Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Evan Wen (IV)
The Pingry Wrestling team is looking forward to their season, despite the current situation regarding COVID-19. This season marks a change in leadership as Marcus Brotman (VI), Sean Lyons (VI), and Jack Martin (V) have been appointed as the new captains. Coaches Keith Karsen and Zachary Wakefield are both returning for their second season with the team, along with Coach William Lagarde. Last season, the wrestling team had many strong showings at events, including the Trimeet and District Tournament.
“There was a lot of growth for all of the wrestlers,” according to Captains Brotman and Martin. “The team really came together during the season. It has been exciting to watch the new freshmen develop.” While the new season will certainly be unusual, the team hopes to perform well this upcoming March. COVID-19 may alter the course of the season, but the wrestling team is ready to work hard and handle business as close to usual as possible.
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By JP Salvatore (IV)
Though the Pingry boys’ basketball team’s season has been postponed due to the current pandemic, they are remaining hopeful for the upcoming season. While their first game was originally scheduled for December 12th, the recent rise of COVID cases pushed their season back to January, with their first game on January 21. In this adjusted season, they plan to participate in two games per week, and finish their competitions by early March. In addition to these scheduling changes, there will not be a freshman team this year, which means higher stakes in achieving a roster spot.
Despite all the setbacks thrown their way, the team and coaches are continuing their preparations by putting together a strength and conditioning schedule and holding Zoom film sessions to improve their game off the court. Leo Xu (IV), a member of the freshman team last year, said that “given the situation and everything going on, [he’s] hopeful the season will be able to happen thanks to the hard work of all the Pingry coaches and staff involved.” The players can’t wait to return to the court and get their game on.
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Hansen Zhang (III)
Although there has been a great deal of uncertainty regarding winter sports, the winter track team hopes to put another successful season in the books this year. The team is led by coach Mr. Christopher Shilts and captains Christian Collela (VI) and Henry Wood (VI). This year, they will have a shortened season, with practice beginning on February 1st and the competitive season lasting from February 16th to March 27th. When asked about the effect that COVID might have on the season, Niles Luke (V) said, “It’s definitely going to make things harder. At the same time, I think that working out and being able to run won’t be impacted too much.” However, finding meets to compete at is a primary concern. Henry Wood (VI) states, “We’re not allowed to have any interstate traveling. A lot of our venues are in different states, and now we can’t go to any of those places”. Although meets play a significant part of winter track, both runners emphasized that showing improvement each year is ultimately most important. During the next month or two, the winter track team will be heading into the unknown, but they certainly have the right mindset to succeed in the upcoming season. Niles Luke states, “We go into this season with the mentality to do our best in every race.”
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Brooke Pan (VI)
Due to the pandemic and the restrictions it has imposed on athletics, Girls’ Fencing captains Ameera Ebrahim (VI) and Josie Alston (VI) have made it their goal to prioritize having fun this season.
As with all winter sports, there has been a reduction in both the amount of meets as well as the length of the season. Despite these obstacles, the team is still looking forward to a successful season in other aspects, including building a sense of comradery and fostering individual improvement. Ebrahim notes that “aside from the fact that we won’t get to play as much, I think the biggest change would have to be the change in team dynamic… so the other seniors and I really want to emphasize peer encouragement.” She, along with seniors Alston and Jessica Lin (VI), plans on achieving this by hosting team building activities over Zoom.
Regardless of what obstacles are thrown at the Pingry girls’ fencing team, the seniors are ready to approach the season with optimism and determination. As Ebrahim says, “I’m excited to get the ball rolling!”
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics, Mirika Jambudi
By Mirika Jambudi (IV)
The Girls’ Swimming team is looking forward to an exciting season, despite current uncertainties surrounding COVID-19. Led by Coach Deirdre O’Mara, and co-captains Lily Arrom (VI) and Amanda Pina (VI), the team is eager to get back into the water. They have seen lots of success in previous years at events including the Skyland Conference, Somerset County Championships, and the Prep “A” Championship at Lawrenceville. Though Preps and the State Championships have been canceled, the team is still hoping to swim at dual meets with Mount St. Marys, Ridge, and Watchung Hills. Coach O’Mara’s goals for the team this year are to maintain an “environment of positive enthusiasm, swim fast, and stay safe!” With that enthusiasm on their side, as well as several freshmen members bringing new levels of talent, the team is ready to work towards a successful and fun season!
Dec 11, 2020 | Books, Columns
By Vared Shmuler (IV)
As many Pingry students may have observed, parents across the country are fascinated by the book Who Gets in and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo. The book offers a thorough and informative explanation of the process of “holistic admissions,” in which American universities consider the applicant as a whole person. Selingo’s book also shares the current nuances of college admissions, and how students can begin to address the challenges of the process. Not only does this book communicate the complexities of college admissions, but it also provides insight and advice for aspiring underclassmen.
A section of the book that offers explicit advice for high school students explores the admissions process at Emory University. Within this section, Selingo writes about holistic admissions and the facets of an application that push the needle in favor of an acceptance letter. For example, a student who aspires to pursue a major in natural sciences should be enrolled in Advanced Placement courses as well as Honors classes and excel in both. Selingo offers this tip: “The applicant’s course load [should consist] of an abundance of math and science courses that are necessary for this major.”
On the flip side, if an applicant received several subpar grades in generally easy classes, the admissions committee might hesitate to accept the applicant. One applicant’s course load was exemplary, and her display of interest in the field of work was a genuine representation of her intentions if accepted to the university. However, her record displayed several mediocre grades, so she ultimately received a rejection letter. This instance of rejection shows that four years in high school, inclusive of stellar interest and challenging courses, can be erased in minutes based on grades.
Pingry students are taught to achieve grades of the highest caliber in all subjects. Although Pingry does value sports programs and the arts, they are not the main focus. However, an academically-focused school could restrict students from pursuing their interests until the last half of high school. This may not be the best way to satisfy the expectations of a holistic admissions reading – rather, it completes only a few of the implicit requirements.
So, what can Pingry students do to strive towards college acceptances? Here are a few steps to take to best prepare. First, they should recognize that college is on the horizon. With this in mind, the students should build a general understanding of their interests and determine what college majors best fit those interests. Second, Selingo recommends that students structure a schedule of classes that reflects those interests. Also, they should take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are available at Pingry, such as advising and the College Counseling department. Lastly, and most importantly, students should be their best selves.
Instead of molding oneself to a college, a student should do what they enjoy. College admissions officers will generally not accept students who take a myriad of classes with no other purpose than to look good on an application. If one is interested in art, they should take one of Pingry’s many art programs. If one is interested in economics and the business world, they should join a club or take a class that shows that interest. Furthermore, students should not only choose relevant courses inside of Pingry, but also engage in extracurricular activities outside of school that correspond with their fields of interest. In doing so, they can further expand their knowledge and opportunities.
In summary, by acknowledging the prospect of college in the early years of high school, choosing an area of interest that one is passionate about, and choosing courses of interest to surround yourself with, a student will fulfill their holistic application and broaden their college options and future successes.
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Sarah Gu (III)
The Girls’ Basketball team is optimistic about another strong season. The team will be led by Claire Keller (VI), Olivia Volpe (VI), Hope Maultsby (VI), and the new head coach, Coach Hoepfl. Coach Hoepfl has coached girls’ varsity basketball for four years and served as an athletic director in Oregon. Additionally, he worked with Coach Touhey and Coach Murdock as the Pingry boys’ basketball assistant varsity coach last year, which he says was a great experience. He noted that while he only coached the boys’ basketball team, he was impressed by students’ maturity and ability to balance academics and sports on both the girls’ and the boys’ team.
Coach Hoepfl believes that the biggest challenge the team will face this year is whether or not the girls will get to play and to do what they love. However, he says he is excited to improve upon the good things, witness the great cohesion of the team, and “get into the gym”.
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Brian Li (V)
With a surge of COVID-19 cases recently, winter sports are in a state of uncertainty, as all sports must follow a timeline issued by the NJSIAA. These regulations allow the boys’ squash team to hold practices in December and begin competing on January 11th. Head Coach Ramsay Vehslage discussed the difficulties of the season’s late start: “The biggest impact [coronavirus] has had is on the timing of the season. We normally would have started the season a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving [break].” The team is “also required to be finished by February 17th,” significantly shortening the season.
US Squash mandated that only two players can be on a court together and masks must be worn at all times “on the court or off-court,” Mr. Vehslage noted. Furthermore, interstate travel restrictions have limited the other schools the team can compete with; these schools include Delbarton, Princeton Day School, and Millburn High School.
After losing three seniors to graduation and the impact of the pandemic of their season, the team has had to adjust to many obstacles; when asked what he hopes to achieve this year, Mr. Vehslage said he hopes to focus on giving “everybody a chance to play and building a strong team camaraderie.”
Dec 11, 2020 | Columns, Media
By Kristin Osika (V)
In almost every aspect of our lives, data plays a central role in decision-making. Categorical rankings determine our college list, polls sway our political leanings, and the latest COVID-19 studies determine whether or not we deem it safe to venture outside of the house. With modern technology facilitating the mammoth collection and communication of data, facts are at our fingertips: social media, news networks, and search engines provide easy, efficient access to necessary information, and, as a result, we have the opportunity to learn and know more about the world and each other than ever before.
While this superabundance of data has innumerable benefits, it can also blind us from the real truth. In favor of convenience, we sometimes fail to question the source from where we gather our information and the integrity that lies within it. Accordingly, with the rise of our data-focused culture, there has been an increase in misinformation, which is arguably the most topical in science, given the ongoing pandemic. Because authentic scientific research papers can be exceedingly difficult for the layperson to comprehend, we almost solely rely on secondary sources for coherent interpretations, especially for information about COVID-19. Think about the most recent statistic you heard about the pandemic. Do you know the original source of that statistic? Chances are, you heard it on the news or read it in an infographic on social media; these are the places where most of us receive our information. When we are inundated with graphs, tables, percentages, comparisons, and daunting figures, to make sense of this “information overload,” we turn to the most coherent and visually-appealing interpretation. It’s only natural.
Unfortunately, the data presented to us might not always be accurate. Both the creator and consumer of research-based informational sources can perpetuate misinformation. In a time of widespread uncertainty and unease, the validated, scientific truth can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, and creators are aware of this. Even unconsciously, some might misrepresent data to conform to a specific agenda, incite or quell fears, promote or degrade a product. It is surprisingly easy to portray accurate, scientific data out of context and thus push forward an idea that may not be grounded in fact. As consumers, we contribute to this problem through selective exposure: we rely on individual data sources to provide us with information consistent with our beliefs. This behavior feeds into our natural bias and cements our reluctance to trace agreeable data back to the source to critically examine it in its authentic form. Thus a vicious cycle ensues, one which can easily propagate falsities to the general public.
Given the increasing amount of misinformation that is circulating the media, how should we know what to believe? To answer this question, we need to return to science. When viewed with a critical eye, authentic research conducted according to the scientific method provides an infallible source of information. Frequently, even a quick scan of a paper’s abstract or results can provide all the information you need. While primary sources provide the most direct information, certain secondary sources are often much more efficient. Though it may seem facile, the inclusion of legitimate citations is critical to a secondary source’s veracity, as long as they are used in a manner that reflects the ideas proven in the works cited. The author’s credentials and mode of publication (journal, website, news organization, etc.) can also provide important insight into source reliability.
Bias, specific agendas, and convenience saturate our media and may impede our understanding of the truth; however, not all publications perpetuate misinformation. If we continuously question our sources and maintain a healthy degree of skepticism, we can discern fact from fallacy and arrive at the truth.
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Olivia Hung (V)
The Girls’ Winter Track season has been postponed until February; however, the team is still optimistic for the season to come. Despite the setbacks, including the cancellation of the Meet of Champions and Group Championships, the team is determined to utilize solo training in preparation for their next potential competition. The team hopes to support one another to stay motivated, especially while training individually during a season filled with such uncertainty.
However, Captain Ryan Davi (VI) is keeping a positive mindset, saying, “I hope I can set a good example and encourage the rest of the team to continue to put in the work, for both personal gain and for the team when it is time to compete again. One of my main goals is for our team to come back feeling strong and excited for the opportunity to finally compete. If we can do that, team and personal titles will be within reach.” With all the challenges the team faces this year, Davi plans to embrace them because she is “just grateful for every opportunity I get to compete with the team and show this training has paid off.”
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Eva Schiller (VI)
The Pingry ski team, led by Rosemary Collins (VI), Emmy Baird (VI), Narayan Murti (VI), and Tobey Jay (V), is looking forward to another successful season when they return to the slopes this winter.
The team will, naturally, experience some slight disruptions: Pingry’s typical mountain, Mountain Creek, has banned events due to COVID-19. Moreover, chairlift and spectator capacities are expected to decrease. Nonetheless the captains are hoping for a relatively normal season: “there are other great mountains in the area that will accommodate us,” Collins said. “Other than that, I don’t anticipate that COVID will affect us much since ski racing is by nature a socially distant sport.”
The team hopes to pick up where they left off last year, with both boys and girls performing incredibly well, and the girls’ team winning both Giant Slalom and Nonpublic state titles.
“I’m very excited for this ski season, and optimistic that even though things will certainly be different, we will have a fantastic year,” Collins said. “Since my freshman year, our numbers, enthusiasm, and success have been steadily growing and I’m confident that will only continue. We’ve been working really hard and regardless of what this season looks like logistically, this team is like a family, and we will make the best of it by doing our best together.”
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Christine Guo (V)
Despite this year’s circumstances, the Boys’ Ice Hockey team is excited for the upcoming season. Led by Eric Bush (VI), Jared Kordonsky (VI), and Peter Korn (VI), the team has high expectations for their performance. One of their top priorities is to place highly in the Skyland Conference. “We gained a lot of momentum over the past few years, and we hope to keep it alive and live up to this year’s expectations,” Jacob Morin (VI) said.
Although the team has been presented with obstacles due to COVID-19, they are confident in their ability to overcome these difficulties. Morin commented, “We must adapt our lifestyles without changing our playstyle” and that they hope to potentially reach even greater heights than before. With their strong work ethic and positive outlook, the team looks forward to another promising season.
Dec 11, 2020 | Athletics
By Brian Li (V)
The boys’ swimming team is entering this season determined to make the most out of a shortened schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Steve Droste has been the head coach of the team for many years, but will not be able to participate this year; as a result, Coach Deirdre O’Mara and captains Jerry O’Mara (VI), Matt Fallon (VI), and Joseph Castagno (VI) will lead the team through this unique season.
The season will begin on February 1st and needless to say, “the practices will be very different,” according to Coach O’Mara. There will be “no more than four socially-distant swimmers per lane,” which will pose a challenge to provide all swimmers with enough practice time.
However, the team has come together in the face of such unfavorable conditions and agreed on their main goal this year: to have “three meets… against Ridge, Christian Brothers Academy, and Bridgewater.” Despite the absence of state competitions, the team hopes to foster a positive environment, stay safe, and have a strong season.
Dec 11, 2020 | Investigative, Mirika Jambudi
By Mirika Jambudi (IV)
The Pingry Admissions process is a somewhat mystifying one, as a lot of the decisions are, quite literally, made behind closed doors in the Admissions Office in the Upper School foyer. The Form III entry year is the most competitive, with around fifty to fifty-five open spots. The school typically receives around four or five applications per spot, indicating a 20-25% acceptance rate for the freshman class. Recent years have also seen a steady increase in the number of students applying each year, making the selection even more competitive. To gain more insight into exactly how these students are chosen, I spoke with Ms. Lorian Morales, the Assistant Director of Admission.
As part of the application process, students must first submit their actual application. This consists of family and applicant information as well as the Parent and Student Questionnaires, which include a few short essays. Then, three recommendation forms, transcripts and report cards, and standardized testing results need to be submitted from the student’s previous school. For the final stage, the applicant usually visits campus on a specific “Buddy Day,” during which they are paired with a current freshman to experience a day in the life of a Pingry student.
The application process also consists of an interview with a member of the Admissions Office. Both the student and their parents have their own interviews, which is a great opportunity for the family to ask questions and learn more about Pingry. Ms. Morales also mentioned that it allows the Admissions Office to “get a true sense of the applicant during their interview … whether it be their sense of humor that comes across, or something they care deeply about. Getting a glimpse into the student beyond their activities helps see how they may connect with others at Pingry.” Currently, the interview and visit days are virtual to ensure community safety, but all components of the application must be completed by late January. Decisions are typically announced in early to mid-March.
The Pingry admissions process is similar to the college admissions process, as there are a “limited number of openings compared to the abundance of great students” who would thrive and enhance the school community, explains Ms. Morales. Pingry values both well-rounded and “spiked” students (those who particularly excel in a certain area). When looking to add students to a grade, the Admissions Office “is truly working to craft a class.” Both types of students play a role in enriching the Pingry community, but the Admissions team really looks for students who “will come to Pingry and be eager to get involved in the community,” whether that is through athletics, the arts, STEM-related activities, or clubs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the application process at Pingry in that there is an influx of applications from families who do not typically explore private schools. With this year’s remote learning and hybrid models, many families who are no longer satisfied with their public school system are now turning to Pingry and other institutions. The smaller class sizes, teacher accessibility, and safety precautions around COVID-19 are very appealing, leading to an increase in applications for the incoming class.
The selection process for applicants is a challenging one. However, it is evident that the Admissions team takes great care when crafting each new class, making sure to include students with diverse backgrounds and talents who are eager to get involved in the Pingry community.
Dec 11, 2020 | Columns, Fashion
By Maile Winterbottom (VI)
When Vogue announced that its new issue would feature Harry Styles, the general reaction was ecstatic. Styles would be the first man to be on the cover of Vogue individually—a monumental moment for gender equality in the industry. Over the course of his career, Styles has been known to dress in a way that disregards conventional gender roles. Last year, he rocked a tutu and tights for a shoot promoting his appearance on Saturday Night Live. For his interview on the Howard Stern Show, he accessorized his outfit with a delicate pearl necklace over a lace collar. Looks like these have proven time and again that Styles is unafraid to break gender norms in fashion—and look badass doing it.
It was not a surprise, then, that Styles’ shoot with Vogue featured him wearing a number of more “feminine” outfits. The cover shows him wearing a grand blue dress with ruffles coming down it and a blazer overtop. In another look, he wore a sweater vest with a checkered shirt and chained belt. His fan base was overjoyed to see Styles in these barrier-breaking looks; but to others, including author Candace Owens, these outfits infringed much on traditional gender norms. On November 14th, Owens started an uproar when she replied to Vogue’s tweet announcing the November issue that featured Styles; she replied with the bold statement that “there is no society that can survive without strong me . . . Bring manly men back.” Her tweet condemned Styles for wearing more feminine outfits by implying that he was not ”manly” enough. Owens’ claim proves how many of our society’s gender roles are strongly enforced through fashion. These certain standards for what is expected to be worn by women and men—and how they differ—are just one of the many toxic norms that our society accepts. The general public, especially Styles’ fan base, was not happy with Owens’ tweet; chaos ensued on all social media platforms. Numerous people defended Styles, calling him even more “manly” for having the courage to break the status quo through his outfits. On December 2nd, two weeks after Owens’ tweet, Styles seemingly ended the controversy by posting an Instagram photo with the following caption: “Bring manly men back.” In the photo, he is wearing a powder blue suit with a chiffon undershirt and is taking a bite out of a banana. This post shows Styles’ confidence in less conventional attire; he knows that he is “manly” no matter how he chooses to dress himself—and so should every young boy seeing that post.
