Pennington Magazine Spring/Summer 2026

HEAD OF SCHOOL

William S. Hawkey, PhD

EDITOR

Lori G. Lipsky

remembering

Director of Communications and Marketing

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Michael Russo, digital media marketing associate

Jennifer Taverney, publications manager

Monica Vagnozzi Vogel, senior graphic designer

ROBERT E. MARTINI

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Chad Bridges

ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ADVANCEMENT AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Charles D. Brown

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID

Sharon Jarboe

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Maria Capelle-Burny

HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL

Scott Peeler

CONTRIBUTORS

Margo Andrews, Debbie Beaver, Isabel Berko, Maria Capelle-Burny, Lida Castro, Peter Chase, Jane Bott Childrey ’89, Ken Coakley, Alison Dauer P’30, Denee Dill, Don Dolan, Holly Jones, William Dingee, Dolores Eaton, Tyesha Elmore, William S. Hawkey, Stephanie Heyeck, Suzanne Houston, Anna Intartaglia, Carlos Jeremie, Susy Kim, Tracy Kuser, Grisselle Laborde, Lori Lipsky, Alex Molchansky, Patrick Murphy '80, Erin O’Connell, Jennifer Roberts, Tara Raman '28, Jacqueline Rivera, Michael Russo, Mike Schwartz, Peter Secrest '13, Samantha Stern-Leaphart, Amy Sullivan P’31, Jennifer Taverney, Monica Vagnozzi Vogel, Peter Walsh, Christina Williamson, Nate Van Yperen, and Shengkai (Tim) Wang ’28

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The Pennington School 112 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, NJ 08534 609.737.1838 | www.pennington.org

All materials copyright ©2026 by The Pennington School unless otherwise noted. The cupola logo is a registered trademark of The Pennington School. The Pennington School®, registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Opinions expressed in Pennington Magazine are those of the authors, not necessarily those of The Pennington School.

The Pennington School admits students of any race, religion, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression or identity, physical disability, national and ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, employment policies, and athletic and other Schooladministered programs.

The Pennington School is committed to developing individual excellence in all of its students.

06. 50th Celebration:

The April gala reflected the profound impact of Dr. Cervone on generations of students.

20. Storytelling in the Age of AI:

Honors English students find that everyone has a story to share, and to learn from.

26. Open Classroom:

A new initiative focused on teacher collaboration reaped big benefits for all involved.

40.

Boarding School Confidential:

A random roommate selection sparked a lifelong friendship for two young women.

44. Learning Beyond the

Classroom:

At Pennington, learning becomes more meaningful when students engage in myriad hands-on experiences.

ACADEMIC NEWS

US WINTER ATHLETICS

GRANDPARENTS DAY 30. WINTER MUSICAL

MS ATHLETICS AND NEWS

PARENTS FOR PENNINGTON NEWS

SPRING EVENTS AND SPEAKERS

CULTURE OF COMMUNITY DAY

US SPRING ATHLETICS

SPRING ARTS EVENTS

CLASS OF 2026 CELEBRATIONS

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATION

CLASS NOTES

A MESSAGE FROM THE Head of School

Iwrite this letter to you in May, just before the magazine goes to press in June. We may be completing this academic year now, but we are already hard at work planning for the next year and beyond. I hope this issue of Pennington Magazine gives you a good glimpse into everything happening on campus and the initiatives underway.

One of the most frequent topics in our hallways today is artificial intelligence. Rather than viewing AI as a hurdle, our faculty has embraced it as a tool for professional growth. We have committed a portion of every professional development day to AI literacy, focusing on practical use cases like lesson differentiation and "interactive re-prompting." This iterative process of refining ideas mirrors the critical thinking process we aim to develop in our students.

A perfect example of this tech-forward mindset is a new course for next year: Codeless App Development. Taught by IT Director Ken Coakley, this course will allow students to design sophisticated mobile and web applications by focusing on logic and user experience rather than just writing code, and to create them with AI.

Since our decennial NJAIS accreditation in late 2024, we are also approaching a significant milestone: the development of our Portrait of a Graduate (see story on page 28). This new framework will serve as our "North Star," aligning our faculty and curriculum around a shared set of goals, and agreeing on the knowledge, skills, and character traits we

seek to cultivate in our students. It asks a vital question: Beyond subject matter, what skills do our students need to solve real-world problems? The Portrait acknowledges the importance of harnessing AI in the best possible ways, but by focusing on uniquely human skills such as critical analysis, collaboration, and adaptability, we ensure that a Pennington education remains timeless in a changing world and provides our graduates with a strong foundation for college and beyond.

The most exciting initiative I want to share with you is the launch of our Gateway (H-V-H) Term next spring. This two-week immersive experience in May will serve as a bridge between classroom theory and real-world practice. While our seniors conclude their journey with the Horizon program, our ninth-graders will engage in a program called "This is Pennington," and our sophomores and juniors will dive into "mini-mesters," which will take shape as intensive on-campus projects, and/or domestic or international travel opportunities. We will share more details about the new Gateway Term in the fall.

These endeavors—from AI integration to the Gateway Term—are designed to empower our students to pursue their passions with confidence. I am deeply grateful for your continued partnership as we shape the future of The Pennington School together.

Yours in Pennington,

WILLIAM S. HAWKEY, PhD HEAD OF SCHOOL

50 YEARS OF THE CERVONE CENTER FOR LEARNING

This spring, The Pennington School community gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Edmund V. Cervone Center for Learning, a milestone honoring five decades of innovation, support, and student-centered education.

Founded in 1975 by Dr. Edmund V. Cervone, the Center for Learning was created to support bright students with diagnosed learning differences. Since its inception, the program has remained at the forefront of educational innovation, grounded in the belief that there is no single best way to learn.

The evening featured a special tribute to Jo Prockop, director and endowed chair of the Center, who was awarded the Order of the Tower, the School’s highest honor, in recognition of her extraordinary service and lasting impact on the Pennington community. To date, the School has raised more than $550,000 in celebration of the Center’s anniversary, reflecting the deep appreciation and support of alumni, families, and friends.

“Fifty years is a remarkable milestone. In the long history of The Pennington School, it may seem like just one chapter. But for generations of students and families, these fifty years have been nothing short of transformative,” said Prockop in her acceptance speech. “The future of the Cervone Center is not simply about sustaining what has been built. It is about continuing to expand opportunities for students whose creativity, insight, and determination enrich our entire School community. It is about ensuring that young people who think differently know that there is a place for them in rigorous academic spaces…The story of the Edmund V. Cervone Center for Learning has been extraordinary for the past fifty years. And the next fifty promise to be even more so.”

Throughout the evening, alumni and current students shared personal reflections on the profound impact of the Center. Speakers included Julia Wakin ’19, Matt Bloom ’13, Jordan Gray ’91 P’22 ’26, and others. The program concluded with a recognition of Cervone Center faculty, past and present, honoring their dedication and impact with a well-deserved standing ovation.

JO PROCKOP

TOWER AWARD RECIPIENT

Endowed Chair and Director, Edmund V. Cervone Center for Learning

Jo Prockop is the director of the Pennington School’s renowned Edmund V. Cervone Center for Learning, which was first established in 1975 as a college-preparatory program for bright students with learning differences.

She has been at The Pennington School for thirty years, first serving as director of academic support, and, beginning in 2003, as director of the Cervone Center. She earned her BA from Bennington College and her MEd degree from Arcadia University. In her role as director of the Cervone Center, Prockop supervises the School’s innovative Compensatory Skills program and guides the Cervone Center faculty members who teach within it. She is responsible for directing accommodations for all students who need them and for directing college counseling for students participating in the Cervone Center program. In addition, Prockop, along with the outstanding Cervone Center faculty, works to ensure that all teaching at The Pennington School reflects a core tenet of the Cervone Center's mission: that the best practices for meeting the needs of students with learning differences are the best practices for all students. After twenty-two years of service as director of the program, Prockop remains delighted to carry on the mission of the program’s founder, Edmund Cervone, and feels privileged to support all learners at Pennington.

Over the years, Prockop has witnessed significant progress in understanding learning differences. She credits the dedicated teachers in the Cervone Center for Learning, who blend professional training with hands-on experience and seek out new ways to reach their students.

“Just as we sometimes hire working scientists to teach science,” she explains, “we have reading and learning specialists who love the process of working with young people.”

What remains constant in Prockop’s work is her belief in focusing on strengths rather than labels. It’s a principle she carries from her early literacy work to her current role. “At Pennington, we focus on a student's strengths and potential, rather than on their presumed limitations,” she says, echoing the philosophy of her mentor, Dr. Cervone. Through her steady guidance, Prockop has helped generations of students reach their potential and recognize that learning differences do not define their limits: they reveal new ways to succeed.

At Pennington, we focus on a student's strengths and potential, rather than on their presumed limitations.

JO PROCKOP

ACADEMIC NEWS

CRAL Talks

JASON HARDING’S CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES SENIOR ELECTIVE GAVE THEIR "CRAL TALKS" in the Yen Forum beginning Friday, January 9. Topics included First Amendment rights, the militarization of law enforcement, the treatment of migrants at the southern border, the impact of overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, environmental justice in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley," and much more.

Global TEDstyle Talks

DR. KENDRA SISSERSON’S GLOBAL STUDIES STUDENTS

presented their culminating projects beginning the week of January 12. Each student chose a topic of worldwide significance and presented it to their peers and faculty members, sharing their interest with others in the program.

Students Travel Abroad

History Honors Presentations

TWENTY-THREE HISTORY HONORS THESIS STUDENTS

presented their impressive work on January 14. Faculty members stopped by to learn more about these substantial thesis papers. The showcase was held in Meckler Library. Students in this history elective class spent the first semester researching, writing, and editing papers on a dazzling array of topics and works of literature.

AFTER A WEEK OF MIDTERMS IN JANUARY, SIX STUDENTS HEADED OFF ON THEIR EXCHANGE JOURNEYS. Romina Hildago ’28 traveled to Loches, France, to study at our partner school, St. Denis International School. Five more students journeyed together to Spain: Ally Zipp ’28 and Ben Zipp ’29 completed their exchange at Colegio Jesús María in Madrid, while Francesca Milou ’28, Sagan Tighe ’28, and Raj Saha ’28 attended St. Paul’s School in Barcelona. At the end of February, Logan Hyndman '27 traveled to Prague, Kai Clunis '27 went to Colombia, and in June, Oliver Soares '29 traveled to Chile. We also welcomed a Grade 10 student from Craighouse School in Chile, who lived on campus during his visit and a student from St. Denis International School in France, who was a day student hosted by the Dudkin family ’29. These trips allow students to experience the world, one exchange at a time.

Senior Wins Phillips’ Mill Playwriting Contest

AS PART OF AN ASSIGNMENT IN MR. HUTNIK’S FALL COURSE “CREATIVE WRITING HONORS,”

Rishabh Ramaswamy ’26 needed to write a ten-minute play and submit it to the Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s yearly “Play with Words” competition. Open to students ages 12-18, Phillips’ Mill accepts short plays from schools within a 75-mile radius of New Hope, PA. Entitled The Start of the MontegueCapulet Feud, Rishabh’s play was one of only six winners selected by a jury. For his efforts, Rishabh received a cash prize, and his play, along with the other five winning works, was read dramatically on stage at the historic Phillips’ Mill on February 28.

Model UN

FEBRUARY 19-20: PENNINGTON'S

MODEL UNITED NATIONS team of thirteen students traveled to Philadelphia to represent Malaysia for a Model UN competition, which focused on Southeast Asian countries and the theme of "The Dual Nature of Progress." Delegates explored the two sides of progress: on the one hand, it has brought economic growth and stability to the region, but on the other hand, it has also brought vast inequalities and environmental impacts.

AP Spanish Language Field Trip

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE/SPANISH V CURRICULUM

students attended the play En el tiempo de las mariposas (based on a novel written by Julia Alvarez) at El Repertorio Español, a Spanish theater in New York City on February 1. This experience provided students with an enriching opportunity to engage with an important cultural and historical narrative in an authentic way, helping them explore themes such as identity, courage, family, community, and the role individuals play in shaping history. After the play, the group enjoyed some delicious Hispanic food!

Applied Science Certificate Program

STUDENTS WORKING ON THE MALAWI PROJECTS as part of the Applied Science Certificate Program recently obtained two United States patents. One is a design patent for a student-developed water filtration system. The second is a utility patent for the WISSP pad, which already has a design patent. The STEM student team that works to improve living conditions for refugees at the Dzaleka camp in Malawi has now obtained a total of three patents for their designs! See page 47 for more information about this project.

ACADEMIC NEWS

Four-Time ACSL Co-Champions

PENNINGTON’S AMERICAN COMPUTER

SCIENCE LEAGUE TEAM finished as co-champions for the fourth year in a row, an incredible accomplishment in a highly demanding international competition. In the final round of the yearlong contest, one of Pennington’s two Senior Level teams earned a perfect score, with several students turning in perfect or near-perfect results. Congratulations to all of the students on this outstanding achievement.

May Field Trips!

PENNINGTON’S MODERN AMERICAN HISTORY AND ART CLASS visited the Zimmerli Art Museum of Rutgers University and its Andy Warhol exhibit, “On Repeat.”

CHINESE CLASSES ENJOYED AN EVENING OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, starting with dinner. Students practiced ordering in Chinese and tried authentic dishes before heading to the Princeton Garden Theatre for a screening of Ang Lee’s classic wuxia film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

AMERICAN IDENTITIES HONORS STUDENTS

VENTURED INTO NYC

to see Arthur Miller’s classic American drama, Death of a Salesman, starring Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf. Students were moved to tears; they felt the power of a live professional performance and witnessed a play with timeless themes of success, identity, and the American dream.

2025 UPPER SCHOOL

WINTER ATHLETICS

GIRLS’ SWIMMING

Head Coach: George Ward

Assistant Coaches: Scott Doughty and Lynn Shields

• 16 girls participated in varsity swimming this year. Captains Emma Goodrich, Malea Reilly, and Lina Cortes will be missed next year!

• The girls’ team finished 6–2, including a 1-point win over cross-town rival Hopewell Valley High School!

• The girls finished second at the State Meet with podium finishes by Charlotte Kovelowski '28, Brooke Flannery '28, Charlotte Henderson '29, and Hania Jernigan '28. Jernigan was also “All State” in the 200 IM at states (first place overall at the State NJISAA Swim Meet) for Pennington. Jernigan broke the 200 IM School record with this performance (2:06.1)

• 8 girls qualified for Easterns, setting numerous lifetime best times this season!

BOYS’ SWIMMING

Head Coach: George Ward

Assistant Coaches: Scott Doughty and Lynn Shields

• 14 boys participated in varsity swimming this year. Captains George Ward Jr. and Alex Loh will be missed next year! The team finished with a dual meet record of 7–1.

• Won the 2026 NJISAA B State Championship, our twelfth state title for boys swimming!

• Ethan Han ’29, Oliver Brown ’28, Mason Schultz ’27, and Ward all made the podium at States for various events, while Han was an “All State” swimmer (first place overall at the State NJISAA Swim Meet) in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke. He also won “Swimmer of the Meet” recognition and set a Lawrenceville pool record in his 200 IM.

• Eight boys qualified for Easterns, finishing with numerous lifetime best times this season.

• Two new School records highlighted Easterns: Han set new records in both the boys’ 200 individual medley (1:52.21) and the boys’ 100 breaststroke (56.02), and won third place overall; his records just missed All-American consideration time.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Head Coach: Markie Watson

Assistant Coaches: Michelle Hart and Patrick Higgins

• Won the Prep B tournament for the second year in a row!

• Eden Ashiavor ’28 and Anna Hokkanen ’26 made First Team for Prep B; Dayonna Doggett ’28 and Sara Surtz ’27 made Second Team for Prep B; and Caiden O'Connell ’26 was an honorable mention.

• Ashiavor and Doggett earned MAPL honorable mentions.

WINTER TRACK

Head Coach: Rick Ritter

Assistant Coach: Nick DeRosa

• The Girls' team gave stalwart performances: Layla Griffin '27 in the sprints (while struggling with the flu at States) and showing leadership both on and off the track; Miaoyi Peng '28 also stepped up in the sprints throughout the season, perhaps one of the most consistent athletes on the girls' squad; and Miaoyan Peng '28 showed courage in the distance events while extending herself in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m.

• The season consisted of large invitational meets rather than head-to-head competitions.

• The team ran at Peddie, Bishop Loughlin Games at the Ocean Breeze complex on Staten Island, and Jadwin Gym for the Princeton Invitational.

• The season ended at Lawrenceville, where they competed at the MAPL Championships and the State Prep Championships.

• The State meet was highlighted by a sixth-place finish due to strong throwing performances and a second place finish (PR) by Christopher Freeland ’28 in the 3,200-meter.

Has any other class done this before?”asked Riley, beaming, having just completed her interview with Maryann, age 75. Launching an interview project with neighbors at a nearby over-55 development was a first and a bit of a risk. But this year, after endless conversations about AI and the lack of student engagement, creating opportunities for students to engage with people face-to-face became a priority for English teacher Erin O’Connell. Her story about this project is inspirational:

Historically, at this time of year, students in my American Identities Honors class study the classic Our Town. Not only is it my favorite play, but also its message of slowing down, paying attention, noticing, and appreciating the simple things seems more important than ever in this high-speed, instantgratification, click-and-delete world. This year, I paired the play with selections from Ross Gay’s Book of Delights, Rick Bass’s Magic at Ruth Lake , and other writings. Students kept a daily diary in the style of Lynda Barry, noting daily happenings in a creative fashion. They learned and practiced active listening, experiencing firsthand the joy of being truly listened to, which also further strengthened the classroom bond. The readings and journaling all served as inspiration for their own reflection and writing.

Inspired by StoryCorps’s mission to preserve and share humanity’s stories to build connections between people and

Human Connection: STORYTELLING AND WRITING IN THE AGE OF AI

by Erin O’Connell

create a more just and compassionate world, I added the interview project to the class’s curriculum in December. The folks at StoryCorps believe (and I have to agree) that stories remind us of a shared humanity, which strengthens and builds connections between people, teaches the value of listening, and weaves into the fabric of our culture the understanding that everyone’s story matters. I invited neighbors from our town, who live at Pennington Point, a nearby community for seniors, to share their stories with the sophomores. By slowing down, actively listening, and truly paying attention, students could experience the call of Thornton Wilder, “to take the time to look at one another” and “to appreciate life while you live it.” Grounded in the firm belief in the power of human connection, students were paired with community members who volunteered to meet in person and be interviewed, simply sharing their lives.

From the moment our guests entered, my students surprised me. They walked comfortably up to strangers and introduced themselves. Immediately, human connections were forged. From stories of long marriages to escapades, protests, living abroad, rotary phones, and the mantra, “always have a book in your hand,” my students practiced active listening, attention, and the act of noticing. Aided by Google Voice Typing and later Gemini Translator, students were able to be more present, lean in,

“Stories remind us of a shared humanity… and that everyone’s story matters.”

and listen, without having to capture every word in writing. At the end of a half-hour, it was hard to bring the conversation to a close. Students and their guests milled around, sipping hot chocolate and chatting. “That was so much fun.” “I have so much to write about.” Some of our guests, beaming and appreciative, were looking at a student’s dance on her phone, while others were promising to return for the School play. Awkward greetings just an hour earlier were replaced by goodbye hugs, and excitement to hear the students’ essays. Unexpected joy abounded.

Inspired by Ross Gay’s introduction to his The Book of Delights , where he concludes, "my delight grows—much like love and joy—when I share it," students chronicled their experiences and stories in short personal essays. Inspired by Gay’s informal tone and mix of observation and reflection, student writing revealed the many delights found in ordinary daily routines, such as walks, goodbye kisses, and coffee in the morning. Yet another surprise was the unexpected connections students created and the inspiration they gained from neighbors who were over fifty years their senior. I witnessed their perspective shift as they slowed down, turned away from TikTok, appreciated their daily delights (breakfast, soccer practice, journaling), and experienced the joy of real communication. I saw a shift away from a focus solely on achievement and grades to one of creativity and appreciation, with anecdotes peppered through their essays and post-event reflections. They revealed remarkable insights for sixteen-year-olds. I was reminded that true “engagement” is available when the right conditions are provided and the willingness to take a little risk is present. In February, students had the opportunity to read their essays in a special Chapel meeting and share their delights with their peers.

Bibliography:

Wilder,

Erin

“Delight is everywhere. Even in the places you’d least expect it.”

– Riley

These extracts are from the personal "essayettes" based on the senior subjects and modeled after Ross Gay’s informal, reflective style.

EDEN

“Ross Gay writes about delight as a discipline, something that you train, like a muscle. I think Geri has been training that muscle her whole life. She did this by constantly being in the presence of people who are suffering, and still being a source of light when it would have been easier to shut down. She listens to others and refuses to let the negative hurt her. Geri chose equanimity instead of being angry at her situation; she chose to wake up and take control of her day, even when she had the choice to be negative, even when the world did not feel patient or calm and was loud and demanding. We have a constant responsibility to fulfill by showing up and being our best selves every day. So take those two minutes of quiet before the noise.”

MATTHEW

“‘I’d marry him again in an instant.’ These were the words of Barbara, an 85-year-old woman, married for 65 years, who may have thought her life was ordinary, and who inspired me to reconsider my perspective. Her simple yet wise words repeat in my mind. I was amazed by the way she carried herself and instilled purpose in every aspect of life. She kept coming back to spending time with her husband; her words always tied back to her husband and family. After hearing this pattern, I had to ask what kept them so close as they grew older together. Her reply is what stays with me now, and I imagine, forever. She never leaves the house without kissing her husband, which is a simple, small act that represents their love and commitment to each other day after day for nearly two-thirds of a century. At twenty, they were married. Their adult life has never existed without one another. For many, this level of devotion fades into their daily routine. For her, it never did. She proudly tells us, ‘I feel like we still have the spark, maybe not the same way as when we were younger, but I still feel that we have it. I still love being around him.’”

CASS

“As I write about it now, I realize how hard it is to be here, [in the present moment] in a world where everyone is surrounded by distractions with phones, homework, athletics, and friends. The best moments come from when you are just there. In this interview, I tried to be there, undistracted and focused on the conversation, and doing this allowed me to enjoy an afternoon and think about my life in a way I otherwise wouldn’t have.”

RILEY

“Ultimately, we learned, as Harry did in the final line of his essay, ‘Delight is everywhere. Even in the places you’d least expect it.’ We hope you take the time to listen to others, even strangers, for delight is everywhere; you just have to take the time to look for it.”

Essays were edited for this article.

A SPECIAL DAY WITH PENNINGTON

GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents Day at Pennington was filled with sunshine, smiles, and over 150 grandparents, who joined their grandchildren to enjoy an inside look at campus and attend Chapel and classes. They also heard from Head of School William S. Hawkey, Head of Middle School Maria CapelleBurny, and Robert E. Martini Associate Head of School Chad Bridges ’96 about all of the exciting programs and opportunities at Pennington.

More than a tradition, Grandparents Day honors the special familial connections that make Pennington so vibrant. Thank you to all who joined—we look forward to seeing you again next year!

INSIDE THE OPEN CLASSROOM

AT THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL, WE BELIEVE THE MOST EFFECTIVE EDUCATORS ARE LIFELONG LEARNERS. IN FEBRUARY, WE LAUNCHED A NEW, WEEK-LONG INITIATIVE, OPEN CLASSROOM, DESIGNED TO FOSTER

A CULTURE OF TRANSPARENT PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH. BY OPENING THEIR DOORS TO COLLEAGUES FOR VISITS, OUR FACULTY MOVED BEYOND INDIVIDUAL SILOS TO OBSERVE, ANALYZE, AND REFINE THE MECHANICS OF HIGH-LEVEL INSTRUCTION. THIS EVENT WAS DEVELOPED BY DIRECTOR OF FACULTY MENTORSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT ERIN O’CONNELL.

A Culture of Collective Growth

During Open Classroom week, twenty-five faculty members hosted almost fifty colleagues for peer observations. This was not a formal evaluation process; rather, it was an opportunity for teachers to experience the School through a student’s perspective. Our educators witnessed the diverse ways student agency is cultivated across departments—from the high-energy momentum of a science lab to the focused persistence required of a multilingual learner.

The Pillars of Our Practice

Our instructional philosophy is built on four professional pillars that ensure every student is both challenged and supported:

• CURIOSITY-DRIVEN INQUIRY: We prioritize independent discovery, allowing students to explore tools and concepts before formal instruction begins.

• RIGOR THROUGH RAPPORT: By establishing a "calm yet firm" environment, we create a stable space where students feel comfortable taking the intellectual risks necessary for growth.

• NARRATIVE RELEVANCE: Teachers connect academic theory to real-world contexts, making complex content more tangible and memorable.

• INSTRUCTIONAL SCAFFOLDING: Using "chunked" lessons and systematic support, we remove the cognitive stress of the learning process, allowing students to focus on the content itself.

Moving from Lecture to Partnership

The impact of this collaboration is visible in our classrooms every day. We are shifting from traditional lecturing toward a model of "solving alongside" our students. Techniques such as the "prompt and fade"—where a teacher provides a catalyst for discussion and then steps back to let students lead—are becoming Pennington’s standard. By modeling the same vulnerability and persistence we ask of our students, our faculty ensures that Pennington remains at the forefront of intentional, modern instruction.

COMING SOON!

Portrait of a Pennington School Graduate

A PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE (OFTEN CALLED A POG) FUNCTIONS AS A SCHOOL’S "NORTH STAR."

While a diploma indicates that a student has passed their classes, the Portrait of a Graduate defines the specific character traits, mindsets, and skills that a school aspires for its students to possess by the time they walk across the stage at graduation. Over the past several years, faculty at Pennington have been working to identify the skills and attributes our students will need in college and beyond, and to articulate them in a framework that will guide decisions on curriculum, extracurricular activities, and all other aspects of the Pennington experience.

Pennington’s new Portrait of a Graduate, to be unveiled to the entire community in the fall of 2026, will prioritize twenty-first century skills, including critical thinking, resilience (growth mindset), and cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Along with Pennington’s mission of developing individual excellence in every student, this new Portrait will help ensure that, whether a student is in a chemistry lab, theater, or on the playing field, they are being challenged to grow in the same core areas, such as adaptability or collaboration.

The Portrait of a Graduate also functions as a filter for innovation. As readers can see with the Open Classroom initiative described on pages 26 and 27, Pennington’s teaching practices are constantly evolving. A POG helps our School leadership decide which new methods to adopt. If a new technology or teaching style won’t help a student reach the goals outlined in the Portrait, it’s likely not a fit for Pennington.

The overall objective behind Pennington’s Portrait is this foundational statement: “A Pennington graduate is a self-aware, resilient, and globally minded individual who learns with confidence by leveraging their unique strengths, and is shaped by a close-knit, supportive community to lead with empathy and thrive in a complex, ever-changing world.”

For parents, the Portrait answers the question: "What kind of human being is The Pennington School helping me raise?" For alumni, it reinforces the enduring values of our institution, ensuring that even as the campus or curriculum changes, the DNA of a Pennington graduate remains recognizable.

JOEY JINGOLI ’15

An engaged member of the Pennington community, Joey Jingoli ’15 serves on the Pennington Leadership Council, acts as alumni chair for the Pennington Fund, volunteers as an assistant coach for the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team, and mentors students through the Horizon program. His involvement reflects a deep commitment to giving back to the School that helped shape his path.

Since graduating from high school and attending business school, Jingoli has devoted himself to his family’s business. “The skills I built at Pennington truly elevated me in what I do today. I was not only prepared for college, but I also gained a strong foundation for the years that followed.” Jingoli’s time at Pennington helped develop the work ethic, discipline, and drive for excellence that continue to guide him today.

Jingoli and his family are spearheading the transformation of the "small gym" into a new fitness center, creating a space on campus for students and faculty to train, grow, and build lifelong health and wellness habits. “In making this commitment, it was important to me to continue to support the Pennington Fund, recognizing how it impacts every aspect of the student experience.”

Pennington played a defining role in shaping who I am today, and giving back is a meaningful way to recognize that impact. Supporting the School is not just about financial contributions—it’s about investing the time in the next generation and ensuring they have access to the same opportunities that I was fortunate to have.

For more information on making a gift to the Pennington Fund, please contact Director of the Pennington Fund Traci Scott Karro at traci. scottkarro@pennington.org or 609-559-5554.

MATTRESS

This winter, Once Upon a Mattress brought warmth, color, and laughter to campus during some of the coldest, darkest days of the season. The beloved 1959 musical is a playful twist on The Princess and the Pea, which helped launch the career of Carol Burnett. It offers audiences a joyful escape filled with catchy songs, bold characters, and plenty of silliness.

Our cast and crew embraced the show’s vibrant spirit with imaginative choreography, a dynamic new lighting system, and a physical comedy workshop led by guest artist Jeff Bender. Students leaned fully into the larger-than-life world of the story, and the stage came alive with cartoonish color and exuberant energy.

Beneath its humor, Once Upon a Mattress carries a meaningful message about authenticity, resilience, and the power of being unapologetically oneself. As we celebrated an exceptional group of seniors, many of them Pennington Lifers, the story felt especially fitting. Like Princess Winnifred, they leave us with strength, heart, originality, and an indelible mark on our theatre program and community.

- Suzanne Houston Director

MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTERAthletics

BOYS' BASKETBALL

Coach: Luke Sferra

Assistant Coach: Bernie Gurick

• The Middle School Boys’ Basketball season was defined by discipline, hard work, and a philosophy of “next man up.”

• Daily practices and multiple games a week ensured students were constantly learning and developing their skills.

• Despite a significantly different roster from the previous year (with only one starter returning), the team still found a way to be worth more than the sum of its parts and each game was competitive from tip-off to the final buzzer.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Coach: Elizabeth Roehm

Assistant Coach: Jacqueline Rivera

• Highlights of the season included big wins over Wilberforce and Hun.

• We celebrated MS Girls' Basketball media day and Galentine's Day with an end-of-season party.

• The team grew in tenacity, heart, and team spirit.

• We noted great skill improvement among some of our newest players.

SWIM

Coach: Jennifer Roberts

Assistant Coach: Chris Thiel

• Eleanor Ehret ’30 and Lidya Wilson ’31 medaled in the Ranney Middle School Swim Invitational.

• All swimmers dropped considerable event time by the end of the season.

• The team developed resilience, passion, and—most of all—heart!

GRADE 8

SCIENCE FAIR!

On January 22, our eighth-graders turned the small gym into a hub of scientific discovery for this year’s Science Fair. Each student designed and tested a hypothesis, tackling questions about everything from bacteria and absorbency to refraction and conductivity.

After weeks of experimentation, students presented boards outlining their process, data, and conclusions to teachers and administrators. Their enthusiasm and confidence were on full display, making the fair a strong showcase of curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning. Great work, eighth grade!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

ARTS EXPO

On the final day of Semester 1, the Martini Center for Music, Arts, and Community and the Silva Gallery of Art were filled with energy as students shared their work at the first-ever Middle School Arts Expo. Families and friends moved between performances and displays, celebrating months of creativity and exploration.

From drama, music, and dance to photography, painting, printmaking, filmmaking, and original lyric writing, the Expo highlighted the full range of artistic expression in our Middle School. It was a vibrant celebration of imagination, hard work, and student voices.

SPRING

ACTIVITIES

On February 17, the Middle School hosted its Spring Activity Fair. Students learned about the spring afterschool activity options as well as the next session of Tuesday Clubs, and then signed up for their choices.

JANUARY 20, 2026

MS SKI TRIP!

The Middle School had an amazing day on their ski trip to Shawnee Mountain, as they enjoyed time together off campus and celebrated the end of the semester. It may have been very cold, but this did not dampen their bright spirits!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

KINDNESS WEEK

Middle School celebrated Kindness Week the week of February 9! We were excited to welcome Tracey Gates to campus to learn about the practice of intentional kindness, and students each wrote their own letter of appreciation to someone in their lives. PfP also sponsored an evening workshop for parents with the author. In addition, throughout the week, students worked together on a community puzzle and coloring wall, among other crafts, and enjoyed festive dress-down days. Kindness was celebrated with purpose during this week, with the intention that the lessons, habits, and practice of kindness will extend throughout our students' lives.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AT T.A.S.K.

MS students supported our local community on Saturdays in February and April by helping to prepare and serve lunch at TASK (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen). They brought joy and purpose to this meaningful experience, and a few of their parents joined us as well.

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

On March 7-8, two six-member teams competed in the regional Odyssey of the Mind tournament, held at Woodstown High School. The performances that these teams brought to that gymnasium floor were the result of months of extraordinary effort, creativity, and heart. Both teams placed first in their respective spontaneous problems of the competition. Overall, Team 1 placed third and Team 2 placed fourth. Although our students did not advance to the state tournament, the victories they've developed through this process will echo far beyond any single competition. We are immensely proud of them!

GRADE 7 VISITS

CONSTITUTION CENTER

On April 17, the Class of 2031 took a trip to Philadelphia to visit The National Constitution Center, the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. The Center offers interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and live theatre, bringing the Constitution to life for our students.

LANGUAGE CLASSES

CULTURAL MEALS

Isabel Berko took her Spanish class to Tortuga’s Mexican Village in Princeton for lunch in mid-April, and Maria Capelle-Burny took her French students to L’annexe de Mamie Colette in Titusville to practice their French while sampling crêpes and other baked goods.

GRADE 6 VISITS McCARTER THEATRE

On Wednesday, May 13, students saw the play Mrs. Christie at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre and participated in a special “talk back” session with the actors afterward. The following day, students worked in small groups on a whole-campus mystery scavenger hunt that included forensic science lessons and a dive into Pennington history.

PARENTS for PENNINGTON

WRITTEN BY ALISON DAUER P'30, PFP COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON

PARENTS FOR PENNINGTON (PFP) KICKED OFF THE SECOND HALF OF THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH A FULL SLATE OF EVENTS THAT BROUGHT OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO SUPPORT STUDENTS, FAMILIES, FACULTY, AND LOCAL SERVICE EFFORTS.

The season began with two student favorites: the Upper School Cocoa Café and the Middle School Frosty Lounge, where students celebrated the end of the first semester with hot cocoa, sweet treats, and time with friends.

PfP’s Parent Coffee Series continued to offer valuable opportunities for parents to hear directly from School leaders and faculty. Thank you to Scott Peeler, Jacqueline Rivera, Peter Secrest, Susie Paige, Dr. Julianne De Lorenzo, Pablo Ambrosio, and Adam Materasso for sharing their expertise on topics ranging from course selection and community belonging to student wellbeing, nutrition, and the college admissions process.

Throughout winter and spring, monthly Morning and Evening Book Clubs brought parents together for thoughtful conversation and connection. Special thanks to the Pennington families who generously opened their homes to host these gatherings.

Spring also brought opportunities to give back and celebrate. During Community Service Day, volunteers assembled more than 200 snack and hygiene bags for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). Parents’ Night Out at Needle Creek Farm Brewery offered a fun evening of food and drinks, live music by the Pennington Faculty Band, and time with friends. Additionally, the Teacher Appreciation Brunch and Faculty/Staff Luncheon honored the dedication of the School’s incredible faculty and staff.

As the year came to a close, PfP helped lead several cherished traditions. Promenade provided a festive red-carpet send-off for juniors and seniors heading to the Adventure Aquarium for Prom. PfP volunteers also decorated the senior tent for Commencement and supported the Middle School end-of-year celebration. Finally, an Ice Cream Social welcomed new families and helped them connect ahead of the new academic year.

Together, all these events reflect PfP’s ongoing commitment to community, connection, and celebrating every stage of the Pennington experience. We look forward to seeing families again in the fall!

STAY CONNECTED! For updates on programs, events, clubs, and volunteer opportunities, check PfP’s weekly news in Pennington Postings or follow @parentsforpennington on Instagram and Facebook.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRINGAthletics

BOYS' LACROSSE

Coach: Jay Grupinski

• Larkin Hayes ’32, first-time lacrosse goalie, finished the season strong in our last game, making 6 saves.

• Our team offense was led by Gavin Nutt ’30, Davis Dupee ’31, Spencer Brown ’31, Bobby Casey ’31, and Reed Sanchez-DiManno ’30.

• Defense was greatly improved by great play from Matt Williams ’31 and Stefan Adler ’32.

• We had a young team that developed quickly, we played hard, and learned a lot. We are very excited for next year's team!

GIRLS' LACROSSE

Coach: Markie Watson | Assistant Coach: Jackie Rivera

What an amazing season for the Middle School Girls’ Lacrosse team! They ended the season with a 10-1 record, losing a hard-fought 2-point game to Timberlane in our final match.

• Team bonding activities and runs to Uncle Ed’s strengthened team connections on and off the field.

• Our eighth-graders showed tremendous leadership that will continue to have a positive impact on the younger players.

• In a challenging and celebratory season, new and returning players both showed tremendous growth and progress.

Heather Palecek is an analog photographer working at the intersection of historical photographic processes and the natural world. Specializing in pinhole photography, lumen printing, cyanotype, and mixed-media camera-less techniques, she pushes these methods in innovative ways—often creating in collaboration with sunlight, water, weather, time, and chance.

In Stillness invited viewers to pause and consider the complex relationships humans share with the environment, from climate change and environmental degradation to spiritual reverence for the land. Palecek was featured at an artist’s reception on January 22.

STUDENT EXHIBIT 2026

On view in the Silva Gallery through May 29, Artful Intelligence was a student show that included paintings, drawings, photography, and ceramics created by Upper School students. This exhibition recognized and celebrated the unique intelligence we tap into while creating visual art. Congratulations to all students whose work was on display!

HOW A CHANCE DORM PAIRING SPARKED A LASTING FRIENDSHIP From Strangers to Family:

As told to Jennifer Taverney

FOUR YEARS AGO, seniors

Anna-Kaisa Hokkanen from Finland and Esther Aboagye from New Jersey were strangers separated by an ocean and a locked door; today, they are inseparable.

JT: Let’s go back in time to September of 2022. If I had told you then, when you were staring at each other through a locked glass door, that you’d be best friends today, what would you have said?

Esther: (laughing) I would’ve told you to check your map, because clearly, we were living in different worlds! I remember that first night so vividly. I was locked out of the hall, super frustrated and tired

from a busy day, and I saw Anna inside laughing with her friends. I’m jumping around and waving, like, “Hey! Help a girl out!” and she just... stared right through me.

Anna: (laughing along) Okay, that is true, but in my defense, I was a bit terrified! Back in Finland, we are much more reserved. I didn’t know what this girl, gesturing wildly at the glass, wanted from me. Maybe she was angry, or maybe this was how Americans say hello every evening!

JT: Those early days of getting to know one another while learning to navigate a shared space can definitely be stressful. What were the "growing pains" like?

Anna: Honestly, it was the little things that felt like mountains. I grew up in a very tidy, quiet home. Suddenly, I’m in a room with someone who is super loud and prefers the thermostat set to freezing! She kept the AC so low I was wearing a parka in September!

Esther: And I’m looking at her thinking, “Why are you going to bed at 9:30? The night is young!” I’m a night owl; I’m messy, I’m loud. I remember texting my friends to say, "How am I supposed to sleep in a room with someone I can’t even trust to open the door for me?" Everything felt like a compromise we weren't ready to make.

THE TURNING POINT: BEYOND THE BUZZER

JT: Every great roommate story has a "shift." When did the ice finally melt?

Anna: December 15. At a basketball game.

Esther: Oh, it was electric! Dylan hit this insane step-back threepointer to tie it, and then the game-winner. The whole gym was screaming. When we got back to the room, the adrenaline was still there. We started talking about the play, and I realized that Anna actually knows her hoops.

Anna: Basketball was our bridge. We talked for hours that night. It started with the game, but boarding life has this way of accelerating things. You don't just say goodnight and go home; you stay in that conversation. We moved from sports to our families, our faith, and what we missed about home. By 1:00 a.m., the "messy roommate" and the "quiet roommate" vanished. We were just two girls who really “got” each other.

LIFE ON THE HALL

JT: One of the perks of boarding school is the "Res Life" experience. How did that help cement your bond?

Esther: It’s the stuff you don’t have to plan. Like the Hall Olympics! They asked a series of "How well do you know your roommate?" questions, and Anna and I swept it. Every. Single. One.

Anna: We could practically read each other’s minds by then. Oh yeah, and the weekend trips! Res Life took us to a 76ers game in a private box. It felt like a full-circle moment. We were cheering for basketball again, but this time as sisters.

Esther: Those events turned into our own traditions. Sunday "resets" became our thing: getting our nails done, hitting Chipotle, and studying at Starbucks. In a regular day school, you go home and the day just ends. Here, the day never really ends; it just evolves into these small, beautiful moments.

THE SISTERHOOD BOND

JT: You’ve both mentioned that you now feel like family. What does that look like in the day-to-day?

Anna: It’s about being seen at your worst. When I get homesick for Finland—missing the quiet or my mom’s cooking—Esther doesn't make it awkward. She just knows. One night, I was so overwhelmed and anxious, and without a word, she DoorDash'd my favorite meal. She doesn't need me to spell everything out; she just understands.

Esther: And when I got hit with that horrible flu last year? Anna basically became my nurse. She cleaned my side of the room, made me tea, and brought me food. She didn’t have to do any of that, but that’s the unexpected part of boarding. You learn a level of selflessness you don’t get when you live alone in a bedroom at your parents' house.

"HERE, THE DAY NEVER REALLY ENDS; IT JUST EVOLVES INTO THESE SMALL, BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

JT: As you both are readying to close out your final year as boarding students, are there any final thoughts you want to share?

Anna: It’s strange. I grew up with my sisters in Finland, but I think Esther knows me better than anyone. She’s the family I chose.

Esther: (leaning over to nudge Anna) It’s us against the world. I used to worry about "surviving" a roommate. Now? I can’t imagine navigating life without her.

SPRING HAPPENINGS

JANUARY 8 Pennington alumni from the classes of 2021-2025 returned to campus to share their college experiences with current students. Their panel, “College Freshmen Realities,” was very informative and offered a lot of good advice and insight.

JANUARY 30 Pennington’s pianists competed against each other and guests from area schools in the annual Classical Piano Competition. Adjudicators included Miriam Eley, pianist and teacher at Westminster Conservatory in Princeton, and Pennington alumnus Dr. Wei-Han Wu ’01, who is currently an in-demand performer, teacher, and coach in Washington D.C. Prizes included Best Bach, Best Classical (Arden Shi ’30), Best Romantic, and the Grand Prix (Rishabh Ramaswamy ’26).

FEBRUARY 9 & 10 Both Middle and Upper School Chapels were led by students in the Black Student Union to highlight Black identity, pride, and the power of self-definition. Through music, poetry, and personal storytelling, students shared what it means to honor their histories and speak with confidence Students set great examples of honesty, courage, and purpose for our community.

FEBRUARY 13 The Junior Proctors and the Red Cross Club co-sponsored an American Red Cross Blood Drive in which the entire School community participated.

FEBRUARY 17 Pennington’s community celebrated Lunar New Year, kicking off the Year of the Fire Horse at a festive formal dinner.

FEBRUARY 20 The Upper School Ski Club enjoyed their outing to Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, PA.

FEBRUARY 21 Upper School students celebrated the end of the first academic semester at their annual Cotillion on campus.

MARCH 4 Students in Grade 8, the Senior Seminar class, members of the International Thespian Society, and those going to London in June all enjoyed a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, presented by Shakespeare LIVE!, the touring company of the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ.

MARCH 30 At the new Upper School Club Fest, students enjoyed activities and crafts, picked up some giveaways, and purchased yummy snacks from participating clubs. The event, which was held during Special and both lunch periods in the MMAC and Silva Gallery, allowed each club to share what they are all about.

APRIL 8 The seniors in Organizational Behavior class took a field trip to the Chick-fil-A in Lawrenceville as part of their study of corporate culture and building high-performing teams. Thanks to Chick-fil-A for hosting and providing the students with such great insight into the factors that make their business a success!

APRIL 10 The second annual ComicCon was held in Meckler Library under the direction of Librarian Laura Cunningham. Floyd Bennett from Final Boss Comics and Games set up a table for fans of action figures, graphic novels, and, of course, comic books. He also quizzed students on comics trivia. English teacher Ben Sulton engaged some students in a game of Dungeon & Dragons while others worked on origami or pored over Pokemon cards. The Art Club featured student and faculty pieces available for purchase, and even a henna station. There was also a Super Smash Bros. competition!

APRIL 11 & 18 The Green Team participated in Clean Ocean Action's annual Beach Sweep event in Belmar, NJ, and later in the month they helped run a stream cleanup site in partnership with The Watershed Institute's area environmental efforts.

APRIL 15 In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, The Pennington School honored two longtime employees from Flik Dining Services, Zachary Ryba and Holly Klausner, both young adults who have worked with Pennington’s dining services for eight and seven years, respectively.

APRIL 25 Despite the rain, our international students got to meet Lady Liberty! Students from China, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Ghana, and Ecuador took a weekend excursion to the Statue of Liberty.

MAY 2

We celebrated Black excellence at Pennington during our annual Black Community Connections Luncheon! The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Monique Richards Smith ’95, and a panel discussion titled "Building for the Future," including Evan Duck ’08, Jane Malloy ’85, Coltrane Stansbury ’92, and Director of Alumni Relations Jane Bott Childrey ’89. The program concluded with a special recognition of Pennington's Class of 2026 graduates.

MAY 15

Pennington Dramatic Society’s final of four open mic nights took place in the Diane T. McLarty Black Box Theater. “Coffeehouse of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Box” featured vocal and instrumental performances, as well as some spoken words from students and faculty.

The

Pennington School community was treated to presentations by a number of speakers this spring.

JANUARY 14

Benjamin Hudock spoke to Global Studies students via Zoom about his Peace Corps experience in Ecuador.

JANUARY 15

Actor and director Jeffrey Bender led the cast of Once Upon a Mattress in a terrific physical comedy workshop.

JANUARY 24

Playwright, actor, director, and author Henry Sheeran ’14 returned to Pennington to work with the Honors Senior Seminar in Drama class. He led a three-hour playwriting master class, helping students take their first drafts to the next level.

FEBRUARY 3

Gina Mastrosimone P’27, shared the crosscultural perspectives she has gained through years of studying, living, and working around the world, and how those experiences continue to inform her work today at Vaxart, where she focuses on vaccines with the potential for profound global impact.

FEBRUARY 12

Mattia D'Acri, a postdoctoral research fellow in Princeton University's department of art and archaeology, discussed the varied and dynamic people and cultures that inhabited Campania, Italy, and the land surrounding the bay of Naples before the Romans conquered the region.

FEBRUARY 26

Zach Matthews , is the founder of Moonlit Ventures, as well as the vice president and head of corporate business development for Metropolis, a company using artificial intelligence to change how we move through cities. He recently spoke to students about how AI is actually used in the real world, and what it takes to build a career at the intersection of tech, business, and finance.

MARCH 26

Representatives from Ulster University, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of West England-Bristol, and Cardiff University introduced students to higher education opportunities in the United Kingdom. During the visit, the counselors engaged students in a lively game that highlighted unique aspects of their respective institutions, campus life, and the UK university system. The activity created an energetic and informative experience that encouraged students to think globally about educational options!

APRIL 10

Dr. Dawn Waterworth P’27, executive director at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, leads the computational biology team within the immunology translational sciences division. She spoke to Applied Science students about what she does in her department and with her team to inform a precision medicine approach.

APRIL 15

Recent alumnus Sean Sprague ’23 gave a talk entitled "Small Molecules Big Reactions, The World of PCET." Sprague’s talk was about his research on CO2 reduction using proton coupled electron transfer.

APRIL 30

Gilbert Cardoso P’27 gave students in Pennington’s Applied Science Certificate Program a firsthand look into the world of gastroenterology. Dr. Cardoso shared insights from his 25-year career promoting digestive health and preventing disease.

MAY 14

Dr. Heidi Kaufman P’27 spoke to students in Pennington’s Applied Science program, giving a talk entitled: “Live Wires: An Overview of Surgical Neurophysiology.” Kaufman is a managing partner at Nervana Neuromonitoring and a board-certified expert in surgical neurophysiology with over fifteen years of operating room experience.

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Experiential learning is "learning by doing." Instead of just reading about a subject in a textbook or listening to a lecture, students engage in hands-on experiences, reflect on those experiences, and then apply what they’ve learned to real-world contexts. Experiential learning helps shift the teacher’s role from the "sage on the stage" to a supportive facilitator or coach, and the student’s role transitions from a passive listener to an active problem-solver.

There are typically four stages to a classroom lesson that employs experiential learning. First, a student performs a task or engages in an experience or activity. Second, the student reflects on the activity or experience and makes personal observations. Third, students learn

the theory that is behind the result. Finally, students engage in active experimentation by applying the new theory to a new attempt at a solution. The design life cycle used by participants in Pennington’s Applied Science Certificate Program exemplifies these stages.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING encompasses a range of activities and experiences. We empower our students to connect with the world through immersive, hands-on learning that brings education to life. Outside of the classroom at Pennington, these experiences can take the form of:

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING: Pennington’s Odyssey of the Mind teams participate in competitions that bring real-world situations to life.

SERVICE LEARNING: Service trips, such as the annual June trip to Malawi, prioritize engagement with local communities and foster a commitment to building relationships through service.

INTERNSHIPS/SHADOWING: The senior-year Horizon program implements internships and similar experiences to foster experiential learning.

SIMULATIONS: Our Model UN team competes both in the U.S. and in international competitions (see page 52 for more information).

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES AND STUDENT EXCHANGES: These trips and exchangestudent experiences (whether as visitor or host) bring other cultures alive for our students and help them better understand the world around them.

Studies show we remember about 75% to 90% of what we do, compared to only 5% to 10% of what we hear, such as in a lecture. Experiential learning builds long-lasting skills, like empathy, leadership, and communication, that are not easily tested on typical exams but are critical for student success in college and beyond. It also helps students realize what they actually enjoy doing before they commit to a college major or career path.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING YIELDS TANGIBLE BENEFITS TO A REFUGEE COMMUNITY IN NEED

Students working on the Malawi projects as part of the Applied Science Certificate Program recently obtained a United States design patent for a student-developed water filtration system, the second patent the student team has obtained as they seek to improve living conditions for refugees at the Dzaleka camp in Malawi. The “Better Kitchen Sink” project obtained the patent with the pro bono assistance of Counsel Sharon Crane and Partner Vera Suarez from law firm Haynes Boone.

The new patent, granted in February, protects the ornamental design of the filtration system. Developed in collaboration with students and residents in the Dzaleka refugee camp, the filtration

system is designed for use in and around Dzaleka, where residents have limited access to clean water and often must walk long distances to collect it. The device allows users to filter and reuse water for washing dishes and clothes, helping families extend their limited daily water supplies.

The patented design features a funnel-like structure that attaches to commonly available plastic bottles. The system uses layers of locally sourced materials in Malawi, including cotton, gravel, and sand, to filter out debris before water flows into a collection container. When paired with a small amount of sodium hypochlorite, the filtered water can also be made potable. The system has been tested within the refugee camp and distributed to users, who report meaningful improvements in their ability to conserve water for household use. Students are continuing to refine the design to increase the volume of water filtered at once.

“This project reflects the very best of what student innovation can achieve when paired with real-world

purpose,” said Crane, who has advised the students throughout the patent process. “These students identified a critical need, worked collaboratively across borders, and developed a practical solution that can make a measurable difference in people’s daily lives. We are proud to support their efforts.”

Susan Wirsig, director of Pennington's Applied Science Certificate Program, said, “I’m so proud of this team and its past members, many of whom have gone on to study STEM and design fields in college, for their perseverance in continuing to seek solutions when challenges arose, and for their deep commitment to developing a water solution for a community in Malawi.” The group travels to Malawi each June to see their work put into action on the ground and to solicit feedback from the community at Dzaleka. The filtration system has received international recognition, including top placements in global innovation competitions, further highlighting the students’ commitment to practical, community-driven solutions.

Congratulations to our students on this remarkable achievement!

INVESTMENT CLUB

YIELDS TANGIBLE RESULTS

Pennington’s Investment Club provides students with hands-on experience in equity research, portfolio management, and collaborative decision-making using real capital, thanks to the generosity of Patricia V. and Daniel F. Zinsser P’00 ’02. The club is educational in nature, emphasizing research, responsibility, and long-term thinking over shortterm goals or overall profit. The club follows a long-only investment strategy that is focused on diversified, sustainable growth. Students present their investment ideas, share their research, discuss the choices as a group, and vote to determine which positions will be included in the portfolio. The club prioritizes:

• Data-driven decision-making

• Clear communication and reasoning

• Collaboration and shared responsibility

• Protecting School assets by adhering to prudent, riskaware policies

The fund is not designed for shortterm speculation; instead, it models real-world investing through a consistent and thoughtful process. Students are learning in real time how to invest in and maintain a portfolio. Portfolio reviews take place once per quarter and cover performance, allocation, wins/ losses, and potential rebalancing. The club provides a hands-on learning experience that is far more effective than a textbook study of investment strategy.

STUDENT TRAVEL

Pennington’s experiential learning travel program empowers students to engage with the world through hands-on learning that makes education tangible and especially meaningful. By immersing themselves in various cultures, engaging with diverse perspectives, and reflecting on their journeys, students develop a deeper understanding of both the world and their role within it. During outdoor adventures, communitydriven service projects, and real-

world problem-solving, students cultivate resilience, leadership, and global awareness, and gain skills that extend far beyond academics. The Pennington School designs unique programs that spark curiosity, foster personal growth, and create lasting connections.

Academic trips are designed to enhance learning through handson, interdisciplinary experiences that align with the goals of specific academic departments. These trips offer students the opportunity to explore topics beyond their formal coursework, fostering curiosity and deeper engagement with the subject matter.

The program's primary objectives include fostering cultural awareness, enhancing critical thinking, and promoting personal growth. Through various travel experiences, students learn to navigate challenges, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their learning in meaningful ways.

THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM

SPRING BREAK TRIPS 2026

South Africa

Our trip to South Africa included visits with host students at St. Stithian’s College in Johannesburg before heading to Nambiti Bush Camp. While there, the group enjoyed exciting game drives and bush walks and viewed local wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and more. Students also spent time in a local Zulu village and at a nearby primary school, sharing lunch, games, and conversation with community members and students. It was an incredible opportunity to experience South Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and communities up close.

Costa Rica: MIDDLE SCHOOL

A week in Costa Rica provided incredible experiences for Pennington’s Middle School travelers. Time in San José included a homestay with students from Saint Francis College, class shadowing, and adventures in La Fortuna and Monteverde. The group hiked near Arenal Volcano, visited a cacao farm to learn how chocolate is made, and explored the Monteverde cloud forest on a night hike. They also ziplined through the cloud forest canopy, explored via the famous hanging bridges, and spotted a variety of wildlife along the way, including monkeys, birds and even a tarantula. From there, they traveled to Guanacaste to experience life on the coast, with sunny weather, horseback riding on the beach, and a traditional Costa Rican dance.

Puerto Rico

The journey to Puerto Rico offered an engaging blend of exploration, education, and cultural immersion within the remarkable landscapes of the region. Participants discovered the island’s diverse natural environments while learning about the ecological processes that shaped them. They enjoyed a salsa dancing class, an excursion to a bioluminescent bay in kayaks, and a cooking class. Through guided field experiences, cultural encounters, and place-based learning, students gained insight into Puerto Rico’s environmental systems, conservation efforts, and rich cultural heritage. Each day’s activities encouraged participants to

better understand the relationship between environment, history, and community while experiencing one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destinations.

Italy

Student travelers to Italy explored ancient history firsthand, visiting sites such as Cumae and Paestum, where they encountered some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Along the way, they toured an organic mozzarella farm, met the buffalo that produce the milk, and enjoyed plenty of local food. The adventure continued with visits to Capri, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, where students experienced the powerful history of the Mount Vesuvius eruption as they walked through remarkably preserved ancient cities. The group spent three days in Rome, visiting the Vatican Museums, watching a reenactment of Caesar's assassination, and touring iconic sites including the Colosseum and Pantheon. The trip concluded in Naples.

Costa Rica: UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School students in Costa Rica kayaked through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, stood in treetops surrounded by squawking great green macaws, hiked to remote waterfalls, and observed an abundance of wildlife, including several species of sloths and monkeys. They also ate delicious Costa Rican food, visited the University for Peace, and explored vibrant Caribbean towns while learning about Costa Rica’s culture, environment, and history.

SUMMER 2026

As this issue goes to press, students are traveling to Portugal and London. In Portugal, they will explore the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto and complete several stages of the Camino de Santiago—an experience designed to foster spiritual reflection, personal growth, and resilience through challenge, community, and connection to place.

In London, students will follow in Shakespeare’s footsteps with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. A highlight of the trip will be performing at a partner Round Square school, LVS Ascot. This will offer a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

ROUND SQUARE

Pennington is a member of Round Square, a global network of more than 250 schools dedicated to character education and experiential learning. This affiliation has expanded opportunities and strengthened connections, enabling students to engage in international exchanges, service projects, and leadership development, while further enhancing Pennington’s experiential learning program. Students participated in the 2024 International Conference in Colombia, joining more than 1,000 peers from around the world for a dynamic exchange of

ideas and perspectives. Building on this experience, Pennington students will travel to Australia in the fall of 2026 to take part in another International Conference, continuing to engage in meaningful international dialogue and collaboration.

MODEL UN TEAM IN PRAGUE!

On April 7, a group of students traveled to Prague, Czech Republic, to take part in the PORGMUN Conference. PORGMUN is a student-led, non-profit Model United Nations conference held annually in Prague, organized by students from Nový PORG. It simulates UN proceedings, allowing participants aged 14 to 20 to engage in diplomacy, improve communication skills, and expand their perspectives. Pennington Upper School students involved in

Model UN activities were all eligible to participate. The group attended the conference and spent two days visiting sites of interest while living with host families in the city.

NEW MEXICO TRIP

During a class trip to New Mexico, thirteen students immersed themselves in a landscape where ancient history, indigenous culture, and modern climate challenges came alive, from the dazzling dunes of White Sands National Park to the rich cultural heritage of Santa Fe and Taos Pueblo. They decoded petroglyphs, sandboarded across the desert, and ended their days with breathtaking sunsets and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country. A hands-on river experience along the Rio Grande deepened the class’s understanding of water, ecology, and community. Throughout the journey, students explored how people have adapted to this environment for thousands of years and how those lessons connect to today’s issues, such as water scarcity, energy, and resilience. This experience was offered to all students enrolled in Margo Andrews's and Nate Van Yyperen’s Climate Change and Storytelling in Religion and Science class, thanks to the generosity of the parent of a Pennington alumna, making it not only a trip but also an immersive journey into a living, ever-changing story of people and place.

STUDENT AND FACULTY EXCHANGES

Currently, through connections forged by Director of CrossCultural Experiential Learning Lida Castro, Pennington enjoys partnerships with several international schools:

• TASIS Schools in both Switzerland and Puerto Rico

• Barcelona, Spain: St. Paul’s School

• Bogotá, Colombia: Gimnasio Campestre and Colegio Anglo Colombiano

• Cape Town, South Africa: St Cyprian’s School

• Johannesburg, South Africa: St Stithians College

• Loches, France: Saint Denis International School

• Madrid, Spain: Colegio Jesús Maria

• Mortefontaine, France: Collége Saint Dominique

• Reykjavik, Iceland: Verzló

• Prague, Czech Republic: New P ORG

• Santiago, Chile: Craighouse School

• São Paulo, Brazil: Aubrick School

• Schondorf am Ammersee, Germany: Landheim Schondorf

In Summer 2025, Pennington offered language immersion experiences in French at St. Denis International School in Loches, France, in Spanish at Espanolé Escuela de Lenguas in Valencia, Spain, and in German at Landheim Ammersee in Munich, Germany. In 2026, students will travel to Spain and France to study as part of ongoing language immersion programs.

The student exchange program offers students in Grades 9 and 10 the opportunity to attend a school in another country for four weeks during the academic year, allowing them to experience a new culture and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. Students typically have some background in the language of the country they choose and are required to keep up with

their Pennington schoolwork while away. However, prior language proficiency is not required, as all host institutions are international schools that offer instruction in English. Juniors may participate in a one-week exchange program, with the option to extend their stay to up to three weeks by coordinating with Thanksgiving or spring break. As part of the exchange, students are expected to host a visiting student from the partner school during the other student's return visit to Pennington. In 2026, students traveled to France, Spain, Prague, Colombia, and Chile.

In the summer of 2026, rising juniors and rising seniors may take part in Pennington’s four-week cultural immersion program at one of our Round Square international partner schools in Chile, Australia, South Africa, or Japan. These experiences are designed to deepen global understanding and foster meaningful cross-cultural connections.

FACULTY EXCHANGES

First started in 2023–24, a new teacher exchange program has inspired Pennington faculty to extend their impact beyond the classroom. In its first year, three teachers traveled abroad, bringing back innovative ideas and curriculum to enrich their courses at Pennington. Since then, ten faculty members have participated in exchanges in Switzerland, France, Spain, Prague, Bangkok, and London.

These programs have fostered meaningful collaboration and professional growth. For example, teachers from the Cervone Center have served as mentors, teaching at partner schools and sharing more than fifty years of expertise in working with students with language-based learning differences. At the same time, Pennington faculty have gained exposure to new pedagogical strategies and global perspectives, returning to their classrooms with fresh ideas, renewed inspiration, and a deeper validation of their professional work.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AT PENNINGTON?

GATEWAY TERM: There are two BIG initiatives coming soon to the Pennington student experience. The first, which will have its inaugural year in 2026-27, is a new Gateway Term—a spring mini-mester that will take place over two weeks in May for all students at the School in Grades 6 to 11. With separate experiences for Middle and Upper School students, the Gateway Term will offer unique ways for teachers to venture outside their classrooms and even their usual disciplines to embark on new adventures with small groups of students. This program will take place during the time seniors are involved in their Horizon experience, and participation in the Gateway Term will be part of the School’s academic requirements.

THE SILBERMAN PROGRAM IN CONSERVATION

AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION

A brand-new initiative for Pennington was established in 2025 by Lynn and Steve Silberman ‘68 to cultivate student understanding of ecological systems, conservation principles, and environmental stewardship through a comprehensive program of education, research, and experiential learning that fosters both knowledge of and care for the natural world.

The Silberman Program was created to develop student understanding as informed environmental stewards through a variety of approaches, which may include:

CONSERVATION EDUCATION:

Providing structured learning experiences in ecological principles, biodiversity, habitat conservation, sustainable resource use, environmental policy, and the ethical dimensions of human relationships with the natural world

FIELD RESEARCH AND STUDY:

Engaging students in hands-on investigation of local ecosystems, wildlife populations, water quality, forest health, and other environmental systems, developing skills in scientific observation, data collection, and analysis

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE AND STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS:

Creating opportunities for students to participate in habitat restoration, conservation monitoring, and other activities that contribute directly to environmental protection

OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING:

Fostering direct experience in natural settings through camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits that deepen students’ personal connection to wild places and inform their conservation values

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

Building partnerships with conservation organizations, environmental agencies, nature centers, and other institutions to expand program reach and impact

School administrators and faculty are working on programming for this new initiative to be launched in the 2026-27 school year!

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

Celebrating the people, values, and service that define Pennington

May ushered in Pennington’s Culture of Community Day, filling campus with activities centered around this year’s theme: “We are Pennington: What is our community impact?” Through music, dancing, food tastings, crafts, gardening, athletics, and conversation, the day celebrated the School’s diverse community and explored the many ways individuals can make an impact through service.

The School welcomed two keynote speakers; Cathryn Berger Kaye, the author of four books, including The Complete Guide to Service Learning, spoke first. Berger Kaye shared several stories illustrating the concept of responsibility, which she defines as “‘response-ability’: seeing something and making a decision to get involved.”

“Living a Life with Purpose Through Service” was the title of the presentation delivered by the day’s second keynote speaker, Mari Jo Laborde. Laborde serves as president and CEO of Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico, a nonprofit organization within the larger, US-based charity, Feeding America. She discussed some of the myths surrounding nonprofit work, stating, “You don’t have to choose between making a living and making a difference.”

Diversity, community, and service were at the forefront of everyone’s minds as they moved through the various workshops and events of the day. While some planted native species around campus, others sewed blankets for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and bundled snack bags for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Community members learned how to salsa, relax with yoga, play cricket, and even how to rhyme using Cockney slang.

After enjoying global cuisines at the World Market, the entire community returned to the gym to close out the day with a ceremony honoring Pennington’s rich tapestry of cultures and its commitment to service.

2025 UPPER SCHOOL SPRING ATHLETICS

BOYS' LACROSSE

Head Coach: Shane Taggert

Assistant Coach: Jay Hayes

• Finn Garner ’26 is now Pennington’s all-time leader in points with 215.

• Made the Prep Lacrosse quarterfinals state tournament

• Grayson Colley ’29 had 162 saves.

• Logan Matthews ’26 had 4 games with 4 or more goals.

• Jack Bailey ’29 had 40 ground balls to lead the team.

BASEBALL

Head Coach: Steve Kowalski

Assistant Coaches: Byron Kou, Ryan Stokes, and Chris Wirth-Kenyon

GOLF

Head Coach: Tom Horsley

Assistant Coach: Matt Mysliwiec

• Logan Hyndman ’27 was the medalist (low golfer) in 8 of our 14 matches; James Bradley ’26 in two of our matches; and Maddy Cabot ’29 in two of our matches.

• Notable wins against Hopewell, Hun, PDS, and Hill

• Set the School match record with a team score of 189 in our win against PDS at Bedens Brook. Both Hyndman and Cabot shot even par for 9 holes in that match.

• Finished second in the Prep B State tournament at Peddie; Mike Vannozzi ’28 placed fourth as an individual.

• The team finished with a 20-7 record, setting a program record for most wins.

• They finished second in the MAPL conference with a 9-3 record.

• Defeated Hun 13-2 on April 16, Pennington’s first win over Hun in 15 years.

• The team beat PDS 4-0 in the Prep B State Championship to end the season. This is the program's third Prep B title in the last nine years.

• The coaching staff recorded their 100th win together this season since starting out together back in 2017.

• Ryan Richer ’27, Caden Burns ’27, and Chase Hallett ’29 were all named to the Mercer County Carpenter Cup team.

• Kai Itakura-Prepcius ’26, Ryan Richer, Chase Hallett, and London Rauls ’29 were all named to the NJ Prep B All-State Team, with Cayden Meccage ’29 earning an Honorable Mention.

TRACK AND FIELD

Head Coach: Rick Ritter | Assistant Coaches: Nick DeRosa and Kara Bottino

• Boys’ team had character and characters!

• Team had success during the regular season against both “local” teams and MAPL teams alike.

• Christopher Freeland ’28 placed second in the 3200m with a personal best at a rainy MAPL Championship meet.

• Took sixth place at Prep B state championship meet, powered by Matt Shapiro ’28: third in 100m, fourth in 200m, first in long jump, and part of the 4 x 100m relay. Chris Freeland: second in 3200m; Tate Zoll ’28: fourth in 110m HH, and the 4 x 100m relay of Matt Shapiro, Connor Glassner ’29, Tenesie Taylor ’28, and Aerus Boyd ’28

• Individual and team success continued in the postseason. At the MAPL championship meet held at Blair, Eden Ashiavor ’28 placed third in the discus and first in the shot put.

• At the NJ Prep B state Championship meet, every athlete brought their “A” game.

• Team points came from Layla Griffin ’27: 100m, 200m, 400m, and 4 x 100m relay!; Angelyn Li ’26: Triple Jump; Eden Ashiavor: Discus third place, first place in shot put; 4 x 100m relay: Laila Wingfield ’27, London Leaks ’29, Josephine Hallgren ’29, and Layla Griffin.

BOYS' TENNIS

Head Coach: Derek Peterson | Assistant Coach: Sonja Karp

• The team completed a season marked by hard work, growth, and determination under new coach Derek Peterson.

• Coach Peterson emphasized a philosophy of team camaraderie and support, with loud “come ons” across the courts becoming a motivating part of the season, as well as the development of technical and strategic skills on court.

• Led by senior captains Rishabh Ramaswamy, Shubh Gangrade, and junior captain Henry Fan, the team battled several talented teams in the regular season. The upperclassmen provided strong leadership throughout the season and were supported by enthusiastic younger players.

• Rishabh Ramaswamy '26 was named to the All-MAPL Boys' tennis team, placed third in the MAPL tournament and was nominated for the NJISAA Nick Gusz Male Scholar-Athlete Award.

• Congratulations to all the players on a great season!

GIRLS' LACROSSE

Head Coach: Adam Cooley Assistant Coaches: Elysia Price and Gabbi Chwae

• Girls' lacrosse had several key moments as a team and as individual players.

• Captained by seniors Evie Argiropoulos, Natalie Maschler, and Norah Youngblood, the team had key wins over Robbinsville, Princeton Day, and Gill St. Bernard's, the latter in the Prep B quarterfinals.

• Several players had standout seasons, reaching key milestones for the season and their careers. Evie Argiropoulos and Sara Surtz ’27 reached 100 career goals, and Lillian Chiaravalloti ’27 reached 100 career saves.

• Allie Vannozzi ’29 scored 62 goals this season, breaking the record for most goals scored by a ninth-grader in Pennington history.

Middle School END-OF-YEAR

GRADE 6 students participated in a three-day program that featured interdisciplinary and experiential opportunities, guided by the question: What makes a mystery engaging? The grand finale was a full-day excursion to Sandy Hook Beach on May 15, where the class partnered with the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium to learn about the historic coastal lifestyle, organization, and traditions of the Lenape people, who lived and thrived in the area a few centuries ago.

GRADE 7 On May 14–15, the seventh-grade class traveled to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg for their end-of-year overnight trip. Students enjoyed the attractions and rides at Busch Gardens while also deepening their understanding of Colonial America through tours and interactive activities in Colonial Williamsburg. This important experience offered students an excellent opportunity to bond, have fun, and connect classroom learning with meaningful, hands-on activities.

EXPERIENCES!

GRADE 8 Students traveled to Washington, DC on May 14-15 for an Interdisciplinary Unit Trip. Throughout the IDU, students experienced a complete immersion within the history of the Holocaust and the complex lessons it reveals, culminating in a trip to our nation's capital. This excursion provided an incredible opportunity for students to connect lessons learned in the classroom to the real world, further develop their knowledge of the IDU's topics, spend quality, technology-free time with their peers, and make memories together as a class.

F NCISHARVEY GREENSOCIETY

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR IMPACT TO BE?

A gift planning commitment is an opportunity to align what matters most to you with an investment in the people, programs, and possibilities that define Pennington's future.

• Bequests – Include The Pennington School in your will

• Charitable Gift Annuities – Support the School and receive lifetime income

• Endowed Funds – Establish permanent support for a School program or activity you care about most

• Retirement Assets – Designate the School as a beneficiary of your retirement plan

Give to any area of the Forever Pennington campaign that means the most to you:

• Student Experience – Inspire learning and growth, in and beyond the classroom

• Faculty Excellence – Support outstanding teachers and mentors

• Campus Improvements – Strengthen spaces where learning and living happen

• Financial Sustainability – Secure the School’s future

HORIZONS EXPANDING

How Pennington Seniors Are Redefining Classroom Learning

For more than twenty years, the Horizon program has been a cornerstone of Pennington's curriculum. Rooted in our core mission to develop individual excellence, this transformative two-week program challenges seniors to step away from traditional coursework and dedicate 25 to 30 hours a week to independent, real-world exploration.

But Horizon is not just a capstone event at the end of May; it is the culmination of a year-long journey.

Throughout their senior year, students learn and practice essential professional and life skills. This foundation empowers them to identify their passions, build their network and connections, and completely shape their own Horizon Experience— whether by crafting a project centered on a personal passion, diving into a career-focused internship, navigating a travel experience, or pursuing a rigorous academic interest.

SENIOR SPRING PLAY

CHANNEL 26

The Senior Seminar in Drama class presented its 2026 production, Channel 26, on April 23-25. Performed in the Diane T. McCarty Black Box Theater, the three short plays comprised the capstone project for this year’s senior theatre students.

Cast Away was written by Allison Howe, Leo Momo, Zoya Mehra, and Catherine Vincent, and directed by Allison Howe, Leo Momo and Zoya Mehra.

Newsworthy was written by Saniya Bhanote, Lola Burd, Hayden Malmros, and Brett Sirolly, and directed by Saniya Bhanote, Lola Burd, and Hayden Malmros.

Get a Clue! was written and directed by Saskia Cooper, Kerri Moran, and Ciaran Walsh.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING PLAY

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was performed on May 7 and 8 in the Stainton Hall Lecture Center. Directed by the Upper School’s Brett Sirolly ’26 and Catherine Vincent ’26, the play was adapted from the beloved book by Roald Dahl. Well-known for celebrating the power of imagination and championing virtue over vice, the play boasted a cast of over twenty students from Grades 6 through 8, as well as dozens of tech and costume crew helpers from both Middle and Upper School. Teacher of English and History Jane Wilson and Teacher of Spanish Isabel Berko served as the play advisors, and Ms. Wilson was also costume co-director.

In their program note, student co-directors Brett and Cat shared that when choosing a play, “We wanted to land on a show that would be lighthearted and cheerful.” The larger-than-life Willy Wonka, described by the directors as a “wacky chocolate maker,” was played by eighth-grader Grady Meader. “This production started as a creative dream and a mess of whiteboard sketches,” explained Cat and Brett. “We wouldn’t trade the experience of working on this play and with these students for all the Wonka chocolate in the world.”

Now in its third year, PENNINGTON'S SOLACE THROUGH SOUND CONCERT is a studentdriven recital for all Pennington musicians, most notably those who are otherwise unable to participate in the School's private lessons or established ensembles. In 2024, students in the Music Collective realized that much of the musical talent on campus had no place to be showcased. That same tradition continues today, with current student leaders Rishabh Ramaswamy ’26, Samik Mookherjee '26, and Jayen Shah '27; this year featured a diverse array of performances, from opera singing, inter-instrument duets, tabla playing, and piano. The eclectic program alternated between classical pieces and more modern compositions, lending an engaging pace to the concert as a whole.

Despite some initial technical difficulties with the sound system which caused a slight delay, the students proved to be as tenacious, resourceful, and passionate with problem-solving as they are with their music. “Fortunately, everyone started working together to try to fix the problems, and when I say everyone,” Rishabh recounted, “I mean basically all the performers got on their hands and knees, trying to figure it out, and just when we were about to give up on the speakers, they came to life.”

The annual event also serves as a fundraiser for Trenton Music Makers, a nonprofit youth orchestra utilizing music as a platform for social change and youth development. The orchestra, which is comprised of more than 250 musicians, brings together students from grades 3 through 12.

SPRING CONCERTS

Sparks Gymnasium transformed into a vibrant soundscape on April 30 for the ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT

Under the instrumental direction of Dr. Donald Dolan and the choral direction of James Horan, the program bridged the gap between jazz and classical mastery and pop culture fun.

Different musical groups were showcased, including the Pennington Singers and Treble Tones choirs, the Pennington School Orchestra, the Pennington School Jazz Band, and SoundProof.

Audience members enjoyed Broadway tunes, the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean, video game samplings from Donkey Kong, and a pop/rock sing-along.

SENIOR WEEK!

COMMENCEMENT CLASS OF 2026

The Pennington School held its 185TH

COMMENCEMENT

Exercises on Saturday, May 30. Head of School William S. Hawkey, PhD, conferred diplomas and certificates on the 115 members of the Class of 2026, including students from six states and over a dozen countries outside the US. This year's Commencement speaker was Dr. Lisa C. Espinoza, MD, a member of Pennington’s board of trustees and founder of LaChele Medical Aesthetics. Yanxin Wu and Zara Meehan-Ritter, both of Princeton, NJ, were valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. The cool, blustery weather did not dim the crowd's enthusiasm, which cheered loudly for the seniors and the faculty who had guided them along the way.

IN

A WORLD INCREASINGLY SHAPED BY SPEED, AI, AND CONSTANT EXPECTATIONS OF PERFECTION, PENNINGTON HAS TAUGHT US SOMETHING MORE HUMAN: GENUINE CARE FOR COMMUNITY AND A LOVE OF LEARNING THAT LASTS FAR BEYOND GRADUATION.

− Yanxin (Minnie) Wu, Valedictorian

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATION

On Wednesday, June 3, we celebrated the Grade 8 graduation of the Class of 2030. Following a welcome from Dr. Hawkey, and a musical interlude by the Middle School Vocal Ensemble, Grade 8 Speaker Amy Li gave an address before remarks from Head of Middle School Maria Capelle-Burny. Daniel Klayman '30 gave an instrumental performance, and then diplomas were granted. Congratulations to all!

THE SCHOLARSHIP CLASSIC Supporting the Student Experience

In June, alumni, faculty, families, and friends gathered for the 31st annual Scholarship Classic, continuing a cherished Pennington tradition of community, connection, and philanthropy.

Held at the Bedens Brook Club, the event brought supporters of the School together for a memorable day filled with golf, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. Participants enjoyed friendly competition and a delicious lunch while celebrating a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Pennington students.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, the Scholarship Classic raised more than $61,000 in net support for financial aid at The Pennington School. These funds will give talented and deserving students access to the transformative educational experience the School provides, regardless of their financial circumstances.

For more than three decades, the Scholarship Classic has played an important role in strengthening Pennington’s scholarship endowment, one of the School’s highest priorities. The event not only raises critical resources but also reflects the enduring dedication of alumni, parents, faculty, and friends who believe in the power of a Pennington education.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and contributed to this year’s event. Thank you for making the 31st annual Scholarship Classic another tremendous success.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS Thank you!

Special gratitude for the 2026 Scholarship Classic Committee who supported the success of this event!

Heather Adler P’29 ’32

Mike Allen ’09

Matt Biedron ’08

Gina DiVincenzo P’24

Pete Egbert P’16

Alene Frankel P’26

Nick Hill ’07

Annemarie Hofacker P’26

Michael Jingoli ’85 P’11 ’15

Chris Long ’91 P’12 ’17 ’20

Kelsey Richardson-Williams ’11

Marcello Tosti ’07

Amy Walton P’25

FEB. 19 | Florida Alumni Gathering

The Ben – Spruzzo’s Rooftop, West Palm Beach, FL

FEB. 28 | Theatre Enthusiasts Alumni Gathering

The Pennington School, Pennington, NJ

APRIL 14 | Philadelphia Alumni Gathering

Jack's Firehouse, Philadelphia, PA

MAY 2 | Black Community Connections Luncheon

The Pennington School, Pennington, NJ

MAY 15 | Swimming Record-Changing Ceremony

The Pennington School, Pennington, NJ

MAY 20 | FinTech Night

Horizon Media, New York, NY

JUNE 19-20 | Asia Alumni Festival

Shanghai, China WELCOME director of alumni relations Rebecca Burns ’91

She is looking forward to seeing YOU at future events!

ALUMNI CELEBRATIONS AND CLASS NOTES

1960S

FERNANDO GARCÍA ’66 has been living in Miami since 2000. He retired fourteen years ago after a career in the foreign commodities trade. Fernando still keeps in touch with several classmates and occasionally sees BILL FIACCONE ’66. In retirement, he enjoys playing golf. (see photo 1)

1970S

ROBERT COYNER ’72

earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Thomas Edison State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Liberty University. He also serves as a counselor with the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline, dedicating his time to supporting those in need while remaining connected to the Pennington community.

BILLY GOLDFEDER ’74 and his wife, Teri, are joyfully celebrating the arrival of their seventh grandchild, Hunter Goldfeder. Billy continues his service as a deputy

fire chief in the Cincinnati area while also contributing as a professional writer. Family remains at the heart of their lives as they enjoy frequent visits with their growing number of grandchildren. (see photo 2)

SARAH FRENCH SHALLOP ’75 and her husband, Tom, are enjoying life as seasonal residents in Ocala, FL. After a fulfilling career in education, she is embracing retirement (and the Florida weather) while cherishing time with her two young granddaughters.

JERRY EURE ’75 and DREW CURRY ’76

reconnected in Newtown, Pennsylvania, this spring. (see photo 3)

KEN HARVEY ’76 is looking forward to celebrating his 50th reunion year and is actively helping to organize the Class of 1976 reunion alongside BILL MORRIS JR. ’76

He is excited to reconnect with classmates and commemorate this milestone.

JACK BROOKS ’76 recently retired as president/CEO of the MidAtlantic Faith Foundation, formerly known as the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation. He lives in Ocean City, NJ, where he serves as the president of the Ocean City

Beach Patrol Lifeguard Alumni Association, and as a board member of both the Ocean City Tabernacle Association and the Friends of the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. He is looking forward to the Class of 1976 reunion in the fall. (see photo 4)

PETER J. TUCCI, ESQ. ’79 P’16 ’16, was honored by the Philadelphia Chapter of the FrenchAmerican Chamber of Commerce (FACC) with the 2026 Global Leadership Award. The award recognizes his decades of leadership and unwavering commitment to French-American business, historical ties, and cultural relations. (see photo 5)

1980S

DAVID E. WOOLVERTON ’80 recently published a new book, Reviving the Remnant: Recovering God's Plan for Awakening His Church, with Wipf and Stock Publishers. Congratulations to David on this latest work! (see photo 6)

BRYAN CLAGETT ’80 is enjoying semi-retirement with his wife, Amy, balancing travel with advisory work for banks and financial technology firms.

MICHELE STANFORD ’84 will retire at the end of March 2026 following an impressive 35-year career with Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia. Her longstanding dedication marks the close of a significant professional chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one.

TONY GLAZER ’87 continues to find success in the entertainment industry as a producer of the FOX Network television series Best Medicine, now entering its second season. His production company, Choice Films, is also celebrating a strong second year at its new soundstages, Choice Montgomery Stages.

BRIAN ANDERSON ’87 and his wife, Kris, had dinner with JANE BOTT CHILDREY ’89 in Blacksburg, VA. They had a great time talking about Pennington friends and faculty. Brian is looking forward to celebrating 150 years of Pennington Football in 2029. (see photo 7)

JANE BOTT CHILDREY ’89 retired from Pennington after an amazing alumni trip to Shanghai for the Asia Alumni Festival and a trip with her daughters, LILY ’18 and LEXI ’21, to Bali. She has moved back home to NC fulltime, where she will put her real estate broker's license to good use and do some consulting work. Jane is looking forward to coming to Homecoming in the fall to see all of her friends and her Pennington family.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES, CONT.

1990S

DAVE PARRY ’90 and MICHAEL SWITZER ’89 met while Dave was passing through South Carolina. (see photo 8)

JAMIE GRIFFITH ’95 serves as an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy at Middle East Technical University, where he continues to contribute to academic scholarship and teaching.

2000S

JACKIE IMMORDINO

WOLLETT ’03 lives in Pennington with her husband, Chris, their older son, Arlo (4), and their newborn, Oliver (5 months). Jaclyn recently started a new job as a principal strategist with the employer brand strategy team at Shaker Recruitment Marketing in Chicago, following an acquisition of her previous employer, exaqueo LLC. (see photo 9)

DR. ALESSANDRA CATHEL ’04 performed the first awake brain tumor resection at Johnson City Medical Center. She is a neurosurgeon specializing in oncology and joined Ballad Health to focus on tumor resection, biopsies, fluid diversion, and other treatments, helping expand treatment options for cancer patients in the region. (see photo 10)

MAGDALENA SANTOS

YUNQUE ’04 and her family moved to Poland last year. She has been serving as an artist-in-residence at Joanna Rajkowska's studio in Warsaw, collaborating on public art workshops and creating new work, including a first kinetic sculpture shown at lokal_30 gallery this past spring. Meanwhile, daughter Yara has been learning Polish and attending public school for a full cultural immersion. The family will be returning to the States this summer, and Yara will be joining Pennington as a ninth-grader this fall. We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome her!

KYLEE ROSSI FLYNN ’05, current Monmouth Women's Soccer head coach, was inducted into the University of Tennessee's Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Flynn, who was a four-time AllSEC selection and the 2006 SEC Player of the Year during her time in Knoxville from 2005-08, finished her collegiate career with 43 goals and 102 career points. (see photo 11)

MARCELLO

TOSTI ’07 was spotlighted on a billboard in Times Square as one of M+M's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. Now in its seventh year, the 40 Under 40 Award showcases the brightest young minds across the industry, including creatives, product developers, brand managers, client officers, company founders, and more. (see photo 12)

EVAN DUCK ’08 and his wife, Kristy, are overjoyed to announce the arrival of their son, Theodore Francis Duck. Big sister Everly is already head over heels for her new baby brother, and the whole Duck family is celebrating this wonderful new chapter. (see photo 13)

CAMERON MACMILLAN ’09 has launched his own medical travel company, Sinclair Retreats, which offers celebrity-style medical treatments in Croatia at a fraction of the cost. He was featured in the June 2026 issue of Town & Country magazine, which highlighted Cameron's experience with one of the retreat’s signature offerings.

2010S

CHRIS WIRTH-KENYON ’11 and his wife, Jessica, welcomed their daughter, Josephine (“Josie”) Rose, on March 12, 2026. (see photo 14)

HENRY SHEERAN ’14, a playwright, actor, director, and author, returned to campus to work with the Senior Seminar class. He led a three-hour playwriting master class, helping students take their first drafts to the next level. For each play group, he offered direct feedback and, through various exercises, addressed several “universal lessons” that applied across all three plays. (see photo 15)

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES, CONT.

CAROLINE MORANO ’14

recently reached an exciting professional milestone by appearing on NASDAQ alongside leaders from HER Workplace, a national organization dedicated to advancing women in their careers. Surrounded by an inspiring network of driven professionals, she continues to champion the power of mentorship, connection, and community in shaping meaningful success. (see photo 16)

PEDRO DOLLABELLA ’17 & STAS KORZENIOWSKI ’21, both playing professional soccer, faced off in a preseason friendly in St. Petersburg, FL. Pedro is currently playing pro soccer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Stas recently signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Union. (see photo 17)

NICHOLAS D'AMOUR ’19

just won Gold at the European Cup Spring Arrows in Antalya, Turkey. He is now representing Team USA. (see photo 18)

SYDNEY GIBBARD ’19

recently began a new position as an associate strategy officer on the exemplars in global health team at the Gates Foundation. She will be working on how artificial intelligence can support stronger health systems in low-income countries.

PETER TARPINIAN ’20

developed an attachable net for front-loading washers and dryers to prevent clothes from falling on the floor. He is currently growing his Laundronet business online and appreciates CHRISTINE MILLER P’18 ’20 for buying a few for The Pennington School laundry room. (see photo 19)

STAS KORZENIOWSKI ’21 and BABACAR NIANG ’21 took a trip back to campus and caught up with faculty and friends, including Network Administrator for Information Technology Bryan Bentley P'33. (see photo 20)

CHLOE BOOCOCK ’22 has been accepted to the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She credits her time at Pennington with fostering the artistic foundation that has enabled her to pursue this next chapter in Glasgow.

AVA VECCHIONE ’23 AND KRISTIN PARPEL P’25 met while Ava was studying in Prague. (see photo 21)

The Frankel family, including RAQUEL FRANKEL ’26, saw MAGGIE CLARKE ’23 in Shanghai while visiting Raquel’s brother, who connected with Maggie while studying abroad. (see photo 22)

FACULTY/ STAFF

Pennington Director of Admission SHARON JARBOE celebrated the birth of her granddaughter, Eloise, with her daughter ELLIE ’14 and son-in-law SAM GOLDBERG ’12 (see photo 23)

KERI MARINO (former faculty) attended Charlotte FC versus Philadelphia Union with JANE BOTT CHILDREY ’89, LEXI CHILDREY ’21, and IAN CHILDREY ’24, to see STAS KORZENIOWSKI ’21 play for Union. (see photo 24)

remembering

With heartfelt remembrance, we recognize members of the Pennington community whose passing we have learned of since the last issue of our magazine.

S–Spouse P–Parent

GP–Grandparent

FF–Former Faculty/Staff; FT–Former Trustee

Peter S. Goldman ’45

Stanley Schwartz ’45

Jane McCarraher S’55

John J. McCarraher ’55

Thomas S. Turner ’58

Ronald A. Kearns ’60

Henry M. Black Jr. ’64

James H. Brennan ’65

Thomas W. Clements Jr. ’66

Sharon Mastrosimone S’66

Douglas H. Cromwell ’68

Thomas H. Curry ’73

David L. Ellis P’89

Katherine S. Griffith P’93

Carol T. Cole P’95

Clifford E. Montgomery Jr. P’02

Fawn Hildreth P’11

Katie Bunn S’15

Bryan F. Cook P’15

Amy Granato P’23

Charles Sirolly GP’23 ’26 ’26

John M. Peach FT

Linda M. Treilman FF

The CLASS OF 2026 will be matriculating at the following colleges and universities: congratulations

Auburn University • Babson College • Bentley University • Binghamton University • Bocconi University • Boston College • Boston University (4) • Bryant University • Bryn Mawr College • Carnegie Mellon University • Case Western Reserve University • Clemson University • Dickinson College • Drew University (2) • Durham University • Elon University • Fairfield University (3) • Flagler College • George Washington University (2) • Georgetown University • Hampton University • Hungarian University of Sports Science (Magyar Testnevelési és Sporttudományi Egyetem) • Indiana University (Bloomington) (3) • Lafayette College • Lehigh University (2) • Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) • Louisiana State University • Loyola Marymount University (2) • Loyola University Maryland • Miami University • Middlebury College • Morehouse College • New York University (5) • Northeastern University (3) • Oberlin College • Pace University (NYC) (2) • Penn State University (University Park) (6) • Princeton University (2) • Providence College • Purdue University (Main Campus) (3) • Raritan Valley Community College • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • SUNY Buffalo • Saint Joseph’s University • Saint Mary’s College of California • Skidmore College (2) • Spelman College • Stevens Institute of Technology (2) • Stony Brook University • Syracuse University (3) • Thomas Jefferson University • Tulane University • Union College • United States Military Academy at West Point • University of California (Los Angeles) • University of California (San Diego) • University of California (Santa Barbara) • University of Denver • University of Florida • University of Louisville • University of Maryland • University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) • University of Pittsburgh • University of South Carolina • University of Southern California (2) • University of Tampa (4) • University of Texas (Dallas) • University of Virginia • Villanova University • Virginia Tech (3) • Wagner College • Wake Forest University (3) • Washington and Lee University • Wellesley College • William & Mary