THE NATION'S OLDEST ON THE WEB: COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL www.pingry.org/stu- NEWSPAPER dents/therecord.html

VOLUME CXXXII, NUMBER 3 The Pingry School, Martinsville, New Jersey MARCH 10, 2006 Web Access to Social Sites Denied on Campus Computers sons and daughters could be shouldnʼt.” By CHANTAL BERMAN (VI) posting and accessing profan- While Mr. Vo said that there In a break with the non-fil- ity, personal information and is “no hard data” detailing how tering technology policy that inappropriate pictures during many students were access- has existed school hours. ing sites such as Facebook at Pingry for The decision to filter these from school computers, Upper the past sev- sites was deliberated and car- School Head Mr. Jon Leef said eral years, ried out by the Administrative that much of the evidence cited the admin- Group, consisting of Mr. Cox, by the Administrative Group istration and Mr. Leef, Mr. Conard, Mrs. was anecdotal, coming from the tech team Geacintov, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Cor- teachers and other faculty quietly imposed a web filter in vino Sr, Miss Boisvert, Miss members who witnessed stu- the days before winter break Hoffman, Mr Vanasse, and dents using these sites during on such social networking Mr. Vo. their frees and sometimes dur- websites as MySpace.com, On the reasons for the ban, ing class time. Courtesy of the Development Office Facebook.com and Xanga. Mr. Leef said, “There was re- Mr. Leef insisted that the The Rebel Poor stage a revolution in Urinetown, the winter musical. com. As a result, students can ally a wide spectrum of things web filter doesnʼt reflect the no longer access these websites taken into account, the primary administrationʼs trust in stu- from any computer currently reason being that these sites dents. “The web filter decision “A Privilege to Pee” Is a Privilege using the Pingry server. are just inappropriate for use was less about the Honor Code Director of Technology Mr. during the school day. They and the Tech Agreement and Quoc Vo explained that he are distracting students from more about being pragmatic,” to See in Urinetown the Musical had received several requests what school should really be he said. Mr. Leef added that the own” is about a small town Cladwellʼs daughter, Hope, from parents to block access about. And of course thereʼs ban was never discussed with By DIANA JIANG (III) experiencing a drought, played by Katie Jennings to these sites. The parents, he also the prospect of students Excitement mounted as causing everyone to pay a (VI), arrives at UGC from said, expressed fears that their sharing information that they Continued on Page 9 the audience in the sold fee in order to use public the “most expensive univer- out Macrae Theatre waited restrooms. No one can “pee sity in the world,” the plot anxiously for the curtains to for free,” and anyone caught thickens. be pulled back and the show peeing in the bushes is sent One night, Hope meets to begin. “Urinetown,” the to Urinetown. The people Bobby Strong, played by 2002 Tony-award winning sent there never return, Ricky Zacharias (IV), whose musical, was this yearʼs mu- so the remaining citizens father has just been sent to sical production, directed have no idea where or what Urinetown. Bobby feels by Stephanie Romankow it is. Urine Good Com- guilty about not helping and comprising 25 cast pany (UGC), run by the rich his father, but Hope tells Courtesy of Google Images. members. Mr. Caldwell B. Cladwell, him to “follow your heart.” The popular website Facebook.com is not accessible from school computers. In regards to the show, played by Jake Kreeger (V), It is love at first sight for actor Katie Jennings (VI), claimed that the UGC needs the young couple, and they said, “The entire cast has money to research a way unwillingly part from each worked really hard. The out of the drought. Years other. The next day, Bobby musical is a team effort, passed, however, without takes Hopeʼs advice and At Top Schools, 2006 Applicant dependent on every cast sign of letting up. Everyone leads a rebellion against Mr. member, and we are all re- is getting desperate, espe- Cladwell, so that the poor no ally excited!” cially those who do not have longer have to pay to pee. Pool Is “More Competitive” Written by Greg Kotis the money needed to use the When Mr. Cladwell and his early decision, early action, on increased competitiveness and Mark Hollman, “Urinet- “public amenity.” When Mr. men confront the rebels, the By CATHERINE CHONG (V) restrictive early action and of this yearʼs senior class in rebels kidnap Hope and take As second semester seniors early decision two. In the class schools nationwide, while her to their secret hideout. gradually succumb to full- of 2005, 68 out of 119 students others blame it on universi- Believing that Mr. fledged “senioritis,” many were accepted under the same tiesʼ decisions to decrease the Inside The Record Cladwell will do no harm still anxiously await their plans. While the percentage of number of students admitted to Bobby since they have admissions decisions from the students admitted early this early. regular applicant pool. Many year was 55.3 percent, 62.13 Although Director of Col- Hope, his daughter, Bobby seniors, however, already percent of the Class of 2005 lege Counseling Mr. MacLel- returns to UGC headquarters experienced that same feeling was admitted early. The less lan has only heard rumors that and is consequently sent off back in December while wait- than 7 percent drop is not a the early applicant pool was to Urinetown for causing the ing for the early admissions large percentage, but it was more competitive this year, he disturbance. The audience decisions. a decrease that was all too knows that it is true for some discovers that being sent to In this yearʼs senior class, familiar in schools across the schools. “Iʼve heard from col- 64 out of 103 students who nation. Continued on Page 8 applied were accepted under Many blame this decrease Continued on Page 9 Alumni Rock Out: Guster, Houston Calls, Tally Hall I jokingly suggested that he and the powerful connection between annual “Campus Consciousness By OLIVIA DELIA (IV) I write some original rock songs musicians and their fans… via Tour,” a “green” tour (which will As artists with unique sounds, that happen to be about the holi- an interactive eco-village while restrict bio-diesel to the buses, alumni Adam Gardner ʼ91 of day. The second I said it, he lit up working to ʻgreenʼ the tour and the wind power offsets to replace Guster, Rich “Okie” Okamoto and we both grabbed guitars and music industry as a whole.” energy used during concerts, ʼ00 of Houston Calls, and Andrew started writing what is now the Since 2004, Reverb has worked etc.) with an eco-village of kiosks J. Ellwanger (VI) Horowitz ʼ01 of Tally Hall have album ʻHanukkah Rocks.ʼ” with artists such as Barenaked for non-profits, alternative en- Max Cooper (VI) dances with a lucky senior citizen at the Environmental activists, Gard- Ladies, Alanis Morrisette, Dave ergy associations and eco-friendly Intergenerational Prom on February 14. See page 9. each created distinct identities for themselves in the world of alterna- ner and his wife, Lauren, formed Matthews, Jack Johnson, Avril products, as well as community Friday Night Lights? Midterms: Good or Bad? tive rock music. Reverb, a project aimed at raising Lavigne and Bonnie Raitt. service projects, discussions and “awareness and support for the en- This year, Reverb and Guster a food drive. Columnist Andrew Sartorius (IV) Midterm exams get a three-year vironment through building upon are teaming up to launch the first Gardner began attending Pin- proposes a plan for updating the school's checkup to determine their future at the ADAM GARDNER '91 gry in the ninth grade after start- outdoor athletic facilities. P 3. school. P 8. A member of the nationally ing his first band in eighth grade renowned band, Guster, Gardner with fellow Pingry graduate Cort Pam Stenzel: Informer or Alumni Making Headlines is recognized at a level which he Corbin ʼ91. As his Independent Study Project senior year, Gardner Performer? The Record investigates the lives modestly calls “pseudo-fame.” The Pingry community reacts to of former students who have made an Formed in 1992 as GUS, wrote and recorded “Final Flight,” guest speaker Pam Stenzel's controver- impact on the world. P 10-11. Guster came into existence in a six-song EP made with Corbin sial speech. P 4-5. 1995 and has released five al- and Stewart Range ʼ91. Which teams do you follow? ternative rock records appearing Gardner explains that Mr. Jim The Mysterious Breakfast numerous times on television and Little, former director of the But- Learn about this season's sports tondowns and Menʼs Glee Club, teams and their valuable players. P 12. radio. Their next album, “Ganging Ryan MacGibbon (VI) takes a “taught me all the subtle nuances deeper look at the magic of cereal. P 6. Up On the Sun,” will be released in June on Reprise Records. of music—the stuff that isnʼt writ- Sections ten on the music staff. He taught News...... 1, 8-9, 10-11 Additionally, Gardner is now Winterfest: Cold and Lifeless working on a project called the me how to express myself through Cassie Osterman (III) looks at the Commentary...... 2-3 music—a true gift.” Special Report...... 4-5 LeeVees, collaborating with Dave ups and downs of this year's Winterfest Schneider of The Zambonis to cre- “Forced” to take piano lessons dance. P 8. Arts...... 6-7 ate Hanukkah music: “Thereʼs no Courtesy of Google Images Continued on Page 6 Sports...... 12 cool Hanukkah music out there. Guster, including Adam Gardner '91, performing live. 2 THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MARCH 10, 2006

EDITORIAL The Ethicist Part One: An Introduction Reason #735 to attend Pingry: Just in case we ever forget where I am writing “The Ethi- of off-campus Katie Jennings (VI) committed an Code just once, say by cheating we land on the sliding scale of good vs. evil, there will always cist” column, modeled after privileges, by THE ETHICIST infraction. on a vocabulary quiz, does that be something around to remind us. From professional moralizers Randy Cohenʼs column of the seniors and ju- Now, Iʼm permanently put you in the cat- (installments of Randy Cohenʼs The Ethicist displayed in the Up- same name in the “New York niors alike, demonstrates this not saying that if you lied dur- egory of Honor Code breaker, or per School Offi ce) to digressional proselytizers à la Pam Stenzel, Times Magazine,” as a means tendency. ing your junior year of high can you redeem yourself? our school and indeed the world are full of self-fashioned moral to promote greater student A junior leaves campus dur- school you should be branded It is human nature to ratio- compasses, presumably to make sure that, during our tenure as understanding of the Honor ing a free period in order to go a liar for the rest of your life; nalize so that we can justify teens and beyond, our own ethics donʼt head too far south. Code by illustrating how ethical to get something to eat. What rather, I offer words of caution. our actions. For example, one Recent events at our school have prompted us to ask many questions arise in the everyday is that person going to say if he It frightens me that after Honor might rationalize, “I am just questions: How much moralizing is too much? Can a personʼs lives of students. Dean of gets caught? “Yes, Mrs. Hearst, Board assemblies, the majority going to cheat on this one his- background taint their message? How important is it to get the students Mrs. Joan Hearst has I went off campus even though I of students laugh and continue tory test, so that I maintain my facts straight when delivering a moral issue? And can we ever generously decided to support know Iʼm not supposed to,” or, their day. I urge you to actually average, but then I will never do really appreciate the moral convictions of a person we donʼt like this effort through weekly post- “No, Mrs. Hearst, I would never take more than two seconds to it again.” This rationalization or agree with? ings of excerpts from Cohenʼs do that.” This is where the para- think about the Honor Code and might sound ok to you as you In this issue, Record writers attempt to answer these questions column on her door. dox lies: will that person have its effect on your actions. are undertaking this plan, but try and more (see Commentary, pg. 5) And yet, as the Record goes My idea to start the col- been infl uenced by the Honor You might tell your English telling that to your teacher. You to press, I canʼt help feeling as though weʼve missed the larger umn was sparked after leafi ng Code and an- teacher that might think, “Who cares? Itʼs question: Is all the moralizing really working? through “The Beginning of swer honestly? your comput- just affecting me.” In essence, Certainly, intentions are in the right place; high-class pseudo Wisdom,” a book writen by Neither answer The root of the er broke and however, you are undermining criminals of the Jack Abramoff variety have shown that money English teacher Herbert Hahn is necessarily hence couldnʼt the entire system. and brains donʼt exempt anyone from ethical equivocation. One and published by the 1961 commendable. Honor Code lies hand in your When you think about our may wonder, what if notoriously crooked lobbyist Mr. Abramoff board of trustees that chronicles T h e r o o t paper. Now school, think about the greater had been apprehended at an earlier stage in his criminal career by the schoolʼs fi rst 100 years and of the Honor in taking did you really community. Think about how the Honor Board? Or, what if every resident of Botswana, where fi nding Appendix A: The Songs Code lies in have technical your actions might affect the 37.7 percent of the population has HIV/AIDS, were slightly more of Pingry. Part of the “An- taking respon- responsibility. problems or others around you. The true wary of unsafe sex? And, conversely, if Pingry were to leave us niversary Hymn,” written by sibility. Iʼm did you not do essence of the Honor Code is to our own moral devices, would we then be destined for a life of former Headmaster C. Bertram sure the administration would your paper? Why should your taking responsibility for oneʼs deception, corporate crime, and indiscriminate unprotected sex? Newton, reads, “Praise God be much happier if all of the teacher believe you? Responsi- actions. Somehow, this sounds implausible. that when our school began/ Its juniors stayed on campus, but bility begets trust. The point of my column is At Pingry, I believe, we have a tendency to parade ethics like builder was a man/ Who found- as long as the juniors know that There are three types of stu- not to indoctrinate, but to facili- we invented them. And while itʼs comforting to believe that an as- ed it on simple truth/ And deep if they go off campus “illegally” dents in this school: people who tate continuous communication sembly or two in the Hauser Auditorium will recalibrate our moral respect for youth/ So, lacking that they could potentially get follow the Honor Code, people between the student body and compass during its teenage fl ux, in reality, what they really do is other wealth of fame,/ It took caught, and as long as they donʼt who break the Honor Code and the Honor Code, through the reinforce (or sometimes contradict) convictions that have been his honored name,/ And, with it, lie if caught, in effect, the Honor donʼt get caught, and people posing of ethical questions with formed long ago by sources outside the checkerboard halls. faith in honest work/ That will Code has done its job. Even who break the Honor Code and which we, as a community, are The proverbial compass is a product of the world, and it may not always point towards the clock tower. I am, and always have not cheat or shirk.” I think this though they have committed do get caught. If you break the faced. been, an avid Randy Cohen fan, but I know of few people who song truly embodies the ideals a dishonorable act, they have Honor Code and you donʼt get We welcome “The base their life decisions on his weekly column; likewise, browsing for which our school stands. not lied about it. The issue still caught, does that make it right? Ethicist” submissions at her website, itʼs clear that Pam Stenzelʼs high school performances In contemplating this song, remains that they knowingly If you were to break the Honor [email protected] speak most clearly to those students who have already chosen ab- and the others, I began to fear stinence as a lifestyle. For better or worse, itʼs ultimately we who that we, to a certain extent, have make our own decisions. Pingry can help, but only so much. lost sight of Dr. John Pingryʼs original goals as represented - Chantal Berman in the Honor Code. The abuse Rest in Peace With Seniority Comes Privilege March 20, 1989 - February 26, 2006 For juniors who now enjoy Dan Davidson (VI) I am happy enough simply the privilege of driving to school, SCHOOL OPINION to be able to drive. Therefore I it is sometimes diffi cult to un- am more than willing to endure John Taylor Babbitt derstand why other privileges the morning and depart in the a short walk every morning and closely intertwined with driv- afternoon. Therefore the hassle afternoon for the remainder Anyone who wishes to contribute photos or written memories for ing, like off-campus and late of having to walk to the far park- of this year, knowing that I arrival, are not extended to the ing lots is worse for seniors than wonʼt have to make these walks a memorial page in the fi nal issue of the Record please contact junior class. Senior privilege is for juniors. next year. Let senior privileges [email protected]. an integral part of high school The senior privilege issue remain for seniors, and allow life, however, and should be deals with much more than mere the process of growth to fl ow protected. practicality. An increase in privi- naturally throughout our time in To understand why senior lege as we move to higher grade high school. privileges should remain specifi c levels is a sensible idea. The to seniors, one must fi rst under- growing process is accentuated stand that driving is, in itself, by an increase in both the allow- A Web (Filter) of Lies and Distrust a privilege for juniors that we ance of new things and respon- would not enjoy at many other sibility for these new privileges Several years ago, the ad- new privileges Adam Goldstein (VI) and spirit rather presidential elections by reading schools. It is not at all uncom- as time goes by. For example, responsibly. ministration promised students SCHOOL OPINION than a system of what people had posted on their mon for schools to allow only as freshmen we lament having that the school would never T i m e s rules and regu- weblogs the day after. Now none seniors to drive, and given cur- to bring water out to our games. block any website again. The change, though, and so do lations.” The existence of a Web of these resources are available rent parking constraints, we are We do it willingly, however, with Honor Code, according to Upper administrations. Recently the blockade implies that students at school. lucky to retain this privilege. the knowledge that our sacrifi ces School Head Adam Rohdie, was school imposed a fi lter of so- cannot be trusted to do the right Certainly, if the Web filter Giving the right to park in the in lower grades will increase our enough to keep students from cial networking websites like thing on the Internet—a radical were removed, some students athletic entrance parking lot to happiness when we reach an visiting objectionable sites for MySpace and Xanga, censoring policy shift that both contradicts would abuse the privilege of ac- seniors only, proposed by Stu- age we no longer have to make illegitimate reasons. Even if a websites for the Honor Code cessing social networking sites, dent Government and approved such sacrifi ces. Similarly, junior few individuals took advantage the first time and undermines just as some students cheat on by the administration, makes drivers such as myself should of the new system, he believed, in years. The web blockade studentsʼ trust papers despite signing the honor practical sense. Seniors leave sacrifi ce prime parking spaces W h y t h e campus far more frequently than so that they may be assured them the student body as a whole implies that students in the admin- pledge. However, the spirit of juniors, who can only arrive in next year. could be trusted to handle its change? Sev- istrationʼs past the Honor Code—and indeed, eral students cannot be trusted. promises. the very idea of “innocent until were posting Of course, if proven guilty”—suggests that personal information on those there were no legitimate aca- the presence of individual in- VOLUME CXXXII sites while at school. In a climate demic uses for social networking fringers is not reason in itself NUMBER 3 of fear about online predators, sites, it would be hard to argue to block all studentsʼ access to the administration decided to with blocking such sites. (The certain sites. Editors in Chief quickly and quietly impose a administration is well within its If the administration wants to Nadine Reitman blanket ban on such sites. rights to regulate drugs, guns,and block a site, therefore, it should Chantal Berman It is easy to understand why nuclear weapons on campus, satisfy a much more rigorous they took such a step. After all, for example, because the use of test than simply showing the site most uses of social networking those items is always a hindrance has illegitimate uses; instead, the sites are a violation of the Tech- to academic pursuits.) administration should show that Staff Writer Managing Editor Sports Editor Katie Jennings Hadley Johnson nology Agreement—a document As it turns out, though, social a website is not even capable of Hallie Bianco every Pingry computer user has networking sites do have legiti- admissible uses. Until the admin- signed. Given the transgressions mate uses. MySpace Music, for istration can fi nd a site that truly Copy Editors Photo Staff that have occurred in the past, example, has royalty-free music has no legitimate uses, it ought Adam Goldstein Assistant Editors the reasoning goes, thereʼs no Catherine Chong Marissa Bialecki tracks that can be downloaded to follow the wise precedent set Olivia Delia better way to enforce compliance freely and legally, which makes by Mr. Rohdie and remove the Melissa Loewinger Jennie Ellwanger Sam Adriance than to make it impossible for them perfect for use in film Web fi lter entirely. Darina Shtrakhman students to transgress at all. studentsʼ movie soundtracks. The Honor Code, however, Health students can use Xanga Adam Goldstein is a pro- Josh Freedman grammer, author of two Layout Staff Faculty Adviser says that “students should un- to uncover teenagersʼ attitudes Dr. Susan Dineen computer books and regular Jack Dimassimo derstand and live by standards towards subjects like stress. speaker at several technology of honorable behavior, which are U.S. History students can study All rights reserved. All contents © 2006 The Pingry Record. Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle after use. conferences. essentially a matter of attitude popular reactions to events like THE PINGRY RECORD COMMENTARY MARCH 10, 2006 3 Does Publicizing Donors Is Big Blue Falling Behind?

Cheapen Our Ethics? A few weeks ago, I was invit- Andrew Sartorius (III) used between 350 to 500 hours ed to The Lawrenceville School SPORTS OPINION per year. Higher availability also As I thumbed through Evan Rosenman (IV) have to give roughly half to participate in a squash lesson. raises more possibilities. The I have two suggestions in this yearʼs Fall/Winter issue SCHOOL OPINION the amount of the national I had never entered the school school would be able to host the of the Pingry Review, I was median household income to before, so I was expecting to answer to this query. My first Somerset county finals in soc- once again disappointed to far better deed than giving the school in order to enter see a campus quite similar to suggestion is that the school in- cer and field hockey, instead of see that the Annual Report simply for the purpose of the “Society.” Gifts below Pingryʼs. Upon driving through stall artificial turf on the football Basking Ridge High School. not only included a list of recognition? $1,000 do not receive any the entrance, however, it was ob- field, the World Cup field and In addition to installing turf which families had donated Also, is it wrong for those special recognition. vious that my expectations were the field hockey field. There fields, I suggest that the school are many more advantages that to the school, but also a list families wealthy enough to The next question is of the largely incorrect. I was stunned also install lights on the foot- come with having turf instead of which families had given donate to give to another necessity and effectiveness to see that Lawrenceville had ball field. One of the benefits cause? In the past year, both an artificial turf football field, of grass fields. The first, and of installing lights is that more the most money. of this segment of the Annual probably the most important, is To be fair, donating is foreign and national natural Report. Will parents really a fully functioning ice hockey students and teachers would at- rink, a pool, five basketball that artificial turf lowers the risk an integral part of Pingryʼs disasters have elicited many look at such extensive efforts tend games. Very few members courts and squash courts. of injuries in athletes. Studies finances. As the Review de- dollars. Parents who choose to document who has or has of the community usually attend On the drive back, the fol- have shown that artificial turf the Saturday afternoon football tails, the school had a surplus to give extra money to peo- not contributed money and lowing questions stuck in my reduces the chance of injuries in games, but with the installation of $150,419.85 last year, ple in need rather than to a feel more motivated to give? mind: Why do Pingryʼs athletic of lights, games could be moved with 2003-2004 donations Or will their response be the facilities lag so far behind? If our to Friday nights, which would totaling $1,365,000 (or five I hope that there is a exact opposite, one of sur- school has the money to finance Artificial turf lowers increase attendance and spirit at percent) of last year's annual prise and disgust? The issue way for our school to a brand new middle school and the risk of injury in the games. revenue. Additionally, annu- goes beyond mere efficiency entrance plaza, why wonʼt it Although the lights would al giving for 2004-2005 was stay afloat without com- in soliciting donations; it is spend money updating its der- athletes. cost an estimated $200,000 to even greater, at $4,763,014. one of morality and class. elict sporting facilities? install, the energy expenditure Although the money needed promising its values. Are we really willing to com- To be fair, many of our indoor the knee, back and joints. of the lights would be quite low from philanthropic support promise so much of what the facilities are excellent, includ- In addition, artificial turf (only $6.50 an hour for one bank is significant, the question preparatory school should school teaches (tolerance, ing the pool, the basketball lowers maintenance costs by of lights). The addition of lights, still remains as to whether not be made to feel any less consideration and honor) in courts and the weight room. It over $60,000 a year. Although however, poses potential prob- or not the publication of do- worthy. the quest to maintain a sig- is our outdoor facilities that are a turf field costs an average lems. Neighbors might com- norsʼ names is appropriate. The Review encourages nificant, but small, portion lacking. Because of overuse, $500,000 to install, very little plain that the light from the field After all, several donors are donating by referring to it of our revenues? many of our fields have little maintenance (less than $1,000 disrupts their evening activities. listed as “anonymous” in the as “giving” and “participa- Because I, too, enjoy the or no grass, which can increase a year) is required. On the other The solution to this problem is Review. tion” and placing the most benefits of a wealthy school, the rate of injuries. In addition, hand, a grass field costs an initial to introduce a curfew. The lights Why is anonymity granted generous donors in groups I hope that there is a way when it rains, water pools up $150,000 to install plus $60,000 would need to be turned off by to those donors who desire with such names as “The for our school to stay afloat on the fields, preventing teams of maintenance per year. 9 pm on school nights and 9:30 it, but those who choose not Scholarsʼ Club” and “The without compromising all from practicing outside for as This situation is comparable pm on weekends. Another po- to donate are exposed by Magistri Fellows.” The high- the values it instills in us. long as a week. What, therefore, to buying a house (a turf field) tential problem that might arise glaring omission? Why is est echelon, the “John F. Otherwise, maybe the Pingry needs to be done to prevent versus just renting one (a grass is that the proposal would need field). Initially, buying the house publishing names even nec- Pingry Society” is for dona- that has influenced my mor- these problems and ensure that to pass through the Martinsville Pingry keeps up with other pri- costs more, but in the long run, essary to elicit donations? tions of $20,000 or above. als so strongly never really City Council before the lights vate schools that have far better it is the most cost-efficient path. Isnʼt giving namelessly a This means that one would existed at all. are allowed to be built. facilities? It would take just over six years I am not suggesting that turf before the price of the turf field fields and stadium lights are an would be lower than the price of absolute immediate priority. In Shades of Gray in the Grading System upkeep on a natural grass field. fact, I would be satisfied to wait Finally, an artificial turf field until the school could give the Though we hate to ad- that you re- Melissa Loewinger (V) ror. Compla- bers, individual achieve- would be a good idea for the project its complete attention mit it, our school focuses ceive a 96.4 school because of its durability. and make the improvements in SCHOOL OPINION cence in re- ment would be judged more largely on grades. How- average on gards to this fairly. Every percentage Turf fields are available for use as unobtrusive a manner as pos- ever, the current grading your first semester in math fact, especially in Pingry, point a student earns is every day of the year, barring sible. Even though I am happy system of As, Bs, Cs, Ds class, and a 93.4 average on home of the revered Honor an indicator of effort and extreme circumstances. In rainy to wait, however, rival schools and Fs is not giving each the midterm, second semes- Code, is unfair to the stu- should therefore be account- weather, the surface would not are not waiting. Every day, student a fair representa- ter, and on the final as well. dents and does not give us ed for. An 87 percent is a become muddy but would re- other institutions put forward main usable. The situation that tion of his or her academic According to our current the respect we are due. By far cry from an 89 percent. proposals to improve their out- was encountered this year on work. Letter grades are not grading system, these per- our current grading system, By using a strict numerical door athletic facilities, but our homecoming, in which all the specific enough to fairly centages are changed into a student deserving of an system and eliminating the school does not. For such an games were rained out because athletic powerhouse in a variety represent individual aca- the letters A, A-, A-, and A-. A can receive an A-, or letter medium and the point the fields were inundated with of sports, we are, sadly, falling demic achievement. These letters are then equat- any other 1/3 off of a letter medium, grades would be water, might not have occurred behind the times. The current system is a ed with the point values 13, mark. two steps closer to their had the school installed multiple 14-point scale consisting of 12, 12, and 12, respectively. If the school were to abol- source, and students would turf fields. Also, turf fields can Sources: DJC.com, Arling- four separate parts: first se- When averaged with proper ish the 14-point system and know that they are being be used over 2,000 hours a year, tonSoccer.com, Goliath. mester grade, the midterm, weight given to each point just go according to num- represented fairly. while grass fields can only be frostburg.edu second semester grade, and value (semester grades are the final. In this system, each worth 40 percent of A+=14 points, A=13, A- your total grade, and finals =12, and so on. Using this and midterms are worth 10 system, there are too many percent each), your point- possibilities for mathemati- system average in this class cal simplifications to alter a would be a 12.4. 12.4 points studentʼs grade. according to our 14 point The system tries to mol- system is an A-. Not bad lify this blunder by tack- work for a challenging math ing pluses course, but a n d m i - Some changes should you deserve nuses onto be made to more fairly better! the letters. A c c o r d - Kudos for represent our grades. ing to the this consid- system that eration, but we should be pluses and minuses are not using, you truly deserve an enough, and as long as we A. Calculating the actual nu- are expected to obey the meric averages, rather than Honor Code, we should not deferring to the 14-point have to settle as far as fair system, your average turns representation goes. It is out to be a 94.6 percent, a unjust for the Honor Code solid A. The discrepancy is to demand students to act undeniable, and this scenar- honorably and fairly when io is not by any means the the underlying system of the only one in which the flaws school, the grading system, of our system can cause is not fair itself. grading errors. It is scary to I believe, therefore, some even think about how many changes should be made to students the 14-point system more fairly represent our has misrepresented. grades. Defenders of the 14-point The following is a sce- system argue that this sys- nario in which any student tem is fairly accurate, and By Matt Laud (V) might be cheated out of a that all grading systems grade that he or she may have their own downsides very well deserve. Imagine and some degree of er- 4 THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT MARCH 10, 2006 SPECIAL REPORT: Sex Education in School Eighth and Ninth Grade Health Resources for Sexual Information Planned Parenthood NJ Centers Closest to Pingry: Classes Cover Sex and Drugs • Morristown - (973) 539-1364 fice does not stock condoms, that she has never liked the By NADINE REITMAN (VI) so students should go else- idea of condoms in school • East Orange - (973) 674-4343 Unlike Mrs. Pam Sten- where if looking to get them because “it sends a mixed • Plainfield - (908) 756-3736 zelʼs version of sex educa- cheaply.) message. Distributing con- Dover - (973) 361-6006 tion, the schoolʼs policy can- Mrs. Marotto explained, doms creates a false sense • not be taught in an hour-long however, that the schoolʼs of security about the pro- assembly period. Though sex education curriculum tections that they provide. Planned Parenthood Centers Offer: the policy is far from Mrs. is standard throughout the Many students are likely to Stenzelʼs, it does have some field. Most educators of conclude that if school, in • Counseling on a range of topics, which include birth control, similarities. middle and abortion, pregnancy options, HIV/AIDS and STDs Taught in eighth and ninth high school grade health classes, sex students sug- • Testing for HIV/AIDS, other STDs, vaginal infections, urinary education at the Martinsville gest teaching tract infections and pregnancy campus focuses on absti- that abstinence nence, factual information and condoms • Pap smears, breast exams and annual checkups and rational decisions. The are the best • Emergency Contraception (including intrauterine devices) school teaches that com- ways to protect A variety of birth control options including pills, Ortho Evra plete abstinence is the only oneself and • 100 percent effective way oneʼs partner. ("the patch"), NuvaRing ("the ring"), condoms, and Depo- to avoid both pregnancy B y t e n t h Provera ("the shot") and Sexually Transmitted grade, the sex Diseases (STDs). In addi- education part Courtesy of Google Images • Abortion operations (available at some centers) tion, the eighth grade health of health is The male condom. curriculum covers condoms over. The ninth and other forms of birth grade health classes study spite of announced risks, * Visit www.plannedparenthoodnj.org for more information and control, as well as detailed five different units from four offers condoms on request, other New Jersey centers. information about STDs and perspectives: role of the me- many students will conclude HIV/AIDS. dia, historical background, that the risks are tolerable.” The majority of sex edu- legal and statistical infor- In addition, she warns that * Visit www.ppfa.org/pp2/ppmetronj/ for detailed information cation at Pingry is taught in mation and social aspects. condoms do nothing to make eighth grade. The objective The five units are sexuality, sex emotionally safe. regarding sexual health, STD testing and disease prevention. of the eighth grade health eating disorders and nutri- curriculum is to “provide tion, mental health, date and factual information so stu- acquaintance rape and drug dents can make healthy and and alcohol addiction. Pamela Stenzel, Guest Speaker and Author of During the sexuality unit, the students look at the role of the media “Sex Has a Price Tag,” Has a $3,500 Price Tag in teen pregnancy and sity are required to attend was established in 1985 and has helped to develop pub- sexuality, history and By CHANTAL BERMAN (VI) religious perception of church and chapels three has since opened several lic school abstinence-only contraception, genetic Following abstinence times weekly, and are for- centers in and around Min- curriculum, which has been testing and how AIDS speaker Pam Stenzelʼs ap- bidden from using tobacco, neapolis. endorsed by President Bush has made an impact pearance at the Martinsville driking alcohol and prac- Mrs. Stenzel went on and members of his Cabinet. on societyʼs views of campus, students immedi- ticing “sexual promiscu- to found Enlighten Com- In fact, Mrs. Stenzel trav- alternative lifestyles. ately became interested in ity.” Libertyʼs Psychology munications, Inc., an orga- eled to the White House in Each unit, however, Mrs. Stenzelʼs background. Department, from which nization which, according May 2001 to meet the Presi- is primarily student As Web pages loaded and Mrs. Stenzel earned her to its website, “empowers dent and participate in his driven with the use of magazine pages parents, youth leaders and “Faith-Based and Commu- Courtesy of Google Images research, Power Point turned, suspicions educators to lead informed nity Initiatives Program,” Birth control pills. presentations and class were confirmed that discussions on sexual ab- a major tenet of which is discussions to teach Stenzel is, indeed, a stinence and the benefits it abstinence-only education appropriate choices,” ex- the given subject. produces.” in schools. plained Health Department Christian conserva- If students of any age Mrs. Stenzelʼs book “Sex Mrs. Stenzel has often ap- Chair Mrs. Susan Marotto. want to know where to get tive with a strong Has A Price Tag” currently peared on popular conserva- She noted that classes cover tested for STDs and preg- background in absti- decision-making exercises nancy, they should ask nurse nence education and ranks 43,329 in bestsellers tive television shows, from as well as the factual health Mrs. Joanne Childs or any pro-life advocacy. on Amazon.com, where it secular programs such as information. of the Health Department As she mentioned merits five-star reviews Fox News' “Hannity & Col- In eighth grade, students teachers. In addition, health in the assembly, Mrs. from users who describe mes” to ABCʼs “Politically learn about abstinence and classes do cover that infor- Stenzel was born to themselves as “concerned Incorrect with Bill Maher” condoms in detail but also mation. a 15-year-old rape parent” and “grateful teen.” to religious programs such touch on other forms of birth “If a student comes in victim in 1964 and The “Sex Has A Price Tag” as Pat Robertsonʼs “The 700 control. In addition, they wanting to know where he was later adopted by video proved very success- Club” and “The Dr. Laura learn about the male and fe- or she can get tested, Iʼm a family with eight ful for Mrs. Stenzel; since Show.” male reproductive systems, not going to give the student children, seven of its creation in 1993, it has According to Enlighten sexual assault, nutrition and a phone number and send them adopted. At Courtesy of PamStenzel.com been translated into eleven Communications, a speech alcohol, tobacco and drugs. him or her away. Instead, the age of 18, Mrs. Mrs. Pamela Stenzel. languages, won the Charles- by Mrs. Stenzel costs be- Though condoms are taught Iʼd close the door and have a Stenzel enrolled in ton, South Carolina, Film tween $3,500 and $5,000. to be the second-best way discussion with the student,” Liberty Universityʼs Psy- degree, calls itself a “sound Award in 1995, and in- to prevent against infection explained Mrs. Marotto. academic program with a spired Mrs. Stenzel to and pregnancy, students are chology Program. Ultimately, Mrs. Childs and Christian emphasis.” go on lecture circuits not given any hands-on ex- Mrs. Marotto would refer a Liberty University is a After graduating from full time. perience. There are photos student to his or her family self-described “independent of condoms in the Power physician or Planned Parent- fundamentalist Baptist uni- Liberty University, Mrs. Mrs. Stenzel has Point presentations given to hood (see Information box versity.” It was founded in Stenzel served as Director since produced oth- the classes, and the students below for contact informa- 1971 by Rev. Jerry Falwell, of Alpha Womenʼs Center er videos, including are taught how and when to tion). a Christian conservative (AWC) in Minneapolis, general interest films properly use both the male Mrs. Childs explained well-known for his leader- Minnesota, from where she “Time to Wait For and female ship of the “Moral Majority” draws much of the material Sex” and “Sex, Love, condoms, but during the 1980ʼs, his ada- used in her speeches, books & Relationships.” Mrs. they never see mant support of Creation- and videos. AWC, according Stenzel has also tar- or touch actual ism and “world evangeliza- to its website, is a Christian geted specific audi- condoms. (In tion” and his controversial organization that is “pas- ences with her films; fact, students statements, which include sionately pro-life.” Current “Character Matters” would not be blaming “abortionist, femi- CEO of AWC Dick Zahn is a film for parents, able to see nists, gays and lesbians, and writes that his mission is to while “Take A Look condoms in the ACLU” for the terror “present the good news of in the Mirror” is a film school even if Jesus and see souls saved for girls only. they wanted to attacks of 9/11. Perusing the for eternity. We also want In addition to her because there Liberty University website, one can find that the 50,000 to see the lives of babies own initiatives and Courtesy of Google Images arenʼt any. Courtesy of Google Images The health of- The female condom. students at Liberty Univer- saved from abortion.” AWC media, Mrs. Stenzel One of Mrs. Stenzel's books. THE PINGRY RECORD SPECIAL REPORT COMMENTARY MARCH 10, 2006 5 Students, Faculty Share Opinions Manipulation The Real Facts

By JEREMY TEICHER (VI) By SAM ADRIANCE (V) When I first sat down to write this article, I intended to defend Pam Stenzel is a powerful speaker. The way she holds herself the abstinence speaker, Pam Stenzel, who we listened to in assembly onstage, the way she emphasizes certain words, and her emotional early this February and has since been vilified by many members of connection with the audience all make for a gripping presentation. Mrs. the community. I was going to say that it was ok that a few of her Stenzel, however, manipulated this powerful emotional connection with statistics might have been a little off, until I did some research. First, the audience in order to instill fear and guilt. letʼs get the facts straight: Sure, I can appreciate Mrs. Stenzelʼs opinions about sex. I may Chlamydia is extremely common, and 75 percent of people who even agree with some of the points she made about certain risks. But have it donʼt know it. Also, while it can be cured with antibiotics when I absolutely do not appreciate or agree with the manipulative manner By Matt Laud (V) discovered, it can lead to infertility without treatment. Herpes and in which she presented her information. Take her stance on abortion, genital warts (HPV) can be transferred during sex even with a condom. for example. She may not have said this outright, but she essentially So far, Mrs. Stenzel has gotten everything right. called abortion murder. Remember when she spoke about how she was It is very rare, however, for either genital warts or Herpes to spread conceived in a rape and that she was glad her mother didnʼt choose the unless it is during an outbreak of either of the diseases. “death penalty” for her? Thanks, Mrs. Stenzel. The personal connection A strain of HPV can cause cervical cancer; however, it is not neces- she made with the facts made me, a pro-choice member of the audience, Tolerance sarily connected to the HPV virus that causes genital warts. The leap feel as if I were against her as a person. I was forced into feeling guilty Mrs. Stenzel made in connecting sexually-transmitted genital warts to simply because I disagreed with her. I donʼt think her methods are an By DR. MIKE RICHARDSON cervical cancer is not a legitimate connection to make based on the facts effective way to communicate facts about sex to teenagers. available. HPV strains 6 and 11 are the strains that cause genital warts. When she did speak about premarital sex, many of the students The kind of debate that followed Mrs. Stenzelʼs presentation is a Strains 16 and 18 are the ones that cause cervical cancer. Though rare, did not appreciate being called “less valuable” to their future spouses healthy one. The fact that some people disagree with her approach is these strains can be transmitted sexually, so it is a serious, if unlikely, than their virgin counterparts. Mrs. Stenzel said that we “should not also healthy and promotes the kind of intellectual atmosphere on which risk of sexual activity that supports frequent testing. dare” to lie to ourselves about sex, that if we so much as get slightly higher education is based. Furthermore, while HPV is a virus that, in the words of Mrs. Stenzel, intimate with another person, then we have cheated our future spouses. What I, personally, found disturbing was not what Mrs. Stenzel “canʼt be cured,” it usually leaves the body within six months to a year, Well, how dare Mrs. Stenzel stand on stage and yell that some students said but how some people reacted to her message based solely on her and leaves the person immune to that particular strain. are less “meaningful” or “dirtier” than others? Who is she to impose background. I heard phrases like “Christian conservative” and “faith- I count, just here, one major factual inaccuracy and two major her value system on a diverse audience, and even worse, make some based” being thrown about as if they were sufficient reasons to dismiss manipulations of fact. Despite her faulty statistics, Mrs. Stenzel did students feel incredibly guilty for choices that they made? I wonʼt even anything she said. I believe that this quickness to dismiss a messenger give us reason to discuss sex, and I certainly know a lot more about touch on her facts about contraception effectiveness, but no matter how based on his or her background shows a lack of tolerance that is based STDs now than I did before, if only because it spurred me to do my many statistics she shrieked, the emotional message hiding behind her on stereotyping, the ultimate goal of which is to discriminate. own independent research. Letʼs use this, therefore, as an opportunity to facts was very clear: if you donʼt agree with what she says, be afraid. Equally important, this kind of discrimination is anti-intellectual learn—about sex and also about not believing everything you hear. Very afraid. and all too symptomatic of the kind of debate that tends to show up on various talk shows that have become staples on AM radio and cable Sources: Wikipedia.org, Healthatoz.com, SFSI.com television. These kinds of shows, whether they are “conservative” or WJM? “liberal,” do not really advocate any kind of debate and are often anti- thetical to democracy. They rely on name-calling and the attachment Hidden Messages By ISAAC DAVIS (V) of some kind of label to someoneʼs argument as a means of dismissing his or her ideas as absurd or “crazy.” “Would Jesus Masturbate?” This is the title of the nine-page paper By DR. SUSAN DINEEN Pam Stenzel co-authored and emailed to my brother in response to his This is no different than what propagandists have done for thousands query into her views on masturbation. She claims that she gets this of years; it is typical of the kind of dehumanization of the “enemy” While the debate and research that has followed Mrs. Stenzelʼs question all the time, and this paper is what she and fellow “educators” that often takes place when countries are in the midst of war. If you speech has been healthy, I hope that we will never again invite an have produced to clarify their viewpoint. were to look at magazine articles from the period of World War II, unidentified faith-based abstinence educator as the keynote speaker to I believe the title speaks for itself, but just for clarity, allow me to you would find that all Germans and Japanese were portrayed as provide our students with sex education. While I would agree with those elaborate. The paper cites numerous biblical references explaining why half-monster/half-human. The same was true during the Civil Rights who argue we should not stereotype evangelical Christians or anyone God wants teenagers to repress every sexual emotion they feel until movements (particularly after the Civil War) in the way that blacks else, I think itʼs wrong to sanction — or appear to sanction — a speaker they are married. It has a lengthy section on the “Harmful Effects” of were caricatured. who uses her religious beliefs about sexual sin to scare and intimidate masturbation and debunks some popular “myths” about it. (Did you Now this type of stereotyping has become the standard in any kind an audience of students. Students are vulnerable enough about sex and know that there is no scientific evidence to support the theory that of debate. All too often the debate becomes a mere yelling of labels the very real threats posed by STDs. They donʼt need or deserve that masturbation relieves sexual tension?). like liberal, conservative, pinko, right winger, hawk, dove, ect. When kind of treatment or the cynicism that invariably follows it. Her essay explains how addictive masturbation is and compares it this happens, something precious is lost. Tolerance is the key because I also question the reasoning that because Mrs. Stenzel did not use to cocaine. In this paper, teenagers are compared to animals (“Are we it allows for a range of thoughts and opinions to be presented and religious vocabulary or symbolism, her presentation was fine for our saying that we can teach dogs to control their bowels inside a house, makes for more educated decision-making. Diversity means nothing non-denominational multicultural audience. In the end she presented but we cannot teach young people, created in Godʼs image, to control if we immediately close our minds because a speaker like Ms. Stenzel religious opinions without adequately explaining that they were reli- their sexual expression?”), and, much as Mrs. Stenzel did on Febru- went to Liberty University or has been described by her detractors as gious and personal, not universal. She presented opinion as fact. At the ary 7, it suggests that all teenagers are naïve, sex-crazed and must be “faith-based.” So let this be a true test of our tolerance, for we are most risk of being accused of more stereotyping, I would liken Mrs. Stenzelʼs restrained before we wreak havoc on a moral society. challenged when we hear something with which we do not agree. supposed neutrality to an unidentified Nazi party member coming to I urge you to read this paper (just contact me if youʼd like a copy) Pingry in the early 1930ʼs, being introduced as an expert on racial to see for yourself what Mrs. Stenzel ultimately seeks to achieve. After relations, and then threatening students with life-long psychological hearing her speak to us and reading this paper, I sincerely believe that and physical problems if they considered inter-racial marriages. Is the she is waging a war not on teen pregnancies and STDs but on sex and Changing Times problem about stereotyping Nazis — or abstinence educators — or sexuality itself, and she is disguising her crusade as religion and science. identifying the source of moralistic positions, particularly when those Donʼt be taken in by the disguise. By COURTNEY JACKSON (VI) moralistic positions are being used to promote psychological theories as fact, theories designed to instill divisiveness and fear? As an educator, I appreciated and respected Pam Stenzelʼs encouragement I think itʼs important to examine sources to better understand how and of abstinence. I understand why she is motivated to speak to why speakers have formulated their positions. students all around the country since sex is sold everywhere in Spreading Fear If weʼre going to have evangelists in to talk about sexuality, I propose our society and has led to many teenage pregnancies and STD we identify them as such and then have some other psychological, infections. By SHANNON MICH (V) medical and spiritual speakers come in as well. Headmaster Conardʼs In our day and age, however, abstinence until marriage, un- remarks a week after the assembly suggested that we will continue to less enforced by oneʼs own moral, ethical, cultural or religious Pam Stenzelʼs lecture on February 7 utilized fear tactics to frighten pursue sex education in that fashion, a message I applaud. the audience into abstinence until marriage and consequently succeeded values, is completely unfeasible and unrealistic. in getting attention for the wrong reasons. Mrs. Stenzel had an impres- It is true that there was a time when abstinence before mar- sive impact on the student body. Her use of near-apocalyptic statistics riage was acceptable for women; during the baby boom era, and warnings allowed her to secure the attention of a large audience most women got married between their late teens and early 20ʼs. for the entirety of a 60-minute assembly period. Unfortunately, the Marriage and sex almost went hand in hand in terms of timing. A Call for Balance same facts and figures that initially strengthened her presentation The female role in the American society demanded that women By NADINE REITMAN (VI) overpowered the underlying message in her speech. get married young and have children; therefore, abstinence Discussions following the lecture focused primarily on the statis- education was not really an issue. Everyone seems to have his or her own reason to dislike or negate tics and admonitions of her speech. A quote from the movie “Mean Womenʼs roles, however, have changed a lot recently. Today, Pam Stenzelʼs “educational” performance on February 7. Though I Girls,” “If you have sex, you will get Chlamydia and die!” seemed to women are educated, active competitors in the work force; they do not agree with her message or the way she presented it, that is not be the overall theme. Unfortunately, the far less scandalous message have developing careers and are not required to get married. In my main qualm. I am most concerned that our school did not present of Mrs. Stenzelʼs lecture—sex has important physical and emotional fact, many choose not to. This has allowed women the freedom any other sides to the sex education argument. I think it is legitimate consequences that should not be ignored—was lost in the wake of her to make their own decisions about their sexuality. As a result of to have an abstinence speaker, just as long as he or she is only one of controversial statements. this “independent women” theory, many women marry much many speakers about sex. Worse still, the impact of using fear tactics does not stop at com- later in life and do not need husbands to rely on. As a result National statistics suggest that even Pingry students are having sex, promising one vaguely fanatical presentation. Resorting to fear tactics of being independent, women are entitled to healthy sex lives, so what do we actually learn from an abstinence speaker? If students undermines the claim that teenagers are capable of making healthy and which are inevitably part of their biological curiosity and desire. are having sex, then they need factual information about sex. Students responsible decisions. Despite the partial truths of her cautions and Thus, sexual experimentation with multiple partners is naturally need to be informed about all the possible consequences, not just STDs ominous threats, it was ineffective to condemn us all to lifetimes of pain expected. and ways to guard against them. Students also need resources to turn to and empty relationships. Her dramatic warning that “you get what you Having sex before marriage in this new millennium is a huge after they have had sex about where they can get tested for STDs and are” ultimately detracted from the significance of the issue and undercut aspect in terms of composing your own identity and evaluating pregnancy, who they can talk to other than their parents and where they the dignity of the audience by assuming our impressionability. who you are. It deepens your understanding of your own expecta- can find medical attention without a parentʼs insurance card. Although Mrs. Stenzel had noble intentions, her use of fear to tions for yourself and your future spouse. It seems like many of Since Headmaster Conard hinted at an assembly after Mrs. Stenzelʼs influence the outcome of such a personal decision is demeaning and todayʼs failing relationships are due to a lack of communication, speech that the school would be addressing sex from other angles, I insulting. As students, we have the right to an informative, unbiased largely about sex. think the administration and PSPA should consider teaching the fol- presentation that influences our decision-making processes only by the I think waiting to lose your virginity until your wedding night lowing subjects: the realities about STDs and how to protect against use of facts, not by appealing to primitive fears. In attempting to shock is a huge risk in itself because it is so unpredictable and you are, them, support services for sexually active students, the emotional side and frighten the audience into adopting her perspective, Mrs. Stenzel in a way, gambling between your own happiness and possible dis- of having sex and being sexually active in a responsible manner. does a disservice to both her own message and the fundamental issue appointment. Through sex, you may learn things about yourself Since the abstinence argument has had its limelight, it is now time of teenage sexual behavior. that you wish you had known before you were married. for a truly educational sex talk. 6 THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS MARCH 10, 2006 Alumni Steal the Spotlight in the Music Scene “Come and Get” Rachel ing trumpet in ska band Face First, were misplaced at best, so we tra, wind ensemble, a jazz quartet Continued From Page 1 where he wrote and played music removed them, and the keyboard as well as musical theater produc- at the age of eight—and “made for more than five years. lines that now grace those songs tions, accompanying singers, and Stevensʼ New Album fun of by all the tough kids” as a In 2002, while working on a are actually afterthoughts… It took “the list goes on,” he says. “I was result—Gardner now appreciates double major in Child Develop- a little while to carve out our own very active in Pingry music and By ALEX SNAPE (V) ment and History at Tufts Uni- musical style, but I think weʼve got as a result my musical foundation the foundation he has for his musi- S Club 7 reached their peak in general. The heavy drums cal pursuits of piano, trumpet, and versity, Okamoto realized that the the idea now.” was solid.” band had “reached a musical wall "Beyond the creativity of mak- In 2005, Horowitz graduated in the late 90ʼs with hits like and guitars that drive the song primarily guitar and “Never Had a Dream Come merge skillfully with Rachelʼs voice. from the University of Michigan with a True,” “Two In A Million,” sultry lyrics. Gardner ma- and a hit show on ABC Fam- While the album flaunts its jored in Psychology double major in Mu- sic Composition and ily. In late 2002, all seven of stronger upbeat songs, it also at Tufts University maintains a more serene vibe where he met his English Literature them split, and only one has with “Nothing Good About future wife, Lauren and Language. It was had legitimate success as a Sullivan, and fellow at the University of solo singer: Rachel Stevens. This Goodbye” and “I Will band mates Ryan Michigan that Horow- Miller and Brian itz met the young men Rosenworcel; of his who eventually be- time at Tufts, Gard- came Tally Hall. ner remarks, “Who Formed in 2002 wouldʼve thought and based in Ann Ar- my rejection from bor, Michigan, Tally Harvard would be so Hall is a self-pro- good for me?!” claimed “wonky rock For more infor- band.” mation about Adam “Tally Hall was Gardner and Guster, named after a food visit www.guster. court thatʼs near com. where the rest of For more infor- the band grew up,” says Horowitz of mation about Re- Courtesy of Google Images. verb, visit www. Members of the alternative rock band Houston Calls. Keyboard player Rich the enigmatic title. rockreverb.org. Okamoto '91 is on the right. Their debut album, “Marvinʼs Marvelous with Face First. We wrote new ing music, the best part of playing Mechanical Museum,” released in RICH "OKIE" OKAMOTO '00 music, and the horns just didnʼt music is to see how it contributes November on label Quack!Media, seem to fit anymore.” to people," sayid Okamoto. “I like is also named in honor of this food Accepted into Pingry as a Accordingly, in 2003 the band playing to kids every night. Itʼs court after an arcade machine in kindergartner, Okamoto is what regrouped as Houston Calls—in- gratifying to have someone come the courtʼs center. he considers “the true definition spired by the movie “Apollo up and shake your hand, or ask Horowitz has won multiple of a lifer.” 13”—and Okamoto began play- for an autograph, or want to take notable awards including the 2004 His musical career began in ing the keyboard. According to a picture. Iʼm glad that these… John Lennon Scholarship Com- Courtesy of Amazon.com fourth grade under the tutelage of Okamoto, “the first two Houston songs mean something to someone petition for writing “Good Day” The predominant brunette of Be There.” The latter, while Mrs. Austen. Around tenth grade Calls songs are actually the last other than us, and that we get to as well as two Hopwood Awards the group has achieved success clogged with clichéd lyrics, Okamoto began singing and play- two Face First songs. The horns share that with people.” from the University of Michigan Signed to Rushmore Records, in the UK with five top ten radiantly pours glossy electro for writing fiction and poetry. Ad- singles, and a top ten album synth lines over sensuous or- a subsidiary label of Drive-Thru ditionally, mtvU, a channel of the Records, Houston Calls released Funky Dory. Rachelʼs sopho- chestral harmonies. “Nothing MTV Networks, named Tally Hall more album, Come And Get Good About This Goodbye,” And Now, for Something its debut album, “A Collection of one of the top five college bands It is a sophisticated artfully on the other hand, provides the Short Stories,” this past August. in the country in 2005. Okamoto will be playing with Currently, Horowitz is working crafted batch of modern pop album with an anthemic, yet Completely Different Houston Calls at the Hamilton on two side projects which were songs. Working with S Club dark, love song that flourishes Street Café in Bound Brook to- put on hold this past fall in order to producers Jewels and Stone with lyrics of loss and regret: By SAM ADRIANCE (V) night, March 10. For more in- focus on Tally Hall. He explained and Richard X, Stevens has “Only now Iʼve let go/Honey “Adaptation” may be the from both his story and Orleanʼs formation about Rich Okamoto that the first of these projects is easily come out with the best I just donʼt know/Sit right here strangest movie youʼll ever see, novel. and Houston Calls, visit www. an actual Toy Orchestra, “a rock pop album of 2005. and watch the sky above for and it will almost certainly be the Nicolas Cage plays both houstoncalls.com. band for toy instruments. In its The second single off the al- a sign.” most original. Charlie Kaufmanʼs Charlie and Donald Kaufman. first formation we played about a bum, “So Good,” achieved top Even with all the standout masterpiece is already three Cage draws a clear and well- ANDREW HOROWITZ '01 dozen concerts with fifteen mem- ten success in the UK due to its and acutely crafted pop songs, years old, but if you still havenʼt acted distinction between the bers. The idea was that anyone can refined production and earnest “Come And Get It”ʼs main seen it, you should move it to self-conscious but sophisticated Recognized within the Pingry create music.” lyrics. The song displays defi- criticism has been Stevensʼs the top of your list. Kaufman, Charlie and the dull but confident community for playing keyboard Horowitzʼs second develop- ant lyrics like “Iʼve made it on somewhat lackluster delivery also the screenwriter of “Being Donald. Often talking to himself in Tally Hall, the two year head- ment is a hip-hop duo with his my own again / Iʼll get back of some of the songs. Had John Malkovich” and “Eternal on screen, Cage displays tremen- liner for Spring Fling, Horowitz brother Steven Horowitz ʼ04, on my feet again / I know Iʼm some of the songs been given Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” dous versatility. Meryl Streep as began attending Pingry in fifth called the Baker Bros. The two gonna feel so good”, which to other artists, they couldʼve grade. brings brilliance in screenwriting Orlean and Chris Cooper as the remixed Jay-Zʼs “The Black Al- blend brilliantly with Rachelʼs been more positively received. Three years after learning bum” with contemporary classical to “Adaptation” that no one has eccentric “orchid thief,” also give chilling “ooooh” complement- While the album does lack to play piano—at the age of music; of the project, Horowitz accomplished excellent per- ing the other vocals. The most depth and intimacy, it rec- before. formances. 8—Horowitz was composing said, “Mixing and the art of en- recent single is the playful ompenses itself by supplying Lost for a The bril- music. He now sings, plays guitar, gineering is an instrument all in and suggestive “I Said Never pop music with one of the best way to adapt liance of this drums, percussion, and “a bunch itself.” the somewhat film, how- of random instruments.” For information about Andrew Again (But Here We Are)” that collections of catchy choruses plot-less book ever, is in During high school, Horowitz Horowitz and Tally Hall, visit shows influences of Adam and and amicable melodies in “The Orchard the writing. played for jazz ensemble, orches- www.tallyhall.com. the Antz and 80ʼs glam rock years. Thief” by K a u f m a n New Yorker juxtaposes writer Susan t h e t w o Orlean into halves of the Sunrise and Cereal, the Bliss of the Morning a m o v i e , film much mallows of Lucky Charms. victims grabbing for one recapturing the initial taste K a u f m a n the same way By RYAN MACGIBBON (VI) Trix are even in the shapes last gasp of air. They must and texture. This will not be puts himself Courtesy of Google Images he juxtaposes To the ears of one whose of various fruits. This great be saved, but only with the achieved, but is much less and his made- himself and eyes have been encrusted by diversity results in an awak- proper instrument; a large depressing than finding the up twin brother Donald (who his imaginary brother. The first sleep, the shuffling sound of ening of the senses. Cereal silver spoon works best, last bits of cereal soggy. To also got a screenwriting credit half is intellectually sophisticated cereal pouring into a glass is actually much more than plunged deep into the bowl. close out the morning ritual, for the film, making him the and interesting but ultimately bowl can be enlivening. As sustenance; itʼs the peace- The first bite brings a rush the remaining milk, which first non-real person ever to be pretentious and slightly boring, each morsel hits the bare ful second alarm clock of of sweet smooth milk and may or may not be sweet, nominated for an Oscar) into his whereas the second half is bla- glass with a plink, aware- the day. leaves a mouth chewing con- must be sipped deliberately, own film. tantly overdone and Hollywood- ness begins to open once O n c e t e n t l y , trying not to ingest the fine The film chronicles the writ- ized but much more exciting. again. By now, eyes have the pores satisfying cereal remains that wallow at ing of the screenplay of the novel Kaufman uses these intentionally been rubbed slowly, almost of sensa- crunches the bottom of the bowl. “The Orchard Thief,” incorporat- trite events to demonstrate the stretched open, and within tion have l e a v i n g After this awakening rite ing Orlean and both Kaufmans way that he has taken his own art- the visual field lies a heap- b e e n the mouth of cereal consumption, take (one real, one fictional) as char- movie pretensions to an extreme ing bowl of oneʼs preferred o p e n e d , intermit- in the slow colors of a clear acters in the story. “The Orchard within his own life, in order to cereal. the cereal Thief” is the non-fiction account protect himself from being emo- t e n t l y . sunrise or smell the damp air No matter what that pref- bombards of exotic plant collector, breeder tionally hurt. In the way the story The fol- of a cloudy morning. Make and dealer John Laroche (Chris dramatically shifts, Kaufman erence is, all cereal holds the eater l o w i n g the day like the preparation Cooper). finds the value in the exciting an intriguing appearance. w i t h a n bites are of a bowl of cereal, each ac- Picking and examining a a l m o s t h a r d l y tion held with some sort of Trying to summarize the plot but crude way that Hollywood Courtesy of Google Images. of “Adaptation” is a somewhat approaches movies and life. single bit from the mound, m a g i c a l c o m p a - intrigue. The first bite will futile exercise, but the movie Ultimately, “Adaptation” is one finds that each type of mix of texture and taste. rable, and then the cereal be found in the soft comforts mainly incorporates content a brilliantly original take on the cereal is unique. There are Fresh cool milk glistens on takes on its secondary ob- of bed. Sleep, like large of “The Orchid Thief.” Us- possibility of film that deserves a the simple and classic Oʼs the surface of the uppermost jective as nourishment. To spoonfuls, clears away all ing extensive creative license, chance from anyone who consid- of Cheerios. There are the cereal pieces. They jut out of cope with this reality, take else and brings the start of a Kaufman connects the characters ers himself a movie lover. fanciful and colorful marsh- the milk pool like drowning large bites with a hope of day anew. THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS MARCH 10, 2006 THE PINGRY RECORD ARTS MARCH 10, 2006 7 How to Crash the Oscars Put a Spring in Your Step with Hot New By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV) ABC is in for a “Crash” landing Asked what the late author would in the Oscar ratings. The Academy have thought of his portrayal, Spring Fashions in Tops, Bottoms, and Shoes Awards were down 10 percent Hoffman said backstage: “Heʼs a the Ralph Lauren spring trunk Max Azria Collection woman For shoes, wear strappy heels, from last yearʼs ceremony, based pretty elusive guy, so I donʼt know. By BETH HOMAN (IV) show were extremely expen- takes a carefree approach to especially ones that tie up the on preliminary Nielsen Media I donʼt know. It depends on if he Since December 21, the sive, the Katherine blouse, dressing, blurring the lines ankle, and for the bag, try any Research ratings. liked me or not and I donʼt know winter solstice, the days a blue ruffled shirt that cost between comfort and luxury. purse thatʼs leather. This year The ceremony, where “Crash” if he would.” have gotten about four The collection captures her bags made of woven vinyl or won a surprise best picture trophy, “Crash,” featuring an ensemble longer and the hundred dol- eclectic style and cool so- leather will be in style. drew a 27.1 rating and a 40 share. cast in intersecting story lines weather has lars, was the phistication. Coco Chanel once said, Each rating point is equivalent to over a violent, disturbing 36-hour gotten warm- epitome of Another good designer “Fashion is not something 1.1 million homes, while the share period in Los Angeles, was lifted er. Though the coming for the future months is Lela that exists in dresses only. indicates that 40 percent of the TVs by a late surge of praise that car- spring fash- Rose, who uses sequins, Fashion is in the sky, in in use last night were tuned to the ried it over “Brokeback Moun- many of win- terʼs activi- ion. pearls and silks to create a the street, fashion has to do awards. tain,” which had won most other B C B G pretty blend of classic and with ideas, the way we live, The ceremonyʼs central les- key Hollywood honors. “We are ties, includ- M a x A z r i a modern looks that really what is happening.” You can son: Play a real person trapped in humbled by the other nominees in ing indoor also has the exemplify the coming fash- choose to follow the fashion wrenching drama, win an Acad- this category. You have made this sports, are neutral colors emy Award. It worked last year for year one of the most breathtaking enjoyable, the ions. this spring, but remember Jamie Foxx in “Ray” and this time and stunning maverick years in winter season and ruffled You may ask, what about that fashion is who you are. around for Reese Witherspoonʼs American cinema,” said “Crash” must come to Strappy sandal by Brian Atwood. spring dress- accessories? Thereʼs always If you are yourself and walk portrayal of June Carter Cash in producer Cathy Schulman. an end and es that are es- the classic string of pearls, with confidence, you will “Walk the Line” and Philip Sey- “Brokeback Mountain” cap- spring will soon be on its sential for this yearʼs spring but beads are a great idea for look gorgeous wherever you mour Hoffman as the glory-hungry tured best adapted screenplay way. Along with it come fashion. For spring 2006, the the neck or wrist this spring. go. writer in “Capote.” for Larry McMurtry and Diana the new spring fashions of Witherspoon, who joined co- Ossana, and musical score for 2006. star Joaquin Phoenix as country Gustavo Santaolalla. This year womenʼs clothes legend Johnny Cash in singing in Supporting-performer Oscars are all about the small ad- the film, gave credit for her perfor- on Sunday went to George Cloo- ditions: buttons, bows, and mance to her mother and grand- ney in “Syriana” and Rachel Weisz ruffles are what itʼs all about. mother. “They taught me a lot and a in “The Constant Gardener.” Cloo- Another embellishment for lot of characteristics that a woman neyʼs win capped an exceptional clothing that will be hot this should have in life, and how tough year in which he made Oscar his- spring is embroidery; any women are and how strong we tory by becoming the first person stitching on shirts or jeans are,” she said backstage. nominated for acting in one movie will be in style. But donʼt get Hoffmanʼs performance cap- and directing another. The Edward rid of your plain white shirt tured Capoteʼs charm and the R. Murrow tale “Good Night, and from last year – all you have authorʼs self-serving style as he Good Luck” earned him directing to do is go out and buy some gathered material for his ground- and writing nominations. engraved buttons to replace breaking book, “In Cold Blood.” the boring old ones. If youʼd prefer to go out and buy some new clothes instead, and letʼs face it - we all really just want to go to the mall this weekend – stop by Anthropologie. Theyʼve From left to right: BCBG Floral Silk Halter, J. Crew Blouse, Polo Ralph Lauren Floral Wrap. got the cool buttons, the frilly shirts and even the busy flower prints and earth tones that are coming back into Strokes of Genius on Album style this year. A classic designer that fits the fashion this spring is Ralph Lauren. Although the “First Impressions of Earth” Courtesy of Amazon.com articles of clothing shown at eclectic style. of The World,” and “Red Light” Matt Dillon and Thandie Newton star in Crash. By GARRETT KEATING (V) The album almost feels as reveal the albumʼs positive influ- though it is a collaboration of dif- ences, and could be played at In 2001, The Strokesʼ debut al- ferent artists, with tracks ranging any form of social gathering. bum ““Is This It?”” was praised as from the upbeat to the manically The album also carries a dark Watts is Electric in King Kong one of the best albums of the year. depressing. This original sound, side, with songs such as “Vision resolution. first hour of the movie heʼs Comprised of Albert Hammond which branches far from their of Division” and “On the Other By TAHA RAKLA (III) Ten more minutes were difficult to take seriously. His Jr., Fab Moretti, Nikolai Fraiture, first two albums, revolves mainly Side,” which have dishearten- This yearʼs biggest and per- wasted with a gratuitous com- erratic eyebrow movements and front man Julian Casablan- around Casablancasʼs recent alco- ing lyrics that are reminiscent of haps most anticipated movie puter generated scene on an and profound lines proved cas, The Strokes were widely holic abstinence. Radiohead. was King Kong. This update icy pond in Central Park with to be a difficult combination recognized for their blend of remains fairly faithful to the Naomi Wattsʼ character Ann to watch. Later in the movie, music that sounded like a 1960ʼs 1923 original. The basic plot- Darrow. The scene was a however, his performance underground rock band that you line is as follows: big monkey little funny at first, but then it becomes stronger when his couldnʼt quite remember. “Is This is found, big monkey falls in got tiresome. There were also character becomes the real It?” was extremely innovative, love, big monkey is captured, some other awkward dramatic villain of the story and King yet you couldnʼt help feeling like big monkey is abused, big moments between Kong and Kong and Ann become the you had heard it before. It seemed monkey is killed. Ann that could have been main characters. Creepiness to revive the alternative genre, Throughout his career, Di- shorter. The movie should obviously suits this comedian- bringing forth similar artists, such rector Peter Jackson has made have been cut down to at least turned-scoundrel. as The Vines and The Hives. The a habit of N a o m i unclear and bleak vocals of Julian making mov- Watts did a Casablancas made “Is This It?” ies unneces- fantastic job as an appropriate soundtrack in the sarily long. lead character wake of 9/11. All of the Ann Darrow. Unfortunately, their highly action scenes She managed anticipated second album, “Room in King Kong to pull off a On Fire,” left much to be de- were long, c o n v i n c i n g sired. With the exception of a but also visu- performance, few songs, “Room On Fire” was ally amazing, despite acting a diluted duplicate of their first so I wouldnʼt alongside a gi- album. In what seemed like an suggest cut- ant computer- attempt at recapturing the magic t i n g o u t generated go- of their debut record, The Strokes those scenes. rilla. Adrian fell short, leaving fans wondering Courtesy of Amazon.com Brody played H o w e v e r , what happened to their unique a smaller part Anyone who has gone to a Clean and sober, Casablancas t h e r e w a s New York sound. one particu- than antici- Strokes concert before knows now brings a bright energy to the Due to the general disappoint- lar side plot- pated, and was what theyʼre in for. A fan that album, something nonexistent in ment of “Room On Fire,” their line that was fairly forgetta- does his or her research knows both “Is This It?” and “Room On completely ble. The stron- latest album, “First Impressions that in buying that ticket, he or Fire.” The lead singer, however, unnecessary: gest point of of Earth,” initially drew skepti- she runs the risk of going to see still retains his gloomy and heart- Courtesy of Google Images. cism from critics and fans before a drunken attempt at singing the rending ways on “First Impres- t h e m o v i e Naomi Watts and Adrien Brody star in King Kong. the movie was wasted time that it evoked its release. The first single on the lyrics. On the new album, how- sions of Earth.” creating a coming-of-age story two hours and a half. Three pity for the gorilla, which is album, “Juicebox,” comes on ever, Casablancasʼs vocals are Strokes fans will find this new with one of the young boys on hours taxes oneʼs patience and probably Jacksonʼs greatest strong, with its fast-paced base much clearer, which is a direct album gives them both everything the ship that helped find King is physically numbing. achievement in such an ambi- line, intense guitar riffs, and angry reflection of his sobriety. they loved about “Is This It?” plus Kong. After the ship arrives at The most intriguing part of tious project. vocals. “Juicebox,” however, “First Impressions of Earth” a completely original sound. I New York, the boy completely this rendition was Jack Black, King Kong would have does not represent the sound of almost seems to parallel Julianʼs strongly recommend this album disappears from the movie, his a strange actor to pick for been perfect at perhaps two the entire record. Rather, it serves switch in lifestyle. Tracks such and, at fifteen dollars, it is defi- plotline left hanging without such a serious role. For the hours long. 7/10. as an example of the bandʼs new as “You Only Live Once,” “Ize nitely worth buying. 8 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS MARCH 10, 2006 Professional Set, Professional Midterm Policy Under Scrutiny jects, saying, “Some science teach- just tell students what the test is By MELISSA LOEWINGER (V) ers want to give the mid-year exam going to cover, and not make the Show in Urinetown the Musical It has been four years and three in March, but that is impossible. It kids scramble for their September midterms since the administration would not be a mid-year exam!” notes?” Continued From Page 1 decided to establish its current English Department Head Mr. At Mr. Leefʼs previous school, midterm policy. The main goal of Shilts likes midterms but con- Rye Country Day, he said, “We had Urinetown means death the midterm was to “reduce student cedes that the majority of English our exams in March. That worked by being pushed off the stress and overload. It didnʼt make teachers dislike the midterm. A out in a great way.” UGC building. The news sense to have one test review an midterm is especially problematic Differing opinions among stu- shocks the rest of the rebels, entire year,” said former Upper for the semester English courses dents still exist. Annabell Suh (V) but after Little Sally, played School Director Adam Rohdie. that juniors and seniors take, Dr. said, “Iʼd rather just have finals by Ashley Ulker (VI), re- Despite the good intentions behind Dineen said, and often teachers because on finals there were less counts Bobbyʼs last words of the midterm, after having time to assign an in-class essay or some details. Midterms cause a lot of love and “hope,” Hope takes assess its effects, many students sort of assessment weighted as a stress in the middle of January, charge of the rebellion. The and teachers alike feel that the normal test or paper. we lose class time, and we have to current midterm policy has been rebels storm into UGC head- Current Upper School Director rush through things. Also, seniors more deleterious than beneficial, quarters, killing the guards Mr. Leef joined the faculty during still have to take midterms during and therefore has not accomplished the midtermʼs experimental period, application time.” and finally, Mr. Cladwell its goal. and because of this timing, the Michael Kreisbuch (VI) be- himself. They rename the Midterm policy is decided and 2004-2005 Academic Committee lieves that midterms were a good company the “Bobby Strong implemented by the Academic postponed reassessing and deter- idea, but that there is not enough Memorial Toilet Authority,” Committee, which is a group con- mining a definite midterm policy time in the school year for them, and everyone can finally sisting of all the department heads. for a year. Mr. Leef has declared saying, “They should extend the “pee for free.” A new midterm policy was going himself open to new ideas, saying, school year a week.” All the actors worked to be decided on Friday, February “There is more than one way to do On February 21, a letter from extremely hard during re- 17. This did not occur because, as things. Cumulative exam exercises Upper School Director Jon Leef to hearsals. They had to work Head of the Academic Committee are valuable, but the price is time. parents announced, “While a final on not only acting, but sing- Mrs. Geacintov said, “The teach- It takes a lot of time. Is it worth decision has not been made, the ing and dancing as well. ers feel they need more time to the time? I donʼt think midterms traditional midterm exam format During some rehearsals, define the word assessment. My are necessary.” will not be in place for this coming they were split into groups, prediction, however, is the decision Mr. Leef mentioned some school year. While there will be no and one group would work will be departmentally divided. alternative options that he would formal Semester Break, we will on the dance routine while The week set aside for midterms prefer, saying, “Why canʼt you move to a four day Presidentsʼ Day another practiced singing will become just another normal give a June test and the teacher Weekend from February 17-20. the songs. school week during which the Director Mrs. Stepha- Courtesy of the Development Office departments that choose to do so nie Romankow encouraged Sam Waterbury (V) and Ashley Ulker (VI) perform a scene can administer a midterm exam in class. We will probably have the actors to put emotions during a production of Urinetown. a day off from school thrown in No Hypnotist, No Heat into their work. “I want to Andrew Moore. Mr. Mark students Heather Benjamin somewhere to serve as a semester feel the adrenaline coming Watson was the showʼs vo- (V) and Mai-Yin Piccard break.” through your veins,” she cal coach. (V). Many of the dances In general, Mrs. Geacintov said, said. Clearly everyone took Behind the scenes, faculty were spoofs of other musi- the math and foreign language her suggestion to heart and members and crew worked cals, including “Fiddler on departments strongly favor the cur- created the spine-tingling with sounds, lights, stage- the Roof” and “Les Mis- rent midterm policy. Head of the finished product. Zacharias managing, and creating the erables.” Ultimately, Ms. Math Department Mr. Tramontana (IV) believes that "finally set. Wheeler feels that “Itʼs been said, “I am strongly in favor of the figuring something out - in- The director of set de- a really, really, fun cast to midterm because it gives students dividually or communally sign, Mrs. Jane Asch, is a work with.” a chance to revisit topics discussed - is plenty rewarding." professional scenic artist The entire show could through the fall. In math, itʼs a Sam Waterbury (V), who who has been working with not have been realized with- value. Another test taking experi- played Officer Lockstock, Pingry dramas for many out the dedication of stage ence makes kids better test takers in commented, “Urinetown is years. For Urinetown, she managers Chantal Berman the future. I have also noticed that hilarious, and itʼs great to first designed and created (VI) and Nadine Reitman there is an extra desire to seek extra Courtesy of Google Images. work on a show that you the blueprints for the set. (VI), whom Sam Adriance help from the department, which in This is what you should have worn to Winterfest. actually enjoy. The cast is Then, while the actors were (V) described as, “two of the itself is a good thing.” Dr. Murray, representing the first day back from winter break, so great. Every day, I laugh rehearsing scenes, the crew most amazing girls you will History Department, said of the By CASSIE OSTERMAN (III) which gave students only four at the same jokes, because was busy sawing, cutting, ever meet.” Coming on the heels of the days notice.” theyʼre funny everyday. midterm, “I have mixed feelings. painting and putting the fin- Others who worked be- I do not support going back to popular homecoming dance earlier Even so, Winterfest has a his- Everything is fresh, even ishing touches on the set. hind the scenes include what we had before. I originally in the year, Student Government tory of poor attendance, according though weʼve done it 1,000 To Mrs. Asch, “Whatʼs technical director Melinda supported the midterm because I had high hopes for Winterfest. to Senior Class President Adam times.” remarkable is that the kids Zoephel (IV) and techno- did not like the full year final in Attendance, however, fell far Goldstein (VI). The pit band performed were doing this.” She en- logical assistants Cameron which students are expected to below expectations, leaving most Last yearʼs Winterfest incorpo- the music for the show from joys theatre in that everyone Lan (III), Martha Johnson cram and have a detailed knowl- attendees disappointed with the rated a hypnotist, whose readings their on-stage hideaway. works together as a team, (III) and Scotty Ekenthal edge of Chapter 1. That is inhu- turnout. and predictions were a popular The pit band included flut- and would especially like (IV). Mrs. Victoria Grant man. However, within my own “It would have been good if attraction. With the success of ist and French teacher, Mrs. to “extend a ʻthank youʼ and Mrs. Shelly Hartz also department, the total support for more people had come,” said homecoming fresh in their minds, Jane Roxbury, percussion- to Tom Varnes, Stephanie contributed to the produc- the midterm has declined because Maya Artis (III). “By the end of however, Student Government ist Connor Sheehan (III), Romankow, Trish Wheeler tion by organizing and find- of the lost teaching time. Current the Friday night dance, it was ap- expected that a Winterfest dance trombonist Rob Tilson (VI), and Al Romano for being ing many of the props and midterm policy is flawed in that it parent that only half the number of could draw more people than the students that went to homecoming hypnotist did. They hired the DJ pianist Annabel Suh (V), wonderful collaborators, costumes. hasnʼt solved the initial problem of had come to Winterfest.” from homecoming instead of a saxophonist Dan David- student stress, but has created new saying, “Itʼs a privilege to be With amazing set design, “The dance wasnʼt well ad- hypnotist. son (V), clarinetist/saxo- working with them.” music, and an extremely problems.” Mrs. Geacintov said that the vertised,” Zara Mannan (III) said. The dance took place in the phonist and adjunct faculty Faculty member Ms. talented cast, Urinetown “The students were given very Hyde and Watson gym in the early member Mr. Shapiro, and Trisha Wheeler was the was an extremely successful Science Department differs in opinion amongst the various sub- short notice. The announcement evening. To create a more intimate pianist and conductor Dr. choreographer, assisted by production. of Winterfest, which took place space, the overhead curtain was on Friday, January 9, came the lowered to separate the gym into two halves. The decorations for Winterfest were reduced from the homecom- Word in the Hall: Are Senior Parking Privileges a Good Idea? ing dance, which featured a huge indoor tent and many sit-down tables. “The décor was kind of boring and bland,” Artis said. The food received good re- views, however, “There was a large buffet, bearing all kinds of drinks and food, set up along the wall. The food was incredible,” Mannan said. Reactions to Winterfestʼs “ski- bum” theme were mixed. Although JUSTIN OPLINGER (VI) a large majority of Student Gov- BEN MACKOFF (V) WILL STAMATIS (III) JEFF ZIMMERING (V) ernment members supported the choice of theme, “it wasnʼt a theme "It's ridiculous "What parking that anybody could relate to,” said "I think they're "Why do they get Mannan. “Maybe it should have privileges? Wait, because the real great because privileges?" been a Hawaiian-oasis theme.” I'm not supposed to “The dance had a lot of poten- world does not they're really tial,” Mannan said. “We learned be parking there?" some things about what works and favor anyone." convenient." what doesnʼt, so weʼll know how to set it up better for next year.” THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS MARCH 10, 2006 THE PINGRY RECORD SCHOOL NEWS MARCH 10, 2006 9 Students Dress Up, Get Down, and Give Back Every Performance, discover their own ways of Down Syndrome, Anthony who is a founding member By JILLIAN LUBETKIN (V) giving. Students that show Parisi (II) decided to col- of Support Our Siblings Pingry is prized for its initiative and generate their lect money for National Autism Foundation. the Crowd Went Crazy own projects highlight some Down Syndrome Society. The $1,250 raised was strong sense of commu- By DAN DAVIDSON (V) nity and its emphasis on the of the schoolʼs emphasis on He teamed up with Meredith split between the three or- importance of community helping others. Skiba (IV), who volun- ganizations. The students Paul Zindelʼs “Every 17 teenager. While some per- service and outreach. The On Friday, January 13, teers at the Stepping Stones augmented the dress down Minutes the Crowd Goes Cra- ceived these brief scenes as community service commit- Pingryʼs Upper and Middle School and Early Interven- day with a bake sale that zy,” the Drama Departmentʼs out of place or over the top tee, with advisor Ms. Hartz, Schools held the first dress tion Center for children with raised almost $500. An- first ever winter play, dem- in their presentation, actor helps students construct down day of 2006. Inspired developmental disabilities, thony was pleased by the onstrated the depth of acting Ned Adriance (III) disagred, their own opportunities and by his baby sister who has and Evan Rosenman (IV), success of the project, and talent in the community. With noting that these scenes were said, “If you donʼt have a many actors participating in “the best part of the play in cause close to your heart, the winter musical, the black that they were a really close think about it closely and box winter play still provided representation of what has work hard at it.” a thoroughly entertaining, al- become modern advertising Hanna Morris (I) is an- beit brief, performance. and popular culture.” other student willing to Directed by alumna Alicia Although an immediate re- share her time and talents. Hogan ʼ02, the play revolves sponse is to blame the parents Hanna decided it would be around a group for the mental unraveling of fun to record books on tape. of children their children, She researched institutes who have been abandoned by these thought- for the blind and decided their parents provoking in- to send recorded books for and left alone terludes make preschoolers and kindergar- to fend for one ponder teners to St. Josephʼs School themselves. the role that for the Blind in Jersey City, The interac- society plays the only school for the blind tions between in determin- in New Jersey. She has re- the children, ing the hap- corded almost a dozen books along with piness of its and has inspired friends to their own per- members. do the same. sonal reflec- The most Hanna, Meredith, Evan, tions on the common com- and Anthony all created their situation, con- plaint regard- J. Ellwanger (VI) own projects after finding stituted some ing this oth- Senior Balladeers serenade a lucky senior citizen at the Intergenerational Prom. causes that they were pas- of the most en- erwise stellar sionate about. Other Pingry joyable parts M. Bialecki (VI) presentation students have also shared of the play. Scott Eckenthal (IV) was its brev- More Applications, Competition their time and resources in These same delivers a monologue. ity. There was upcoming community ser- scenes also displayed the little plot development, and This year more applicants 610-720, 620-710, and 610- vice opportunities, such as Continued From Page 1 best acting, with very believ- some felt that this was a applied and many of them were 720 for critical reading, math, the Intergenerational Prom able conversations between waste of the talent with which highly qualified. “We found and writing respectively. on February 14, when stu- characters and heartfelt so- the actors played their parts. leagues and others in the this early decision pool to be Williams, consistently a dents ate, talked and danced liloquies that enraptured the This complaint was vastly field that, across the board, the very powerful,” said Dean of top-ranked liberal arts school, with local senior citizens audience. outweighed, however, by the admissions rate was particu- Admission Janet Rapelye in admitted 221 of 554 appli- while the sounds of the But- While many of us may quality of the overall perfor- larly tough this year. I canʼt the Daily Princetonian. cants, accepting 41 percent of tondowns, the Baladeers, The average SAT scores the class of 2010. The number think that finding ourselves mance. state that as fact, but schools and the Jazz Band set the like Georgetown released a at Princeton, however, were of applicants also increased by home alone would be great, The terrific performance statement that the early ap- similar to earlier classesʼ, with 5 percent. mood. Another community the performance truly em- of “Every 17 Minutes the plicant pool had increased but the only exception of a new The average SAT scores for service option is visiting to phasized that our parents, Crowd Goes Crazy” proves they accepted fewer students to writing section. The average the accepted students were 708 the Market Street Mission although not always our fa- why we should all try harder create more space for regular critical reading, math, and on Critical Reading and 711 in Morristown to bring toys vorite people in the world, are to see our peers perform in all decision applicants. Iʼm pretty writing scores were 720, 730, on Math. to those who have none. always there for us when we walks of life. sure others did the same.” and 720 respectively. Mr. McClellan points out For community service op- need support. Ted Moller (V) was im- According to Yale Daily The middle 50 percent of that despite this trend, Pingryʼs portunities both in school Many viewers thought the pressed by the quality of the News, Yale accepted 724 of its this yearʼs senior class re- senior class has not suffered and in your town, contact most unique feature of the acting and also “enjoyed the applicants, resulting in a 17.7 ceived an average score of too grossly, saying “Pingry has Community Service Coor- play involved the interludes personal setting of the attic percent early action admis- always surpassed the average dinator Mrs. Shelley Hartz, featuring commentary on the theater because it made the sions rate. In the spring, Yale acceptance rates, and this year or Community Service Club popular culture-dependent messages of the play far more will be accepting 1,150 more is no exception.” President Jen Hetrick (VI). lifestyle of todayʼs average powerful.” students with an admissions MYSPACE, XANGA rate of 6.8 percent. Yale received a record AND FACEBOOK 20,903 of total applications Fashion, Fine Arts, and Finance for Seniors this year, a 7.5 percent increase from last year. Yale President BANNED IN SCHOOL By JEN SOO HOO (VI) Richard Levin attributes the Continued From Page 1 Friday, January 27, 2006 was spike in the number of appli- originally a dress down day, cants to Yaleʼs new financial students but that the Admin- but not for seniors. The Pingry aid policy. In addition, Dean istrative Group “made the best Alumni Association organized of Undergraduate Admissions decision possible.” their seventh annual Career Day Jeffrey Brenzel stated that this He continued, “These kinds for all seniors to dress up and year the Admissions Depart- of decisions are ongoing con- participate in. In 1999, Jackie ment particularly searched for versations. We are still in the Sullivan, Director of Alumni/ students coming from poor process of developing comput- Parent Relations started this families. program with the goal for seniors er curriculum for both middle Other Ivy Leagues schools to learn more about different also said that they have re- and upper schoolers, and we are future careers through the eyes ceived more applications this also planning cyber-saftey talks of previous alumni. year than in previous years. with students and parents.” The day started in the Macrae The University of Pennsyl- Students, many of whom Theater listening to the Keynote vania received 20,350 regu- were previously unaware of the speaker, Jane Sarkin OʼConnor lar-decision applications, an web filter, have had mixed re- ʻ77. Ms. OʼConnor is currently Courtesy of the Alumni Office. increase of 8 percent from sponses to the ban. Tai Demaio the Features Editor of Vanity Seniors listen to State Senator Tom Kean talk about his work on Career Day. last year. Similarly, Columbia (VI) said, “I like it, because Fair Magazine. She told the se- job and said, “The only way I Law, Media, Medicine, Entre- Mr. Charlie Stillitano ʼ77, cur- University experienced a 9 now all the middle schoolers niors that she was just like them could make it work was to make preneurship, Sports Manage- rent CEO of Champions World, percent increase, receiving canʼt go on and take up all the when she was their age wonder- it work for myself”. ment/Marketing, Engineering even took it one step further by 19,730 applications, while broadband width,” while Ash- ing, “Where am I to go?” Having a keynote speaker and Politics. Overall, the three marketing his own company by Brown University received ley Walker (VI) said, “The filter She told the students about set the tone and direction for the most popular choices were handing out free T-shirts at the 15,871, a 6.7 percent increase. is ridiculous and unnecessary, how she originally wanted to rest of the day. Ms. OʼConnorʼs Entrepreneurship, Advertis- end of the Sports Management/ Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard because people can get around become a medical doctor, but final words of advice were, “Do ing/Marketing, and Investment Marketing session. and Princeton have not yet the barrier.” later switched to an English everything to the best of your Banking/Financing. Although the day was consid- released admissions data. Many students, however, are major because she wanted to be ability, be indispensable, have These sessions were sup- ered a success, everyone still had While Princeton has not part of the magazine world. largely indifferent to the filter. a positive mental attitude, and posed to be informative and different opinions about Career released its regular decision She related her struggles in strive for excellence. If you do helpful in studentsʼ decisions Day and what they liked about admissions information, it has As Carl Ruggiero (VI) put it, moving up from an Editorial this, you will succeed.” for future careers that would suit it. Adam Goldstein (VI), whose still released its early decision “I donʼt use Xanga or Myspace Assistant position of Interview The seniors then headed out them. Some seniors knew what favorite session was Politics, statistics. Princeton accepted or Facebook, so I donʼt really magazine to Features Editor to attend three consecutive 45- they wanted to pursue as a career thought the Keynote speaker 599 of the 2,236 early decision care.” of Vanity Fair, working with minute career sessions chosen in while others didnʼt. The point of was “overwrought.” Sarah Ober- applicants, an acceptance rate For a student's response to recent Hollywood stars such as advance. The choices were Ad- Career Day was to provide an render (VI), who like the Media of 27 percent that decreased by the Web filter, turn to Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and vertising/Marketing, Behavioral opportunity for everyone to gain session the best, thought Career 2 percent in comparison to last Commentary on page 2. Lindsay Lohan. She explained Science, Fine and Visual Arts, more information about potential day as a whole was “actually yearʼs acceptance rate. her issues adjusting to her new Investment Banking/Finance, careers that interest them. very interesting and fun”. 10 THE PINGRY RECORD FEATURES MARCH 10, 2006 Life After Graduation: From Pretty in Pink to Entourage, Show Business Takes FourSight through Pingry and The Record remembered their coffee cake. By HALLIE BIANCO (IV) when he interviewed fellow alum He said heʼd hire me if I brought George Heller ʻ97 runs his Andrew McCarthy '80, star of him coffee cake, so every morn- own production company, Four- 80ʼs classic “Pretty in Pink,” for ing Iʼd go get him baked goods. Sight Entertainment, where he an article. “I got him do a phone I credit him and that experience represents writers and directors interview…and then I kept in with being where I am today.” for film and television, and is touch with him and I stalked him His advice to kids interested a producer. This entails finding and called him and I convinced in the movie business is simple: and working with writers he rep- him that I would stop if he got “See as many movies as possible, resents and acquiring properties me a job as his assistant. So read as many scripts as possible, and rights to produce. go to film school, and just make Since he went to college for "See as many movies movies.” He also recommends screen writing, Mr. Heller said Mr. Delmanʼs class, saying, “I the part he enjoys most about his as possible, read as owe a lot of my success to him. job is “living vicariously through I took his class and that was the Courtesy of Google Images. many scripts as possi- first time I had held a camera and The cast of HBO's hit show “Entourage.” George Heller represents award-winning our writers by reading screen- Entourage writer Cliff Dorfman. plays.” He also likes “being the ble, and just make mov- itʼs just an amazing class.” owner of my business and being He also has some movie my own boss.” ies." - George Heller recommendations that his firm Outside of his work, Mr. has been involved with: “Weʼre Comedy Writer Ruprecht ʼ87 Is Heller “loves California because the summer after eighth grade I executive producing ʻHavenʼ you can go one hour and ski worked as his assistant in New with Orlando Bloom and Bill and another hour and go to the York making this really bad, Paxton and “The King” with the Word Man Behind Letterman beach.” He also loves the out- cheap horror movie called “Dead Gael Garcia Bernal and William that his favorite teachers bookstore one day when I doors and spends his free time Funny,” which no one ever saw. Hurt. His firm also represents By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV) were “Pat Lionetti, who let guess I was in 10th grade. biking, running and, of course, I got him coffee and stuff. He Cliff Dorfman, who is one of Another career day speak- me write silly little things Anyway, I started browsing “keeping in touch with Pingry had grown up in Westfield, and the writers of the HBO show er, Tom Ruprecht ʼ87, has for The Record, which really through a book of Woody through the website.” in Summit there was this bakery “Entourage” and is nominated also hit big in the world of got me started on my way,” Allenʼs short stories, and Mr. Heller got his big break called Trostʼs Bake Shop, and he for a Writerʼs Guild Award. media. Mr. Ruprecht said and Dean Slyuter, “who al- I recall actually thinking, lowed me to take a creative ʻWow, this is actually his approach to writing papers JOB to write this kind of and provided a lot of wise stuff! How can I swing On the Bestseller List: Gernet ʼ74 and Karp ʼ92 advice that helped me better something like that for my- bond. Gernert describes Grisham writing and books. Without [it] month. This, Karp said, gives the By EVAN ROSENMAN (IV) my style.” self?ʼ And thus a mediocre as a “very good friend” and says he I might never have discovered company optimum time to focus After graduation, Rupre- career in comedy writing David Gernert ʼ74 has un- is “smart and articulate, but very that.” “relentlessly and exclusively” on dergone a meteoric rise in the down-to-earth.” And with a few words of fare- the selected authorʼs work. cht went on to the Univer- was born!” publishing world. The founder When Grishamʼs agent died in well, itʼs back to the wild world When asked how he chooses sity of Pennsylvania, where In terms of advice for of the Gernert Company, a New 1995, he asked Gernert to become of publishing, and family, for Mr. just twelve books a year to publish, he majored in English. “I aspiring comedy writers, York literary agency, Gernertʼs his agent, and the following year Gernert. Mr. Karp explained, “The one enjoyed some of the lit- Ruprechtʼs advice is abso- clients include John Grisham, the Gernert Company was born. word answer in terms of our stan- erature classes I took there. lutely honest and startling- Peter Straub, Stewart OʼNan, and Gernert personally handles about dard is singularity. Weʼre a filter Of course, ly simple. drummer-turned-autobiographer 15 clients while the agency has basically and we take that pretty there were "Comedy writing is “ C o m e d y Tommy Lee. Yet, while being about 60 in total. seriously. Our standards include other class- writing is a While he claims not to have a originality, exclusivity, and Iʼm es (such as a competitive field, competitive particularly unique approach to really looking for affirmation, 19th century there's no question. field, thereʼs business, Gernert only works with redemption, something positive. poetry) that no question. those writers whom he considers A little bit of sizzle is absolutely I absolutely Everyone is looking Everyone is friends. “I just happen to feel that necessary. But basically, you kind despised. I for some bagic solu- looking for it would be very difficult for me of know when youʼve got some- donʼt know some mag- to do my best work on behalf tion about how to thing special.” what it is, ic solution of someone who I dislike,” he For those interested in his line but the mo- break in and there is about how says. ”I want to believe in them of work. Mr. Karp said to “follow ment I see to break in personally.” Furthermore, while your curiosity and your passion. none." - Tom Ruprecht the Gernert Company only ac- The rest will follow.” He added poetry, my a n d a l a s cepts about 15% of unsolicited that “silence and timidity will get e y e s j u s t t h e r e i s materials submitted by authors, you nowhere.” glaze over. I canʼt tell you none. First and most impor- its founder looks for only one Courtesy of Amazon.com In a wonderfully candid mo- how happy I am to be at a tant is to write and write and thing in manuscripts, namely, the ment, Mr. Karp ended with, “I point in life where no one write and write (oh, and then ability to write. JONATHAN KARP '92 frankly canʼt believe they pay me can ever force me to read write some more). I realize Ability is “so apparent, so to do this; I love it.” another poem.” you are all probably hoping quickly, itʼs kind of remarkable,” By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV) Karp came to Pingry as a Ruprecht has since gone for a piece of advice that said Gernert, who further ac- freshman in 1978 and graduated on to first intern for “The somehow doesnʼt involve When it comes to book pub- Courtesy of Amazon.com knowledges Pingry as the place in 1982. In addition to JV baseball Late Night with David Let- painstaking effort, but itʼs where he learned to recognize lishing, Jonathan Karp ʼ92 seems (“Mr. Tramantona cut me from the interviewed, Gernert is humble, to have the magic touch. This for- terman Show” and then get really important. Another courteous, and refreshingly down- good literature. varsity because I was basically hired as a full-time comedy thing...is the entertainment An absolutely pleasant inter- mer head of Random House and good field, no hit”), he wrote for to-earth. current Editor-in-Chief of Warner writer for him. He highly world is changing (for the When speaking of his career, viewee and quite clearly a “regular The Record all four years, was the recommended finding a better) in that a ton of new guy” himself, Mr. Gernert was 12 has worked with everyone Gernert attributes his success “first Editor-in-Chief, and had a column good internship, saying, opportunities are popping forced to wrap up our conversation from Alan Alda to Donald Trump and foremost to luck. Anyone who called “The World According to “My internship with Letter- up. Iʼd advise young writers quickly to pick up one of his four on their respective memoirs as Karp,” which was a reference to does not admit that luck plays an well as published a string of hit man gave me more practical to seek out ways to get their enormous part in their career is children. He shared a final few one of his favorite novels, John words on Pingry and the effect it books including “Seabiscuit,” Irvingʼs “The World According knowledge than any class I stuff seen on the Internet. just being dishonest. I was very “The Orchid Thief,” “Shadow had in college.” He has also In a profession full of de- lucky.” has had on his life: “Thereʼs no to Garp.” question that what I did in high Divers,” and "The Dante Club." He said, "Iʼll always be grate- written for GQ Magazine pressing odds, this is a good He remembers that during his Mr. Karp has said that his current and his op-ed pieces have thing.” later years at Pingry, “you had to school…steered me toward this ful to Pat Lionetti for setting me job as Editor-in-Chief was a long been featured multiple times He added that “equally write every week, so part of your career because it was in those on my way and for being the first years that I realized what I cared time coming. "Iʼve always loved teacher to inspire and encourage in the New York Times. important, an internship high school life was writing.” books and admired authors," he This, he says, has served him about. Pingry helped me discover me as a writer and an editor." He enjoys his job mostly allows you to see what itʼs explained. "When I was a news- because, “I really enjoy the like to work in a profes- “better than anything else I ever paper reporter, I was devouring immediacy of doing a show sional environment. It also learned, studied, or did.” books by major American writers After graduating from Pingry, of fiction and nonfiction. Their every day. Itʼs a blast being allows you to see if this is Gernert attended Brown Univer- work seemed so wise and com- able to write jokes about a type of job you even want sity and then started a nonprofit manding. I figured the best way to whatʼs going on in the world to pursue. Be prepared for company promoting music. Even- learn about good writing was to be that day and have it be on TV the fact that youʼre at the tually, he moved back to New in an environment where I could a few hours later. Of course, bottom of the ladder. Trust York to choose a career. be exposed to great writers like doing a show every day also me, nobody wants to hear He took a secretarial position them, so I answered some classi- creates an incredibly stress- an intern griping about the at a publishing house and rose to fied ads in The New York Times ful environment and makes fact that they have to do the position of editor-in-chief at for editorial assistant jobs and me a prime candidate for a photocopying. Just go into Doubleday by the age of 32. Two was hired by Random House be- future heart episode, but itʼs it realizing thatʼs the gig, years later, he bought the pub- cause I could type 100 words per a small price to pay to keep keep a good attitude and lishing rights to John Grishamʼs minute. I stayed for 16 years." you people entertained!” work hard, secure in the second novel, “The Firm,” for His current company, Warner He said that he first got knowledge that if you do $200,000 dollars, and thus began 12, an offshoot of TimeWarner, their partnership, which grew into interested in writing when a good job, it will lead to is famous for only publishing “I was goofing around in a other, better things.” both a professional and personal Courtesy of Amazon.com twelve books a year, one every Courtesy of Amazon.com THE PINGRY RECORD FEATURES MARCH 10, 2006 THE PINGRY RECORD FEATURES MARCH 10, 2006 11 Alumni in the Work Force Beyond American Pie: The Bender Brothersʼ Hollywood Hits studios and followed up with cold to become a literary manager at By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV)calls and spoke with whomever an upstart production/manage- answered the phone looking for ment firm Zide Films, Bender Prior to interviewing one of a way in. The only available met and hired Mr. J.C. Spink, a our most famous recent gradu- opportunity that resulted from fellow Bucknell graduate with ates, I entered the name Chris all those letters and calls was an an interest in producing. After a Bender into the search box of unpaid internship in the publicity year and a half, the duo left Zide IMDb.com. The feeling that department at New Line Cinema. and started their own production resulted could only be described Despite having little interest in company, Benderspink, out of as more than slightly overwhelm- publicity at that time, I rely on a three-bedroom house in Hol- ing. Mr. Bender, who graduated those contacts and that experi- lywood where they were also class of 1989, has produced some ence today as a producer. Ad- roommates. of the most buzzworthy films of ditionally, due to that internship, Bender seems to genuinely the last decade, ranging from love his job and does not plan on “American Pie” and “Monster "When you're a director switching to any other aspect of in Law” to “Red Eye” and “A the movie industry. “When we History of Violence.” or writer you're gener- started our company, we managed He explained that his inter- fourteen young writers and we est in movies and storytelling ally forced to focus on developed their screenplays in or- stemmed from his childhood. one project at a time. der to initiate their careers while “When I was younger, my dad also providing us with material to purchased one of the first home I'm really happy as a produce. By working with young video cameras and my brother writers on multiple projects, my [Mike Bender ʻ93] and I used to producer for now." screenplay development skills make short movies and then edit - Chris Bender continually improved. I enjoy them with two VCRs,” he remi- working on more than one project Courtesy of Google Images. nisced. Another factor was sim- at a time. When youʼre a director Rachel McAdams acts in “Red Eye,” a film produced by Chris Bender '89. ply “growing up in New Jersey I was later introduced to a young or writer youʼre generally forced the first time with Jane Fonda first ʻAmerican Pie.ʼ” with not much to do other than writer whom I ultimately devel- to focus on one project. Iʼm really and I very much felt like a kid His advice to aspiring writers MIKE BENDER '93 seeing movies all summer at the oped ʻAmerican Pieʼ with.” happy as a producer for now.” from New Jersey, very much and producers is both motivating Not to be outdone by his AMC theater in Morristown.” At New Line, Bender was He then detailed his encoun- out of place, but once it became and comforting. “The nice thing producer brother, Mike Bender “It was always in the back of given his first paying job working ters with celebrities: “Yeah, you a creative conversation, I was about the film business is that, ʼ93 has achieved tremendous my mind to pursue a career in as a company “floater” and then still get starstruck, because thereʼs comfortable... for the most part.” unlike many other businesses success in his own right, as a film,” he said. “I just didnʼt have as an assistant in theatrical dis- always going to be someone Mr. Bender came to Pingry as a which require specific schooling, Hollywood screenwriter, writ- any direct contacts. I hadnʼt taken tribution. “Both these jobs gave that you havenʼt met yet whose freshman in 1985 after attend- you donʼt necessarily need to ing such films as “Not Another film classes work you ing public school in Florham go to film school. You just have Teen Movie” for Sony Pictures. at Pingry al- admire. Park. He fondly recalled being to find a way in. When I look After working with such Hol- though look- W h a t ʼs “a runner and swimmer,” and back on what got me to where lywood hotshots as Tom Cruise, ing back, nice about added candidly, “ I was also I am now, there wasnʼt really a Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, and I know I working involved in an assortment of formula. Itʼs really perseverance, Jack Black (“Iʼve been writing would have i n t h i s clubs so that I could enhance my hard work, and taking advantage the short films for the MTV enjoyed it. industry college application.” Some of his of every opportunity and contact Movie Awards for six years and During my i s t h a t favorite teachers included Mrs. you make. If you can find a way pretty much everybody has come sophomore you can Grant, “because freshman year into the film business, suddenly, through at some point”), Bender y e a r a t sit down in her class was the first time I youʼll see an entirely new world says he no longer gets star-struck. Bucknell I and meet explored and enjoyed creative of opportunity that you never “Once you move out here, you interned at someone writing,” and Mr. Bourne “be- knew existed. I started in the film see enough of those people and Life Maga- f a m o u s cause he was just kind of funny; business as an unpaid intern only their real lives and realize theyʼre zine, which about a I actually enjoyed physics.” knowing that I wanted to be in- just as boring as the rest of us. exposed me p r o j e c t His favorite Pingry memory is volved in cinematic storytelling. Unless I see someone I really to industries and then “definitely my friends, whom I wasnʼt sure if I wanted to be a admire, like maybe if I ran into outside of you real- Iʼm really close with, more so, I director, a writer, or a producer, a director like Mike Nichols, my circle. couresty of google images ize that Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda in “Monster in Law,” produced found, than most people my age. but I took every opportunity that somebody that I really respect, I Prior to that by Chris Bender '89. youʼre in We still have annual get-togeth- I could to learn about the busi- might get nervous.” I was mostly it for the ers despite being all over the ness while always keeping an His advice is simply to do interested in investment bank- me invaluable insight into how a same reasons, to tell a great country. The whole high school eye out for the next opportunity what you love. “Honestly, I ing. With that in mind, when I finished film moves through the story. I worked on ʻMonster in experience at Pingry was won- to get a little closer to my original would just say that itʼs really graduated, I wrote letters to 30 distribution and marketing pipe- Law,ʼ with two huge movie stars derful, a lot of which inspired the goal.” easy. Whatever you feel creative- or 40 production companies and line.” After leaving New Line and I remember sitting down for ly passionate about, especially with writing, just do it. I think the best thing to do is to write not so much what you know (so many Prestigious Political Position for Steve Elmendorf ʼ78 people say to write what you know) but more what you love. ernment and was Editor-in- Elmendorf then got his By DARINA SHTRAKHMAN (IV) biggest break working for The type of movies or books you Chief of the newspaper. enjoy, thatʼs what you should try After the experience with Dick Gephardt for fourteen All you need in order to to emulate.” the Shapiro campaign, El- years, the last six of which comprehend Steve Elmen- Bender joined Pingry as a mem- mendorf continued to help he spent as Gephardtʼs Chief dorfʼs political prowess is to ber of the freshman class in 1989. out for various elections. of Staff. enter his name into the NY- Mr. Romano, he said, was his Between 1982 and 1984, He cited Gephardt among favorite teacher. “I did a few Times.com search engine. his favorite politicians. Over the course of his 20- drama classes with him and my “Dick Gephardt was a ter- senior year I did an ISP where I year career, Elmendorf ʼ78 "Whether through ISPs, rific guy and a great public had to write a play and he was has worked for such promi- internships, or any servant. I also got to work my advisor. I became good nent Democrats as Dick a lot for Bill Clinton during friends with him and respected Gephardt and presidential other method, try to get his term, and he certainly him very much.” He also fondly candidate John Kerry. in to politics any way was uniquely talented.” remembered Mr. Keating as “the Elmendorf came to Pin- When asked about how first person to give me some gry as a freshman in 1974. you can. Get a taste of todayʼs politically inter- encouragement on writing.” Since he was “not a big His interest in the movie industry politics to see if it's re- ested youth should go about sports guy,” he enjoyed getting into politics, his ad- started early. “My junior year Courtesy of Google Images writing for The Record. By ally what you want to vice is simple: always take of high school, I did a bunch of internships, including one the time he graduated in opportunities. “Whether 1978, he had also completed do." - Steve Elmendorf at Universal and enrolled in a through ISPs, internships, Above: Steve screenwriting class at New York his ISP, working on the or any other method, try to campaign of Peter Shapiro he worked on the Walter Elmendorf '78 has Universityʼs Tisch School.” get in any way you can. Itʼs After graduation, Bender at- for Essex County Execu- Mondale for President Cam- worked and cam- great exposure and a way to tended Middlebury, where he tive. His favorite memories paign. He then moved to Al- get a taste of politics to see paigned with such include a “wonderful group majored in English and gradu- bany, where he worked for if itʼs what you really want prominent Democratic ated in 1997. “In college, I took of friends, many of whom I Governor Cuomo for a year. to do. Of course, work on politicians as Dick a lot of creative writing and litera- still stay in touch with.” His next stop was Seattle, a presidential campaign at Gephardt, Walter ture courses. The film department After graduation, El- where he worked for United any level if you can. Every was small there so I focused on mendorf attended Trinity Mondale, and 2004 States Senator Brock Adams opportunity Iʼve had since Presidential hopeful reading classics and doing a lot College in Hartford, Con- for two years, before mov- of short story writing. After col- working for Mondale, I John Kerry, right. necticut, where he majored ing with to his Washington would say, came from my lege, I started working for “Life in history. At Trinity, he office and working there for initial work on that presi- Magazine” and thought I would participated in Student Gov- another four years. dential campaign.” do publishing and then realized Courtesy of Google Images my passion was for film.” Page

V12olume CXXXII, Number 3 SPORTThe Pingry School, Martinsville, New Jersey S March 10, 2006 Girlsʼ Ice Hockey Has Fantastic Season After Doubts About Having a Team At All for a short while, as if Pingry the team had played ice hockey They kept up this energy for the By KATHLEEN SOO HOO (IV) would have to join the many other before, and three or four out of the next two games which they won. Girlsʼ Ice Hockey has had a schools that did not have a girls fourteen girls had never skated. Angela Ramirez (IV) summed up successful season so far in terms ice hockey team. Another disadvantage was that their progress by saying, “The of both growth and development. Luckily, however, many fresh- they only had fourteen girls on the key to our success has been our Many schools do not even have men and several other underclass- team, while the normal number teamwork because it is not like girlsʼ ice hockey teams, and Pin- men decided to play and the team is fifteen. the beginning of the season in gry is fortunate to have one. was formed. Pingry, again, was Despite these drawbacks, Pin- which we were just relying on At the beginning of the year, able to distinguish itself in this gry still managed to keep the goal the top players, but now everyone the future for the girlsʼ hockey aspect from other schools. The difference to a relatively small contributes their part to the teamʼs team did not seem good as many team was off to a rocky start number. After beating Summit 9 success.” seniors had left, and there was after losing their first four games. -1, the girls had a renewed start The season went on, with the C. Jennings (VI) not a lot of interest from the rest However this was because only and only lost by two goals to girls fighting hard until the PREP Tai DiMaio (VI) is a great fencer, just ask him. of the underclassmen. It seemed, seven out of the fourteen girls on huge rival Princeton Day School. Finalsʼs versus Princeton Day School. Earlier in the season, the girls had lost twice to this team 7 - 0 and 6 - 2. However, the girls still Senior Fencer DiMaio remained pumped and focused and ready to try their best. At the end of the game, Pingry tied 3 – 3 Defends Saber Title with goals by Angela Ramirez (IV), Lisa Harris (VI), and Liz By WILL BRUNDAGE (IV) Moore (V). The game went into Senior fencer Tai DiMaio recruited by “Farm League” over time, and with only three titled in saber on March 11 baseball teams but became minutes left on the clock, Toland 2005 at Rider University. Di- partially paralyzed after an ac- Lawrence (IV) scored the win- Maio has gotten off to a great cident. “I can look at my uncle ning goal. start in the 2006 campaign to and realize that I shouldnʼt This game was a great come- reclaim his title. He has already take anything for granted and back for the girls and it showed won districts and posts a record live every day to its fullest,” just how much they had improved of 24-3. DiMaio was featured he said. throughout the season. As Coach in the Star Ledger as the stand- As a fencer, DiMaioʼs big- Mags said before the game, “Re- out athlete during the week of gest strengths are his athleti- cords are only predictors, not in- February 6. cism and his strategic thinking. dicators.” This year, the girlsʼ ice DiMaio started fencing in His ability to think on his feet hockey team was able to proceed eighth grade and commented is extremely important because onto the finals, and along the way that he “picked it up pretty fencing is a sport of quick re- each team member learned a lot quickly. At first I thought the flexes. For every move there The girls' ice hockey team. Courtesy of L. Harris (VI) and had a lot of fun. sport was a joke but I later be- is a counter-attack. He has to gan to realize how much stress be able to plan out the duel in it puts on the body and mind. his mind so he knows the right It takes a lot of athletic ability actions to take for every one of Katie OʼConnor Makes a Splash In the Pool and mental strength to fence at his opponentʼs moves. both the team and the sport as A season with an undefeated Villa Walsh on February 22. The a high level.” The sport puts a “Fencing has taught me By ERIN TONER (V) “rewarding.” record was truly the result of long, Meet of Champions took place lot of pressure on the individual discipline and responsibil- Katie OʼConnor is this yearʼs When talking to OʼConnor, hard and ultimately rewarding on March 4 and 5. OʼConnor because the fencer constantly ity for my actions,” explained captain of the girlsʼ swim team. one can have no doubt that she hours of work. The biggest victory attended the meet all four years has to be a step ahead of his or DiMaio. Though the senior is Their ʼ05-ʼ06 season has been is completely committed to and so far was the meet against Scotch of her Pingry career. OʼConnor her opponent on the strip. not sure what college he will phenomenal, and the team can truly cares about the team, which Plains, ranked #4, to whom Pingry anticipates swimming at George- DiMaio motivates himself attend next fall, he plans on proudly claim a 11-0 record in the she describes as “ridiculously lost last year. The team barely town next year. to be successful by thinking continuing his fencing career regular season, the first girls' swim close.” Everyone supports each lost thier semi-final meet against of his uncle, who was being at the next level. team in school history to be unde- other on the swim team, and they feated. OʼConnor herself has had also provide motivation for each a rewarding season. OʼConnor other. However, it turns out that, swims in the 50m, 100m, 200m, The Boysʼ Hockey Team Ices Competition unlike some other sports, there February 27. Their last game, in 200m relay, and 400m relay free- Big Blue looked as if it was falling ning ways. isnʼt much distinction between the By ANDREW SARTORIUS (III) towards another mediocre season. Recently, the team went on a the second round of the state tour- style. The relays are her favorite girlsʼ and boysʼ teams. Both boys During their next five games, the four game unbeaten streak, includ- nament, was on March 7. event to swim, and she has been What began as a season of and girls are united and supportive team had one win and four losses, ing a 9-1 victory over Parsippany Considering Big Blueʼs expec- to Meet of Champions every year of each other, and the coaches do many questions for the boysʼ varsity hockey team has ended as including a 5-1 defeat at the hands Hills and a 2-0 win over the fourth tations at the beginning of the sea- with the relay team. Just recently, not limit themselves to helping of Hillsborough in the first round ranked prep school, Pennington. son, this year has not been a wasted she placed top ten in the 100 free just one gender. Even so, beating a season of relative success. The team seemed to be headed for a of the SCIAA tournament. They In the game on February 9, the year, but rather a year in which all at counties. the boys in practice is one of the difficult campaign this year as it also suffered a 9-2 defeat to the team's winning streak was re- members of the team have been O'Connor started swimming things OʼConnor enjoys the most, fifth ranked team in the Star versed in a 6-1 loss against Pope able to rack up consistent playing just as a hobby during the sum- lost ten seniors to graduation last “other than winning, of course.” June. Last year, even with the ten Ledger top 20, Morris Knolls. John, the third ranked team in the time and gain valuable first team mer, and then joined club swim- Not only is the team incredibly seniors, the team failed to find any Following a 5-2 defeat to Mor- Star Ledger poll and in a 10-4 loss experience. According to fresh- ming when she was 11 yrs. old. supportive, but so are the coaches consistency, finishing with a losing ristown Beard, the team finally against nineteenth ranked Ridge. man Timmy Naratil, “Everyone Once she joined the Pingry team, and her parents. The coaches record of 9-12-3, and lost 4-1 to began to pick up its game. A solid The team finished up its season by has played a lot this year, which she quit club swimming and dedi- “push her to do her best,” and Bridgewater in the SCIAA finals. 4-3 victory against Whippany Park participating the Mennen Cup and has helped make our team stron- cated herself to the team. With the her mother comes to every meet. It was thought that this year followed this defeat, and after a the state tournament. They lost to ger. Hopefully, because of this, we additional Saturday and morning Whatever the means of motiva- would be an especially trying year slight four game relapse, when Morris Knolls at the Mennen Cup, can perform better next year.” practices that are mandatory in tion are, they seem to be working. because of a lack of leadership and the team tied two games and lost but won their state playoff game the beginning of the season, it The whole girlsʼ swim team is on a experience from the teamʼs senior two, the team was back to its win- against Monsignor Donovan on would be a challenge to do both. roll. “Iʼm really proud of the girls players. However, Coach Mr. Ma- All the effort is completely worth this year,” OʼConnor said, “No gadini had a different outlook. In it, however. OʼConnor describes one knew what to expect.” an interview with the Star Ledger on December 1, Mr. Magadini said, “Theyʼre all working hard. Itʼs a good bunch of guys. Prac- tices have been crisp. Iʼm happy with the way things have been going”. Led by junior captain Dan Ambrosia, senior Bard Riccardi, and Star Ledger Newcomer of the Year sophomore Dan Weiniger, the team has done well this year, amassing a record of 10-10-4. Through the first five games, the team defied expectations and had three wins, one loss and one tie, beating the third ranked team in the prep school standings, The Hun School, as well as Jefferson Courtesy of K. O'Connor (VI) Township and MKA. Then, the Courtesy of NJ.com Katie O'Connor (VI), far right, and her relay teammates. wheels seemed to come off and Goaltender Bard Riccardi (VI) tries to save a West Morris player's shot.