Jun 7, 2020 | Editorial, Noah Bergam
By Noah Bergam (V)
The bipartisan government report on the 2008 Financial Crisis and the Great Recession paraphrased Shakespeare in its analysis: “The fault lies not in the stars, but in us.”
I read parts of this report, as well as numerous other sources, for a history project, and it was really eye-opening how much I learned about the human nature that plays into economics, from perverse incentive to predatory lending to, ultimately, the ethical dilemma of the bailout.
Over the course of my entire childhood which existed in the backdrop of this Recession, I never really understood the event and the different interpretations of it that persist to this day. Talking to some classmates, I realize this gap in knowledge might be more widespread than I thought, and it makes sense; in all our years of coursework, we never had the chance to sit down and actually discuss it.
The economics around me only became more eye-opening when, in the wake of the George Floyd murder, I sought to educate myself on some of the systemic racism in our country. From there I discovered the sheer severity of racial wealth inequality in this country and the covert redlining which contributes to it. This is once again something I knew vaguely, but I wish I could have learned about it in detail in a structured classroom environment. It should not have taken a national crisis to learn this.
On this note I would like to make a request. Pingry should mandate economics education throughout all four years of high school, teaching not only good practices for personal finances but also looking at systemic issues, both past and present, to examine their causes.
In our current system, aside from the one trimester of Financial Literacy in freshman year and the online Financial Literacy coursework in senior year, Pingry students need not think about economics unless they have the interest and the space in their schedules to take a course in it.
That’s not enough.
And look, I know it’s easier said than done to ask Pingry to teach more of this or that. But I think economics as a subject, in the context of the kinds of issues that I brought up, stands out from the crowd of other subjects. I say this not only because of its obvious usefulness for students as future consumers but also its importance right now in terms of intellectual discourse.
Understanding economics is a civic duty. It makes us question policy rather than assume someone else has it all figured out. It can also help us have more fact-based discussions surrounding social issues in America, which may help open students up to discussions of privilege and diversity and inclusion more than our current, opinion-based approaches.
Four years of economics education would make for a continuity that the current system lacks. Additionally, it would not be particularly hard to implement for the sophomore and junior classes, for it should not require new hirings or substantial schedule changes – in fact, it should exist outside the course schedule and be largely asynchronous, with progress marked by quizzes or short responses.
However, for the more curious students, there should be occasional, optional meetings where students can discuss some of the material with an economics teacher and ask questions. Think of it like an addition to our community service requirements. A requirement for the intellectual well-being of Pingry students, and moreover an opportunity for interested students to engage in the subject.
Ultimately, we’re living in history. That should have been evident since 2008, and it is more than evident now. Our financial literacy curriculum, moving forward, should reflect that.
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Dean Koenig (V)
Mr. Dennis Pearlstein has written and directed fantastic plays and musicals over his time at Pingry, but most importantly, he has taught and mentored the students here since 2007. After 13 years, he is departing from Pingry.
Mr. Pearlstein began his career as a teacher in 1971 after earning his Bachelor of Arts degree and his Master of Fine Arts degree at Columbia University. He then taught English for 20 years at the Calhoun School in New York City before joining the faculty at Pingry. When Mr. Pearlstein first arrived at Pingry, he was a sixth grade teacher. At the time, this grade was based on an interdisciplinary curriculum for English and History, which he taught for four years before becoming a high school teacher in 2011.
Ever since his arrival, Mr. Pearlstein has greatly enjoyed working with his students each day. He admires their intelligence and creativity when working on projects or essays, also noting that they are incredible observers of art, always finding new ways to connect art to literature. “I think my students are also adventurous in exploring new ways of writing,” he adds. “They like the challenge, and they meet the challenge.”
When asked what he will miss most about Pingry, Mr. Pearlstein did not hesitate to mention his students and colleagues. “The students here are absolutely wonderful,” he answered. He added, “[The teachers] work with a purpose here to offer bright students a high degree of challenging material. I hope that will always be the case.”
In the future, Mr. Pearlstein wishes to keep his hand in the field of education. He plans to tutor students and possibly become a docent at a museum, working in its educational division. In terms of Pingry’s future, he hopes the students will continue to treasure one another and enjoy being in an environment where they have the potential to achieve excellence. We wish Mr. Pearlstein the best of luck in the years to come!
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Ashleigh Proovost (IV)
This year, we must say goodbye to Ms. Susan Conklin, Pingry’s Academic Support Coordinator and Learning Specialist. On the Basking Ridge campus, Ms. Conklin could always be found in the hallway with a smile on her face, or in her office behind Macrae Theater, collaborating with many different students every single day.
As Pingry’s Learning Specialist, Ms. Conklin would give students academic support, consulting with students and their families to help students with their study habits. She loved helping people find the best study strategies for them, as shown by one of her favorite metaphors involving the twenty-five year-old geode on her desk. “People can look at themselves like they would a geode,” says Ms. Conklin. “Once you can unlock someone’s mind, there’s a treasure of beautiful crystals waiting inside!”
Ms. Conklin had significant experience in her field prior to arriving at Pingry. She received a graduate degree in social work from Hunter College, and worked as a psychotherapist in private practice for many years afterwards. Ms. Conklin then taught graduates at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Ms. Conklin began teaching in schools in 2007, and came to Pingry three years ago. She’s especially interested in brain neurology, and how the brain works for learning.
Pingry was an important part of Ms. Conklin’s life, and she’ll really miss the Pingry culture and community. “One of my favorite memories of Pingry will be eating lunch with my colleagues,” she remarks. “Especially now, I really miss that social connection.” She really loved her experience on the Global Programs trip to the Balkans last year. “We got to help students learn while developing our own bond at the same time,” she recalls. “It’s a wonderful thing to do; to study with your colleagues and go away together.”
She enjoyed interacting with students and parents just as much as she did with faculty. “It was an amazing feeling to help a student have a breakthrough,” she said. “It’s like letting the butterfly out of the cage.” She added, “You know, nature really does have beautiful metaphors for us!” Speaking on what she will miss the most, Ms. Conklin mentioned Pingry’s theater and art showcases: “I love the shows and the art and the music,” she remarks. “I’m just amazed by the talent of the students and faculty!”
Ms. Conklin is planning on retiring after leaving Pingry, but she still wants to stay involved. “I love life and I love what I do,” she says. She’ll be missed greatly by the Pingry community at large. Best of luck to you, Ms. Conklin!
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Brooke Pan (V)
After nearly thirty years in the Pingry community as both a student and a teacher, Mr. Crowley-Delman is leaving to further his interests in the outdoors. Having largely taught in the humanities department, Mr. Crowley-Delman will be shifting his focus outside of the classroom. Starting in July, he will be serving as the Director of Outdoor Education at the Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, New York.
Before coming to Pingry, Mr. Crowley-Delman worked in a wide variety of career fields, including real-estate, law, sales, and more. Through all of it, he notes, “I always wanted to learn more about human beings and their place in the world. So I decided to make that my career.” At Pingry, Mr. Crowley-Delman was able to explore his wonders for humanity, whether within the Pingry campus or out in nature. He influenced many of his students and colleagues with his passion for the outdoors, having led multiple domestic global programs, most of which focused on “wilderness travel, sustainability, and plant-based education.” When asked about his favorite memory of Pingry, Mr. Crowley-Delman found difficulty naming just one. He recalls an instance while on a backpacking trip he had led: “My dad’s backpack was so heavy that he fell over while putting it on and was trapped on the ground for a few minutes like a turtle on its back.”
Mr. Crowley-Delman carries this effervescent spirit with him wherever he goes and in whatever he is doing. He first attended Williams College, where he earned a BA with Honors in History, and he then went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Eastern Classics at St. John’s College. He brought his extensive background in history to Pingry, which he applied in his World History 9 and 10 courses, as well as his American Society and Culture classes. Outside of teaching classes, Mr. Crowley-Delman was also involved with many extracurricular activities, such as running the LeBow Oratorical Competition and coaching football and lacrosse for several years. Though, what Abby Parrish (V) was most impacted by were his efforts in Pingry’s Outing Club. “Crow-Del brings an energy and purpose to the school that no one else has. His passion for outdoor education and experiential learning has impacted me, and so many others, in the way we want to learn and grow as not only students, but also just as people.”
It is no question that Mr. Crowley-Delman has left an indelible impact on his students, whether they were directly taught by him or indirectly impacted by his work. In pouring all his heart and efforts into the Outing Club, he has created a legacy that will continue to inspire many students to come. Parrish notes, “We’ve already seen the impacts of the change he has been trying to create. It’s up to us now to do the best we can to continue [his legacy].” Mr. Crowley-Delman is leaving Pingry with a bittersweet farewell: “I’m so thankful for everything Pingry has given me after nearly thirty years. Most of all, I’m grateful for the students who continue to surprise me every day.”
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Mirika Jambudi
After serving as Dean of Faculty for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Reid Prichett will be leaving Pingry to take the next step in his career. He was tasked with nurturing the faculty’s ongoing professional growth and developed the Assessment for Growth (AfG) procedure. During his tenure at Pingry, Dr. Pritchett additionally helped guide numerous faculty through graduate programs, led faculty to participate in more professional development events, and assisted with improving the productivity of Faculty In-Service Days.
Dr. Prichett received a BS in economics from Williams College, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction of Mathematics Education, and a PhD and MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before he came to Pingry, he “taught, coached, and worked in different administrative roles.” As a teacher, his goal has always been to help students become better learners by understanding how they learn. In addition to serving as Dean of Faculty for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Prichett taught Intermediate Algebra with Geometry and coached the Upper School wrestling team. Dr. Prichett will fondly look back at his favorite memories of Pingry in the classroom when he got to “work with students… and reflect on student learning with teachers.”
Thank you, Dr. Prichett, for your contributions to Pingry, you will be missed.
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Meghan Durkin (V)
Ms. Eva Ostrowsky, who began teaching at Pingry in 2011, is leaving at the end of this school year. Before coming to Pingry, she earned her B.A. at Cornell University, where she was captain of the Field Hockey team. After college, she worked at Barclays Capital.
Throughout her time at Pingry, Ms. Ostrowsky has held numerous positions. She taught sixth grade History, served as Dean of Student Culture in the Middle School, and coached both the Junior Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams. In 2015, she returned to Pingry following an 18-month sabbatical, during which she received a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. More recently, she has served as a school counselor, while also taking active roles in the Peer Leadership program and SDLC. During her time as a counselor, she has brought numerous student wellness initiatives to the Pingry community, including yearly advisory “check-ins” with Pingry’s counselors.
Through all of her roles at Pingry, Ms. Ostrowsky has cherished the connections she has made the most. When asked about her favorite Pingry memories, she responded, “Being a sixth grade teacher and advisor was such a fun experience. I remember students baking amazing things for their birthday celebrations, and I will never forget when my advisory … threw me a baby shower before I went on maternity leave in 2015. I still read the books they gave to my son Eddie to my children!” She has also “loved the relationships that I have built with students as a counselor over the past few years. It’s been an honor to get to know students on a deeper level, and I will cherish those connections for a very long time.”
Upon leaving Pingry, she will join the faculty at The Hun School, where she will serve as the Director of Counseling and Wellness. She will also lead their Peer Leadership program. She is “incredibly excited to move to a boarding school community and take on this next step in my career.” Ms. Ostrowsky has touched many parts of the Pingry community, from the classroom to the fields, and will be missed by many.
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Eva Schiller (V)
This year, the Pingry community must bid Visual Arts Teacher Mr. Freiwald (affectionately known as “Frei” by his students) farewell as he enters retirement. During a 32-year career at Pingry, Mr. Freiwald has taught a myriad of art classes including Advanced Topics in Art, Photography, Graphics (printmaking and graphic design), Art Fundamentals, and Metalworking. However, he is best known among students for his famed Clayworking and Sculpture class, as well as his incredible pottery showing in Pingry’s Hostetter gallery.
Mr. Freiwald is extremely experienced in his field; he received a BA in Fine Arts from Montclair State University, and a MFA in Sculpture and Graphic Design from Rutgers University. His work has been exhibited in over twenty galleries and, before coming to Pingry, he obtained considerable teaching experience at nearly ten educational institutions. As a community, we are incredibly fortunate to have been the recipients of such experience and expertise throughout his classes.
However, since becoming a faculty member in 1988, Mr. Freiwald’s impact on students has reached far beyond the classroom. He helped construct sets for the Drama Department, served as faculty advisor for the Make a Wish Foundation and Potters for Peace, and even spent 11 years as Blue Book photographer. Perhaps most importantly, he is beloved among his students for his good nature and devotion to the community.
As such, he will be missed greatly by his students. “Frei has inspired me to pursue my dreams,” notes clayworking student Jerry O’Mara (V). “I remember when I asked him about how he got his ideas for his amazing pots he told me that he just dreamed about it and the next day, made it. Frei has taught me that great work does not come from great skill but great vision and determination.” Speaking for the rest of Mr. Freiwald’s students, Jerry added that “everyone that has had Frei as a teacher can agree that his passion and deep understanding drives everyone around him to create bigger and better things.”
As for Mr. Freiwald’s plans in retirement, the Record has gotten wind of a rumor that he may be writing a book in his newfound free time. If so, we are excited to read it! If not, we must continue holding out hope that just a few more pieces of original Freiwald pottery make it to the Hostetter gallery. Best of luck to you, Mr. Freiwald, wherever you go!
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures, Noah Bergam
By Noah Bergam (V)
After 41 years at Pingry, beloved Upper School German teacher and former Head of the World Languages Department Norman LaValette is retiring this year. Mr. LaValette (often referred to by students as “Herr LaV” or simply “LaV”) is known for his unorthodox but effective teaching methods, which, as his students can attest to, involve countless mantras, exquisite vocabulary, speed dialogue, and sometimes even jumping on tables.
LaValette is a born teacher, but the way he ended up choosing German and Pingry requires a bit of background.
In terms of the former, the story starts back when he was in 7th grade, when he had the choice at his public school to learn either Latin or German. He liked both languages; Latin piqued his interest in toy soldier collection, while German had interesting connections with his native Dutch. He chose Latin, only to receive his schedule and find it had German on it. Apparently there were not enough signups to fill up a Latin class. “The rest is history;” he studied German through high school, college, and grad school.
When LaVallette entered the teaching world, Pingry was not his debut job. After four years teaching at three separate high schools, LaValette stumbled upon Pingry by a recommendation from a friend. After interviewing for the job, LaV recalled he was “duly allured,” taken aback by “the reverence for scholarship, for ideas” among both students and teachers. Once again, the rest is history.
LaV taught German during a time when the Berlin Wall was thought to be indestructible. He recalled taking students to the country on exchange trips in the late 80s and early 90s––on one trip in specific, his students traded US dollars for medals and belts from Russian soldiers in East Berlin. He recalled thinking: “This is wild.”
Herr LaValette has run Harkness discussions in German since the 1980s, back before it was cool for even high school English classes. He recalled one specific discussion that devolved into fisticuffs––a discussion where he jumped in and ultimately took an accidental punch to the jaw from one of his students. If anything, it was a testament to his sheer dedication to his students, and, of course, the relevance of his class discussions: as LaV put it, “German can push people’s buttons!”
According to German teacher Karsten Niehues, “[LaV] is a living legend. Over the years, more than 1,000 teachers have participated in his workshops and learned from his wisdom. While LaV has a student-centered approach to teaching, he also believes in the value of teachers with strong personalities.” Indeed, LaV’s pedagogy has made huge impacts on the teachers around him. Fellow German teacher Igor Jasinski stated, “Watching [LaV] teach has helped me become a better teacher, as it makes me want to bring to my classes some of that intensity and sense of urgency that is the hallmark of Norm’s teaching style.” Colleague and former German teacher Ann Dickerson said, “He is an innovative, energetic, passionate educator who has never become complacent or cynical about teaching, and comes to school every day as eager to grow and to learn as if he were just starting out.”
This is evident in his own words. When asked what teaching has taught him, LaV responded, “If you’re an ambitious person, if you start a year with a goal, inexorably what’s going to happen, especially if you’re a teacher, is you aren’t going to reach all of them. You’re not ever as good as you think you are. But here’s the cool thing about teaching: most teachers I know, they will get back on the horse, and set up new goals, new ambitions, strive to do what they couldn’t do the year before.”
The first mantra LaV taught me back in sixth grade German was Aller Anfang ist schwer: every beginning is difficult. So too is every ending, especially to a career this amazing. Herr LaV, you will be greatly missed.
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Monica Chan (V)
Lower School Spanish teacher Ms. Matty Yorkshire will be leaving Pingry after a 25 year stay at the Short Hills campus. Her passion for teaching Spanish language and culture to Pingry’s youngest students has remained an integral part of Lower School students’ memories, as she taught students to love and appreciate the language.
Before her work at Pingry, she taught Spanish at Archbishop Keough High School in Maryland, Staten Island Academy, and Princeton Day School. She also taught at Raritan Valley Community College. Ms. Yorkshire attended the University of Maryland for her Bachelor’s degree and Towson State University for her Master’s degree. Her inspiration for teaching was her love of sharing her native Cuban culture and language.
Her favorite memory of Pingry was when she was awarded the Albert W. Booth Chair for Master Teachers Award by former Headmaster Mr. Conard. The award commends the teacher “who reflects those qualities of honor, integrity, idealism, dedication to students, and reverence for scholarship,” which “defined Mr. Booth’s life and work.” Ms. Yorkshire stated that “when you can be around long enough to witness the fruit of your earlier labors, it does not get any better than that.”
When asked about her future plans after departing the Pingry community, Ms. Yorkshire says she is “looking forward to reconnecting with my family, living within and outside of the country, and enjoying ministry with my husband.” Undoubtedly, Ms. Yorkshire’s presence in the Pingry community will forever be marked in our minds, and we wish her all the best in her new adventures!
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Mirika Jambudi (III)
After four years at Pingry, this past year serving as Lower School Director, Dr. Sandy Lizaire-Duff will be leaving Pingry in June to take the next step in her career. She will be relocating to Stamford, Connecticut, where she will be the Head of Lower School at King School.
Dr. Lizaire-Duff received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montclair State University, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Teachers College of Columbia University, and a doctorate in Urban Systems from Rutgers University. She started her teaching career at Edgemont Montessori School in Montclair in 1999 after she had graduated from Teachers College. She credits her inspiration for becoming a teacher to her “love for helping kids, even as a child,” as well as her prior work with young girls thanks to a friend who was a teacher. Though she did not teach any courses as Lower School Director, Dr. Lizaire-Duff loved going into classrooms to visit and interact with the students, noting that seeing their “smiling faces were some of the best parts of [her] day.” In addition to her many day-to-day operational tasks, Dr. Lizaire-Duff was part of the development of the 2018 Strategic Plan, worked with the professional development program, and advanced the work of diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Lizaire-Duff will fondly look back at her favorite memories of Pingry, such as the annual Field Day: a “sea of blue and white with smiling faces… and being able to see kids being kids and having fun.” She will also forever cherish her connections with Lower School students, faculty, staff, and parents, and is proud to have had “the privilege of partnering and working with an incredible community these past four years.” In a parting message to the school, Dr. Lizaire-Duff would like to wish everyone continued good health. Thank you, Dr. Lizaire-Duff, for your contributions to Pingry––you will be missed!
Jun 7, 2020 | Faculty Departures
By Josie Alston (V)
As the end of the school year approaches, The Pingry School must say goodbye to Mr. Kevin Schroedter. Mr. Schroedter spent his only year at Pingry teaching French 2, Spanish 2, and French 5, as well as assistant coaching Upper School water polo and swimming.
Born to a Spanish speaking Colombian mother, Mr. Schroedter developed a love for languages as a child. His grandfather also taught French to the Colombian military for a living. He followed his childhood passion to Duke University, where he earned his B.A. in Political Science and French, and Middlebury College, where he earned his M.A. in French.
Following his studies, Mr. Schroedter pursued an extensive teaching career across the globe so he could stay immersed in the French and Spanish languages. In fact, this year concludes Mr. Schroedter’s 28th year of teaching either French or Spanish at a private school.
In the future, Mr. Schroedter plans to continue his “pursuit of excellence as a language teacher” and he “[looks] forward to the next great adventure with excitement and gratitude.”
As his farewell to Pingry, Mr. Schroedter would like to leave this final message: “I am grateful for the time spent with my colleagues in the language department, as well as getting to know some very special kids in my classes. I also appreciate the time I shared on the pool deck with the other coaches and the great bunch of athletes on both the water polo and swimming teams.”
Jun 7, 2020 | Commencement
By Emily Shen (IV)
Blasting music in the senior area, taking selfies with their friends, and putting on their college shirts to show off their pride and incredible accomplishments––this was how the seniors imagined their last day to be like. However, given the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, that day had to be remote, which was, predictably, quite frustrating for the seniors. When asked about her last day, Ola Weber (VI) described it as “disappointing” and said, “Brian Li’s final morning meeting announcement concluded with rolling credits of all the senior student government members’ names. I hadn’t cried at all up until that point, but when ‘Hello, Goodbye’ by the Beatles started playing in the background, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions I couldn’t help but cry. But I guess that reaction says it all, doesn’t it? It shows how much this community has impacted me and shaped me into the person I am today.” Another senior, Alison Lee, commented that although she could not physically spend the last day with her friends, “Pingry did a really good job of keeping the Pingry spirit alive with Zoom calls and balloon deliveries by Pingry staff. It reminded everyone that we are part of a bigger Pingry community, and we will get through this.”
When asked about the favorite part of their last day, many mentioned the first-ever virtual SAC assembly. Weber, as a principal member of the SAC, shared the process of putting together this assembly. “When Dean Ross mentioned putting on the virtual SAC assembly, I thought it was a great idea. I think humor is so important and laughing through these times can really help us cope with this strange reality.” One of her biggest challenges and fears was that it wouldn’t bring comedic relief. “Obviously the technical component is tough because you’re not able to interact with people and in anything you do, but especially in comedy. After you’re finished with a project you crave feedback. You can really pick up on whether people think the stuff you’re putting out is funny or not and my biggest fear was that people would nod their head and smile and tell me ‘yeah this is good stuff’ but not really think it was.”
After the disappointing cancelation of the winter SAC assembly, the club aimed to utilize this new platform to provide the best content possible. When asked about the effects of the cancellation of the winter assembly, Nic Gambello (V), another organizer of the virtual assembly, responded, “It was disappointing, but I think it motivated us to work harder this time around. We knew people were upset in the winter, so we felt that we had a responsibility to make up for it.” Despite the challenges that came their way, the SAC did a great job to alleviate the students’ stress and many students gave feedback saying that it was something that they looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed.
Given the circumstances, seniors were not able to go back to school and participate in many exciting events, such as an in-person graduation ceremony or their senior dance. Many commented about how much they are going to miss the Pingry community. “I’m going to miss the teachers and I’m just going to miss the familiarity of it all. It’s really a lovely thing when you know a community so well, yet you can still learn so much from it each and every day.” Weber shared her most cherished moments at Pingry, “I always loved, during the spring, the days when it would be humid and then a couple of hours into school there would be a thunderstorm and you’d be in class and you’d crack the windows and you’d listen to the rain and the thunder and the trees––the school had this really distinct smell––and you were just in your little secluded Pingry bubble. I’d say those days I’m going to miss the most.” Similarly, Lee noted that she is going to miss the energy that Pingry has. “I am going to miss conversations with my teachers and high-fives with my friends. We’re not going to have the famous senior day bouncy house,” she remarked, “but I hear next year’s reunion is going to be huge!”
Despite not being able to say goodbyes to the seniors in person, every one of us in the Pingry community is sending our love and wishes to the graduating seniors. Dear Class of 2020, no matter where you go, or what dreams you decide to pursue, please know that, while disappointing, this period of time has brought us closer together as a Pingry community and that we will always be thinking of you. We will miss you, and best of luck!
Jun 7, 2020 | Commencement
By Meghan Durkin (V)
Following NJ Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that school closures would be extended through the end of June, Pingry needed to adjust plans for graduation, which was originally supposed to be held on June 7. While the traditional in-person Commencement is not permissible amid the COVID-19 pandemic on the original date, the Pingry administration is working hard to celebrate the senior class in creative ways.
To replace the typical Commencement, Pingry will release a video for the seniors on what would have been graduation day. Upper School Director Ms. Ananya Chatterji, who helped organize these new graduation plans, hopes the video will honor the seniors’ achievement until an in-person graduation is possible. Ms. Chatterji acknowledges the difficulties of truly celebrating seniors in the way many had hoped: “I keep feeling that no matter what we do, it’s not enough. Nothing replaces in-person hugs or conversations or special moments.”
Despite these challenges, the Pingry community has worked to make the senior’s last months of high school as special as possible considering the circumstances. During May, seniors were sent balloons and their caps and gowns; each member of the senior class was also invited to campus to take photos with their families. On the seniors’ last day before starting their ISPs, Pingry released a video of messages from underclassmen and faculty celebrating the accomplishments and impact of the senior class.
The significance of Commencement isn’t going unnoticed. Ms. Chatterji and the rest of the administration are dedicated to providing them with the experience, even if it is unconventional. “[Commencement] really is the dividing line between childhood and adulthood. We have watched them grow up. We have traveled this road with them. The relationships that the seniors have formed with the faculty, with each other, and with the underclassmen is remarkable, important, and true. We want to mark this transition from childhood to adulthood, but we also want to celebrate with them,” noted Ms. Chatterji.
A traditional graduation is still in the works. Pingry has set aside three alternate dates for an in-person Commencement, either August 2nd, November 25th, or December 20th, depending on the extent of restrictions in New Jersey. The continued effort to offer this year’s seniors the true graduation experience is a testament to the importance of the event within the Pingry community. As Ms. Chatterji states, “Graduation is the biggest school event of the year. It is the pinnacle of all that we stand for and believe in. The faculty, the senior class, and their parents — in one room — to mark the end of one journey and the start of a new one.” She hopes that, in the end, COVID-19 won’t stand in the way of honoring the seniors properly.
Jun 7, 2020 | Brynn Weisholtz, Senior Reflections
By Brynn Weisholtz
In this time, we are surrounded by unknowns, unsure of whatever comes next. The media outlets have analyzed this pandemic from every angle, scrutinizing each viewpoint… except, it seems, the positive one. It is with this sentiment I find myself longing to share what I believe to be Pingry’s greatest quality: its deep commitment and dedication to the student body.
As I walked out of the clocktower on March 6th, my backpack filled with books, I was prepared to depart for my final Spring Break at Pingry, ready for the exciting conclusion to my senior year. However, this year, that anticipatory aura was not present. Preparing for COVID-19, teachers and administrators instructed us to bring everything home. When my extended Spring Break turned into a permanent quarantine, I feared this marked the end of high school. Nevertheless, while my time inside the Pingry walls came to a close, the faculty, staff, and administration refused to allow this to be our official end of high school. Even apart, we were able to stay connected as a class and community.
From this point, we went online. Teachers willingly made adjustments to their disrupted personal lives. The Pingry family grew, children and pets being a welcome inclusion into the virtual classroom. They helped us retain a sense of normalcy, even from our bedrooms and kitchen tables. Outside of the classroom, we were still able to participate in quintessential senior events. From the comfort of our homes, the Virtual SAC Assembly was as humorous and witty as ever. Dressed in spirit gear in our living rooms, the athletic awards were a welcome reminder of all we have accomplished over these last four years. The Pingry faculty and staff was instrumental in allowing us to keep these traditions, but that was not all these wonderful individuals did for us.
We, the Class of 2020, will go down in history for the world we are graduating into, but in our minds, we will fondly remember the special gifts and events we got to have, unique to our class. On the morning of May 1st, each senior woke up to balloons on our front steps, commemorating our final day of classes. Later that day, we were welcomed back to the Pingry parking lot, social distancing from our trunks and sunroofs. We received surprise packages, filled with bookstore memorabilia and graduation regalia. The Pingry community ensured that I could still display the Pingry colors proudly.
The teachers gave us lasting memories, bringing the student body and faculty together in unity. Whether the special videos with messages, the college shirt video, or the advisor Spotify playlist, we were able to get a window into the lives of our beloved teachers. No other class had received these special senior gifts, and they are ones my peers and I will continue to cherish.
Then came the senior picture day on campus. My family packed into our car and made the journey west on Route 78, perhaps for my last time as a high school student. We turned the corner past the stone entrance, and were met with familiar faces: ours, smiling back, all together. The car slowed to a crawl down the driveway as I scanned the images of my friends and peers. This was quite the surprise, and such a special one at that. The Pingry community had given us this treasured gift, one even my brother, Class of 2016, laments he did not receive. Although we missed out on the last few months in Basking Ridge, we received innumerable and immeasurable gifts, specially curated for our class, that we will take with us forever, uniquely ours.
There is a theme throughout these activities: connection and community. While we certainly did not envision ending our Pingry career this way, we, the collective Pingry community, have not allowed quarantine to rob us of our traditions. From the award ceremonies over Zoom to the senior photos on campus, we maintain a positive and unified group. The Class of 2020 will certainly be remembered, and the teachers and administration are sending us off with unprecedented fanfare that will propel us into our future colleges with courage and resilience. Things may be more different now that ever, but we are still going out strong. Thank you Pingry and congratulations to the Class of 2020 once more.
Jun 7, 2020 | Senior Reflections
By Emily Sanchez
I have a vivid memory of sitting in the senior area as a newly accepted eighth grader and listening to a panel of students talk about Pingry. It was the first time I had ever actually visited Pingry, and knowing absolutely no one, I was nervous out of my mind. I remember a parent asking a question along the lines of, “What are easy ways to make friends at Pingry?” My interest piqued as I started to take mental notes of everything that the students said. One student’s response stuck with me throughout high school. He couldn’t think of any additional thoughts that were not already mentioned by his peers, so all he said was: “I don’t really know exactly how I made my friends. All I know is that one day I looked around and realized that I finally belonged.”
As freshman year rolled around, I kept reminding myself that I just had to wait out the awkward part. Everything would eventually come together before my eyes, and I’d just belong. Although admittedly a little bit slower than most, I joined clubs, played sports, and found my friends. However, the moment promised to me by the student on the panel did not come until my senior year.
I’m sure the rest of my grade would agree when I say that we always felt like a lesser grade than those before us. The grade directly above us was considered one of the smartest to ever go through Pingry, and we were the grade that had a Juul scandal and two kids who were expelled. While other grades generally got along with each other, our grade was very cliquey. This all changed senior year.
For some reason, our grade really flourished this past year. We consistently went to sports games and theater performances, the cliques faded to simply groups of friends, and we helped each other through the college process with hardly any sense of competition.
Cut to February and there had been a string of suicides at various surrounding schools, some of which deeply affected members of our class. A lot of us felt like the school wasn’t doing enough to address it, so the peer leaders decided to organize a form meeting in which a handful of students sat on the edge of the stage in Macrae and shared their stories regarding mental health. Usually, there is a slight hum during form meetings due to the large number of people in a relatively small space. But this time, every single person in the theater was absolutely silent. The vulnerability from the seniors that spoke and the respect from the rest of the class created an atmosphere in the room that everybody involved will never forget. There was an unspoken sense that we were all struggling in our own ways, but that everyone in our grade was there to help us get through it.
After the seniors who shared their stories were finished, we did something that the peer leaders call “shout-outs,” which is exactly what it sounds like. People started standing up, without any prompt and thanked somebody else in our grade for something small that they had done in the past. Seniors from every friend group in our grade ended up shouting out their friends, or sometimes people they barely knew.
In the middle of the shout-outs, the student from the panel popped into my head. I found myself looking around the room and thinking that I could, with one hundred percent confidence, say that I felt like I belonged in the Class of 2020. That feeling has not left since.
