CONVOCATION 2024
AANVI TRIVEDI (V)
On Friday, September 6, the new school year began with the annual Convocation Ceremony, held for the first time in the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center. Senior faculty member Mr. Miller A. Bugliari ‘52 opened the ceremony by delivering the Invocation, in which he reminded students to remain intelligent, positive individuals who get the best out of their Pingry experiences. Following the Invocation, Student Body President Ziv Shah ‘25 and Honor Board
Chair Nick Henry ‘25 delivered remarks and affirmations about the Honor Code, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment and reflecting on prior experiences that shaped them. Closing remarks were delivered by Board of Trustees Chair Ian Shrank ‘71 and Head of School Mr. Tim Lear ‘92, who discussed the effects of kindness and excellence. Mr. Tim Lear addressed themes of disappointment and the importance of supporting others by discussing Olympic medalist Nic Fink ‘11 and the
values he represents. Mr. Lear also recognized the Magistri, faculty members who have worked at Pingry for at least 25 years. Collectively, this year’s 18 Magistri have served Pingry for 599 years. The school also presented the Letter-In-Life Award during this year’s Convocation, the highest distinction bestowed on a Pingry graduate who has brought excellence and honor to the school by earning distinction in their careers. This year’s recipient was renowned economist, educator, writer, and former trustee N. Gregory
Mankiw ’76. He is the Robert M. Beren Professor of Economics at Harvard University, their former Economics chair, and has authored many books on economics. He is also a National Bureau of Economic Research research associate and an adviser to the Congressional Budget Office and the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston and New York. Following the award was the Honor Pledge Ceremony, during which representatives from Middle and Upper School advisories walked onstage to hand in their signed pledges, ensuring their recommitment
to the Honor Code. The event was a success, and Serena Lin (V) said, “I appreciated how much we were able to learn from Mr. Mankiw and the lessons portrayed by Ziv and Nick’s speeches. Overall, the event was an amazing start to the school year, and everyone who spoke was incredible!” Convocation has begun our 24’-25’ school year on a positive and supportive note, inspiring every community member to reflect on their actions and look forward to the year ahead with strength, determination, and excellence.
Photo Credits: Pingry Communications
CAROLYN ZHOU (VI)
Saturday, September 28, was a busy day for the community.
Early in the morning, parents flocked to the campus early for Upper School Back-to-School Day. Parents were thrust into the shoes of their children as they navigated the winding hallways, meeting teachers and learning about what was in store for this school year.
While the weather soured around noon, no rain could hamper the intensifying energy as faculty, parents, and students of all grade levels made their way to the BAC for the Homecoming Tailgate. Sage Dining catered the event with rows of buffet-style options, including barbeque, chili, and even a hotdog cart!
Children were treated to colorful face paints, an ice cream truck,
and iconic homecoming shirts. Alongside free giveaways by the PSPA, school organizations such as the Pingry Thrift and Pingry Credit Union hosted a merch exchange and advertised creating new accounts, respectively.
As the afternoon went on, guests were treated to a plethora of exciting sports games, including dominant wins from Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, beating Dwight-Englewood 4-0 and 5-1, respectively. Field Hockey had an impressive 5-0 showing against Lawrenceville, while Girls’ Tennis continued their winning streak with a monumental sixth county championship title. Despite the rain, these amazing studentathletes excelled on the fields to the cheers of families and alumni who came out to support them. There were even several adorable furry friends in attendance.
Homecoming
In the evening, the student government was working hard to set up decorations in preparation for the annual Homecoming Dance, which was held in the BAC this year. Senior President Malcolm Adedjouma (VI) noted, “Planning the dance was certainly not as easy of a task… many different factors went into making Homecoming the best it could possibly be.” They finally settled on a theme of “Jungle,” which saw students sporting safari hats and vests, leopard print tops, and fluffy animal onesies. There were even two mossy green swamp monsters spotted.
The gym was accordingly decorated with vines and inflated trees, and the move to the BAC allowed for a separate rest space with chairs and water jugs to be added. As the night went
on, students posed for group photos, chatted in the halls, and enjoyed dancing to the swell of music under the strobe lights of the dark gym. When recalling the night, Serena Lin (V) commented, “I liked just being with my friends throughout the entire day… getting ready with them, going to the dance in our animal outfits, and also getting
Club Fair: A Burst of School Engagement On Education
SAMAYA SHAH (IV)
On October 2, the Upper School hosted the annual Club Fair that showcased over 100 student organizations. More than 400 students participated in the event, which was located in Hyde and Watson Gym. There was truly something for everyone, ranging from cultural affinity groups to community service clubs. To attract new students, club leaders brought in posters, flyers, and a variety of sweets to enhance their booths. Students milled about the tables and learned a little about each organization, ranging from debate to theater. As many students left Club Fair having signed up for too many new clubs and a few munchkins, the club leaders found themselves with long email lists and a new group of excited members for the upcoming year.
Leader of the Formula 1 Club Aria Saksena (IV) remarks, “The Club Fair was a huge success for both clubs I run. It was really nice to see how many students are interested in the variety of clubs that Pingry offers. I’ve met
so many new people from the fair with similar interests as me, so I highly recommend joining a club to get to know the diverse members of our community.”
Many students noted how the fair strengthened our school community, fostering friendships between the grade levels. It was a great opportunity for first-year students to step out of their comfort zone and for the upperclassmen to welcome underclassmen. Students also joined organizations that allowed them to engage with peers and the larger community beyond campus. From environmental groups to competitive math teams, many clubs advocated for international nonprofits and represented the school to compete with other teams. As the student body approaches the middle of the school year, students can engage with their chosen clubs and discover new passions. Club Fair was not just about signing up for extracurricular activities—it was a reminder of how Pingry’s passionate student body continues to foster community.
to have a nice sleepover after.”
The Pingry community really came together for the Homecoming festivities! From classes to games to the dance, Homecoming is a tradition that showcases the versatility and enthusiasm of the people here. It was a nice day to reconnect and celebrate the start of the school year.
and Politics: An Interview With Dr. N. Gregory Mankiw
JINGJING LUO (VI) SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (VI)
Greg Mankiw, Pingry class of ‘76, has received the Pingry Letter in Life Award in honor of his career bridging the worlds of academia and public policy in economics. Dr. Mankiw’s career in academia is storied; After graduating from Pingry, he studied Economics at Princeton University, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He went on to receive a Ph.D. in Economics from MIT in 1984. In 1985, he joined the Harvard faculty, and in 1987 he became a full professor. He is now a Robert M. Beren Professor of Economics at Harvard University, and his textbook, Principles of Economics, has sold over 4 million copies globally. Dr. Mankiw is most proud of his textbook publication and recounts how he’s encountered individuals—such as bartenders in Nantucket or students in South Korea—who have used the textbook during their college years. These moments of connection are particularly meaningful for Dr. Mankiw, as they highlight the relevance of his writing: "When I started down the textbook route, I wouldn't have guessed that it would have had this kind of impact," he says, reflecting on the unforeseen success of his book.
Mankiw has used his love for economics in public service, notably serving as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors under President George W. Bush, which he recounts as a difficult shift: "In academia, you basically teach your classes and do research at your own pace," he says. "But in Washington, things are very fast-paced."
As an economic advisor at the White House, Mankiw was required to respond to rapidly changing news cycles and emerging issues, which meant making quick decisions under significant pressure: "You don’t have months to think about it," he explains. "You have at best a couple of weeks, sometimes just hours." He recounts that every day at the White House started with a 7:30 a.m. staff meeting in the Roosevelt Room, where the day’s issues were discussed in front of the president and senior staffers. The long hours and constant pressure were taxing, and Mankiw admits that after two years in the role, he was exhausted and ready to return to the more thoughtful pace of academia.
Still, his time in Washington allowed him to see how economic principles are applied in the real world, and about the complex decision-making process faced by policymakers, especially when different advisors present competing viewpoints. "The
president has to weigh all these considerations," Mankiw says. “You can have political advisors, legal advisors, and economic advisors all recommending different courses of action. It’s a delicate balancing act.”
Over the years, he has taught a variety of courses, from introductory economics to advanced Ph.D. seminars. He reflects fondly on his years teaching the introductory course at Harvard University, where he spent 14 years shaping the minds of future economists. Most recently, Mankiw has been teaching a freshman seminar, a small group of students who engage in intensive, discussionbased learning. He compares it to a book club, where students not only read and discuss books but also write their own papers on topics that interest them. Mankiw finds these seminars particularly rewarding because they allow for deeper, more personalized interaction with students. "What really makes it fun is that every year, the group of students is different, and their interests evolve," he says. Whether through his widely used textbook, his role as an advisor in Washington, or his ongoing dedication to teaching, Mankiw has left a lasting impact on the fields of economics and education. He has undoubtedly brought honor to the Pingry School.
Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly
ARIELLA ALLARIEZ (IV)
The Hispanic Heritage Assembly celebrated the rich cultures and traditions of Latinx and Hispanic communities. It was hosted by the Latinx Affinity Group, Latinx Student Union, faculty, staff, and Middle School students. At the beginning of the assembly, Form II students presented their artwork from art class. Displayed in the Middle School hallways, the Día de Los Muertos prints and Vejigante masks from Puerto Rican folklore reflected the vibrant and distinct aesthetics of different Hispanic nations.
To amplify the voices of Hispanic people, the Latinx Affinity Group shared the accolades of influential Hispanic artists, athletes, authors, and politicians. Middle school students also presented Ada Limón's poem titled "Instructions on Not Giving Up," which describes having perseverance in difficult times.
Nataly Ruiz (VI) emphasized the importance of sharing these stories with our community, saying, “I’m so glad Pingry hosts these types of assemblies so we can learn about both students’, faculty’s, and staff’s different backgrounds and cultures.”
Izzy Berger (IV), in turn, introduced
Bolivia, her mother’s home nation, displaying photos of the salt flats and traditional foods called cuñape and majadito. Joaquín Stevenson (VI) then reminded the audience of the importance of rescuing Hispanic cultural heritage.
Students who participated in the Chilean exchange program this past year also talked about their experiences forming bonds with the Chilean students, visiting new cities, hiking in the mountains, and living with their host families. While honing in on their Spanish language skills, the students also learned how history shaped modern-day Chilean communities.
In the wake of the Copa America, the world's oldest international soccer tournament, Nicolas Rodriguez-Lopez (VI) and Alessio Pasini (V) hosted a trivia about the competition. Students were to stand up or sit down to answer a true or false question.
Sylvia Ardon (VI) ended the student performances and sang three songs by Mexican-American artist Selena Quintanilla. Ardon’s voice captivated the audience, who clapped to the rhythm of the music. This year, the school invited two guest salsa dancers, who performed two pieces and ended the assembly on a high note.
LAYLA BAYDIN (V)
On October 17 and 18, the Upper and Middle Schools were honored to listen to Dr. Antonia Novello and Ms. Jill Tietjen, who spoke to the community during the annual Carver Lecture. The Carver Lecture Series was created by the Carver family in honor of Gilbert H. Carver ’79. Gilbert’s memory is honored each year in this memorial lecture series, which centers around themes of mental health. This year, students engaged in a Q&A format rather than a traditional lecture, allowing Dr. Novello and Ms. Tietjen to explore their book, Duty Calls, while interacting with students on the Hauser stage.
Dr. Novello, an enthusiastic and passionate leader, served as
Fall Awards Assembly
TINGTING LUO (V)
On Friday, September 20, the Upper School gathered in Hauser Auditorium for the annual Fall Awards Assembly to recognize exceptional student achievements from the 2023–24 school year.
After Upper School Director Dr. Reid Cottingham’s opening remarks, seniors who were distinguished for their performances on last year’s PSAT/ NMSQT exam by the National Merit Scholarship Program were recognized. This year, seniors Benjamin Chung, Elbert Ho, Eshaan Jain, Vinav Shah, Ziv Shah, and Ella Wunderlich were selected as National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. Additionally, 26 seniors were selected as National Merit Commended Students.
Following these distinctions,
Upper School Academic Dean Ms. Uma Aviles presented the Citizenship Prize to one student in each grade who best represented the spirit of the Honor Code, the Faculty Prize to the student who showed dedication and commitment to their personal growth during the past academic year, and the Scholarship Prize to the student(s) with the highest GPA.
Ten seniors were presented with the honor of an early induction into the Cum Laude Society, which recognizes individuals with great academic achievements who embody the Society’s motto: areté (excellence), diké (justice), and timé (honor).
The math and science departments then awarded seniors excelling in those particular areas of study, including the Rensselaer Mathematics and Science Award
and the Whitlock Prize for Math. Students were also presented with other awards such as the Intellectual Leadership and Innovation Award and the Headmaster’s Award. Finally, on behalf of the English department, Upper School English Department Chair Dr. Ann Dickerson announced the winners of the Justin’s Society Writing Contest. Students submitted their pieces last spring, and, after reviewing each entry, the English department awarded writers and poets from each grade with prizes for their poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and more.
The annual Fall Awards Ceremony celebrates student achievement and hard work over the past school year. The community congratulates all students recognized in the assembly and looks forward to the new school year.
Gilbert H. Carver ’79 Memorial Lecture
the 14th Surgeon General of the United States from 1990 to 1993 and was appointed by President Bush. Not only was Dr. Novello the first woman to assume that role, but she was also the first Surgeon General of Hispanic descent. When a student asked what she would focus on if she were still Surgeon General, Dr. Novello emphasized that her top priority would be recognizing the critical role of communication among family and friends. She believes that communication is key to helping each other when it comes to mental health. As Surgeon General, Dr. Novello understands the need for the public to be aware of physical and mental health issues.
Dr. Novello highlighted some of the challenges she faced growing up which led her to care so much about not only the
public's physical health but also mental health. As an adolescent, Dr. Novello faced a genetic disease affecting her digestion, which caused her to undergo uncomfortable treatments and surgeries. While this disease affected her physical health, many of her peers were unaware of how this affected her mental health. During the Q&A, one student asked Dr. Novello, “How did the connected community you spoke about in your book help you feel supported growing up?”, to which she responded that her tight-knit community could cheer her up whenever she was down. She preached that, “peers can be psychiatrists for our friends and family” and that students must find support in their communities.
Ms. Tietjen, an electrical engineer, women’s advocate,
and CEO of Technically Speaking Inc. added that, early on in her career, the small community of fellow female engineers became like a family for her. When she graduated from the University of Virginia in 1972, she was one of only three women admitted, at a time when women made up less than 1% of the engineering field.
Both of these incredible trailblazers emphasized the importance of community support for each other's mental health. They hoped this message would leave a lasting impact on the community, encouraging a greater focus on prioritizing each other’s well-being and fostering a more supportive environment.
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications
Autumn Aesthetic Tofu Stew
CAROLYN ZHOU (VI)
As leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, a warm soup or a hearty stew is a universal craving. The dish I anticipate most during this seasonal change is a Korean spicy tofu stew or Sundubu Jjigae. So Gong Dong Tofu in East Hanover gets its name from the Korean soybean product, known for its silky texture and nutritional benefits. Not only does it absorb the stew’s rich flavors, but it’s also high in protein, calcium, and potassium while containing almost no cholesterol. For only $14, there are a whopping 13 selections of ingredients to choose from to pair with the tofu stew. The menu spans various selections of meats, seafood, and vegetable options. The heat level can be adjusted from plain to very spicy on a scale of chili peppers, which I’ve proudly worked to move up throughout my years of frequenting the restaurant. It’s great for clearing those sinuses and fending off winter weather colds. The stew also comes with a generous serving of either flat rice noodles, ramen, or hot stone bowl rice. Sundubu Jjigae is also served piping hot in a traditional
Korean stone bowl; I’m partial to a side of rice as it forms a delicious crust of golden brown crisp when in direct contact with the hot bowl. Customers join in on the action by adding a raw egg that should be swiftly broken into the steaming stew when it is served to cook the poached egg gently. The creamy egg adds additional protein and helps offset the stew’s spiciness, creating both a texture and flavor heaven.
Besides their namesake stew, SGD also serves a variety of Korean dishes. Some standouts include bibimbap, a hot stone bowl of steamed rice topped with assorted protein and veggies, beef short ribs, and bulgogi, thin sirloin sauteed with onions in a KBBQ sauce. Their appetizer dumplings are deep-fried to form a crispy wrap, while the japchae is a sweet glass noodle dish that is light and refreshing. Their menu may be short, but trust me, you will feel satisfied without the lethargic feeling of fullness. So, what are you waiting for? Pull on those sweaters, lace up those boots, and drive down Route 10 for a cup of steaming barley tea and the homiest, warm-filling, nutritionallypacked, and well-balanced meal of your life. It never disappoints.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
SIMRIN SHAH (V)
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines education as “the knowledge and development resulting from the process of being educated.” When we think of education, we often picture mundane textbooks and stressful exams that, though sometimes disliked, are beneficial to our overall improvement, learning, and future success.
The advantageous structure of formal education is frequently overlooked; however, it rarely occurs to us what we would do without it. What would happen if we hadn’t woken up for school every morning since we were five? What would we do if everything we learned, from basic life skills to history lessons, we had to teach ourselves no matter our age? In her memoir, The Glass Castle , Jeannette Walls explores these ideas by describing her experiences growing up in a non-conformist, nomadic, and unstable family. Walls was raised by her parents, Rex and Rose Walls, who contributed to creating her dysfunctional family as they could not provide for their children. In her memoir, Walls describes her father, Rex, to be an extremely influential person in her life. Rex, who Walls looked up to as a child, was eccentric and creative. She often defended his negative qualities, such as cruel manipulation and alcoholism. On the other hand, Rose Walls was an extremely neglectful artist who
preferred to spend much of her time away from her children. Together, Walls’ parents forced an unconventional lifestyle upon their children. The family constantly moved and lived in poor conditions with insufficient resources, including food. The Walls children attended a formal school for only a few years. Rex and Rose, despite their children’s hardships, never acknowledged their shortcomings. An important aspect of Walls’ life was learning things by herself, with little guidance from an adult or parent figure. Rather than attending school, most of Walls’ learning was self-taught and accomplished through trial and error. One of the less extreme examples was that at three years old, Walls was told to cook her meals. While boiling hot dogs, she burned herself so seriously that she needed skin grafts from the hospital.
From then on, Walls and her siblings suffered many more painful lessons from the experimental methods they used to learn life skills. They received no sympathy from their parents and were left with evidential scars to accompany painful memories. Though Walls did not receive a formal education, her independent learning methods shaped her character and gave her an innate sense of resilience. Ironically, the same independence gained from parental indifference allowed the Walls children to escape their upbringing and survive in society.
Let’s Stop Using the Word “Basic”
Through The Glass Castle, Walls reflects her upbringing with little judgment and instead lets the mere description of her experiences shock the reader. As I was reading, I was astonished at the struggles Walls and her siblings faced. The narrative becomes increasingly jaw-dropping with every flip of the page, leaving the reader with mixed emotions. Walls tells the story of a reality that is difficult to believe, delving into themes of sacrifice, abuse, and parentchild relationships. Through her memories, she illustrates the tragic truth that people you trust can let you down, and in sharing her story she depicts the importance of maintaining resilience to overcome challenging circumstances. The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir, transforming the laborious, painful, and overall unfortunate childhood Walls endured into a story of hope, aspiration, and accomplishment.
Imagine this. You wake up at 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. in a daze. You are barely conscious, only trying to prepare in the morning, without patience, to carefully curate an outfit. That’s why you put on your trusty pair of Sambas with an Essentials hoodie. It’s basic. Why does that matter? And what is a basic outfit? People often use “basic” as a negative word to describe oversaturation in fashion (i.e. the Sambas, Birkenstocks, and baggy jorts). A basic outfit is a person following a trend and emulating that style. However, the word has gained more negative connotations as trends rise and fall quickly and fast fashion dominates. It means conformity, low effort, and failing to explore yourself through clothes and style—still, being basic might not necessarily be a bad thing. Discovering a new piece of clothing you like on TikTok can only be good when you never encountered it in
the first place. It’s the same as asking your friend or a stranger where they got their clothes, but somehow, the first way has way more stigma. Every artist takes inspiration from something or someone else. For example, I would never have gotten Gazelles without being inspired by Daniel Craig’s James Bond rocking them in Skyfall or GATs on social media. I wear them often; they’re a crucial part of my shoe rotation. I would argue that they are a part of who I am, even if they are trendy and worn by many. You often discover a part of yourself when getting the new trend, like the Sambas. Choosing Sambas over OnClouds is still a style choice and is determined by your personality. I see how people can pull off Sambas in many different ways, even if they’re identical shoes, through color choice or stylization. Even though they’re “basic,” they still look good. Basic items are basic because they’re versatile, and
became popular because they look good. I love the way Birkenstocks, Jorts, and Gazelles look. Some trends like Adidas, Birkenstocks, and New Balance are timeless; They can all be worn after the trend has passed. You can’t say that about some other trends and pieces. I love my Fear of God Essentials hoodie because it goes with anything and is an incredibly comfortable hoodie; I keep reaching for them even after the trend because they are great pieces. Popular trends are gateways to true fashion. Oversized t-shirts, jorts, and other fashion pieces aren’t exclusive to a brand but are still wildly popular. This forces people to try to explore different brands and buy the version they like. This leads to uniqueness within “basicness.” Everyone I see in public wearing jorts or “old money” adds their own unique touch. This type of effort can be kindled into a new hobby or passion. Trends are necessary for fashion to thrive.
This summer, I spent a lot of time on TikTok without much to do, but through this time, I discovered fashion; it makes up a considerable part of the person I am today. Dress for yourself. Bear in mind that you are what’s most important to you. Clothes are what make you happy, not others. There’s also the fact that you can’t please everyone.
If you focus too much on what other people think about your outfit, you’re unlikely to find your style. What most may find basic, others might find extra. So, if you remember anything from this, remember that the next time you’re about to judge someone for being basic or are afraid of dressing too basic, don’t. Don’t be scared of “basic.”
JAKE YANG (V)
Get into college.
Ethan
To help as many students and teachers as possible, and say “Hi!” to more people than Alex Wong.
Mr. Kelly
Not “die.”
Ethan
Word in the Halls: Goals for the Year
To graduate AND get into college.
Nicolas
To eternalize my friendship with Jingjing Luo.
Nataly
For everyone to get into College!
Class of 2025
Spend more time with family.
Victoria
To start learning Spanish.
Ms. Farrell
Spend more time with my sister before she goes to college <3
Tingting
Be more productive on the weekends.
Gabby
My goal is to make sure my wife who’s now living up in Maine has a good time there and she’s okay without me.
Mr. Grant
To win a football pool once.
Mr. Bourne
To finally finish writing my third novel AND break a Guinness World Record!
Ms. Sees
To not fail any classes.
Anya
To enjoy my junior year.
Trisha
To have fun point blank period.
Jordan
To get A+ in biology honors.
Angelina
To become a billionaire by next month.
Max
To get to know a lot of students at Pingry and perfect the schedule!
Ms. Carella
Try out new things!
Elbert
“Fall” in Photos
Editors-in-Chief
Jingjing Luo
Sriya Tallapragada
Head Assistant Editors
Vanya Shah
Carolyn Zhou
Head Layout Editors
Vanya Shah
Joaquin Stevenson
Assistant Editors
Gabriel Raykin
Simrin Shah
Aanvi Trivedi
Faculty Advisors
Ms. Lynne Cattafi
Ms. Sara Courtney
Copy Editors
Leah Holmes
Chloe Huang
Ella Karch
Amelia Liu
Tingting Luo
Durga Menon
Leila Souayah
Sophie Schachter
Shanti Swadia
Victoria Xie
Cartoon Editors
Sheryl Chen
Anna Ojo
JINGJING LUO (VI)
I caught the twilight of summer receding beneath the white lintels of the doorway as I sat in the new café down the street on a study date with a friend I see too rarely. Leaning on the freshly-painted window sills, I became an audience to hurried entries and dither at the stand for sugar. Perhaps it was the way the natural light glazed over the gridded floors or how the door creaked when opened that drew my gaze away from my college supplements and towards the strangers around me. It was also possible that those essay questions had me searching for meaning in my everyday life, which was rather odd as my routines are typically
Thinking About Coffee in a Crowd
my repose from contemplation. I watched a set of people walk in, the woman pushing open the door with her elbows, a boy kicking in her arms, and her husband hauling a lacy bassinet. The man ordered a latte for his wife and an Americano for himself, and when the server arrived with their order, the boy began to cry. Of course, his mother picked him up, rocking him left to right and back again. When the boy fell asleep, her coffee had cooled, and the family left with her cup untouched. It became an enigma why they frequently visited the shop, always with their son, only a few exchanges between the woman and man, with coffee often brimming from the rims when they left—still full.
I wondered why they came, but I wasn’t that invested. I half-heartedly listened to the couple’s conversations but could never understand a word, not paying enough attention as my mind wandered towards the hum of industrial ambiance
permeating our surroundings. I came to recognize the usual customers: a retired cyclist who always ordered a sandwich for breakfast, an interviewer who donned a pencil skirt when meeting nervous applicants, and an architect who drew blueprints in the corner armchair. Of course, I didn’t know them, but they nonetheless confused me. I couldn’t see why the cyclist always brought his helmet in or why the interviewer declined drinks offered to her by her applicants; she clearly enjoyed coffee when sitting by herself. This all felt insignificant though—I saw these people every day and had many chances to get to know them, but this never happened; as school began, my time there ran out.
I did come to know their habits though. I could predict that the cyclist would take the second bar stool and set his helmet down on his left. I knew how the interviewer always went to the back room and the architect came only in the
afternoons, but I didn’t know their names. Everyone was a table over, a space that deprived companionship of the will to encourage introductions. Even sitting amongst this crowd, I was prone to loneliness, an emotion so much like repetition but demands little and gives even less. I abide by it because of its familiarity that shelters uncertainty. It’s as if indifference to the otherness, the parts that escaped my routine, became the patriarch of silence and isolation.
I was reminded of the earlier months of my summer, when I trekked down the same cobbled path, passing by a row of violet delphiniums, pruned and poised. I hardly noticed them. Yet as I now sift through my photos, my memories distill into that deep, hollow purple, the color emerging as a companion when I made my way between sandstone buildings. The blandness of color became pronounced when its sight became a memory, increasing in saturation when
the monotony was most vivid. Routine is easily cast aside in pursuit of meaning and change. Yet it is also the fragments of our everyday that we refer to when nostalgic. As I look to the past, many hours spent are now invaluable, reading in the grass with a homemade smoothie or racing my sister down a hill on our bikes, yet I don’t believe in fulfillment that comes in retrospect. Maybe I should have introduced myself to those half-strangers in the café this summer. I’ll learn how to decipher the muted chatter in the coffee shop or the chime of a prepared order, knowing that the next time I’ll hear these sounds is less certain as I approach an era where I’ll have to budget the sugar and brew my own coffee.
Trick or Treat: Implications of Safe Food Choices
SARAH YU (IV)
Once every year, children are excited to indulge in treats on the spookiest night of the year: Halloween. But a trick that includes neither ghosts nor goblins lies in the colorful bowls on each house porch: food allergens. One piece of candy could mean the difference between a trick, a treat, or a medical emergency. As Halloween has recently occurred, how can we make this beloved tradition safer for everyone? While Halloween is a cherished celebration, according to “Stand for Food Allergy Inclusivity” by Luke Lemons, it presents a serious risk for one in 13 children with food allergies. Around 85 percent of peanut and tree-nut-related reactions happen on Halloween. It can
take anywhere from five to 30 minutes for an allergic reaction to turn severe, and these reactions can be deadly.
In her article “Halloween Is The Worst Night For Allergic allergy occurs when the body’s
Halloween poses unique challenges for children with food allergies. The growing “Teal Pumpkin Project” initiative helps to address this issue by offering allergysafe treats or non-food items.
A teal
on the doorstep signals to trickor-treaters that safe options are available. The FDA requires only “major food allergens” to be labeled on food packets. The FDA defines major food
natural defenses overreact to a particular substance. The body treats it as an invader and sends out chemicals to defend against it. How the body reacts is different for everyone: some threatening responses, such as anaphylaxis.
allergens as milk, eggs, fish, sesame, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. However, if you have a food allergy outside of these major allergens, it may not be as clearly indicated on food labels. According to Lemons, by joining the Teal Pumpkin Initiative, participants can be mindful of all the different food allergens candy might have. Halloween should be a time for joy, not anxiety, and ensuring that food choices are inclusive and safe is essential for making this tradition welcoming for all. Community members should implement the teal pumpkin and be aware of what kinds of candy they put out for children. We can take it upon ourselves to make safe choices for those with allergies. Consider making it a treat for those around you next Halloween!
Photo
SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (VI)
A short drive away from my home is a nature sanctuary called Duke Farms- a 2,700 acre forestry utopia that offers a much-needed break from the gray commercial buildings and sprawling suburbia that compose most of New Jersey. Many of my most visceral memories of childhood were created at Duke Farms; I traded the playground outside my grade school for Duke Farms, a labyrinth removed from my sphere of familiarity,
CAROLYN ZHOU (VI)
At the beginning of August, I was brought to an abrupt halt when a sliver of shiny white peaked out between combs of dark hair. I was immediately horrified and ran to alert my mom. As a child, one of my jobs was to help her pluck her gray strands. My grandma, however, warned that removing them would only lead to more growth and instead opted for our monthly shipments of L’Oreal extra black hair dye as her remedy. My dad often joked that his salt-and-pepper hair dated back to premature graying brought on by the academic stress of high school. Now, was it my turn to receive the genetically depigmented hair follicles? I was prepared to enter the school year carrying the sophisticated air of a senior student, not a senior citizen. In all honesty, my fear was mostly exaggerated. While a close examination in front of the bathroom mirror revealed many strands in various states of whitening, my general head was still dark and thick, as my hairdresser pointed out at every trim. I had nothing to worry about. Still, gray hairs aside, many
An Ode to Public Space
where the perceptual details of my environment unfolded themselves in surprising ways. As I’ve grown older, however, my interest in Dukes Farms has shifted. I started coming weekly, almost always alone, where I would rest for hours at a time outside of the “Hay Barn”, a sculpture gallery scattered around an open-roofed pantheon shaped building. Here, I sit in the grass behind the worn-down statue of Hypnos (the greek god of sleep), crisscross-apple-sauce, feeling the comfortable itch of grass under my ankle and the gentle beat of the sun against my skin. These are the precious moments in my life when I feel the most still; moments when I can get away from my computer, get away from the terrifying world, and enjoy little gaps of utter
solitude and blissful silence. I often struggle to explain to others my fascination with this public space. To me it almost feels like a necessary part of my routine, a survival tactic to manage the scary world around me; 8:30 am wake up, 9:00 am brush teeth, 9:15 am sit in a large park and contemplate existentialism . Maybe what I liked most about it was the innate sense of peace that comes from being immersed in experiential nature, a space removed from the typical pressures that exist in life; in short, a place where I could feel free to do nothing. This was a blessing that completely contradicted my belief system growing up. Being by myself has always been like second nature for me. I’ve always thrived solo traveling through airports,
where I happily navigate the geography of crowded terminals and scary TSA agents with my airpods in and head down. My idea of an ideal vacation was sitting beachside with sunglasses on and a good book in front of me, DND on. As I’ve grown older, this sense of independence has bled into a genuine belief in my ability to do anything I put my mind to, so I filled up my life with to-do lists and projects. This independence has almost always been rewarded. My report cards have sung praises of “works well independently” and “shows strong initiative”. This independence, maybe stemming from my roots as an only child, or maybe from my time spent wandering alone in green utopias, is part of who I am. As a senior, I’ve begun taking time to reflect on the people
On Gray Hairs and Growing Up
things were nagging at me as I prepared to enter senior year. I may not have reached the stage where hair color has drastically changed, but I had begun to feel my age. Walking the halls, I saw more faces I didn’t recognize than the ones I did. Many in Gen-Z have felt replacement creeping upon us as Gen-Alpha kids swarm Sephoras and adopt a slew of unfamiliar slang. The days of Rainbow Loom and scooter board races are long behind us, buried under endless to-do lists and fears of an uncertain adulthood. Are these really the teenage years little me begged for as I viewed growing up with wonder and excitement rather than sadness and anxiety?
As I settled in to watch Inside Out 2 with my sister this summer, I wasn’t prepared to be hit so hard. I hadn’t even realized how much time had passed until I learned that the first film came out ten years ago when I was only seven, and my sister was barely two. Evolving with its older audience, the sequel dealt with much more complex emotions like anxiety and apathy. I felt my life reflected in the viral tear-jerking line where Joy declares: “Maybe this is what happens when you grow up. You feel less joy.” My
high school experiences have been nothing like the vague imaginings of elementary me, but that would always be the case. My main rationale for wanting so desperately to be older was so I could stay up later, watch more TV, and eat tubs of ice cream, none of which I actually do now. I don’t think growing up means less joy, though. The adult life I longed for as a kid was an
ignorant bliss, so looking back on the palpable delight I held only induces further disappointment. The joy hasn’t left; it merely exists in a different form now.
and places, and it is clear to me that Duke Farms have been my rock, time and time again, for clarity and inspiration. I’ve become friends with the other regulars and park managers. This park has provided me with encouragement to situate myself properly, and to get peace in the times when I need it the most. I was disappointed, but not surprised, to learn of recent efforts being made to turn Duke Farms into a housing development. There always seems to be threats against spaces that aren’t commercially productive, despite the fact that it is clear to anyone that they are invaluable. I am unsure about the future of Duke Farms, or even of my own future, but I do know that I will always have an appreciation for silence and thoughtfulness.
Rather than drawing its source from childhood innocence, it has evolved into teenage maturity. As I’m more exposed to the realities and stress of life, I have come to appreciate the moments of true satisfaction from accomplishing a difficult task or the happiness of a small moment to relax with friends. Growing up only feels less joyful if you're stuck in nostalgia and unhappy with the present. Silver hairs and new generations will come no matter what, so I’m focused instead on the opportunities to climb mountains and perform experiments unimaginable when I was younger.
AMELIA LIU (IV)
This fall, Mr. Ryan Bennett joins the Upper School Mathematics Department, where he will be teaching Precalculus Honors and Intermediate Algebra and Geometry. He is also taking on the position of assistant coach for the Wrestling team, hoping to expand the program, especially in the Middle School.
Mr. Bennett received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Education from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in Computer
AANVI TRIVEDI (V)
The Pingry community is thrilled to welcome Dr. Alexis Briley, who will join the English Department as an English, Ethical Dilemma, and Contemporary Short Story teacher. She will also serve as the head of the Lyric and Poetry Analysis HIRT and assist Dr. Ward with the Ethics Bowl club.
Dr. Briley grew up in New Jersey and received a B.A. in Comparative Literature and German Studies from Brown University and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Cornell University. She also lived in Germany for a year after college and has taught in many colleges and universities, including Cornell
TINGTING LUO (V)
Dr. Sandra Sudarsky joined the Upper School Mathematics Department at the end of the 2023-24 school year, teaching AP Calculus AB as she filled in for a teacher on maternity leave. Dr. Sudarsky was inspired to apply for a permanent teaching position because she was “pleasantly surprised to discover that the math and computer science departments offered college-level courses, some even beyond the AP level.”
Dr. Sudarsky received a
Mr. Ryan Bennett
Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. Before coming to Pingry, Mr. Bennett taught at several boarding schools, including The Peddie School, Mercersburg Academy, and The Leelanau School. He was the Director of Technology and a math teacher at all three.
His teaching journey began in his freshman year of college, where he intended to major in Electrical Engineering. However, Mr. Bennett quickly realized that he enjoyed tutoring his fellow students in mathematics and should pursue a career in education.
Mr. Bennett describes his
experience with our community thus far with three words: “I love it.” He emphasizes how the faculty has made his transition from boarding to day school smooth. In addition, he is grateful to his students for helping him navigate the school and classroom.
As a volunteer firefighter and soccer referee, Mr. Bennett looks forward to fostering stronger bonds with our school community, expressing confidence that “this energy I have felt in the first month is real.” He hopes that this spirit “continues throughout the entire school year.”
Dr. Alexis Briley
University, Colgate University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Southern California, and the University of British Columbia. She most recently taught English at Crofton House School, an independent girls’ school in Vancouver.
Dr. Briley’s passion for literature was ignited by her high school English teachers and college literature courses. She was drawn to the intimate, seminar-style nature of humanities courses in college, and her international experiences in Germany and Canada further fueled her love for exploring languages and cultures. She finds joy in working with young students and is eager to instill the value of reading and writing critically.
Dr. Briley is excited to get to know the school and its students during the upcoming school year. She is particularly thrilled to witness her students’ growth over the next couple of years at Pingry and to explore the school’s atmosphere.
In her free time, Dr. Briley loves spending time with her four-year-old daughter and taking her to places she remembers going to as a kid. On the weekends, she’s been taking advantage of the season by going apple and pumpkin picking and introducing her family to new places in New Jersey. As a project, Dr. Briley is attempting to read one book from every country worldwide and is very interested in creative nonfiction.
Dr.
is very excited to be here at Pingry and can’t wait to get to know everyone! Welcome, Dr. Briley!
Dr. Sandra Sudarsky
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The Ohio State University and both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University. Before coming to Pingry, Dr. Sudarsky was a research scientist at Siemens Healthineers for 24 years, where she developed several medical visualization software products, including virtual colonoscopies.
Dr. Sudarsky teaches math and computer science courses, including Linear Algebra, Survey of Computer Science, Intro to Programming, and Data
Structures and Algorithms. She also advises the ARC-AGI Team, which is a club that seeks to refine a machine learning model capable of tackling the Abstraction and Reasoning Corpus for Artificial General Intelligence benchmark. Taking advantage of the various academic and extracurricular opportunities, Dr. Sudarsky said, “I am now thoroughly enjoying [my teaching position] as I teach and mentor my students.” We are excited to welcome Dr. Sudarsky to Pingry this year!
She loves books written by Elizabeth Kolbert, especially The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, which argues that the Earth is in the midst of a modern sixth extinction.
Briley
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications
SIMRIN SHAH (V)
This year, Ms. Stephanie Johnson joins the Upper School English Department where she will be teaching English 9 and English 10. In addition to teaching these two courses, Ms. Johnson will also be a co-advisor of a ninth-grade advisory.
Ms. Johnson was born and raised in Queens, New York, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Justice Studies from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She later completed her Master of Arts in English Education at Columbia’s Teachers College. Additionally, Ms. Johnson attended Union Theological Seminary, a religious school focused on theology, where she earned a Master of Divinity in Teaching of Religion, with the purpose of being
Ms. Stephanie Johnson
ordained as a minister in her church.
Before joining Pingry, Ms. Johnson taught in the New York City public school system for 12 years, where she taught both middle school and high school English. During her time in New York, Ms. Johnson also worked at Townsend Harris High School in Queens. When asked what inspired her to become a teacher, Ms. Johnson shared a memory from her early college years. In a Philosophy 101 class, she received heavy critique on a paper and realized she “ felt like [she] was ill-prepared for the level of writing that is expected of you at the college level” which left her feeling insecure as a writer. This experience motivated Ms. Johnson to become a teacher with the goal of helping teach and prepare students as best as she can to try to prevent them from feeling
the same way she did after high school. Ms. Johnson has always loved to read, but recently she has begun to listen to audiobooks during her commute to school and has truly enjoyed it. She has just finished The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren and has just started listening to The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center. Besides reading (or listening) to books, Ms. Johnson enjoys watching movies and HGTV with her husband. Ms. Johnson describes her experience at Pingry so far as positive, saying, “I really like it. Each day I feel more and more like my self, my teacher self.” She notes that the community has been incredibly welcoming, supportive, and helpful with any questions she has had throughout her first weeks. Ms. Johnson looks forward to the rest of her year here at Pingry!
Ms. Janvi Patel
This fall, the science department is excited to welcome Ms. Janvi Patel who teaches Honors Biology II and Methods in Molecular Biology Research. She is also a co-advisor to the Metanomics IRT alongside Mrs. Farrell. Ms. Patel completed a B.S. in Biological and Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. While in school, she worked as a teaching assistant and tutor, however, this will be her first experience in full-time high school-level teaching. After completing graduate school, she took a gap year to travel.
COOPER GOODWIN (V)
Before interviewing for the job, Ms. Marianna Carella worked at the Pennington School, another highly-rated private school. Ms. Carella was searching for a new job because she had just married and moved. She states that Pingry stood out because of its reputation.
Ms. Carella reiterates how she appreciates the community at Pingry. She says what she finds most interesting about Pingry is the block schedule and the flexes between classes. She likes the additional science flex because it
ERIKA QIN (III)
The Upper School is excited to welcome World History Teacher Jonathan Sapp this fall. In addition to being a HIRT faculty advisor, Dr. Sapp will lead Model Congress, along with Dr. Charlotte Madere, where he hopes to help students gain confidence and public speaking experience.
A North Carolina native, Dr. Sapp received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro before earning his M.A. in history from the University of Akron. He then
When asked what inspired her to become a teacher, Ms. Patel’s main reason was her little brother. She explained that she was always highly involved in his education, whether helping him with work or fostering his interests. Her little brother is now an aspiring F1 engineer, studying mechanical engineering in college. Ms. Patel goes on to say, “Watching him grow as both a student and person was incredibly rewarding for me and inspired me to teach high school students.”
Ms. Patel’s experience at Pingry thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. She feels the community welcomed her with open arms and has become a great support system. This year, Ms. Patel
aims to further develop her teaching skills and explains that she has already learned lots from being around such talented individuals. She is looking forward to growing throughout the year.
In her free time, Ms. Patel enjoys classics: spending time with her friends and family, cooking, and watching Netflix. Dancing and the occasional shoe shopping also pique her interest. She explains she is particularly intrigued by “holistic health, nutrition, and philosophy, particularly how they can help us live a healthy and happy life.” To finish, Ms. Patel adds, “I’d just like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received from everyone at Pingry!” Welcome to our community, Ms. Patel!
Ms. Marianna Carella
allows her to dive deeper into the content and explore concepts with more hands-on activities. Before this year, she remarked that she was nervous about the relationships she would build with coworkers, and has since come around to saying “They have been very supportive.”
Ms. Carella hopes she can create a classroom environment where her students can feel comfortable and be themselves. She hopes that students will see that she is pushing them to do their best so that they can be their best. She hopes her class will be something students look forward to rather than dread.
Ms. Carella reflects on her experiences in school, saying she did not find a subject that connected with her until her junior year of high school when she took a general Introduction to Physics class. She felt very confident and enjoyed the subject, so she began helping her peers, which gave her confidence in teaching as well. She is passionate about helping students who do not feel confident in physics.
Ms. Carella also draws inspiration from her mother, a confident and positive teacher. Watching her mother build meaningful relationships with her students showed Ms. Carella how impactful teaching could be.
Dr. Jonathan Sapp
completed his PhD in medieval history at Duke University. At Duke, he briefly taught as an Instructor of Record as a part of the PhD program. Since then, Dr. Sapp has taught at BirminghamSouthern College, where he founded a faculty writing group.
Dr. Sapp attributes his love for history to an outstanding historian who mentored him during college. His mentor brought out a passion for the past Dr. Sapp had overlooked during high school. He strives to inspire students similarly but is diplomatic and understands that not everyone
will love history, as he once did not. When asked about his goals for the school year, Dr. Sapp simply replied, “I just want to be the best teacher I possibly can.” Dr. Sapp’s enthusiasm for history is not confined to the classroom. In his free time, Dr. Sapp can be found growing silkworms (to make silk like the ancient Chinese) or spending up to a month of his life in a temple prison cell (to experience asceticism as the Buddha did). He also cooks lamb eyeballs (like the ancient Mongols) and enjoys playing his guitar. Welcome to the Upper School! Dr. Sapp!
JASMINE ZHOU (IV)
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Pingry Communications
Girls’ Volleyball
RADHYA SHAH (III)
Pingry’s Girls’ Volleyball team enjoyed their second season! Trained by Coaches Josh Lyons and Coleen Martin and led by captains Naomi Billups (VI) and Sofia Wood (VI), the varsity team “dove” right into the games and “blocked” out the competition. After fighting for a win over their first few games, Pingry Varsity Volleyball found its groove. On October 1, they left the audience
amazed with a 3-set stunner over Thomas Edison Energy Charter (2521, 22-25, 25-19). They have great talent, with a varsity roster of 18 girls this year. The team finished 5th in the Skyland Conference and aims for a higher position in the State competition. Charlotte Hunzinger (III) said, “I [had] such a good time getting to know everyone and bonding as a team. I can’t wait to show all our progress during the States!” They won twice as many games this season as last season. Go, Big Blue!
Boys’ Soccer
After a successful preseason trip to Milan, the Pingry Boys’ Soccer won their first two preseason games against Ridgewood and Ramapo. The season started with a 3–0 win vs. local rival Bridgewater-Raritan; afterward, captains Sebastian Martinez (VI), Jonathan Mitchell (VI), Neil Reiner (VI), and Joaquin Stevenson (VI) reminded the team that wins like this aren’t a given; they are earned. After this start to the season, the team geared up to
face Christian Brothers Academy, the team that had ruined their hopes of a South Jersey Non-Public A title for the last two years; they were able to beat Christian Brothers Academy 5–0 on Bugliari World Cup Field. As the season rolled on, the boys’ grit and determination showed as they beat Bridgewater-Raritan 1–0 and outlasted Monroe 2–1 (while playing the last 15 minutes down a man). The team entered the Somerset County Tournament as the number one seed and won the state championship on Friday, November 15.
MATIAS STEVENSON (IV)
Pingry Football started the season strong with a win of 53–14 against St. Luke’s New Canaan. Trained by Head Coaches Joe Passaro, Bradley Banken, Matthew Carr, AJ Passaro, and Kevin Riordan, the team has seen some dynamic competition this season. Captains Matt Galusha (VI), Rafferty Harris (VI), Jack Moye (VI), and Ryan Moye (V) are proud to finish the season strong. Under their leadership, the team perfected their practices and prepared for future matches. In their game against Rye Country Day on October 10, they delivered an exciting 15–14 victory, and in a game against New Hope Solebury on October 18, they claimed their second straight victory and delivered 54 points. They also won the 2024 Metropolitan Independent Football League (MIFL) Bowl Championship with a 30–20 victory over Rye Country Day School, their fifth win in a row. Coach Passaro wisely quoted Bear Bryant in a communication to the team: “It's not the will to win that matters. Everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” Let’s go, Pingry Football, for an incredible season!
ANDREW HEFNER (III)
The Coed Water Polo Team welcomed a new Head Coach, Elaine Neumann, this season. Coach Neumann previously played D1 water polo at Villanova University and coached Pequannock Township High School Varsity Swimming. Thanks to Captains AJ Goel (VI), Vinav Shah (VI), Kirsten Thomas (VI), Alex Wong
ZARA ABBASI (V)
Water Polo
(VI), and Melinda Xu (VI), the Team enjoyed many successes this season! At the Beast of the East Tournament, the boys’ and girls’ teams performed exceptionally, with Girls’ Water Polo winning their last two games and Boys’ Water Polo earning second place in their flight, taking home a trophy. Coed Water Polo also competed at the Garden State Tournament, playing over eight games in two days. The tournament
proved to be a true test of the grit and determination that the team has already shown this season. Before competing, Wong described the tournament as “the highlight of the season. The entire team looks to secure the state title for the first time in 8 years after coming second for the last 5 years. Everyone is aiming for number one.” Overall, it was a fantastic, nearly undefeated season for the Coed Water Polo Team!
Girls’ Field Hockey
The Pingry Girls’ Field Hockey Team had a record-breaking season. The team is coached by Julie Delinsky, Mary Drabich, and Courtney Stafford, and is led by Captains Morgan Dwyer (VI), Alexis Glasofer (VI), and Katharine Shea (VI).
As a huge contributor to the team’s success, Columbia-commit Dwyer broke the school record with 80 goals (and counting). Additionally, sophomore duo Cameron Tarpley and Annabelle Ouzounian scored 11 and 10 goals, respectively.
As the team approached the county semifinal,
GABRIEL RAYKIN (V)
Pingry’s Boys’ Cross-Country Team, ranked 17th in the state, had an amazing season! When asked about their performances, Quinn Joralemon (V) recalled their meet on October 5, where Ziv Shah (VI) led the team to a fifth-place finish out of hundreds of competitors. The team finished third out of over 20 teams at the meet. Cross-country practices were intense and structured, taking place daily
DURGA MENON (V)
Led by Coaches Marion Webster and George Roser, along with Captains Isabelle Chen (VI), Ava Grunstra (VI), and Greta Reinhardt (VI), the Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team has maintained its undefeated record. Doubles
Dwyer said, “We are getting better every day and hope to make it far in counties, prep tournament, and states,” and she is excited to see what happens next.
On November 6, the Field Hockey team captured their 17th win of the season during the state quarterfinal round against St. John Vianney. Five days later, they defeated Kent Place 1–0, earning their ticket to the NJSIAA Non-Public North Sectional Final. Unfortunately, they lost the final, which did nothing to taint the incredible season that Pingry Girls’ Field Hockey had with an 11-game win streak and an appearance in the NJ.com Top 20 ranking!
at 3:30 p.m. Each practice began with a one-mile warm-up, stretches, and a run on the track or the road. "Track workouts are usually shorter but much more intense," Joralemon explained, "while road runs are typically around seven miles, though the distance can vary depending on the day." Despite the physical and mental demands of their training — particularly the tough track workouts — the team continued to push itself. Their motivation? "Getting better.”
Girls’ Tennis
partners Chen and Leila Souayah (VI), both state champions, have reunited this year to play their first doubles. Reflecting on the team dynamic with the addition of new underclassmen, Chen says, “We’re all learning from each other. It’s a supportive environment, and it’s great to cheer
TINGTING LUO (V)
At the 2024 Skyland Conference, they finished ahead of a handful of varsity teams, including Rutgers Prep and Gill St. Bernard's. On October 25, they placed second out of 13 teams at the Somerset County Championships, and on October 30, they won the Prep A Championships at Blairstown. They finished 4th in Non-Public A, with a team average of 17:12, a Pingry course record at Holmdel. Overall, Boys CrossCountry had an outstanding season!
each other on and off the court.” Sheryl Chen (V) commented that the team rose to the challenge in their most demanding match against Ridge High School, playing intense matches and ultimately winning 4–1. Sheryl explains, “We know each other’s styles, and it was a fun and challenging experience.”
In the North vs. South final, Pingry triumphed over Princeton Day School to win the team state tournament. In the individual state tournament, the second doubles team Nandini and Angelina claimed the overall victory. The Girls’ Tennis Team has shown incredible strength and excellence this season, bringing home both team and individual titles!
Girls’ Cross Country
The Girls’ Cross Country Team, led by Captains Lucy Ambrogio (VI) and Kayla Kerr (VI), Head Coach Sarah Christensen, and Assistant Coach Timothy Grant, completed another successful season. They placed second out of 42 teams at the Carlisle Invitational, which “had some tough competition,” according to Kerr. The Girls’ Cross Country Team also won the Varsity F race at the Shore Coaches Invitational, where Ambrogio, Kerr, and Sari Berman (V) all placed in the top ten out of 171 runners. Noting teamwork as the key to success, Kerr said, “Despite having some of our fastest runners graduate, we are an even
Girls’ Soccer
LAYLA BAYDIN (V)
From being unranked to ranked 15th in the state, Girls’ Soccer showed grit and proved themselves as a competitive force on the field. Led by captains Brooke Hannon (VI), Ellie Solomon (VI), and Vanya Shah (VI), the team worked hard to secure their place among the top 20 in the state this season. In their game against Roxbury High School on October 1, they were led by Columbia commit Maya Nuwayhid (V), who scored a hat trick, propelling the team to a 3-0 triumph.
Nuwayhid was assisted by Sadie Salmon (III) for one of these goals, while the rest of the team worked diligently to maintain a shutout. On October 5, the team faced Watchung Hills Regional High School and secured a 3-1 victory over their opponents. Solomon, the team’s keeper, showed impressive skill for her first time in the goal. Head Coach Tom Worthington, alongside Coaches Neil Aldred and Caitlin Farrel, instilled in the girls a determination to fight hard for what they earned. Hannon believed that “Our success this year can be attributed to the team's
stronger team this year, and I can see us being in contention for qualifying for Nike Cross Country Nationals."
The Girls’ Cross Country Team won the 2024 Skyland Conference Championship on October 15 and placed 2nd in the NJSIAA Non-Public A State Championships. Overall, they had an incredible season, bringing home another state title!
positive attitude and morale as we entered the season. To maintain our momentum, we must continue fostering this positive mindset. On the soccer field, we simply need to keep playing our game and striving for daily improvement.” On November 7, they won the NJSIAA quarterfinal match 4-2 against Newark Academy to advance to the semis, where the team suffered a tough 2-1 loss to Immaculate Heart. Overall, the girls soccer team had a fantastic season with 14 wins, a spot in NJ.com's Top 20 rankings (#15), and a Prep A Championship Trophy!
Boys’ Cross Country Coed
RYAN DICKS (III)