PHS’s Spectacle Theatre brought a classic comedy to life this year with “Groundhog Day: The Musical” from March 13–15 in the Performing Arts Center. Based on the 1993 film of the same name, the musical follows Phil Connors, a weatherman who finds himself reliving Groundhog Day over and over again in the small town of Punxsutawney. Directed by drama teacher Julianna Krawiecki, the show highlighted the talents of the students involved through acting, music, dancing, and stage management.

“Last year, after we did “Beauty and the Beast,” I sat down and thought about what is a great contrast to this musical ... how do we make sure we give them a very different experience but do something that’s new and challenging and exciting, and “Groundhog Day” [is] very different from anything we’ve done,” said Krawiecki.

Bringing “Groundhog Day” to the stage required months of dedication from the cast, orchestra, and crew. With its fast-paced musical numbers, and intricate technical elements, the show posed unique challenges for everyone involved. From vocal rehearsals with PHS Choir Director
Vincent Metallo to going through scenes under the direction of Krawiecki, students in the cast and PHS Orchestra gave their all to perfect their performances while the tech crew spent hours building the set.

“Basically, as soon as the fall play was over ... we started
building the [set for the] musical because we knew that
it was going to be a huge undertaking. We’ve never done
a turntable before, so there was a lot that we wanted to
get figured out early. So we’ve been working on this [for]
eight to 10, 12, [or]14 weeks at this point,” said Jeffrey Van
Velsor, Set Designer and Technical Director for the show.

Being a member of the musical required dedication and
time management skills, as students spent a lot of time
after school rehearsing.

“The most challenging part [for me was] the amount of
time it [took]. Rehearsals [started] at 5:30 p.m. but they
often [went] past 8 p.m., and while it [was] a lot of fun, it
[could] be really time-consuming,” said cast member Ivy
Cordle ’27.

Music was a key element of the musical, with the orchestra
playing a central role. The PHS Orchestra rehearsed alongside the cast members, ensuring a seamless integration
of live music and performance that brought energy and
excitement to the show.

“Groundhog Day is a contemporary show. The genre
of the music is very upbeat pop [and] rock pop, so it’s [a]
very unique style, and that contemporary musical, more
modern musical, [brought] new challenges,” said Metallo.

PHS Orchestra, which provided a live soundtrack for the
show, faced the challenge of coordinating with the action
on stage as they were playing.

“There’s a lot of effort required ... to keep track of the
actors’ movements and lines. It’s hard to focus on just the
music when there are so many other things to consider,”
said Emily Leng ’27, a flautist in PHS Orchestra.

With months of hard work behind them, the cast, crew,
and orchestra delivered a performance that captivated
audiences over the three-night run. From the high-energy
musical numbers to the emotional character moments,
Groundhog Day was a testament to the dedication and
talent of PHS’s theater community.

Photo: Katherine Chen

Maxime DeVico ’27, Julia Scibienski ’27, Noa Zacks ’25, Sebastian Bongiovi ’25, Milania Kapoor ’27, Elena Barreto ’27, Judy Pwee ’27, Sanya Bhatt ’28, Sophie Mueller ’28, Daniel Spitkovsky ’27, Tara Venkatesh ’28, Sylven Waldman ’25, Ash Nieman ’26, and Anna Kaufman ’26 perform the number “Day One — Punxsutawney Phil” in “Groundhog Day.”

Cast, crew, and orchestra shine in “Groundhog Day” musical

Jenna Stucky ’25 grew up in a household full of musicians, so music has always been an important part of her life. She discovered her love for singing and performing at a very young age, and soon began singing in choral groups and even combining her singing skills with acting by performing in musicals. Now a senior at PHS, Stucky has immersed herself in the musical community by singing in PHS Choir and co-leading the a cappella group The Cat’s Meow.

**When did you first start singing and why?**

[I started] when I was pretty young because my family is very musical, so I’d often sing with my siblings and with my parents.

**How do you handle performance jitters?**

I think it’s something that gets easier over time. The more practice you get in front of an audience, the easier that it gets. Sometimes you just have to embrace the nerves and do something even if you’re a little nervous.

**What’s it like being in an acapella group?**

I have a lot of fun. My group, we’re really close with each
other, so oftentimes in our rehearsals we’ll be talking more
than we’re singing. But, it’s a really talented group of people
and I love singing with them and we have a lot of fun together.
I love doing performances, too, sometimes in the winter we’ll
get gigs, so that’s a fun experience, and also performing at the
choir concerts. Also, in Italy we actually got to perform as well.

**How was your tour experience in Italy with PHS Choir?**

It was so much fun and I wish that I could go back. The spaces
that we performed in were gorgeous and stunning, and the food
was amazing, and it was just such a fun experience.

**What kind of music do you listen to? Do you have a favorite
band or an artist?**

I listen to a wide range of music, but recently I’ve been listening
to a lot of SZA and some Role Model.

**What are some of your other hobbies?**

I’m very musical, so I like to learn instruments. Recently I’ve been
practicing a lot of guitar.

**If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take
one thing with you, what would it be?**

I would take my kazoo, because I think that would be really
entertaining for me and would help pass the time.

**What are you going to miss most about PHS?**

I’m going to miss the communities here, especially the singing
communities. We’re really close and I’ve got to do a lot with other
artists and musicians at PHS.

**Are you planning on pursuing music in the future?**

Not as a profession, but it’s definitely something that I want to
keep doing when I’m older.

**What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?**

Don’t be afraid to try new things even if it might be a little
nerve-racking.

**What advice would you give to new singers and musicians?**

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and step out of your
comfort zone every now and then. Do things that push you and
help you grow.

Jenna Stucky ’25 finds community through singing

Spring into spring with this crossword

A day of spreading music and bonding with your band
and vocals members: that’s exactly what the National Jazz
Festival (NJF) is about. Every year, the PHS Studio Band
and PHS Studio Vocals compete with high school musicians
from across the country in the NJF in Philadelphia. This year
on March 22, Studio Band and Studio Vocals musicians took
part in a full day of jazz performance at the Pennsylvania
Convention Center in Philadelphia.

This year, Studio Band played three songs: “It Don’t Mean
a Thing” by Ella Fitzgerald, a fast swing song; “Decoupage”
by Stan Kenton and His Orchestra, a slow ballad; and “Heat
of the Day” by Pat Metheny Group, a song with many time
signature changes. By choosing a combination of diverse
genres, Studio Band showed off their range as musicians. The
bands and Studio Vocals began preparations for NJF as far
back as January. After deciding on three songs to play, they
moved on to finalizing and rearranging solos throughout the
song, ensuring that they were able to fit within 20 minutes,
the time alloted to them by the competition.

Joseph Bongiovi, the Studio Band director, led the band
in weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30. In
addition to rehearsals each week, Studio Band practiced
by recording hour-long sectionals, where they practice
together to build for coherence and collaboration as a
group. Though the preparation was demanding, it helped
the students grow as musicians.

“The competition kind of forces you to put your best
self forward [and] shows you what [you’re] capable [of]
and what you can actually do if put under pressure,” said
Naomi Carroll ’26, a singer in Studio Vocals.

Aside from providing a platform for competition and
music, NJF also promoted bonds between musicians from
across different schools and between band members.
Competitions like NJF radiate a sense of camaraderie,
creating an atmosphere where band members can enjoy
playing music and pursuing their passions together,
regardless of their preceding relationships.

“There have been times when I’ve seen people [from
other schools] just get into a group and start jamming out
in the instrument storage room. Even though they are from
completely different places, [and] none of them know each
other, they’re just there to have fun,” said Thomas Basso
’27, a clarinet player in Studio Band.

“To me, band is like a big family. I feel like [it’s] a lot more
like a tight knit community, so you see recurring faces at
festivals, and you know certain judges who you’ve seen
over and over again, and certain teachers in certain high
schools. There is a sense of [family and] a big community.”
said Carroll.

Photo: Katherine Chen

Jazz Ensemble members Emil Kapur ’27, Stella Wolsk ’26, Sean Wilton ’25, Shawn Elwood ’26, Adam Greenberg ’26, Donovan Vaccaro ’25, Isaac Son ’27, Mia Abrams-Sartor ’28, Avyaya Srivastava ’28, Blake Kearney ’28, Lucas Martinetti ’28, Nicholas Kopaliani ’26, Ian Lee ’28, Florencia Curchitser ’25, and Michael Chorba ’27 practice “The Gathering Sky” by Pat Metheny Group


Studio Band and Studio Vocals compete in the National Jazz Festival

As the puck drops, Cassie Speir ’25 glides across the rink with unwavering focus, her
eyes sharp and her grip firm. She closes in on the net and shoots, sending the puck into
the back of the posts and marking her 31st goal of the season. 

Speir, a senior and forward, first discovered her love for hockey at the age of nine.
“I started in a rec league ... [because] one of my really good friends from elementary
school was doing it ... ever since I started, I just loved it,” said Speir. 

She soon transitioned into playing travel hockey, which introduced her to competitive
play and extensive travel, allowing her to go to different states such as Illinois, Wisconsin,
and Michigan. Although Speir also dabbled in lacrosse and softball throughout middle
and high school, it was hockey that she was most passionate about. 

“Quitting has never really been an option for me ... hocky is an outlet for me,” said Speir.
Many athletes have role models they admire, and Speir is inspired by two renowned
hockey athletes: Hilary Knight, who has won a gold medal at the IIHF World Women’s
Championship and the 2018 Winter Olympics, and Sarah Fillier, a former Princeton
University standout now playing in the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey
League (PWHL).

“I would go watch [Fillier’s] games when I was
younger ... they did have [the PWHL back then],
but the women didn’t really get paid much, and i t
wasn’t super known. But this one’s being marketed
really well, so they are good role models to girls
who want to play,” said Speir.

Speir’s commitment to hockey is year-round,
as she competes for both the PHS girls ice hockey
team and the Princeton Tiger Lilies, a club team
in the National Girls Hockey League. 

“[I play hockey] basically every day,” said Speir.
“At school, I play defense, but for my club, I’m
usually a forward. Playing both positions has
been great for understanding the game better.”

Last season, Speir played a crucial role, leading her team to a 3–11 record to qualify for
the Annis Cup semifinals. She led not just her team, but also the state, in number of goals
in one season, embodying the team’s spirit throughout the season. 

“She’s definitely more down to earth and she connects personally with the players on
our team, and she’s really great for morale. She’s very inspiring. The energy she brings to
the game inspires other people to be more energetic,” said Co-Captain Maya Hagt ’25. 

Christian Herzog, head coach of the girls ice hockey team, who witnessed Speir’s journey
from an ambitious freshman to a leading scorer, reflects on her success. 

“She’s had a lot of success in this sport because she’s been playing quite a while, and she
works extremely hard,” said Herzog. “I would expect to hear about her accomplishments
playing in college as well. She’s definitely going to be a tough personality to lose next season.”

Hagt expresses Speir’s importance to the team, not just as a hockey player, but as a
person as well. 

“She’s so inspiring to have on the ice. But even off the ice, she works so hard. You can tell
that she puts a lot of effort into everything she does. I think she’s also a very empathetic
person. Having her as a friend and a teammate is really, really special,” said Hagt. 

Looking forward, Speir has set personal goals for this season, aiming to continue her
streak by increasing the number of goals she scores and improving her assist count. 

“I’m always working on improving my game all-around, skating, shooting, and handles.
On my travel team we’ve been working on some new o-zone faceoff plays,” said Speir. 

For the rest of the season, Speir aims to continue her streak by increasing the number
of goals she scores and improve her assist count. As for her future beyond high school,
Speir seeks to keep playing the sport she loves. 

“I just want to continue to play, probably at the club level ... [and also] keep introducing
new players to the game,” said Speir.

As she enters her final season at PHS, Speir is determined to make every game count and
build lasting connections with her team. Preparing to skate off into a new chapter of her
life she remembers and appericates
all of the moments that have led her to
become the player and person that she
is now.

“Ice hockey has taught me that hard
work makes good things (goals and other
life things),” said Speir. “It has taught
me a lot about being a very supportive
teammate and friend and my experiences
have made me a more confident leader.”

To Speir, every game, tournament has
meant more to her than her team. Most
important of all, Speir knows that hockey
has given her more than skills — it’s given her unforgettable friendships and memories
that will last a lifetime.

“In the future I hope that I can continue to play for fun and that I will be able to bring
in new players to the game,” said Speir. “Hockey is where I’ve made my best friends in
the world.”

Photo: Katherine Chen
Spier is looking forward to another successful season, both on and off the rink.

Cassie Speir ’25: ice hockey

As a published author and the creator of the Mandarin
curriculum at PHS, Shwu-Fen Lin has taught Mandarin
for over 30 years. Growing up in Taiwan, Lin dreamed
of becoming a Mandarin teacher ever since she was a
young girl.

 “I think [being] a teacher is a powerful job. You can
teach somebody something new,” said Lin. “I think [it
is important that] you teach a student [so that] they can
see, they can read, they can speak, they can talk.”

 Lin’s journey as an educator began in Taiwan, where she
taught high school Mandarin for 3 years before moving
to the United States. She initially taught elementary and
middle schoolers in the Highland Park School District.
She ultimately found herself drawn to PHS because of
the students and the quality of the district.

 “I’m here because Princeton High School [is in] a very
good school district ... they have very nice students ... I
love to teach here,” said Lin.

 Lin employs a number of teaching methods that involve
simulating real-world situations to help students become
more confident with their Mandarin.

 “We can ‘shop’ in the classroom. So some students
become the vendor, some students become the buyer ...
[this is] very practical, how to shop in the real world,”
said Lin. “[I also use the] bicycle-chain [method] every
day. So all the students [stand] ... in the center of the
classroom [and talk about] different topics every day
[with a] friend [until] they rotate like a bicycle chain.”

 Another particularly unique method she uses is called
“ban zhang,” which means class captain. Being ban zhang
allows students to model the lesson for the day, setting
an example for their peers.

 “All the students can become a ban zhang for one
week ... to help ... the student’s self-confidence,” said Lin.
 Outside the classroom, Lin has also co-authored
books on Mandarin, from basic levels all the way to AP.
Her effective teaching style has led her to give talks at
multiple large teacher conferences.

 “The past 19 years ... I [gave] a lot of good [speeches]
in very huge teacher [conferences], like [the] National
Chinese Language Conference, and ACTFL, a very big
World Language teacher conference,” said Lin.
 Thomas Basso ’27, who has been taking Mandarin for
three and a half years, appreciates Lin’s energetic teaching
style and the enthusiasm she brings to class.

“She ... tries her very best to get everyone to participate
and will often cold-call on people who she thinks aren’t
participating enough, which in a way forces everyone
to pay attention and stay engaged ... I’ve been learning
Spanish since kindergarten, and I still feel like I know
more Mandarin than Spanish,” said Basso. “Mrs. Lin
sometimes makes jokes in class to make us laugh and is
happy to answer any questions that we have.”

 Lin believes that the end goal of learning Mandarin
is to connect with Chinese culture. To help spread
and showcase Asian culture throughout the Princeton
community, Lin established the annual Asian Festival
at PHS in 2007, an event featuring performances and
booths from several Asian culture clubs.

“Every year, we have around 500 people that come
together to celebrate [and] learn Asian culture. This is very
important [as] people need to talk to people, [because]
if I understand your culture, I will respect your culture,”
said Lin. “So I say language is communication, the tool,
but most important that you use this tool in real life, and
be able to use language not only as regular conversation,
but also as a skill to develop.

 Lin believes that learning a new language is not
something that can happen in a classroom alone, but
requires skillful practice throughout one’s life.

 “I like to help my [students] become life [learners],
not only in my classroom ... so they can continue to
learn, even in society,” said Lin. “When you graduate,
you will continue to learn your whole life. I think that’s
very important.

Photo: Katherine Chen
Lin shows her Mandarin class traditonal Chinese New Year decorations.

PHS Profile: Shwu-Fen Lin

For Elliot Block ’25, music has always been an integral part of his life. His passion for classical music began at an early age, sparked by his love for both the viola and the piano.
Now, as the first chair violist of the PHS Orchestra as well as co-president of its cabinet,
Block continues to explore his passion in chamber groups and on stage.

**When did you start playing the viola and why did you choose it?**

I started viola when I was seven years old, [but] I didn’t choose it. My mom chose it
for me and I didn’t like it at first, but when I was 10 or 11 years old, I started playing in
chamber groups at summer camps, and I realized I really liked that.
That got me into it a little more.

**Who would you consider your inspirations?**

I also play piano, [which] is my [preferred] instrument. Some
of my inspirations are the top performers for piano, like Martha
Argerich, Rubinstein, [and] Horowitz. But there are a ton of great
performers and musicians.

**Why are these artists your inspirations?**

I think it’s primarily their playing style. All the musicians that
I find inspiring are able to approach their instrument in different
ways, but always successfully put their feeling into the music, and
also bring feeling out of the music. I really admire that, and I always
try to do that whenever I’m playing in practice and performance.

**What do you like about classical music?**

There are a ton of things I like about classical music. It’s what I
listen to most. The range of emotions that classical music can feature is really vast, and
there’s always a piece that fits the mood I’m in.

**What do you consider the most challenging aspect of classical music?**

I think the most challenging aspect is the combination of technique and sensitivity
to feeling. It’s sometimes easy to focus on one or the other, but both are necessary to be
really great, and that can be tough.

**How do you handle pressure from auditions or
performances?**

I used to be really bad at that, and I kind of still am really
bad at that, but I make sure that there’s no tension in my body,
and I really practice clearing my head before playing, so that
I can replicate it in front of an audience. It never really is easy,
but I think clearing the tension is the most important thing.

**What is your favorite memory from PHS orchestra?**

Going on the European tour last spring was really fun and [I
bonded] with the orchestra. Through that, I made a lot of new
friends ... It’s made this year a lot more fun too.

**Are you planning on pursuing music in higher education
or as a career?**

Definitely. I want to study piano and classical music in college.
Ideally, it would also make a career. But I know that music will
be with me for my entire life, either way.

Photo: Katherine Chen
Elliot Block ’25 plays the viola in a practice room.

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