True Blue Spotlight

Q&A WITH MEMBERS OF PINGRY’S TRUE BLUE SOCIETY

Jessica Dee Sawyer ’99, P ’32

Why do you choose to remain connected to Pingry?

Pingry succeeds at building and retaining a strong community. I still feel connected to the School as an alumna and as a parent. I have met wonderful people through Pingry and continue to be impressed by the dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and lovely families that associate with the School. While Pingry strives for excellence academically, individuals do not get lost in the shuffle. Every student seems to be looked after, cared for, and given the space or guidance needed to succeed. This community is special, and it takes time and energy to cultivate something this unique. I have enjoyed being a student, alumna, and now a parent, and look forward to many more years of being connected to Pingry.

What inspires you about Pingry today? As an alumna?

As a parent? Pingry has continued to evolve, grow, and remain ahead of the curve in many ways. The COVID19 pandemic has been deadly and destabilizing to so many people and institutions. Unfortunately, children have not been spared this disaster. Pingry has stepped up and provided kids with the consistency they need as well as the safety they deserve through their new policies. As a parent, I feel the support that Pingry gives to these children; I will be forever thankful for how they were there for our family these past two years.

The passion these kids have for learning at such a young age (and during a very difficult time) is directly due to the quality of educators Pingry has chosen. These men and women are dedicated to the students’ growth—not just through the subjects they teach in class, but also by sharing their genuine love of learning. The love they share inspires me every day.

What is your fondest Pingry memory?

When I was a student, I was lucky enough to have Mr. Hanly as my advisor. Mr. Hanly was the Headmaster at the time, and really just the most lovely human being. Spending time with him in our meetings—sitting in his office and talking about everything and anything—has stuck with me all these years. His embodiment of the Pingry Honor Code, the way he taught us ethics both in class and in conversation, and his outlook on life were inspiring, and I have taken those lessons with me to this day.

Jessica Dee Sawyer ‘99, P ‘32 with her husband Donald Sawyer and their children.

Has anything you learned at Pingry helped you later in

life? I learned many things at Pingry that have helped me in my life. I learned about respecting others, taking the time to listen to what people have to say, learning from people’s differences, and accepting others for who they are, not who you want them to be. High school years are memorable, sometimes embarrassing and scary, and hugely transformative. Pingry was a safe and nurturing TRUE BLUE SOCIETY space for me: a place to try things on, to

Those who have make mistakes and learn from them. I feel given to The Pingry so grateful that I was there at the time I Fund for 10 or more was, with those people and educators. I am consecutive years hopeful that my children will feel Pingry holds the same magic for them.