Pingry’s fifth-grade students were recognized for their achievements and their contributions to the Lower School, and began their transition to Middle School, when the Lower School held its annual Moving Up Day on June 6.

Lower School Director Dr. Alyssa Johns lauded the students for their hard work and dedication, shared memories of their class projects and events, and praised them for exemplifying the Honor Code. She also highlighted the fact that this year’s Grade 5 class was in Kindergarten in 2019-20 when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and they learned how to do so much in the virtual environment of Zoom. “Even in the most challenging moments, you were brave.” Dr. Johns also acknowledged the “incredible faculty and staff” and pointed out that this class “holds a special place in the heart of many faculty members” because some teachers taught them twice, and they were the first class for a new teacher.

A portion of the program was devoted to a screening of the Season 2 Finale of Big Blue News, the Lower School’s Friday morning news program. This special episode focused, of course, on Grade 5, with questions such as “What would you tell your past self about Pingry?” and the perennial favorite of what the students want to be when they grow up. Their teachers also made special appearances with farewell messages.

Members of Student Council were recognized with certificates, and the Grade 5 homeroom teachers—Erik Hove, Katie Ricca, Austin Applegate, and Jeff Cohen—shared poetic reflections.

Addressing the students, Head of School Tim Lear asked the students to “remember the importance of paying kindness forward—stay in touch with your Lower School teachers. Invite them to your events in Basking Ridge.” He also reminded them, “You’re the foundation of next year’s Grade 6 class—be kind, be the first to say hello, and be the first to make someone feel really special.”

Twenty-seven students were recognized for attending Pingry since Kindergarten, and the ceremony included three annual honors that are named for former Lower School teachers and families:

Auchincloss Award (showing the most concern for others)—Erika Schwarting and Caroline Wu

Evelyn M. Chester Achievement Prize (amount and quality of sustained effort dedicated to both academic pursuits and personal growth)—Avery Krissel and Rohan Shah

Joann M. Jackson Citizenship Award (exemplifying the Honor Code through actions)—Meena Radhakrishnan and Kian Siva


Contact: Greg Waxberg ’96, Assistant Director of Communications, Writer/Editor