FOUNDED 1895 • THE NATION’S OLDEST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL NEWSPAPER
Volume CXLVII — No. 1
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
record.pingry.org
A NEW YEAR BEGINS
SANIYA KAMAT (IV) As the 2021-2022 school year begins, the questions on many students’ minds are, “What are the plans for the upcoming year? What is it going to look like?” This year, Pingry is committed to being much more in person compared to last year. The driving theme is “Better Together,” instead of the previous year’s “Pingry Anywhere.” “We’re emphasizing the idea of coming back together because we’ve learned that we’re better as a community,” Assistant Head of School Dr. Delvin Dinkins said. The hope for this school year was not to require masks, but this has proved to be infeasible at the moment. Masks remain necessary to keep our community safe due to the rise in cases related to COVID-19 variants in New Jersey. Governor Murphy announced an indoor mask requirement for the start of the 2021-2022 school year, and Pingry will continue to operate under the latest set of guidelines by the state of New Jersey. It is unknown what will change in the future, but the plan is to continue using masks and allow the administration to determine the best course of action. However, this year does bring some good news: the removal of plexiglass in the Upper School. Because a significant
portion of Upper School students is vaccinated, classrooms will return to being the open spaces (both literally and figuratively) they were before the pandemic. The middle school and lower school will remain with plexiglass due to the lack of a vaccine for children under the age of twelve. Another precautionary measure introduced this past year because of COVID-19 was saliva testing. At the end of the last school year, saliva testing slowly started to come to an end. For this year, Pingry is restarting testing twice a week. In the future, the administration may check if testing once a week is sufficient. As the number of vaccinations increases and positive tests decrease, another possibility is for testing to be stopped altogether. Nonetheless, Pingry does not want to let its guard down and will base its decision according to the circumstances. Regarding the contact tracing sensors used last year, the goal is to put the sensors aside for now. They will return if the administration deems it necessary, but it is improbable. Last year, Hyde and Watson Gymnasium was transformed into a dining area. However, this year, it has returned to being a gymnasium, and students will once again eat in Engel Dining Hall. Since middle schoolers
eat in Engel, plexiglass will continue to be used there. Although, Pingry has come up with a solution to use more tent space while dining, and many students can be seen eating lunch outside. Tents will also remain open during flex, and the classrooms and lounge spaces will be available as well. In addition to the student village, Hyde and Watson will also be open to students in their free time. The performing arts are a significant part of many Pingry students’ lives and were considerably harder to participate in during the pandemic. Neither singing nor band were allowed indoors, and even outdoors, singing required a mask. Especially during winter months, performing outdoors proved to be quite difficult. Even so, Pingry’s performing arts overcame the challenges they were faced with. Fortunately, this year, singing indoors with masks has been allowed, and singing outdoors without a mask has been permitted, as well! This is a huge step in the right direction for the performing arts. Band continues to practice outdoors, but the administration is hopeful for what is yet to come. Dr. Dinkins mentioned that, “We’ll have to wait and see. We know that the experience for everyone is better when we’re able to perform without masks, but I also
know that we’ve been able to perform amazing performances outdoors, such as Hamlet and Almost Maine.” Arguably, the most significant change for this school year is that remote learning will only be permitted for extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19. Students will not be allowed to choose whether they would like to go in person or remote daily. Instead, students will only go remote if they are isolated due to having contracted COVID-19 or quarantining if they have been in close contact with someone else who has contracted the virus. However, if a person who has received the vaccine is exposed to someone with COVID-19, it will not be necessary for them to quarantine. Remote learning should be an infrequent occurrence and must be communicated with members of the administration beforehand. Sick students will follow pre-pandemic protocol and simply stay home instead of going remote. On the bright side, unless there happens to be a particularly long blizzard, Pingry still plans to go about snow days as usual. Some news for this year unrelated to COVID-19 is that, as many students have already heard, Pingry will be introducing spring intensives. These miniature courses that students will take at the end of this school year
are a departure from the regular academic program. There will be 40 of these different courses offered, and they are currently being designed. The spring intensives will consume 11 days between the end of May and the Friday before graduation, most likely pushing finals into mid-May rather than early June. Speaking of finals, this year, most finals (if they do occur) will be taken during a standard class period. Some final exams will be likely, but it is highly unlikely that there will be a final for every class. Some departments may even be getting rid of finals altogether. All of the information given above is as of today, and the current situation is subject to change. “The Bernards Township Department of Health is working in a partnership with The Pingry School to find something that works,” Assistant Director of Operations Mr. Michael Saraceno explained. Even though much is still unknown about what the upcoming year will look like, Mr. Saraceno is confident that, “We are very quick to adapt and pivot, and we are prepared.” The increasing vaccination rates amongst students, faculty, and staff will be a great contributor for change in the near future. Despite the uncertainties of what lies ahead, Pingry welcomes its students back for another great year!
Photo Credits: Pingry Communications
THE PINGRY RECORD
2
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
Finding Fun in the Ordinary EVAN WEN (V) On the first day of school, all Form V students participated in a rafting trip on the Delaware River. As I lined up to get onto the raft, a feeling of dread washed over me. The thought of spending hours on a boat with people I was largely unfamiliar with just felt strange: it was not something I was looking forward to. The unsightly environment did not help either. The waters were calm unlike the mentioned white water rapids; people quickly began to dub the trip “brown water paddling” instead of “white water rafting.” I quickly started to acknowledge the reality that the trip would not be entertaining and thought about how I would pass the time. The adventure began, and it was off to a terrible start. My advisor struggled to paddle, and we quickly fell behind all the other rafts. Our plans to blitz across the river never materialized. Instead, we just floated along at a slow tempo. After an hour of drifting, we all hopped into the cold waters to entertain ourselves. I certainly did not expect to dive in, but a feeling of adrenaline brushed
over me as I waded through the shallow waters. By the time we all returned to the raft, every other boat was out of sight. For the remainder of the trip, we discussed the trending television shows on Netflix and how certain authors are underrated. Not being concerned about pacing, we spent the afternoon joking around, to the discontent of our advisor who futilely pleaded with us to paddle. Our boat ended up finishing the trip one hour and five minutes following the first boat. In fact, the resort staff even sent a motor boat out to make sure we were still alive. As someone fascinated by pushing myself to the limits, I’ve always undertaken wild endeavors in the hopes of learning more about myself. I live by the motto “do what excites,” believing that I have to participate in thrillseeking activities to find satisfying experiences. My tenet of always finding the next frightening mission blindsided me from the possible joys of ordinary events. We don’t always need to find class five rapids to find exciting experiences; sometimes the lazy river can be just as enjoyable. Our comfort zone is created from
things we used to believe were novel, but have since become seemingly normal and mundane. However, maybe there is more wisdom to salvage from our comfort zone. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t try to live outside our comfort zone or that
the best moments necessarily come from boring affairs. Rather, we can gain value from not immediately dismissing events right off the bat as mundane. Looking for events outside our comfort zone will help us grow as people, but we should always
see if there is added value in our everyday activities. The best solution is to reach equilibrium; some of our excitement should be derived from sensation-seeking activities while others can stem from the various novelties in our basic lifestyle.
In the Wake of Hurricane Ida SANIYA KAMAT (IV)
at home seemed to think the storm
state of emergency early Thursday,
flooding in coastal communities
The effects of these disasters are
was a big deal. Why was this ignored?
September 2, after the storm had
around the world.” This is one of the
blown out of proportion for these
Walking down the streets littered
vulnerable communities, and they
with broken objects and years of
may often suffer with “emotional
memories, I come to understand
distress, loss of property, temporary
the full extent of damage done by
or permanent displacement, illness,
Hurricane Ida. Destroyed furniture
and death”. These communities
was scattered across lawns, ruined
need to be specially accommodated
photographs sat in boxes, and soaked
in the event of a natural disaster.
books were shoved into trash bags.
One of the main things that
Upon stepping into a house on
can be done to help is ensuring
Ridgewood Road, the strong odor
that buildings and infrastructure
coming from the muck on the floors
are not built in a floodplain. A
reminded me of the smell inside the
floodplain is a part of low land
Duane Reade in Jersey City after
directly adjacent to a river, and at
Hurricane Sandy hit so many years
risk of flooding. People who live in
ago. I spent that afternoon going
these areas are at extremely high risk
from house to house, and helping
of flooding damage from hurricanes.
out with whatever I could — whether
Additionally, green infrastructure
it was packing away the few objects
can be used to prevent flooding, and
that were spared by the hurricane, or
wetland restoration projects can help
carrying sofas and tables outside to
recreate wetlands that can help divert
be disposed of. By the end of the day,
water away from communities in
my hands and face were sweaty inside
floodplains. When combined, these
of my gloves and mask, and I had barely made a dent in the work that needed to be done for these houses. That night, after doing a quick bit of research, I found that more than 25 people had died from Hurricane Ida in New Jersey alone, which was more than any other state in the US, according to The Guardian. So why weren’t we prepared? With such a big storm, we should have known in advance to be ready for flash flooding and to move to higher ground if we were in areas that could be heavily affected. Hurricane Ida struck on the first full day I was back from vacation. I wasn’t even aware that a storm was coming. I wasn’t paying too much attention to the news while I was away, and almost no one back
Flood damage of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana
Warnings about the storm were
arrived in New York. People living
reasons why hurricanes of increasing
sent out far later than they should
in areas susceptible to flooding did
intensity are hitting us more often.
have. Considering that Hurricane
not have enough time to prepare,
After knowing all of this, you might be
Ida made landfall in Louisiana on
and lives were lost as a result of
wondering: what can we do about it?
Sunday, August 29, with winds of 150
these inexcusably late warnings.
While there is much to be considered
mph and by the following day, was
Another problem we face is the
when finding sustainable solutions
projected to impact the Northeast as
issue of climate change. Hurricanes
for flooding, it’s important to note
it continued its northeastern course
are actually getting stronger. Climate
that underprivileged communities
over the Southeast, we should have
change is impacting the water cycle
are the disproportionate victims
received warnings at least a day
because “as air temperatures increase,
of natural disasters like these.
in advance. New Jersey was hit
more water evaporates into the air”,
Minority groups, the homeless, and
by Ida on September 1, the same
according to an article written by The
disadvantaged communities are often
day the state of emergency was
Climate Reality Project, a non-profit
examples of those who suffer the
declared by Governor Phil Murphy
climate activist organization. The
most. “Social vulnerability influences
declared a state of emergency late
article explains that “warmer air can
the capacity to anticipate, cope with,
Wednesday, September 1. New York
hold more water vapor, which can
resist, and recover from the impact of
fared even worse, with New York
lead to more intense rainstorms,
a disaster,” states an article written
Governor Kathy Hochul declaring a
causing major problems like extreme
by the National Hazards Center.
methods may prove to be a cost efficient way and effective to greatly reduce flooding for low lying areas. Hurricane Ida has shed light upon recent large hurricanes causing major flooding due to climate change. One thing we can collectively do as a community is take safety measures to prepare for natural disasters. We as a community need to be more aware of the growing risk of flooding and hurricane damage, especially as the effects of climate change get worse and worse as the century wears on. Though Hurricane Ida has hurt many homes and families and devastated many of our communities, we must never forget the lesson it has provided us with. We must be prepared for the next storms that come our way.
Photo Credits: Google Images
THE PINGRY RECORD
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
3
Doing Good, Looking Good EMILY SHEN (VI) Every year, all Pingry students are required to complete ten hours of mandatory community service in order to graduate. Many of
letting us understand how we can
extracurricular lists to check off.
spread awareness on an issue, but
makes a lot of advocates into loud
effectively do more. Researchers
A quick Google search tells us that
do not act upon what we believe in,
cheerleaders but hesitant actors.
from DoSomething.org found that
various college counseling and
the cause dies. Back in 2012, Kony
As a result of such slacktivism, it
over 75 percent of interviewed teens
admissions websites recommend
2012—a documentary produced
has created a cycle in which people
will volunteer if their friends do
volunteering as a way to demonstrate
by Invisible Children, Inc.—called
blindly shout out the social change that is trending without actually
us, myself included, frantically
doing anything to fix the problem.
scramble to hit that ten-hour quota
I am not saying that we should
on the community service database.
dedicate all of our energy to one
But in the rush to fill that 10 hour
problem before moving onto the
requirement, it ends up revealing
next. Unfortunately, there are just too
the fact that too many of us prioritize
many problems in this world for us to
looking good over doing good.
solve. However, real change requires
Philanthropy teaches us to work for
real work. That’s why we should aim
a certain cause for a specific amount
to do better rather than look better.
of time in a particular manner.
How do we solve this problem?
I know how easy it is to want to
First, the public should work to
engage in shallow acts of kindness,
demand transparency for the
but helping should never be just
donations that charities receive. It
another box to check off. Kindness
is crucial that we know how they
should never feel like an obligation.
distribute their money and why
According to GiveWell, a website that
it is done that way, or how their
spotlights the world’s most effective
work has positively impacted the
charities, there’s a disturbing trend
problem that we want to resolve.
towards “selfish giving”—where the
Secondly, we must take action
donor cares more about themselves
and do so frequently. Instead of just
than the people they are supposed to support. Too many of us treat charity like a checkbox. To fully understand this problem, let’s start with why so many people engage in shallow acts of kindness. When it comes to service, many of us only engage because we are obsessed with our outward image. Today, many people volunteer as a means to showcase their support, demonstrating to their peers that they did the right thing, then move on. Our society does a terrible job of
donating to a charity, we need to so, as opposed to the 42 percent of
personal values. Richard G. Niemi,
attention to Joseph Kony, an African
teens who volunteer on their own.
a professor of political science
warlord who led an extremely violent
Since peer pressure is such a huge
at the University of Rochester,
militant organization that utilized
part of volunteering, caring about
admitted that “Some portion of
child soldiers in Uganda. However,
the cause begins to feel more and
community service is prompted
after an initial surge of interest
more like a chore. Passion becomes
by students interested more in
on social media, the movement
drained from genuine engagement.
résumé-building.” It is easy to see
completely fizzled out: Joseph Kony
This superficial level of caring
that the students are focused on what
was never brought to justice. Like
creates a whole host of issues. When
looks good for admissions when
Kony 2012, many social movements
people volunteer for all the wrong
they were supposedly “doing good”.
that were once trending died down
reasons, it simply becomes another
These shallow acts of kindness
as the popularity of the topic waned.
item on high school students’
come at a high cost. When we only
The personal disconnect to the issue
actively participate in becoming the solution to the problem. And don’t forget that whoever you are helping is a human being, too. They have names; they aren’t simply “homeless” or “poor.” So let’s take a step back and ask ourselves, are we genuinely caring about the issues, and doing something about them? Or are we just checking off a box and doing something that makes us look good to our peers? The difference matters.
Community Service Hours: A Contradiction? KEIRA CHEN (IV)
aren’t exactly compelled to serve their
community service out of genuine
outside the school, or limiting the
was really enjoyable, and I was
greater communities. Of course, many
goodwill, but simply because it’s
number of hours that can be earned
only able to discover that through
Upon hearing the words
students do find opportunities for
a task that must be completed.
at school would benefit the students
my sixth grade Rufus Gunther Day.
“community service,” one might
community service outside the school:
However, this doesn’t mean
by allowing them to discover new
The very existence of requirements
suddenly feel a wave of dread
working in food banks, performing in
Pingry should get rid of community
opportunities that they might turn
for community service hours may
wash over oneself—particularly if
senior living centers, and helping
service hours altogether, because
out to be really passionate about.
undercut their intended purpose,
May 1 is fast approaching. Every
out at community gardens are just
the whole purpose of the community
More community service days similar
but their impact is undeniable.
year, the ten hour requirement of
a few examples. But is it enough?
service requirement is to teach
to Rufus Gunther Day could also be
So go to a garden, volunteer at an
community service looms like a
Pingry encourages its students to
students to serve their communities.
helpful, as Pingry exposes students
animal shelter, find whatever
dark cloud above the student body,
seek out their own opportunities for
There’s no perfect solution here, but
to external organizations that do
opportunity you like; and
a reminder to complete the hours
community service; however, it’s far
I think Pingry requiring students to
community service. Personally, I
this time, serve the community
lest they face the consequences.
too easy to take the easy route and
seek out a certain number of hours
found that working in a food bank
because you want to help.
And for most students, these mere
simply show up at various clubs for
ten hours aren’t a problem: there
a few hours. At this point, community
are plenty of opportunities inside
service hours have become a sort of
and outside Pingry that can be used
currency among the student body;
to fulfill the necessary hours. But
I’m sure you’ve seen clubs advertising
in reducing community service to
by offering community service hours
just a requirement for graduation,
if students come to their events.
is Pingry really teaching the
If Pingry really wants students to
students to serve the greater good?
continue serving others “throughout
There are a lot of places within
their lives as citizens of and
the school where students can earn
contributors to the larger community
community service hours, be it
of the world,” as the Honor Code says,
bake sales, working on the farm,
Pingry needs to raise its standards.
participating in student-hosted
When you think about it, ten hours
fundraiser events, and so on. And
are almost nothing in comparison
these activities are not bad in and of
to a whole year. While this is good
themselves; in fact, they are serving
for students with busy lives and
the community, which is exactly
not much time to spare, it doesn’t
the point of community service
exactly encourage students to serve
hours. But the problem lies in what
the community consistently. You
happens after graduation: after years
might argue that this means Pingry
of community service contained to
should increase the requirements,
just the Pingry community, students
but I think that simply perpetuates the issue that students aren’t doing
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Keira Chen (IV), Pingry Communications
THE PINGRY RECORD
4
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
Slowing Down One day, something clicked for me. After a session of hitting an entire bucket of balls that hooked and sliced in practically every fathomable direction, I finally figured out what was giving me the most trouble: it was my lack of set up before the shot. In my excitement to try and hit the best shots over and over
ANDREW WONG (VI) This past April, as the Masters wrapped up, inspired by the great golf I had seen from the likes of Hideki Matsuyama, breakout star Will Zalatoris, Jordan Spieth, and Xander Schauffele, I went out with a couple of friends to the local course to play my first game in nearly two years. Swaggering up to the tee box, I was ready. 400 yards to the pin, all I had to do was hit an easy straight shot with my driver. I teed up my ball, set up, and swung. This was going to be my triumphant return to the links, a 300 yard bomb that would set up a glorious victory for me that day. I swung with all my might, felt the club make contact with the ball, and looked to see the results of what I thought was my very excellent shot. A slice to the right and a loud “FORE!” from my friends was what ensued. I had hit my ball into hole 15. I’ll spare you the details on the trainwreck of a round I had that day, but in short, it can be summed up as 6 lost balls, a whole host of Snapchat videos of me stuck in the trees desperately trying to dig my ball out onto the fairway, a score in the triple digits, and jokes about my questionable putting that continue to be told by my friends to this day. But if there’s one good thing that came out of that day, it was a desire to get better. So when summer rolled around, I went to the range nearly every free day I had, got a large bucket of balls, and went to work.
again, I never checked to see if my grip was fine, if my stance was right, or if my positioning was correct. I just walked right up to the box and swung. All of these missteps were costing me on the shot. It was time to slow down. I began creating a routine for myself, making sure everything was right before the shot, trying to stay calm, and not letting excessive energy get the better of me. I focused on the fundamentals, going back to drills I had learned when I was first starting to golf, redoing my grip, and working on my posture and positioning. Sure, it was frustrating having to go through the basics again while other golfers around me were hitting 300 yard bombs, but I dug my heels in, and focused on the small things rather than always trying to hit long vanity shots. And for that, my game improved. Though the golf season is about to end as fall sets in, I am happy about all that I did this summer. I played dozens of amazing rounds, and throughout them all, employing this trick of slowing down and getting the big picture look at everything in my shot, rather than solely focusing on hitting, enabled me to be more consistent and play a better game. I was finally able to break 90 this past summer, and I look forward to setting new personal bests as the spring rolls around again. But just because the courses are closing doesn’t mean that the lessons learned on the links stop mattering. In life, as we chase our
dreams, we often approach with the
focus on the fundamentals, no
end goal. You will hit those great
glory of the end result in mind, and
matter how boring it may seem, will
shots someday, no doubt, but if you
we lose focus on the steps taken to
make that final result even better.
take the extra time to look over the
get there. As a result, small things
So as we set about doing whatever it
fundamentals and focus on those
can get missed easily, and victory,
is we strive to do, be it getting into
small things, you will achieve even
when we do achieve it, may not be
college, getting that higher grade in
greater successes. Just be patient,
as sweet as we initially thought.
a class, or making the varsity team,
take a deep breath, and open your
Taking the time to slow down, and
don’t mindlessly go towards the
eyes. Future you will thank you for it.
Lessons for a Film Camera SARAH GU (IV)
countless vacation photos from a
the event and me. I always had to
on themselves, imagining themselves
include different positions, but
single hour, or maybe a video of
ensure that whatever I captured
much happier later, often with a
not necessarily shifts in careers and fields).
My memory has been declining
my friend blowing out birthday
was within the camera’s frame,
feeling of success through obtaining
at an unsettling rate. Oftentimes
candles if you choose to dig deep
and my divided attention took
a job or making a sum of money. The
To put it into perspective, I
I would look something up on the
enough in my phone’s storage.
away my feeling of presence at
ticket to happiness, it seems, is to
encourage you to think about what
internet, only to forget it a split
Last June, an incredibly generous
the event. And while I don’t think
stay up late to study for the perfect
you answered when people asked you
second later. If someone asked
coworker of my dad gave me a film
that taking many photos of videos
grade or overload schedules with a
what you wanted to be in elementary
me to do them a favor, I would
camera. It was a little grey box, no
is necessarily a bad thing, my
tremendous list of activities. I’m not
school. I’m sure that some of you
always write it down on my phone
larger than a cell phone in width
gluttonous camera usage caused me
saying that it is a bad idea to invest in
have the same answer now as you
because I knew for certain I would
and height, and it was about two
to later remember how I videotaped
the future, (in fact, I think it’s much
did then, but I can imagine that
forget if I didn’t. I’ve had to set
or three inches in depth. One roll
something, rather than experienced
better to do so rather than avoid
others have completely different
multiple alerts in intervals of a
of film could provide twenty to
it. Often, when I looked back on
doing it at all), but I fear that the
aspirations. My point isn’t that you
few minutes to remind myself to
thirty pictures, and each roll was
those videos or pictures, I would
amount of hope we put in our future
shouldn’t be ambitious and work
complete a task. Otherwise, it
expensive, which made me feel
cringe at myself or wish I had done
happiness will have a high chance of
hard to achieve your dreams, but
would slip from my mind entirely.
obligated to ensure each photo was
this or that. In the end, I invested
disappointing us. While there is no
I think it’s good not to romanticize
Although those were trivial things,
meaningful. As I shifted my camera
my time in capturing an event that
official data from the U.S. Bureau of
the success we hope to attain. We
I began worrying about forgetting
device from cell phone to film
I would likely regret rewatching.
Labor Statistics regarding how many
cannot accurately predict what our
special moments, especially
camera, I realized how my previous
I worry that this idea of regret
adults switch careers or even fields,
values will be in the future, and if we
ones involving other people. My
efforts to preserve memories came
will become a familiar story in ten,
it is safe to assume that our mindsets
let ourselves define the rest of our
dependence on reminders and alerts
with a price. When I had practically
twenty, even fifty years down the
may change as we grow older. (Many
lives within these brief four years of
spread to my phone’s camera. I
unlimited videos and pictures I
road. Many students put incredible
surveys conducted by third-party
high school, I’m worried that we will
started to photograph every second
could take, there was constantly
amounts of pressure—concerning
companies provide statistics for job
regret looking through the wrong
of every occasion. You can find
a barrier—my phone—between
academics, athletics, and so forth—
changes, which might potentially
lenses when it’s already too late.
Photo Credits: Olivia Hung (V)
THE PINGRY RECORD
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
5
Football’s Coming Home ANDREW WONG (VI)
75,000 England fans (And a mere 4,000 Italian fans). It couldn’t be more perfect.
This past summer, for six beautiful weeks,
Yet it wasn’t meant to be.
myself and every England fan around the
After a nail biting 90 minutes, which saw
globe were united in singing “Three Lions,”
a 2nd minute strike from left back Luke
the unofficial anthem of English football,
Shaw equalized by the Italians in the 62nd
as we watched England try to take home
minute, and 30 minutes of extra time, Euro
Euro 2020. With every chant of the chorus,
2020 came down to a penalty shoot-out.
“IT’S COMING HOME! FOOTBALL’S
The Forza Azzurri would win, 3-2.
COMING HOME,” it seemed like the
My friends love to bemoan and mock
impossible could finally happen. England
chants of “IT’S COMING HOME” everytime
could finally win its first tournament since
England comes up short. They ask why
last winning at the 1966 World Cup. 55
I haven’t yet given up on a side that has
agonizing years of hurt could be finally
failed to win a championship in over 55
over. Football was coming home again.
years, a side that, in the words of “Three
Week after week, our young squad, with
Lions’,’ is always going to “throw it away
the likes of Harry Kane, Mason Mount,
and blow it away” like it did this year.
Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire, Jack
So why continue to believe when
Grealish, and Jordan Pickford, all managed
the stats say otherwise? Perhaps it’s
under the cautious eye of manager Gareth
reckless faith, or maybe hopeless optimism
Southgate, continued to do the impossible
birthed from our lifetimes of hurt. Maybe
and silence the doubters. One by one we
it’s a mix of both as encapsulated by
vanquished old adversaries and exorcised
the words of “Three Lions,” “30 years
longstanding demons. A much needed 1-0
of hurt, never stopped me dreaming!”
opening victory over Croatia, a thrilling
One thing’s for sure: reckless faith is
2-0 rout over old adversary Germany in the
not necessarily a bad thing. If there’s one
round of 16, a 4-0 shutout versus Ukraine in
lesson that the world should learn from
the quarterfinals, and a 2-1 extra time victory
England this year, it is the power of belief
versus Denmark to send us to the final.
in the future. Even if they did come up
Our date with destiny was set. A Euro 2020
short, the impact that the English side had
final against Italy, at home in Wembley
on the English psyche in 2021 cannot be
Stadium in front of a crowd of more than
understated; amidst the dark depths of
COVID-19 and post-Brexit woes, the Three
So even if the entire world is telling
Keep trying, and victory will come soon.
Lions managed to lift and energize the hopes
you to give up, don’t budge. Hold firm
Next November, the 2022 World Cup will
of a hurting nation and people around the
in your belief, and keep your head in the
be played in Qatar, and I, like millions
world. The lesson we should all learn from
game. There will eventually be an end
of other England fans, will be screaming
England’s stellar performance on and
to the hurt. Good days are just around
“FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME’’ at
off the pitch this summer is the power of
the corner. Let yourself dream. Cherish
the top of our lungs as we watch our
believing. Football is a beautiful game, and
the small wins on your path to glory,
Three Lions try to bring home the World
anything can happen, as evidenced by this
and keep trying again over and over
Cup. 55 years of hurt never stopped us
past summer: all we had to do was believe.
again every time you come up short.
dreaming. Football’s coming home again.
The Christian Eriksen Story: What We Should Learn from Euro 2020 KATE MARINE (IV)
people experience cardiac arrest in a
to reach Eriksen and recognize the
along with most high schools across
important that more people complete
location other than the hospital per
severity of the situation by immediately
America, requires students to complete
adequate first response training,
At 5:43 PM on Saturday, June 12
year. Of this number, about 80–90%
turning him on his side and opening
a comprehensive health course with
or at least know what to do in an
2021, 13,790 people held their breaths
die before reaching the hospital. Eriksen
his airway. Team doctors later praised
this training. However, most adults
emergency, and refresh the skills
at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen,
was fortunate enough to have the
Kjær, emphasizing the crucial part
who have received this training and
periodically. It might seem like what
Denmark. Millions more like myself sat
attention of advanced medical support
his actions played in saving Eriksen’s
find themselves bystanders during
you are doing is small, but the efforts
silenced around the world. It was the
readily available nearby, which is
life. Since cardiac arrests can happen
a cardiac arrest do not continue
of first responders often end up being
43rd minute in the UEFA European
undoubtedly the reason why he will
anywhere and advanced medical help
practicing their skills, which might
a vital part of a person’s survival. If
Championship group stage match
not be included in that percentage.
is usually more than a couple minutes
have long since faded, and they may
people weren’t completely aware of
between Denmark and Finland, and
However, for the average cardiac
from the scene, the importance of
find themselves unconfident (and
this before, then the events of the
Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen
arrest case, which could occur
there being first responders who are
thus less able to provide effective
UEFA European Championship and
lay motionless on the pitch. With the
anywhere, the odds are not so generous.
trained or knowledgeable in first aid
care) in emergency situations.
the story of Christian Eriksen should
heroic efforts of fellow players and
At Pingry, there are nine AEDs located
and CPR is immeasurable. Pingry,
Going forward, it is increasingly
serve as an alarming wake-up call.
team doctors, Eriksen was eventually
throughout the building, as well as four
carried off the field on a stretcher
outdoor AEDs located at each of the
after 14 agonizing minutes during
athletic fields. An AED, or automated
which the player was deemed “gone.”
external defibrillator, is an essential
Watching it on TV with my family,
piece of technology that can shock the
I was stunned. I thought I had just
heart back into rhythm and is currently
witnessed a death on national television.
the most effective device used to restore
According to later medical accounts,
someone’s heart beat. According to the
what Eriksen suffered from was cardiac
American Red Cross, “for each minute
arrest. He had no known previous heart
defibrillation is delayed, the odds of
conditions. He was a 29-year-old healthy
survival are reduced by approximately
athlete. And yet, for 14 long minutes on
10%.” Thus it is especially critical
the soccer field, he was thought dead.
that AEDs be available not just in the
For athletes across the world and
most major sports stadiums but also
anyone else, this should be terrifying––a
at every public space possible. There
reminder of “life’s fragility,” as former
is nowhere in the Pingry building
teammate and captain of the English
where someone can be more than a 1.5
national team Harry Kane described.
minute walk from an AED. Every school
But it should also be a lesson––one
and organization with public spaces
that fortunately did not have a fatal
should seek to follow this example
consequence but should be treated
That said, it’s not just AED availability
with equal severity across the world.
that marks the difference between life
Christian Eriksen’s tragedy struck on
and death during a case of cardiac
one of the biggest stages in the sports
arrest. Having fast responders who
world, and the stadium was fortunately
are trained in first aid and CPR is
equipped with an abundance of medical
especially critical as well. Trained
resources and well-trained doctors.
medical professionals were of course
But what happens when a similar
available almost immediately in the case
tragedy occurs on a significantly smaller
of Christian Eriksen, but even they took
scale, such as at a high school athletic
a few minutes to reach him. The real
event, or even just the grocery store?
first responders were his teammates on
The answer isn’t positive. According
the pitch, particularly Danish midfielder
to the CDC, approximately 357,000
Simon Kjær, who was one of the first
Volume CXLVII, Number I
Editors-in-Chief Andrew Wong Brian Li Senior Assistant Editors Emma Drzala Emily Shen
Copy Editors Kate Marine Saniya Kamat Lauren Kim Sarah Gu Milenka Men Rohan Prabhu Evan Wen
Layout Editor Kyra Li Assistant Editors Mirika Jambudi Keira Chen Sarah Kloss
Faculty Advisors Dr. Megan Jones Mrs. Meghan Finegan
Cartoon Editor Olivia Hung
Photo Credits: Google Images
THE PINGRY RECORD
6
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
Goodbye Childhood
BRIAN LI (VI) Three weeks ago, while lying on my bed and desperately trying to fall asleep at four o’clock in the morning, a realization washed over me that seemed to defy reality. I was 17 years old and a high school senior. How did I become so old? Wasn’t I a freshman a few months ago? Just thinking about the upcoming school year and the workload that I would be forced
to endure was strenuous enough. When I first entered high school, I felt like the world was my canvas and I had a clean slate. Middle school was history and I had four whole years to achieve something extraordinary, be it a renowned research project, a published novel, or a nationally recognized nonprofit. I was aware of the infamous reputation Pingry has regarding its workload. I knew I would have hours of homework to complete every night and stress would become the new norm, but I must have been in denial. I was ready to take on the rigors of Pingry with relish. I shouldn’t have been so naïve. Many a student walks into their first classes in the Upper School confidently thinking they’re the special student to whom that reputation won’t apply, but reality
soon catches up to them. Three years have passed, and though many of my goals have been accomplished, there are many more that remain out of reach. I never got past the first chapter of that mystery novel I hoped to write. Do I have regrets? Possibly, but that’s the nature of life: you have to keep moving forwards. As I sit here today, stuck on the ever-moving hamster wheel of time, I’m faced with the existential crisis of inevitably graduating high school. Before I knew it, that Commencement ceremony, that tiny speck far away on the horizon is right in front of my eyes, and I can’t turn back now. I’m heading to college, and next year, my childhood is over. It’s difficult to accept that I’m entering the foreign, intimidating, adult world of college and beyond. Of course, it’s exciting to venture
into the world on my own and have unrestrained freedom for the first time (I’m definitely looking forward to it!), but fear of the unknown isn’t something that I can simply shrug off. My parents will begin retreating from my life as I enter college and eventually begin my career, and I will need to take up many more responsibilities as I become my own self, separate from my family. The choices I make now have real life consequences, and from here, the true story of my life begins. I can’t help but think that the summer after senior year is the “closing ceremony” of childhood, thanks to another one of my early morning thoughts. Wildly exaggerated, perhaps, but it does bear a grain of truth. This upcoming summer is the first time I’ll truly be free of academic burdens in at
least four years—the first time I can genuinely relax. It’s stereotypically seen as three months of unrestrained fun and celebration, though I can’t predict if that’s going to be the case. In any case, it will be my last hurrah before I enter college, when suddenly I’ll be expected to snatch up internships every summer and then find a lucrative career upon graduating with which I can support myself, my future family, and my community. While that future is both bright and inspiring, I will miss the more carefree days of lounging with friends in the halls of Pingry, receiving guidance from teachers who willingly stay after hours, and cheering on the squash team. High school has been a wonderful experience during which I’ve grown intellectually and emotionally, and I’m reluctant to say goodbye.
Considering “Cruella,” Disney Seriously Needs to Move On MILENKA MEN (V)
climbs her way up in the fashion world
possibly be linked, but none of them
explain, or contextualize the original
children into the future of society.
in Baroness von Hellman’s couturier.
are completely predetermined and
character. While the movie boasts
In a cheap effort to hop on the “girl
In an unsurprising plot twist, Estella
all of them are difficult to pinpoint.
a great soundtrack and gorgeous
boss” trend, Cruella states, “I am
discovers that the Baroness is her
The field of mental health is
costumes, it lacks substance. The
woman, hear me roar.” Suddenly the
birth mother who originally ordered
constantly evolving and adapting,
movie looks brilliant only to cover
“psycho girl boss” is meant to be seen
her to be killed as a baby due to
but Disney disregards all of that.
up its harmful content. People are
as empowering. Built on a mountain
her “narcissistic tendencies.” Baby
This movie goes beyond the “nature
molded the easiest as children.
of misconceptions, this movie is
Estella is instead given to one of the
vs. nurture” debate as Cruella bluntly
What would happen if a child with
nothing but an attempt to gain social
Since the release of “Maleficent” in
Baroness’s employees (Catherine)
decides to fully embrace her “psycho
a schizophrenic parent is led to
brownie points while profiting from
2014, Disney has crusaded down a path
to be raised as her own. In a tragic
genetics.” Disney’s implication that
believe mental illness is inescapable—
Disney-brand nostalgia. Rather than
of live-action remakes. While Disney’s
turn of events, the Baroness brutally
all of Cruella’s evil is inherited from
that they are fated to be the same?
delivering half-baked attempts to
production value always guarantees
orders her three dalmations to murder
her mother is the essence of lazy
This goes for every mental illness.
revise problematic old movies (and
the construction of beautiful costumes,
Catherine, leaving Estella orphaned
writing and stereotyping. The film
Disney needs to start taking
in the process create new problems),
lavish sets, and almost lifelike CGI,
at a young age. The Baroness herself
fails to humanize Cruella or offer
responsibility for their track record of
Disney should continue to improve
they often fail to conjure the magic
is explicitly described as having NPD
any empathetic reason for why she
perpetuating harmful and to recognize
their representation through new
of the original animations. While
(narcissistic personality disorder
hates dalmations. It fails to justify,
its considerable influence on shaping
creations. It’s time for a new era.
direct remakes such as “Cinderella”
as outlined in DSM-5). The idea
and “Beauty and the Beast” manage
that someone with NPD would be
to retell our childhood stories with
driven to murder their own child
relative heartwarming joy, Disney tried
simply to remain in the spotlight is
a different formula with “Maleficent”, a
highly problematic, and Disney’s
remake of Sleeping Beauty, told from
flippant use of NPD as a plot device
the point of view of the eponymous
displays ignorance and insensitivity.
This article contains spoilers for Disney’s Cruella. TW: Mental illness, Personality disorders
antagonist, Maleficent. Maleficent is
In addition to Disney’s use of NPD,
painted as a misunderstood villain as
the word “psycho” is thrown around
the tale unravels into a sophisticated
the movie with reckless abandon.
backstory, paving the way for a movie
After establishing the Baroness’s
that follows a formula unlike any
inherent “narcissism,” Estella prefers
other Disney movie. Disney’s gamble
to describe her as a straight-up
worked. “Maleficent” grossed nearly
“psycho,” a trait she believes to have
785.5 million dollars at the box office.
inherited from the Baroness. Thus,
In an attempt to replicate the success
“Cruella” is born—the “psycho” alter
of the film, Disney unveiled its newest
ego of Estella. And that’s it. If you
addition this past spring: “Cruella”,
expected Cruella to have a tragic
following the same formula that brought
backstory for her apparent hatred of
box office success to “Maleficent”.
dalmations, there is none: she was
Based on the original “101
born “psycho.” The only real goal
Dalmatians,” “Cruella” attempts to
Cruella seems to have is to topple the
give backstory to the notorious puppy-
Baroness at the height of her political
skinner. As a child, I watched “101
and social influence. While Cruella
Dalmations” and even comprehended
could hold a grudge against dalmations
Cruella’s motivation at its core: she
for murdering her adoptive mom, she
wants a dalmatian fur coat, and she’ll
only survives the end of the movie by
murder 101 dalmations to get it.
training the Baroness’s dalmations
I never really asked why. Disney
and bonding with them herself, so
seemed to think there needed to be a
the question remains: why does she
reason. While I would have been fully
become a dalmatian puppy killer?
invested in another sophisticated
Cruella doesn’t demonstrate enough
backstory for one of my favorite
evil intent to fully explain her later
villains of all time, Disney stepped
actions or why she ends up the way she
into a delicate discussion around
does. The idea that she’ll grow into her
mental health and human behavior.
genetically predetermined “psychosis”
Most of the movie reads as a childish
is a dangerous one that Disney seems
rehash of “The Devil Wears Prada”
to joke about thoughtlessly. There
as Estella (Cruella’s original name)
are some mental illnesses that could
Photo Credits: Google Images
THE PINGRY RECORD
COLUMNS SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
7
Broadcasting Boba MILENKA MEN (V)
At this point, boba has popped up
relatively tasteless, it soaks up the
syrup—from mango to strawberry
its fruit flavors to the next level.
the shelf life of products and in
flavor of whatever drink it is paired
to coconut. It is often paired with
Some might say that popping boba
salt processing. Popping boba is
with.
smoothies or offered as an ice
isn’t real boba since it isn’t made
popular because of its burst of real
on everyone’s Instagram or TikTok
The pearls will absorb the flavor
cream or fro-yo topping. While the
from tapioca flour, but I’m all for
fruit juice, similar to the candy,
feeds at least once. From decadent
of the tea, minimizing any risks of a
concentrated and strong flavors
stepping outside the boundaries.
Gushers. Mostly used in smoothies
desserts such as boba stuffed cream
flavor clash. Speaking of absorbing
might seem less versatile, the
Popping boba is made with flavored
and iced teas, popping boba is an
puffs or milk tea flan with brown
flavor, jelly boba is an excellent
customization and multitude of
fruit juices, sodium alginate, and
example of science at its finest.
sugar boba, boba has emerged as a
option for those looking to stray
combinations awaiting the curious
calcium alginate. Sodium alginate
The next time you go to a bubble
trend that is here to stay. Since the
past the bounds of traditional boba.
bubble tea drinker is undeniably
is used as a stabilizer in all types of
tea shop, experiment! With so many
start of quarantine, people have
Jelly boba is made by cooking or
exciting. The evolved version of jelly
foods such as ice cream and yogurt.
wacky different drinks and boba to
been eager to make their own boba,
coating boba pearls in flavored
boba is popping boba, which takes
Calcium alginate is used to extend
try, there are infinite possibilities.
sharing their fruity flavored boba recipes on social media for others to enjoy from home. Originally an accompaniment for black tea mixed with condensed milk, bubble tea itself has evolved. With a wide variety of flavors—classic milk tea to cotton candy to salted caramel iced coffee—black tea is no longer the most popular flavor, but it’s not only the tea that has changed. In fact, there are several different types of boba, each with their own unique flavors and characteristics. In simple terms, boba consists of small round pearls made from tapioca flour which provides a distinctive chewy texture. Black boba, probably the most widely known, is usually paired with milk tea. Its black coloring is created by adding brown sugar or caramel coloring which makes it slightly sweet. These boba pearls are classic and a great choice for boba beginners. While black boba is the standard, clear boba offers a less sweet version if one still wishes to experience the texture of boba. Since clear boba is just starch and
FYISci: The Effect of COVID-19 on the Spread of the Influenza Virus MEHER KHAN (V)
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that it had
Over a year into this devastating
logged 1,316 positive flu cases in
pandemic, people are starting to
its surveillance network between
wonder: what happened to the
September 2020 and the end of
flu? To reduce the transmission
January 2021. During that same
of COVID-19, safety precautions
period last year, the CDC had
such as mask-wearing and social
recorded nearly 130,000 cases.”
distancing have been adopted.
Essentially, there was a 98.877%
Although the addition of these new
decrease in flu cases during one of
protocols is a dramatic change,
the worst periods of the pandemic.
the practice of these measures
What does this suggest about
is credited for the substantial
the future of flu prevention and
decrease of flu cases this year.
containment? In the case of a flu
The infection rate of COVID-19 is far
outbreak in a school or workplace,
greater than that of the flu. Similar
we can refer back to these safety
to COVID-19, the flu is transmitted
measures as a way to prevent
through bodily fluids. These fluids
further circulation of the flu.
can be spread through surfaces, or
Although this change is beneficial,
even through coughing, sneezing,
the concern of the influenza virus
and talking. However, COVID-19
mutating to evade these new
diverges from the flu because it can
precautions still arises. Due to the
also be transmitted through the air.
pandemic, scientists are uncertain
Therefore, the safety measures that
about the severity of next year’s flu
were enforced to prevent the spread
strain and how it has evolved. It is
of COVID-19 also successfully
unknown whether the number of
prevented the spread of the flu.
flu cases will increase or decrease
In an article published by the
in the future, but it is important to
Harvard Chan School blog, the
acknowledge the stark difference
author articulates that “The Centers
in cases between this year and last.
Record’s Reading Range MIRIKA JAMBUDI (V)
only to write this review. If you have
is a Woman found its rightful
time to spare and not much to read,
place on my shelf this summer.
The summer of 2021 brought
The Anthropocene Reviewed is a
The book dives into over 4,000
a myriad of new releases and
worthy candidate to pick for your
years of systemic gender bias,
bestsellers from authors such
shelf. Considering I spent $16 on
highlighting the struggles
as John Green and Malcolm
the book at Costco, the fact that it’s
women have faced in every era.
Gladwell. Keeping up with the
signed is the only real reason I’ll
With a Virginia-Woolf-inspired
literary world, here are my takes
keep it on mine. In the meantime,
title, the book recognizes fifty of
on some of these latest releases
I’ll be waiting on the next cliché
the most influential women in
— and whether or not they are
coming-of-age novel Green releases.
history whose accomplishments
worth adding to your bookshelf.
Malcolm Gladwell, another
and contributions have often
Diverging from his typical coming-
long-standing favorite author of
been overlooked. The selection of
of-age teenage narrative, John
mine, recently released The Bomber
women featured in the book is also
Green released The Anthropocene
Mafia: A Dream, A Temptation, and
diverse, and encompasses various
Reviewed, a collection of essays
The Longest Night of the Second
fields such as science and poetry
and anecdotes analyzing and rating
World War. Straying away from his
to art and war. Anonymous is a
various facets of human life. Ranging
typical realm of psychological and
Woman really pushes for inclusion
from subject matters such as
sociological studies, Gladwell’s book
and equality, and I gained a lot of
“Canada Geese” and the “QWERTY
is a fascinating nonfiction read about
invaluable insight after reading it.
Keyboard” to “Halley’s Comet” and
one of the greatest ethical dilemmas
Dr. Ansary’s writing is captivating,
“CNN,” the topics were captivating.
in US history: the firebombing of
and I found myself immersed in
However, some of the essays were
Tokyo during the Second World
each story. Although the book
hard to stay interested in. This book
War. Background knowledge from
may seem a tad lengthy at first
fell a little short for me, as many
World History 10 was undoubtedly
glance, it is one that you can spend
of the pieces seemed a little too
helpful to have had, and this book
time breaking down into chunks
stretched in their “insightfulness”.
felt like an extension of what the
to appreciate each remarkable
Nevertheless, some other essays
curriculum covered regarding the
story fully. I definitely recommend
were great, so the book overall
Pacific Theater of the Second World
Anonymous is a Woman to be
became a hit-or-miss situation.
War. For anyone interested in
the next book on your shelf,
Critics may have raved about the
history or ethics, The Bomber Mafia
no matter what you identify with.
book, but it didn’t quite grab my
is definitely one to add to your list.
That’s all for this issue! Thanks for
attention as Green’s other novels
Finally, even though the book
dropping by, and I hope you get some
have done in the past. I eventually
was technically published last year,
much-needed relaxation and reading
read the book in chunks, finishing it
Dr. Nina Ansary’s Anonymous
done this upcoming school year!
Photo Credits: Sarah Gu (IV)
THE PINGRY RECORD
8
COMMENTARY SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
A Giant Concern SAM BENTON (VI)
his numbers. Courtesy of the Chicago
from Oklahoma and Sam Howell from
Saquon Barkley is back, but his role feels
is back and ready to go, so Joe Judge
Bears, the Giants will have two first
UNC, so the Giants could potentially
very limited. Barkley, coming back from
must play him. If the Giants want to
The NFL season is finally upon us.
round picks in this upcoming draft. If
have their pick of two elite college
the ACL tear, had 26 yards on only 10
produce a winning season, it has to start
After Week 1, the Giants are already
Jones fails to live up to expectations, the
Quarterbacks. Daniel Jones will either
carries against Denver. Coach Joe Judge
with players like Jones and Barkley,
0-1 following their loss to the Denver
Giants will need to draft a quarterback.
have to prove himself to be a worthy
is wary of giving Saquon 20+ carries a
and end with the defense closing out
Broncos. The past offseason gave many
This upcoming draft will likely feature
franchise QB or soon be out of a job.
game right now, but how can he expect to
games. Only then will the Giants have
Giants fans hope with their big name
star quarterbacks Spencer Rattler
On the other hand, running back
win if they cannot run the ball? Saquon
a shot at finding success this season.
signings and dynamic draft picks, but Week 1 was a huge letdown for fans. Yes, the Broncos undoubtedly improved during the offseason, but the Giants were simply inept. The defense was torched for 27 points while the offense only managed to put up 13. With their personnel, the defense will likely see a bounce back week against Washington. However, the offense is already raising much bigger concerns. This is Daniel Jones’ final year to prove himself, and he is already off to a shaky start. Jones went 22 for 37 with 267 yards and 1 touchdown. His statline also included a costly red zone fumble in the midst of a crucial offensive drive. Jones’ 40 turnovers over 28 starts has been a real back-breaker for the offense. While some people might be quick to blame the Giants’ abysmal offensive line, Jones himself has to take better care of the ball. It seems that any time the offense is moving along, Jones is destined to turn the ball over. Nobody questions Jones’ arm strength or speed, but his turnovers overshadow the rest of
Analyzing Pingry’s Writing Curriculum LAUREN KIM (V)
read literature with a critical lens
given the opportunity to explore
both in class and during flexes and
take advantage of the resources at
and develop arguments which they
different forms of writing, with
CP’s, and access to the Writing Center
Pingry are often (unsurprisingly)
Used to communicate, to entertain,
are able to express and support in
assignments ranging from digital
guarantee that students who take
the most successful in their writing.
to inform, to provoke thought, and
their writing. Dr. Ann Dickerson P ‘22
text to personal essay to satire.
initiative have ample opportunity
Dr. Dickerson noted that on the flip
to convince, writing is a versatile
described that the writing curriculum
This approach teaches students to
to improve their writing. Because of
side, the greatest weakness of Pingry
skill that is key to success in today’s
is built around three core objectives:
eloquently convey their ideas in
Pingry’s multidimensional writing
students stems from an unwillingness
world. The ability to manipulate
“formulating a clear, concise literary
a variety of mediums, using their
curriculum and valuable resources,
to really wrestle with text and uncover
tone and employ figurative language
argument and supporting it logically
creativity to reach different audiences.
Pingry students will continue to
the more subtle ideas in literature,
and precise diction to create cogent
and coherently with carefully-
An essential component to writer
excel in their writing. Dr. Dickerson
resulting in superficial or unoriginal
pieces of writing is invaluable. Thus,
selected and well-integrated textual
development is mentor guidance.
noted that last year’s senior class
writing. It is clear that Pingry’s
it comes as no surprise that writing
evidence; developing one’s own voice
Systems in place at Pingry ensure
included some of the best writers
English department has put much
is a core component of education
in personal and creative essays; and
that no student experiences a lack of
she has seen since joining Pingry’s
thought and effort into developing
in schools across the nation.
practicing creative writing through
guidance when it comes to writing;
English department in 2005. As
a writing curriculum that gives
The writing curriculum in the
a spectrum of genres’’. Freshman
relatively small English classes,
with most skills, what you put into
students the best possible foundation
Pingry Upper School focuses on
year English focuses on mastering
individualized faculty feedback on
writing has a direct impact on what
for writing, as long as the students
literary analysis, criticism, and
the traditional five paragraph essay.
writing assignments, opportunities
you get out of it. Students who are
themselves are willing to put in the
theory. Students are encouraged to
In subsequent years, students are
to meet one-on-one with teachers
unafraid to dig deep into text and
time and effort necessary to improve.
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Google Images, Pingry Communications