The day began in the Hauser Auditorium with the Middle and Upper School students assembling to hear about the plans for the day. All were preparing to greet their buddies who were at that moment traveling from the Short Hills campus, and the room was buzzing with excitement.
The next stop was the athletic field, where approximately 1,000 students, and one dog, gathered for a whole-school photo. This organized chaos was followed by the singing of our national anthem, aptly led by the Balladeers and Buttondowns. Then came the morning’s big surprise.
Twenty-five years ago, Pingry’s student government decided that the school needed a mascot. Lynn Apruzzese ’80, then the student-body president, told her mother, Sandy that the students had decided on a big blue bear. Sandy recognized a challenge and spent considerable time searching the New York metropolitan area for Pingry blue fur. In a few months, Big Blue, the big but gentle bruin, began attending all Pingry athletic events, special assemblies, and holiday festivals. For 20 years, Big Blue was a constant presence for the Pingry community.
About five years ago, Big Blue was lost during an away game. A store-bought Big Blue replaced the home-made version. While he was good – he was not the familiar Big Blue of old. Dana Apruzzese ’06 approached her family about replacing Big Blue with the original-looking version.
On May 17, in front of the entire student body, the new Big Blue, which closely resembles the original Big Blue, made his entrance from the press box. After greeting his benefactors, the Apruzzese family, he joined the students on the field for the beginning of the games played by the red, white, and blue teams in friendly competition.
Let the Games Begin…
From the shuttle run to the potato and tire relays, students in grades K-12 dashed and dove their way across the athletic fields in a series of competitive events. Each activity pinned a group of lower school students with their middle or upper school “buddies.” As each of the students picked up marbles with their toes (in marble madness) or relay raced, equally enthused faculty members coached and cheered them on.
Following the morning affairs, lunch was held outdoors, where the students relaxed on the lawn and refueled. Veggie- and hamburgers, hotdogs, watermelons and cookies were enjoyed as the Balladeers and Buttondowns entertained the crowd.
Additional games continued in the afternoon, which was welcomed by students like third- grader David Robusto who appreciated the opportunity to exercise. “I’m a lot faster than I was last year,” he says.
Form III student Joseph Naso enjoyed seeing his buddies from last year, while Form I students Ashley Feng, Lakshmi Davey, and Hanna Morris relished their first year as older buddies. As each said, “The best part about field day is watching the buddies race. They’re really competitive and cute. They’re really just having fun. Plus, everyone works together to compete.”
Associate Admission Director Sheila Ramirez agrees. She says, “The kids are so excited. It’s fun to see them … and nice to see how good they are to each other. Field Day is a happy release from academics.” Moreover, it is the whole community bonding and coming together to take part in an enriching experience.
© 2006 The Pingry School
