The Class of 2025 completed their Pingry journey and received their diplomas during the School’s 164th Commencement Exercises, held in the Bugliari Athletics Center on June 8, in the company of families, Pingry trustees, administrators, faculty and staff, and other friends.
With references to alumni who have served in the armed forces, senior faculty member Miller Bugliari ’52 said in his Invocation that “none of us knows what lies ahead,” but that the graduating students should feel fortunate that they are Pingry educated and well prepared for life.
Selected unanimously by the class to address them at Commencement, retiring Magistri teachers Bill Bourne and Tim Grant shared two stories. Telling the tale of getting tickets to Super Bowl XXXV in 2001, Mr. Bourne explained that he won the tickets through an over-the-phone coin toss with someone who also wanted to attend the game, and that person was flipping a coin to determine who would go. “What would you do in that situation?” Mr. Bourne asked the students, wanting them to consider how they would have handled being in either position (the person flipping the coin, or Mr. Bourne waiting to hear the result). His parting observation is how much better the world would be if everyone were honorable and trustworthy. Mr. Grant, “a compulsive early person—I can’t be late for anything,” shared the story of, one day, rushing from an AP lab (that was running late) to the locker room to practice, but in his haste, needing to return to the locker room because he forgot to put on his shorts! “I know you have memories from your time at Pingry—always remember the good times because we’ll always have that together.”
Student Body President Ziv Shah spoke about the importance of lending a hand, paying it forward, and helping the team. He asked, “Does it really matter where you go or what you do if you never make a change in someone else’s life?”
Valedictorian Elbert Ho compared cutting corners and taking shortcuts—and the negative consequences that can result—with taking the extra step, especially where AI is concerned. “If you can’t do it the long way, don’t do it the short way.”
The Cyril and Beatrice Baldwin Pingry Family Citizen of the Year Award was presented to two individuals: Steve Lipper ’79, former two-term president of the Pingry Alumni Association who is also retiring from the Board of Trustees after serving for nine years, and Pat Egan, Middle School Office Coordinator for 19 years. This award is given to members of the Pingry family who, in rendering meritorious service to the community, have demonstrated those qualities of responsible citizenship that Pingry aspires to instill in all of those associated with the School.
Form VI Dean Cynthia Santiago paid tribute to the 23 seniors who entered Pingry in Kindergarten and are members of the “13-Year Club,” also known as “Lifers.” Head of School Tim Lear then presented Nataly Ruiz with the Magistri Laudandi Award, for being the student who champions the greater good and cares the most about helping all succeed, and Ziv Shah with The Class of 1902 Emblem Award, for having the greatest amount of school spirit.
Addressing the graduates, Board of Trustees Chair Ian Shrank ’71 spoke about Pingry’s commitment to DEIB—values that he says really have not changed since he was a student—and how that translates to respecting others and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. “No human being knows how his behavior affects others.”
After the presentation of diplomas, Head of School Tim Lear reflected on the fact that many people can feel “lost” at a young age, uncertain of their futures, and that the pressure can make you doubt yourself. “How you treat others and behave under pressure when no one is looking has been and remains the defining way to assess someone’s character and how to live a meaningful life.” To illustrate this point, he cited Olympian and sailor Carl Van Duyne ’64, who voluntarily withdrew from a race when he knew he had been disqualified, even though nobody else would have known. “Focus more on who you’re becoming—people of character, humility, and integrity—and less on what you’re becoming. Aspire to the goal of being respected.”
Pingry congratulates every member of Pingry’s Class of 2025 on their graduation, and on all of their accomplishments. The School has a richer legacy because of their talents and contributions, and wishes them luck as they begin a new chapter of their lives.
The students will be continuing their academic careers at 75 colleges and universities:
College Matriculations for the Class of 2025
Contact: Greg Waxberg ’96, Assistant Director of Communications, Writer/Editor