Dec 24, 2017 | School News
By Felicia Ho (V)
On October 27th, over 800 Upper and Middle School students, faculty, and staff volunteered at 34 organizations for Pingry’s annual Rufus Gunther Day. Students worked on a variety of different projects, including making ceramics, helping the facilities team, building a chicken coop, performing music for senior citizens, and working with students at local charter schools.
Rufus Gunther Day has been an integral part of the Pingry tradition since Pingry was at the Hillside campus. It is the one day in the school year during which the entire Pingry community devotes itself to community service.
Ms. Shelley Hartz, Director of Community Service, has successfully developed several partnerships with local- and alumni-founded community service organizations, leading to a variety of service opportunities on Rufus Gunther Day. Ms. Hartz shared that she loves how “when the students are returning, they are all excited about the time they spent in the community… and how much the day meant to them.”
Students, staff, and faculty volunteered at organizations like the Community Food Bank in Hillside, ECLC (“Education, Careers & Lifelong Community”), and the Great Swamp, all of which have long-standing partnerships with the Pingry community. Many also volunteered with non-profit organizations started by alumni, such as Birthday Wish, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation, and the Keep the Children Safe Halloween Parade.
Several service opportunities were new to Rufus Gunther Day this year. Thirteen Upper School drama students played improvisational theater games at Montgomery Academy in Basking Ridge, a school for students facing social, emotional, and academic challenges. Twenty-seven Upper School students performed music for children and elderly at the Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House.
Monica Chan (III), who performed at Cornerstone Day Center for Adults with the Horizon Music Volunteers group, said, “It was a rewarding experience for me. I find happiness in making people smile, no matter who, no matter where.”
This year, the Middle School was split into several different groups, with 150 students (Grade 6 and most of Form I) volunteering at the Community Food Bank in Hillside and other students volunteering at the Great Swamp or remaining at Pingry to help with campus projects. The Middle School also collected and sorted 1,795 pounds of candy to donate to the Keep Children Safe Halloween Parade in Newark, led by Pat Birotte ’87.
Reflecting on the successful day, Ms. Hartz said she is thankful “that the best part of my job is working everyday with committed and engaged students who are constantly looking for ways to engage with the larger community.”
Dec 24, 2017 | School News
By Allison Lee ’20
On November 11, the Upper School had the honor of hosting Sergeant Jason Foster for this year’s Veterans Day assembly. Ryan Willsey (VI), founder of Pingry’s Wounded Warrior Project Club, introduced Foster as the speaker for the assembly. Foster is a former combat medic in the U.S. army. He enlisted in the army when he was twenty-one years old and proudly served for nine years.
Telling stories from his experience as a combat medic, Foster spoke of the struggles of war. He said, “We were shot at and blown up by improvised explosive devices. I was knocked unconscious on four separate occasions. Most 21-year olds are playing drinking games; I was cradling a warrior in my arms as he died.” He added, “You grow up fast.”
Foster, who had planned on dedicating his career to protecting our nation, encountered a complication when doctors discovered a brain bleed the size of a quarter in his right frontal lobe. This injury forced him to medically retire from the army in 2011.
Foster’s purpose in the army had always been to help others, so when he returned home, he “felt absolutely worthless.” His wife Theresa helped him out of the dark by contacting the Wounded Warrior Project, who helped Foster find a new purpose: guiding fellow warriors.
Based on the way he found new meaning in his life, he encouraged students and faculty to use their talents to give back to their community. “More often than not,” Foster said, “your actions might go unnoticed. But they make a difference. Everything you do matters. You have unique talents that you can use to give back.”
He then brought Willsey back on stage to commend and thank him for his work with the Wounded Warrior Project.
Regarding his involvement with the Veterans Day assembly and the Wounded Warrior Project Club, Willsey said, “I have many members in my family who have served in the military and I suppose that is one of the reasons why the military and veterans are important to me.” He continued, “From a young age I have been taught to respect their sacrifice for us. Not only are their stories incredibly moving, but their perseverance to overcome everything they have gone to is truly amazing.”
As Foster closed his speech, he implored Pingry to embrace its sense of community. He mentioned that, in a few months, Pingry might not remember who he is or what he said. Instead, Pingry will remember how he made them feel. The assembly ended with a moment of silence for soldiers who served and lost their lives in the military.
Dec 24, 2017 | Arts, Eva Schiller, School News
By Eva Schiller ’21
On November 21, students and faculty members took a break from their busy school day to enjoy the Buttondowns Assembly, a highly anticipated annual event presented by the Buttondowns, Pingry’s all-male acapella group led by president Jonathan Huang (VI).
The annual Buttondowns movie opened the show. It was filmed by Ian Dugan (V) and sparked the laughter of many students. The movie’s theme was inspired by Agatha Christie’s famous murder mystery, And Then There Were None. In the movie, the Buttondowns are eliminated one by one, starting with the freshmen. In a twist ending, it was revealed that the freshmen are the murderers, with the moral being to “never mess with freshmen.”
The movie ended with the tradition of the Buttondowns entering Hauser Auditorium to the song, “We Will Rock You,” dressed in the their recognizable outfits: khakis and white button-down shirts. They then began singing.
The first song they performed was “Sunday Candy” by Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment, a popular group which features Chance the Rapper. The Buttondowns’ rendition featured soloists Nolan Baynes (III) and James Wang (IV).
“This solo was a perfect fit for me because ‘Sunday Candy’ is one of my favorite songs,” said Baynes, “and to perform it with one of my friends since sixth grade, James Wang, is a dream come true.” This song, along with others, was even more memorable as the soloists interacted with the audience, occasionally kneeling down and serenading audience members in aisle seats.
The next song was “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran, with soloists Ore Shote (III) and Jared Tiggs (VI). “Looking back on the assembly, there are things I would have done differently, but I think that everything went better than was planned,” said Shote of the performance.
“Give Me Love” was followed by “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel, with soloists Rajeev Doraswamy (V) and Ian Dugan (V). After the song, the Buttondowns underclassmen thanked president Jonathan Huang for his contributions to the group. Huang soloed in the final song, “The Death of a Bachelor” by Panic! At the Disco, to end the assembly.
Reminiscing on his years as a Buttondown, Huang had much to say. After the assembly, he said, “As far as today’s performance, I went through many different emotions. I felt a rush of excitement running onto stage, and it was bittersweet singing the last lines of ‘Death of a Bachelor.’ To the Pingry community: Thank you for being a part of my most special moments at Pingry. I love all of you.”
Huang also thanked Dr. Moore “for being the backbone of the group. None of the music would have been made without his endless guidance and support.”
He also noted that “The time Ian Dugan spent on shooting and editing the movie is unbelievable, and I am very grateful for his amazing work.”
The Buttondowns received fullhearted support and positive feedback from the Pingry community both during and after their performance. “The audience was incredible, and all the Buttondowns felt wonderful hearing the applause and kind words after the performance,” said Huang.
Dec 24, 2017 | School News
By Brooke Murphy ’18
On October 27, juniors and seniors gathered on the turf for the annual Powderpuff Games. The event was organized by S.M.A.C., the “Student Movement Against Cancer” club, and students competed in two different events. First, the junior boys played a game of field hockey against the senior boys. Girls from both grades volunteered to referee and coach the game. In the field hockey game, the seniors were victorious with a 6-1 win over the juniors with the help of goals from players like Colin McKinnon (VI) and Austin Parsons (VI).
After the field hockey game concluded, the junior and senior girls took to the field for a game of two-hand touch football. The boys, many of whom are on Pingry’s football team, offered to coach and referee the girls in their battle against the opposing grade. Like the boys, the senior girls were victorious over the juniors in their game. Powderpuff was a great way to let seniors de-stress right before the early admissions deadline for college.
However, this fun event meant so much more than just a way for students to blow off some steam and engage in friendly competition. Taking place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event helped raise money for and awareness about breast cancer. Mary Nussbaumer (VI), leader of S.M.A.C., said, “While collecting money was very stressful, it was worth it because over 1,000 dollars were raised.” For fundraising, Nussbaumer organized a Google Form for juniors and seniors to sign up for the games and order t-shirts. Each shirt was $20 and featured a special design for this year’s games. Nussbaumer worked with Director of Community Service Ms. Shelley Hartz weeks ahead of the games to set a date and figure out logistics. Altogether, 76 seniors and 77 juniors ordered shirts and participated in the Powderpuff events.
Jessie Carvelli (VI) said that her favorite part of Powderpuff was “the school spirit and infectious good energy.” To further help organize the games, Nussbaumer teamed up with the Big Blue Pride Committee to order pizza and decorations for the event. Nussbaumer said that her favorite parts of Powderpuff were “hanging out with her friends, listening to music, and watching everyone try out a new sport.” She added that, “it was really fun to see how into it everyone got, especially as a field hockey player myself.” Jason Weiss (VI) said that the best part about Powderpuff was “knowing that we raised a lot of money for charity.” This event would not have been possible without the help of Coach Decatur and Coach Drabich, who chaperoned the event; Bruce Morrison, who took pictures; Ms. Erin Rose and Mr. Stephen Spezio, who were there to help in case anyone got hurt; Ms. Hartz, who coordinated the event with Nussbaumer; and the Big Blue Pride Committee, who provided refreshments and decorations for the event.
Dec 24, 2017 | Athletics, School News
By Noah Bergam ’21
On November 3, the Big Blue football team enjoyed a 42-16 win against the George School of Newtown, PA, at the PSPA’s annual Friday Night Lights. Students and faculty from both the Lower and Upper School campuses came to support and cheer the team on to victory.
Middle and Upper School singers kicked off the evening with the National Anthem, and thanks to Middle School Athletics Director Gerry Vanasse, younger fans enjoyed a variety of games, activities, and prize giveaways before and during the game. Middle School students ran Pingry flags across the field and participated in a Mega-V-Ball game during halftime.
Captain Obi Nnaeto (VI), who broke the mark of 1,000 yards run two weeks earlier, led the team, rushing 214 yards on 13 carries and scoring three touchdowns, which effectively locked in the victory by halftime. Ryan Feeley (VI) led the defense with seven tackles. Brian Benson (V), Channing Russell (VI), and Nate Hefner (V) also scored.
“It was a great showing for Pingry football,” said freshman defensive lineman Ore Shote.
Meanwhile, under a huge tent, students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni enjoyed a delicious tailgate selection, which included pizza, meatballs, mozzarella sticks, pigs in a blanket, wings, hot apple cider, and a wide range of desserts, all provided by the PSPA.
Overall, Friday Night Lights was a fun night for the whole Pingry community. Congratulations to Big Blue football, and thanks to all the Pingry fans for their support!
Dec 24, 2017 | School News
By Aneesh Karuppur (III)
On November 16, students from the Upper School and Middle School attended the John Hanly
Lecture in Hauser Auditorium. The speakers this year were Daniel Pincus ’96 and his friend, Mohammed Al Samawi, a young man from Yemen he got to know through his interfaith work.
The John Hanly Lecture Series on Ethics and Morality has been holding annual lectures since 1999, when former Headmaster John Hanly retired. In recognition of his love of teaching and interest in ethical questions, the John Hanly Fund allows Pingry to bring in speakers to talk about issues regarding ethics and morality every year. The theme of this year’s assembly was the question of how far one would go to take up someone else’s problem as his or her own.
Pincus, a consultant for The Quantic Group, a pharmaceutical consultancy company, first met Al Samawi through his membership in the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council (MJAC) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC). The MJAC brings together Muslims and Jews from all walks of life to collectively addresses issues shared by the Muslim and Jewish communities. The AJC, co-convener of the MJAC, is an advocacy group for Jews and the Jewish faith.
To begin their joint talk, Pincus spoke about his experience at Pingry and directly addressed his former teachers from the stage. He became interested in inter-faith work largely because of friends he made as a jazz musician at the University of Pennsylvania. Several years after meeting Al Samawi at a conference in Germany, Pincus heard from him again when Al Samawi needed help escaping Al-Qaeda during the civil war in Yemen. Though he didn’t know Al Samawi well, Pincus knew he had to do all he could to save a life. He used his contacts and cell phone to coordinate help over a span of 13 days in 2015.
In relating his story, Al Samawi spoke about his upbringing in a Muslim household in Sanaa, Yemen, where a disability forced him to stay home and learn English rather than socialize with his peers. This knowledge of English allowed him to connect with others outside of Yemen on Facebook, which led him to eventually attend the Muslim Jewish Conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia in 2013, a conference organized by Pincus.
A fellow of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy for the Middle Eastern and North African region, Al Samawi plans to release his memoir, The Fox Hunt: Escape From Yemen, in April 2018. His book is also currently being made into a movie by Marc Platt, producer of La La Land.
The student body was very moved by the lecture. At the end of the hour-long assembly, the speakers were given two standing ovations. Alex Strasser (V) said afterwards, “I thought that the Hanly Lecture was able to demonstrate to all of us the way that meeting someone and going through some incredibly difficult experiences can come with moral conflicts and enlightened us on how they…were overcome. It also gave me hope that I might be able to someday help someone in the same outstanding way that we heard.”
Dec 24, 2017 | Arts, School News
By Udochi Emanghara (V)
On December 13, 2017, Pingry hosted the annual Winter Festival, the only time that the Upper School and Lower School come together for one event. This festival has been a tradition for over 100 years. It celebrates the accomplishments of the orchestra, men’s and women’s glee club, Middle School band, strings ensemble, hand bells, and the music direc tors by showcasing their work to the entire school. These efforts, coupled with the festivities and the environment, make the concert an important part of the school year in which over half the school participates.
The event opened with “Deck the Halls” conducted by Mr. Tom Berdos, the Lower School music instructor. Headmaster Mr. Nathaniel Conard then delivered an introductory speech, which focused on the importance of community and the coming together of the two campuses. Next came the presenting of gifts to Ms. Lisa Floyd, the leader of Lift for Learning, an organization that gives food and clothes to impoverished people. Afterwards, the festival commenced with the tradition of Candela Accreditor (the lighting of the candle) by kindergartener Jake Fey and Student Body President Michael Weber (VI).
Highlights of the concert included “A Festive Noel” performed by the fifth grade chorus. As the fifth graders are the only group from the Lower School that performs at the festival, their contribution was highly anticipated and they delivered. In addition, it evoked nostalgia in people who were once a part of that group.
Alyssa Chen (VI) said, “Watching the fifth graders filled me with warmth.” Another highlight was “Al Hanissim,” a Jewish prayer performed by the orchestra, middle school chorus, and upper school glee club with solos from Alyssa Chen (VI) and Hugh Zhang (III). This piece is a chorus favorite due to its lively beat. Lastly, the middle school percussion ensemble performed “Kishmar,” a take on Led Zeppelin’s hit performed by the middle school percussion ensemble. This was the debut of the group and they instantly became a crowd favorite. The concert concluded with a rousing rendition of “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
While all of the selections were amazing, the words of Mr. Conard ring true: the event was truly about bringing the community together. Maya Huffman (VI) and Melissa Tungare (VI) recall their first times seeing the concert. Huffman, who came to Pingry as a kindergartner, said that she was “always excited for the concert as a lower school member.” Similarly, Tungare has been going to the concert for over ten years with her big brother and has witnessed multiple performances. As a current Balladeer, she said that “it is nice to now be a part of the concert.” Over the years, Pingry has changed drastically; the change in campus (moving from Hillside), the admittance of females into the school, the construction of the Middle School, and much more showcase the development of Pingry as a school. Similarly, this concert has gone through its changes as well; the one thing that remains the same is the spirit of the concert. In the words of Mr. Miller Bugliari, “the whole sentiment from a long time ago is still present.”
Dec 24, 2017 | Arts, School News
By Allison Verdesca ’18
On November 9, 10, and 11, the Drama Department performed its annual fall play Antigone by Sophocles. The Greek tragedy describes life in the city of Thebes under the domineering rule of King Creon. A part of Pingry’s freshman English curriculum, the play examines issues of divine law versus societal law and the use and abuse of political power. The entire freshman class, along with special needs students from Montgomery Academy in Basking Ridge, watched the play’s dress rehearsal.
The play follows a young girl named Antigone (Meghan Salamon, VI), whose two brothers turn on each other and cause a civil war. After they kill each other in battle, the newly crowned King Creon (Lucas Vazquez, V) advocates for the burial of only one of the brothers. Fearing the retribution of the gods, Antigone sets out to bury her other brother, despite the threats of Creon and warnings from her sister Ismene (Alison Verdesca, VI). Incensed by Antigone’s disobedience, Creon demands that Antigone be buried alive. Creon’s son Haemon (Giancarlo Castillo, VI), who is engaged to Antigone, tries to change his father’s mind but fails. After the blind seer Tiresias (Megan Pan, VI) predicts that Creon’s stubbornness will lead to disaster, Creon reconsiders. When he reaches the tomb, Antigone has hanged herself and Haemon, after attempting to kill Creon and failing, kills himself as well. When Eurydice (Sara Donovan, VI), Creon’s wife, hears the news, she also commits suicide, leaving Creon a lonely and broken man. In the play, the Army Chorus and the Citizen’s Chorus narrate the story and comment on the plot.
Directed by Mrs. Meaghan Singer, Pingry’s production put a new spin on this classic Greek tale by setting it in a dystopian future. Mrs. Singer said of the show’s setting, “I heard Antigone’s words ringing in my ears — ‘these citizens here would all agree…if their lips weren’t locked in fear’ — and I knew immediately that my version of Antigone would be set in a totalitarian state, a military regime, and my chorus would be an army, not unlike that of Kim Jong Un’s, or Stalin’s, or Hitler’s.”
This was Mrs. Singer’s first year directing the fall play, though she assisted Mr. Romano in the past. Of the Drama Department, she said, “I love working in such a supportive and giving environment. It is a true pleasure.”
In addition to having Ms. Singer as a new director, Antigone had a new master carpenter, Mr. Christopher Abbott. Mr. Abbott worked with Mrs. Jane Asch to create a futuristic set inspired by the play’s dystopian world. Another new faculty member, Mr. Alan Van Antwerp, served as technical director as well as lighting designer. Lindsay Cheng (IV), Jackson Lubke (V), and Ouarida Benatia (VI) served as the play’s stage managers.
Meghan Salamon, who played the titular role, said her favorite memory was “spending time with all the seniors during the morning of our last show.” Involved with drama since her freshman year, Meghan was eager to step into the role of Antigone for her final fall production. “Antigone is smart and dedicated, and she throws herself into what she thinks is right. I really admire that about her,” Salamon said. “She definitely expresses how she feels and she lets people know what she stands for.”
Oct 24, 2017 | School News
By Felicia Ho (V)
Returning to school after the dog days of summer can be difficult for students, having to settle back into their routine of meeting deadlines, finishing homework, writing papers, and studying for tests. However, one student this year faces the greatest challenge in adjusting to the new school year: Asja Alispahic, Pingry’s new AFS (American Field Service) student who will be joining Form V.
Through offering international exchange programs, AFS gives students around the world the opportunity to spend a school year in a foreign country to immerse themselves in another culture and become fluent in a foreign language. Pingry has been an AFS member school since 1960, hosting students from countries such as Sweden, Turkey, Lebanon, Germany, France, and most recently Italy and Spain.
A native of Tuzla, the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alispahic is visiting the United States for the first time. In order to apply for AFS exchange to the United States, Alispahic wrote several essays, took standardized tests and quizzes, and had many interviews. From the seven hundred people who applied from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alispahic was one of only ten people selected to come to the US.
Although she did not have the option to choose the city or school she wanted to attend in the U.S., Alispahic explained that she “likes suburban New Jersey because of its relaxed atmosphere and the polite locals.” With her host family, the Jan family, she has already been to several Jersey diners and other small towns in New Jersey.
Compared to her hometown, she said, getting around New Jersey is less convenient. In Tuzla, she could take a taxi or walk nearly everywhere. In New Jersey, however, she needs to be driven everywhere. Alispahic has also recently visited New York City and Toronto, Canada. She especially loves Brooklyn.
When asked what the biggest difference is between Pingry and her school in Tuzla, Alispahic said, “At Pingry, there is more freedom in choosing classes. At my school in Tuzla, I am assigned thirty required subjects to take throughout my high school career, and there is usually no choice involved. At Pingry, I can choose six courses with few requirements.” Also, Alispahic, a talented swimmer, said she “loves that sports are incorporated into the school day at Pingry, resulting in more team spirit.”
When asked what she loves the most about Pingry so far, Alispahic said, “People seem so relaxed and optimistic, even though most people have packed schedules and many responsibilities.” In the year ahead, Alispahic said she hopes to “continue to make new friends and to take advantage of the many academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Pingry.”
Oct 24, 2017 | Faculty + Staff, School News
By Ketaki Tavan (V)
Dr. Delvin Dinkins, who joins the community as the new Assistant Headmaster, previously worked at Episcopal Academy Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, serving as the Head of the Upper School and teaching English.
Dr. Dinkins received his B.A. in English from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. He then received his M.A. in Literacy and English Education from the University of Michigan and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.
When asked what activities he was involved in as a student, Dr. Dinkins said, “I really loved running in college—it was my main activity.” He also sang for an a cappella group and was involved with the gospel choir, literary magazine, and different affinity clubs. “I love the deep connections I made with my colleagues,” he said. “I have enormous affection for the schools, the experiences I had there, and the people I met.”
When asked about his first impressions of Pingry, Dr. Dinkins commented, “I love it! Even if every day or every moment isn’t a home run, I know this is a magnificent place that prides itself on being thoughtful and intentional across all aspects of the school environment.
“The club fair was a great example of the kind of autonomy and agency students here are afforded,” he said.
Dr. Dinkins’ goals for the year include trying to get to know as many people as he can and developing an intimate understanding of the Pingry environment. “Before the year is over,” he said, “I hope to have interacted with everyone at some point and to use those interactions as an opportunity to get to know what Pingry is all about.”
Although Dr. Dinkins is especially excited about big events like Homecoming, he also wants to “appreciate the magic of the everyday,” which includes small moments in classrooms and the hallways. “I look forward to learning more about what makes this place special to students, to faculty and staff, to families, and to alums,” he added.
When asked what obstacles he thinks he might encounter this year, Dr. Dinkins said, “Not knowing what I don’t know. I’m a person who likes names and faces, but it’s daunting to think about the 1000-or-so names and faces I want to get to know when I’m not interacting with them in the classroom every day.” Nevertheless, he does not believe this obstacle is insurmountable and looks forward to tackling it.
Dr. Dinkins wants the Pingry community to know that he is “a man of enormous principle” and that he “believes wholeheartedly in Pingry’s core values.”
“I believe in and embrace these values,” he said, “and it’s important for everyone to know that you’ll find me to be someone who’s optimistic, approachable, and friendly. I want to know what’s on the hearts and minds of people, and I believe in everyone’s inherent goodness. I don’t believe in judging people based on single stories, and my door is always open!”
