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Volume CXL, Number 3 The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey FEBRUARY 4, 2014 Juniors and Seniors Meet with Alumni Where Do Our During the Annual Career Day Tuition Dollars Go?

By ANNA BUTRICO (VI) tives” regarding each given ful,” Andrew Supron (VI) and exciting.” Fred Chang By MATT FROMM (V) established as a one-day marathon career focus. For example, said. Natalie Gilbert (VI) (V) added that, “Even if to raise money on the day that If you’re a student at Pingry, What do a neurosurgeon, both a freelance writer and agreed and added, “I per- we know what we want to tuition figuratively “runs out.” It you pay $34,714 for classes, is intended to remind the com- a CIA analyst, and a Huff- the Features Editor for Van- sonally loved Mr. Birotte. do with our lives, we could $1,154 for lunch, and around ington Post editor have ity Fair Magazine led the After hearing his speech, find ourselves on a totally munity that “Pingry could not $1,000 for textbooks. Sending a operate without tuition, nor could in common? They are all Media discussion, and both I’m now thinking of look- different path another day. child to the Pingry Upper School Pingry alumni who returned a Wardrobe Supervisor and ing into criminal justice or I think that’s pretty cool.” it operate on tuition alone,” Mr. is roughly equivalent to the aver- Weckesser said. to campus on January 24 to an actress spoke at the Per- law as a potential career or Angel Fluet (VI) was age American’s annual income. impressed by the Another commonly asked talk to juniors and seniors With such a hefty price tag, many question is why tuition increases for this year’s annual Ca- Public Service ask where those tuition dollars every year rather than remaining reer Day. lecture and said are spent and utilized—in other constant for an extended period Mr. André Birotte Jr. ’83, she enjoyed Mr. words, where is our money going? of time. The “short answer,” Mr. the day’s keynote speaker, John Green’s To answer this question, I Weckesser said, is that “the world connected with students ’60 talk about spoke with Mr. Olaf Weckesser, gets more expensive every year, by describing his own per- his tenure as an the school’s Chief Financial Of- meaning that inflation raises sonal apprehensions in high analyst for the ficer, who helped articulate a prices.” Mr. Weckesser noted that, school about what his “fu- CIA. Overall, response. He said that, “Tuition “Our rate of tuition increase has ture might bring.” He then Fluet appreci- doesn’t really ‘go’ anywhere, per been declining for some time.” se, but in general it is the largest described his journey to ated the “candid For instance, school tuition source of revenue for the school.” become the United States honesty” of some increased only 4.2 percent for the It is Pingry’s central method of 2013-14 academic year, which Attorney of the Central of the speakers raising money, and gross tuition District of California and and their truth- was less than the increase in the dollars account for 77 percent of 2012-13 school year. This year’s made sure, upon closing his ful explanations the school’s annual budget. Mr. speech, to leave students of the time and tuition had the lowest increase Weckesser noted that this is a since the 1960s, which is as far with advice. He stressed the commitment much higher percentage than most their occupations back as Pingry has maintained power of “cultivating men- colleges and universities—where reliable financial records. This tors” as well as the impor- require. at Princeton, for example, tuition decreased tuition hike comes from tance of patience because he Career Day makes up around 20 percent of a lessened cost of “school mainte- annual revenue. said, “choosing a career is R. Davis (VI) reminded Pingry nance,” meaning all expenses save Pingry’s tuition money is not a journey.” Writer for the David Letterman Show Tom Ruprecht’87 and Huff- students, who are salaries and employee benefits. Students were then dis- ington Post Editor Lance Gould’83 came back for Career Day. often incredibly en- so much “spent in one place,” As Pingry has become more missed to the first of three he said, as it is spread around to forming Arts lecture. ISP (Independent Senior grossed in their own school efficient in operating the school, lectures. The topics varied finance the school’s greatest costs. Form VI students, who Project).” work, of the vast opportuni- those maintenance costs are be- from Applied Science, to “The single biggest expense is the coming less and less significant. will be going off to college This was the first Career ties that await them beyond Entrepreneurship, to Media, salaries of the faculty and staff,” For example, the solar panels on next year, particularly en- Day for juniors, who are the school’s walls. After Mr. Weckesser said, “in addition to Performing and Visual top of the building have made joyed the insight from the only just beginning their talking with and observ- to the costs of supplies, as well Arts, to Psychology. Steph- the school more energy-efficient, alumni. “The doctors in the college search. Caitlin Ma- ing the success of all the as our educational, art, science, anie Yeh (VI) appreciated saving the cost of electricity. medicine section gave us honey (V) said that career alumni, students left the day and athletic programs.” When that there were two alumni Mr. Weckesser added that, “The advice on how to prepare day made her “realize that with a sense of confidence added to the maintenance of the in every room so students administration and the Board of for a career during college, there is so much out there to for what the future outside buildings, these costs can add up could “get multiple perspec- Trustees aim to continue having which was incredibly help- explore, that’s all different of Pingry will bring. quickly. those tuition increases decrease Aside from the 77 percent that each year.” tuition provides, the remaining Pingry’s annual operating Mrs. Cooperman’90 23 percent of Pingry’s annual revenue is around $45 million, funding comes from three primary and since expenses sometimes sources: donations made to the go beyond that, the school “is Becomes College Counselor school, money taken from Pin- constantly looking for ways to gry’s endowment, and the school’s generate revenue from sources time here easily accessible and auxiliary programs. By JULIA AXTELL (IV) other than family donations.” willing to help her navigate the These auxiliary programs, The school also maintains a This January, Mrs. Amy process. Mrs. Cooperman said which Mr. Mark Facciani leads, financial aid program for students Cooperman ’90 became a full- that working with her college are additional opportunities for who cannot meet the full costs of fledged college counselor after counselor was one of her best revenue that the school spon- tuition, which annually grants $5 serving as the College Counsel- experiences at Pingry and is still sors outside of the traditional million to aid 15 percent of the stu- ing Office Coordinator for the grateful for all her counselor had curriculum. The SAT Prep pro- dent body. During our interview, past three years. Mrs. Cooperman done for her. She also appreciates gram, after-school courses for Mr. Weckesser was delivered a is excited to not only get the the small sizes of the counseling the Middle School, and the AP $9,000 electricity check requir- chance to work with a college groups as they enable students to English classes leading up to the ing his signature. And that’s just counseling group, but to also get get more attention and support. May exams are examples of such the tip of the iceberg that keeps to know Pingry’s Class of 2015. In terms of changes through- activities. In general, these four Pingry afloat. The school spends Mrs. Cooperman worked in out the years, Mrs. Cooperman sources make up a vast majority its money “as wisely as possible,” New York City after graduating said that the process has changed of the school’s annual revenue. he added, given that “providing an from Hamilton College before quite a bit. For starters, social “Tuition Runs Out Day,” an excellent education is not intrinsi- returning to Pingry. Initially, media adds a new level of pub- annual Pingry event, has been cally a cheap business.” she worked in New York City in licity that was not there before. marketing for L’Oreal and adver- The application process is also lege counseling is about connect- gratifying to see a product get to tising on brands like Kraft Foods a lot more competitive than it ing, she said, “It isn’t dissimilar shelf while I was in marketing, Boys’ Swimming has earned a 3-5 record this season, and Johnson & Johnson. After was in previous years. Internet with Captains Matt Barickman, Ryan Storms, and to marketing or advertising.” And but now there is nothing quite Jeffrey Dong (VI). P. 8 the birth of her son Charlie, Mrs. applications are more efficient as she once said at a college eve- like the excitement of seeing a Cooperman stopped working, than having to handwrite her ning for parents, “it was always student get in to a college.” but once he started kindergarten, applications. Inside The Record she looked forward to returning Mrs. Cooperman says that Career Day to work. Since she did not want being the College Counseling Snowball Dance to commute much or travel for Office Coordinator has given Students enjoyed the annual semi- Students explored a variety of business trips very often, Mrs. her good insight into the role formal winter dance, which was Sadie career fields by attending seminars led Cooperman’s friend suggested of a counselor. She is fortunate Hawkins-style. Freshmen, sophomores, by professionalss in each field. P. 6 she apply for a job at Pingry, to already be familiar with the juniors, and seniors were all invited. P. 4 which she is thankful she did. She college representatives that visit Buttondowns Assembly Student Musicians is also grateful for the support she Pingry. To prepare for her new Pingry’s student body features The Buttondowns wowed the has received from her colleagues role, she visited many college several accomplished student- since earning her promotion to campuses over the summer and school with their a cappella talent, capti- musicians. P. 7 vating students with several memorable college counselor. will continue to do so this spring. songs. P. 5 Mrs. Cooperman is no strang- She also joked that after doing so Sections er to college counseling, since much reading about colleges, she SAC Assembly School News...... 1,4-5 she had a college counselor “needs glasses.” SAC, Pingry’s comedy group, Commentary...... 2-3 herself. Pingry has always been Mrs. Cooperman enjoys col- showed off their talent and antics at ther Career Day Profiles...... 6 known for its strong college lege counseling because it plays annual “SAC Assembly before Winter Arts...... 7 counseling staff and she found to her strengths of analyzing sta- tistics and writing. Because col- Break. P. 5 Sports...... 8 the college counselors during her Mrs. Cooperman’90 R. Davis (VI) 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY FEBRUARY 4, 2014 EDITORIAL Motivate Yourself by Making Lists

Sometimes We Need By ERIN BUTRICO (VI) in class thinking, “Shoot, I Room, my mind is going a about, put your New Year’s completely forgot that was mile a minute. This takes Resolution at the bottom. Remember that New due today.” List making will away from my relaxation. I Your list will constantly To Argue Year’s Resolution? The solve this problem. can’t get my brain to slow remind you that your resolu- huge goal you wanted to I have come to learn that Recently, in a classroom discussion, I witnessed one of my down. Has this happened tion is a priority. Break your achieve? How you wanted there is a myriad of benefits to you? Have you been resolution down in your list. peers putting a hand up to respond to another student. This to get in shape? See your student told another to stop talking because they differed on to list making. For one, it somewhere, but your mind Let’s say your goal is to run teachers? Eat healthier? helps reduce overall stress is someplace else? At the a five-kilometer race. On an issue. That’s not the sort of behavior that our Honor Code Run a 5K? Yeah, how’s that promotes and it shouldn’t be tolerated at Pingry. Debate and and anxiety. How many movies thinking about your your list of things to do, going? discussion are the keys to a solid education, just as they are the keys to a thriving democracy. Right now, simply reading If you are sitting down newspaper headlines and watching tv news suggests that our and reading this, or walking democracy needs some fine-tuning. through the halls, or lying in This topic came up a few weeks ago in my AP U.S. Govern- bed, you are probably sigh- ment class, when we discussed the nature of bureaucracy—the ing with defeat thinking, group of unelected government administrators—in our country. “Why can’t I accomplish The bureaucracy is complex, inefficient, and inflexible, yet it anything? Why am I so has an inordinate amount of power in shaping American public unmotivated?” Your New policy. All of this talk got me thinking about one bureaucratic Year’s Resolution, which agency that has been in the news recently, the National Security was once a goal, is now a Agency, or N.S.A for short. I also found myself thinking not burden and is later a re- only about the individual’s responsibility to fix problematic minder of your laziness and bureaucracies, but the right of citizens to discuss these issues lack of overall ambition. without fear of being labeled unpatriotic. Well I have a new New If you haven’t followed the case carefully, last June, Edward Year’s Resolution for you. I Snowden, a 29 year old contractor for the N.S.A., released a challenge you to make lists. great deal of classified information about the agency’s covert I challenge you to take out surveillance of Americans’ phone calls, email messages, their friends, and their whereabouts. The President and Congress a notebook and a pen and authorized some of the agency’s practices, but many of these write down everything you operations were unknown. need to accomplish for the day. Regardless of whether Snowden’s whistleblowing resulted in two federal judges S. Wang (V) accusing the N.S.A. of violating the Constitution, some of the it is three lines long or two President’s staff calling for an overhaul of the agency’s opera- pages long, just get it all times have you said, “I have Physics project? Talking to begin with “Buy Sneakers.” tions, and most importantly in my opinion, a debate amongst down. a million things to do” and your friend but internally Then, “Go for a walk in the Americans about the limits of the federal government’s reach In an environment as fast- “how in the world will I get panicking about finishing Park.” Then, “Jog a Mile.” into the private lives of civilians in protecting our national secu- paced as Pingry, we have a this done?” A lot, I bet. A that presentation? Just make And then escalade your way rity. Despite the significant effects of his revelations, Snowden lot on our plates—essays, list will help with this. As a list. By letting your brain up to a 5K. List making was indicted on charges of espionage and theft and is currently presentations, projects, soon as you transfer your defuse, and spitting out takes your lofty goals and on the run in Russia with the possibility of spending his life in BBoards, DBQ’s, ACTs, thoughts out of your head every little thing you need breaks them into little, bite- prison. SATs, and AP classes, just and onto paper, your stress to do, you can go back to size pieces, and makes ev- Not all Americans agree that these charges are just. As the to name a few. Our brains, levels will drop immedi- living, experiencing, and erything more manageable. New York Times recently argued in a January editorial, even which are working tirelessly ately. It’s like venting. being present. Pingry is a goal-oriented though Snowden’s whistleblowing on clandestine operations to accomplish all of that, is technically criminal, the United States government should We’ve all learned about List making will not only place. We love to dream, are horrible file cabinets. offer him some form of clemency or plea bargain lessening his Mindful Awareness and keep you sane and present, work, and accomplish. List- sentence so that he can return home and advocate his beliefs on They try to keep all our how to be “present” in our but it will also help you ac- making will help us do this giving Americans greater privacy. work in line, but are often lives. I don’t know about complish that New Year’s in an organized, planned- I tend to agree with the Times: without Snowden’s revela- inconsistent, unreliable, and you, but when we’re doing Resolution. Underneath all out, and effective manner tions, the American people would not know about the govern- easily distracted. There is that meditation activity with the daily chores, assign- and will help us succeed, ment’s intrusion into their personal lives. He created a perfectly nothing worse than sitting our advisories in the Dance ments, and things to worry one step at a time. healthy debate about privacy and the nature of intelligence operations in our country. The government’s stance on putting Snowden behind bars for life seems analogous to the McCarthy era’s attempts to jail Communists for having a different political Recent School Shootings Raise ideology. Snowden was exemplifying an idea that is encouraged in our Honor Code — to care about the spirit of the law even more than the literal rules. Questions About Pingry Security Yet I realize that many people in our community may disagree shootings this January alone. Last month, when a Colo- school after lockdown drills. By LORI KIM (V) with this view and that’s perfectly okay. Just as our administra- Most schools have only been rado high school student While I definitely do not tors ideally allow us to dissent when they plan policy that affects in session for about two to fatally shot his classmate, want students to be paranoid student life, we need to learn how to disagree with one another if Last November, when a passerby armed with a realis- three weeks, meaning there administrators immediately about the possibility of such we are to progress as a school, and later as citizens of our society. has been a shooting almost called a lockdown as police a threat, I do think that it is When everyone agrees and there is no dissent, progress stops. tic-looking rifle walked near Lewis and Clark Elementary every two school days this entered the building and important to take precautions At the heart of our Honor Code is a belief in debate, discussion, year. The most recent one evacuated the students class- for any emergency in gen- and collaboration. Students are expected to work for the com- School in Wenatchee, Wash- ington, school authorities occurred just eral, espe- mon good, help each other succeed, and value every person’s one week ago cially in input. A willingness to engage in an open and healthy dialogue immediately put the school on lockdown as police rushed at Purdue Uni- the wake of about our differing viewpoints allows us to reflect on our own versity in In- such tragic convictions and is at the core of the idea of democracy. By to the scene. Though the gun was just a toy, the recent an- diana. While events. tolerating free thought, we are able to find common ground. schools across We tend America’s treatment of Edward Snowden reveals that our niversary of the gruesome Newtown shooting sheds the country are to take the government has not cared as much about debate as protecting implementing safety of itself. Whether you agree with me or not, let’s all take an im- light on the seriousness of school shootings. new school our school portant lesson from the Snowden debacle by making sure every shooting pro- for grant- person has a seat and voice at our table. School shootings in the United States are becoming tocols, I am ed, which —Ben Kaminoff more prevalent; there have worried that is a good already been seven school Pingry may be thing. We inadequately should prepared for feel com- Volume CXL such an emer- fortable in Number 3 gency. our learn- The New ing envi- York Times C. Zee (VI) ronments. recently published an article room by classroom. This was However, it is just as im- about the increasing preva- all according to a plan imple- portant to acknowledge that Editor-in-Chief lence of lockdown drills in mented by the school months emergencies can occur, no Ben Kaminoff schools across the country. earlier in preparation. matter how minor or major Layout Editor Photo Editor According to the article, these Security is another factor they may be. Abhiram Karuppur Rachel Davis drills are one of the most ef- we should reconsider. Be- Although I don’t like to fective ways to ensure that sides the visitors’ desk in the think that such an event will Sports Editor Assistant Editors Faculty Advisor students are prepared in case front of the school and our ever occur at Pingry, the Matt Fromm of an emergency. night guard, Pingry barely number of recent incidents Mark Shtrakhman Abhiram Karuppur Dr. Susan Dineen Our biannual drills are has any form of security. I am makes it difficult to believe rarely taken seriously and not suggesting that we should that we will never experi- Lori Kim Copy Editors Layout Advisor pale in comparison to those of implement TSA-like metal ence any type of emergency. other schools, many of which detectors at all entrances of There are just some things Anna Butrico Mr. Tom Varnes even include evacuating the the school, but perhaps we that are beyond the control Charlotte Zee Video Editor building. While these drills should install more closed- of our administrators, our Sam Korn may seem like annoyances, circuit cameras around the community, and even our they can very easily become building. It may also be help- Honor Code. The least that All rights reserved. All contents © 2014 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. reality. ful to practice evacuating the we can do is be prepared. 3 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY FEBRUARY 4, 2014 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY FEBRUARY 4, 2014 The Sadie Hawkins Dance: A Faux-Feminist Tradition rights. However, this is far and unheard of—pursue a misogynist and womanizer Dances seem to liberate taken to promote gender By ABBY BAUER (IV) from the truth. man. who retained a reputation females by giving them a equality? The answer is: no. January is a month all Sadie Hawkins was, in The following year, of sleeping with the col- sense of empowerment to It is merely a faux-feminist Pingry students anticipate. fact, a character in the clas- “Life” magazine reported lege girls he met on Sadie take on the male’s role and tradition that misleads fe- The pivotal event of the sic 1937 comic strip, “L’il that over 200 colleges in Hawkins Day tours. He do the asking, I feel that males to feel empowered season, and for some the Abner,” created by cartoon- over 188 cities had held a also gave Sadie Hawkins they actually have the op- and liberated. It is what school year, takes place dur- ist Al Capp. Known as the Sadie Hawkins Day event repulsive and unsightly fea- posite effect. These dances prevents girls from asking ing January: Snowball. This “homeliest gal in all them in where girls took the bold tures: large crooked teeth, reinforce the notion that, out boys or inviting them semi-formal dance annually hills,” Sadie was thirty-five initiative of asking boys out red blotchy skin, gangly under normal circumstanc- to other dances and events attracts numerous students years old and desperate for or inviting them to dances. limbs, and a wide, twist- es, girls should never take that occur throughout the who look forward to the a husband. year. Consider this: How music, dancing, socializing, In response, often have you heard of a and seasonal spirit. But Sadie’s fa- girl asking a guy to prom? before they can relax and ther orga- Even though it does happen enjoy themselves at the nized Sadie on occasion, it is very rare. dance, girls must endure Hawkins It counters and questions the the often-nerve-wracking Day, an roles of males and females process of asking, and boys event where defined by society and our must anticipate the anxious all the eli- school. process of waiting to be gible bache- Society, however, is mov- asked. lors of Dog- ing in the direction of allow- As a long-standing Pin- patch (the ing girls to ask boys out and gry tradition, Snowball is town that invite them to dances. For Sadie Hawkins style, mean- she lives in) example, the lyrics in the ing that female students are would run song “Call Me Maybe” by empowered to ask male stu- with unmar- Carly Rae Jepson depict a dents to the dance. This gen- ried women girl who confidently takes der role-reversal—viewed chasing be- the initiative of giving a by many as a feminist rite hind them. boy her “number.” We sing of passage—thwarts soci- Whenever along to the song with- etal norms and strays from a woman out questioning the social what we consider “socially caught a conventions that the lyrics acceptable.” But is the Sa- man, he was disregard. Meanwhile, the die Hawkins Dance really a obliged to popular phrase “YOLO” measure taken to promote marry her. (you only live once) encour- Original- ages girls to overlook social gender equality? S. Wang (V) To answer this ques- ly created as standards and go for what Today, colleges and high ed smile. Through Sadie’s the initiative to ask a boy tion, it is essential to know a comic plot device, Capp’s their hearts desire. schools continue the tradi- appearance, he promoted to a dance. They support the history of the Sadie idea rapidly became a cul- Even though Snowball tion of hosting pseudo- the sexist stereotype that the idea that girls are only Hawkins Dance. It is easy tural phenomenon. The first is a fun and interesting feminist Sadie Hawkins women should solely be permitted to ask out boys for one to assume that Sa- Sadie Hawkins Day was cel- twist on the social norms of style dances, as Pingry does appreciated for their looks. or invite them to dances die Hawkins was a heroic ebrated exactly a year after school dances, it is impor- with Snowball. He further fostered the idea when the event is branded feminist who opposed the the comic strip was first tant to realize that this Sadie Al Capp’s comic strip, that women’s motives are to as “Sadie Hawkins-style.” social conventions of her publicized on November 13, Hawkins-style dance accen- however, conveys a sexist “trap” men into marriage. Is the Sadie Hawkins time and fought for female 1938. On this day, women tuates the gender inequali- dared to do the unthinkable message. Al Capp was a While Sadie Hawkins Dance actually a measure ties prevalent in society. Our Semester System Prepares Us for Life at College the Pingry community for four school, equipped to prepare its systems, the more easily they can it as taking a test in a short class before winter break, so students By ANNA BUTRICO (VI) and years now, I truly appreciate, and student body for an advanced, become used to the schedule once period. You breathlessly hand in can start courses anew when they NEHA SEETAMRAJU (IV) see the benefits of, the current collegiate education. The majority they enroll in college. your test, eraser dust on your lap, return in January. Unfortunately, panting and hair frazzled, as you our school’s first semester runs Just as we complete the first rush out the door to the next class. through the first two weeks of the semester and move onto the It’s exhausting. I much prefer the New Year, betraying the benefits second, an interesting question laid-back semester approach, that this system was intended to arises: which is a better length where students get over three have. We feel like the student for a marking period: quarters months of slow learning and test- taking a test in a short class pe- or semesters? While schools like taking. In this semester system, riod again, breathlessly erasing Pingry and Morristown-Beard use students can monitor their own and lunging to hand in the test on a semester schedule, other schools progress and have chances to time. In order to make this system such as Ridge High School, work to improve grades. If you’re perfectly effective, Pingry needs Hunterdon Central Regional High an athlete, or are in one of the to readjust its break schedule, so School, and Rutgers Preparatory school’s productions, you know students can fully relax on break School follow a four marking- all too well how difficult juggling and begin a fresh new slate when period schedule. schoolwork can get during the they return. On the surface, a four marking- peak of your season, or before So, at the end of the day, period schedule seems tempting; performances. With extended se- should we be jealous of Ridge the more frequent report cards mester time before and after your High School, Hunterdon Central, in this quarterly system calls for championship game or opening or Rutgers Preparatory School? more student motivation. The night, you can more fairly receive No. We should be thankful for the more often those white Pingry the grade you deserve. time Pingry has given us to take envelopes (stuffed with the blue I. Zinn (V) There is one hole, however, in charge of our own grades, and be report statements) come around, the Pingry’s adoption of a semes- ready to face the four months of the more often we’ll try even semester schedule the school of colleges operate on a semester Students also have longer operates on. system, and by forcing students chances to improve their grades ter program. Semesters, in col- school we have left in this semes- harder to get those A’s. leges and universities, end right ter, head on. But after being a member of Pingry is a college preparatory to adapt to college-like grading on a semester system. Think of Word in the Hall: What Did You Do on Your Snow Days?

Josh Lebowitz (V) Henry Kraham (III) Mr. Keating Allie McManus (VI) Dr. Jones Kevin Chow (IV) “I did three aerobic “Homework” “Community activities: I shoveled “Got massages “Saw the movie “Eat and sleep!” Service” snow, rode my stationary from Adedire!” ‘Her’” bike and looked after my children.” 4 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS FEBRUARY 4,2014 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS FEBRUARY 4, 2014 SDLC Club Creates Video to Highlight Im- Is 1:1 All It Can Be? need to project their laptops By ABHIRAM KARUPPUR (V) onto large screens. The excess portance of MLK in This Year’s Assembly As Pingry plans to begin monitors take up table space, gathered in Hauser Audito- video. sphere with their renditions more modernization projects which would be much more over the upcoming years, one By JOSH LEBOWITZ (V) rium to commemorate the Natalie Gilbert (IV) did of “Lift Every Voice” and suitable for collaboration. enduring ideals of Dr. King. the editing and put the en- “Birdland” before and after may begin to wonder if these “One of the big issues is projects are worth the multi- On August 28, 1963, on The assembly, which was tire video together. She did the video. public awareness about how the steps of the Lincoln Me- million dollar price tag. Over to use the monitors, something organized by the Student an amazing job and I know Both students and faculty the summer, the Technology morial, Dr. Martin Luther Diversity Leadership Club this took a lot of time and enjoyed the assembly. Adri- which will be done by the STC Lab and the Lower Commons in the coming months,” Mr. underwent huge changes, Burkhart said. “Our committee many of which have yet to is looking into attaching key- meet their primary purposes. boards and mice and removing For starters, the laptop some of the monitors to make charging stations beneath the room for collaboration,” he stairwell are rarely ever oc- said. cupied. The charging stations The TV in the room, do- as a whole can accommodate nated by our partner school in approximately 50 laptops at China, is also greatly under- a time, but as a student who used. The TV menus and the spends considerable time in remote are all in Chinese char- the student technology area, acters, which makes it difficult I have never seen more than to operate. I have only seen it a total of five or six cubbies used for faculty and freshmen used. Most students I have technology training. Mr. Bur- spoken with agree that the khart does admit that the TV is charging stations are a waste small and hard to use, and said of space, and students could that he is looking for a bigger be better served by installing TV for next year. more tables and chairs. The suite itself is only Several theories have been utilized to its full extent by offered about why the cubicles members of the Yearbook aren’t utilized. One is that they class, which meets in the suite include no chargers — just for class two or three times power outlets — and some a week. Other than that, few students don’t like to carry publications actively utilize their chargers with them even the full space, since 1-to-1 has though the school has told Video Editor N. Gilbert (VI) shows film to fellow SDLC member B. Johnson (VI). R. Davis (VI) rendered many of the collab- them they need to. orative aspects of publishing Another theory is that many King Jr. said in his famous (SDLC), showcased many effort.” anna Savettiere (V) said, extinct. students don’t need the cub- Yet, ironically, the 1:1 pro- speech, “I have a dream that exciting performances, most Director of Multicultural “I really enjoyed the video bies because they charge their gram has also put more of a one day the sons of former notably a video of Pingry and hearing all my peers say Outreach Dr. Diana Artis laptops at home and are able burden on students and faculty slaves and the sons of for- students and faculty describ- said, “The members of the what MLK day means to to retain that charge during members connected to publi- mer slave owners will be ing Martin Luther King Jr.’s club did a fabulous job of se- them.” Bryce Weisholtz (IV) the day. cations to carry out tasks that able to sit down together at impact on their lives. curing a range of interviews. agreed and added, “I thought As Director of Educational were once easy. The Technol- the table of brotherhood.” Jessica Gluck (VI), one I was moved to tears after it was truly inspiring and up- and Information Technology ogy Department, as part of its Fifty years later, this vi- of the presidents of SDLC, viewing the video. Great lifting how clearly Dr. King Mr. Brian Burkhart told me, BYOL initiative, took away sionary American continues said, “We all helped record sentiments were shared by affected all of our lives, “Students are doing a good job the three desktops utilized to have a profound impact some of the video clips and all who were interviewed.” even today, and his message of charging their computers by The Record, one desktop on our community. came up with the questions The Pingry Jazz ensemble remains clear in the Pingry at home and managing their utilized by Vital Signs, and de- power.” On January 17, the school to ask the students in the also created a fitting atmo- Community.” nied Polyglot the ability to pur- A third possibility about chase its own computer. The why the cubicles end up empty Yearbook Staff, by leaving the is that most laptops require Arts Room with many iMacs, Students Enjoy Annual Snowball a few hours to recharge, and also has moved from desktop since students rarely have more to laptops and denied Polyglot than 30 minutes of free time the ability to purchase its own a day, they don’t have time computer. Students on the Dance at Dolce in Basking Ridge to leave their laptops at the The dance, which almost for juniors. asking. It’s also fun to see staffs of all of the publications By LORI KIM (V) cubicles. Doing so is impracti- always takes place near the Isabella Zinn (V) said, the creative proposals girls have therefore had to install cal, as most students use their publishing software (Adobe Despite the snowstorm end of the first semester, “Snowball is especially fun come up with.” laptops to complete classwork InDesign) and Photoshop in on the day of the dance, gives students something during this time of the year Students are often asked or homework and cannot waste students still safely made it order to publish. Both of these to look forward to after a since it’s a nice respite dur- through posters in the hall- a few hours waiting for their programs are extremely ex- way or fun word scrambles laptops to recharge. It would pensive and create a strain on spelling out the word “snow- be most beneficial to the stu- personal computers. ball”. dents if the charging stations “We had to make a cutoff,” Besides the long line of were instead converted into the Mr. Burkhart said, “about what cars and crowded coat line, working stations lining the side we could expect personal com- History teacher and Student of the stairwell. Then students puters to do. We decided that Government faculty advisor could charge their laptops and running the Adobe suite was a Ms. Megan Jones said that work at the same time. reasonable condition with the the dance went relatively Also, most students need exception of film editing.” to use their computers in the stress-free. “This was the From my perspective, as a classrooms. As classrooms third year we were at Dolce, student who works on two ma- throughout the school are jor school publications, these so it’s pretty easy now since equipped with outlets, some we’ve worked with them programs are better suited students do utilize these out- for desktops than they are before. We just went with lets during class to charge the same set up and themes.” for laptops. Therefore, pub- their laptops if needed. This lication staff members like She added that this year had poses a problem for the school, an impressive turnout, with me have been forced to buy however, as use of classroom computers that can handle the about one hundred more power outlets is a fire hazard required computing power. students than last year. and against code. Although the school could Overall, the night was To solve some of these have saved money by purchas- a relative success among problems, Mr. Burkhart said ing the Adobe software for students. Will Kazel (III), that the administration may the desktop computers rather said that he enjoyed his consider “buying chargers than for all the members of first snowball. “I really like for the stations, since most the editorial staff, in the end hanging with friends and the students don’t want to bring it is harder for the technology DJ was good too.” He added their chargers from home.” He staff to maintain and repair that he looks forward to fu- also said that the Technology the school-owned machines 1:1 Implementation Commit- J. Gluck and A. Tizzio (VI) at Snowball. Courtesy of Pingry Communications ture dances. Sam Korn (VI) than to buy more licenses for agreed that the dance was tee will revisit some of these students. “The licenses are not concerns later this year. to the Dolce Hotel in Bask- stressful few weeks. Jenny ing a time when school work well organized and enjoy- very expensive,” Mr. Burkhart Other concerns relate to the ing Ridge for Snowball, the Wilkens (V) said, “Snowball builds up.” able, even noting that it was told me. annual winter semi-formal, is great because it gives us The most notable feature Publications Suite, which is He also reassures me that her favorite Pingry dance greatly underused by students which took place on January an opportunity to have fun of the dance is its Sadie thus far. “Everyone seemed virtually all of the issues that 25. Clad in cocktail dresses after the end of a hectic Hawkins proposal style, and faculty. Although eight I raise here will at least be very relaxed and the whole monitors were installed for and two-piece suits, Upper month of school.” She added meaning girls ask guys. night went smoothly. Even looked at by the Technology Schoolers enjoyed a night that the dance is a good Avery Vella (VI) said, “It is student use, at any time a maxi- Department and the student- though I was sad that it was mum of three to four monitors of dancing and socializing preface to the beginning of refreshing because it takes my last snowball, I am really faculty 1:1 Implementation are utilized. Only half of the Committee by the end of the with fellow classmates and the second semester, which the pressure off the guys, pleased with the way things installed monitors are ever year. friends. can be especially stressful who are usually the ones worked out.” used since students have little 5 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS FEBRUARY 4,2014 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS FEBRUARY 4, 2014 Students Receive Students Enjoy SAC’s Winter Assembly

est part about being a leader of Alec Kirmser (V) said, “As a For O’Reilly, SAC is all about By RUTHIE ADVOKAT (V) Early College Results SAC is the preparation involved result of high demand, my hit bringing together the Pingry com- increase from the 75 schools that On December 20, the Student By GEORGIA MILLER (V) to make the assemblies go as single ‘Pingry Hanukkah’ is on munity and sharing some laughs students applied to last year. Activities Committee (SAC) planned,” SAC Co-Leader Ryan iTunes.” When asked about what with each other. Applying to college is no Colleges generally saw an in- held their annual Holiday as- O’Reilly (VI) said. “It took us we can expect in the future from As a senior, this is O’Reilly’s doubt a stressful time packed crease in applications this year. To sembly in the Lower Commons. about a month to prepare for the SAC, Kirmser replied, “A project last year with SAC, but as a junior with tension and suspense, but name just a few, Dartmouth was Members of SAC generally have Holiday assembly.” with Jonah Hill may or may not Kirmser will be able to lead the the Early Decision process can up nearly seven percent, Columbia help to quicken the process and was up five percent, Northeastern mitigate some anxiety. According was up nine percent, Stanford was to College Counselor Mrs. Amy up thirteen percent, and Duke was Cooperman ’90, 123 students, or up twenty-five percent. 93 percent of the senior class ap- Senior Erin Butrico said, “The plied early to at least one school college counseling staff here is this year compared to 84 percent amazing. They are encouraging, of students who applied early last helpful, and patient. They helped year. After applying during the me in every part of the process first few weeks of November, (from finding my SAT tutor, to many received their decision let- writing my essay, to clicking ters in the middle of December. “send” on the Common Applica- Fortunately, the seniors did not tion) and were more than willing have to contend with another to answer my questions. I couldn’t super storm this year as they did have done it without their support last year. and availability.” Out of those students, 89 of Student Body President Ak- them, or 72 percent of early appli- shay Rao (VI) said “Early deci- sion is no doubt a stressful time cants received acceptance letters R. Salamon (V), R. LeGrand (III), C. Muller (V), A. Kirmser (V), J. Resnick (III), and R. O’Reilly (VI) L. O’Connor (VI) to at least one of their schools. 59 for anyone that applies, but with students are “done,” after being the help of the college counseling four assemblies every year where The club’s hard work paid off be in the works, too.” This claim, group next year. “I didn’t think accepted in a binding Early Deci- office, we all make it through the they are able to showcase their in their latest production with of course, has yet to be confirmed. I’d be the lord commander my sion program or to their number- process. After my application was material. Students look forward great sketches like the underwear- “The best part of leading SAC junior year,” he said. “I’ve been one Early Action school. Another submitted, I felt like a giant weight to these school-wide gatherings clad senior boys running around is making people laugh,” O’Reilly a member since freshman year three students are already com- had been lifted off my shoulders. I because they are funny and often in the snow fighting each other, said. “I love to see the audience and from the beginning I wanted mitted for athletics to schools that relaxed a little and waited for the push comedic limits. and the presentation of sarcastic burst into laughter after a success- to be the leader of SAC senior they applied for during the regular results, knowing the whole time Although the assemblies are “gifts” to students and teachers. ful joke. I think the laughing puts year. The idea of making a large decision round. Overall, students that regardless of the outcome, very comical, the leaders of the With new and well received the faculty and student body in a audience watch me do whatever applied to 105 different schools in I had done the best that I could group have had trouble planning acts like “Jingle Balls” and “Pin- good mood and relieves some of I want seemed appealing,” he the early round, which is a large and he rest of the process was up out the assemblies. “The hard- gry Hanukkah,” SAC Co-Head their stress.” explained. to fate.” Buttondowns Impress Audience Students Opine About the Use of With Modern Hits and Antics Grade-Level Couches as comfortable as the old ones”. was pleased that more couches By MATT FROMM (V) and particularly well-done. the auditorium lights were By JACK BARRAL (VI) Koryna O’Besso (VI) recalled that had been added. Although she On Tuesday, Novemeber TanTan Wang (IV), who was turned off and the only source Whether freshmen or seniors, in charge of the tech aspects, of light came from the boys’ she “was a bit skeptical in the be- uses them frequently, the couches 26, Upper and Middle School many Pingry students consider ginning” but now likes them, “for are “separate from the rest of the students joined together to said, “Filming this year pro- own phones, which they their form-specific couches im- vided me with a lot more cre- swung above their heads in the most part. I’m not a big fan grade couches, which are near the watch the Buttondowns per- portant to their social lives. of the style but I like the circular bathroom.” form in their annual fall as- ative control than I had last unison. Much of the student Sara Gagnon (VI) said, “I like year.” However, his favorite body participated as well, ottomans; they make it easier to The freshmen couches, which sembly. Every year, the group having the couches because they talk in a group and make lounging were moved to the area opposite performs in November to part of the whole process creating a unique display of are a nice place to relax, and it’s was “being able to watch the luminescence during the sec- more comfortable.” the Bristol Gym, have been thor- showcase the songs they’ve nice to have a place for the se- Hunter Stires (V) said that he’d oughly used by the freshmen. been working on since the audience react to the finished ond part of the performance. beginning of the school year. product.” After that came “Don’t You As has long been the tradi- The Buttondowns, whose Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia, and finally the group sang “It’s Too Late to Apologize” to finish off their performance. Commenting on the as- sembly as a whole, Marvin said, “It was perfect.” He described the performance as “an ideal mix of a cappella classics, Buttondowns favor- ites, and brand new arrange- ments straight off the pop charts.” He added that, “This year we really buckled down and made sure we perfected the music, choreography, and added some jokes, for the perfect balance of beautiful Freshmen enjoying their new couch space in the Upper Commons. R. Davis (VI) Courtesy of the Buttondowns music and fun.” M. Marvin (VI) and Dr. Moore in the Buttondowns Movie The student body seemed niors.” However, some students “consider them a big improvement These couches were moved due to enjoy the performance as rarely sit at the couches. Paul over the last ones. The new couch- to the loud noise in the chemistry tion, a 15-minute long video performances are often no- well. Junior Will Johnson Cooper (IV) said, “I don’t spend es’ elevation difference affords wing disturbing science classes production, called “The But- table for both their musi- said, “I really enjoyed the all that much time at the couches.” a nice place for backpacks or a during Flex. However, the new tondowns Movie,” preceded cal quality and entertaining songs, and the movie was Ellie Harrison (III) echoed his higher seat.” He also commented, position of the couches has limited the assembly just before the antics, made a particularly great.” Julian Chartouni, a sentiment. While she herself rarely “What’s even more interesting is the number of freshmen who are group entered Hauser Au- memorable showing this year. member of the group, said sits at the couches, many of her that they’re modular.” able to occupy the area, leading ditorium to perform. Many The assembly’s first song, the Buttondowns featured friends do. Other forms also find their some to find new social areas such students thought the plot of “Island in the Sun,” featured many talented singers “who Just in time for the new school couches to be very important as the Physics wing or the space it—the Balladeers abducting soloists Marvin and Wang have brought dedication and year, juniors and seniors respond- aspects of their days. Jazmin near the Robotics room. Buttondowns Director Dr. dancing in Hawaiian hula enthusiasm to our songs. We ed to their renovated couch spaces Palmer (IV) said that, “They’re Overall, students seem to agree Andrew Moore and Button- skirts while they sang. Next could feel the energy and with mixed reviews. Gagnon said, nice because I have to go to school that the couches are a useful space downs President Matthew came Leonard Cohen’s fa- excitement from everyone in “ I really like that the new couches early, so I can usually sleep before for socializing, even if they them- Marvin (VI)—was funny mous “Hallelujah,” in which the audience, and that helped are clean, but they’re not quite school.” She also said that she selves do not frequent them. us take our performance to a What Does it Take to Call a Snow Day? By MARK SHTRAKHMAN (IV) you there’s no school. Yet the and a number of other adminis- that the decision can be difficult home is difficult, since they are by teachers. Although it does not question remains, what exactly trators work together to decide to make. While most schools in too young to be home alone and factor into the committee’s snow With the winter season in full does it take in order to have a whether or not to close school, but the state had an early dismissal may not have anyone waiting for day decisions, both teachers and swing, students and faculty have snow day, and who makes the the ultimate decision comes down on the 21st, Mr. Conard elected to them when they got off the bus. students enjoy using the calcula- been looking forward to weather decision? to Mr. Conard. Team members have a full snow day. Since Pingry Snow Day Calculator, a popu- tor and observing its accuracy. reports about upcoming snow- A team at Pingry analyzes persistently call each other at all students come from all over New lar website and app created by No one person, however can storms as well as those famous numerous weather reports in odd hours of the night in order to Jersey, busing children home in David Sukhin ’12, is the most truly determine a snow day, and five-A.M. calls with Assistant order to make the proper choice. make the best possible choice. the middle of the day would have popular site used by kids to pre- posting on the Facebook pages Headmaster Mr. Jon Leef’s voice Headmaster Nat Conard, Director The recent school closings on been cumbersome. In addition, dict their odds of a snow day, of faculty children does not help on the other end of the line telling of Facilities Mike Virzi, Mr. Leef, January 21 and 22 demonstrate sending lower-school children and it is even occasionally used much, either. 6 THE PINGRY RECORD CAREER DAY PROFILES FEBRUARY 4, 2014 Dr. McLaughlin’83 Ms. Jennifer Lee Koss ’96 Created Start-Up Operates on Brains Internet Company Called “Brika” people.” He finds great By ANNA BUTRICO (VI) By CHARLOTTE ZEE (VI) of business on the computer, “We’re a small team of five Koss is a firm believer satisfaction when “coming Koss’s job mainly requires people but we’re building a that high school provides Like any Pingry student, out of a surgery, putting my Jennifer Lee Koss ‘96 is interaction with many dif- culture,” she said. “We’re formative years for students Dr. Mark McLaughlin ’83 hand on a family member’s the co-founder and Builder spent his four years of high shoulder, and saying, ‘your of Business of an online school expanding his brain. mom is going to be okay.’” company, Brika, which is Nowadays, he’s opening Even when he is forced to devoted to selling artisan them back up as an ac- give bad news, he sees it crafts made by under-the- claimed neurosurgeon. “as a profound moment in radar designers. Dr. McLaughlin’s work someone’s life” where he As a cellist who stud- requires him to “operate on can make a positive differ- ied at The Juilliard School, the structural abnormalities ence making a “worst-case Harvard University, Oxford of the brain and spine.” He scenario the best it can pos- University, and finally Har- operates on brain and spinal sibly be.” vard Business School, Koss cord tumors, herniated disks Dr. McLaughlin partially was in the corporate world on the back and neck, and attributes his success to the for most of her working brain hemorrhages. Grow- undergraduate philosophy life. After having her second ing up within a family of degree he received while child, Koss decided that she wanted to be an entrepreneur. When Koss moved to Toronto with her husband, she stumbled upon a great blog that happened to be based in the same city. When Koss met up with the blog’s author, Kena Paranjape, she Courtesy of Ms. Koss’96 knew it was fate that the two ferent kinds of people. Ac- really starting something and wants high school stu- had been brought together. cording to Koss, one of the exciting.” dents to keep three pieces She said, “When we met main highlights of working Koss believes that her of advice in mind for find- we really connected, and I at Brika is talking to the high school experiences ing a suitable career path. knew we should be doing crafters because they are have influenced her career First, she recommends that something together.” “so inspiring, earnest, and path. “Pingry was a place students keep an open mind Since the website’s launch hard working. The makers where I was lucky enough because career changes will in 2012, Koss has been hard are extremely talented and to try so many things and do most likely occur multiple at work everyday. Whether passionate about their craft. so many things that I loved, times throughout their lives. she is talking to producers, They are unknown to many ranging from athletics to the Second students should fol- partners, or co-workers, she people but should be known arts. It is a place where you low their passions because is always working behind to more.” are really propelled to thrive. “there is nothing more sat- the scenes of Brika. Koss is Koss also loves working When I matriculated to col- isfying than doing what you mostly in charge of partner- with her team. She is highly lege after taking a gap year love.” Lastly, she said, “A ships and financing, but she motivated, enthusiastic, and to pursue the cello, I was lot of times there are oppor- considers herself “a jack of believes that the dynamic of an interdisciplinary thinker, tunities that you would have all trades.” her co-workers creates an which left the world open to never expected so just take Though there are some effective work environment. me,” Koss said. risks and go with it.” Courtesy of Dr. McLaughlin’83 days where Koss takes care doctors, Dr. McLaughlin in college. Philosophy, he had always known he want- says, “trains your mind to be ed to be a surgeon. It wasn’t thoughtful, which is a skill Mr. Scott Buell ’00 Shares Experience until after he matriculated to important in both medicine the University of William and doctor-patient relation- and Mary, and later Virginia ships.” As Litigation Attorney in New York Commonwealth University, Dr. McLaughlin also said By ABHRAM KARUPPUR (V) Now a lawyer specializing in His favorite classes included of research and writing,” Mr. that he identified his surgi- he has Pingry to thank for litigation at Cleary Gottlieb Modern European History with Buell said. cal branch of choice. Career Day speaker Mr. Scott Steen & Hamilton LLP in New former History Department After he graduated from his accomplishments. “Pin- Buell ’00 had a passion for Neurological surgery “is gry left an indelible mark on York City, Mr. Buell has fond Chair Mrs. Madeleine Landau Georgetown in 2004, Mr. Buell history when he was a student. memories of his time here. and Physics with Science teach- worked as a paralegal. “I re- a lot like wrestling,” Dr. all of us,” he said, referenc- er Mr. Timothy Grant. While at ally enjoyed the experience,” McLaughlin said while de- ing his siblings, who also at- scribing his decision to Pingry, Mr. Buell played on the he said. In 2005, he decided tended, and his mother, who football and track teams and that he wanted to be a lawyer, focus on this medical field. worked at the Lower School As a former ranked Divi- won the track award during his so he matriculated to Columbia as a fourth-grade teacher. senior year (considered by some University Law School. sion I wrestler at William He described Pingry as a an upset over all-conference While at Columbia, Mr. Buell and Mary, Dr. McLaughlin “challenging environment” pole vaulter Gordon Hunt ’00). was a member of the “Columbia said that both wrestling and that encouraged students After graduating, he attended Law Review.” In addition, Mr. neurological surgery were “to perform at their best in Georgetown University and Buell was named a Harlan Fiske “physically and mentally all areas.” It is also a place double majored in History and Stone scholar, an award named challenging” and required that fine-tuned his writing Government. While at George- after the former Chief Justice of “many hours of education.” skills, something that came town, Mr. Buell was a member the Supreme Court. Mr. Buell Dr. McLaughlin ex- in handy while composing of the “Bonillas,” a prominent graduated from Columbia in plained that, “Trauma his two textbooks on spine intramural softball team. He 2009 with a Juris Doctor (JD) makes up a significant por- surgery. graduated from Georgetown and joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen tion of my work.” He is Dr. McLaughlin encour- “cum laude”. & Hamilton, where he has been frequently on-call to treat ages all Pingry students to Mr. Buell, who “always had working for four years. a general interest in history,” Mr. Buell advises current concussions and spinal step outside their comfort said his undergraduate majors Pingry students interested in law fractures. He said that the zones in their academic most fulfilling part of his further fostered his interests. to “work in between college and journeys saying that “you “History and government are law school. It is an excellent use occupation is not complet- have to lean into discomfort ing high-speed or intense related to the American legal of your time to gain a little expe- in order to learn.” system, since they involve a lot rience in a work environment.” surgeries, but “comforting Courtesy of Mr. Buell ‘00 Special Thanks to All Of the Career Day Speakers! Michael Ames’98, Julie Ann Aueron’05, Blake Beatty’91, André Birotte Jr.’83, Patrick Birotte’87, Scott Buell’00, Keith Castaldo’00, Gregory Cohen’87, Jay Crosby’96, David Curtis’90, Alan Danzis’99, Arlyn Davich’99, Caroline Diemar’99, Robert Fullilove’62, Daniel Glazer’91, Lance Gould’83, John Green’60, Ezra Jennings’89, Samuel Jurist’06, Reed Kean’86, Peter Kingsly’77, Lisa Klein- man’02, Alexis Knopp’02, Peter Korn’89, Jennifer Lee Koss’96, Jason Kurz’03, Steven Lipper’79, Scott Loikits’90, Mark McLaughlin’83, Marshall McLean’98,Christopher Mulvihill’88, Jane Sarkin O’Connor’77, Christopher Pearlman’92, Brian Ramirez’01, Michael Roberts’99, Day Rosenberg’90, Thomas Ruprecht’87, Jonathan Short’96 7 THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS FEBRUARY 4, 2014 Student Musicians Alumnus Jon DeCola ‘01 Showcases His Highlight Talents Modern Pieces in the Hostetter Gallery By EMILY JIN (IV) Korogodsky has been By NATALIE MULLINS (V) Pingry alumnus Jon DeC- mixed-media art. He said Mr. Peter Delman said that the images instead of the writing and performing her ola ’01 is currently display- he is fascinated that “such this idea puts DeCola’s actual images themselves. The Pingry community own songs since seventh chaotic forms can arise from Fine Arts teacher Mrs. Re- has never experienced a grade, and she recently per- ing his work in the Hostetter work “more on the 21stcen- shortage of talent, especially formed her own rendition of tury level because people becca Sullivan said that when it comes to the arts. Ro- Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” at are more connected with this reveals how he shows shni Kotla (VI), Nicole Koro- this year’s Coffeehouse. computers than they are “digital images in their most godsky (V), and Osa Omor- She began her record- with nature.” He added elemental form.” egie (VI) are just three of the ing career in middle school that DeCola’s works are Works fourteen and fif- incredibly gifted students when she discovered that she “similar to the idea of teen are the tangible ver- who have taken their artistic could articulate her thoughts pop art because the artist sions of the screen studies. abilities beyond our school through music. She credits uses mundane material to DeCola layered colored and into the real world. singers Avril Lavigne and create the works of art.” mesh screens to create the Many students were first Taylor Swifts as major musi- Another five pieces in same wave effect as the lay- introduced to Kotla’s singing cal influences. Korogodsky the collection were cre- ered grids in photography. career when she performed considers music a fun way to ated from vintage eight- Mrs. Sullivan explained, her original song “Sins” express herself and connect bit video games, and all “it is very unique that the at last year’s multicultural with friends. She plans to feature the words “game layering of mesh can affect assembly. By now, many continue performing at Cof- over” representing the your visual experience of students have come to know feehouses and assemblies. end in a modern, tech- the work.” Roshni as a passionate artist Omoregie is also rising in nological world. Artists In his last few works, and have heard quite a bit the Pingry scene, known for of different genres are DeCola re-photographed about her recent endeavors. his Buttondowns solos and One of DeCola’s multimedia pieces. I. Barrionuevo (VI) now evolving, and all single colored computer Now under the catchy original songs, which he has the classic rules of art have screens so that the pixels stage name “Rosh Kayy,” performed during morning Art Gallery about problems rigid, ordered information.” been forgotten. can break down and form Kotla has written and re- meetings. However, there is that have arisen with digital The first five photos in Works eleven through natural wave patterns. Art leased her own single, an additional element to his photography. the gallery were made using thirteen were taken in 2003, student Stephanie Casa- “Heartbeat Fast.” The song, work that he wants people to DeCola used the idea a standard monitor screen of of a show on a classic tube grande (IV) said, “These of moiré pattern, which RGB dots to represent little television. DeCola analyzed photos almost look like op- creates waves when two errors like cracks, folds, and the poetic closed captioning tical illusions and are very grids overlap, to create his smudges. Fine Arts teacher and the pixels that created interesting.” See “Starbuck,” Not “Delivery Man” Vince Vaughn did a great mend seeing both “Star- between it and its duplicate, By SAM KORN (VI) job portraying Wozniak in buck” and “Delivery Man.” “Delivery Man.” On a Friday night last “Delivery Man,” “Starbuck“ The two films really high- Recommendations for year, I visited The Angelika and its entire cast had much light the differences be- February: Film Center in New York more of an authentic feel. It tween foreign indie films The Monuments Men City’s Greenwich Village. was such a successful film As usual, I didn’t have a because the right actors certain movie in mind. On were playing the right roles. a whim, I chose to watch Patrick Huard, who plays the French-Canadian film Wozniak in “Starbuck,” has “Starbuck.” While I expect- a goofy air about him that ed to like the movie, I was made the movie much fun- blown away by how much I nier. Although Vaughn is a enjoyed it. Less than a year R. Kotla (VI) in her music video. Courtesy of R. Kotla (VI) great actor, he did not fit the later, Hollywood revamped part as well. “Starbuck” and made the an upbeat Latin-fusion pop understand. In addition to his I expected “Delivery blockbuster movie “Deliv- Man” to be the same story song, is about a seemingly poetry, Omoregie’s love for ery Man” starring Vince perfect and loving relation- hip-hop music has heavily line as “Starbuck” from Vaughn. the minute I saw the first ship that eventually ends influenced the lyrical con- These two movies revolve in heartbreak. She has also tent of his songs. He wants preview, but did not expect around David Wozniak, a the movie to have virtually released a music video to his lyrics to hold weight, man who accidently donates accompany the single, for have social relevancy, and the exact same script. The to a sperm bank over 500 which she designed the set provoke thought. only true differences were times, and as a result, has and selected the wardrobe. With his strong love and in the actors and the filming The video is intended to dedication to his art, Omor- over 500 children. Despite locations. During her 2014 portray heaven and hell as egie is interesting in pursuing the unusual story line, both Golden Globes monologue Cover poster for “Delivery Man,” starring Vince Vaughn. a metaphor for the ups and a career in music. For those films are hilarious, heart Tina Fey joked, “This is Hol- and blockbuster Hollywood (Matt Damon, George downs of love. She is in- who did not catch his rendi- wrenching, and all-around lywood, and if something movies. People who pre- Clooney) credibly passionate about tion of Frank Ocean’s “We feel good movies. kind of works, they’ll just fer comedies should see Winter’s Tale (Russell her work, and she plans to All Try,” Omoregie hopes Having seen both the keep doing it until every- “Starbuck.” It may be full Crowe, Will Smith, Colin continue spreading cultural to continue expanding his French-Canadian and Hol- body hates it!” I would say of French-Canadian humor Farrell) awareness through a Latin- horizons, like he did with lywood versions, I have that “Delivery Man” embod- and have subtitles, but it is Son of God (Digo Mor- flavored track and artistic Ocean’s song at this year’s to say that the prior was ies this joke. definitely worth seeing, es- gado) self-expression. Coffeehouse. more entertaining. While For film lovers, I recom- pecially if you are choosing Students Perform Live at “Coffeehaus” in the Attic Theater The annual event is open to an array of student talent, By URSULA DEDEKIND (IV) and new performers who all students and faculty and ranging from music to stand- were putting themselves out On Friday, December 13, showcases artwork, live mu- up comedy. Students were not there.” She enjoyed seeing the annual Coffeehouse was sic, and poetry. the only ones to feature their everyone come together to held in the Attic Theater. Coffeehouse highlighted talents. Many faculty mem- support each other. bers performed pieces includ- Theo Rabke (VI), one of ing original storytelling by this year’s organizers, said, Director of Technology Mr. “The beauty of coffeehouse is Brian Burkhart and musical that you are unaware of what features from Biology teacher is going to be there, and the Mr. De and English teacher unexpected aspect of it. You Ms. Elizabeth Walker. really never know what is go- Student and faculty audi- ing to happen.” He added that ence members seemed to the Coffeehouse Society is enjoy the event. Performer hoping to host an off-campus Bobby Rigby (VI) thought event in the near future. that Coffeehouse collectively As a “first timer” at Cof- displayed the “diverse talents feehouse, Hannah Benton of Pingry students.” Ms. (IV) said, “I was amazed to Walker, the Coffeehouse see how talented and unique Faculty Advisor, said she my peers were and even more appreciated “how support- surprised that the rest of the ive the audience was for school was unaware of their both experienced performers “Loud” performs with B. Courtesy of Pingry Communications Rigby (IV) on guitar. abilities.” Page

Volume8 CXL, Number 3 SportThe Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New JerseyS February 3, 2014 BOYS’ HOCKEY time in 20 years, five Pingry By MARK SHTRAKHMAN (IV) ended in a 4-3 win for Pingry. wrestlers, Mitch Suzuki (VI), 6-5-2 Captain Hayley LaFontaine With: Dillon Noone (IV), Annelise Fakorede, Thomas Tarantino Led by Head Coach John (VI), the team’s leading scorer, Kinney (V), Will Johnson (V), Bri- (III), Frankie Dillon (III), and git Sullivan (V), Erin Butrico (VI), Magadini, senior captains Kyle believes that the group’s “biggest Brandon Preziosi (VI), placed in Jacquie Jakimowicz (IV), Char- Walker and Eric Rogers, and As- strength has been the freshmen the top six in the County Tourna- lotte Zee (VI), Zayna Nassoura sistant Captain Jamie Smith (V), with their ability to step up and ment. This was a major feat for (IV) Carol Porges (V), and the Boys’ Ice Hockey Team has play an important role in helping the wrestling team and boosted Hannah Curtis (IV) had an exciting start to the winter us succeed.” Despite the tough morale and support among the season. They will soon head into competition ahead, captain Mela- BOYS’ BASKETBALL wrestlers. their conference games with a nie Naratil (VI) feels that the 4-7 When asked about his expec- record of 6-5-2. girls will “continue to improve in This season, the Boys’ bas- tations, James said, “I am looking Walker hopes that the team order to have a strong showing in ketball team plans to “go big or forward to the team competing at can win the Skyland Conference the playoffs.” go home.” After training hard Cup this year and said that, “The a higher level this year.” in the offseason, many players league is wide open, and every- FENCING lifted in the gym and honed in one is equal.” The highlight of BOYS’ SWIMMING 8-10 on their skills on the court. the season so far was the team’s 3-5 Coach Jason Murdock be- Both the Boys’ and Girls’ 2-1 victory over rival Ridge High The Boys’ Swimming team is Fencing teams have gotten to hopeful for a strong season this solid starts this winter. Led by year. Led by Coach Steve Droste Captains Wenrui Lu (VI) and and Captains Matt Barickman Avery Vella (VI), the boys team (VI) and Jeff Dong (VI), the team is currently fighting for an even has set high goals for the Meet of Courtesy of Pingry Communications record. The girls on the other Champions in February. C. Ransom (V) takes a free throw. hand, led by Stacey Chen (VI) Last year, the team excelled and Erica Cheung (VI) have at this meet. Sebastian Lutz won “continue to strive to their goal have started the season off on the gotten off to a positive record. the 50 Free, and helped win the of having a winning record week right foot. Avery Vella notes that “the boys’ 200 and 400 Free Relays get to week.” The girls have only lost two team has won three of the last first place. The Medley Relay matches so far against Law- four and continues to improve. team came in second. The team Though the Boys’ and Girls’ renceville and Potomac. Captain Juniors Ben Chen and Hunter is hopeful for similar success this year. “We’ve had a rough start compared to other years,” said Captain Matt Barickman, refer- ring to their 3-5 record. “But we still have quite a few strong swimmers. If we continue to push each other to do the best we can in our individual races and as a team, I think we’ll do really well.” The team has meets about twice a week, and with a season that extends into February. Courtesy of Pingry Communications Captain E. Rogers (VI) GIRLS’ SWIMMING lieves that the team’s “potential School. Rogers, who scored his 4-4 for greatness” is higher than ever second goal of the game with this year. As the season contin- only 35 seconds left, sealed the The Girls’ swim team is off ues, Murdock said that the big- win for Pingry. to a solid start this season with gest challenge the team members Coach Magandini, who a 4-4 record thus far. Having a need to overcome is learning how is proud of the team’s effort larger-than-ever varsity team of to handle their emotions better. throughout the season, said, 23 girls, Head Coach Mrs. Judy “As a team, we need to be able “the boys just kept fighting and Lee, hopes to “have each and to remain positive despite the scrapping. A coach can’t ask for every girl participate and swim highs and lows,” Murdock said. any more than that.” That victory in a large variety of competitions “We need to focus on not getting was the team’s first win over throughout the winter season.” too excited or too disappointed Ridge in three years, and they Additionally she believes that A. Dorneo (VI) does breaststoke during a meet. Courtesy of Pingry Communications with results.” look forward to future success “in order to win crucial meets, the BOYS’ and GIRLS’ Liz Herman (VI) said, “This year Stires, on the foil squad, have Captains Evan Key (VI) and in the Skyland Conference Cup. we have a lot of really talented Max Helfman (VI) are leading SKIING really stepped up and fuel that underclassmen and a strong team improvement.” The girls’ Epee the team this year, and with Ski teams have had to tackle overall. Despite our two close good chemistry between play- many obstacles this season, the squad of Katie Vella (IV), Erica losses, it’s been a good year.” Cheung (VI), and Stacey Chen ers, Key believes that the group teams remain resilient. Team members Lindsay Stanley is improving with every day of The team’s previous home (VI) are doing well this season (IV) and Diana Masch (V) also and hope to carry their team to practice. He also said, “The fans mountain, Hidden Valley, has placed first and second, respec- are very important to us because the top five in the state. shifted to Mountain Creek this tively, at the New Jersey Squash WINTER TRACK they push us to perform better.” year, but the team has had no High School Championships. GIRLS’ BASKETBALL trouble adjusting to the change. The boys are experiencing The Winter Track season has Boys captain Andrew Tulloch 6-7 similar success. Co-captain gotten off to a good start. The (VI) said, “I like practicing at George Zachary (VI) said, “I’ve runners are split in to two dif- Mountain Creek because there been looking forward to being ferent groups: sprinters and long This year the Girls’ Basketball is more terrain for the team to captain for a long time, and it’s distance. team got off to a rough start. cover, which makes practices awesome that we’re undefeated.” Each group works out sepa- After losing five seniors from the more challenging.” Derek Shue (VI), co-captain, is rately with long distance runners previous season, the team did not The skiers have been going equally excited and added, “We working on stamina and longer know what to expect going into to the mountain three times per have a chance to do great things races while sprinters tend to run the current season. week, and they skied their first at Nationals.” Hsue and team every day and also implement the The freshmen class brought race of the season on Wednesday, member Jonathan Zeitels (V) weight room for strength training good athletes to the team, adding January 15, after rescheduling also took home first and second at least three times a week. to the team’s strength. Experienc- due to weather complications. place at the New Jersey High Meets occur every two or ing some tough losses early in the The team has several new ski- School Championships. three weekends. Captain Erin season, the team kept working ers after a large group of seniors WRESTLING Butrico (VI) said, “There is a graduated last spring. Although hard every day. Facing some of D. Hsue (VI) hits a dropshot. Courtesy of Pingry Communications 2-7 meet coming up that we have the toughest teams in the state, many of the new skiers not fa- a chance of winning, the Non- GIRLS’ HOCKEY As the winter season kicks off, the team was able to come out miliar with racing, team veteran Public Winter Track Relays at team must be stronger across the the Wrestling team has made sev- with a three game winning streak 6-6 Gabrielle Stern (V) said, “The ‘the bubble’ or the John Bennett After a slow start to the sea- board, having more depth in the eral incredible accomplishments and two tough losses in overtime. new members are doing really Sports Center.” son, the Girls’ Ice Hockey team lineup.” The girls’ swimming in tournaments and matches, and The team is second in its well this season and I’m glad to Sprinter Ruthie Advokat (V) currently holds a record of 4-3. At team needs reliable swimmers there has been a record team conference, and with difficult have them on the team.” described her experience with the beginning of the season, the to get, not only first place, but turnout this season. Compared to conference games ahead, there is Coach Julianne Coxe, who is Winter Track by saying, “I started team was forced to adapt to the also perhaps third and fourth last year, the team has doubled in a lot to prepare for in the upcom- new to Pingry this year, has been doing it as a way to stay in shape, loss of key player Hannah Beat- to accumulate much-needed size, and according to many play- ing weeks. working as the Coordinator with but I ended up liking it so much tie ’13, but ultimately the group points during a meet. Coach Lee ers, the group has great potential Coach Courtney Tierney is Coach Christine Larsen to lead that I stuck with it as my winter stepped up to the challenge. remarks, “those third and fourth for success this season. very optimistic about the team, their teams. sport. The most decisive victory of place points are the places where Even with a 2-7 record, Mi- as she feels everyone has a lot of SQUASH It was definitely a good deci- the season thus far was a game meets can be won or lost.” chael James (IV) and Adedire potential to do great. sion because not only do I really against Summit, the fourth-best One of four captains, Sara Ga- 15-2 Fakorede (VI) said that the team enjoy track meets, but also made team in the state last season. gnon (VI), said, with our Mount The Girls’ and Boys’ Squash continues to strengthen and grow a ton of new friends.” The matchup was very close, but Saint Mary win, the team could teams, both with strong records, to its full potential. For the first