Blue Key and Pingry’s First-Ever Early Admissions Class

JOAQUIN STEVENSON (IV)

On Wednesday, January 4, the inaugural class of admitted early action students descended upon Pingry. As the halls buzzed with excitement, the group was welcomed by a special event held at the Basking Ridge campus. In preparation for this event, the Blue Key Club, led by Mr. Edwin Núñez, Director of Enrollment Management, and Ms. Freddie Schachter, Enrollment Counselor from the Enrollment Management Office, worked to inspire enthusiasm and anticipation. The guidance provided by the advisors and the countless outreach planning meetings held by Blue Key members allowed for a polished message on Pingry to be delivered to the prospective students.

Blue Key members’ participation at open houses, at campus tours, and in hosting prospective students served as a way to spread Pingry’s important sense of community. Whether it be greeting the students with a smile, a quick conversation, or a welcome video, the Blue Key members have been crucial in this admission process. “The single best thing about Pingry is the people. What I hear during almost every interview is that the students who gave the Blue Key tours were the number one marketing tool for Pingry - their warmth, confidence, humor, and maturity really stand out. I am so grateful to all of our Blue Key members for taking the time out of their day (time that they could spend seeing teachers, hanging with friends, or working on homework) to share their pride and knowledge of Pingry with visiting guests,” Ms. Schacter said. Leading up to the early action release date on December 15, events and tours were in high demand. For Mr. Núñez, Director of Enrollment Management, “The highlight of this admissions cycle has been, without a doubt, the work and spirit of the Blue Key members.” Throughout the fall, buddies showed prospective students a day in the life of a Pingry student, leading them through their school day and classes. Buddies also met the prospective students at Friday Night Lights and Homecoming, to name a few of the many events. The Academic Open House was packed with families learning about the copious learning opportunities available at Pingry. In late fall, the Sports Open House showcased the many sports that Pingry has to offer. Prospective students and families were able to meet the coaches and our student athletes, only increasing interest in Pingry. As December rolled around, our Blue Key tour guides were still sharing their experiences with prospective families regarding the Honor Code, advisory, activities, and school events, among other experiences at Pingry. Finally, on Wednesday, January 4, Pingry welcomed the applicants accepted through early admission. Blue Key will continue to support the Enrollment Management office, as the admissions cycle is not over yet. Once again with appreciation for Blue Key, Mr. Núñez expressed, “They have attended every admissions event, developed new creative approaches, and have made prospective families feel at home in our Pingry community. Honestly, at this point, I am worried that they are better than me at my job.” Fear not, Mr. Núñez, you are irreplaceable!

SRIYA TALLAPRAGADA (IV)

The John Hanly Lecture Series began in 1999 in honor of former Headmaster John Hanly's retirement. Over the years, Pingry has invited a variety of speakers to discuss modern ethical challenges for the lecture. The 2023 Hanly Lecture was