: Paint- me want to come to the gallery of the characters depicted in they have never been under and we are excited that because I loved the school, a single department. there is something more and my kids were students ings Inspired the art. structured in place to sup- Also no- “The department was here before I started work- by India and port our students from South Asia” table in Rud- created as a way to orga- ing here,” she said. from Septem- dy’s paint- nize in one place all of the different backgrounds.” Her scope of work has ber 14th to ings are the diversity initiatives and Besides affinity groups, the increased substantially October 19th frames that programs that are currently department also sponsors since then. As the chair of in Pingry’s surround his the Student Diversity Lead- pieces. These in place at our school,” Dr. the Diversity and Inclusion Hostetter Art ership Committee (SDLC) Gallery. correspond Artis said. “It also gives Department, this year, Dr. Ruddy with the the diversity work another and the Gay-Straight Al- Artis has an assistant, Mrs. combines paintings that level of credibility, and it liance (GSA), which pro- Eva Ostrowsky, who, Dr. the epics of live inside combines in one place re- mote diversity activities. Artis said, is very passion- Ramayana their bound- sources for the rest of the When asked about where ate about diversity work and Tibetan aries. Some she would like to see the folktales to are so simple, community.” as well. highlight the they do not The department will fo- department go in the future, As for what Pingry kids techniques of distract a cus on supporting a com- Dr. Artis said, “I would can do to respect diver- pop art mod- viewer from munity that is diverse and love to one day have a K-12 sity, Dr. Artis said, “I think ernism and the magic curriculum that outlines inside of the inclusive. By looking at one of the most important incorporate the diversity goals that things is to just be open to aspects of frame, while what needs to change to classic Indian H. Gruber (IV)others have ensure that the school is each student achieves after conversation and not be miniature painting. This con- in the first place.” intricate details that expand the a safe place for all of its they’ve moved from one afraid to talk about things veys a unique theme of Indian Ruddy layers many colors painting beyond the confines of students, the department’s grade to the next.” that are uncomfortable.” literature that mixes with the on top of each other to create its rectangular shape. goals include increasing In addition, she also To her, the Diversity present time. The eccentric col- his vibrant colors, but he also While visiting Ruddy’s ex- diversity among the fac- commented on the Middle and Inclusion Department ors and materials used to create consciously leaves thin layers hibit, one experiences a wide School co-curricular Cul- the artwork compel one to take of paint in some places. In one range of emotions. The com- ulty, supporting current is “about learning ways in the time to discover the origins of his paintings, the tan canvas plexity of the paintings make faculty, and making sure tural Competency. “We which we can change our of the painting. is visible, whereas in other parts one look past the image pro- that class curriculums are don’t have anything like language and our actions Regarding the collection, of the painting there are thick vided and think about the true relevant and honor the that in the Upper School, to feel more connected to photography student Aanya Lall layers of red and orange paints. meaning and background Ruddy different students in the and I think it’d be really one another.” (IV) said, “Each painting comes Each painting carries a dif- has sought to portray. 15 THE PINGRY RECORD CLASS TRIPS OCTOBER 28, 2016 Freshmen Bond Over Annual Peer Seniors Celebrate Before the Leadership Retreat Beginning of their Final Year By GABBY OBREGON (VI) ready for the Hawaiian-themed sentences for their college es- By LINDSEY LUBOWITZ (VI) dance. Once the class had taken says. Each senior was given a From Wednesday, Au- Leaders, providing fresh- excited about “being the several pictures in front of the packet with examples from Pin- While the 10th and 11th grad- gust 31 to Thursday, Sep- men with a group of stu- first face that the fresh- stunning lake, the grade danced gry alumni, as well as information ers attended cultural and his- tember 1, approximately dents to support them as men associated Pingry the night away. that certain colleges provide to torical events in New York or 150 new freshmen trav- they begin high school. with and being able to set At the end of the dance, the help students start their essay Philadelphia, The Class of 2017 eled to Camp Louemma The first meeting as a a positive tone for high students headed to a bonfire to effectively. headed to the Pocono Valley to celebrate the begin- Peer Group was an event school.” make s’mores with their friends The final activity simulated Resort to soak up the last rays of ning of their high school all were nervous to expe- Camp Louemma fa- before lights out. what it was like to be a college summer and begin discussing the journey. Hosted at the rience. Peer Leader Syd- cilitated a myriad of fun Mary Pagano (VI) added, “I admissions counselor. The stu- college admissions process. camp in Sussex County, ney Woode (VI) shared activities that allowed have not had the opportunity to dents were given a packet with On September 6, the senior this year’s annual two- that she was “nervous the entire group to exer- spend quality time with my entire information about six possible class piled onto three buses and day Peer Leadership Re- about forming a connec- cise team-building skills grade outside of school in a long candidates for Pingry’s freshmen headed to Reeders, Pennsylvania treat was composed of tion with her peer group- within their Peer Groups. time, and it was nice that we had class. In small groups, students for their senior retreat. Once the the freshmen class, five ies.” Freshman Carol Through the camp’s ac- activities such as the dance and had to accept, waitlist, and deny buses arrived, the students had the faculty advisors, tivities and the bonfire that allowed us to students. The activity helped the day to explore the campsite and and thirty-six Peer Leader- bond as a class.” seniors understand the selectivity have fun with friends. Peer Leaders. ship groups, The next morning, the college and difficulty of college admis- “I really cherished the free For some fresh- many friend- counseling team split the grade sions. time that we got on the first day men, the prospect ships were into three groups and created a se- Natalie Lucciola (VI) said that of the retreat,” Sonia Wong (VI) of spending two forged. ries of activities to help jumpstart the seminars on the second day of said. “It was so nice to be able to days away from Activi- the college process in a low-stress the retreat reassured her that she bond with my classmates with so home with more ties such as environment. “would not be alone through this many fun activities.” than one hundred a scavenger In one activity, the Student daunting process.” Some of the activities in- other strangers hunt, a talent Diversity Leadership Committee Once the activities were over, cluded playing soccer while was incredibly show, the Peer (SDLC) created a presentation the seniors piled back onto the inside a human hamster ball, zip- daunting and Group Olym- with discussion questions to help three buses to get back to Pingry lining across the lake to see some nerve-racking. pics, and a students understand affirmative in time for practices and other breathtaking views, conquering However, with C. Beard (VI) grade-wide action and discuss how it affects commitments. Most of the stu- a ropes course, swimming in the the help of a strong group dance with the the college admissions process. dents were exhausted and happy pool, playing beach volleyball, of senior Peer Leaders, Ann Perry was also “ner- Peer Leaders at night They also talked about the athletic to get a little rest before classes and more. the freshmen were able vous about not knowing helped dissolve a lot of recruitment process. began the next day. After a busy afternoon, the to have fun, bond with anyone in her group or the fears that the fresh- Another activity was a work- After a successful senior re- seniors gathered in the dining each other, and prepare cabin.” men had before entering shop designed to help students treat, the Class of 2017 is ready hall to eat dinner before getting for the start of their four- Despite the nerves, high school. create attention-grabbing first to cherish their final year together. year journey. many of those on the The retreat helped fos- The purpose of the retreat were excited for ter a healthy and positive annual retreat is to es- what was to happen dur- environment for many tablish a connection be- ing their two-day adven- freshmen. tween the senior leaders ture. Freshman Caroline After the retreat, of the school and the Guest was excited to Woode remarked that she new incoming freshmen “meet all of her new “had a great time over- before school begins. classmates and reconnect all” and is “excited to Freshmen are put into with all of her friends see how her Peer Group groups of seven to eight after a long summer.” will develop throughout students and then paired Likewise, Peer Leader the year.” with two senior Peer Rose Beatty (VI) was Juniors Visit Landmarks in the City of Brotherly Love Courtesy of Pingry Communications By JASON RESNICK (V) The Class of 2018 kicked After exploring the peni- delphia. Advisory groups off the school year with a tentiary, students stopped competed against one an- field trip to Philadelphia, for lunch at the Reading other by receiving clues from Sophomores Explore History the home of many famous Terminal Market. Given their phones that led them to historical sights and the re- dining vouchers, students various historic sites around nowned Philly cheesesteak. happily lunched on Philly the city. and Theater in New York City exhibits that interested them, as to marry an older man, Mister. Students visited the East- cheesesteaks, crêpes, sand- “Even though it was pretty By ALYSSA CHEN (IV) ern State Penitentiary, a pris- wiches, mac and cheese, and hot, we really tried our best,” they were required to stay with After being abused and mis- on in Philadelphia that once ice cream. said Namita Davey (V), their advisory groups. treated for most of her life, Ce- held the infamous criminal “It was massive!” Rachel one of the members of the On September 7th, the Class After leaving the museum lie meets Sofia, a strong-willed Al Capone. winning of 2019 embarked on the an- and eating lunch in Central woman. Seeing Sofia stand The prison’s D’Ausilio nual sophomore field trip to Park, Form IV students took up to her husband gives Celie philosophy val- Advisory. Manhattan to visit the Mu- buses to Broadway. While wait- strength and inspiration. The ued rehabilitat- Ally seum of Natural History and ing in line, each student was play’s innovative set reflects ing the crimi- Pyne (V) watch the Tony Award-winning given a ticket to the show. They the setting of the play: rural nals it housed added that Broadway musical, The Color then entered the theater, found Georgia during the times when Purple. their seats with their respective African Americans faced bitter over punishing the experi- To begin the day, students them. Crimi- ence “was boarded four buses at Pingry nals were kept a really and headed to New York City. in absolute iso- good team After hopping off the bus, they lation from one building ex- had plenty of time to explore another, often ercise” and the museum with their advisory being forced to served as “a groups. wear blindfolds nice way to To help navigate through the when they left make mem- museum, each advisory group their solitary ories be- was provided scavenger hunt cells. This setup fore school questions and answer sheets was supposed starts.” that led them from exhibit to bring about The win- to exhibit. Students worked self-reflection ning advi- with their advisories to try and and personal sory group answer as many questions as reformation. celebrated possible within the allotted Students their victory time. Each advisory started in a were given with liquid different place and met outside guided tours nitrogen ice upon finishing. through the cream. The main purpose of the prison, and had Google Images After scavenger hunt was to provide time afterwards to explore Chen (V) said, describing a long day a way for students to efficiently Courtesy of Ms. Abbott ? the exhibits themselves. the Market. “There were so filled with history and fun, explore the museum, but some advisories, and bought snacks. discrimination. “Walking into a cell, being many choices that it took the Class of 2018 boarded sophomores viewed the experi- A musical about racism Finally, the sophomores completely enclosed in the longer to pick a stall than to buses taking them back to ence as a minor inconvenience. and sexism The Color Purple returned back to Pingry, mostly small space, and realizing actually eat my food.” Pingry. The trip was suc- “Although the museum was strongly conveys its message satisfied with the educational that some people had to After lunch, the Form V cessful in giving students a great part of the trip, I wish I through great singing and pas- and fun trip. Mariah Smith spend years of their life alone students participated in a the chance to bond with one had more time to look at what sionate actors. Based on a (IV) said, “I loved the trip—it in solitude was horrifying,” another before beginning I wanted, Leo Zhu (IV) said.” novel by Alice Walker, The was a great way to ease into scavenger hunt competition Color Purple is about a young the new school year. I had so Maddie Parrish (V) said. throughout historic Phila- classes the next day. Zhu felt that students were un- able to spend time visiting the black girl, Celie, who is forced much fun!” Page port 16olume umber V CXLI, N 1 S The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New JerseyS October 28, 2016 By PATRICK GILFILLAN had always been a family, they are leaving behind and I know that the seniors their three games to tough (VI), RIKKI BORKOWSKI a successful program. “I competitors Brearley, Man- (VI), KAYA LEE (III), VICKY this year are working hard believe we’re living up to to ensure that legacy stays ville, and Bound Brook. CHEN (IV) GRACE BROWN our potential and the team the same.” When asked about future (IV), DAVID FROMM (IV), is the best it has been in a games such as Homecoming MARTHA LEWAND (III), couple years,” Campbell GIRLS’ TENNIS and Friday Night Lights, MATT STANTON (V) said. Consistency, positivity LeGrand said, “I know that and execution are goals for 13-2 every single player appreci- the remainder of the season. ates and loves when we draw BOYS’ SOCCER Coach Molinaro believes Led by captains Cece fans to come support us, as it the team is capable of big- Lesnick (VI) and Wesley makes us all feel like we are 9-3-1 ger and better things. She Streicher (VI), the girls’ ten- doing something important The boys’ varsity soccer said, “I always tell the girls: nis team is enjoying a strong for the school community.” team is heading into the be proud, be happy and be season. The team has started With many more games new season with a positive pleased, but don’t ever be the season off with an im- to come, the team is deter- attitude. satisfied.” pressive record of 13-2, mined to justify their hard After a tough loss against with their only loss against work and continue to strive Bridgewater-Raritan on FIELD HOCKEY Ridge, a strong competitor. for success. September 20, the team Since most players on the “I know I speak for the worked hard in preparation 8-8-1 team played on varsity last whole team when I say I’m for their game against Ped- The field hockey team is year, the group is already most looking forward to the die just four days later. off to a promising start this familiar with each other next one,” LeGrand said. Head coach David Fahey season with a 8-8-1 record. and ready to improve from “Every game, every week, remarked, “The loss does Head Coach Judy Lee looks last year. is an opportunity for us to not affect our outlook for forward to maintaining this Head coach Marion We- show how hard we have our game against Peddie. ber called the team “a cohe- worked and why we love Peddie is a good, strong sive group of hard working the sport.” players who support each other on and off the court.” WATER POLO The team’s strengths in- 15-2 clude their experience and Courtesy of Bruce Morrison depth, which should help Thomas Tarantino (VI) Coed water polo is off to a them remain competitive as she said, adding, “We can’t varsity level, but that this strong start this season with the season continues. wait to see how we stack up year there are 11 runners a 15-2 record. Coach Weber said their against larger schools.” competing for spots, with Led by captains Hen- goals are to “finish top three The team had a strong no clear division. The team ry Biedron (VI), Sandeep in the Skyland conference, season-opening meet, the is looking forward to the Biswas (VI), Matt Stanton do well in the county tour- Newark Academy Invita- Batch Race Championship, (V), and Victor Vollbrec- nament, and compete for the tional on September 10, scheduled for October 5, thausen (V), water polo is sectional and group title.” where the varsity team where their performance expecting a great season. As the team looks ahead to placed second overall. will determine their regular Biswas says that although the second half of the sea- Girls’ cross country is season schedule. last season was success- son, they hope to continue looking forward to compet- The team ultimately ful, the team is “looking with a winning record. to expand on it,” because Upcoming matches will ing at the Shore Coaches hopes to win the Prep A include a rematch with Ridge. Coach Weber said, “We would like to turn that loss into a win.” The girls’ tennis team is one to watch out for this sea- son, as the strong, competi- tive team advances toward their goals. GIRLS’ CROSS Alexy Alin-Hvidsten (V) dribbles up Courtesy of Bruce Morrison COUNTRY the field. 6-0 team and we will have to momentum through the rest play our best in order to of the season. The girls’ cross country beat them.” Coach Fahey “My hope is that we con- team, led by captains El- is excited for the rest of the tinue trending in a posi- len Li (VI) and Anna Wood season and believes that this tive direction and that we (V), is starting the season year’s team “is just about as are able to play our game off strong. strong” as last year’s. How- regardless of who our op- Despite losing some se- ever, he noted “there were ponent is,” she said. niors from last year, the some big losses, specifically Coach Lee notes that the varsity roster features a Phil Zachary as center-back, team’s chemistry on and off capable list of returning but Ollie Martin (VI), who’s the field will help achieve runners, including Li, Wood, stepping up, will do a great their goal of making it to the Maya Huffman (V), Cath- job.” County Finals again. leen Parker (IV), Lily Rock- Captain Henry Kraham “They really care about off (IV), Isabel DeVito (IV), (VI) is also working hard each other, and they enjoy- Grace Brown (IV), and An- as leader of the team as he ing playing with each other nette Jones (IV). The team tries to “create a cohesive and being members of the is also solidified by the ad- Jake Moss (VI) Courtesy of Bruce Morrison team with good chemistry.” same team. Hopefully that dition of talented freshman He said his ultimate goals will lead towards success. Nikki Vanasse (III). Invitational on October 1, race at the end of the sea- they are, “more explosive for this year’s team would That’s the goal,” Lee said. Wood reflected that the where both individual run- son. Tarantino noted that offensively and stronger be “to win the conference, The varsity captains, Mary varsity team has been work- ners and the team placed last the team’s chemistry and defensively.” win the county, and win the Pagano (VI) and Amanda ing incredibly hard and year, and hope to continue toughness this year will The team is coming off an state championship.” Celli (VI), share the same ramped up their training to their success. bring them to new heights, impressive showing at the The team seems to be on sentiment as Coach Lee. prepare for another impres- stating “the bond we have Beast of the East tournament a strong run with a 9-3-1 Pagano said, “I hope that sive season. BOYS’ CROSS for each other as teammates in which they won the fourth record as their season pro- we keep the same dynamic “The team is excited to be COUNTRY in addition to our depth will flight. After losing to the gresses. as we have had in the years in Non-Public A this year,” make us a dangerous team in Haverford School 16-12 and past. Pingry Field Hockey 5-1 the postseason.” Episcopal Academy 10-8 on GIRLS’ SOCCER The boys’ cross coun- FOOTBALL day one, Pingry went unde- 10-2 try team, led by captains feated in four games on day Matthew Peacock (VI) and 1-3 two, winning the Flight IV The girls’ soccer team The football team has victory. The strong show- is off to a great start this Thomas Tarantino (VI), is looking forward to another faced many challenges this ing at Beast of the East was year with an exciting 10-2 year, but their hopes and reassurance that the team record. strong season this year. Peacock believes that expectations are still high. has improved drastically Led by new head coach Led by head coach Chris- over the past year. The team Ms. Lauren Molinaro and “one of the biggest strengths this year is our depth.” The topher Shilts and captains didn’t lose any seniors and captains Sarah Moseson Spencer Spellman (VI), in three games prior to the (VI) and Cam Campbell team already has two run- ners, Jeff Xiao (IV) and Jake Moss (VI), and Rich tournament, they outscored (VI), this year’s team is LeGrand (VI), the team has their opponents 51-10. prepared to take on an ex- Tom Drzik (IV), under 18 minutes in the 5K, and two kept a positive attitude as Although the team is very hilarating season. The team they approach each game young, Head Coach Misha houses a group of well- others, Colin Edwards (V) and Bert Yu (III) just above with a unique week-by-week Klochkov says, “We com- rounded players who work strategy. pensate with the desire to well together on the field. the 18 minute mark. In addition, Peacock said, “The effort from the en- compete, swimming skill, “We have a lot of talent tire team has been tremen- and quick learning.” and depth on the team this “We have promising run- The team’s main objec- ners behind them like Nick dous, as everyone plays hard year which is great,” Coach and contributes greatly,” tive for this season is to win Molinaro said. The team Ladino (V), Ben Vazquez the Garden State Cup. After (V), Roger Matthews (III), Coach Shilts explained. getting third last year, they hopes to use their forward He added, “We just need to momentum to continue to and Ian Dugan (IV). The are ready to take the next team has not been this deep play hard, eliminate mental step forward. win and propel them through mistakes, and worry about Counties, States and a con- since 2013,” Coach Mr. Matthew Horesta said, not- the next game and results All scores are current as ference title. Courtesy of Bruce Morrison will follow.” The captains know that Avery Didden (IV) ing that most years there are seven runners clearly at So far, the team has lost of October 21st. Go Big Blue!