Graduation Issue 2021

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE 2021

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Senior Reflections

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Senior Spotlights

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News & Four Years in Review

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Senior Spotlights (Continued)

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Sports & Humor

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

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Senior Reflections

Five Roles I Served at Exeter -

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5. Friend

4. Student Student? Really? You’re making a list of 5 roles you served at PEA and one of them was student?

nobody

a lot

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3. Resident of Ewald

By CALEB RICHMOND

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1. EJC Member / Cohead -

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Ewald -

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A Meditation on the Academy, James Baldwin, and Giovanni’s Room

if

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By FELIX YEUNG Written as David, Quotes Interspersed without Attribution

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Love and Hate at Exeter. I had fun math classes and the spring weather was beautiful. In lower year, I was a captain for the dance company, and I choreographed my

year thinking towards the future and waiting to leave. Now that it’s almost here, I remember crying with the seniors after dance concerts, running out

POMS and rhythmics, and

laughing with my friends in the grass. At this point, we (the seniors) seem to have a biased view of the Academy. We are sad about leaving our friends and beloved teachers, and we seem to forget about the imperfections and frustrations that occur here just as often as the good things. All I am saying is that the realist in me is leaving this place with mixed feelings. It seems a bit illogical to me that we leave this place with only good memories. As alumni, we still have a duty to improve the school, and to do that, we must not view the school with rose-colored glasses.

I grew up here, and it always seemed like a magical place. Students from all different countries embraced their cultures and friendships in a safe bubble. They learned about anything they wanted

place. I also became incredibly anxious and depressed.

I cried everyday, and my friends quickly learned how to help me during a panic attack.

During my upper year, I went to my classes, I went to dance, I choreographed, I captained, I cried, I panicked. I stumbled through my classes. During upper spring, my sister came home and my family quarantined together. That term was possibly my lowest episode. Then senior year came around. My grades were trash

By PHEOBE IBBOTSON I wish I could say that I loved every bit of my time at Exeter. I wish these were the best years of my life. My

time here wasn’t all bad, but the lows were really low and the highs were really high. If I think back to my prep year, I can picture myself slumped down in my chair, refusing

to break eye contact with my book, staying silent. I remember crying in front of my advisor because my midterms were C’s. I joined dance com-

the college stress kicked in, so I worked hard, attempting to also get involved on campus while I still could. By now, my in and I am just trying to get through my classes so I can graduate. I have spent the past

What is Truth?

By STEPHEN MCNULTY Pilate stares at the man before him in complete bewilderment. Doesn’t the poor vagabond understand who he’s talking to? Pilate has the power of life or death over this nobody preacher, and he can’t even get a straight answer.

“Are you a King?”

“You say I am a King. For this I was born, and for this I

came into the world -- to testify to the truth.”

That’s not an answer. In his frustration, the Governor mumbles one of history’s most fascinating one-liners. ”Quid est veritas?,” he asks.

What is truth?

Ancient and medieval scholars made much of Pilate’s pithy comeback. Some viewed it as the ultimate expression of the Empire’s nihil-

ism. Others saw its inclusion in the Gospels as a thundering condemnation of power for power’s sake. And all these readings have some truth to them.

But one theologian, (the absolutely iconic) St. Augustine, saw through to the bottom of that exchange. In the -- a Latin anagram! (They were all the rage at the time,

but that’s a story for a different day.) Very cleverly, Augustine noticed that if you rearrange the letters in that phrase, “quid est veritas,” you arrive at a fascinating response.

“Est vir qui adest.” It is the man in front of you. Pilate has, it seems, answered his own question.

Now, I should say that this is almost certainly a funny coincidence. After all, the Gos-

pels were written in Greek, not Latin. The translation Augustine depended on is also the most straightforward out there. So that anagram probably isn’t some intentional secret meaning. Most likely, it’s a complete accident. But sometimes accidents speak powerful insights.

That anagram stuns me, honestly. I mean sure, the “man in front of Pilate” is Jesus, who is the Truth. But you don’t need to be Christian to see the beauty here. In fact, I think a “Theology of the Person in Front of You” might be exactly what the world needs right now. But what does it mean? Dare I ask Pilate’s question again -- what is truth?

I respond.

Fight Club -- that strange and beautiful space where a circle transforms into so much more, where we lean on and are leant on. That is truth.

Our Model UN group chat ed by hearts and supportive messages, both in and out of conference season, after a birthday, a triumph, or a bad committee session. That is truth.

The Hotel Room at HMUN on Saturday night --

to, and it was a privilege to think about the school in that way. As a teenager, the issues and hardships of the world revealed themselves to me, and I was noticing them so regularly at the Academy that the magical seemed to slip away.

I’m sorry if this is a bit cynical are usually about how much the school has shaped them.

And the school has shaped me. Every anxiety attack taught me how to deal with mental illness better. Every good dance performance gave friends. I love this school, it was my whole life up till now.

But I would be lying if I said it was the best place ever. I am excited to move on to other things. Thanks for teaching me big words, PEA. See you later.

each other up for opening night, reciting lines to back and forth just to make sure we had them down. That is truth.

Concert Choir -- in that moment when you look to your left and right and connect, on a musical and personal level, exchanging an understanding so intimate that it forces your heartbeats to line up. That is truth.

Starship -- a collection of friends that can always be counted on for an intellectual debate, enthusiastic puzzle hunting, and a shoulder to cry on. That is truth.

3AM debates in the common room -- especially in that moment where you all realize that you should have gone to instead that holding space with others is way more important.

That is truth.

Take-out in the newsroom -- because we’re going to stick together through it all, until this thirty page special issue is dering inane amounts of food or stringing Christmas lights to the window. That is truth.

Do you see it yet? Look closer.

Quid est veritas?

I answer: Est vir qui adest.

courage to bring your whole self to bear for these incredible people all around you. That is truth.

Those little moments backstage -- where we pump

My Motto (or Lack Thereof)

By KILIN TANG I have always loved the way mottos can capture certain segments of our lives.

The classic “You always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” is a motto I have continually lived by since third grade after literally shooting (and making)

a tissue into the trashcan. I thought I would be a pretty good point guard in high school. Needless to say, life had other plans for me.

By far my favorite motto I attempt to live by is “KISS: Keep it simple stupid.” It is learning about how to approach physics—a subject I

still do not quite understand, even after a full year of it at Exeter. And I think that is indicative of the shortcomings of this motto—and by extension, all mottos. Of course, there is the classic criticism of the risk of both oversimalization. Funnily enough, such criticism should also be

applied to itself.

But I digress.

Since childhood, my parents reinforced a linear pathway: Go to Exeter. Get good grades. Join some clubs. Find out what you are interested in. Go to a “good” college. Study what you like.

For such a blatant attempt at mapping out the

closer to the end of that path.

Some of us have dreamed of being an astronaut, of becoming president, of being a professional athlete since day one. For those who fall into this pool, I commend you, and I am so excited to cheer for you when your dreams come true.

Many times, I also envy you.

For many of us and for myself especially, our paths were never so linear. If you showed me a mirror and told me that I would be who I am today, I would have laughed. I think many of us would have laughed too. It is of no doubt that Exeter has changed many, if not all of us, in ways we never would have expected. To attempt to describe how—at least in my opinion—would subject myovergeneralization.

We often get asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For me, I always gave the slight shrug and said, “I don’t know.” My mother, once overhearing

my answer, chided me for what she perceived as a sign of weakness. “Never say those three words again,” she said. But I believe there is truly nothing wrong with saying those three words—I don’t know—as long as you are eager and excited for what is to come next, whatever that might be.

With only a few days left until graduation, I have realized that there is a distinct beauty in this web of uncertainty and complexity.

Our class, the Class of 2021, has been catapulted headThe COVID-19 pandemic is just the latest example, and something tells me that there is much more in store for us yet.

I have been trying to come up with a motto that encapsulates what I have been trying to say in these past 500 words. I was not too successful, but I did come up with this: That web is not going to go away once we leave Exeter. So get comfortable. We are going to be here for a while.

JUNE 6, 2021

Intent

By CHRISTINA XIAO I hit the play button and close my eyes. But I don’t do this to lose myself in my music. This

time, I close my eyes to open my ears. Why have I written this piece in this key? What can this sound represent? How does this instrument blend and contrast the

others? What can I put in this piece to make the threads of a larger theme more visible?

I’ve been composing music for over 9 years now. As with any other

Promenade 2021

interest, when you’ve put a lot of time and effort in, you begin to be able to identify places for improvement. When I came to Exeter, I was aware of the fact that my music was extremely tonal.

Still, I was blind: I had never really examined the extremely limiting rules and influences of what I considered “normal” music.

4/4. 8 bar melodies.

Simple ABA structure.

One main voice, and accompanying voices.

Composing for classical ensembles only, and never playing around with electronic sound manipulation.

The problems with my music that I needed to face weren’t just if pieces were tonal or atonal. Dr. Sakata, my composition teacher who I have unlimited praise for, opened up my mind.

Why did I feel the need to even have a physical score? Had I ever truly thought about the ways that different instruments and sounds interacted, besides sounding nice? What was the purpose of having this melody here, or this rhythm stay constant? I had been composing unconsciously, instinctively, without intent.

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII Now, my compositional practice has become one based upon defining and working out specific “problems”. I am purposeful about investigating how process, expression, and imagination can be intentional and dynamically intersectional, how I can weave together differing styles of music from the cultural parts of my identity, and exploring new concepts of music. I try to clarify my use of time, tone color, contour, rhythm, and tonality.

With my senior project this spring, I delved into a new field of composition. Using Ableton, Max MSP, and TouchOSC, I was able to combine my love for music, dance, technology, and art together to form a new channel of expression, exploring the relationship between humans and technology. Who or what controls the other in this relationship? How do fear, curiosity, and greed come into play?

And how are our relationships with one another impacted by technology? This project is both a closing and a beginning for me. It closed off my time at Exeter Academy, as I combined and collaborated with the dif-

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ferent artistic sides of myself. It is a beginning, as although I have been composing for very long, I have never explored relinquishing control in my works before.

Within my different leadership positions on campus, as a cohead of POMS, Chinese Student Organization, ESSO HFCC Dance, an Editor-in-Chief of Pendulum, a captain and choreographer for Dance Company, and even as a radio show host, I’ve also incorporated this concept of self-examination and intent. Why do I enjoy these activities so much? Where in my past and my surroundings does my love for them stem from? How can I continue to draw meaning from them?

Exeter has prepared me for the future, not just academically and socially: I fully plan on bringing the idea of staying conscious and being intentional with everything through the rest of my life. As an artist, I find that through this perspective, I can bring my creativity into each part of my day.

My closing words of advice: Listen deeper to the world around you.

Live with intent.

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Departing Faculty Members

Jerome Walker my tardiness at department meetings has dropped almost 100%.) But I also came to recognize that what is so important about my being at Exeter was not just what I stood to learn, but what I brought to the table myself. My identity and background and experiences were not just tokens that got me in the door, but tools to expand what being at Exeter can mean. Instead of drowning in my own gratitude

Much of my short experience at Exeter has felt more like that of a student than of an employee. I’m closer in age to students here than to most of my fellow faculty members, so close that I’ve almost been keeping my age a secret since I got hired. I came to Exeter right out of college with the sort of bright-eyed naivete that many Exonians arrive with

The idea that I would get to run rehearsals with talented students alongside passionate colleagues felt too good to be true. “I get to make music every day? And you’re going to pay me?? I am forever grateful, Mr. Boss Man!!”

I’ve certainly learned a lot in my two years at Exeter. A lot about how to conduct a choir,

direct a show, teach music theory and lead a Harkness discussion. As a teaching intern at a school with such storied history, in the beginning it was easy to feel like I would spend all my time here learning. I felt like my inexperience was showing at every turn, and my ing out of control. I mean, I’ve certainly spent some time at

old fancy institutions before, but that always felt like scraping by and shaking things up and getting away with stuff.

Suddenly I felt a pressure to get my act together, not just as a post-college adult, but as a member of the Phillips Exeter Academy Faculty.

And in many ways, I did.

(Ask anyone in the music department, and they’ll tell you

much I had to learn and grow and be shaped by Exeter, I needed to remember the value in myself, in the things that I tions and histories to which I belonged before I ever arrived here.

Places like Exeter can make this hard for many, and especially hard for fellow Black folks, queer folks, and community members of other historically marginalized backgrounds. Remember that you are not here in the hope that some of Exeter’s sparkle may rub off on you; you are the sparkle. You are valuable already, independently and irrevocably. Exeter is not, nor is any institution, a place that bestows goodness and knowledge on anyone. Goodness

and knowledge exist in us they are drawn out with joy.

Joy from others, and joy from ourselves. What would Exeter look like if it were a place known for joy above anything else? How do we center joy for everyone in our communities? How do I center my own joy every day?

As I leave the Academy, I feel less like a student, but I am still learning. Learning from the choral union and the concert choir and the mainstage casts how to keep singing in a pandemic that forbade us from sharing space and breath. Learning from students in clubs and dorms and one another when you barely have the bandwidth to care for yourself. Learning from my friends the importance of laughter and fellowship and even just a comfortable shared silence between all the meetings and messes we dodge every day. I am grateful for these lessons, and I am glad that I have been able to share myself here at Exeter, because that is the greatest gratitude we can all offer.

Gail Scanlon be working with and mentoring the staff who work alongside me in the library. As a team we build the collections, design new exhibits, plan events, collaborate with the teaching faculty, support student research, and most of all enjoy each other’s company. I have been fortunate to have hired several librarians and staff over my ten years at PEA. Each new member of our team has brought unique strengths and creativity into our group and they have made us all a stronger, more cohesive department.

How did you come to Exeter?

Prior to coming to Exeter in 2011 I worked at Mount Holyoke College in the Library and Information Technology Services division for 17 years. I managed the Access Services, Technical Services, Archives & Special Collections, Pratt Music Library, Media Services and Digital Assets & Preservation Ser-

vices departments. I was acquainted with many independent schools in New England (Deerfield, NMH, Hotchkiss and Choate) but had never been to Exeter until I was contacted by a colleague at Dartmouth who thought I would be a good fit for the position of Academy Librarian.

What has been your favorite memory here?

Many of my favorite memories of my years at Exeter actually happened outside of the library when I had opportunities to get to know students in non-academic settings.

Whether it was during late night talks when I was a dorm affiliate in Dow House and Will House, sharing a meal at a restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown with my advisees, participating in a

co-learning trip to India or chaperoning students at the Student Global Leadership Institute in Oahu, these were the times I felt the most connected to the Exeter community and better able to understand the daily life of a PEA student.

What was your favorite part of being Head Librarian?

This would have to

What do you love most about the Class of 1945 Library?

It is a pretty special building that is revered in the architecture world.

Prior to starting in my position as Academy Librarian I had no idea how much of my day-to-day work would be focused on the preservation of the building and managing the thousands of requests from people all over the world who want to come visit. The first major project I had in 2011 was to plan for the 40th anniversary of the building and

now we are starting to plan for the 50th anniversary. Not too many buildings that I know of have elaborate celebrations for their anniversaries. Over the years I have been able to visit two of architect Louis Kahn’s other buildings, the Kimball Art Museum in Fort Worth and the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven. In addition, I participated in events for the Louis Kahn – Power of Architect traveling exhibition of his work that was curated by the Vitra Design Museum of Weil am Rhein, Germany and assisted with a documentary film about our building that was directed by the French documentarian Richard Copans and co-produced by the European public television channel ARTE. I continue to be amazed at how well-known the Class of 1945 Library is and feel very fortunate to have been its caretaker for the past ten years.

What will you miss the most about campus?

That’s an easy one!

It’s the people that make this extraordinary community that I will miss.

Mary Claire Nemeth How did you come to Exeter?

I had just completed my MFA in Studio Arts and wanted to teach!

What has been your favorite memory here?

Some of my favorite memories have been meeting my colleagues that started at the same time as me, getting to know my advisees and watching them grow each year, adopting my dog Dorian and really exploring the campus and trails, and driving to the beach which is so close!

What was your favorite part about being an art

instructor here?

I was given the opportunity to teach in many different disciplines (Printmaking, 3D Design, Photography, Art500, Painting and Drawing) which I really love! Each term I was forced to grow and learn how to adapt to new courses, new students, and new methods of teaching.

What do you love most about the Art Department?

The Art Department is small and we frequently share ideas and support each other throughout the day. I really loved that I was given the freedom to

develop curriculum and create projects that were exciting to me.

What will you miss most about campus?

I will miss the students! Exeter students are some of the most wonderful students to teach because they are so motivated and invested in learning. I will miss that for sure. I will also miss my advisees a lot.

After three years at Exeter, it is difficult to say goodbye to them.

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Sarah Ream with professional actors who have been badly directed before, I have to deal with whatever their ideas are, what directing is about, which often involves a certain degree of manipulation or bullying, or whatever it was that they suffered, and students bring open hearts. And so that really makes it almost always a really fun process.

How did you come to Exeter?

Well, I was one of the early girls. I came in the fall of 1972 was a new lower and graduated the class of 1975. So I knew all about Exeter. I grew up in San Francisco, and I’d always gone to public schools, but my father had gone to Choate. So I knew about boarding schools, and I was looking for more of an academic challenge. And I certainly found it at Exeter. Definitely.

How did you end up working here?

I left for many years and worked in the theater. I worked as a theater director in New York and around the states in England—London. And I really came back because a friend of mine had told me about a one-year position to replace somebody in the theatre department who was going on maternity leave. So I came back with my two children, for a year. And in the theater a year is a very long gig, expecting it to just be a year but I really enjoyed it. And I really loved working with the kids and my own children really thrived

here. So I decided to stay.

Do you mind telling me a bit more about your your theater history?

Yeah, I was interested in theater from the time I was a kid. I grew up in San Francisco and used to go to the American Conservatory Theater with my family.

And I did acting. I did an acting program at the American Conservatory Theater and just as a kid. And then when I got to Exeter, I was involved with DRAMAT, which is why I still have a soft spot for it in my heart.

And then I started directing because there was a play that I thought was fun. It was a really ordinary comedy called The Neck—it was a British farce. And I needed three really good actors to do it. And the three best actors on campus were all senior guys. And I was a new lower and there’s no way that they were going to work with me. So I told each of them separately that the other two had decided to do it. And so they thought, well, if he decided to do it well okay, then I guess I’ll do it. And we were halfway through the rehearsal pe-

riod before they realized I had essentially tricked them into it. But we all had a good time.

And so I really started directing here. And then I continued it in college, I went to Yale, and then went to drama school in England, came back and worked in casting in New York, was an Associate Director back at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, started my own theatre company in New York, worked freelance there and then went back over to England and worked as a staff director at the National Theatre and in regional theater there before coming back here.

What are you going to miss most about the Theater and Dance Department?

The people, both the students and the faculty, although I have to say the building is a close second. Because the Goel is so much fun to work in. Fisher was a challenge. And I think it’s a challenge that we all tackled year after year after year. But when we had the opportunity to build a new theater, we were really ready to do

that and had ideas about it. So I think there was a lot of input from faculty and trustees and students on the kind of building they wanted to have. So it’s really fun to work in but but I’ll miss the people—it’s a really fun department to work with and the students are exceptional. And some of the strongest relationships that I have with alums are three plays that I have directed, particularly if I have a chance to work with students more than once.

Going from professional plays where you were a casting director and you had your own theatre company and coming to theater at Exeter. What was that transition like?

It was really fun, there are different things that are both easier and harder in working with students. Students don’t have the same degree of technique. So it’s more of a teaching opportunity. But at the same time, they haven’t been badly treated by the professional theatre. So they tend to bring a lot of optimism and energy with them. If I’m working

What do you think you’ve learned at your time at Exeter?

I think I’ve learned that I will always be a student. I think the common denominator among teachers is curiosity. And I have learned so much from my colleagues, and also from my students, that if you’re going to be a lifelong learner, this is a pretty great place to be.

And also it’s an environment that attracts people who want challenges. If you didn’t want them, you would have stay at home.

Do you have a favorite memory at Exeter or the Theater department?

Do I have a favorite memory? I have so many favorite memories? I think I don’t have one, I think I have a whole collection of moments.

Particularly when I’ve had a chance to witness the transformative effects of theater. I once had a student who is incredibly shy and soft spoken, and never said anything in class. And then we were doing Romeo and Juliet and we got it up on its feet and they picked scenes to do, and this one kid started the monologue of Romeo is when he is addressing Juliet on the balcony, and he was transcendent. He inhabited the language, everybody else in the class was awed. And he discovered something about connecting with that material that brought something new out in him into the class. And so when you have those sorts of experiences, it’s just really fun just to see if you can act as a kind of

midwife between the material and the students.

And then to be, not to torture the metaphor, to be witnessed to the birth of some new passion that students have. It’s a great age to teach, because this is when teenagers fall in love. And they fall in love with people they fall in love with, with fields. And so to be present when a student falls in love with a poem or a book or a play or a character is about as much fun as it can be.

Do you have a favorite show that you’ve done at Exeter?

Again, I have so many it’s like who’s your favorite kid? It’s impossible to say. It’s always, you know, of course, it’s all of them. But there are certain ones that stand out. I really enjoyed working this past spring on Our Town. It was an incredibly tight and loving group of students. And we had a lot of challenges behind the scenes—we had a little COVID outbreak we had to deal with. We had sprains and breaks and wild weather. And of course, the pandemic that mandated a lot of different artistic choices. But through it all, everybody was really very supportive of each other. And so I enjoyed not only the play, I also think it’s a it’s a wonderful play because it’s really about the importance of valuing every minute of the life you live, which of course nobody here has time to do except when you stop and study it and think, “Oh yeah, I should do that.” So, for me, that was my kind of parting Valentine to Exeter. Just a reminder to appreciate life every moment. And it was really fun to have a chance to share that message with a whole bunch of really talented people. So if pressed at the moment, I would say Our Town.

Would you like to add anything?

No, it’s just been a really fun ride. Awesome.

Anna-Maria Forger many to choose from. I have many vivid memories in the Dunbar Common Room, chatting it up with residents and giving some advice and care.

Another favorite memory has been working with the student stage managers and being backstage for productions. I have so many fond memories, but I don’t think any can beat the feeling you get after a show. I usually run wardrobe during a show—this means that I take care of the costumes before, during, and after as well as chart and choreograph the quick changes.

A favorite memory of these times is knowing how well the students I trained completed the quick changes.

Watching them complete a quick change always gave me a lot of pride.

How did you come to Exeter?

I came to Exeter after working in publishing for two years. I was working in editorial on nursing textbooks and realized I

needed a change. I had always loved school and realized I missed the social aspect of learning and longed to work in a field that was more creative. I began free-

lance costume designing at Gordon College and decided I wanted to be a teacher. I had always kept my eyes on Exeter, so when the position for theatre teaching intern

opened up, I jumped at the opportunity.

What had been your favorite memory here?

This is a hard question and there are so

What was your favorite part of being an Intern here?

My favorite part about working at Exeter has been the people. I feel like students and faculty alike all want to be here.

Being around people who are invested in what they do and being able

to become a big part of students lives both in the classroom/theatre and in the dorm has been so rewarding.

What do you love most about the Theater and Dance Department?

I love how much heart this department has. The theatre and dance department here at Exeter is a home for many students.

The theatre was where I felt the most safe and cared for when I was growing up. I love that the Goel is a sanctuary for students and that it is filled with teachers who exert a lot of care to these kids.

What will you miss the most about campus?

This is easy—The people. If everyone was graduating and we were all saying “see you later,” leaving campus would be easy. This is not the case.

I’ll miss the students I’ve worked with in the theatre, students in Dunbar, my advisees, and all the awesome teachers who have become my friends.

It’ll be hard to say goodbye, but I’ll be back to visit!

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Sue Repko thinking and work in so many ing toolkit. I will be forever indebted to them.

It’s too hard to name one favorite memory of my time at Exeter. I have had so many amazing experiences working with students where they came to some new understanding of themselves on the page or in a conference or conversation, and that is, hands-down, the best part of teaching here. I am just really happy to see and hear some-

I came to Exeter in 2015 after a brief teaching stint at The Hill School in my hometown of Pottstown, PA. The transition to the Academy went pretty smoothly, as I

recall. I was very excited to learn about the ways in which the English department teaches the personal narrative and personal essay, which is the type of writing I do outside

of teaching. The mentorship I got from my colleagues here has been just the best. The literary knowledge, creativity, and writing prowess in our department has spurred my own

more into themselves right before my eyes. It’s awesome, and it’s something I will miss a lot, although I suspect I will end up doing some kind of teaching and/or editing again before too long.

Prior to my teaching career, I had been doing a variety of community development activities in my hometown, which had been struggling economically since the loss of steel and manufacturing

jobs in the 1970s and 1980s.

Before I became a writer and an English teacher, I was an urban planner, and I have kept my planning license active, never wanting to cut my ties to that community, which has equity, social justice, and community engagement as core principles. During the course of the pandemic, I found myself thinking a lot about the public health inequities that became more apparent, along with systemic racism in policing, the incarceral system, housing, public education, food systems—the list goes on and on. It was frustrating to be stuck in quarantine when there is so much work to be done outside the bounds of the Academy.

I don’t know what’s next in a larger sense. I’m no different from the many people who have been geographically far from loved ones during this pandemic. It’s been emotionally hard to be so far apart and to wonder if everyone

was going to make it, myself included. This summer I’ll be re-connecting with my family and friends in the mid-Atlantic region. I’m looking forward to uring out what comes next. I know I’ll be turning my full attention to the revision of a manuscript about my dad and his unintentional shooting of a neighbor when I was 12.

I’ll continue my gun violence prevention volunteerism and further carve out a place in the literary world. I’ll be looking for ways to put these seemingly disparate parts of myself together to be of service to the causes of racial and social justice. I’m grateful for the people at Exeter and the education I’ve received during my time here. I’m wishing everyone good health, authentic human connection, and a sense of purpose as you—we—face whatever the world throws at us next.

Departing Faculty Members Zuming Feng Lina Feuerstein Anna-Maria Forger Hannah Lim Mary Claire Nemeth Kadeine Peterson

Avery Reavill Sarah Ream Susan Repko Gail Scanlon Jerome Walker Wei-Ling Woo

Cum Laude Society Abelmann, Emilio Barron, Zoe Bertrand, Renee Brandes, Anne* Breen, Cole Brindamour, Emmanuelle Burack, Bea Cai, Lucy Carden, Isabel* Chen, Connor Chen, Joseph Chen, May Choi, Erin Choi, Yunseo* Coble, Alicia Crossman, Ailla Cui, Jeffrey Fedele, Justin Feigenberg, Jacob Gannon, Thomas* Gopal, Alicia

Guite, Graham Herman, Leila Herman, Zoe James, Noah Kagan, Caroline Keidel, Savi Koche, Jordyn Laufer, Joe Marion, Anna Rose* Masamura, Haruka McNulty, Stephen* Monge, Malia Ngai, Matthew Nicholls, Sarah Ostrom, Luke Outwater, Coral* Owens, Nahla Pettit, Ryan* Pate, Molly Polovick, Keara Poulos, Josh Puchalski, Jack*

Reddi, Adith Reid, Katie Richmond, Caleb Rios, Iliana Stankard, Robbie Tan, Max Tang, Kilin Thomas, Meredith Turner, Matthew Vietor, William* Wang, Jason* Wright, Marymegan Xiao, Christina Xiao, Tony Yang, Alana Yeung, Felix* Zhu, Lin* *denotes Early Cum Laude distinction

honor their ancestors, descendants and future generations for caring for this area and allowing us to be here today.

DANIEL ZHANG Editor-in-Chief LINA HUANG Managing Editor MOKSHA AKIL ANYA TANG Directors of Writing

NEWS EDITORS Tina Huang Amy Lum Andrea Luo Hansi Zhu

HUMOR EDITORS Jack Archer Dorothy Baker Chieko Imamura Blake Simpson

FACULTY ADVISORS Ellee Dean Erica Lazure Avery Reavill Chelsea Woodard

LIFE EDITORS Indrani Basu Jeannie Eom Allison Kim Taraz Lincoln

HEAD LAYOUT EDITOR William Park

BUSINESS CO-CHAIRS James Urquhart Emily Wang

OPINIONS EDITORS Evan Gonzalez Manan Mendiratta Max Park SPORTS EDITORS Toby Chan Sydney Kang Ginny Vazquez-Azpiri

LAYOUT EDITORS Joy Chi Anna Kim Catherine Wu Andrew Yuan Valentina Zhang

ACCOUNTING David Kim ADVERTISING Anderson Lynch

HEAD PHOTO EDITOR Teja Vankireddy

OPERATIONS James Broderick

PHOTO EDITORS Joy Chi William Park

SUBSCRIPTIONS Claire Fu

HEAD ART EDITOR Sabrina Kearney

OUTREACH Alysha Lai

The Web Board staff members are listed on The Exonian’s website: www.theexonian.com.

To subscribe to or advertise on The Exonian, contact exonian@gmail.com or call 603-777-4100.

A subscription to the paper costs $90 off campus and $150 overseas.

The Exonian welcomes Letters to the Editor sent to the care of dzhang@exeter.edu.

The Exonian reserves the right to print Letters to the Editor in a timely fashion and to edit them for content and clarity.

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

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Prize List THE ART PRIZES The Francke Prize in Art, established in memory of Henry Gilbert Francke Jr. of the class of 1939, and awarded to Exeter students who, because of their imagination and skill, give promise of creating beauty in architecture: Dennis Kostakoglu Aydin Joseph Chen Jax Lembo Maia L. Lemos The Paul P. Gelles Memorial Art Scholarship Prize for outstanding work in art: Ailla R. Crossman Caroline J. Huang Sarah M. Kang Eunice Kim JaQ K. Lai Maia L. Lemos Sijia Lin Owen P. Loustau Andrew P. Luke Erin Y. McCann Danielle J. Sung Ursula S. Wise The Lt. John A. Larkin Jr. Memorial Prize in art for outstanding work in drawing and ceramics: Haya Firas Jane E. Glidden Matthew A. Ngai Gregory C. Vogel Audrey C. Yin Honglin Zhu The Ralph Bradley Prize for excellence in art: Daniel W. Cui Henry J. Palmer THE LATIN PRIZES Prizes for excellence in Latin are maintained from funds given in 1925

by Samuel W. Bandler in honor of John C. Kirtland; in 1932 by William H. Rand, class of 1885, in honor of Robert F. Pennell; and in 1956 by Mrs. William J. Gabel in memory of her son, William H. Gabel of the class of 1940. A prize book accompanies each first prize.

Latin 110-130 1st: Alex D. Ecker 2nd: Andrew Yuan Latin 210-230 1st: Alexa C. Pelzer 2nd: Petra E. Orloff Latin 310-400 1st: Emma Z. Chen 2nd: Coco R. Lipe Latin 210-401 1st: Kaylee Y. Chen 2nd: Jingchu Zhang Latin 510-530 1st: Charlotte A. Lisa 2nd: Jackson W. Carlberg Latin 511-531 1st: Kevin Cong 2nd: Felix Zou Latin 611-631 1st: Ben K. Ehrman 2nd: Joseph E. Laufer 700-Level Latin 1st: Erin Choi 2nd: Charles N. Preston From the income of the George Herbert Pollock Memorial Fund, established in 1974 in memory of George Herbert Pollock of the class of 1953, for that student who has shown the greatest interest and improvement in Latin literature: Seth Amofa THE GREEK PRIZES

Prizes in Greek are funded in part by the Prentiss Cummings Book Prize Fund, established in 1906 by Prentiss Cummings of the class of 1860.

The Joline Prizes, established by O.D. Joline of the class of 1885, for excellence in first-year Greek, are awarded as follows: Greek 411-431 1st: Emma L. Finn 2nd: Connor L. Chen Greek 511-531 1st: Joseph E. Laufer 2nd: Jack M. Archer Greek 611-631 1st: Charles N. Preston The Hatch/Phillips Award in Latin and Greek, established in 1980 by David Edgar Baver of the class of 1942, in honor of Norman L. Hatch, Morison Professor of Latin, and Henry Phillips, Cilley Professor of Greek, is awarded each year to that graduating senior enrolled in courses in both Latin and Greek during his or her senior year who, in the judgment of the Department of Classical Languages, has shown outstanding dedication to and significant improvement in these areas of study at the Academy.

THE ENGLISH PRIZES The English Prizes consist of the prizes established in 1896 by Dr. Abner L. Merrill of the class of 1838 for excellence in English Composition; in 1925

by Samuel Cony Manley of the class of 1885; in 1949 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Lamont, together with friends, in memory of their son, Thomas W. Lamont II, class of 1942; and in 2007 by Jane and Basil K. Vasiliou of the class of 1967. Each year students choose to submit their work in competition for these awards.

First-Year English 1st: Finneas H. Tronnes 2nd: Caitlin C. Murray The Vasiliou ’67 Writing Prize in Second Year English 1st: Priya A. Nwakanma 2nd: Aletheia Y. Zou 3rd: Montana R. Dickerson The Vasiliou ’67 Writing Prize in Third Year English 1st: Seojin Yoo 2nd: Nicholas F. Chen 3rd: Tasmiah Akter The Prize for Short Fiction in Third and Fourth-Year English Adia N. Allison Emma L. Finn

Jackson W. Carlberg Fourth-Year English 1st: Felix C. Yeung THE GAVIT PRIZES From the income of the Lucy Lamont Gavit and the Joseph Lamont Gavit Classical Fund, given by Mr. Thomas Lamont of the Class of 1888, for the benefit of those students who commend themselves to the Faculty and Trustees for performance and promise as students of scholarly attainment in the Classics, the following awards are made: Awards with Distinction: Michael Bean Connor L. Chen Awards with High Distinction: Kevin Cong Kiesse Nanor Meredith Thompson Felix Zou THE HAIG RAMAGE PRIZES The Haig Ramage Classical Scholarship Fund was given by Mr. William Haig Ramage, of the Class of 1905, to support annual awards to students who are pursuing studies leading to the Classical Diploma and who excel in their studies. He gave as his reason the opinion that “any student becomes a better citizen if he has a broad liberal education before entering the university and specializing.” These awards are traditionally considered to be the highest recognition of attainment in the Classics at Exeter; they are as follows: Awards with High Distinction: Erin Choi Emma Finn Matthew Turner Jingchen Wang Awards with Highest Distinction: Joseph Laufer Charles Preston Katherine Reid

The Bensinger Shakespeare Prize for best essay on a Shakespearean topic: 1st: Sijia Lin 2nd: Matthew A. Turner The Thomas W. Lamont II Prize in English Composition for the best extemporaneous essay in senior English: 1st: Erin Choi 2nd: Sofina M. Tillman 3rd: Isa Matsubayashi The Lewis Sibley Poetry Prize for the most promising collection of original poems: 1st: Philip Avilov 2nd: Garrett J. Paik 3rd: Polly H. Vaillant The Dolores Kendrick Prize for the best essay on writers of color or issues of race in literature: 1st: Adaeze Barrah THE HISTORY PRIZES The Prizes for the Study of History at the Introductory Level For academic achievement: Kaylee Y. Chen Isidore Douglass-Skinner Jett A. Goetz Daria Ivanova Selim Kim Victor P. Matheos Ki A. Odums Charles H. Potjer For attitude and approach at the Harkness table: Corinne Blaise Jay Flanagan Alexander C. Luna Tenley E. Nelson Sunghyun Park William R. Weber The Prizes for the Study of History at the Intermediate Level For academic achievement: Mateo D. Connelly

Ella S. Kim Nana A. McBrown Lucy G. Meyer-Braun Anish Mudide Lydia A. Osei Alexa C. Pelzer Jingchu Zhang For attitude and approach at the Harkness table: Stellan E. Aalto Nur M. Almajali Keanen D. Andrews Amy N. Benson Kaitlin N. Clark Jett A. Goetz Daniel J. Han Catherine E. Merrill Lydia A. Osei Nicholas J. Rose The Prizes for the Study of Economics For academic achievement: Emma L. Finn Ryan Q. Nguyen Jack P. Puchalski Jason C. Wang For attitude and approach at the Harkness table: Molly V. Durawa Justin A. Fedele Nicholas R. Garey Sijia Lin Eric B. Malarczyk Caleb A. Richmond Drew D. Smith Kathryn A. Welch The Prizes for the Study of History at the Senior Level For academic achievement: Audrey G. Aslani-Far Anneliese V. Cowles Hassane E. Fiteni Stephen M. McNulty Dillon J. Mims Jeremiah T. Swett Felix C. Yeung The Sherman Hoar Prizes for excellence in American history: The winners of this prize will be announced in September.

The Blackmar Prize in American History, given in memory of General Wilmont W. Blackmar, class of 1864, is awarded for the year’s best work in American History: The winners of this prize will be announced in September.

The Negley Prizes in American History for the year’s best essays: The winners of this prize will be announced in September.

The Frederick Whitman Prize is given by The Phillips Foundation in honor of Frederick Whitman, a teacher at the Academy, to that individual studying American History who, through application grades, and interest contributes the most enthusiasm for the subject among students at Exeter: Jacob W. Feigenberg Alicia K. Gopal Oliver B. Hess Emily J. Kang Sarah M. Kennedy Charles N. Preston Osiris Y. Russell-Delano Felix C. Yeung THE MATHEMATICS PRIZES The Mathematics Department Prizes are sustained by the William Allen Francis Fund, the George A. Wentworth Fund, the Maurice R. Scharff Prize Fund and the Lindsay Crawford Prize Fund. The prizes are for outstanding contributions to the math-

ematics program, and the awards are made by vote of the mathematics faculty.

The Maurice R. Scharff Prizes in Advanced Mathematics: Nur M. Almajali Michael C. Bean Ryan M. Breen Tony Cai Maggie Chang Caitlyn X. Chen Michael Q. Chen Neil Chowdhury Laurie L. Chung Mateo D. Connelly Dilan G. Cordoba Charles F. Coughlin Tristen D. Crotty J acob D. David Joey Dong Emilie M. Dubiel Kenneth A. Elsman Jennifer P. Finkelstein Catherine I. Fortin Frances C. Getman Eloise H. Goedkoop Ella K. Gransbury Zoe M. Herman Heewoo Jung Caroline T. Kagan Sydney J. Kang Ella S. Kim London L. Kinder Marco C. Ko Dennis Kostakoglu-Aydin Andreas C. Lorgen Alexander C. Luna Andrea Luo Audrey D. Malila Nicholas P. Matheos Olivia M. McCallum Cee McClave Lucy G. Meyer-Braun Cedric E. Moecklin Sofia G. Morais William A. Morris Anish Mudide Aidan Olazabal Sinna Oumer Owen R. Pallatroni Jaehyun Park Michelle J. Park Molly F. Pate Jesalina Y. Phan Trevor H. Piltch Michael C. Popik Jack P. Puchalski Zachary M. Quitkin Yasmin S. Salerno Caden P. Schroeder Mark S. Seba Jenna K. Silvestri Alexandra H. Singh Adrian Y. Sun Jeremiah T. Swett Anika T. Tsai Azza Uwhubetine Jose A. Vivanco Zijing Wei Catherine A. Wu Lucy Xiao Seojin Yoo Jaden Y. Yun Audrey Zhang Jingchu Zhang The Lindsay Crawford Memorial Prize to the senior with the most outstanding career in mathematics this year: Yunseo Choi Thomas Guo Honglin Zhu THE MODERN LANGUAGES PRIZES The Modern Language Prizes are sustained by the Annie C. Benton Memorial Fund, the Alumni Modern Language Prize Fund, the Gomez Prize, the Hugh Corby Fox Prize, the Fish French Prize Fund, the Frates Prize Fund, Independence Foundation Romance Prize and a gift in honor of Percy C. Rogers. These prizes, consisting of books, are awarded as follows:

Andrea Nystedt Second-Year Chinese Nur M. Almajali Asha H. Bryant Claire Fu Jack A. Kugler Third-Fourth-Year Chinese Jacob D. David Yeonjae Eom Mei Li Q. Hart Cee McClave Catherine A. Wu Henry Yao Fifth-Year Chinese Alana Y. Reale Danielle J. Sung Fifth-Year Chinese Electives Adrian Y. Sun The French Prizes First-Year French Jamie K. Reidy Sean T. Walker French Transition-210 Hannah R. Dirsa William H. Lu A kubah A. Ndubah Second-Third-Year French Alia Bonanno Avery S. Hastings Sheala K. Iacobucci Nicholas P. Matheos Nana A. McBrown Victoria A. Quinn Yasmin S. Salerno Third-Fourth-Year French Ana Kristina L. Casey Dilan G. Cordoba Harry O. Gorman Oliver B. Hess Tina Huang Lekha T. Masoudi Marina V. Pedrosa Jacqueline Subkhanberdina Sava R. Thurber Jacqueline S. Wood Aubrey S. Zhang Fifth-Year Electives Kathryn G. Buckham-White Beatrice C. Burack Mohamed E. Kane Cecilia N. Treadwell Virginia M. Vazquez-Azpiri Isabella Vesely Jaden Y. Yun The German Prizes First-Year German Veruka G. Salomone Second-Year German William T. Durawa Tucker C. Gibbs Third-Fourth-Year German Lily D. Buckner Jasper T. Knabe Wilson R. Mueller Fifth-Year German Eleanor J. Bolker Molly V. Durawa The Italian Prize Julia M. Dobbins Iona I. Kruger Charles N. Preston The Japanese Prizes First-Year Japanese Rodrigo Spinola e Castro Second-Year Japanese Grace L. Nivera Third-Fourth-Year Japanese Aiden C. Silvestri Fifth-Year Japanese Adith P. Reddi The Russian Prizes

The Arabic Prize Emilio V. Abelmann Renee M. Bertrand

First-Year Russian William P. Bernau Ben K. Ehrman

The Chinese Prizes

Second-Year Russian Kevin Tazawa-Goodchild

First-Year Chinese James M. Fisher Kantapon E. Nakornsri

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

Third-Fourth-Year Russian Audrey G. Aslani-Far Jacob R. Shapiro

Mary E. Timmons Nina J. Weeldreyer Christina Y. Xiao Felix C. Yeung

Fifth-Year Russian Peter A. Roth

The Eli J. Loranger III Prize recognizes those seniors whose musical excellence and generosity of spirit have significantly enhanced the life of the school:

Special Achievement in Russian Language Evelyn Y. Houston The Spanish Prizes First-Year Spanish Ryan M. Breen Ethan W. Driscoll Annika R. Finelli Zachary G. Khambatta Selim Kim Alexander C. Luna Jaehyun Park Vir N. Shrestha Spanish Transition-220 Jett A. Goetz Vinusha Narapareddy Michael D. Nardone Achyuta Rajaram Lidia K. Rudd Nora L. Sharma William R. Weber Second-Year Spanish Zara I. Ahmed Tony Cai Atishay Jain Caroline T. Kagan Zachary M. Quitkin Alexa A. Wingate Third-Fourth-Year Spanish Jack W. Ambrogi Adaeze V. Barrah Carson T. Bloom Liam S. Brown Jennifer P. Finkelstein Marco C. Ko Sanisha J. Mahendra-Rajah Cedric E. Moecklin Safira I. Schiowitz Alexandra H. Singh Andrew M. Smith Brian J. Son Clark S. Wu Fifth-Year Spanish Abby S. Asch Isabel C. Carden Leila G. Herman Stephen M. McNulty Malia L. Monge Mary E. Timmons Thomas G. Yun Special Prize for excellence in two or more foreign languages offered by the Modern Languages Department: Jane E. Glidden Chung E. Hong Osiris Y. Russell-Delano THE MUSIC PRIZES The combined William G. Saltonstall, E.S. Wells Kerr Prize recognizes those seniors who have consistently contributed to the musical life of the Academy: Adia N. Allison Renee M. Bertrand Julia M. Dobbins Subin Kim JaQ K. Lai Hannah A. Lee Taehoon Lee Angela P. Liu Anna Rose H. Marion Meredith M. Thomas Meredith B. Thompson Maggie C. Wainwright Ursula S. Wise Kyoungwan Woo Edward C. Echols Jazz Prize: William H. Peeler A.A. Landers Prize recognizes those seniors who have made vital contributions to the large and small music groups on campus: CarlyMae G. Buckner May Chen Kenneth A. Elsman Samuel E. Gallagher Oliver B. Hess Morgan M. Johnson Iona I. Kruger Hannah A. Lee Jax Lembo Stephen M. McNulty Sarah A. Nicholls Coral L. Outwater Kei D. Sakano Annie G. Shin Kilin Tang

Erin Choi Ailla R. Crossman Jaekeb A. Harper Evelyn Y. Houston Alexander E. Knight Max Tan Julian R. van Dijkum Audrey C. Yin THE RELIGION PRIZES The Religion Department annually awards prizes for student achievement from three separate funds: the first at the level of preps and lowers; and the second and third at the level of uppers and seniors.

The Arthur L. Merrick Memorial Fund Prize is awarded to the prep or lower having demonstrated excellence in the study of religion.

1st: Ophelia A. Bentley, Reginald D. Harris 2nd: Ryan M. Breen, Andrew Yuan The Abbie Manton Polleys Memorial Fund Prize is awarded to those students who have shown significant achievement in the curricular offerings of the Religion Department.

1st: Emily Grace Fuller, Nina J. Weeldreyer 2nd: Brody N. Faliero, Audrey C. Yin The Nathaniel Gordon Bible Fund Prize is awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence in the study of religion.

1st: Zoe S. Barron, Maggie C. Wainwright 2nd: JaQ K. Lai, Nahla C. Owens THE SCIENCE PRIZES The following prizes are funded by the Fisher Fund, the E.P. Holder Fund, the D.J. Killian Fund and the Wentworth Fund.

The John and Irene MacKenty Astronomy Prize, awarded to graduating seniors who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of astronomy at Exeter: William H. Peeler Ursula S. Wise

JUNE 6, 2021 Anna Rose H. Marion Caleb A. Richmond Senai I. Robinson Lydia R. Thibault Alana Yang The Fisher Prize, established by the Fisher Foundation, is awarded to recognize excellence in advanced courses in biology, chemistry and physics: Cole T. Breen Leila G. Herman Kerstin A. Hyer Caroline K. Luff Jonathan C. Meng Jack P. Puchalski Yuvraj S. Sethi Marymegan R. Wright The Corning Benton and Dr. Corning Benton Jr. Science Department Prize, awarded to a student of two or more years in the Academy who, in the opinion of the Science Department faculty, shows outstanding promise as a future scientist: Ellie K. Griffin Thomas Guo Zoe M. Herman Max Tan William G. Vietor Jason C. Wang THE COMPUTER SCIENCE PRIZES Computer Science prizes are funded by an anonymous gift from a member of the class of 1975.

Computer Science Lower Classmen Awards are given to students at the junior and/or lower level who have demonstrated a propensity for and superior understanding of the computer science field: Joey Dong Achyuta Rajaram Kevin Treehan Leyla Unver Natalie J. Welling Computer Science Upper Classmen Awards are given to students at the upper and/or senior level who have demonstrated a propensity for and a superior understanding of the computer science field: Jiaying Cai Valentina E. Kafati Molly F. Pate Nicholas T. Pham Kyoungwan Woo The Special Award in Computer Science is given to students who not only have demonstrated expertise in the field of computer science but also have given of themselves freely to further the goals of the Computer Science Department.

Felix Zou

The Fiske Memorial Prize, given in memory of Wintrop E. Fiske, an instructor in physics at the Academy from 1899 to 1938, is awarded for excellence in physical sciences: Jacob W. Feigenberg William H. Huang Malia L. Monge Coral L. Outwater Ryan P. Pettit Drew D. Smith Meredith M. Thomas Zheheng Xiao Felix C. Yeung Honglin Zhu The David M. Bitman Prize, given in memory of David M. Bitman ’78, is awarded to students who show excellence in a wide range of science subjects: Zoe S. Barron Isabel C. Carden Molly V. Durawa Jaekeb A. Harper Addison J. Luce Helena R. Mandeville

THE THEATER AND DANCE PRIZES The J. Carmen ’92 and Natalie S. ’95 Stewart Prize in dance recognizes students who exemplify the passionate spirit that Carmen and Natalie held for dance as a means of self-expression, a form of physical fitness, membership in a group in which all members are considered equal, and a vehicle for cultural awareness. The award this year is given to: Claire H. Barbour Sophie P. Cavalcanti Panchali Choudhary Veronica V. Choulga Kenneth A. Elsman Sophia J. Emy Isa Matsubayashi Phoebe E. Ibbotson Genesis R. Jarrett Anna Rose H. Marion Annie G. Shin Serena B. West

Marymegan R. Wright Christina Y. Xiao The Meir Z. Ribalow ’66 Theatre Prize is given in recognition of outstanding contributions to theater. The following prizes, consisting of books and the recipients’ name engraved on wall of Fisher Theater, are awarded to: Adia N. Allison Seth Amofa Claire H. Barbour Eli R. Brotman Sadie M. DiCarlo Julia M. Dobbins Gigi Gee Oliver B. Hess Iona I. Kruger Hannah A. Lee Jax Lembo Emmett W. Lockwood Sarah A. Nicholls Stephen M. McNulty Dillon J. Mims Chloe E. Minicucci Liam J. Moriarty Nahla C. Owens William H. Peeler James M. Quinn Katherine C. Reid Mary E. Timmons Sophie L. Turer Colin H. Vernet Maggie C. Wainwright Felix C. Yeung OTHER PRIZES (TO BE ANNOUNCED DURING THE ASSEMBLY) The Turner Exonian Prize, given by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Turner, parents and friends, is given annually to students who do the best writing and/ or reporting for The Exonian during the school year.

Anne M. Brandes Felix C. Yeung The Gordon Editorial Award, given by Dr. and Mrs. Gene Gordon, is awarded annually to an Exeter student who displays, through editorial journalism in publication emanating from the Academy, a passionate dedication to personal freedom, particularly freedom of conscience and its expression.

Moksha Akil Anne M. Brandes Jeffrey H. Cui Otto Do Philip V. Horrigan Lina A. Huang Noah R. James Dennis Kostakoglu-Aydin Morgan J. Lee Stephen M. McNulty Dillon J. Mims Anya J. Tang Felix C. Yeung Daniel Zhang

Grace M. Valashinas Riley S. Valashinas Alexandria N. Westray The Glazier Speaking Prize Albert M. Chu Kilin Tang The John O. Heald Debating Prize Siona Jain Anya J. Tang Shrayes Upadhyayula The Gifford Pinchot Prize, given by Gifford Pinchot, class of 1884, is given annually to a student who, like Gifford Pinchot, demonstrates dedication to the conservation of the nation’s natural resources: Emmanuelle Brindamour Beatrice C. Burack The Scharff Prize is awarded to sons and daughters of alumni who also won prizes while they were at the Academy in the same or closely related disciplines.

Father/Daughter Prize: Emma L. Finn Father/Son Prizes: Jasper T. Knabe Victor P. Matheos Mother/Daughter Prizes: Ana Kristina L. Casey Anneliese V. Cowles SPECIAL PRIZES The Philip Curtis Goodwin ’25 Athletic Award Presented annually to the four-year male and female who best embody the qualities of sportsmanship and participation.

Connor L. Chen Marymegan R. Wright The Frank A. Weil ’48 Prize for Exemplary Growth and Promise Given by Mr. Frank A. Weil ’48, this prize recognizes students who have shown through their efforts and improvement a drive and capacity for lifelong growth. This prize seeks to emphasize that the value of an Exeter education is measured not only by a record of specific achievements but by the growth and character that is developed through “the journey taken.”

Daniel J. Han Hannah A. Lee Dillon J. Mims

The Exonian Staff Award, given by the faculty advisers and student editors of The Exonian for the year’s most innovative and unique newspaper feature over the past year.

The Harvard Book Prize Given by the Harvard Club of Boston in memory of Lt. Colonel Joseph Ganahl ’22, to an outstanding upper middler.

Moksha Akil Lina A. Huang Anya J. Tang Daniel Zhang

The Smith Book Award Given by Smith College to an upper “in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and leadership.”

The Debating Prizes The Charles Theodore Russell Bates Debating Prize Ophelia A. Bentley Montana R. Dickerson Ina E. Mason Grace L. Puchalski The Academy Debating Fund Prize Matthew P. Dame Aaron Joy Sachin K. Shetty Class of 1882 Debating Prizes Alexander J. Galli Anthony R. Tam

Kiesse K. Nanor

Seojin Yoo The Wyzanski Prize Given in honor of Judge Charles Wyzanski “to a student whose ethical beliefs and practices have contributed significantly to the welfare of the Academy or community.”

Stephen M. McNulty The Warren Burke Shepard ’84 Award In the spring of 1980, a boy named Warren Shepard was admitted to Exeter’s prep class for the following fall —

the class of 1984. At the time, Warren was a student at the American Community School in Halandri, Greece, where his father was stationed in the United States foreign service. Warren never realized his dream of attending Exeter; in June 1980, he died of fulminant hepatitis.

Knowing how much Warren had looked forward to being a student at the Academy, his family and friends established at Exeter a prize to be given annually, in his name, to a student at Phillips Exeter Academy who tries the hardest to realize the Exeter opportunity, as the award’s namesake would have. In addition to the award presented today, a plaque that signifies the award and its recipients hangs in the Office of the Dean of Students.

Robert C. Stankard Ursula S. Wise The James A. Snead ’71 Memorial Prize This prize honors a distinguished alumnus, as it annually recognizes some of the qualities and areas of interest that were essential to him. It is given to students who have written effectively on multicultural themes, who have contributed to the evolution of a nonracist culture in the community, or who have exemplified a passion for the humanities that promises to be lifelong.

Zoe S. Barron Anne G. Chen Iliana P. Rios The Powell Prize Given by Frank T. Buchner ’30, in memory of his grandfather, Omar Powell, “for recognition of a student or group of students who has conceived and carried out some creative idea which has resulted in a new and useful addition or benefit to the Academy community through his or her entrepreneurship, persuasiveness, innovation or leadership.”

Siona Jain Emily J. Kang Ramon K. Lopez Dillon J. Mims Ki A. Odums Martha A. Rauch Iliana P. Rios Janessa L. Vargas The Gavit Cup The Gavit Cup is presented annually at Prize Day to a member of the upper-middle class selected by members of the class and the principal in recognition of outstanding character as displayed in all phases of school life. Each year the recipient of The Gavit Cup for the previous year assists in presenting the cup.

Siona Jain David T. Swift Award Established to honor David T. Swift, the award reads, “In recognition of significant contributions as dormitory proctor, in helping to create a positive residential experience at Exeter.”

Beatrice C. Burack Anneliese V. Cowles Natalie R. Karakey Sijia Lin Margaret C. Norsworthy-Edghill Adith P. Reddi

JUNE 6, 2021

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Senior Spotlights

Senior of the Year: Claire Barbour

By HANNAH PARK

When asked to describe senior Claire Barbour in a single word, CEO of Portsmouth dance school The Block Anthony Bounphakhom responded, “Free. When she moves, it’s just her in her world.”

Barbour’s love for dance began early in her life, with hip hop classes at a community center in her hometown of Kittery, Maine. She then joined a salsa team at the center with her sister, who shared her interest in Latin dancing.

“We learned four things and performed. I learned how to dance with heels,” Barbour said. “It was pretty cool.” Barbour also took lessons at Great Bay, a dance school in Kittery, before coming to Exeter. It was also here where she soon left to work during the summer.

Barbour’s choice to apply to the Academy stemmed from her genuine love of learning. “It’s more about just the level of the academics.

I’ve always been really into [Exeter], not for the way it looks or the way that it makes you appear, but just because it feels good to explore things,” she said. “I didn’t apply to any colleges and I’m not going to college. I didn’t come to school to get good grades.

I came here because I love to learn. That’s the reason I do anything—because I love it.”

Her vibrant authenticity is clear to others, especially her older sister Auden Barbour ’18. “There is truly no one else I know who is more comfortable in their own skin and does on other people’s judgments.

She is so true to herself, and who she is [is] so unique and amazing,” she said.

Upper Amelia Tardy agreed. “Claire is one of the few people at Exeter who’s just doing what she loves, and not just stuff for a résumé.” the Academy, Tardy remembered wanting to get to know her. They later met again in dance class that fall, and have been dancing together ever since then.

Before coming to Exeter, Barbour started piano lessons side of school until she was twelve. At that point, she started taking cello, and was part of the UNH Youth Symphony Orchestra by the time she was thirteen.

Upon her arrival as a new lower, Barbour branched out in a variety of activities, from being a part of the JV Basketball team to later of the astronomy club. However, her greatest passions lay in pursuing her more artistic side, where she pushed herself in dance, theater, and music by partaking in multiple dance clubs, DRAMAT, PEA Mainstage Theater productions, and music lessons for the cello and singing.

Despite her many interests, Barbour found dancing to be something she couldn’t live without. “At a certain point, I realized that I knew I needed to be dancing. It wasn’t just a thing that I did for fun. I was like, this is something I have to be doing regularly,” she said.

Her Exeter dance career began with technique classes her lower and upper year before she joined the Dance Company, where she formed strong connections with others and inspired many with her talent and raw passion for dance. “[Barbour is] an absolute powerhouse,” Tardy said. “Claire honestly changed the way I viewed dance. She pushes boundaries with her choreography. You can see her passion and creativity in every little move. When the class is

doing combinations, I can’t watch anyone else because her presence is so strong she demands attention.”

“She shows up in every way when she steps into the studio. Ready to work, ready move, ready to learn,” Dance

A. Barbour agreed. “She takes everything she’s feeling in a given moment, and I mean everything - the good, the bad, the ugly - and channels it into movement,” A. Barbour said.

“She really resonates with music and really feels it in a

students. “He creates an environment where we can all be there and be entirely comfortable. He’s really created a strong sense of home,” she said.

When asked about his favorite memory of Barbour,

has such a thorough knowledge now of Mrs. Gibbs, her character, that she could tell you what that woman did for her 12th birthday,” Ream said.

“She digs and digs and that deep connection with character comes out in her work.”

Instructor Amberlee Darling agreed.

Marina Ruiz de Lobera Galván ’20 recalled her Winter Dance Company experience, where Barbour was selected to dance one of Ruiz de Lobera Galván’s choreographed pieces. “I don’t recall a single moment where Claire might have sat down during one of our rehearsals,” she said. “She’s always asking questions, exploring and trying to get closer to whatever meaning the choreographer wants her to embody.”

“She always wants more – to do better, to learn more, to create. She works best when she is out of her comfort zone, and she rises to any challenge,” Dance and Theater Instructor Allison Duke agreed.

Duke continued to explain Barbour’s Winter Dance Concert 2020 performance with upper Siona Jain and lower Brooke Ottaway. “[Barbour] explored a post-apocalyptic world and choreographed to a song by Childish Gambino,” Duke added. “It was a very intense and powerful piece and I was proud of her work as a choreographic leader and also [as a] dancer in that piece.

Claire inspires others around her because she throws herself into everything 150% and raises the bar of the ensemble or cast she’s working with.”

Senior Valentina Rogers described watching Barbour perform in the 2020 Winter Dance Concert. “Watching her dance was like watching a ish,” Rogers said. “She is both spontaneous and self-aware in a way that makes her dancing incredibly compelling.”

Barbour’s fearlessness and infectious drive to dance has a powerful presence in the studio. “Claire was, without a doubt, the most daring, experimental dancer/artist in there,” Ruiz de Lobera Galván said.

“She just had a carefree attitude that allowed her to pursue ideas no matter how crazy or demanding, I remember wishing I could be more like her in that sense. For Claire, the question is never ‘Why?’ It’s always ‘Why not?’”

When dancing, Barbour seems to rely on her emotions to guide her, according to Bounphakhom. “The best way to describe [Barbour’s dancing] would be freeing.

She really gets lost into her world in a good way. She taps into a creativity outlet through not the vocabulary of the movement but more from her soul.

deeper way than I think most people do and her dance is a way of expressing what music makes her feel.”

In the winter of last year, Barbour went to the Boston Conservatory for a weekend masterclass workshop with Giordano Dance Chicago, a dance company run by Nan Giordano. Under Giordano and the company members, Barbour and other Exonians underwent intense training.

Instead of cracking under the pressure, Barbour found herself growing stronger. “It’s so tiring in a way that I was like, whoa I could do this and keep doing it. I loved it,” Barbour said.

Despite having experience in salsa, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, and more, Barbour found a deep connection to improvisation. “I use [improv] to understand myself, and I’ve always known that about it.

Its presence makes me grateful because it’s how I know myself,” she said. “Dancing

Bounphakhom recalled the ized the great extent of her creativity. “She took my improv

Senior Felix Yeung said, “I’ve done two shows with her, and her performances are so subtle: she hits the right beats, she emphasizes just the right words, her physicality is so present. She tells stories in a way that’s authentic and rooted in herself—I think, at heart, that she understands who she is and the voice she wants to project into the world.”

Despite her great talent, Barbour’s modesty seems to always shine through. “In class, Claire would always get more excited about other people’s projects than her own. She has these great eyes that would widen when someone started presenting and her responses would be so unabashed and enthusiastic,” Ream added.

The curiosity and open-mindedness found in Barbour’s dancing are evident in her classrooms as well. English Instructor Chelsea Woodard taught Barbour in ENG430 and Writing the Body, and noted this same curiosity. “Her commentary, both on her peers’ pieces for workshops, and on pieces we read by other authors was always fueled by a genuine curiosity and an appreciation for the complexities of language,” Woodard said. “She helped the class delve more deeply into important moments, motifs, and tensions in our readings, and wrote several striking poems that she shared with the group during our workshops.”

“She brings an artistic temperament and loads of imaginative generosity,” English Instructor Todd Hearon agreed. Hearon also explained that Barbour’s artistic side comes alive at the table, as seen in her empathetic spirit and how she “instinctively understands how to draw on the whole person, whether that is in her own writing or in her contributions at the table.”

The teachers are Barbour’s favorite part about the Academy, and she takes a lot of inspiration from them. “So many of them are in love with their job. And you can tell, and it’s so awesome to be around,” she said.

question, but it makes you feel like there are no more and I can hold purpose.”

After realizing that she wanted to further her dance education, Barbour decided to attend The Block, where she found herself fascinated by the community as she took classes in choreography, improv, and creative movement development. “There’s a high expectation [at the Block] for you to, if not be perfect, to try all the time. And that’s for the people around you, not for yourself,” Barbour said. “We can feel that we’re all focused and that’s really powerful energy to have everyone focused and caring and putting ourselves aside to show up for what it is that we’re doing at that moment.”

Barbour soon found herself forming close bonds with other students. “We’re all really comfortable with each other and we all really care about each other at a certain point,” she said.“The few times that we’ve had sessions with a bunch of people, we’re all in a circle and we manifest and create this energy that’s realwe were talking about it afterwards, trying to explain what happened and think about it fully, because it felt like we were making something, and that doesn’t happen! Especially with people who don’t know each other. It was nuts.”

Barbour also described the impact that Bounphakhom leaves on her and his other

concept was mud. Everyone was putting mud on their arms and trying to move like mud, but Claire took the mud and put it on her face as if it was war paint,” he said. “I was mind blown by something so simple but creative.”

For Barbour, dancing cannot be fully mastered. “There’s endless things to learn [about dance]. It’s presence in my life keeps blossoming into new things,” she said. “It’s like falling in love again and again and again. It makes me really happy and it’s really unconditional, because it’s always available and I can always do it.”

Dancing is not her only love, however, and Barbour consistently proves herself a formidable talent with experience in many aspects of the performing arts, with one being acting. Barbour described the intensity of performing on stage. “When you’re performbalance between intuition, immediately being truthful without question, and also trusting yourself to have these things that you found solidify in your psyche and become a part of you,” she said.

Having met Theater and Dance Instructor Robert Richards when visiting sites at Montgomery and Selma Alabama, Barbour later worked with him in the theatre on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, where they formed a friendship ever since. “My best memories are watching her ‘take the stage’ in the show. It was more than a strong performance; it was vulnerable, moving and courageous,” Richards said.

“Claire is enormously special, a powerfully expressive and transformative artist. That willful spirit, her willingness and ability to access her humanity is rare. PEA was and is blessed to have her share her artistry.”

To continue her exploration of theatre, Barbour studied directing under Dance and Theatre Instructor Sarah Ream. Ream explained the thoughtfulness and care Barbour brings to each character she plays. “Currently, in ‘Our Town,’ I love the fact that Claire has this little notebook and is always writing things down for her character to consider. I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that she

teacher for Barbour, who had mostly only written poetry for classes and during the summer before his class. “Mr. Hearon’s class expanded the opportunity in poetry for me because he was really present in believing in you,” she said. “He makes you feel understood but he pinball thing around. It feels

natural when you’re speaking in class, because it’s so well protected.” She joked that he of ten in a MEDIC question about the presence of the teacher at the table.

Outside of the Academy, Barbour is an avid music listener. When asked about her favorite music style, she excitedly listed out her favorite Spotify listens, which spans from early Jay Z and OutKast to DaftPunk to classical music. “I do listen to a lot of Pink Floyd and a lot of 70s music.

I’m a very funk-centered person,” she said. “There’s this cool playlist on Spotify called Pollen. It’s kind of like R&B but modern-ish.”

Hearon recalled seeing her as “the student who wore a Beatles shirt on campus” before getting to know her as a student. It was “a radar beep for a 1960s classic rock fan like myself,” he said.

Her love for music pushed her to take private cello lessons at the Academy during her lower year with former teacher Jamie Clark. “[Barbour] inspires her colleagues to strive to do their best as she consistently does,” he said.

“Regardless of the challenges she faced at individual points in time, she showed up with a desire to learn and an energy that lit up the room. I was often struck by the poise she brought to her learning. Obstacles did not appear permanent to her, they seemed to present themselves as opportunities to grow.”

Barbour never lets her passions and talent get in the way of supporting the people she loves. “She could easily outshine most people with her talents and passion, and yet she is one of the most supportive people I’ve ever met. She always came to my performances and screamed my name like I was the most famous person she’d ever seen, even if I was just one of the backup voices,” Rogers added.

Senior Alex Alexandrovskiy also appreciated Barbour’s independence and enthusiasm. “Claire is the most independent person I know. She knows herself very well, and that’s something that I think is very inspiring,” he said.

“Claire is a very bright person and I think she’ll continue living in the minds of students and faculty.”

A. Barbour looked back on last March, when she left her home in NYC to quarantine in Maine with Claire. “I was so upset,” she said. “But it ended up being the best time because Claire and I spent every minute together just doing stupid stuff. COVID has been so hard on so many people, but because of Claire, I’m so lucky to say that I probably laughed more last spring than ever before.”

Barbour mentions she is always grateful to the Acadenitely have to tribute most of my training and technique to [the instructors]. I’ve improved a lot and [the classes] afforded me so much control in my body in a lot of ways,” she said. “There’s an incredible community there, and the teachers are incredibly caring in a way that’s very present, which is uncommon.”

Whether she’s on the stage or in the classroom, Barbour’s vibrant mix of carefreeness and curiosity is a force to be reckoned with. “She reminds me of a forest fairy or something, like a beautiful force of nature,” Ruiz de Lobera Galván said. “Maybe if I had I’d say she’s a free spirit, but it’s not enough to capture her wholeness.”

A11

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior of the Year: Anne Brandes

By SELIM KIM It’s 5:45 in the morning, and although most Exonians would be trying to catch-up on some much needed sleep, Anne Brandes is awake.

She takes a seat at her desk, positioned between two windows, and turns on NPR. When the ending theme song of NPR Morning Edition begins to fade, Brandes pulls out her own personalized RSS reader. The website displays a vast collection of her favorite news sources and journalists: The New York Times, The Atlantic, Ezra Klein, Anne Applebaum, Eugene Robinson, among others.

As Brandes browses and the sun begins to rise, the light sky outside her two windows brightens with colorful hues of pinks, yellows and oranges. “[It’s] the most Anne thing you could do… talk about how great The New York Times is,” senior Stephen McNulty said. “[The] number of times that I’ve heard her say like, ‘Oh my god, The New York Times, it’s like, the greatest thing’... I think she sort of is very attuned to try to gather as many perspectives as possible.”

“New-York-(Times)-girl,” senior Erin McCann added, when asked to describe Brandes.

Brandes, a four-year senior, came to Phillips Exeter Academy from New York City after attending the all girls’ prep school Nightingale Bamford in Manhattan. She enthusiastically described how Nightingale was pivotal in discovering her passion for writing and voice at the table.

“Nightingale gave me a I think is unique to all-girls environments and has helped me tremendously at Exeter.

I’m very grateful to Nightingale for teaching me how to articulate my voice and to write what I thought down,” Brandes said. With that eagerness to further pursue this passion for writing, Brandes decided to apply to Exeter.

As Brandes recalled the memory of her 14-year old self driving up to the curbs of Exeter with her family, she mentioned how the Academy impression.

“I think Exeter is kind of a menacing place, honestly,” Brandes said. “My parents drove up … right up by the library which was so huge… and I remember thinking like ‘Okay, this looks like an intense place. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this. I’ll try really hard, but this looks like a tough place.’’’

Arriving at Exeter from a small school was one of the biggest transitions for Brandes. “A bigger school, a little scarier, and I think I started out kind of like an introvert,” Brandes said. “I was really into academics and I had a close group of friends in Dunbar but it was scarier to me to meet other people and get involved in Exeter’s social scene...where you have to meet a lot of people at once.”

But soon, Brandes joined what would soon become her writing “home,” The Exonian.

She shared that The Exonian was the place that pushed her to come out of her shell. “I think that was the importance

of The Exonian for me, especially having that opportunity to interview people when I wanted to and have an excuse to meet them. Also, I got the chance to write about different parts of the Exeter community that my peers were passionate about—there’re so many passionate people in the Exeter community and writing for The Exonian made me fall in love with the Academy, ” Brandes said.

Once in The Exonian, Brandes truly found her footing. Senior Felix Yeung, who worked with Brandes in The Exonian, spoke to Brandes’ leadership in the paper. “I’d say that, in leadership, Anne’s go-to word is ‘professionalism.’ It sounds self-important, but it really isn’t. In fact, Anne straddles this space between serious and casual like few can,” he said. “To her, professionalism is a form of deep, active empathy. She is professional because she cares about her interviewees and their voices, and she is professional because she cares about those who look up to her. Her meticulous conduct speaks volumes to her desire to honor the dignity and value of those around her.”

Senior and friend Sarah Huang agreed. “Anne’s the kind of person who will adapt to any situation. She found something so cool with The Exonian community— through her work in the newspaper I’ve seen her learn so much about Exeter and build relationships with different people. I think the Since 1878 to leverage her position. That’s some really valuable work,” Huang said.

Indeed, to Brandes, The Exonian was ideal not only to community, but also to complete the transition from her preference on creative writing to analytical writing.

“I’ve always really gravitated towards writing and it has always been something that I felt good at. But, something at Exeter happened that I didn’t expect: Creative writing was the way I engaged with before Exeter, but at Exeter, I moved away from creative writing… I ended up realizing that analytical writing, and investigative journalism especially, are really things that I will pursue seriously when I’m older,” Brandes said.

Aside from The Exonian, mentorship at Exeter was another aspect that greatly writing style. She described how experiences in her history classes prep year with retired History Instructor Amy Schwartz and later with current adviser Leah Merrill lower year were especially impactful.

“Ms. Schwartz was my history teacher… She was one of those history teachers that’s been around for forever,” Brandes said, laughing. “After thought I was so good at writing, and she did not give me the grade I was expecting.”

Brandes continued, “I met with her and she kinda just walked me through the entire this very certain Exeter style.

She pushed me to become better. After that, I had Mrs.

that transition to analytical writing for me. I am incredibly grateful to Mrs. Merrill for her support over the past three years.”

Then, Anne discovered a new passion of hers in prep biology. “I kind of discovered that STEM was something I really loved at Exeter,” she said.

Biology Instructor Townley Chisholm, who currently approach and enthusiasm to biology during a spring break trip to Yellowstone. “Anne approached Yellowstone as she approached Exeter which is to say that she wanted to see and do everything she possibly could,” Chisholm said.

Similarly, in the classroom and at the Harkness table, Anne is a presence like no other. “She thinks about people, texts, documents, even a class, in context and with nuance.

She doesn’t just say, ‘This sentence says this, so it’s true.’

No—she probes with a depth I’ve seldom seen elsewhere: What is this sentence really saying? What is the surrounding context around the situation? What are these people’s lives really about?” Yeung said. “She brings to the Harkness table a willingness to dig deep—a desire to give things their full three dimensions.”

Merrill agreed. “From day one, Anne was an intellectual leader, who modeled and generously showed her peers how to approach Harkness, what risk taking at the table looks like, how to grow. She resonated inner strength.”

McCann also noted the dedication Anne brings to her classes. “I admire that Anne has the motivation to use semicolons to write more on discussion board posts for classes when the sentence limit is 5 sentences,” McCann said.

Anne’s passionate approach to academics, though, extends far beyond academics. Fellow Democratic Club co-head and senior Maggie Wainwright shared her admiriation for Anne. “I think that she brings passion for activism... But I think more than that... She really brings humility, like epistemic humility,” Wainwright said.

“She is very cognizant that the kind of popular positions of today may not be the popular positions of tomorrow.

And that we have a lot to learn from history and political science and kind of really deep investigation,” Wainwright continued.

Democratic Club advisor and current NDHP Rules Committee member Jacqueline Weatherspoon, also exyear when we had the organizing weekly meetings, Anne as the club head, and sometimes she was the only one that showed up for the faculty student planning meetings,” Weatherspoon said.

Chisholm said, “Anne takes no prisoners. She served this year as editor-in-chief of the Exonian, close to a fulltime job in itself, and kept up with the heavy coursework of challenging classes such as Bio 520 and somehow made time to attend all the weekly meetings of BOTH the Democratic and Republican clubs.”

Huang shared similar sen-

timents. “I’m always struck [by Anne]. She has a lot of enthusiasm. Being able to see everything she’s done— with The Exonian, with Pendulum, with Dem club—all these different things that don’t even make the entire list (plus classwork!) are amazing.

She’s very passionate and she is able to perform at a level that’s very remarkable given the breadth of work in which she’s engaged. I have a lot of respect for that,” Huang said.

Merrill agreed, adding that Anne approached all her activities in a truly admirable way. “She works, works hard, works harder. I do not know if I have ever seen another student with Anne’s work ethic and sense of self-accountability. I adore her for it, “Merrill said. “She seeks not praise nor pay. She does what she does because she believes it matters, because the experience is a privilege, and she hopes her contributions are of value.”

Coach in Interscholastic Sports Lovey Roundtree Oliff said, “She understands the importance of hard work. She understands the importance of caring. She understands the importance of balance.

It’s all of the different components that you look for.

Some students are amazing at one or two or three or four of these components, but she has somehow found a way to be really incredible at all of them.”

Anne believes this passion has been instrumental to informing her time at Exeter.

“It’s important to have a driving passion at Exeter, it makes Exeter better if you know what you want to do and make joyment in what you want to do,” she said.

Outside academics and extracurriculars, her friends characterize Anne as someone with a witty sense of humor that many can always rely on.

“Sometimes, I think people forget that Anne is a teenager because she does so much. But she is hilarious. She’s willing to laugh about herself—to my chagrin, she makes fun of me all the time,” Yeung said.

Huang agreed. “I think she takes her work very seriously, but she also laughs at herself and I think that’s a really admirable trait. I remember when I met her, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, your sense of humor is so ridiculous.’ The stupidest things make her laugh and she makes herself laugh more than anybody else. I was asking myself,’who is this loser?’ But it’s actually a very fun energy to be around,” Huang said.

Yeung recalled one unforgettable moment he had with Anne. “Anne and I used to have a Google Doc with each other’s quotes. In one of the earliest times that I spoke cross my ocean,’” Yeung said. “That’d something you might not expect from Anne Brandes, yet it makes perfect ocean. I’ve never forgotten it.”

Even when describing her formative experience at Nightingale in shaping her

shared a humorous point, stating, “ I actually didn’t know boys were smart at all before I came to Exeter like it didn’t even occur to me and it’s been a slow learning process.”

McNulty also expressed just how reliant Anne is.

“Anne is a great shoulder to lean on and I really do mean that. There have been so many times that I’ve just poured all of my energy onto her,” he said.

Friend and senior Katherine Moon remembered one she was as a friend. “We had a friend’s birthday recently and...she knew that she really liked Laney and Lu’s. So we all ordered food and she set up a little picnic and knew exactly what [our friend] would want to eat,” Moon said. “[S]he really listens to other people and she takes note of a lot of little things that I think

is really meaningful. And she really likes to have those small moments where people are just extremely happy. That makes her really happy too,” Moon continued.

Huang shared similar sentiments. “Especially as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that being able to be around Anne is just such a gift,” she said.

Despite a packed schedule, Anne is always willing to make time for her family. “She really likes family time that you might not get as much of because we’re away at boarding school, “ lower and brother Oliver Brandes said. “[B]ut when we’re at home, she really, really enjoys, like even just sitting down to do a puzzle with our grandma or cousins and she enjoys that a whole lot more than I do, which I think is very good.”

“We don’t hang out that often at school normally because she’s busy with her stuff and I’m busy with my stuff... but whenever we do see each other, she makes a point to run up to me, give me a big hug and then say ‘Oliver!’and then I’ll be like ‘Anne!’ and… it doesn’t matter if other people are there. She’s not shy to be you know, huggy around me because of other people, which is really sweet. And I really appreciate that,” O. Brandes added.

Despite such a packed for her passionate love for a variety of books, ranging from Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five to J.R.R Tolkein’s The Hobbit. “I’m a really big reader…. [and] sometimes it’s ing something for fun but I have other required reading to do for class but alas, know what you love and don’t be ashamed to do it,” Anne said.

“She has a very… distinct taste in books,” Moon added.

When asked about what an ideal day would look like with Anne, Moon furthered her response by saying that, “getting book references” from Anne.

Anne also mentioned the universality that exists in reading when it comes to all of her interests. “I think if you break a lot of the stuff down like history, politics, biology, journalism, like all of those things are deeply connected, and reading is just another way to connect to other people who are interested in things that are also deeply connected,” she said.

When you ask more about Anne Brandes, Anne’s closest friends will tell you of her many interesting “quirks”.

Huang especially recalled “She’s obsessed with cinnamon right now,” she said.

“She goes through these weird phases, but she’s obsessed with cinnamon. She eats a ton of oatmeal... [and] she loves coffee.”

McNulty agreed on Anne’s strong love for coffee. “[She] always has a cup of coffee in her hand, ALWAYS!” McNulty said.

“Trying to convince her to be photographed is [also] very hard. I have to spend a good 30 minutes.”

When Anne is not engaging in the Exeter community socially or academically, she likes to unwind with her pastimes, which include reading, playing board games with her family and watching the BBC Original show, Sherlock. “[My grandmother and I] watch Sherlock together with my brother...it’s such a brilliant show, honestly,” Anne said. “It’s obviously about Sherlock Holmes and [he]... is kind of like… a sociopath… he’s highly in tune with his surroundings and maybe a little bit misunderstood, but ultimately doing the right thing by the right people. “ Looking back on her four on the bittersweet feeling of leaving the Academy. ”[W] hen I think back to the fourteen year old I was when I Anne said, laughing. “A lot happens and in many ways, you grow up at Exeter which

is what makes this experience so hard, I don’t think anyone leaves Exeter thinking ‘oh that was a walk in the park, let me do that again’” Anne continued, “I think that, looking back, one thing that’s interesting is I’ve been very obsessed with the passage of time and I always have these existential crises during Advisory and in other places, my friends, on 2am on a Saturday night...because Exeter is so crazy with the way time just speeds up and slows down.“ “You blink your eyes and you’re an upper...and I’ve had moments where I was like ‘Exeter might last forever’ and I’ve also had moments like… ‘I would love to stay in this community a little while longer and I’m gonna be really sad when I don’t have this kind of support’ because no community is… like Exeter,” she said.

Huang mentioned that this pensivity of Anne is another part of what makes Anne, Anne. “I realized [that Anne’s] and cares deeply about her presence and impact on others. She journals a lot before each of her birthdays. She cess that I used to think was quite strange. [But] the fact that she takes the time to do that, to me, says she’s here to make the most of her time,” Huang said.

A soon-to-be incoming freshman at university next fall, Anne is looking optimistically towards her future with an intent to make an impact and evoke change. “I’ve decided that something in [my] interests will be what I decide to do. And it’s honestly one of the most fun things to think about because they’re genuinely so many ways to approach politics, journalism, history and biology. And they’re all connected,” Anne said.“It just makes me so excited, because I know that I into and contribute to the rest of society.”

Likewise, Anne’s mentors and teachers certainly have no doubt that wherever Anne is heading is in a positive direction. “Anne can do anything.

I wouldn’t be surprised if she was writing a book while also touring the world. She’s that multifaceted,” Oliff said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing where her passions lie...I see her as a leader. So, whether it’s heading up a company, a newspaper, or president of a college, I see her in some capacity as a really strong leader in some way shape or form in the world. I look forward to following her trajectory over the next few years.”

Before parting, Anne shared some of her own “words of wisdom.” “It’s very good to go through the school with a driving purpose. And that is so much easier said than done…[but] don’t make your purpose college, please… do be a little aimless when you’re younger, but as soon as you for the school and the school can give it back to you… keep it up for years and build up on it,” she said.

Throughout her time at Exeter, Anne has worn many titles and roles as a friend, student, mentor and a sister.

She is known as the Editor-In-Chief of The Exonian’s 142nd Board, the co-head of Democratic Club, the current Editor-In-Chief of Pendulum, the captain of girls’ varsity squash or simply, “the girl who would sign up for seven Exonian articles per week.”

Yet, Anne Brandes is more than her resume.

Merrill said, “Anne is an example of the very best of Exeter. Indeed, she is bigger than Exeter. Her success will limits... Anne will work harder and do more. She will listen.

She will care. She will have a huge impact.”

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

Senior of the Year: Lucy Cai

each other more personally,” Do said. “I think that’s when I realized that Lucy has so much to offer and is really intelligent and overall just enjoys learning. I think very few people can say they enjoy learning, but I’d say that Lucy is definitely one of those people.”

Outside of Cai’s academic and extracurricular successes, she has close relationships with many Exonians in her dorm. A particular moment that ang ’20 was, “During the Secret Santa for Amen ber Mai giving me an old copy of Pendulum…

It was so meaningful to me.”

By ATISHAY JAIN The sun sets, the Academy Building’s bell tolls and senior Lucy Cai sits down in the basement of several others from gifts for the Secret Santa taking place right before winter break, Cai (a lower at this time) receives an old copy of a Pendulum article from a member of the class above her. She creases and brims on the first page of the article and starts reading. She saunters back to her desk in her dorm and flips open the awaiting pages of her diary, always hand-writing her thoughts on paper and rarely typing them out on a computer. She takes a break from writing in her diary and looks up at the wall on top of her desk. Math equations and proofs and formulas are eloquently written on a myriad of papers posted on her wall. A beautiful proof written out solely by Cai or a beautiful poem written out solely

by Cai; she can do it all.

Cai as a prep did as many clubs as she could from Model UN to debate to math club to science clubs. As a prep, she was quiet, but if you would reach out to her for help or become friends, she would say yes instantly. And as a prep, when she was asked what she would like to do in the future, would say, “I am still thinking about it.”

Cai was fueled by her love for math and science much before her time at Exeter began. She would often study competition math textbooks and com-

plete practice problems in her free time. “In the town where I grew up, math competitions were a big thing… there was a huge culture surrounding it,” Cai explained. Cai’s love for math was further driven by the motivation she received from her family and friends as a lot of her early middle school friends competed regularly in such competitions.

Cai admits that it was a bit harder for her to find time to study for and compete in math competitions due to the Academy’s workload. year, she applied for a program through MITPRIMES, which offers research projects geared towards STEM, and researched enumerative combinatorics with two partners. “My project was super rewarding, not only because we were able to walk through the whole research process together, but also because we were able to present our work at the Joint Math Meetings the year afterwards,” Cai said. “To me, it was just super fun to go through the whole process of studying references and then researching and then presenting your work together.”

Cai also researched at the Research Science Institute (RSI). She found out how to implement the Fourier series to optimize the heating of tori. “My mentor and I met every morning over Zoom for an hour, and I would spend the rest of the day working on the project and report to her the next morning,”

Cai said. “The best part though was meeting the other RSI kids, so many of whom remain my closest friends today—the people I met are some of the most humble and chill people I know, which is astounding considering their crazy talent. In place of hanging out in person, we would Zoom for hours after our counselor group meeting every night, either talking, playing online games, or just working on our projects on call.”

Outside of Cai’s extracurricular success, she is known in her dorm to give late-night math help to other Exonians in her nior Alana Yang remembered when she walked into Cai’s room to ask for math help in the middle of the night. “In our upper-year, I walked into Lucy’s room and lowkey her entire wall was just covered in a math proof that she wrote,” Yang said. “It was just crazy.

I always knew that she was really good at math, I had no idea that she could write out over 30 pages of work in like a couple of nights.”

Math instructor and Cai’s lower winter math teacher Gayatri Ramesh noted Cai’s brilliance in mathematics. “The highlight for me being a teacher, is a student who works hard, enjoys coming to class every day and does their best to support their classmates. Lucy is exactly that student,” Ramesh said. “I am very fortunate to have crossed paths with Lucy.”

Cai also has a deep interest in poetry and liter-

ature. She developed her interest in the middle of her lower year when she joined the clubs Pendulum and Word. She started to keep a diary and often wrote down her daily thoughts. “Keeping a diary is how writing started out for me. And then, I think writing sort of started out as a method of catharsis… something I could just turn to everyday to de-stress and reflect,” Cai said.

English instructor Chelsea Woodard noted Cai’s determination as a writer and student in the classroom. “It is noticeable in the classroom how closely she engages with the text on both a personal and interpretive level, and she encourages her classmates to adopt a similar approach,” Woodard said. Cai wrote about Arthur Sze’s poem: “Water Calligraphy” during her upper year in which she “wrote a personal essay in the form of a personal letter to a friend during her upper-year,” Woodard said. Cai also attended a summer writing program through the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Woodard also said Cai is a “gifted student and writer.”

Cai is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Magazine, along with upper Otto Do. Do mentioned developing his relationship with her over time, from going from being strictly professional in the newspaper to spending hours together, crafting emails and talking about their favorite books. “The first time we talked was for the Asian Magazine and we have gotten to know

many distinct memories she had with Cai in the dorm as well. “I remember the first time I met her, when she moved in as a prep, and I think she was just really shy back don’t think she said ‘hi’ to me and I was like, ‘why is this kid not saying ‘hi’ to me?’” Cai went from being shy in her prep year to developing close bonds ang claimed once you got to know her better, “you could enjoy how wonderful of a person she is.”

Yang also shared a fond memory she had with Cai in their prep year together. Yang recalls, “On move-in day, I said ‘hi’ to her, and then we went to the end of the hall.” She continues, “we tried to go down the stairs, but that was the fire escape route so we set off the fire alarm. And I think that kind of bonded us a bit because we got so scared together.”

Whether it’s Cai’s unparalleled academic success or her many funny moments with others in her dorm, she is known for her charisma, acts of kindness and willingness to help on campus. Upper Siona Jain recounted a time where she was stressed because of the Student Council Presidential elections in the middle of winter term.

Jain recalled how Cai arranged to bring Jain a cup of her favorite ice cream flavor at Stillwell’s through a day student. “I didn’t even ask her, nor did she want any recognition or anything,” Jain said. “She like put it right outside of my dorm room and it just meant so much to me.”

Upper Kendrah Su

A12

said that Cai will have some of the best moments she has when a conversation rolls around.

“Lucy has such a quiet but strong presence,” Su said. “If we don’t know how to answer a question or figure something out, she will come up with these perfect solutions or funny jokes to lighten the mood.”

Even outside of campus, Cai is willing to help out her fellow Exonians by bringing them food or giving them tips about scientific research. Cai is a true Exonian, embodying the non sibi spirit, was this one time when I went into Boston with Lucy, because I needed to do some research at the history paper. Lucy was going in for her science research and I had no one to take me and so it was just very nice of her to let me carpool with her parents. It’s just the small things about her, you know?”

Cai loves what she does. Upper Alexandria Westray recalled a time when she took a class in computational biology, and Cai acted as her mentor. “Lucy and I were chatting this summer and I started discussing how I was planning to take computational biology. She said, ‘That’s so interesting to tell me all about it!’” Westray said. “As I got further in the year, I was so scared at first to take the class because I literally knew nothing about it. Working with Lucy having her to keep me going, honestly helped me actually love the subject.”

No matter the different paths Cai may take in the future—writer, mathematician, philosopher or professor in academia— she has one piece of advice for all Exonians: “Try to take advantage of everything that Exeter has to offer… you will regret it if you don’t.”

Cai has certainly left her mark on the Exeter community to cherish her many achievements and ideas. “Make sure to celebrate your successes and achievements as much as you can. Don’t always move on from one thing to the next and really make sure to enjoy the process, reaching for something, striving for something that is important to you.”

Senior of the Year: Isabel Carden

By SHEALA IACOBUCCI “I was a very curious child.

I was always asking questions.

I wanted to know everything about everything,” senior Isabel Carden said, describing her roots in science. “I wasn’t allowed to go into the ocean or go outside without supervision, but that just instilled this wanting in me to discover what’s out there.”

Raised in Palm Beach, Florida, Carden grew up surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Lake Worth Lagoon, an estuary that inspired the ocean.

It was only later that Carden connected that fascination with bodies of water with science, which she had been exploring with the support of her family.

“My dad’s a doctor and when I was little, I would go around all his biotech and all this equipment and see

all these doctors, and I got to look at x-rays and be around patients. And I was like ‘this is so cool,’” Carden said. “My sister was always interested in STEM as well. I remember for one Christmas, my dad gave us a microscope with a bunch of slides that we still share.”

“I remember when I was phin research vessel docked at one of the marinas that was pretty close to my house. My dad took me down there and I got to meet this marine biologist and I just remember thinking ‘this is what I want to do,’” Carden said.

Afterward, Carden immersed herself in learning more about marine biology, signing up for biology summer camps and working for ever, it was only in high school cision to pursue marine biology. “I think a lot of that had to do with prep bio spring term, when I learned more about

coral bleaching.” Carden explained.

Eager to confront the endangerment of aquatic ecosystems, Carden began working in the summer at the Reef cated to coral restoration. “I do everything from feeding to going out and tagging and monitoring coral. I’ve also got to work on the education side,” Carden said.

Carden came back to the Reef Institute in following years, and through that, gained insight into the ways to incorporate her passion for marine biology in her future. myself doing research. I realI’ve always wanted to live on a boat,” she said. “But then again, I hesitate to set everything in stone because I also have seen the education side of biology from the example of Exeter. I have had so many amazing biology teachers who

have chosen education and and who also have just made me a better scientist.”

As Carden’s teachers testify to, this respect and admiration in the classroom goes both ways. “Isabel is a considerate, curious and hard-working student. She is a positive person and takes advantage of all the experiences that are available to her,” Biology Instructor Michelle Chapman said. “On a regular basis, Isabel would be gy class. She would then tell me about how she discussed the previous night’s reading with her dad on the phone and the interesting conversations that would ensue.”

Senior Anneliese Cowles shared similar thoughts. “She really cares about learning or doing well in a class.” she said. “She’s really respectful of her other classmates. She makes me feel like a very valued part of the community,

and she made me a better student just watching her work.”

Carden’s attention to other students does not go unnoticed. “She brings a peacefulness to the class.” explained Instructor in English Jane Cadwell. “She’s super supportive and really curious about what other people have to say.”

Even outside the classroom, Carden brings kindness to all her interactions with others. “Isabel is someone who will go out of her way to help people. In Biology Club, sometimes there would be a reading and since this was I felt like I didn’t know a lot of it. I think she could tell, and made sure that I knew everything,” upper Alexandria Westray said. “She was so patient with me in a very genuine way.”

“She’s someone who will give their time to anyone, expecting nothing in return,” Westray continued. “There’s a

people on this campus, but it’s so inherent to Isabel that it doesn’t ever seem like she’s going out of her way to help me even when I’m sure she is.”

Ayush Noori ’20 recalled a Club Night when Carden’s thoughtfulness and dedication helped acquire an exhibit for Biology Club.“We wanted a skeleton to show at the Bio Club table, and I remember she and I were running across campus trying to get the skeleton,” Noori said. ethic is something that is extraordinarily unique to her.”

Chapman agreed, noting, “Isabel is soft-spoken, yet thoughtful in her comments.

She truly listens to others at the table and is generous with her responses to them. Isabel explains new concepts in a way that is accessible to the other students.”

It is with this subtle effervescence and determination

A13

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior of the Year: Isabel Carden Cont.

Noori attested to Carden’s

sion to engage the students

depth of knowledge is profound. The lengths to which she’s willing to work to help share that knowledge with others is inspiring.”

Carden’s interest in ma-

seeking those opportunities,

even in brief conversations, ber walking back with her from Elm, and she was talking about her research. It was minutes walking back from D-Hall I’ve ever had. She was so passionate about it, and was so open with sharing her experience because she wanted to get other people passionate.”

Club co-head Neha Nedumaran recalled a webinar Carden planned featuring coral rebecause it was something

that Carden inspires others— an approach that is also connected to her passion: “One of the things I love about the ocean is how unassuming it

that there’s this massive boat, there’s all these different spe-

-

sue, Carden has aimed to impus through her work as a longtime member of the Environmental Action Committee and E-Proctors team. “Being a part of those organizations -

credit to Isabel for her passion for sharing her knowledge, and it’s also a credit to her abil-

“I know I want to do some-

Carden’s interest also ining drawing. “I remember

has made me realize how important it is. The impact that we’ve been able to have on

and she was describing how she had made an art piece of

and it makes me think how I

of her life. I think that was the moment when I thought, most incredible, smartest, and coolest person,’” upper Michelle Park said.

Nedumaran said, “One of the walls in her room is covered in drawings of mermaids

about. It was also great to see Isabel interacting with the marine biologist who came to

from looking at it in her zoom

showed how much experience she has and how much she

Coinciding with her interest in the ocean is Carden’s passion for conservation

and environmental science

can help more communities like Exeter.”

Throughout her time at Exeter as a budding scientist and student, Carden has kept her love of the ocean. As she at UCLA in the fall, she leaves parting advice for fellow Exoto be questioning the world around us because science evolving in a lot of different

reefs, there’s all this life teemit from above,” she said. close to the ocean when scupiest memories are exploring underwater and immersing

and cool and exciting”, she said. “Something that’s so appealing to me about diving is that it’s so unnatural, but at the same time it feels so natural to be in this environment where and untouched.”

In addition to planning virpandemic, Carden has been

questions, then we’re never problem coral bleaching and pollution was because I could

trip opportunities to students.

Noori said, “Those ideas were

-

what’s around us. So I would keep asking questions.”

Senior of the Year: Yunseo Choi was possible for students to about complicated, subtle literature and not be in the same room.”

“Although it might sound has better epigraphs for anquotes drew from other sources and media with elegance in their reach,” Sneeden said.

“If George Eliot had been a highschool student in Exeter, NH in 2021, her papers might look a bit like Yunseo’s.”

SEE her process the ideas and revise her outlook. Immediate understanding, that’s her practice! All through the geommaking connections with the treasure chest of knowledge and she has a strong delight at sharing those connections with others.” dante and companion to her friends. “Yunseo is one of the sweetest people ever–a lot of people know her for her math competitions and the

Luther-Hillman said, “I also attitude and willingness to laugh in class, even at herself.

She brought happiness and ex-

to know her as a roommate man said. “She is so generous, with homework or have deep

By ASHELY JIANG Unbeknownst to most Exonians, senior Yunseo Choi has a penchant for t-shirt colclusive ones from the annual Harvard MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT). “Each graduate friend to get me a HMMT staff t-shirt,” Choi shared. “Once, I almost had enough for the whole team!”

Choi’s passion for math tunities to collect shirts from competitions. In fact, a competition, the 2017 Exeter Math Club Competition (EMCC), was coming to the EMCC in eighth grade, where I did well enough to be recognized

Choi recalled. “The idea of interacting with these top level heard about Exeter, the reason I applied and the reason I decided to attend.”

Continuing to pursue math as soon as she stepped on campus, Choi has become an unparalleled talent in the co-head of Exeter Math Club (EMC) and having won the

80th Regeneron Science Talent Search for her math research. “The almost instantathe class a question and her answer is a measure of how

as much work as I could and spearheading the bulk of it,” Choi recounted, “but then Mr.

the ‘matching mechanisms’ that we use to assign doctors to medical residencies and students to schools all across the US. Yunseo characterizes

said to me, ‘You have such an of these mechanisms that exto utilize them to the best of

can absorb graduate-level material six times faster than the said, “There were times when Yunseo had to travel across ious colleges, and she would be gone for the whole weektogether, but I was so proud of her for all of her accomplishments.”

Choi has also given back to the competition that drew her to Exeter—a highlight of her work in EMC was the behind-the-scenes planning and EMCC. “It was so amazing full circle, and now I was on the other side, organizing the competition,” Choi said. “It ence of running a team with such smart individuals.”

eter experience.”

Buckner said, “We would

engagement,” Luther-Hillman

and Lu, helping each other would help me with math

math,” Mathematics InstrucScott Duke Kominers, Harvard Business School Assistant Professor and mentor to Choi, agreed. “She crack-

though it was late at night for her in Korea.”

“What stood out to me regarding Yunseo was her gen-

organize this team to accomplish this task.’” kids on the team–these un-

few properties that don’t,” Kominers detailed. “This is of real interest to scholars in the of Yunseo’s work.”

While her achievements in STEM shot her into the

perform these tasks so well,” Choi said. “As a team, we were able to do so much more have done alone.”

Upper and EMC member Alex Liang said, “Yunseo is a we were organizing EMCC. She gave clear directions and

under Kominers based in theoretical economics, which earned her the grand prize at the Regeneron Science Talent

be interrogated with evidence and with multiple sources, which shaped her willingness to challenge what she read, leading her to write a great research paper on George Wash“‘Most scholars,’ she wrote, ‘criticized Plunkitt as an example of corrupt politics of the era,’ but Yunseo questioned their interpretation with a close reading of Plunkitt’s background, whom she described as ‘a child of

having a genius for a best friend.”

“Yunseo and I even made arrangements to be proctors in was thinking of moving into her dorm so that we could share a senior suite and have together,” she continued, “but I haven’t been able to see YunStarting at Harvard Unito pursue a career in academia.

“It’s so, so fascinating to be all the time, and it’s such a

the humanities. “I came from a public school where math and the sciences were valued over humanities, so I didn’t tance of a strong humanities education,” Choi explained.

“It was something I struggled was also something I focused

worked as a team to organize the event.”

In addition to dedicating herself to clubs at Exeter, Choi also explores math through research. Last summer, at MIT’s Research Science Institute

-

at Exeter.” ception and presence at the table has grown to where it cannot be dimmed even through “Yunseo is both ‘a natural’ and natural at Harkness,” English Instructor Ralph Sneeden said.

“She made me believe that it

with little formal education,’ and re-read his life with a focus on his ‘determination and diligence that carried him up the rigid social and economic structure of the late 19th-cen-

about problems that interest ultimate goal is to become a math teacher. I don’t know math and establish the foun-

Luther-Hillman continued: “I know Yunseo is famous for her STEM achievements, but I could see her becoming a top scholar in willingness to question and Mathematics

during graduate school, like theoretical economics.”

As she begins to turn to a blank page, those close to tenance. Buckner expressed:

Instructor the same without her laughs

great fun to teach her since the instructor can pull out deep

the air.”

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

A14

Senior of the Year: Ailla Crossman into other facets of her life as well. As a violinist and violist

Crossman spends much time practicing her instruments and getting in touch with a more musical side of her artistry.

“She really listens attentively and focuses on the harmony of the music as a whole,” Lin said. “I think that just speaks of how well Ailla works with others and how considerate she is.”

This kind and compassionate energy is a trait that others someone whom you know you can go to when you’re in said.

By SHEALA IACOBUCCI

had just moved to my school

The view of the sunrise from the window of an Amtrak train is one that few are more familiar with than Ailla Crossman. Each morning, the three-year senior from Durham, New Hampshire takes the 5:30 a.m. train ride to campus. And, when she is not touching up an English paper chemistry, she is capturing the what sparked her interest in art. “But I started consciously practicing and stuff in the

art. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is a thing that you can do seriously.’”

Crossman’s sincerity and devotion to her art is apparent to everyone around her. was that she really likes to draw,” senior and classmate Scarlett Lin said. “She would go to math class with her little Upper Grace Valashinas also noticed Crossman’s effort, recalling the time when Crossman was putting together a portfolio for her college

up, every once in a while, how there was a lot of work to put in and so many pieces to do, cause she has that motivation and drive, especially towards the art,” Valashinas said. tional with creating time to do art,” Crossman said. This skill was especially demonstrated last year when she decided to take AP Art, a class students all over the country normally herself. “I was just doing a full coursework of art alone, in my

“She’s all sunshine,” upper and close friend Aryana Ramos-Vasquez added.

“She’s always cheerful and

Crossman’s earnest enclassroom. Advisor and English Instructor Michelle Dionne noted her enthusiasm for her studies. “Ailla’s a great all-around student, with a deep interest in science, especially chemistry,” Dionne said. grates her passion for science into her art, creating many of the natural world. “I really

Crossman channels her effort and enthusiasm for art

-

plained. “The things we learn

think they invoke really interesting images.”

Lin recounted a time Crossman used science as inspiration during an ART500 project. “She did a series of components that showcase nature and evolution. It was you would see the reverse process,” Lin said. “There’s always this component of surprise that is integral to Ailla’s artwork.”

Art Instructor Mary Claire Nemeth echoed the admiration for Crossman’s unique thought process. “She notices often go unnoticed,” Nemeth said. “Her work is simultaneously delicate and intricate.”

It is this organized eccentricity and attention to detail that made Crossman recently with different mediums to-

digital art, a colorful premonition of what she wants to do in the future. “Animation is what I’m hoping to study,” Crossman said. “Visual effects, especially.”

Crossman has wanted to school, as she knew it was a way to continue making art in a meaningful manner. She constantly enjoys animated media, drawing inspiration from movies like Klaus and Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse.

“When she didn’t ‘go STEM’ – despite all the societal pressures – I knew she had her own vision and would make that vision a reality,” Dionne said. in 20 years and giving an ascharacters are whimsical and really impressive and somefore,” she said.

It is clear Crossman’s art

like transparent vellum and longer get to see Crossman’s watercolors, she has tried it all.

“If something doesn’t work out or it’s frustrating or it’s she said.

One medium that has stayed consistent with Crossman over the years is that of

day student lounge or the marheads off to New York City to study at the School of Visual Arts, one thing is certain: Ailla those around her, through her animations and presence.

Senior of the Year: Jeffrey Cui Cui said.

teacher in the winter term for

lars, Cui’s knack for conducting intellectual conversation

(the 332), and after wrapping up that session, she asked me

essays reaches to the Harkinterest in the humanities, Cui avidly takes on multiple history courses each term, including Revolutionary Russia and Asian American History and Literature. With social sciences and English, he argues that “they’re all important things to study if we’re trying to construct an ence.”

longer. She asked me if I was in Ewald, Jeff’s dorm, dorm. I responded that I in

By LAUREN KIM Deep in the halls of Ewald Dormitory, it is not senior Jeffrey Cui eloquently nese geopolitics to his fellow Ewaldians, crafting intrinsic each and every Wikipedia page. Nor is it considered unusual for Cui to enthusirent politics to any peer who will listen, or even churn out in the morning. A self-proclaimed “raging communist”, Jeffrey Cui displays his love for the humanities for more than his nocturnal polit-

of knowledge in world histoing a myriad of perspectives and aspects.

Upon his arrival to the Academy as a prep, Cui was interested in joining the personal interest in trivia and facts. Having spent countless hours “snooping around 19th century Europe,” Cui the perfect outlet to apply his accrued knowledge. Comyears, he eventually took on

the role of co-head, conducting trivia competitions and historical discussions on a

Lee is also co-head of of their prep years. “We’d

sizing the importance of applying different viewpoints.

“We try to use theory as much as we can in history doing trivia, we’re talking

and then he would see things from a different perspective.

curriculum operates and the sues often. And, he’d always have kind of a different stance

to introduce these ideas to our lower classmen through the historical lens of offering a new perspective that they hand. This generally isn’t the material that you encounter in a classroom, especially at

facts,” Cui said.

Cui not only enjoys learning history trivia and

Fellow senior Noah Lee noted Cui’s aptitude for respectful discussion, and his passion for every activity he participates in. “In History

discussion, especially regarding universal legal systems and the societal issues that -

always show up and would always just put his effort in whatever was going on, whether it was a discussion or a presentation or one of those trivia competitions. He’s erest who speaks the most. communism. I know a lot of ideology, it gets very heated and very frustrating. But, Jeffrey, as I said, he’s there to help people to understand his perspective and not to force anything on them,” Lee said.

theoretical approach to learning that the class applied, as well as the Asian American representation which is usu-

seat during law discussions.

literature, and the way that it proach to history, as opposed to what we do normally in classrooms, which just like, look at facts. The theoretical approach that it takes, and

level of conversation. And I my analysis and rhetoric was quite similar to that of Jeffrey Cui, and we had a good laugh when I told her that we were quite good friends and were Virinchi said.

prudence, along with the role of law and society, and topic questions like: what is the constitution? When we in a very normative sense.

How do we interpret it? And that’s the entire discussion of legal hermeneutics, etc. So, I try to acquaint my peers with critical legal theory, and an understanding of the role of law in a society, as well as the relationship that has with the state, what fairness is, within the legal system, and how we can critically approach it,”

and very well-informed.

While we share many of the same views on political and economic topics, we spend every spare moment we had

new, getting to meet some of our seniors. Very quickly, I was shown kind of the amazing intellect and scholarly work that kids at the school can do, which really is at a level that is not a high school level. So. I think just kind of to go read more on Krimsky that,” Samuels said.

-

plethora of issues, oftentimes with a senior who graduated last year, Jack Zhang. His depth of knowledge and real pressive,” Virinchi added.

Outside of the classroom, Cui relentlessly demonstrates intrigue and passion in histoism to the philosophies of Gramsci. The conversation

people in general, is incredinormally do that in the class-

Academy this year, Samuels was amazed at the high-quality of conversation with Jeffrey; at the intellect of not -

curious to know who she was

of his favorite history courses at the Academy—Asian American History and Liter-

tion. It’s that thirst for knowledge I think is really just cool to watch play out.”

From his standpoint as a

Lee recounts their friendly chats as “it’s completely

lieve in as much as they can. I think that the dedication [Jeffrey] is willing to take time and read into something shows that it’s so meaningful to them.” ence with the humanities, Cui reports to have plans for an academic-related career in the future, although he is yet undecided on a certain path. “Just going to college,

strength of Cui’s. From crafting descriptive pieces surrounding his grandparents in China, or critiquing US policies in the East Timor genocide for his 333 paper, Lee reports Cui’s adept skill. “He and effortless style of writing that he can start a paper 30 it’s completely coherent and concise and everything just makes sense. That’s somehim.” Lee said. and lower Sreesa Virinchi shared a particular anecdote where he and Cui formed strong connections through their similar writing styles.

“I had a workshop and feed-

doesn’t stutter, he’s clear and concise. And I think most importantly, when he’s talking to people, he doesn’t make them feel like they don’t know anything or look at them like they’re less. Jeffrey is always there to educate and to help people.”

Ewald dorm faculty and history instructor Troy Sam-

like immersing myself in the mediate goal. There’s all sorts of places you can go with a history degree. A professor in academia. I think it’s too soon to decide at this point. A

dorm duty. “If you talk to Jeffrey,” Samuels said, “you know that he’s always thinking. He’s always working on these things. It’s not some new thing that he can just turn it on and off. It’s kind of this constant. An intellectual, even if it’s at a low level, like

in history he was interested in. I think really he can go

this and that, he’s always looking for more informa-

As Samuels puts it, “ I think he really could produce work that would move -

will take him.” Whether Cui

of humanities schools, it is has shaped his perspective in more ways than one.

Editor’s Note: Turn to page C13 to read the remaning class of 2021 Senior Spotlights.

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

JUNE 6, 2021

»

News

SOCIAL DISTANCING gled with following new COVID-19 regulations on campus, B2.

09/24/20

By ANNE BRANDES, EMILY KANG, FELIX YEUNG and DANIEL ZHANG Trigger Warning: This article involves sexual assault. Phillips Exeter has a number of resources for survivors in the Exeter community. To access these resources, please click here. Additionally, if you any details, please seek tional Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673.

The Exonian urges the Exeter community to respect the privacy of all anonymous individuals in the article below. Please do not attempt to use details from the article to identify individuals or contact them. They/them pronouns are used to protect anonymity.

Former Mathematics Instructor Szczesny Kaminski was arraigned this morning on three charges of Class A felonious pattern aggravated sexual assault and three charges of Class A misdemeanor sexual assault against an anonymous Academy student, who enrolled at Exeter in the fall of 2013. The Brentwood Circuit Court gave The Exonian access to the arraignExeter Police Department Deputy Chief Michael P. Munck, which revealed details concerning the case.

Kaminski’s interactions their prep year. He taught the student math on three occasions: their prep fall, prep winter and lower winter terms. In an early class, the student recalled, Kaminski gripped their thigh. math in the spring term of their prep year, the student received tutoring from Ka-

minski. They worked in Kaminski’s classroom with an open door; after a while, their papers.

In the middle of the semester, the student’s tutoring moved to Kaminski’s the student three times during the spring term.

Over the summer, Kaminski instructed the student to keep in touch with him through their Gmail, instead of their Exeter emails.

In their lower year, the student faced a disciplinary hearing for plagiarism, and Kaminski stepped forward as their faculty friend. Kaminski’s support in the a “part of” their family.

The student’s parents felt his guidance, according to County Attorney Patricia Conway.

Over the course of the next few years, the family communicated frequently with Kaminski over the phone and email. Kaminski also visited the family in their out-of-state home— traveling to theme parks with the student—and accompanied the family on a trip overseas. started during preparation for the discipline case and continued throughout the student’s lower and upper years. The last incident when the student went to Kaminski’s house for help.

According to their mother, the anonymous student said that Kaminski had “taken a lot from [them].”

In the fall of 2015, the report of Kaminski coming and going from the anonymous student’s dormitory at odd hours. Kaminski frequently drove this student to music lessons in Boston, and he tutored them private-

ly within his own residence at 74 Front Street. The Academy received more reports of suspicious inter-

reported an incident where check-in. Dorm faculty latat Kaminski’s residence.

The Academy opened and the student’s parents mother reportedly stated that they “trust[ed] Kaminski and [were] not concerned.” Two anonymous deans met with Kaminski sues; Kaminski was warned dent and not to drive them anywhere.

The student denied all allegations against Kaminski over the course of the investigation, and their parents expressed a desire not to have the concerns investigated.

Detective Patrick Mulholland of the Exeter Police Department these interactions and the The Academy issued a secrequesting that Kaminski discontinue private interactions with the student. month later, Campus Safety received reports that the student was seen walking to Kaminski’s apartment.

Kaminski was later seen driving the student home.

Campus Safety reported this incident to police. Mulholland raised to the student’s parents that Kaminski’s disregard of employer warnings was another sign of grooming. The parents continued to regard Kaminski as a family friend.

In a letter sent out to the wider Exeter community yesterday, Principal Bill Rawson wrote that “the

»

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

ANTI-ASIAN RACISM has affected Exeter, and how the community has responded, B4.

Academy placed Mr. Kaminski on written notice that certain actions would result in his termination” after the conclusion of the minski’s encounter with the student at his home and decision to drive the student tion’s written notice did not result in his termination.

Rawson was not Principal The then-Dean of Faculty “made contact via email” state whether Kaminski received additional discipline for violating this warning.

In the student’s senior year, Kaminski created a Math 999 course—a small, seminar course for which instructors do not receive additional pay. He insisted to the Department Chair of the course. Though the lowing the course to go through, administrators allowed the student to enroll.

The student graduated in 2017.

This January, police in

»

CO-EDUCATION conversation with the community at the Academy’s Co-Education Symposium, B10.

Academy’s acknowledgeways. I will most likely of disclosure, and I do not tered everywhere,” he said.

He left a similar voicemail for the student’s mother.

Over the span of sevchanged 2,123 iMessages with the student.

With no identifying information, the Exeter Police Department’s investigation stalled during PEA’s internal inquiry. On March 13, however, Nadeau received an email from the anonymous student’s attorney, disclosing their and Kaminski’s names. EPD reopened the investigation and again alerted the Academy. Exeter ceased its independent investigation in response, as per the Academy’s Memorandum of Understanding with the department.

After interviewing former students, faculty mem-

toward the harm that has occurred to sexual misconduct victims,” she said. pathways for healing, consistent with its charter to instill the highest morality, seeking reconciliation and remediating actions with alumni whose lives have their harmful experiences.”

This morning, Judge Polly L. Hall of the Brentwood Circuit Court set cash ki. He must have no contact with the student or family, weapons, refrain from the excessive use of alcohol, sign a waiver of extradition, surrender all passports and have no unsupervised contact with any unrelated minor under the age of leased pending trial if he meets these terms. fense counsel Amy Spencer said that Kaminski was not a danger to the community

EPD concluded there was

Exeter Police Department

had committed three counts of sexual assault. Kaminski was arrested on August

a student.

Detective Evan Nadeau, now a state trooper, notiuary 23, 2020. PEA iden-

the Academy in April; the Exeter Police Department asked the Academy not to minski’s arrest.

The Exonian a statement

Kaminski and placed him on administrative leave.

During Phillips Exeter’s internal investigation, Kaminski sent multiple messages and voicemails to the anonymous student and their family. He urged the vestigation and asked them to delete recent messages.

In one voicemail, Kaminski told the student that

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Exeter Alumni for Truth and Healing (PATH) advocacy group. “Along with the rest of the Exeter community, PATH is dismayed arrest of Szczesny Kaminski on charges of sexual assault and concerned for the individuals involved.

We underline our stance that the Exeter community

noted that Kaminski suffers from severe hypertension in her argument.

Conway argued against over, and over, and over again. For years. This was clearly calculated… He ministration, knowing he said. “He is a predator. And he is clearly and presently a danger to our society.”

Campus Safety: 777-4444 Exeter Police Department (EPD), (Non-Emergency): National Sexual Assault Hotline:

“Trump Train” Caravan Travels Through Exeter Organizer of Southern New Hampshire Trump fairly easy to follow and

10/08/20 By TUCKER GIBBS, ANYA TANG and SAFIRA SCHIOWITZ A caravan

of

vehi-

“Trump Train,” passed through Exeter on Sunday, Sep. 27. The “Trump New Hampshire Trump Events, at which supporters decorated their vehicles with posters, signs and paraphernalia.

As the caravan traveled along Main St., several students noted that the vehicles were not stopping

traveled through Portsmouth, Kittery, Eliot, Dover, Durham, Newmarket, Exeter and Hampton.

Despite previously including in the event description their intent to nied any intent to cause political agitation with the route, and reasserted that the event’s intent was to provide a space for Trump supporters to express support.

Some Exonians were halane’s email and considered the correspondence an inadequate response from the administration.

“They shouldn’t send out

for students at crosswalks.

Some students reported that “Trump Train” cars only narrowly missed pedestrians.

At 9:11 a.m on the day of the parade, Dean of Residential Life Carol Ca-

9a.m. in the Toyota of Portsmouth parking lot, with the consent of dealership owner Jim Boyle.

The Trump supporters drove through what they claves,” the town of Exeter

the way.” The phrase “trig-

route in an all-student email. Seacoast Online initially reported the carafore on Sep. 24. Cahalane also announced that memfering support for students outside Jeremiah Smith

of the Exeter community

with people who you don’t have to hide your support,” attendee Erin Kelley said.

“I will defend you even if I don’t agree with you. I was surprised at the amount of complete outrage strangers

McMahan said.

Others felt that the administration’s actions, portive, were not necessary. “I think that setting up a tent with the deans’ representatives was may-

a different viewpoint.”

“The route was carefully chosen with the goal to pass through as many pop-

and senior Sarah Kennedy said. “I just kind of rolled

11:00a.m.

hand.

The Southern New Hampshire Trump Events that the caravan’s goal was to “show off [their] enthusiasm, patriotism, and support for [their] favorite President Donald Trump

removed at Boyle’s request.

Some who participated expressed that they did not have the intent to

this is happening’ type of

move.”

An hour later, some students witnessed the caravan of cars passing outside of their dorms. Students heard shouting from the caravan and noticed “Don’t Tread on Me” and “Blue Lives Matter” paraphernalia.

Certain students were dismissive of the caravan’s ful discourse. “I felt like it was such a spectacle. It felt not going to change anyone’s mind,” upper Lekha Masoudi said. “A car with my mind.”

McMahan noted the invasive nature of the caravan. “I felt uncomfort-

it was just thrust on me,” agree with everything that Trump has said and everything that Trump supporters have said.”

Students also critiqued the supporters’ excessive decoration and the commercialized nature of the event. “These people, they have Trump merchaneven have Trump songs,” Masoudi said. “It’s like supporting your favorite company or your favorite singer.”

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Exonians Distance Inconsistently 10/15/20

By OTTO DO, JEANNIE EOM and HANSI ZHU A post on the Academy’s official Instagram page last week seemed to show students within six feet of one another. This post, along with a boys’ dorm’s post of unmasked students posing and eating in close proximity, prompted debate among students, parents and faculty members over the enforcement of coronavirus-related rules and guidelines.

The Student Guidebook, which has been revised multiple times, states that students must remain socially-distanced and masked at all times, except when they eat outdoors while six feet apart.

Dean of Students Brooks Moriarty shared his perspective on the photos posted. “It’s not clear to me that students are closer than six feet apart,” he said. “What I can see—masks, outdoors, students engaged in an in-person dorm activity—looks like a nice moment. Students have generally been doing a nice job with the guidelines. These students pictures may be appropriately distanced. If they were not, I would expect someone in the community to assist with re-positioning” Dean of Residential Life Carol Cahalane added that adults are working to help students uphold guidelines. “Students are generally observing these standards, and when they miss the mark, students and adults are asked to remind those who stray,” she said. “Faculty and staff are asked to share concerns with one of the deans. If a student repeatedly chooses to vio-

02/28/21

By SELIM KIM, EMI LEVINE and CLARK WU Students and faculty gave praise and raised concerns in a schoolwide survey on the anti-racist mini-courses. After receiving feedback, workshop facilitators met on Jan. 27 to revise the program before the second session’s launch on Feb. 17.

In a Jan. 22 email to course facilitators, Director of Equity and Inclusion Stephanie Bramlett disseminated student feedback from a Jan. 14 schoolwide reflection survey. According to Bramlett, the 245 students who responded rated their mini-courses on average eight out of ten points. Overall, students “love[d] the facilitators, mixed grade sections and topics, [and] showed interest in the materials and remained engaged,” Bramlett wrote.

“The facilitators are being asked to do a job that people base their entire livelihood off of for free, and expected to do an excellent job of it,” upper Charles Falive-

late the health protocols or cannot adhere to them, we are addressing those matters, which can include requiring students to become remote learners.”

Nonetheless, the Instagram posts sparked criticism from students and parents alike. “I realize that these are unprecedented times,” parent Dacia Napier said. “Everyone is having to deal with completely new situations, but consistency is important.” Though individual students may be rule-breakers, she added, social media posts are a reflection of the Academy.

Student comments in response to Soule Hall’s post referenced white privilege and elitism, citing a lack of proper distancing.

Upper Joe Doe* elaborated on the implications of Soule’s behavior. “COVID-19 has a disproportionately impacted Black and Latinx communities . . . If you don’t socially distance, it’s analogous to saying you don’t care about the lives of BIPOC students.

If a Black Exonian and a white Exonian both get serious COVID cases and have to be treated at a public hospital, the white kid is more likely to receive good treatment. It’s not tangentially racist. It’s racist,” they said. “Posting a picture is problematic because it’s an indication that they are celebrating that moment, when there is nothing to be celebrated.”

Upper Liza McMahan agreed. “Soule Hall should work better on advocating a safer environment, not allowing these white boys to do what they want and endangering others more at risk,” she said.

“This has been pretty

clear insight into the pattern [of white privilege] that’s been pretty obvious in the past, and it’s also concerning how that continues to be asserted in so many different respects,” upper Zander Galli added. “And now, it’s even from a public health perspective, which is sad and not ideal.”

With the arrival of underclassmen, the number of students on campus has almost doubled.

Some upperclassmen have noticed a more general increase in social distance violations, such as those captured in the posts. However, many students said that they

were unable to criticize or call out their peers, citing social pressure and judgment. Some of these students called for more enforcement of social distancing guidelines by administrators.

Senior Ella Sudduth shared her frustration. “[Underclassmen] are able to be in this space because we worked hard [to follow the rules],” Sudduth said. “If we did a bad job, they wouldn’t be able to come… now they’re ruining it for us.”

Galli, however, noted that upperclassmen struggled with guidelines even before new students arrived. “Coming back to

school, it was exhausting the first two weeks because I was constantly telling people to put on their masks,” he said.

“But after the first two weeks, nobody took it seriously. At that point, I thought, ‘If it’s gonna pass, it’s gonna pass anyway. I might as well care a little bit less about [correcting others].’”

Upper Michelle Park, who elected to stay home, sympathized with new students looking to make friends at the beginning of the year. “There are a lot of variables that they’re thinking about right now. If I were a prep . . . I admit that it

would be a little difficult for me to abide by social distancing rules, just because I might feel like making friends is more important,” she said.

“Regardless, I still think it’s much more important to socially distance and abide by COVID laws.”

Piano Instructor Jung Mi Lee stressed that following rules will allow the student body further opportunities. “I want to see my students soon,” she said, “and the only way we are going to be able to do that is if we all follow the rules.”

na said. “The design in itself I find to be a bit flawed—I believe that the best anti-racist work is done by the self, but I suppose the trick there is getting people to actually do that work themselves.”

“People need to realize that the Academy cannot be anti-racist for them, they have to put that work in themselves,” Falivena added. “The workshops should not be seen as the end all be all of solutions to the chronic illness known as racism that’s plagued this school for its entire existence; rather, they should be seen as a springboard to other anti-racist resources.”

Lower Anish Mudide, who served as a facilitator for “A Vision of Justice: How Art Opens Eyes, Touches Hearts, and Transforms Society,” expressed concern for the varying levels of participation among student participants. “[After joining,] no one is courageous enough to be the first one to turn on their camera, so we end up keeping them off,” Mudide said.

“This turns the course into something ‘second-class,’ less import-

ant than, say, their German class where they are being graded,” Mudide continued. “This pits anti-racism as something of less importance than their typical subject, when, in fact, the reality is the opposite.”

Prep facilitator Finn Tronnes also noted how students tended to be more active in activities outside of Zoom, rather than in discussions.

“We found that the students and faculty… were much more engaged and shared a lot more writing their thoughts down rather than sharing in a big group… We cut down on the group discussion time and just had people put all of their ideas or questions in a shared Google doc, anonymously,” he said. “We just communicated more that way because it just seemed like people could articulate better.”

Upper student facilitator Kaylee Bennett recommended organizing students into smaller groups. Smaller spaces, she believed, would be more conducive to productive conversation. “If we have 10 or fewer people in a ‘mini-course,’ it’ll be a closer, more

tight-knit community where you feel like you can actually share,” she said.

English instructor and faculty facilitator Becky Moore hoped for longer sessions. “I’ve already learned a lot— be more aware of setting up team introductions to include racial and ethnic identities, for understanding the multi-dimensionality of the community to build greater sensitivity to microaggressions,” Moore said. “Just 15 more minutes per session would spark more conversation.”

“My group had just hit a break-through point in the third session,” History Instructor and facilitator Alexa Caldwell said.

“While I get the intention behind making the schedule the way it is, the students were just beginning to feel more comfortable engaging and discussing with each other, and now it is over.”

Senior facilitator Anna Marion had similar thnoughts. “I just don’t think that there’s enough time during three 45 minute courses to really examine our role in these systems from everyone’s different positionality

and our role as a campus community in these systems,” she said.

Bennett advised future courses to find a balance in their conversations about race. “Sometimes it might be a little overload for people of color,” she added. “The school is drilling race into every single subject that there’s nowhere I can escape to. Yes, you can tell the white kids: don’t be racist, don’t use microaggressions, don’t be ignorant… But for the Black kids or the Asian kids or Hispanic kids, we don’t need to be taught every single five days, when it’s already in our face.”

Prep Colin Maloney appreciated the students and faculty who organized and led anti-racist programming. “I think the facilitators were very well prepared,” Maloney said. “They have interesting content that is often thought provoking and helpful in creating a narrative of anti- racism” As a facilitator, Lumala noted that he is still learning to navigate conversations of race.

“There are some ‘growing pains.’ I’ve definitely made a lot of mistakes

when planning the classes and in the way that I’ve led individual classes.”

In conversation with the feedback from the survey, Bramlett, the design team and the facilitators have begun to plan the second mini-course sessions. According to Bramlett, facilitators will likely stay with their original teams and courses. Anti-Racist Work Group 1, which normally takes place at 8:10 a.m.

EST, will also be adjusted to a “friendlier” time starting in spring term.

The courses themselves will also aim to increase the use of Breakout Rooms until the possibility of an in-person environment is available.

Yet, Marion expressed that the journey to being an anti-racist institution is still far from over. “... we have to take off the rose colored glasses and see ourselves for who we are and see that we need something more than this and that we needed something more than this decades upon decades ago...These courses are not the answer. They’re like the first micro baby step.”

*Name change made to preserve anonymity.

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JUNE 6, 2021

Roxane Gay ’92 Speaks at MLK Day

01/21/21

By DAVID CHEN, KAYLEE CHEN, JESSICA HUANG and ATHENA WANG The Academy celebrated its 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day with keynote speaker Dr. Roxane Gay ’92.

Gay is a visiting professor at Yale University and the author of the New York Times bestseller Bad Feminist. In line with the day’s theme of “(Beyond a) Day of Service,” students and faculty were invited to engage in asynchronous activities ranging from a virtual museum tour to a civil rights songs playlist.

“We encourage you to learn about the service of civil rights leaders and take part in service opportunities in your own communities,” Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Stephanie Bramlett wrote in a schoolwide email on behalf of the 2020-2021 MLK Day Committee The celebrations kicked off on January 15 with the MLK Day preview Assembly and UnSilenced, a series of performances where students engaged in social activism through music, poetry and dance.

In response to feedback from previous years, the Academy hosted MLK Day celebrations on Monday, the official holiday, rather than the preceding Friday. “This is a huge improvement because it lets us celebrate in real time with everybody else in the country,” English Instructor and MLK Day Committee co-chair Courtney Marshall said.

The only synchronous events of the day, Gay’s presentation and following Q&A session, covered anti-racism, tokenization of Black voices and what it means to be an institution dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion.

First, Gay addressed the Academy’s invitation.

“I am invited to events like these with a vague

mandate to speak on race and diversity, even though these are not really my areas of expertise.

But, I’m Black, so you know, that should cover it,” she said.

“These words become another empty container that people will fill with whatever nonsense they want,” she continued. “Basically, I’m invited to talk to you and teach white people about things that are largely pretty easy to figure out. I, like many people of color, are asked for solutions to problems I had no hand in creating.

I will be honest, I am so very tired of talking about diversity. I’m so tired of the assumption that as a Black woman, I somehow have access to some magical N-gro wisdom about how to make the world a better and more inclusive place.”

In her speech, Gay also mentioned Instagram account @BlackatExeter, which features anonymously-submitted experiences of Black students, faculty, and alumni of the Academy.

“It is devastating to see that very little has changed for Black students here in the past 30 years, in the past 60 years, in the past 90 years,” Gay said. Later, when asked about the account in the Q&A, she said, “I was shocked because I could not believe that the same bullsh*t we were dealing with in 1988 is still happening.

Like, that’s naive of me, I admit, but like really — and then students are even afraid to post on @ BlackatExeter because they don’t want to be confronted by their white peers who get real defensive about it because they think, ‘that’s not my institution.’”

After being asked a question about actions the Academy can take in response to past and present faculty being called out for racist actions in @BlackatExeter posts, Gay said: “Fire them. There has to be a zero tolerance policy.

The good ones are incredible. The bad ones are bad, and they are

dangerously bad.”

Gay recalled an experience she had as a student at the Academy.

“I was sick for weeks, and she [a dorm faculty] kept asking me if I was pregnant,” she said. “I was not pregnant. One night, I actually ended up passing out in the hall in front of her door, and I was rushed to the hospital. They took me to Boston because my gallbladder exploded. When bad teachers are bad — I almost died that week because she thought I was pregnant and didn’t take me seriously; the infirmary didn’t take me seriously.”“ When asked how the Academy should respond to faculty members who were repeatedly mentioned in Instagram account Black@Exeter, Gay responded: “Fire them.”

In an interview with The Exonian, Principal William Rawson explained what responses to faculty members mentioned in Black@Exeter and peer accounts have looked like so far. “The dean of faculty met separately, sometimes several times, with every member of the faculty who is individually named in Black@Exeter (as well as Asian@Exeter and Queer@Exeter),” Rawson said. “The meetings provided opportunities to process and learn from the posts, and reflect on the posts’ potential impacts on students’ future experiences in their classes, dorms, and teams. Many factors are taken into consideration when considering disciplinary action, and the nature of administrative response varies from person to person.

“The dean of faculty office is committed to promoting faculty members’ continued professional growth and to faculty accountability.

Of course, details of employment action are confidential,” Rawson continued.

Gay expressed strong support for a potential stipend policy for ALES co-heads in response to a question on the top-

ic. “The endowment can afford it,” Gay said. “I think that students who serve in executive positions for all student organizations should receive stipends.”

When asked whether stipends for student leaders were being considered, Rawson responded, “this proposal has not previously been brought to my attention. I would like to hear from OMA, the Dean of Students Office and others to understand their views on whether compensation would be appropriate, for what students in what student organizations, and how they recommend those decisions be made.”

Rawson also addressed the Academy’s plans for retaining faculty of color. “This is a critical issue and one reason why we recently appointed an assistant dean of faculty. One of her primary charges is to help develop recruitment, hiring, onboarding, welcoming, and mentoring processes that will make PEA a place where faculty of color will want to come and want to stay.

We need to look at everything—the experience in departments, other areas of responsibility, residential life, professional development and networking opportunities, informal support mechanisms, and more—and we need to continue our work on becoming an anti-racist institution.”

Mathematics Instructor Gayatri Ramesh was appointed to the Assistant Dean of Faculty position on January 11. She will assume her duties beginning spring term.

Students and faculty appreciated Gay’s honesty. For lower Lydia Osei, “it felt as though the issues that have been brought up time and time again on those platforms were recognized with a new degree of seriousness and formality—I felt a sense of genuine expression when she addressed the posts… something raw and unfiltered that I didn’t know I was waiting to hear until that point,” Osei said.

“The Academy honoring MLK Day feels as though they actually do care about making sure students pay attention to themes of injustice to people of color, especially Black people… I feel as though there is a greater sense of belonging here for me at the Academy, which can be hard to feel sometimes,” Osei continued.

English Instructor Mercy Carbonell added, “What I appreciate about Gay is that she does not mince words, she tells the truth and she does not try to please those in power.”

“She has nothing to lose, like she can speak the truth in a way that people within the community maybe cannot.

Maybe she will inspire us to speak the truth the way she does,” English Instructor Christina Breen said.

Gay’s words spurred student reflect on actions the Exeter community must take to become anti-racist.

“Talking doesn’t give a solution but rather our actions and the steps we take to figuring out the problem.

I think that was my biggest takeaway,” upper Aaron Venzon said.

Traditionally, the Academy’s official MLK Day has opened with a keynote presentation, after which students attended workshops offered by social activists and educators. The decision to eliminate synchronous workshops in this year’s program was a “multi-layered [one],” according to Marshall.

“We already spend so much time in classes and clubs and advising and all those meetings in front of Zoom,” Marshall said. “We wanted to find a way to get people away from the computers.”

Further informing that decision was a focus on creating a fair experience. “It was really important to us to make a day that was equitable for everybody,” Marshall continued. “We didn’t want people to feel they had to get up early or stay up late or interrupt things that were happen-

ing in their own household during the day to stop and participate in things.”

“I think keeping a lot of the events asynchronous was actually a smart move which allowed everyone to accommodate their own circumstances. I don’t know what I would’ve done differently,” Osei said.

All asynchronous events were offered to further the committee’s goal of promoting community service. “If everybody really does the things they’re supposed to do — 1100 Exonians doing something good all around the world — that’s a positive difference,” MLK Day Committee member and upper Eleanor Bolker said. “My real hope would be that there will be people who come out of it more interested in doing more.”

Prep Jane Park believed the program did not represent King’s legacy enough. “I was looking forward to a more in-depth and comprehensive overview of Dr. King’s life and the legacy he left behind. I would say I was shocked to see this wasn’t the case, especially knowing that the Academy cancelled all classes for this day,” Park said.

“It’s a chance to turn inward, and to kind of check in with each other, which is really different than sitting and spending a day in workshops,” Marshall said. “Just because you’re in the room doesn’t necessarily mean that you are engaged… having [the ability to make] personal decisions about how to spend the day and how to celebrate Martin Luther King’s life, to me, is a more effective way of doing the programming. It really makes more of an invitation to delve in.”

Carbonell reflected on Gay’s call for increased antiracist efforts at Exeter. “I have no idea how the administration will respond. What I want to know is what the administration will do?” she said.

JUNE 6, 2021

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Students Return to Campus; Quarantine Regulations Violated 02/18/21

By ETHAN-JUDD BARTHELEMY, TUCKER GIBBS, ANNA KIM and ANDREA NYSTEDT Students arrived on campus for the second half of the winter term between Feb. 11 and 13 after engaging in a mandatory pre-travel quarantine for seven days. Despite the strict quarantine guidelines outlined by the administration, apparently not all students adhered to the guidelines.

On Feb. 3, Dean of Students Brooks Moriarty laid out the details of the Academy’s return in a schoolwide email. The at-home quarantine guidelines advised staying at home during quarantine

with the exception of medical appointments.

Many students were seen breaking quarantine in their posts on social media. “A lot of people aren’t super secretive about breaking quarantine, so they’ll post about it on social media or talk about it,” senior Alicia Gopal said.

Prep Akubah Ndubah added. “I have seen people making Tik Toks with their friends, without wearing masks,” Ndubah said. “I’m also keeping in mind that they’re in a different place and I don’t know how COVID is in their area.”

Although many students witnessed others breaking quarantine over social media, the Academy did not receive any information about such

behavior. “I am not aware of any students breaking their at-home quarantine,” Dean of Health and Wellness Johnny Some students said it was irresponsible to defy the established quarantine guidelines. “I kind of understand people [that don’t feel comfortable] staying in for like a whole week. My mom needs to go out a lot. It’s only one week, so it shouldn’t really be that hard. I don’t see why you would break quarantine unless it’s an emergency,” senior Nick Pham said.

“Breaking quarantine puts yourself and others on campus in danger as well. I get that staying cooped up so long can get boring, but I think it’s

worth it when we’re thinking of the safety of the campus,” upper Catherine Uwakwe said.

Lower Sinna Oumer from New York noted, “I spend most of my time inside my house when at home, and when I do go out, I avoid leaving the car or touching anything that hasn’t been sanitized or come from the car. On campus, I do my best to eye-

ball the six-foot distance and police it for at least the interactions I’m a part of, if not the people around me.”

Minseo Kim, a lower in South Korea, is also being cautious. “I try to wear a mask around my parents too just in case or spend time in my room, or they wear a mask, but it’s been very safe and I’m enjoying the time I’m spending with them at home before

I’ll have to go back to Exeter until the end of the school year.”

Upon arrival to campus, four students tested positive for COVID-19 and are curstage of on-campus quarantine will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 20, after which further decisions about campus activity will be made.

Anti-Asian Racism Surges, Academy Responds well being but also for the

02/25/21

By ELLIE ANA SPERANTSAS, HANNAH PARK and CATHERINE WU Nationwide anti-Asian racism has surged in the past few weeks, incited in part by COVID-19-related prejudice and xenophobia and the recent celebration of Lunar New Year on Feb. 11. Among the most visible incidents have been the fatal assault of 84-year old Thai elder Vicha Ratanapakdee, the slashing of 61-year-old Filipino man Noel Quintana, and the street assault of a 91-year old man in California— few among a greater trend of violent anti-Asian attacks.

Principal William Rawson addressed the increase in anti-Asian racism in an all-school email Tuesday under the subject line “Anti-Asian Violence.” On Tuesday, February 16, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Stephanie Bramlett condemned anti-Asian racism in an email reminding students of anti-racist mini-courses beginning the next morning.

On Wednesday, February 24, Bramlett sent a second email to all anti-racist mini course facilitators, requesting them to acknowledge the rise of anti-Asian racism at the beginning of their sessions.

On Friday, Feb. 19, Woo joined Dean of Multicultural Affairs Sherry Hernandez, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Szu-Hui Lee and History Instructor Hannah Lim in Asian students during the Assembly block. Later that day, at 7 p.m., Asian Voices hosted a student-led discussion space.

Rawson’s email to the Exeter community stated: “We stand by and support our Asian community members. We oppose racism and anti-race violence in all its forms, and are committed to preparing our students for the work they must do throughout their lives to that end.” Rawson committed to sending a report on Exeter’s anti-racist initiatives, which was sent to all students, alumni, parents, and employees on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

When asked how the Academy would center Asian and Asian American perspectives in anti-racism work, Rawson said: “We have a shared responsibility to ensure that our anti-racism work is inclusive, just as we have a shared responsibility to ensure that our broader DEI work is fully inclusive, in line with our DEI vision statement. I do to mention here, but I will want to hear from those who are in leadership positions, including students, to understand ways that we are falling short, and how we can do better.”

Students at the Academy recounted their personal experiences with anti-Asian racism and how increased attention to anti-Asian attacks has impacted their lives.

“Even though my family resides in a small, safe town, my parents are still scared to go outside due to the racism towards Asians,” prep Daniel Hu said.

“I wouldn’t call these events recent— they have begun since the COVID pandemic affected the U.S., which has been ongoing for over a year now,” Asian Voices (AV) co-head and senior Emily Kang said. “My

family has been cognizant of the violence, rhetoric and xenophobia since last March and have had conversations about our concerns.”

Many Asian students felt personal concern for their family members and friends. “I’m from San Francisco, and a lot of these acts of violence have happened in the Bay Area, so they hit particularly close,” AV co-head and senior Sarah Huang said. “I live with my grandparents, and my grandma goes on a lot of walks around the city. The rise in attacks makes me scared for her.”

Before Rawson’s email on Tuesday, students expressed concern that Asian were the only ones addressing the anti-Asian attacks.

“While I am totally here to provide love and support in AV and for friends/ classmates, the Academy is asking for emotional labor when it asks AV to explain what it should be doing for us. This is not to say that we don’t want institutional support—it’s that what we ask for rarely gets done in the AV co-head and senior JaQ Lai expressed a desire for the Academy to have addressed anti-Asian racism in parallel to AV’s work. “I think in a perfect world, our approach that includes action from administrators. It that sense of unity when, in the meeting, it felt as if the only response that we could provide to our students was on the level of our own space.”

“My approach going in was that we would do the best job that we can within the bounds of our job.

What we realized during the meeting with the experiences that students shared was that in spheres outside felt like their experience was unseen and unheard,” Lai said.

Many students expressed their desire for the Academy to have addressed anti-Asian racism earlier than Rawson’s Wednesday email. “I wish we saw an email from Principal Rawson [earlier],” upper Siona Jain said. “I’m unhappy that the only group that got a full formal email [prior to Wednesday] was Asian, Asian-American, fying students.”

English Instructor and Asian Student Program Coordinator Wei-Ling Woo heard similar requests from students. “I know some students in the Asian student community I have spoken to wished for swifter communication to the entire school, mitment to anti-racism and to highlight the issue of anti-Asian racism to the entire school.”

E. Kang agreed. “I have noticed minimal to no discussion about anti-Asian racism within non-Asian communities, which I bemuch work the school needs to do to create an anti-racist instituion.”

“In my experience, all of my conversations around this wave of anti-Asian violence have been initiated

by Asian students,” Huang said.

“In the future, I would like to promote more communication between students and faculty, as well as administrators, in dealing with these issues, not only in terms of addressing their

enriching their perspective to include those that they might not naturally consider,” Lai said.

Many have applauded the work of Asian faculty members and clubs in organizing spaces to discuss and process anti-Asian racism. “The Asian community has done a great job in creating conversation. For example, Asian-identifying faculty, as well as Asian Voices, created discussion space for students to process their feelings and thoughts about the rising anti-Asian (especially anti-Chinese) rhetoric, xenophobia, and violence across the U.S,” E. Kang said.

Bramlett applauded the work of campus leaders in fostering spaces for the Asian community to gather. “Hannah Lim, Wei-Ling Woo, Szu-Hui Lee, and Sherry Hernandez have held spaces for students over the past couple of weeks,” she said. “We’ll continue to make the space and time for students to gather in the community for support “I know that our Asian adult advisers to those afa tremendous load in supporting those students in the community who are seeking connection and comfort. I thank them for their leadership and generosity,” Bramlett said.

“These past few weeks I’ve drawn strength from my fellow Asian identifying colleagues, allies, and from Dr. Stephanie Bramlett,” Lee said. “I am proud of this group of adults and the students who attended the forum and our collective willingness to be vulnerable with one another. It is important that we create our own spaces and seek support from one another.

Power comes in our ability to advocate, empower, and lean on one another. We don’t need permission to do that.”

Hernandez agreed, expressing appreciation for her colleagues and students spaces. “One of the most powerful moments I’ve ever experienced at the Academy was standing alongside Ms. Woo, Dr. Lee and Dr. Lim when we provided a space for Asian-identifying students to process and be in community with one another to discuss the recent increase in Anti-Asian violence,” Hernandez said.

“During these times of isolation as a result of the pan-

demic and compounded by the lack of media coverage of these attacks, it has been community. Through the planning and hosting of this event, we were able to lean on one another as we showed up for our students.”

Despite feeling deeply affected by the incidents of anti-Asian racism, some students felt ambivalent towards calling attention to the attacks. “I can’t help but feel a sense of guilt,” senior Sarah Kang said. “Sometimes, I can’t help feeling eyes on the recent attacks against Asian Americans or feeling ashamed for wanting to take up more space in America’s dialogue.

During Asian Voices, I was surprised how many of my peers felt the same way I did.”

“The members of the discussion found it interesting how this guilt was essentially based on the belief that Americans didn’t have the space or mental energy to think about more than one racial issue at a time,” S. Kang continued. “I think I’m still unsure of my opinion on that concept.”

Woo encouraged students to not see speaking out against anti-Asian racism as distracting from other social issues. “One thing that I have heard Asian-identifying students expressing is this desire not to distract from Black History Month by highlighting this issue, or how comments on social media will downplay the violence in a bid at ‘Oppression Olympics,’ and I guess I would just like to say that I hope our empathy and compassion, our politics, are wide enough to encompass multiple things at once,” Woo said.

“All racism (including anti-Asian and anti-Black racism) is ultimately grounded in white supremacy. I think this idea that we can only have the bandwidth for one racial issue at a time is itself borrowed from white supremacist thinking, and I reject it. Highlighting the oppression of one community shouldn’t take away from the oppression facing another; but, we do nected struggles in order to reach the solidarity that Dr. [Roxane] Gay so beautifully raised for us during her MLK Day keynote,” Woo continued. “Solidarity also means that the Asian community has to show up (or continue to show up) for others if we want others to show up for us.”

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Classics Department Confronts White Supremacy

03/04/21 By ELLA BRADY, KAYLEE CHEN, TUCKER GIBBS and KRISH PATEL In his forceful and prolific career, Princeton University professor Dan-el Padilla Peralta has revolutionized the world of Classics. On February 2nd of 2021, the New York Times published an article detailing the life and work of Professor Peralta, who is calling for the field of Classics to be abolished completely, deeming it inseparable from white supremacy. Classics faculty members and students at the Academy have reacted with strong opinions towards the call for the abolishment of Classics.

The article, titled, “He Wants to Save Classics From Whiteness. Can the Field Survive?”, surmises Peralta’s argument that the academic field of Classics is inherently racist.

Padilla holds that the only way to rid the Classics of its racist underbelly is to destroy the field as it exists, distributing Classics into history, language studies and area studies. Padilla posited that the Classics have spent so long as a white washed field, that no matter the original beliefs of the Greco-Roman world, the study of Classics holds racist values at its core. Though Padilla tracks a long history of racist organizations ap-

propriating imagery from Classics to support their causes, Padilla argues that beyond how others may exploit Classics in a racist manner, Classics is also racist to its core.

The field itself does not yet have a consensus on the issue. Many agree with Peralta that the recent usage of Classical values and symbols in alt-right rhetoric is symptomatic of the deeply ingrained nature of whiteness and racism in classics. However, others believe that reform is sufficient, and destruction is unnecessary.

At Exeter, the Classics Department and students have presented similarly divided views. Classics Instructor Mattew Hartnett provided a statement in response to the article on behalf of the department: “We encounter views and practices in our sources that we consider unacceptably wrong... but instead of passing over the unpalatable parts, we examine... them in order to better understand them... when they show up in other places and times.”

When asked whether Classical values were inherently racist, Hartnett wrote: “If by ‘Classical values’ you mean the values inherent in the ancient works themselves, I would argue that the majority of the texts we read serve as powerful antidotes to racist beliefs. The assumption underlying the best of the writings of the Greeks and Romans is that all human beings are joined

by the common bond of mortality—the fact that unlike the gods, we all die someday—and we are all subject to the same imperative to make the best possible use of the limited lifespans we are allotted by fate.”

Hartnett believed that while many interpretations of Classics were racist, these interpretations were misuses, and Classics was not inherently racist. “The challenge, as Prof. Padilla-Peralta reminds us, is that ‘Classical values’ as interpreted by a lot of Europeans in the 19th century were wrapped up in abhorrent notions about colonialism and the inferiority of certain races and cultures,” Hartnett said. “We—not just the Classics faculty at Exeter, but teachers of the Classics everywhere— have to do everything we can to root out all traces of these misuses so that the best that the Greeks and Romans achieved, whether in poetry, philosophy, oratory, art, or whatever, can continue to inspire future generations of students and so that we don’t miss out on the benefit of studying the lives and experiences of people that can help us comprehend what it means to be human—the central mission of a humanistic education.”

Hartnett outlined the anti-racist initatives of the Classics Department.

“We have already done, and have plans to do, more than can fit here,” Hartnett said. “But a few examples: we are con-

stantly evaluating the language and images in our elementary textbooks to make them better reflect the diversity of the ancient Mediterranean world; we added a course that focuses on the experiences of women, enslaved persons and migrants, and continue to discuss ways to amplify across our curriculum the voices of non-elites and marginalized groups; and we are currently organizing a panel of recent and not-so-recent alumni of color who will discuss their perspectives on the state of Classics and field questions from current students.”Total abolishment of the Classics Department was not mentioned in Hartnett’s statement.

Instructor in History Troy Samuels, an archaeologist specializing in understudied and overlooked people in the ancient world, was more passionate about Peralta’s message. “Classics is the only discipline with a value judgment in its title. Every culture and group deserves to have a classical something that we kind of interrogate up on a pedestal… the systems are not working for everybody and we need to change the systems,” he said, quoting one of his dissertations. “I am in the process of designing syllabi and having conversations with colleagues to operationalize this change. I think there are definitely conversations happening,” he continued.

Classics students

have an equal amount at stake in the matter. Exeter alum Nosa Lawani ’20, conferred with his fellow Classics alums on their thoughts while reading the piece. “[We] felt equally unsettled at both the intensity of the critique and our inability to really see his point of view in much of it,” he said. “His claim that no better system could be ‘intentionally designed’ to ‘disavow the legitimate status of scholars of color’ led us [Lawani and Calvin Henaku ’19] to reflect on our experiences as Black students in the Classics at Exeter, and the wider community of the Junior Classical League (JCL). We were both Augusti of the Kirtland Society at Exeter, and within the department’s classes and various travel opportunities, as we showed interest, our efforts were always acknowledged, rewarded and celebrated. Both of us felt that at Exeter the Classics community formed a real home on campus.”

“In our JCL experiences as well, both of us felt that there were no barriers from full participation based on race,” Lawani continued. “We were encouraged to participate and were lauded when we achieved, we never felt participation in the student government both at the state and National level, and we both felt that there was not a remarkable lack of diversity among the students we met from all over the

country—especially given the declining access to the Classics in today’s world.”

Lawani and other alums were critical of Peralta’s stance. “There were almost no critiques of specific practices within the academic discipline. We all felt, both from our exposure to our Exeter classes as well as from our interactions with professional scholarship, that we did not see a pervasive idolization of the Greeks and Romans because of their whiteness… [in the piece] I saw instead the malalignment of the discipline by the more casual use of Classical themes by people in modern political contexts, such as Trump supporters, white nationalists or Dominican dictators.”

Lower Cindy Su was grateful for Peralta’s critique. “As an Asian American student studying the Classics, it makes me feel really hopeful that there are people like Peralta that are bringing conversations and topics about race to the table, she said. “Especially now that I’m taking the Roman history course along with reading De Bello Gallico in 220, it makes me increasingly wonder what narratives, particularly with people of color in the ancient world or other world powers such as China in the Han Dynasty could be missing from our image of the field.”

Current Exeter Classics student and senior Phil Horrigan agreed with Peralta that destruction was necessary. “I believe we should dissolve Classics departments around the country and distribute the teachers into more fitting areas,” he said. “Before we destroy the classics, as Professor Padilla Peralta advocates, we should [however, examine it].

If we abandon Classics now, the voices of the marginalized that are just now being examined will go back into the shadows.

Conversations will continue into the foreseeable future; I don’t think we will ever reach a point where we will sit back and say, “There, we’re done. Everything is perfect.”

Students Share Opinions on $30k StuCo Budget 03/11/21

By ETHAN-JUDD BARTHELEMY, MAYA COHEN, WILLIAM LU and JANE PARK During this Student Council’s (StuCo) Executive Board election cycle, StuCo’s immense $30,000 budget has taken center stage. The Exonian asked students across campus what they would like to see the $30,000 allocated for.

“It would be worth it for the school to specifically invest in/recruit teachers with dedicated experience to specific extracurriculars and research programs,” Senior and co-head of Exeter Forensics Albert Chu said. Chu mentioned that he was only able to start Forensics at the Academy because he already had extensive previous experience.

Chu added that the club’s lack of funds has prevented it from en-

gaging in highly-sought speech events. “At the moment, to start a speech team, we’d need someone… [equipped] for all sorts of speech events, but we don’t have the infrastructure or coaching available to get started,” Chu said.

DRAMAT and Democratic Club co-head and four-year senior Maggie Wainwright similarly placed emphasis on clubs. “DRAMAT and Democratic Club… have benefitted from funds from StuCo for costumes for our Shakespeare and for pizza for Democratic debate-watching parties in the 2020 primaries,” Wainwright said.

Wainwright added, “I would love to see additional funds go to our Theater Department– hiring more diverse faculty, supporting sets and costumes for shows, etc..”

“I know StuCo floated around the idea of giving a small discretionary stipend to all students on full financial

aid,” Wainwright continued. “I think this would be a great use of funds, and go toward fostering belonging in a socioeconomic demographic sorely underrepresented at this school.”

Lower Kiara Odums suggested using the budget to fund the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).

“Especially right now, during the pandemic, [for] students of color, those spaces are almost all sponsored by clubs,” she said. “We need, you know, our heritage month events. We just need that right now.

For a lot of us, the main reason we’re going back to campus is to be with students who look like us and in spaces in which we can be comfortable.”

“I just also think there could be more events for fun, right? Just culturally informant events to educate people who might not know of a particular culture. We need money to do that,” Odums added.

Students echoed Odums call for more “student events,” as upper Catherine Uwakwe said. Upper Greg Wu also hoped for more student events, as “I just feel like this year there weren’t that many events that I felt like going to.”

Moreover, upper Regan Thomas called for new sports uniforms and upper Cecilia Treadwell hoped for more visits from the Wahlburgers food truck.

Upper Diwura Adesanya also suggested using the budget to establish a better screening system for hiring faculty. “The whole anti-racist thing doesn’t work if you have the leaders of the school not being anti racist,” Adesanya said. “[What] they’ve been doing this year is creating a dependence on us [students] to be anti-racists, yet we still have to deal with racist teachers.”

Some students also suggested using the money to provide a more

anti-racist curriculum.

“I think putting more resources into things like revamping curriculums, like the history department, the English department, trying to make a concerted effort to change our environment so we can hire more faculty of color.” upper Lekha Masoudi said.

Students also expressed a need to reform dorm structures and policies.

Lower Ella Kim argued that funding should be directed toward feminine products in all dorms. “I think that’s a really big thing we’re lacking. I know that the common spaces have ones if you forget but in order for it to be truly helpful, they have to be provided where you spend most of your time.”

However, Treadwell noted that many student concerns were not related with the budget, despite its prevalence in discussion of the elec-

tion. “We want things that aren’t even money related,” Treadwell said.

“We want the V’s policy changed. We don’t need the money; we need actual change.”

According to lower and budget committee co-head Charlie Holtz, StuCo has the capacity to fund club initiatives, but accessibility is limited.

“The Budget Committee does not create proposals, but simply approves them,” he said. “Due to COVID-19… very few clubs have requested funding.”

Many students emphasized that transparency plays a large role in accessibility. “It is really hard when you’re a student that’s not necessarily involved to know what StuCo is doing all the time. You’re not going to go every Tuesday night because you have other things. It’d be more accessible to those who go,” Odums said.

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Students Urge Financial Compensation for Labor 03/25/21

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Asian, Latinx and Indigenous Perspectives Underrepresented in U.S. History Curriculum 04/08/21

By ATISHAY JAIN, ATHENA WANG and CLARK WU Students have expressed concern over the lack of Asian, Latinx and Indigenous representation in the Academy’s U.S. History curriculum over the past year, encouraging a curriculum which presents the racial landscape of the United States as more complex than the Black-and-white binary and within the context of international events.

Principal William Rawson detailed the Academy’s intiatives for anti-racist work in a schoolwide email on February 24, 2020.

“Teachers in the History Department are placing emphasis on globalizing the curriculum,” Rawson wrote.

Upper Maddie Saavedra-Bagdonas reflected on a lack of representation in the curriculum.

“In the past two terms, I’ve only had one reading that related to Hispanic culture at all. I remember when Mr. Matsumaru sent it to me; I was so happy and felt so included, and it was really engaging for me to see part of my history be reflected in the U.S. history curriculum,” Saavedra-Bagdonas said.

“It really made me feel much more engaged to see that I could relate to what we were studying.”

“I’ve been doing some research for my 333, and I learned about something called the Mexican Repatriation Act, which was basically a mass deportation of Mexicans during the Great Depression,” Saavedra-Bagdonas continued. “We studied the Great Depression, but we really didn’t discuss this even though it probably should have been covered because they deported basically a

million people who were U.S. citizens. I learned that Mexicans faced segregation and also were lynched, and I feel like I really would’ve appreciated learning about that in class rather than having to study it on my own.”

Upper Lekha Masoudi emphasized the lack of South Asian American representation in the curriculum. “There is no mention whatsoever of South Asian American history in the U.S. curriculum, and I think this is a really big shortcoming because there have been South Asians living in America for centuries,” L. Masoudi said.

“In the 19th and 20th century, there was a lot of controversy surrounding whether or not South Asians should be allowed into America, or if they were considered white or Caucasian. I feel like that would be really important to explore, especially with the very arbitrary nature of racial delineation in the United States.”

“I’d like to talk more about the Korean and Vietnam wars, the occupation in the Philippines, and South Asian immigration. It would also be important to try to look at it in a non-Eurocentric perspective,” L. Masoudi said. “The War on Terror and a lot of current wars in the Middle East actually do affect South Asians in America a lot because we are seen under this nebulous banner of a Brown person. Often now, we’re associated with terrorism by the actions of the U.S. government and other governments.”

Similarly, upper Janessa Vargas believed the Academy’s U.S. history curriculum should cover different identities in greater detail.

“I think there is hesitation from teachers to go deeply into different

ethnic movements,” Vargas said. “In fact, I’ve never read any Latinx perspectives in history…

Civil rights, [the way I think it’s taught] is narrated as a dichotomy, anti-Blackness and white supremacy, when in fact civil rights in the United States was probably one of the most intersectional histories to exist.”

Vargas mentioned the way different groups are covered in history courses. “Whenever we discuss [Asian, Latinx and Indigeous] groups, it’s seen as a departure from the curriculum, which I think is inherently flawed because it implies that these groups or marginalized groups in general are not meant to be part of the main narrative of [United] States history,” Vargas said.

Upper Anne Chen added on the pressure of experiencing the burden of representation. “It’s a curious situation to be in, because of course I want our curriculum to include the experiences of Asians and Asian Americans in developing America!

At the same time, when we have read about it in the past, I’ve always felt pressure discussing these topics in class and that strange burden is something I’m never looking forward to,” Chen said.

Upper Kaylee Bennett believed the coverage of different groups depended on the history instructor and class. “I think that [the coverage of marginalized groups] is actually based on the curriculum. Sometimes we’ll talk about race more and sometimes we’ll talk about it less, but a big part of just talking about race in general at the campus of Exeter is [also] the teacher,” Bennett said.

Upper Catherine Uwakwe argued for greater standardization within the History Department to ensure a

comprehensive racial education for all. “Some classes will talk for months about race while some classes won’t talk about it at all. We need everyone to have a base that is more diverse and inclusive,” she said.

Upper Garrett Paik also emphasized the importance of the representation of minorities in the U.S. History curriculum. “Certain groups are always underrepresented and there are so many narratives left out of the history books and readings—this is not groundbreaking information, this is the nature of learning about history,” he said.

Paik acknowledged the Asian Americans and Asian immigrants readings already included within the curriculum.

“We did cover the Chinese Exclusion Acts as well as Japanese internment during World War II thoroughly. I feel the current curriculum does an adequate job in regards to representation,” he said. Other students reported not reviewing Japanese internment and instead studying the World War II to the Civil Rights movement.

History Instructor Eve Southworth noted that student identity impacted engagement. “I strive to represent the races and ethnicities of students in my classes because my observations, educational best practices, and research demonstrate that inclusion will help my students feel seen and connect to the past,” she said.

Southworth seeks to create a personal connection between the course material and the student by including more perspectives. “My goal is to expose students to current scholarly role models of a variety of identities, as well as the different perspectives they may bring. Students

have a heightened interest in histories that relate to their own identity.

Students often choose to write their research papers related to their own race, ethnicity, religion, or gender identity,” Southworth said.

Upper Alexander Masoudi enjoyed when U.S. History conversations extended beyond the Black-and-white binary.

“Today in class we talked about U.S. relations with the Middle East, a personal topic for me.

My grandfather grew up in Iran and participated in protests against the Shah after Mossadegh was overthrown. It’s important to have these serious conversations and bring in non-U.S.-centric views [and] evaluate non-U.S.-centric sources and evidence,” he said.

Southworth hopes that her background in environmental history will enrich her focus on a variety of race and ethnicities to move beyond the U.S. nation-state narrative. “I designed my U.S. history sequence to begin with the voices and experiences of Indigenous people,” she said. “Why? If we asked the North American continent what happened to its people, the land would speak mostly of the numerous Indigenous communities who have stewarded, lived and grew with this land for thousands of years. Then, the Earth might find time to reflect on the European invaders’ conquest, enslavement, and colonization of the plants, animals and peoples.”

Samuels addressed the importance of the overall collectiveness in the History Department. “Being able to ask for help and having those people in the department who are interested in creating change makes a huge difference. It’s why hiring is so important. You need that real intentionality,

you need experts to suggest change and really push us in a more inclusive direction,” Samuels said.

Senior Max Tan suggested that the Academy adopt a more fluid curriculum. “I think it’s difficult for teachers to include more substantial, analytical histories for Asian, Latinx and Indigenous peoples,” Tan said.

“I don’t think teachers should have a definitive race curriculum to follow, but we should constantly revise our course readers to add perspectives of underrepresented groups when they are crucial to understanding the historical context.”

L. Masoudi urged the Academy to consult people of color with expertise in history in order to revise the curriculum.

“If, and when, Exeter decides to revamp its U.S. curriculum, I think what they really need to do is get input from various people of color. Not random students of color at Exeter, because that makes them assume the burden of representation, but speaking with Asian American, Indigenous, or Latinx history professors,” L. Masoudi said.

“We need a more diverse curriculum, and it’s important to have recognition of how America and American foreign policy has adversely affected people, especially people in global South countries.”

“I know it’s tricky to incorporate every culture, especially when we’re talking about the U.S. It feels not personal to me, and I’m sure it feels that way to a lot of other students,” Saavedra-Bagdonas said. “You can have sympathy, but there’s a certain lack of empathy from not being able to connect it to your own experiences or your own history.”

Community Responds to Nationwide Violence CHAUVIN FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER

04/22/21

By STACY CHEN, ELLIE ANA SPERANTSAS and the 143rd EDITORIAL BOARD Minutes before former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd, a 46-year old Black man, on Tuesday, Ma’Khia Bryant, a 16-year-old Black girl, was fatally shot by police in Columbus, Ohio.

Bryant’s shooting was only one among a series of recent police and mass shootings of Black and brown Americans across the nation that have deeply affected the Academy community.

Within the span of the last few weeks, 13-yearold Mexican American boy Adam Toledo was shot by police officer Eric Stillman in Chicago on March 29, and 20-yearold Black man Daunte Demetrius Wright was

shot by police officer Kimberly Ann Potter in Minneapolis on April 11.

Soon after, on April 15, Brandon Scott Hole committed a mass shooting at a FedEx in Indianapolis, killing eight: Matthew R. Alexander, 32; Samaria Blackwell, 19; Amarjeet Johal, 66; Jasvinder Kaur, 50; Jaswinder Singh, 70; Amarjit Sekhon, 49; Karli Smith, 19; and John Weisert, 74.

Principal William Rawson sent an all-school email titled “Self-Care” on April 19 in response to these events, encouraging students to practice “self-care.” Rawson sent out another email with the subject, “Our commitment to justice” on April 21, which covered the Chauvin guilty verdict. Rawson included a link to anti-racist opportunities and noted resources available to students. The 2020-2021 Executive Board of Student Council (StuCo)

sent an email to StuCo members providing student resources and links to donate two days prior.

The following day, Director of Equity and Inclusion Stephanie Bramlett sent an all-student email with the subject line “Follow up - support for the community,” which highlighted on-campus resources.

These included Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and Office of Equity and Inclusion, Dean of Students Office and Religious and Spiritual Life, as well as affinity groups and other clubs.

Senior Hassane Fiteni was frustrated by the “self-care” options the Academy provided. “The assumption the school makes is that people have time to go to [the Academy’s] healing sessions,” Fiteni said. “But the school is the same institution that’s giving

kids all this stress and pressure to succeed, go to class, do their homework, write their papers and study for tests. A lot of kids are like, ‘How can I do both?’ I think the school needs to actually understand that it’s part of a problem.”

Additionally, Fiteni called for concrete changes from the administration beyond existing support systems. “I think the school is very good at sending out blanket statements that are like, ‘We get it. You need time to heal,’” Fiteni said. “So cancel our classes.”

“I haven’t read anything for Black-identifying students specifically from the principal or any of the administration.”

Fiteni added. “I see them talking more about their anti-racism reforms, but that all is still very performative because we haven’t seen anything concrete.”

Upper Shalom Head-

ly also demanded additional Academy support.

“I think that the school should loosen up homework when these things happen,” Headly said.

“How are we supposed to focus on mental health?”

Upper Kelsey Austin found it difficult to carry out self-care with the administration’s resources. “[The administration] can send all these emails all they want to, but it’s still not going to fix much,” Austin said.

“I’m glad they have all these spaces available for people to talk if they do need it. But in the environment of Exeter, it’s so hard to take time for yourself and actually just have a self care day, honestly.”

Upper KG Buckham-White expressed similar feelings about workload adjustment.

“It’s been kind of hard to connect with [recent news] just with everything going on at school.

I think we live in a bubble, and it’s easy to feel disconnected and distracted, which in some ways is good and in some ways, I don’t think it’s great to have a ton of work and be dealing with the news and everything that comes with that, so it’s been stressful,” Buckham-White said.

In an email to The Exonian, Rawson addressed the mental health strains caused by disturbing current events on top of the stresses from the compressed spring schedule.

“The recent schedule and homework changes were adopted last week for the express purpose of addressing the challenges and stress associated with the more compressed spring schedule,” Rawson wrote. “The earlier decision to have no classes every other Wednesday this term also was made for that purpose. We rely on existing support structures

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Response to Nationwide Violence Cont.

to meet the individual needs of students, but will continue to consider additional ways we can address student stress and mental health concerns, whether or not related to the pandemic.”

Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs Hadley Camilus outlined difficulties in creating an umbrella Academy response. “The answers aren’t easy. Do we cancel school for a week? Well, next week we might see the next unspeakable tragedy. Then what?”

Camilus said. “For some students, having a sense of normalcy allows them to settle down. For others, they need to disconnect altogether. The needs vary. As a result, coming up with a widespread workable solution is complicated.”

Rawson also outlined opportunities provided by the Academy for anti-racist work. “The anti-racist block in our schedule on Thursday will include a variety of opportunities to be in community and have conversation about the Chauvin murder conviction, the larger context of anti-Black racism, violence and injustice in this country, and other recent events including the mass shootings,” Rawson wrote. “We also plan to use existing structures for these conversations, including classes, advisee groups, dorms, clubs and affinity groups.”

However, many students have found difficulty finding time to have the conversations to unpack events. Senior and Asian Voices (AV) cohead Sarah Huang said, “There has just been so much work, and it feels like there’s no room to pause and think about it, or just be able to sit in these feelings,” Huang said. “That’s disappointing because I think this is really important stuff that we need to be talking about, and the fact that students sometimes don’t feel like they have space or time or energy to do so is disappointing.”

“I don’t think besides AV and my English class my teachers have been talking about it. It feels like it’s going un-

acknowledged and it’s difficult to ask for help,” Huang continued.

Upper and StuCo President Siona Jain agreed.

“I appreciate Dr. Bramlett’s email with explicit resources. I think a lot of faculty are telling us to take care of ourselves, but it’s so hard to do that when we have five major assignments across three days,” Jain said. “I wish it were more normalized to cancel major assignments, postpone them or to shorten our workload.

I think we’re under the illusion that we can all function on pre-pandemic terms. But this year has had a huge impact on mental health, especially for BIPOC students, and I just don’t think it’s realistic to think we can all function in normal Exeter.”

“I’ve had conversations in clubs and advisory, but it hasn’t been a huge talking point in my classes,” Jain added. “I guess I wish we saw some actual mental health change on campus. It’s very easy to say, ‘Take care of yourself,’ but there’s no actual change to our workload and BIPOC students are feeling the brunt of the events over these past weeks. If we take even just a single day off, we have extra hours worth of homework for the next day. There’s no way to catch up.”

Upper and StuCo Co-Secretary Kiesse Nanor felt the Academy’s efforts to support students were lacking.

“It’s difficult because [racial violence] is in so many events. I suppose it becomes difficult for the Academy to come out with this huge message of support each time, but I also don’t necessarily appreciate the brief emails that we may get from Principal Rawson,” Nanor said.

Lower Sinna Oumer felt that the emails were repetitive without offering new meaning. “[The emails] just kind of feel like a rinse and repeat sort of thing.

Something terrible happens, the school sends an email, and… each time it feels like they care less and less about the issue

at hand and more and more about being performative,” Oumer said.

“It is unfortunate to see that process of desensitization to such terrible things in real time.”

Senior Maegan Paul believed groups behind the Academy’s diversity work should receive more recognition. “There’s a widespread issue that [marginalized groups]— whether they’re addressing sexual assault or racism—are… doing all this work, and then we’ll have the administration or Exeter as a whole getting the credit for work. I don’t think that’s exactly fair because the administration often doesn’t seem to really engage with these issues until there is some sort of major student demonstration,” Paul said.

“It’s important that we don’t just say that there’s a problem but then put all of the work onto the plate of the Dean of the Office of Multicultural Affairs or the Director of Equity and Inclusion,” Paul added. “Our white deans and administrators should also try to take a large lead on these projects rather than always leaving the burden for students, alums, and faculty of color.”

Paul also mentioned the possibility of allowing student groups to send school-wide emails.

“Often, OMA clubs and student activists will collaborate with faculty to create school-wide programming and messages, and the school should work to ensure that they get full credit for all of the work that they do,” Paul said. “If ALES wanted to send an email about Daunte Wright, I think that they should be given the ability to do that. All of these correspondences [don’t] have to come directly from the Principal’s team.”

Nanor hoped for the Academy to address race even in cases that do not appear in the headlines.

“I would like to see the school talking about violence not just against Black people but also anti-Asian hate. People on this campus face that every day, and it doesn’t necessarily feel like a

supportive environment if the only time you receive support is when there’s a national news story that’s going on and the whole country is forced to become aware of that,” Nanor said.

“I know we’ve been doing a lot of work in that with the anti-racist training but if there’s more of that, a continuation of that, so we continue to talk about race even when it’s not in the headlines of every newspaper, I think that is something that would help,” Nanor said. “That might be a step forward in making students feel more comfortable and supported.”

Upper Yvonne Jia, currently studying remotely in Minneapolis, shared her initial reaction to the news. “I was three blocks away from where Daunte Wright was killed. I was swimming in a pool just five minutes down the road that day. I didn’t know, so when I drove home and saw the police cars and helicopters, we just thought there was a possible police chase,” Jia said. “When I found out about what happened, I feel guilty by saying I wasn’t as shocked as I was hearing about George Floyd.”

Camilus described the emotional toll of the shootings. “The dystopian nature of life right now is a lot to digest, honestly. I’ve gotten to the point of expecting the violence on a daily basis,” Camilus said.

“My kids go to school and I hope they return in one piece because a mass shooting isn’t out of the realm of possibility. My 7 year old weighed in on how she’d protect herself in the event of a shooting in her school, unprompted, on the way to school this week. I also wonder if anyone I know will end up being the next hashtag. I coached young men who are regarded as thugs and miscreants that are far from that. It’s just all really messed up. I feel hopeless, honestly.”

Nanor also felt that these events had become repeated. “Obviously I was devastated. But this happens so often that I feel like I don’t necessarily go through the same

cycle of grief every time.

I feel like it has lessened over time. I mean, obviously it’s shocking, but I feel like there’s not necessarily this huge impact every single time just because I’ve almost come to expect it, because it doesn’t feel like Black lives are really valued in this country,” Nanor said.

Spanish Instructor Jaqueline Flores shared her experience reading the headlines as a Latinx woman. “I’m tired, I’m really tired. I can’t believe that it’s become more blatant and I’m glad it is because people used to not have phones to record, the evidence wasn’t there. So I’m glad that people are acting faster, but why does it have to happen?” Flores said.

Many students expressed feeling that the Academy response was inadequate. Prep Coco Kim criticized the late arrival of all-community emails addressing recent events. “Sometimes it takes days, or even weeks for many events to be brought into light by the administration,” Kim said.

Rawson explained that there was no set policy for when to send all-community emails.

“There is no set timeline for sending all-community emails or criteria for deciding when the principal should send such a communication,” Rawson wrote. “My voice is important, certainly, but other voices also are important. I try to use best judgment about when and what to communicate, and typically consult with other administrative leaders and faculty. Sometimes colleagues reach out to me to suggest or urge a communication. Importantly, all-community emails are just one way that we can and should support each other in community.”

Prep Riyah Patel said, “I think if they weren’t to send an email, they would be sending the message of silence. I don’t want to discredit them for sending that email because good on them, but I do feel like that’s something that

would be sent regardless of what institution you were at, so it doesn’t make Exeter special. It just means, ‘Okay cool, you acknowledged it.’”

Upper Malcolm John emphasized the importance of reflection after events like these happen.

“Having heard countless stories like this before has made these events something that you take a note of, and makes you think more about how these things came to happen and the things that you, we, or I could be doing to further better these situations and raise the awareness we need,” John said.

“It is important for us, especially as Exeter students, to reflect or think about, ‘what can be done to improve these situations?’ or ‘what do we have to think about?’ when events like these happen,” John added.

Although delayed, administrative emails have brought comfort to students. “I was very grateful to see Dr. Bramlett’s email, I think it’s so awesome,” Huang said. “The resources that she spelled out for us made sure that students were aware. I think so many resources just go unutilized by students because they don’t know they exist.”

Students, teachers and faculty all experienced stress due to these events.

“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve taken an attitude of, I’m tired of educating people. I’m tired of telling them, making them, letting them know, to respect me,” Flores said. “I mean, I respect you, so respect me. And I’m tired of it. I’m tired of dealing with ignorant people, but I have faith that people can change and accept that at the end, we’re all people.”

Upper Ethan Aguilar wished there was “more than just emails, and [the events] had more recognition,” Aguilar said. “It had a big effect on everybody and he knew that.”

“It was just an email and we were just going on with our lives,” he said.

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Academy Hosts Co-Education Symposium posium. Snider later shared in an interview with The Exonian that the webinar allowed for important educational moments. “I think it’s really useful for me to get continually reminded of why this work is so important and what about it is important for people,” Snider said.

“For example, one of the our webinar really stumped me and I’m still thinking about it,” Snider said. “They asked, ‘Well how do we create awareness?’ We know that people might be unconsciously racist, and patriarchal but we aren’t aware of the impact. How do we create awareness around that?

And I suddenly realized after our session how importto now take forward in my thinking. What do I have to were what I wanted from the webinar.”

Lindsay, a professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison in Gender and Women’s Studies and Political Science, also spoke in the second session of the symposium and shared her 04/29/21

By ATISHAY JAIN, SELIM KIM and CLARK WU Content Warning: This article contains a metaphor involving sexual assault.

“A woman without a bicycle.” Feminist journalist Gloria Steinem, one of the most widely recognized leaders of the Women’s Rights Movement since the mid -20th century, spoke to the Academy on Friday, April 23 at the Co-Education Symposium event An Evening in Conversation with Gloria Steinem.

The event, a part of the Academy’s celebration and of coeducation, involved moderator Sarah Odell ‘06 and scholar panelists Charol Shakeshaft, Jennie Weiner, Naomi Snider and Keisha Lindsay. The panel of scholars hosted a lively virtual discussion on Saturday, April 24, followed by individual breakout sessions where student, alumni and scholar leaders spoke of their individual experiences with gender and feminism.

Odell shared that the symposium was held to curate a story that empowered the experiences of women at Exeter. “Becky [Moore], Alex [Myers] and I, really wanted to make sure that we honored the diversity of experiences of Exeter women, and also honor the complexity of what it means to be a woman or a girl moving through Exeter,” she said. “I and hold two things. This is not a perfect institution. It still needs to grow in many ways. But we also honor what went well while we were there.”

According to Moore, the symposium “sought to focus particularly on the experience of women graduates who ranged in age from mid-sixties to 20s.”

The Co-Education Symees, including alumni, faculty, students and parents. and Odell introduced the speakers. In Odell’s opening address, she discussed the subjects of the symposium: the absence of women in narratives, especially in Exeter narratives, and how women must traverse feminism, race and sexuality in 2021.

“Nobody loses their voice, rather they are silenced,” Odell said. “This is

not the typical story of Exeter. In the typical story, success is a captain of an industry, prowess on the athletic has been such a hallmark on the Exeter story.”

“At times in my own advance in my career I felt like a failure because of my own inability to navigate the leadership pipeline did not comport with an Exeter identity,” Odell added. “But as many of my peers would tell you, if you are not a white heterosexual man, that pipeline is more of a labyrinth, and certainly not a straight line.”

Odell called for a step towards amplifying women’s voices at the Academy, a step towards recognizing the values women’s identity and presence bring. “I imagine portraits of all of our mothers, many of whom never had the opportunity to attend Exeter, but no doubt here,” she said. “I hope that you have a portrait up in the Assembly Hall, too. And I hope at the end of this weekend you can see yourself in those portraits too.”

Next, moderators History Instructor Hannah Lim, Meredith Hitchcock ‘06 and Ciatta Baysah ‘97 held a discussion with Steinem.

One topic brought up by Baysah pointed to recent concerns in both racial and gender minorities’ burden of representation in the classroom, including how some in the community found Harkness discussions to be racist and male-dominated and rewarding of these behaviors.

“The Harkness table isn’t a real circle,” Steinem said. “I’ve found that when students take their chairs and put them in a circle it already changes the atmosphere. Maybe move away from the oblong, oval set up and use a talking stick that is passed around. Harkness everyone has said what they wanted to say. A circle of sound is symbolic but real at the same time.”

“To provide instant democracy is to listen as much as we talk, and to talk as much as we listen,” Steinem said. “If the means create the ends, that is likely to create democracy as we go.

It’s not so easy. Many of us have been taught not to speak, or only to speak. But think about history in instantaneous moments as we

proceed and create democracy in that way.”

“If we are in a group and addressing a problem or hope, and the group doesn’t look like it includes the peowe should wait to start that discussion,” Steinem added.

“The means are the ends.

The tree grows from the roots, not from top down.”

“It is ridiculous that I am the world’s most famous feminist,” Steinem said. “I don’t even know why that is true. I am speaking and writing about the women’s movement, and I guess I do not have any other title.”

Moore explained the organizing team’s multiple reasons for inviting Steinem. “Steinem, as a feminist leader in her mid-eighties, was person who brought a historical perspective on the feminist movement in the 20th century U.S. that could span the lives of the invited graduate,” Moore said.

“In turn, as her memoir My Life on the Road shows, Steinem had partnered with Black and Native American women throughout her career as a speaker for community organizing in the feminist movement.”

Additionally, Moore mentioned that the symposium was Steinem’s second time speaking in front of the Exeter community. “Steinem had spoken at Exeter before when she participated in a conference on women and girls organized by the National Association of Independent Schools – we thought it would be interesting to have her return with an updated perspective,” Moore said.

The second event of the symposium, Making Present: Current Scholars on the State of Feminism, included four panelists: Shakeshaft, Lindsay, Snider and Weiner.

The panelists discussed the nuances that exist in feminism and the patriarchy in different spaces of society.

According to Moore, the Academy offered discussion groups on the scholars’ work prior to the panel. “We hoped to build a community of reading and discussion from February to April with each individual scholar’s work,” Moore said.

Moore began the webinar asking the attendees, who ranged from alumni to current students, to consider what their education at Exeter meant for them at its various stages of co-education. Odell then launched discussion by referencing

Steinem’s talk from the previous panel and asked speakers what part of her speech resonated with them the most.

“I love Gloria’s capacity to capture something that could be so nuanced, but say it so clearly with such a punch, and her braveness is doing that,” psychoanalyst and co-author of WHY DOES PATRIARCHY PERSIST? Naomi Snider said. “One thing she said was, ‘There should be a focus on what is taught… We are participating in the r[*] pe of our minds.’ That really resonated with me and made me think of what it’s like to be a feminist in a racist and capitalist society.”

Panelists then shared their thoughts on feminism and patriarchy in education.

Weiner mentioned the power dynamics at the Harkness table and the non sibi motto of the school.

“When we get new information or a slogan… I have an existing schema...

If I have been socialized to believe, even prior to entering Exeter, what a good boy does and what a good girl does or how to behave in particular contexts, then I reframe ‘not for oneself’ in the ways that I already operate in the world,” Weiner said. “To what extent do we impact what ‘not for oneself ‘means?... ‘Not for oneself’ may be about self-care, about making money or not making money.”

In the breakout rooms that took place after the webinar, each room was joined by a moderator and a panelist and attendees shared tions.

Snider especially appreciated the small groups.“For the breakout group, I didn’t think I ran in really with a goal of what I wanted to communicate so much as I was very interested in what I was gonna learn,” Snider said. “I was very curious to hear sort of what participants experienced and how the discussion had impacted tions were.”

Moore described the ate and faculty moderators.

“We had graduates and current faculty serve as moderators and breakout room leaders so that participants would have a chance to hear from younger graduates and current members of the school community,” Moore said.

Overall, panelists and attendees enjoyed the sym-

of the symposium.

“The core message that I wanted to get across was whether [or not] you are a student, I think it’s really productive to recognize the ways in which gender always exists in relationship to other categories of being, whether it’s religious identity… nationality, etc,” Lindsay said. “For me, that is not just an intellectual exercise… because of that lack of intersectionality, we often end up proposing Snider shared similar thoughts in the message she wanted to get across. “I think people tend to see patriarchy as male domination of women, and I wanted us to get the simplistic view of it, “ she said. “Patriarchy is a thing, a structure, a set of norms that divides everyone from parts of themselves and therefore is harmful to both men and to women alike. I think that’s such a crucial kind of idea...and I think that I wanted to create awareness of the way some of these things play out.”

For Lindsay, when it comes to the feminist movement and gender disparity, it is important to consider tangible actions. She thought the symposium, “helped spark memory and spark internal comparative analysis.”

Lindsay said, “I think this kind of symposium is an opportunity to really sort of take a nuanced approach.

And to consider, is co-education better for certain kinds of girls than others?

Is it worse for some kinds of boys and others.” Regarding the idea of co-education, she said, “We should not assume necessarily that this type of education is all good, or it’s all bad. And I think sometimes people fall into kind of silos around that issue.”

Snider especially appreciated the structure of the symposium. “The overarching thing that really struck me is how different this panel was for me than other experiences that I’ve had. I felt very held by the other panelists. We were all coming from different perspectives, different experiences and different men...I’m a psychoanalyst, one of us was sexual assault, the other one about intersectionality. I found it to be such a sort of a very open and respectful group in which it was going to be okay to challenge and disagree with each other.

We were speaking the same language.”

“There’s… this idea that to have a round discussion of something,” Snider said.

“We need to get someone on the panel who says patriarchy exists and someone who says it doesn’t exist and now we’re going to have an argument about where the patriarchy exists or not…

We went in agreeing on basic things and then we were able to kind of build on each other… You can actually open your eyes to something in a very useful way.”

Attendee Jade Chao ‘88 P’24 connected to a comment Steinem made during ity through the years. “[She] was talking about older women and [how] the advantage of being older is knowing how bad things were and how much things have changed for the better now for women by comparison,” Chao said. “But that for the younger women, especially ones who are still in school, their impatience is also very good because without that, things will not continue to change. So it’s good to have both.”

Odell was grateful to have hosted the symposium. “I hope that the attendees see themselves in what they heard this weekend. And I mean that in terms of the good, the bad and the ugly… but I also hope for alumni in particular, to be kinder to themselves.”

Snider agreed. “I hope that people listening found something in what we were saying that resonated with their experience… I hope that there were men in attendance who were moved to consider that privilege within a structure… and that this isn’t just a women’s issue,” Snider said. “I hope that they felt sort of that burning anger that pushes them to have more conversations to act… I hope it moved [the parents in the audience] to ask about their children’s experience today.”

Finally, Moore dedicated the Symposium to women faculty who had “their lives cut short by ill health and death.” “As the Academy committee asked for suggestions about how to structure our yearlong recognition of of coeducation, I thought back to Marcia Carlisle, my late colleague in the History Department,” Moore said.

“Marcia, a proud feminist, Dakota family to go to college and then to earn a Ph.D. After Bennington, NYU and Rutgers, Marcia taught at She believed in building knowledge through research as well as broadening the circle of the voices needed to be researched. She also believed in discussion; she would have suggested that Exeter hold a symposium— and so we are.”

“Marcia was one of a number of women on the faculty whom I think of tonight. They did not have the chance to complete their teaching careers at Exeter, their lives cut short by ill health and death. This symposium is dedicated in their memory, to their teaching and strength, Moore said.

“Along with: Marcia Carlisle, Instructor in History tor in history Anja Bankowski Greer, Instructor in Mathematics Polly McMullan, PEA‘76 Instructor in French Betty Ogami-Sherwood, Instructor in Drama Christine Robinson, Instructor in English Lynn Watkins, Instructor in Health Education We miss them and honor them.

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By EMI LEVINE, SELIM KIM, CLARK WU and ANDREW YUAN Content Warning: This article involves references to sexual assault and misconduct.

The Academy lists a number of resources on https://www. exeter.edu/about-us/our-commitment-safety. If helpful, at the National Sexual Assault Hotline at +1 (800) 656-4673, HAVEN 24/7 hotline at +1 (603) 994-SAFE (7233), or Counseling and Psychological Services through the Lamont Health and Wellness Center: +1 (603) 777-3420.

Two years ago, in May of 2019, more than 200 students gathered in front of Jeremiah Smith Hall in protest against the Academy’s history of mishandling sexual assault cases.

Since then, the Academy has instituted various policies and reforms aimed at improving the sexual misconduct response process. Students and faculty members have repolicy changes have shaped and affected the Academy’s culture of discussing and responding to sexual misconduct.

Dr. Christina Palmer, Director of Student Well-Being, detailed the Academy’s recent work in preventing and addressing sexual assault in an email statement to The Exonian: “It is important to note that failure of someone harmed to report or disclose sexual assault is also not uncommon, on and off the campus,” Palmer said. “Usually reports or disclosures happen months to years afterwards, as the survivor can have many reactions to the assault, including many layers of fear and shame. The impact of sexual assault can also be long-lasting, and be associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders that hold them from moving forward.”

“On our campus we have a strong group of students many a part of EASA [Exonians Against Sexual Assault], GSA [Gender-Sexuality Alliance], Affairs], FEM club [Feminist Union] to name a few that speak out on the importance of our campus working harder in having open discussions about sex among adolescents, and the impact that sexual misconduct has on those harmed directly or indirectly,” Palmer said. “These students work hard on having student voices heard, dispelling rumors and working for a safer community. Our work on campus is on par with colleges today, as it is a permanent department/ program. Our sexual assault prevention curriculum (embedded in HHD and additional programming) focusses on understanding consent, healthy relationships, bystander training and dating violence which colleges incorporate

in their freshmen orientation programs.” [See Palmer’s full statement to the right.]

Principal William Rawson described efforts within the Academy to confront issues of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in an email to The Exonian: “Following the large student gathering in the quad on May 9, [2019] and a second large meeting in the assembly hall the next day, Assistant Principal Lassey and I had a series of smaller meetings with students to discuss specific ways we could improve the school’s handling of reports of sexual misconduct,” Rawson wrote. “Those meetings in turn led to a series of meetings with students over the summer, led largely by Assistant Principal Lassey, that resulted in a complete overhaul of our process for handling reports of student-on-student sexual misconduct, including the creation of a Misconduct Review Board to replace what previously had been called Principal’s Discretion. Those changes were incorporated in the E-Book.”

“Starting before my arrival, I believe the community has worked hard to improve awareness and understanding around issues of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. verbal consent policy in the fall on 2018 was an important change,” Rawson wrote. “Dr. Palmer and the HHD department have led efforts to improve training and educational programming around issues of consent, healthy relationships, and bystander training, among other important topics. Students also have played an important role in building awareness and promoting Back the Night event, including the powerful Clothesline Project, is a good example of continuous efforts by students and adults to speak out against sexual violence, build awareness and create a better campus culture for everyone.” offer [about policies surrounding sexual assault on campus that the Academy is looking into for the future] at this moment, but we regularly examine our practices for ways we might improve our training of adults and students and ways we might improve how we handle reports of sexual misconduct,” Rawson wrote. “We will continue to meet with EASA leadership and other students to hear their perspectives on these issues. I see this as an area of continuous education and improvement, an ongoing effort by adults and students, working together, to build awareness, improve training, and foster a culture predicated on respect for all members of the community.”

Students who attended the Academy during the protest shared their thoughts on how campus culture has changed since the spring of 2019.

Upper Alexandria Westray believed that trust was severely lacking between the student

body, faculty members and administrative leaders, especially following the most recent case involving longtime Math Instructor Szczesny Kaminski.

“The Kaminski case broke my heart. It really hurt my trust; it really blew the chance of any trust I could have in the administration to care about keeping us safe,” she said.

“Looking at the Kaminski case alone, I can’t say we’ve come ago. I don’t think there’s been a massive change.”

Westray recalled the Academy’s issues with sexual assault since her prep year. “One Phillips Exeter surrounding sexual assault is the lead up to of the dance because everyone was talking about sexual assault at the dance,” Westray said. “I was just shocked at the way people talked about it. People told me to be careful. Half of the upperclassmen went around wearing t-shirts about consent. It was unbelievable that we need all of this at a 21st century school dance.

There’s clearly a problem.”

“I’d like to see faculty and administration live up to their promises. They often tell us ‘I regret to inform you’ in their emails,” Westray added. “I think they shouldn’t just inform us it’s happening, and it’s happening again. They should tell us that they’re working to stop this from happening and live up to that.”

Some students believe recent policies, such as the Visitations (sometimes referred to by students as “Vs’”) policy established in the 2019-2020 academic year, have increased the likelihood of sexual assault on campus contrary to their intention. The 2018-19 Visitations policy only required students to formally request Visitations when visiting friends of a different gender identity. The policy, as found in the 2018-19 E-Book, read: “At the convenience of the faculty member on duty, boys and girls may visit in one another’s rooms, with the door halfway open and the lights on, Sunday through Friday from 7 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday (and other nights with 11 p.m. check-in) from 8 to 10:45 p.m. On Fridays that precede a no-class Saturday, visitations may be granted from 7 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.”

The 2019-20 Visitations policy adopted a gender neutral stance to Visitations. The Exonian reported in September 12, 2019 that the new policy permitted Visitations “at the start of duty hours and continue until 7:55 p.m. for preps and lowers, and 8:55 p.m. for uppers and seniors on weekdays. On weekends, visitations extend from the beginning of duty hours to Students may still visit one another in common spaces, from 9:50 a.m. to check-in, without permission.” In addition, the 2019-2020 Visitations policy required that “all interior and exterior doors must be fully

“The Academy’s current culture on sexual assault is not unique, it mirrors that of society. Sexual misconduct among adolescents is unfortunately common. The important work the Academy is doing to support students in their understanding of sexual violence is critical in having healthier relationships. The consent workshops through HAVEN are invaluable, in helping students to recognize that sexual violence does not always involve sexual intercourse, or penetration and does involve being coerced by another to do sexual things or do sexual things to them. Our curriculum in HHD classes are purposeful in being repetitive in sharing resources that are available, and the importance of being a bystander (to disrupt or speak up in supporting a peer that you have concerns about is vital to changing the misconception that no one is going to do anything).

It is important to note that failure of someone harmed to report or disclose open and lights must be on in all occupied spaces,” a departure from the previous policy of a “halfway open” door.

The new Visitations policy notably extended the end of Visitations for upperclassmen from 8:00 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday to 8:55 p.m, and extended Friday night check-in from 8:00 p.m. to 9:55 p.m. However, all students, regardless of gender identity or sex, were now required to undergo the Visitations policy. Though the Visitations policy permitted a greater range of times for Visitations, the student body overwhelmingly reported that the new policy felt more restrictive due to the removed accessibility of same-gender identity Visitations.

Many students also found the stipulation that doors must be “fully open,” as opposed to the 2018-2019 policy of “halfway open,” to be too invasive of privacy. Many students shared with The Exonian that they observed the number of illegal Visitations increase dramatically following the instatement of the 2019-20 Visitation policy, and shared that they more commonly opted for illegal Visitations rather than approved Visitations.

“The non-heteronormative policy was necessary, President and upper Siona Jain said. “[But] what we saw was a huge increase in illegal Visitations, and students, if in an unsafe situation, [felt that they had] to weigh their physical safety against punishment if they were caught with illegal Visitations. Based on my conversations with Principal Rawson, he knows this, and to my knowledge, the admin will

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sexual assault is also not uncommon, on and off the campus. Usually reports or disclosures happen months to years afterwards, as the survivor can have many reactions to the assault, including many layers of fear and shame. The impact of sexual assault can also be long-lasting, and be associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders that hold them from moving forward.

On our campus we have a strong group of students many a part of EASA [Exonians Against Sexual Assault], GSA [Gender-Sexuality Alliance], OMA fairs], FEM club [Feminist Union] to name a few that speak out on the importance of our campus working harder in having open discussions about sex among adolescents, and the impact that sexual misconduct has on those harmed directly or indirectly. These students work hard on having student voices heard, dispelling rumors and working for a safer community. Our

work on campus is on par with colleges today, as it is a permanent department/ program. Our sexual assault prevention curriculum (embedded in HHD and additional programming) focusses on understanding consent, healthy relationships, bystander training and dating violence which colleges incorporate in their freshmen orientation programs.

We host speakers, such as Rachel Denhollander, and events such as Denim Day, recognizing sexual assault awareness month, we held Take Back the Night,

work to change the Vs’ policy this summer.”

In an effort to address the concern that students may have to choose between remaining in an uncomfortable situation during illegal Visitations or receiving a disciplinary response, the E Book states that, “If at any time a student is concerned about personal safety or feels uncomfortable during a visit, they are encouraged to leave the room immediately and to seek out an adult for support.

A student leaving a visitation under such circumstances will not face community conduct consequences for any rule violations that occurred concurrent with the visitation.” Despite this policy, Jain believes that many students still feel uncomfortable leaving such situations while engaging in illegal Visitations.

Jain characterized her impression of sexual assault policy changes in recent years: “I appreciate the change from Principal’s Discretion [since the protest], but I think the Academy often employs band-aid solutions to sexual assault problems.”

Many students agree that the 2019-2020 Visitations policy inadvertently encouraged illegal Visitations. “I do think that the new Vs’ policy increased the rate of illegal Vs’,” senior Phil Horrigan said. “Illegal Vs’ are risky. The school went one step forward and two steps back with the policy: they made it gender neutral, which is critical, but they cracked down on teenagers having safe relationships.”

Current preps and lowers entered the Academy with no experience of the previous Visitations policy. Senior Has-

sane Fiteni noted that newer classes of students were not as familiar with campus discussions of sexual assault as well. “I still vividly remember the protest from two years ago. I knew people who stood up for the [victim], and those who to this day still defend the [accused]. And when you mention their names, sexual

a culmination of recognizing that sexual misconduct happens here, as well we all want a safer community.

The Clothesline Project was a huge success in giving students an opportunity to increase awareness of the impact of sexual violence and abuse, honor survivors’ strength to continue, and provided an avenue for the Academy to courageously break the silence for a safer community.”

my mind jumps to. But with the classes of new Exonians, I think people are forgetting,” Fiteni said. Fiteni referred to a case of sexual misconduct that closely preceded the protest. The case was a subject of discourse during the protest.

Some students understood the protest to be in part a response to this recent case; organizers said that the protest was directed towards a longstanding history of the Academy’s failure to address sexual assault.

Horrigan agreed, noting that since the protest, conversation on sexual misconduct on campus has waned. “It has been interesting watching the level of awareness of matters of sexual assault over the last four years because it awareness peaked, and it’s been going down since then as more grades graduate,” Horrigan said. “I think students in my grade are aware of the campus climate and are active in smaller groups at curbing the issue. I’m not sure about younger grades, though. It seems like they don’t know about the history. It’s our job as upperclassmen to make sure that the student body stays active and in the know.”

Fiteni added that he believed the Academy should more directly guide the community’s response to cases of

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Culture of Sexual Assault Cont. sexual misconduct. “I think Exonians treat a lot of information around sexual assault as gossip, and that it’s information one would ‘miss out on.’ That’s just unhealthy.

I think the school should really think about when and how they should share information, and I think we as students need to re-evaluate how we think of and process incidents of sexual assault.”

Feminist Union co-head and upper Janessa Vargas discussing sexual assault in a for me to talk to underclassmen in my dorm and just see that everyone is shocked that there [are more emails about sexual misconduct cases], and that they know someone who reported and is not getting justice,” Vargas said. “I think the thing that’s more saddening is that I’ve become extremely desensitized to the subject matter and I’ve accepted this, even though I don’t want to, as part of Exeter.”

Senior Violet Goldstone attended the Jeremiah Smith protest in her lower year. “I went because I feel like the Academy has a long history of not acknowledging sexual assault or sweeping it under the rug. As a woman, I feel really uncomfortable going to a school that doesn’t protect other women from sexual assault,” she said.

“I’m not super well-versed on the changes in policy per se, but I do think that though the rules may have changed, the attitudes on campus remain the same,” Goldstone added. “I think that sexism still exists and is in fact very present. Why do girls still get dress-coded differently than boys? Ask ourselves that.”

Goldstone wants to change

how the Exeter community responds to sexual assault.

“I don’t want to call anyone out but I think we see groups on campus dismissing and delegitimizing cases of sexual assault and the victims. It could be because their friend is being accused. I think Exeter has such a strong sense instinct is to defend someone who’s being accused of sexual assault. I think we really need to practice taking a more objective view and not silencing the victim.”

Goldstone wished addressing sexual assault took more of a center stage in Academy discussions, and hoped to see clubs such as Exonians Against Sexual Assault (EASA) be more active on campus.

EASA is a student-led group created to educate students and spread awareness about issues surrounding sexual assault. “I wish there could be more presence on the EASA front. I remember in my prep and lower years when we met as a club. Going to EASA was such a formative experience because it really taught me about what sexual assault was, how we can combat it as a community and really I felt changed,” Goldstone said.

Vargas had similar thoughts about the school educating students in the wake of COVID-19. “In my prep or lower year, we used to have mandatory training. We had a mandatory bystander training sault,” she said. “I understand that COVID has faulted a lot with programming across the board, but I think at this point it’s becoming an excuse for the administration to not train students and not be transparent about faculty investigations.”

“I genuinely think that, especially in terms of how they handle investigations with faculty or with grooming, they are not even trying to be transparent with the student body,” Vargas said. “I think something that COVID has taken away from Exeter that I think is extremely important is the strength of student protest. I think student protests are vital to any campus...It’s something essential that I honestly believe needs to happen again.”

Jain also believed there was a lack of Academy-programmed conversations about sexual assault in the past year.

“I think my lower year was great in terms of have dorm conversations with the local sexual assault prevention group, HAVEN,” Jain said.

“I also think the play [Now That We’re Men by Katie Cappiello, a school-wide mandatory play in the 201920 school year] was incredibly thought-provoking, and all the dialogue felt very realistic, almost pulled from a boys locker room...it was on a lot of peoples’ minds going forward.

However, this was about a year ago, and I don’t think we’ve had as many conversations about sexual assault outside of EASA and Fem Club [Feminist Union].”

Lowerclassmen, most of whom are unaware of the protest from two years ago, feel that the campus culture assault. “I think people consider sexual assault to be this external, removed issue,” lower Sam Creelan said. “People think about it in abstract terms because it’s easier. And to think about it, we don’t actually talk about it on campus.

It’s almost taboo, especially among boys.”

Upper Zara Ahmed had similar thoughts on transpar-

ency from the administration.

“Sexual assault doesn’t feel like it has as much of a presence in terms of policy and what adults tell us in the conversations called our own. I would like to see that improve because it is still an ongoing problem,” Ahmed said. “I just wish it came from the administration more and not just from student clubs.”

Westray pointed out the frequency of sexual misconduct across prep schools in the country. “I’m not saying that the Exeter administration are the only ones in the entire their promises on preventing sexual assault. But that doesn’t absolve them of their responsibility to do what they say they’re going to do,” she said.

The duty of informing students on sexual misconduct partially lies within The Exonian itself. Reporting sexual assault in The Exonian has been an area of contention for senior and 142nd Editor-in-Chief of The Exonian Anne Brandes. “During my time as a staff writer, themes emerge across articles. The two major themes that I’ve noticed are sexual assault at the Academy and racism at the Academy. These themes logue and student protests,” Brandes said. “At the end of my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Exonian, the campus was experiencing another wave of awareness concerning the unsolved issues with sexual assault education, campus culture, reporting policies and administrative resource allocation. I wrote an article describing my experience as a writer called ‘Reporting on Exeter and Sexual Assault.’”

“In the article, I hoped to synthesize takeaways from my experience. The key take-

Community Lauds “Our Town”

05/20/21

By JETT GOETZ, SHEALA IACOBUCCI and ANDREA NYSTEDT Just before the sun went down, upperclassmen performers gathered on the outdoor stage behind Goel, dressed in costumes made for the 19th century.

With the student orchestra off to the right, a crowd of faculty, students and parents congregated in front of the stage.

Organized by Religion Instructor Russell Weatherspoon and Theatre and Dance instructor Sarah Ream, a cast of seniors and uppers performed Thorton Wilder’s Our Town at 7:30 p.m. on May 13, 14 and 15.

During the play, performers were given the option to take off their masks.

Ream explained her reasoning behind choosing Our Town. “It’s a play I’ve when I was 26,” Ream said. “ I think it really talks about the human condition. It talks about everyday life, love, and death.

That’s one of the reasons why it just resonates with people still, it’s pretty timeless and it’s pretty universal.”

Ream also noted the anti-

racist goals of the play. “I got the idea for it last November out of the anti-racist work that we did when there was a webinar with town councilors, and the people of color were talking about how their experience as residents was just very different than that of the white inhabitants of the town. I really began to think about what could have changed in history so that people felt completely at home,” Ream said.

This inspired Ream to invite the students to create new autobiographies for their characters based on their own identities. Stage manager and senior Sarah Nicholls said, “Some people went with the gender and racial norms of the time and some people completely disregarded them and said, ‘this is what I would have wanted the time period to be.’ So it was really cool to see who went with what and how that played into their character. The care and the detail that they took in creating their autobiographies really showed in their portrayal of the character.”

Upper Marina Williams, who acted as Emily WebbGibbs, fully supported the decision to create autobiographies. “We had a meeting where we got to sit and

hear the biographies everyone wrote for their character, and it was really cool hearing people incorporate their culture with their characters,” Williams said. “One thing that played a big part was making sure I acknowledged the fact that I played an educated Black woman in the 1900s. I made an effort to allow my character independent but also realize the part that she played in society and the struggles that she would’ve faced because of her intersectionality.”

Music Instructor Jerome Walker appreciated the adjustment. “I think that encouraging us to take a play that is rooted in a very traditional idea of ‘here are the people who ‘belong here’’ and changing it to ‘here the people and that’s who we’re going to make community with’ is a great reimagination of what the play can mean moving forward,” Walker said.

To create a more in-depth idea of what the setting of the play would historically look like, the cast received history lessons about the Academy, the town of Exeter and New England as a whole each Wednesday. “One of the things out more about what actually

happened and then invite the cast to consider with me in whatever way they wanted to what the journey of each individual character was, so that they could be a person in the town of Grover’s Corners and be whatever gender or race or ethnicity they were and feel completely at home,” Ream said.

“Activities like taking a walk around the town of Exeter with an eye toward its more diverse past were kind of novel innovations which helped create far greater awareness than I’m sure members of the cast had of the complexity of Exeter’s history,” Weatherspoon said.

The cast and crew also considered COVID precautions while putting together the play. “Putting on a performance while one is also trying to deal with the health concerns related to COVID that people in the theater department needed to make for the play to be seen, namely creating things like external stage, external lighting, and external sound.”

Upper and orchestra member Ware Guite appreciated the creativity of the play. “I liked the minimal props production because

away is basically that, despite on the administrative level, sexual assault remains a cultural and systemic problem,” Brandes said. “I offered a possible solution to this observation: increased transparency. I posited that publishing statistics in an open manner would help address the cloaked nature of sexual assault.”

EASA shared their current plans addressing sexual assault. The club has been working to improve conversations surrounding sexual assault between students and the administration, and among students themselves. “We have been working with the administration to discuss how they can be transparent with the student body during times when there is a case in process (especially with the Kaminski case),” EASA co-head Savita Keidel said. “I hope the club will continue to work with different teams on campus to help with the unhealthy cultures that can come out of sports as well as continue big events like Take Back the Night that promote a lot of awareness on campus.”

“I personally hope to see a shift to addressing the actual causes of sexual assault (power structures, people not respecting boundaries) rather than things that aren’t actually part of the problem (like cancelling EP and making visitations so restrictive),” Keidel added.

Vargas shared Feminist Union’s plans thus far to spread awareness about sexual assault. “We’re trying to collaborate with EASA to actually bring HAVEN back because we’ve noticed that when you have such a variety of people at this school, when each have very different understandings of sexual assault, there needs to be mandatory I thought it was kind of cool, and it worked if you watched it and [imagined] it to happen,” Guite said.

“Because it was outdoors, it would’ve been hard to have any big-time stage props.”

The creativity of these highlighted when a member of the cast contracted the virus, causing six members to quarantine. “We had everyone who was in quarantine on Zoom. Someone with the laptop would follow Ms. Ream around as she was blocking so that the people in quarantine could see everything we had,” Nicholls said. “We really didn’t fall behind. We were able to get back on track of our normal schedule about a week or two after everyone came out of quarantine, which was a real accomplishment. I’m just really proud of how everyone handled that situation, because it really was not ideal, but we were able to make it work.”

Senior Louis Mukama, who played Dr. Frank Gibbs, described his experience acting in the play. “When I auditioned for a part in Our Town this February, I was looking for an experience and I’ve found just that.

Before this, I had several opportunities to take part in the Exeter theater program— casting calls and auditions— but never took part because it felt outside of my wheelhouse.

This time around though, I wanted to ‘scare’ myself and try something new, leaning into discomfort as we’re taught to do,” Mukama said.

Mukama also witnessed the audience’s reaction to the performance. “Parents, grandmothers, and other assorted guests sat in a crescent facing the stage.

The older attendants sat and paid full attention to the play, laughing and chuckling at the play’s jokes about marriage, death, and everything else life throws at a person,” Mukama said.

“Students however, more often than not, did not catch onto the jokes and subtle meaning of the play. They trickled in and out of the

training. Even if that training is uncomfortable for a lot of people, I think it’s very necessary, and probably the most necessary for people who are completely unaware of what’s going on,” Vargas said.

Brandes detailed the challenges of changemaking at the Academy. “Every student problem at the Academy has the same major issue: Exeter lasts, at most, four years. No matter how loud you become or how much time you pour into solving an issue, your voice will fade when you graduate,” Brandes said. “Without huge amounts of faculty and administrative attention, concern and effort, sexual assault will remain a systemic issue at Exeter.”

“I do think there is an important distinction here: the adult community deeply cares about the systemic nature of sexual assault,” Brandes continued. “Both the administration and the faculty have devoted countless hours into understanding and curbing sexual assault at the Academy. The missing piece, in my view, is more about urgency. changes are the result of student efforts in the wake of tragedy. Instead, the Academy should be thinking ahead with a sense of urgency to prevent tragedy from occurring in the Two years have passed since more than 200 students gathered at the front of J. Smith Quad and although students acknowledge that sigbeen made, the Academy’s culture—a collective effort from students, faculty and administrators alike—still has a long way to go.

audience and their laughter or reactions were rarely heard,” Mukama observed.

“Does life at Exeter move too fast for us to appreciate the everyday and the ordinary?

Perhaps the adage that age comes with wisdom really is true and that’s why, from my perspective, the play made a bigger impact on the older attendants,” Mukama said.

Guite acknowledged the impact of the play. “The third act… was probably my favorite because it dealt with some pretty heavy ideas, and just the idea of us not really knowing what’s going to happen in our lives. And if we did, it’s the ignorance of human life that we actually love,” Guite said.

Williams noted how the play helped her appreciate life. “Having to practice ‘my’ death in act 3 over and over really reminded me that it is important to ‘realize life while I live it...every, every minute’ as Emily says,” Williams said. “It made me really appreciate... the opportunity to even perform this play because a lot of schools can’t do this right now, let alone perform mask-less.”

“This play taught me to really be in the moment and take in all the beautiful ‘little’ things that we often overlook,” Williams added.

Prep Cee McClave, a member of the student orchestra, watched all three performances. “ I thought it was incredible! The story is a half, but the actors imbued life into it and turned it into an enjoyable experience,” McClave said. production, as it is her last before retirement. “Part of what I love about this play is best in the human spirit. It’s a play about the importance of community, so this feels like my little Valentine to the Academy before I leave, because at its best it’s a really extraordinary community,” Ream said. “What I would love it to be is just maybe holding a little bit of a mirror up to look at what is best in all of us.”

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Students Receive COVID-19 Vaccinations on Campus

05/06/21

By HANNAH PARK, SAFIRA SCHIOWITZ and CATHERINE WU The Academy hosted a COVID vaccination clinic in the William Boyce Thompson Field House to provide students aged 16 and above with the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on April 28. The Academy is offering to administer the second dose of the vaccine on May 19 .

In the days following the first dosage, students who felt unwell due to side effects from the vaccine were excused from required appointments.

Students were excited to receive vaccines, while considering the privilege they have.

According to an all-parent and all-student email from Principal William Rawson sent on May 4, “more than 570 students received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.”

Assistant Principal Karen Lassey, Medical Director Katharina Lilly and the Academy’s health center staff worked with the Regional Public Health Network (PHN) to provide students with vaccinations.

Lilly expressed gratitude for the team who drove the vaccination effort. “Our health center staff worked tirelessly to collect all necessary consents from parents, our providers held a webinar before the vaccine, provided patient education to parents and students before the clinic, and our nurses did a fabulous job of helping students who experienced any side effects after vaccination,” Lilly said.

According to Lilly, “we will continue to follow CDC and state guidance on our protocols.

The more of us that get vaccinated, the closer we can get to more normalcy at Exeter.”

Lilly celebrated that the vaccination process went smoothly and efficiently, with no unexpected incidents following the vaccinations.

“We have been anticipating this for quite a while and were very excited to move quickly to make it happen. Many people on campus worked very hard and efficiently so that we could vaccinate over 560 students in one day,” Lilly said. “We are also happy to report that

no one experienced any significant adverse reactions from the vaccine!”

Many students reported that the vaccination felt quick and painless.

Upper Caitlin Burke appreciated the patience of the vaccine administrators. “The actual vaccine was completely fine—I usually dislike needles, but the man giving me the vaccine was very efficient and friendly,” Burke said.

Lower Rodrigo Spinola e Castro shared similar thoughts. “The person who gave it to me was really nice and he was really good at it. I barely felt it at all,” Spinola e Castro said. “My arm is still a little bit sore, but I could forget about it really easily so I feel just fine.”

Lower Lexi Pelzer’s only reaction to the vaccine was soreness in the arm. “That was really my only symptom. Now I feel completely fine!”

Pelzer said.

However, other students experienced stronger side effects from the vaccine. “I felt weaker physically. No fever symptoms, really just feeling physically weak,” upper Summer Faliero said.

Lower Warren Lawrence felt similarly.

“When I first got the vaccine I felt super tired for the rest of the day so I slept a lot. I had to miss a few track practices because of it,” Lawrence said.

The Academy worked to accommodate students who were experiencing strong side effects from the vaccine. Many students were allowed to take required meetings off to rest and recover, and some attended class synchronously via Zoom if they felt well enough to participate.

Upper Krisha Deora said, “I wasn’t able to go to most classes on Thursday, and the ones I did go to I took online. I was tired and I had a few tests on Friday, but overall I was able to sufficiently study for them.”

Upper Fawaz Omidiya worried that he would miss out on learning crucial information if he took time off from classes. “The day after getting vaccinated, I felt extremely tired and wished I could’ve taken more time off. However, many of my classes were covering information that I felt I couldn’t afford

to miss out on the class, which I think was due to some poor planning of class work based around the vaccination,” Omidiya said. “I did have some teachers give options of asynchronous or remote classes, which I found to be extremely helpful.”

Many students hoped that vaccinations would allow for looser COVID prevention measures once off campus. “I’m hoping that especially during the summer when I’m back home, I’ll be able to interact with other people who are vaccinated more normally.

I’ve missed hugging my grandparents for example and being able to see friends closer than ten feet away with a mask on,” Pelzer said. “Apart

ing and transmitting COVID,” Ye said. “At least my personal hope is that the Academy agrees to open up a little more in terms of out-of-town or in-town visits and possibly even opening up a radius a little bit.”

Omidiya noted that receiving the vaccine meant feeling safer and more comfortable around other people. “Knowing that so many people are getting vaccinated has made me feel safer.

Even though the vaccine doesn’t have a 100% efficacy rate, it does lift a little of the concern of my shoulders,” Omidiya said.

Although students were excited to receive the vaccine, many students considered the

the vaccine, especially while on a campus with COVID restrictions.

“Personally, initially, I felt guilty especially given the fact that we’re in a bubble, but I decided that if I have access to the vaccine I should be getting it because it would ultimately help slow the spread of COVID,” Deora said.

Narapareddy shared similar thoughts, but pointed at the importance in receiving vaccines to achieve herd immunity. “I know there’s people who probably need it more than we do, but at the same time if we don’t take it I know for a fact that they won’t get it either, it’s just going to go to someone else who’s privileged like we are,” Narapareddy said.

“At this point in time, it’s important that if you have access to the vaccine, you should get it, because it’s herd immunity.”

Senior Emilio Abelmann acknowledged the struggles that other countries are facing with COVID. “Selfishly, I’m really happy that Exeter brought the vaccine to campus. However, in relation to the larger world where, for example, India is going through a crisis, seeing them have troubles with COVID is just another reminder of the immense privileges that we have as students at Exeter,” Abelmann said.

Abelmann continued, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on this privilege. “We are, in one way another, amongst the top 1% of educated people, we have an impressive endowment, and it’s an incredible privilege to

from seeing close friends and family, I’ll still feel cautious when going to concerts and other public spaces, and I might wait for more research to come out on how likely I might be to pass the virus on to others, because that’s what I’m most concerned about.”

Senior Yulian Ye felt that the vaccine provided him with a greater sense of assurance. “I think to a degree, I would feel less cautious. Not so much in a reckless way, but more like relaxed and comfortable to hang out with my friends knowing that we have a dramatically decreased risk of catch-

ethics of the Academy’s mass administration of vaccines to students.

Kennedy agreed with the Academy’s decision to administer the vaccines. “I don’t feel bad about it. I’ve read a lot about the ethics of this, and not taking a shot that’s offered to you doesn’t mean it will go to someone more deserving. Vaccines are starting to be in excess in some places in the U.S., so I feel strongly that this is not wrong. Especially because all faculty and staff got theirs before students,” Kennedy said.

Deora initially felt guilty about receiving

receive the vaccines. But with this privilege needs to come a great amount of reflection and understanding that we should be grateful for the opportunities that we are offered,” Abelmann said.

Faliero acknowledged that many schools are not offering opportunities for vaccination, and admired the Academy’s decision to make this round of vaccinations non-mandatory.

“I’m from South Carolina. A lot of schools don’t have the same opportunities,” she said. “I’m really glad we can get the opportunity to get the vaccination here, especially because

it’s optional, it’s not being forced on anyone.”

Many students were also grateful for the Academy’s free distribution of vaccines to students and faculty.

Pelzer appreciated the Academy’s decision to hold a clinic, considering the varied accessibility of vaccines elsewhere.

“I’m happy I was able to get the vaccine because I’m a student from Washington state and it’s very unlikely a parent could’ve taken me to get the vaccine before the school year ended. I feel a lot safer knowing that when I’m traveling for example, it will be unlikely for me to contract or pass on the virus,” Pelzer said. “Also, for some international students, being vaccinated means being quarantined for seven less days, so a lot of them can see their families sooner.”

Post-graduate Claire Wiest agreed and mentioned that vaccines may not be available in other countries. “I think it’s really good, especially for international students like me who may not be able to get the vaccine in their home countries for a while,” Wiest said.

Spinola e Castro was grateful for the vaccines provided by the Academy, recalling the difficulties he would face at home in Brazil. “My father and mother still haven’t been vaccinated, so [these vaccinations] would never have been able to happen in Brazil.

I’m really grateful that I managed to get it here and I feel it’s really nice that they’re giving it off to everyone without paying,” he said.

Ye thanked the Acad-

emy for making the vaccines more accessible and timely compared to alternate options. “For a lot of students, they’re far from home and the vaccine wouldn’t otherwise be readily available to them, and especially not available in a timely manner. I think bringing vaccinations to campus was a great decision,” Ye said. “Even for a New Hampshire resident like me, who can’t easily get off campus, it helped a lot with just the peace of mind and I’m being a little more relaxed about the whole COVID situation.”

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Four Years in Review

Content Warning: The following article involves references to sexual assault and misconduct. The Academy lists a number of resources on https://www. e x e t e r. e d u / a b o u t - u s / our-commitment-safety. If helpful, please seek confidential help at the National Sexual Assault Hotline at +1 (800) 656-4673, HAVEN 24/7 hotline at +1 (603) 994-SAFE (7233), or Counseling and Psychological Services through the Lamont Health and Wellness Center: +1 (603) 777-3420.

2017-2018 The Goel Center for Theater and Dance and Thompson Field House Constructed Throughout 2017, Exeter’s Facilities Management team constructed the new David and Stacy Goel Center for Theater and Dance, continued work on the Thompson Field House and renovated the entrance to Love Gym. The new Field House and 169-car parking garage underneath were completed during the winter of 2017, and the Goel Center opened in fall of 2018 for the new school year The Goel Center measures 63,000 square feet, and replaced Fisher Theatre as the Academy’s premiere space for the performing arts. The Field House replaced the Thompson Cage and measures 67,000 square feet to accomodate a 200-meter track, four tennis courts, a wrestling room and two batting cages.

The facilities team also updated lighting in the Lamont Gallery and planned for renovations to the south campus, focusing on student safety in their designs.

Director of Student Well-Being Christina Palmer Appointed Christina Palmer replaced Tina Sciochetti and Jane Stapleton as Exeter’s Director of Student Well-Being, a position created in the 2016-17 school year following a series of sexual misconduct revelations in the Exeter community.

The Academy redefined her role as one “to support and sustain a culture of care and concern for the student well-being in the community.”

Palmer hoped to implement prevention programming that focuses on the ideas of healthy relationships and clear communication. She also planned to assess and manage policies and procedures for reporting and become the main point of contact for students, faculty or staff reporting a complaint involving sexual misconduct.

The Exeter Social Norms Campaign collaborated with UNH’s Prevention Innovations Research Center to develop a series of posters posted across campus depicting the statistics from the Exeter PIRC survey. The 2017 study reported that 24 percent of Exonians who had participated in oral sex and 18 percent of those participating in vaginal sex within 30 days before taking the survey did not ask for verbal consent before doing so. The results of the PIRC survey would later inform drafts of the Affirmative Consent Policy.

All-Gender Housing Piloted and Continued The Academy’s first all-gender housing programs were launched in Williams and Kirtland Houses. A faculty task force had worked towards making this housing option available to support students’ gender identity.

Both houses adjusted to using gender-inclusive language and instituted a Visitations policy in which students of all gender identities and expressions were allowed to visit as long as room doors remained open.

Dorm Heads Courtney Marshall and Christina Breen also developed a curriculum focusing on gender identity for the dormitories.

The faculty task force opted for a second pilot year for the all-gender dorms to gauge resident responses before they considered implementing new initiatives.

Academy Formalizes Memorandum of Understanding with Exeter Police Department Prompted by highly publicized sexual assault allegations against Exeter students, alumni and staff, the Academy formalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Exeter Police Department (EPD) and

sexual assault advocacy organization HAVEN in September. The MOU stipulates that any and all suspected acts of sexual assault, regardless of legal classification or timing, must be reported to New Hampshire’s Division for Children, Youth and Families and/or the EPD. The MOU also requires that PEA not undertake any investigation on reported incidents until cleared by a representative of the EPD. The MOU also established additional support systems for victims of sexual assault. HAVEN agreed to make 24-hour crisis hotline services available to PEA students and employees, provide confidential crisis information, counseling, information and referral and accompaniment to medical and legal services as requested by students and employees. The Academy also agreed to increase the accessibility of HAVEN resources for both students and staff through training sessions.

Conway Unredacted ham Files

Releases Rocking-

In December, Rockingham County Attorney Patricia Conway released over 900 pages of investigative documents, detailing allegations of misconduct at the Academy dating back to the 1950s. Conway released the documents to various media organizations under New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know statute (91-A), and reports revealed identifying information about victims, whistleblowers and accused perpetrators whose confidentiality the school and EPD had worked together to protect.

After the release of the documents, Exeter’s legal representatives contacted Conway, arguing that careful redaction could protect the privacy of reporters, witnesses, victims and subjects, while still providing insight into the workings of government and satisfying the public’s right to know. They proposed specific suggestions to the County Attorney’s Office and Conway informed the Academy of her commitment to honor the redactions they requested.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 2018 Under

the

theme

“Walls, Borders and Boundaries,” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations at Exeter marked the arrival of Black transgender activist and keynote speaker Lourdes Ashley Hunter, co-founder of the Trans Women of Color Collective. Her MLK Day address, concerning the experiences of transgender women of color, publicly named a faculty member who posted statements on their classroom door that challenged claims about police brutality presented at the MLK Day Preview Assembly.

At a workshop that day, Hunter received backlash from some members of the community after admonishing a student for asking a question concerning “white supremacy’s relation to other forms of structural oppression,” The Exonian reported. Hunter declined to answer the question along with other remarks students made concerning her conduct.

Afterward, several Exeter students left comments on Hunter’s social media, prompting her to privatize her Instagram account. “I have received many hate filled, transphobic and racist remarks and comments from PEA students,” Hunter told The Exonian at the time.

“Some are trolling me on social media using very disparaging and hurtful language. My pictures have been stolen, and they are making fake accounts with them.”

Principal Lisa MacFarlane Resigns, William Rawson ’71 Assumes Role of Interim Principal After a three-year term, Principal Lisa MacFarlane announced her intention to depart the Academy, returning to her previous teaching position at the University of New Hampshire. “Nationally and globally, we are living in a time when people are struggling with how to live in a pluralistic society, with real equity and inclusion,” MacFarlane told The Exonian. “We at Exeter are having long-overdue conversations about that.

We have put a lot of pieces in place.”

In preparation for MacFarlane’s departure, the Board of Trustees announced a search for an interim principal to serve through the next school year, intending to intro-

duce a new principal in the permanent position the year after. The Trustees hoped the interim principal would play a key role in the transition and address current problems including racism and equity. Faculty were involved in the decision process via online surveys. Student Council members were also able to contribute with student-input.

From among three candidates, Director of Student Well-Being Christina Palmer, Head of the Doane Stuart School Pamela Clarke and former Academy trustee and alumnus William Rawson ’71, the Trustees chose Rawson to take on the interim principal position.

Affirmative Consent Policy Established In May, Palmer and General Counsel Holly Barcroft drafted an addendum to the E-Book to emphasize affirmative consent. The draft was a development since Palmer’s first E-book revisions presented to the Dean’s Council in February.

The new policy defined affirmative consent as “a knowing, voluntary and mutual decision among all participants to participate in sexual activity” and was set as the standard for all sexual activity at Exeter.

Any disciplinary action that may ensue would go through the Principal’s Discretion process; in cases of sexual misconduct, the Principal, in consultation with thenDean of Students Melissa Mischke and Palmer, would have the discretion to determine the situation or appoint an investigator to do so.

Palmer and Barcroft presented the new definition during a faculty meeting, and faculty supported the addendum with a near-unanimous vote. Barcroft also expressed that extensive training on affirmative consent for faculty, staff and students would be planned for the upcoming year.

Inaugural Director of Equity and Inclusion Stephanie Bramlett Appointed The Academy first identified a Director of Equity and Inclusion position as a necessary addition to the Principal’s

Staff in 2012, and created a search committee and job description in 2016.

The search initially faced struggles, as the committee expressed feeling that candidates did not match the Academy’s needs.

Between the two final candidates, Stephanie Bramlett of the St. Luke’s School in New York and Rasheda Carroll of the Wildwood School in Los Angeles, both of whom had served as Director of Equity and Inclusion or an equivalent position at their respective institutions, the committee chose to appoint Bramlett. MacFarlane said that Bramlett would build, guide and assess policies and practices that encourage values fulfilling the Trustee Vision Statement for diversity, equity and inclusion across campus.

Afro-Latinx Exonian Society (ALES) Celebrates 50 Years Black and Latinx alumni returned to campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Afro-Latinx Exonian Society (ALES). Thee Smith ’69, Claudia Cruz ’96, Lauren Wilson ’17 and Kelvin Green II ’18, along with then-seniors Charlotte Polk ‘18 and Athena Stenor ‘18, spoke at a school-wide assembly. Black and Latinx students recounted instances of racism and reflected on ALES protests and new administrative policies in the past decades.

2018-2019 Academy Center Renamed The beginning of the 2018-19 school year kicked off with the annual Opening Assembly, where Rawson announced that the Phelps Academy Center had been renamed to the Elizabeth Phillips Academy Center (EPAC). Prior to this renaming, no other major building on campus had been named after a woman.

The renaming aimed to honor the Academy’s underrecognized co-founder, Elizabeth Phillips, and was originally proposed by lead donors of the Academy Center. A committee was then created by Dean of Faculty Ellen Wolff to consider the name change and included members from different departments: Biology In-

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structor Richard Aaronian, Mathematics Instructor Stephanie Girard, History Instructor Jack Herney, Assistant Principal Karen Lassey and then Head of Archives and Special Collections Peter Nelson.

Many students and faculty members alike expressed that they favored the renaming.

Dorm-Leave Time Delayed by an Hour In October, faculty voted in favor of the deans’ proposal to change the earliest time students were allowed to leave the dorm from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Many dorm heads and deans stated that the change came as a way to enforce a better sense of student safety and as a way to prevent illegal visitations at 5 a.m. It was also stated that with the implemented change, leaving the dorms before 6 a.m. could result in disciplinary action.

The proposed time change was met with a mix of reactions. Some stated support because they believed the move would prevent illegal visitations, while others voiced concerns with how the change would affect sport teams with early practices and general student freedom.

Biweekly nity Time Formed

CommuMeetings

As a new initiative of the 2018-19 school year, the Academy piloted a program named Community Time. A biweekly initiative, Community Time aimed to gather the community to discuss issues in small groups during a designated 50-minute block.

It was stated that the goal of Community Time was to prompt students to think about how they could improve life at the Academy. These events ranged from skits featuring faculty members demonstrating standards of community etiquette to discussions of the school’s consent policy Some students saw Community Time as a positive step towards facilitating community-wide discussion, while others felt that the well-intentioned discussions were not effective.

Phillips

Exeter

Alumni for Truth and Healing (PATH) Publishes Petition for Increased Accountability On September 20, the Phillips Exeter Alumni for Truth and Healing (PATH) published a petition calling for the Academy to reconduct its investigations on sexual assault. This petition came in response to documents released to the Exeter community on August 24 from Rawson via email. The petition, which collected 294 signatures, claimed that the Academy’s most recent investigations were not truly independent because cases were reported to the law firm Holland & Knight after they had been reviewed by the Academy and the Academy’s legal counsel (Nixon Peabody).

Rawson responded to the petition and expressed hesitation to repeat the investigations.

He later sent an email to faculty, and said that the letter from PATH reflected a fundamental lack of trust in the Academy.

Rawson also stated that some of the blame was on the Academy for having lost the trust of PATH, continuing on to mention how PATH’s petition reflected misgivings about the recent investigations and the administration’s response to the results.

The petition requested that all relevant allegations and evidence concerning abuse perpetrated by PEA adults against students and peer-to-peer abuse allegations be turned over to an investigator both PATH and Exeter agreed on as a way to encourage full transparency and accountability.

PATH hoped to continue collaborating with the Academy’s administration and the Trustees to thoroughly investigate and confront the Academy’s history of sexual conduct.

Former Admissions Officer Hal Lynch III Sues Exeter for Alleged Wrongful Termination Hal Lynch III, a former employee of Phillips Exeter Academy, sued the school on counts of sexual orientation discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination in September of 2018.

The lawsuit was filed against the Academy in Rockingham County Su-

perior Court, one month after the Academy released summaries of investigations into instances of sexual misconduct.

Lynch, a former associate director of Admissions, Director of Fisher Theater and openly gay member of the administrative faculty, was put on paid administrative leave in November 2016.

In March of 2017, his employment was terminated.

Lynch’s complaint in the case stated that his termination was a result of investigations by the Academy into a 2016 report made to PEA by a student, which claimed that Lane Bateman, former Drama Director and former romantic partner of Lynch, had a sexual relationship with the student. The student alleged in the New Hampshire State Police Continuation of Investigation Report, that Lynch knew of the student and Bateman’s relationship, but failed to act. Lynch claimed in his suit that he had no knowledge of Bateman’s criminal activities, including involvement with the student, prior to Bateman’s arrest in 1992.

This claim was maintained until Bateman’s criminal prosecution, when the student provided information on their relationship.

Exeter’s General Counsel Barcoft said that Lynch’s lawsuit was without merit, and that the basis for termination was Lynch’s failure to report information about Bateman’s relationship with the student to the police or the Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Additional claims also resurfaced in the wake of Exeter’s 2016 investigation into faculty-on-student misconduct, which confirmed that Bateman had sexual interactions with a former student at the school. The victim allegedly had a sexual relationship with Bateman that Lynch and a retired dean knew of.

Lynch’s lawyer claimed in Lynch’s suit that the retired dean and another faculty member who knew of the relationship were neither investigated nor disciplined by PEA. These string of investigations by the Academy also ended up revealing claims of then-Reverend Robert Thompson’s alleged inaction in response to sexual misconduct.

Escaped Inmate Arrested on the South Side Quad On October 9, 2018 at exactly 2:01 p.m, Exeter Police caught escaped inmate 34-year-old Julio Nieves on the South Side Quad in front of Cilley Hall. The arrested inmate was originally jailed in September 2016 on a judge’s order for burglary, criminal mischief and theft. Nieves ran from the Rockingham County House of Corrections to the Academy, where he was then caught. Nieves was later transported back to the facility after his arrest.

This event raised concerns about Exeter’s security. Although campus was on lockdown throughout the chase, Campus Safety did not send out a message until after the lockdown was over, prompting many to think that the lockdown was due to a faulty alert system. Director of Campus Safety Services and Risk Management Paul Gravel later claimed that the alert system did work correctly, but that it was only necessary to lock down the school for the three minutes that the chase occurred. Campus Safety promised to improve communications with EPD in case similar incidents occur in the future.

Phishing Emails Attack Exeter Community During the early weeks of the school year, the Exeter community fell victim to many phishing scams, a scam that tricks recipients into clicking on a seemingly trustworthy link and entering their username and password in order for hackers to steal their credentials and obtain access to their account.

Clicking a link from a phishing email installed malware that looked for security weaknesses in hopes of gathering sensitive information.

From then on, hackers possessed the ability to exploit the compromised email addresses to send additional phishing emails, increasing the number of hacked accounts.

Many students and faculty were sent phishing emails and experienced difficulties in accessing important websites and resources.

As a response to the mass phishing problem on campus, Cybersecurity Club and IT mentioned plans to fend off the attacks by training the community. The IT Department especially initiated many programs with its cybersecurity partner KnowBe4. They included mandatory training to the faculty to increase awareness of such occurrences and a collaboration with then Dean of Students Mischke to develop a program for students to protect themselves from phishing attacks.

Mass Vigil Held for the Shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh On October 27, 2018, the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was attacked by a neo-Nazi in an anti-Semitic act of terrorism; 11 people lost their lives. To honor those 11 individuals, Reverend Heidi Carrington Heath and Rabbi Jennifer Marx-Asch held a vigil with both the Academy and the Exeter community.

Before the vigil was held, members of the Academy and the greater Exeter community gathered in front of Town Hall on October 27 for minutes of reflection and prayer. At the vigil, then-Exeter Select Council member Molly Cowan spoke to the trauma of the shooting and encouraged mourners to vote for candidates that have pledged to advocate for stricter gun laws.

Some residents present at the vigil claimed that Cowan’s comments on gun control and voting seemed to prompt an unnecessary discussion of politics. Others were grateful of Cowan’s comments, stating that they raised awareness where needed.

Grand Opening of the Goel Center With construction beginning the previous year, the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Theater and Dance officially announced its grand opening with a Dedication Ceremony on October 27, 2018. The event commemorated the replacement of the Fisher Theater and Davis Dance Studio.

The new building carried a 63,130 square-foot

facility accommodated with a proscenium mainstage with 350 seats, a thrust stage theater with 149 seats, two dance venues, a rehearsal and meeting space, technical studios, a costume shop, classrooms and lounge areas.

The ceremony took place behind the Center where many donors, trustees, parents and other members of the Exeter community were present. The ceremony also included performances from many artistic groups both on and off campus: Kwabs Dance Company, Oukast, Imani and the Concert Choir.

The evening later ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from the building’s primary donors David E. Goel and Stacey L. Goel, whom the Center is also named after. The opening of such a building signaled an exciting new start for the theatre and dance programs of Exeter.

Reverend Thompson Retires After Paid Leave On October 29, then-Interim Principal William Rawson shared a statement via email with Exeter alumni, faculty and staff. There, it was announced that Reverend Robert Thompson would officially retire. This announcement came to be the first official update on Thompson after he was placed on administrative leave in the summer of 2016.

In his email, Rawson acknowledged the sensitivity of circumstances of all involved and wrote that he met with Thompson in July. It further went on to state that the Academy and Thompson mutually decided to part ways and that Rawson recognized the Academy’s difficulties in fairly negotiating with Thimpson.

Thompson and his wife, Nadine Thompson, shared their accounts and opinions of what had happened with The Exonian in later months.

Thompson shared his disappointment with the Academy’s actions in ostracizing him from his community.

Health Center Enforces New Fatigue Policy On November 5, 2018, Medical Director

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Katherine Lilly issued a newly-written Fatigue Policy which restricted student fatigues to one format at a time, and encouraged nurses to flag students after their third fatigue per term. If students were flagged, they were required to fill out an intake form before resting to develop a plan with the nurses to prevent future fatigues.

This new fatigue policy marked the first official recording of a written fatigue policy in the student E-Book and Health Center documents. The new policy also aimed to offer methods, such as educational handouts, for Exonians on how to handle stress.

Exeter Pilots Delinking Policy

New

Delinking, a process in which students request to not take a course with a teacher for another term, experienced a new policy change in the fall term of the 2018-19 school year. In an email sent to the entire student body, then-Dean of Academic Affairs Brooks Moriarty stated that the intent of the new protocol was not to allow students to choose teachers. It was also said that requests to not be scheduled into a specific teacher’s class again would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The new policy set a strict timeline protocol for de-linking requests.

The policy encouraged that delinking requests must be made during the term in which students are enrolled in the teacher’s class and no later than the first day of the “end of term” week. Students were then expected to make a written request and have a follow-up conversation with the department chair or the Dean of Academic Affairs before the end of the term.

The new delinking policy was met with positive reactions from both faculty and students, and is still in place today.

Administration Drafts New Bathroom Policy Aimed to Promote Gender Inclusion On December 18, faculty members presented a new draft of a policy that would aim to make all spaces more accessible to all individuals. The policy essentially granted all

individuals, regardless of gender, the right to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that they felt most comfortable in. The draft also outlined a revised signage that was to be posted on bathrooms and locker rooms indicating that it was a gender-inclusive space.

The Board of Trustees of the Academy hoped that the new bathroom policy would foster diversity and cultivate an environment of inclusion.

This project was originally drafted by the Gender Inclusion Steering Committee and worked together with a Project Team. The drafted policy was then reviewed by many student leaders on campus, and brought to the Student Council as a whole in their December 18 meeting. The Academy did not have any policies addressing inclusivity in locker rooms and bathroom spaces prior to the implementation.

The revised signs of the bathroom and locker policy still hang outside many of the bathroom facilities in the Academy.

Grill Closed Due to Rise in Thefts On December 17, Grill was closed indefinitely due to a continued increase in theft. The decision to close the store was made by the administration, and not the Grill staff. Grill stayed closed until the week of January 14, 2019. During that time many of the Grill workers were moved to Elm Dining Hall, affecting worker pay.

Pass/Fail passed as a permanent policy The week before winter break of the 201819 school year, the prep pass/fail policy was approved as a permanent addition to Exeter’s curriculum. The prep pass/fail was previously only considered a pilot program, with the first three-year trial in February 2013 and the second one in December 2015.

This policy was originally proposed by the Curriculum Committee and aimed to help preps adjust to Exeter’s rigorous academics and give them leeway to make important social connections. Many were in support of the permanent implementation.

Evening Prayer (EP) Time Changed Evening Prayer (EP) which had been known for its Tuesday nights of music and relaxation was changed to Sunday evenings under then-Interim Principal Rawson. In response to this time change, students organized an alternative event, Evening Performance, on the last Tuesday night before the time change.

Rawson shared that the reason for the original time change was to allow students to attend EP at a time where their study hours may not be affected. However, many students said that having EP on Tuesday nights was necessary for a much-needed break throughout the week; in addition, students said that it was not reasonable to attempt to schedule standardized times when students studied considering the variance in student study patterns.

The Student Council proposed alternative days from Tuesday and Sunday EPs and considered moving EP to Friday. EP was ultimately moved to Friday at 9:30 p.m.

Rawson Elected to Permanent Post as Principal At an Assembly address on Friday, January 25 2019, President of the Trustees, John “Tony” Downer announced that the Board of Trustees had appointed Rawson as the 16th Academy Principal.

The Trustees had originally launched a nationwide search for a principal before deciding on appointing Rawson. During the process, the Trustees consulted with department heads, staff members and dorm heads, along with the Deans’ Council and contacted alumni through the General Alumni Association (GAA).

Students Host Exeter’s First STEM Day Exeter’s inaugural Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Day was held in the Agora on January 26 2019. Student organizers filled the day with presentations from university professors, student presentations and fun challenges created by Exeter’s STEM clubs.

The organizers of the event shared that their main goal to organize STEM Day was to create an opportunity for students to appreciate and learn more about the STEM field. Many students appreciated the hosting of such an event but mentioned improvements to consider for next year.

Norovirus Spreads Around Campus Norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease, was responsible for sending more than four dozen Exonians to the Lamont Health and Wellness Center during the month of February 2019. The sudden outbreak resulted in the school temporarily disabling fatigues and the canceling of Evening Prayer on February 8.

The Health Center collaborated with Facilities Management and Dining Services to improve sanitation and minimize the number of cases contracted. Some students and faculty members even initiated their own measures to prevent the virus from spreading. This included compartmentalizing dorm bathrooms, encouraging hygiene practices such as opening doors with elbows or forearms and bleaching all infected areas.

Academy Introduces New Course Requirements The end of the 201819 school year signaled the introduction of new course requirement policies that are still in place today. This included an expanded health curriculum where all students must take at least one health class a year and a reordering of the structure of senior-elective based English classes.

The future schedule with these modifications included a system where the original elective-based system was replaced with a standard course in the fall term— where Meditation took place—and electives in the winter and spring terms.

The Academy Enacts New Gender Dorm Policy Officially enacted in the 2019-20 school year, an email sent out by Dean of Residential Life Carol

Cahalane on April 23, 2019 announced that all students would be able to reside in a dorm that corresponded to their gender identity.

The new policy was met with open arms by community members and many believed it to be the beginning of a multitude of changes to making campus, especially residential accommodations, a more inclusive space.

Students Protest Academy’s Mishandling of Sexual Assault in front of Jeremiah Smith Hall On May 9, 2019, a crowd of more than 200 students gathered around Principal Rawson to voice concerns, share personal experiences and pose questions in an effort to confront Exeter’s history of mishandling sexual assault. The sit-in was originally planned to take place in the Principal’s Office before the number of students in attendance quickly exceeded the available space. They then relocated to the Jeremiah Smith Hall quad, where they commenced a Q&A with Rawson for almost three hours.

The gathering of students was aimed at the Academy’s handling of sexual assault in both the past and the present.

In the days following the event, the Academy announced that they hoped to produce an official document describing the Academy’s process of responding to accusations of on-campus sexual by the end of the 201819 school year.

2019-2020 Writing Closed

Center

Due to staffing difficulties, the Writing Center pilot program announced its closure in the 2019-20 school year.

Beginning in 2016, the Writing Center had provided students access to writing support through scheduled workshop sessions and individual student-teacher conferences. Though it had a demonstrated value as a student resource in large demand, the staffing shortage mandated its closure.

Visitations Policy Inaugurated and Intra-Dorm Relationship

Ban Instituted After a term-long pilot in Wheelwright and Merrill Halls, the Academy launched a new Visitations policy, designed for gender-neutral visitations and intended to be more inclusive to all members of the Exeter community. This policy required all non-affiliated students, regardless of gender, to obtain permission from faculty in order to enter a dorm room.

The Academy also instituted a ban on all intra-dorm relationships.

An anonymous letter published in The Exonian condemned the decision, describing its harmful and restrictive effects on LGBTQ+ students.

Students Protest Marginalization of Latinx Students The day after a Halloween costume contest where three Grill workers dressed up as the “wall” former President Donald Trump sought to build at the U.S.-Mexican border, the words “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” written across the costume, the La Alianza Latina (LAL) protested the marginalization of Latinx students on campus. LAL argued that Exeter had yet to fulfill its goal of becoming an equitable environment.

Student protesters linking arms in front of Grill after Assembly on Friday, November 1, calling attention to “the lack of concern for the Latinx community on the Academy’s campus,” according to a distributed statement. Passersby decided whether to leave the vicinity, engage with protesters, watch from afar, enter Grill through the back entrance or, in some cases, break through the line of protest.

The protest was organized in the aftermath of the annual Halloween costume contest in Grainger Auditorium, hosted by the Student Council (StuCo) Recreation (Rec) Committee during Department Meeting on the previous day.

At the end of the contest, three Grill staff members walked on stage, wearing a costume of a wall with the slogan “Make America Great Again” written across the brick pattern.

Several students in the hall shared pictures or videos of the wall costume on social media accounts.

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Later on Thursday, a cardboard poster was posted outside Grill with an apology acknowledging hurt caused by the costume.

In a joint statement to The Exonian, La Alianza Latina (LAL)—Exeter’s Latinx affinity group— and the Afro-Latinx Exonian Society (ALES) explained the impact of the costume on their community. “On Thursday, an anti-immigrant, anti-Mexican, and anti-Latinx symbol was placed on a public platform. The clear oversight on the day of the costume contest hurt many students and reinforced the alienation Latinx and other students of color feel on campus.”

Student Council Election Ends in Tie With 360 votes cast for each candidate, Student Council’s presidential election resulted in an even split. Responding to this situation, the 2019-20 Executive Board and Election Committee Chairs, in consultation with the Student Council advisers, offered candidates Charlotte Lisa ’21 and Senai Robinson ’21 a co-presidency. Both accepted, forming a 201920 Executive Board of Co-Presidents Lisa and Robinson, Vice President Seth Amofa ’21 and Co-Secretaries Phillip Horrigan ’21 and Siona Jain ’22. 2019-20 Pandemic Keeps Exonians at Home, Remote Learning Launched

spring term, the Academy cancelled its annual Revisit Day and pulled students from travel programs in China and Italy, which were early hotspots of the pandemic.

Independent Exeter Student Relief Fund (IESRF) Opens, Community Responds to Economic Fallout In response to financial strains caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Academy announced a pay freeze for all faculty and staff. The decision was made to prevent any layoffs; administration additionally assured all staff that pay would continue for all regularly-worked hours through May 30.

In addition, Ben Cai ’20 and Gannon McCorkle ’20 created a community fund for Exonians, which was called the Independent Exeter Relief Fund, with a fundraising goal of $10,000.

They conducted an anonymous survey of students and alumni to advocate for this fund. Students responded and gauged common issues, such as lack of proper housing and food, a need to work during school hours and financial insecurity. By May 27, the fund raised over $8,000.

Academy Responds to Resurgence of Black Lives Matter Movement

After an initial delay to the spring term due to heightened concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Principal Rawson announced in a YouTube video that spring term would occur through remote learning, with a new schedule and a pass/fail grading system.

Rawson’s decision came in response to the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic to both faculty and students if the school reopened in-person. The Academy changed policies with the goal of decreasing both student and parental stress. All classes offered asynchronous options to boost equity and inclusion. In addition, the Academy halted distinctions between excused and unexcused absences, and clubs except The Exonian were halted for a two-week period.

On May 25, 2020, George Perry Floyd, a 46-year old Black man, was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Floyd’s murder sparked national protests over racial injustice in the United States. The Academy received criticism for its response to Floyd’s murder and its perceived failure to create a supportive and nurturing environment for Black students.

The Instagram account Black@Exeter began, providing a public forum to share experiences of racism for Black students and alumni. Later, Principal William Rawson wrote in an all-student email on May 29, “I urge that, even from a distance, we try to hold each other more closely, that we support our students and adults of color and that we act together against racial hatred violence and injustice.”

Prior to the cancellation of an on-campus

@BlackatExeter other accounts

and

In response to the rise in anti-Black police shootings and racism, @ BlackatExeter was created on June 14, 2020 as an anonymous space for students, alumni and faculty at the Academy to share their stories of racism during their time at the Academy. Submissions were sent anonymously through emails and Direct Messages, and the account gained followers and attention quickly. Their 309 posts and 4,979 followers inspired other accounts such as @AsianatExeter and @QueeratExeter to be subsequently created and shared to support the anonymous stories of members of marginalized groups. The Academy responded to the accounts with an email from Principal Rawson and the Trustees on June 5 with a follow up on June 29 outlining the Academy’s plans for future anti-racist work, including the implementation of an anti-racism block in the schedule.

Former Mathematics Instructor Szczesny Kaminski Charged with Sexual Assault (Content Warning: sexual assault, grooming) Former Mathematics Instructor Szczesny Kaminski was arrested August 24 and charged with three charges of Class A felonous pattern aggravated sexual assault and three counts of Class A misdemeanor sexual assault against a former Academy student.

Kaminski, who was first accused of misconduct by community members in October 2015 and dismissed by the Academy in January 2020, was convicted in August 2020.

2020-2021 The Academy Acquires the Exeter Inn as a Temporary Dormitory With pandemic restrictions greatly curtailing the amount of available space for residential life, the Academy rented out local hotel Exeter Inn as a temporary boys’ dormitory for former residents of Front Street House, male-identifying postgraduates and other interested students. Front Street House was converted into a temporary girls’ dormitory.

Visitations celled

Can-

to 2020 Trump vs.

Biden Presidential Race

New Academy policies limited student interaction in private spaces; a major aspect of the new policies was the cancellation of all visitation policies to dorms, where o boarding students were allowed to enter any other dorm than the one they resided in, and day students were not allowed to enter any dorms except under the updated ground rules on March 2 stating day students may visit the common rooms of their affiliate dorms on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitations were brought back for uppers and seniors at designated times and with COVID safety measures starting from May 23.

Former Presidential Candidates Joseph Biden and Donald Trump competed in a turbulent election that remained contested for 4 days, one of the longest wait times from Election Day to results in recorded political history, prompting the Academy to cancel school the night of the election and morning classes the day after.

The Academy made provisions for all students of legal voting age to leave campus to vote in person on November 3, 2020. Phillips Church and the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) were opened as spaces for students to talk, and hot chocolate and donuts were provided for students. Drop in Zooms were offered for all remote students.

Interscholastic Competition Paused Due to limits on travel and interaction with non-Academy individuals, interscholastic sports were canceled for the fall and the remote winter terms. The spring brought limited interscholastic sports back with some schools approved to be following sufficient restrictions and guidelines for the Academy to safely interact with them.

Fall Hybrid Learning Piloted, 8 p.m.

Classes Established The Academy designed a hybrid learning system intended to accommodate students’ unique needs across time zones after the fully remote spring 2020 term.

In an all school email on June 30, Principal William Rawson announced the Academy’s plans to invite students back in stages, with Students Leaders coming first on September 7, followed by uppers, seniors and postgraduate on September 9 and finally preps and lowers on October 7. Students had the option to remain remote the entire term, and schedules were designed with asynchronous blocks to accommodate students in different time zones.

The new schedule also introduced 8 p.m. classes to accommodate all time zones. Classes were conducted over Zoom from student’s homes or dormitories for the majority of the term, with the option to open up to some in-person classes coming at the end of the term.

Academy

Response

Academy Goes Remote for First Half of Winter Term The Academy altered initial plans about winter term, turning to a remote learning approach for December and January, a midterm break from Feb 1 to 10, and the option for students to return to campus February 11 to 13. Students were given the option to remain remote for the entire winter term or the entire year. No traditional spring break was scheduled due to the break earlier in the term, with a long weekend incorporated instead. Asynchronous blocks continued to be prevalent in the new schedule, with classes meeting 2-3 times a week with an additional asynchronous deadline during the week. 8 p.m. classes continued throughout the winter term.

Community Responds to Anti-Asian Violence; Candlelight Vigil Held in response to Anti-Asian Atlanta Shootings Student organizers, in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), hosted a candlelight vigil on Mar. 22 in response to Mar. 16 anti-Asian shootings in Atlanta, in which eight people, six of whom were of Asian descent and seven of whom were women, were killed by a white gunman.

To recognize and honor these victims, the student-led vigil started with

a reflection from senior Sarah Huang and a poem by senior Lucy Cai, followed by a guzheng performance by upper Lina Huang. Eight minutes of silence to honor each of the eight victims of the shooting followed, and the estimated 400 attendees were invited to stand after the vigil and reflect at four tables on the quad, each table bearing the victims’ names.

Spring Schedule Brings Stress A fully-in person learning model for on-campus students brought the year’s second schedule change in three terms. The initial schedule was more condensed to accommodate every other Wednesday off, and included a shorter, staggered lunch period, up to three classes in a row, no long reserve format and less of the free time throughout the day that was seen in a typical pre-pandemic Academy schedule.

The schedule was criticized as the cause of long lunch lines due to shortened lunch periods and high stress going from the high amount of free time in the previous schedule designed for remote learning to the fully in-person one.

After complaints about the condensed schedule, it was shifted to include shorter classes, a longer lunch break, and less consecutive classes, the fourth schedule of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Students Receive Pfizer Vaccines Over the course of the school year, 17 on-campus COVID cases were discovered through twice weekly testing, making a 0.17% positivity rate.

On April 28, students 16 and older were able to receive the first dose of their vaccine followed by students 12-16 on May 13, after the FDA and CDC approved the vaccine for the younger age group. Students who experienced side effects for the vaccine were exempt from school if they were in contact with the Dean of Students and their advisor.

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CONGRATULATIONS CAROLINE AND THE PHILLIPS EXETER CLASS OF 2021!

WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR YOU! DO GREAT THINGS! THE LUFF FAMILY

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Congratulations, Alys!

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Senior of the Year: Hassane Fiteni

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By CLARK WU The ricocheting tunes of Chinese pop songs coming from senior Hassane Fit-

this sightseeing trip in this

H. Fiteni’s passion shone -

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me and asks me for a photo-

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“He spoke to me in Enshort time frame. We had our making this up. Hassane

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of Hassane’s strongest suits is makes them appreciate the

the kid has met and to share -

current group of friends are

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proudest of is seeing Has-

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getting interested in taking it.

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This unexpected interaction during the summer in-

these things for attention. Beor one person or one aspect

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he said. caring friend. He checks in

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ered one of his true passions

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to ensure that his friends are H. Fiteni hopes to escape the Exeter spirit of non-si-

songs or pronouncing each

proximate friendship is part -

disrupted much of H. Fiteships and research the histo-

H. Fiteni’s father’s pass-

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Senior of the Year: Hassane Fiteni Cont. models generosity – both at the table and around campus.

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older than myself, someone I could guide or someone tain members of the Webster community as my younger

agreed. “I think something about him is that he loves to give advice to other people.

He has lived through a lot at

to leave room for others to an active and vocal member of the Exeter community. I

outs of everything. He loves his peers. Hassane is gracious

really appreciate about dorm going, and he never pushes

Dean of Student Health commented on H. Fiteni’s “I think Hassane is truly curious and genuinely engaged comes into contact. He makes Exeter a more thoughtful, enSenior Felix Yeung shared his thoughts on H. Fiteni’s upbeat perspective.

“Hassane has a very jubilant personality. It’s very dynamic and outgoing. I think he has a

that is a soulfulness, a tenderness and a desire to relate to other people. I think he real-

Gunn Sukhum appreciated coming personality. “Hassane is a really cool senior that helped introduce me to sane is that he blasts music so getting to the toilet on the

gave essential tips and suggestions. It made coming to Exeter a pleasant experience.

Upper Alex Masoudi, also living in Webster, felt grateful for all of H. Fiteni’s help for the past three years.

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me up and makes me feel like I really am doing something

vice, and been a calm, smart

He loves spontaneous humor,

month at Exeter. That seems like a very random anecdote, but I think it just speaks

speak up about silent truths in the Exeter community, to encourage others to critical-

on campus from his earliest

to advocate for his brother’s

“As brothers, Hassane and I are constantly pushing each other to be more some tough love and I don’t think either of us completely

added.

Bryant appreciated H. lenge structures at the Academy.. “Hassane is by far one of the most outspoken

more than anyone else has

mid-February, during the time student body elections

any topic, and he’s used that he feels are unheard on cam-

Upper

Thomas

adviser Modern Languages he chooses his battles. He is both a leader and a rockstar,

ed. “I often feel bad asking my friends to check over my papers, but Hassane actually asks me if I have any papers for him to check. I feel bad telling him that I don’t and that I don’t need his help. He is very capable of being one of the best friends out there.

He truly brings the quality of -

“Over the years I have enjoyed so much hearing about these and Hassane’s other experiences of learning

“I’m so proud of him began to tell me about all of his policy ideas even though

on his unabashed honesty classmen look up to. “I really

that go against the grain in a a food delivery service and dissolved it because another student’s business suffered. I think it says more about my -

“He is a big hype man, and that is something nobody

scribed H. Fiteni’s honesty.

friends. He’s a lovely human

me if I, a complete stranger, dent Council because he had

impressive and refreshing.

him. There’s something poetic about opening the door in the heaviest rain and your brother standing there to give eni said.

“Hassane doesn’t care much about competing. He’s

an Exonian article calling for a complete reform of our student council. He felt

said. “As soon as he had one ing voice around the table in our advisory offering advice sure everyone felt heard and

some parts of him on this campus, including both his grief and joy. “It’s hard to make a lasting impression, but I think the key is being on this campus are really special because they’re generally regarded as kind, helpful, hope I leave a lasting impression on the people here, that my energy or my ideas could

and did not serve the larger more in 18 years and sought only to return kindness to the

Yun

Senior of the Year: Alicia Gopal lot of people think about at that there are to do. I think that ing it has made me personally really happy and really ful-

until three in the morning.

She made these calls so much

if there’s anything different

done anything differently entering Exeter, it might’ve been coming earlier, because, you experiences here and I think that if I had come earlier, that

agreed and applauded Gopal for being able to bring people together. “I think her ability to bring people together is quite impressive. I think she’s been of people and formed relationships. Like she’s been there connecting friends and mak-

Friends of Gopal have “She’s pushed me to make the And she’s become more of

By JANE PARK, JENNA SILVESTRI and ELLIE ANA SPERANTSAS On fall and spring days, the adirondack chairs on McConnell Hall’s front porch are ing laughs as they gain a bit of release from the high stresses of life. Senior Alicia Gopal often sits on those chairs, coning at passersby. Sometimes, Gopal and her friends play spike ball, their laughs echoing through the bustling quad.

Gopal entered the Acadmined to join Mock Trial and Debate. She tried out and got onto C team. The next year,

dy said.

Zhang agreed, “She truthat she’s super positive, super bubbly, and obviously just like a very fun person to be to help you, she genuinely

doing it for so long and independently training in most sports is a huge thing. That’s something I’ve been able to Gopal said.

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life by honestly keeping me grounded. Alicia is one of the most level headed people I is super sick, especially since I’m scrambling sometimes.

She just keeps me grounded and keeps me level headed around her, inspires them and brings out the best in them. I think a lot of people can attest to that. She’s helped a lot of people’s lives and brought the

out having Gopal by their side, “It’s going to be hard not having that safety net and it’s going to be hard not to be able to come to her for help or just

Trial has had on her life. “Using that adrenaline rush to motivate me is really huge, so that there’s that initiative and self motivation that I think is the other thing is just being

Mason recounted a time nament this year that they competed in. Gopal let Mason call to explain parts of debate moral support and sharing

Gopal initially got into Mock Trial through a friend in her dorm, Jasmine Liao ’20.

underclassmen in Mock Trial ing eager and ready to help.

debate stuff too. When she bate, she helped me in a lot

spend a lot of time together making friendships and helping other people get better at dividually, but also recognize

Valentina Zhang said. agreed that Gopal made an impact on her introduction to Moulton House completely journey. I remember that from

Even as an avid mocker and debater, Gopal has conshe’s up at all hours and you can really go and talk to her at someone is stressed, she can get that off of their mind really -

Beyond Mock Trial and debate, Gopal is a black belt

the one leading her and up for Friends of Gopal also complimented her outgoing and bubbly personality. “Ev-

sees me and says hi to me so

much time on campus. She’s make plans. She’s involved in so many clubs. She’s pushed me to branch out and meet more people. Especially in senior spring, making the most Small or big, Gopal has time here at Exeter. “I think that even though she hasn’t been here for a very long time, she’s had a very prominent er that’s through mock trial or through debate and all the other clubs that she does and activities that she’s involved in. I think she’s also just had a very positive touch on peohi to everyone from like preps think that’s really great. Just ner said.

Gopal’s involvement in clubs

a very fun time to be around

ences the people around her, inspires them, and brings out the best in them. And I think a lot of people can attest to that. a lot of people’s lives and he said.

steps. She received her black belt in September. “I’ve been

leader or to a leader so quick-

her strong social connections and has risen as the beacon

plained all this stuff. It had been months and no one else

Zhang said.

“I’ve noticed, in such a short time, [that] she’s gotten so comfortable and so con-

Gopal said.

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kind of encouraged me to do

say and making all the things

ting out by the front porch

very interested in Mock Trial because she had great experiand really care about me. So I ple that made Exeter such a

She has helped me become a better public speaker and I’m

kind of survive in a commu-

debate. “She taught me a lot Nationals team. In addition, Gopal is an avid debater.

Zhang also noticed this change, “She has a lot of

Exeter, Gopal believed she had made the most of it.

“One of the things that a

Vankireddy appreciated Gopal’s ability to comfort,

“I think she’s contributed a lot to like the clubs that she’s involved in, especially mock trial and debate. And I think

Gopal brings this same energy to her Mock Trial C team meetings. Zhang recounted a time on a Zoom meeting

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Senior of the Year: Oliver Hess

By ANVI BHATE Eyes brim with tears, and audience members enraptured in the play feel their heart drop as Ed’s wife betrays him, leaving him alone to deal with himself and his son. Gleaming smiles quickly transform into frowns as senior Oliver Hess portrays the immense anger and rage Mr. Boone goes through as he struggles to come to terms with himself and his divorce. It’s undeniably one of the most emotional performances of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime that everyone’s ever seen, and a large part of that is the prowess with which Hess plays the father.

“He took it, and made it his own,” Theater Instructor Robert Richards emphasized, as director of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, in which Hess played the lead. “It was such a gift to sit back and watch him. Just watch him do his thing.”

Theater certainly has become Hess’ “thing”, but he never would have gotten into Shrek the Musical, that Hess starred in as a young boy— and only because his mom promised him a phone if he auditioned for it. Little did he know that performance was about to change his life forevand I haven’t stopped since then,” Hess recounted affectionately.

Having participated in theater throughout middle school, Oliver knew that he was looking for a good theater program when applying to high school. While touring Exeter, he caught a glimpse of the Academy’s theater, and knew immediately that this was where he needed to go. After performing in A Midsummer show at the Academy, with the dancers, choir, orchestra, actors and tech crew, Hess never regretted it.

“It was like a big, giant show, which was mostly student run, which was like a very foreign concept to me,” Hess noted, while describing his experience with the show.

“It was like the big opening of the theater.”

As he got older and more experienced, Hess began to play more leading and challenging roles in some of the school’s most acclaimed plays. Along with playing Ed Boone, the father in The Curious Incident, he also played another father in another emotional play, The Secret Garden. Both characters were very gravely emotional roles: British fathers who weren’t doing that great in life and were facing internal and external hardships. Apart from being an opportunity of display-

ing his mastery of the art, these two plays were also the roots of a beautiful relationship between Hess and Richards.

“I think the characters I played in those shows were very, very emotional characRichards helped me connect to that emotional aspect,” which teachers had impacted him most at Exeter. “Because he is a very complex man, I think—I spent a lot of time like out of rehearsal, talking to him trying to understand how to get the emotions down.”

Senior Iona Kruger recalled working with Hess on the musical What Comes Next, which was performed at the Academy earlier this year.

“We worked on the musical What Comes Next together,” Kruger said. “Even though we were in different casts, it still felt like we shared a responsibility to put on a great show together, especially after working together in the Secret Garden last year.”

Senior Felix Yeung also commented on Hess’ presence on stage. “Oliver is a profoundly talented actor who I’ve worked with on several occasions,” Yeung said.

“Every production he’s in, whether it be A Midsummer Night’s Dream, What Comes Next, Our Town, or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, he brings a high degree of enthusiasm, a desire to uplift his fellow cast members, an arsenal of acting skills that he’s developed over the years, and a commitment to understanding his character, which shows a deep capacity for empathy.”

Richards had just as amazing an experience watching Hess grow. “Both plays, in a way, have that nice arc and you could tell they meant a lot to him,” he began. “He was really living the character, bringing it to life. It’s almost like you take a break from yourself.”

“His parents must be so proud of him, because if he was my son, I would start weeping,” Richards continued.“Just even just considering the idea gets me weepy because he’s, you know, he’s someone with a good and genuine heart.”

Senior Morgan Lee also noticed Hess’ natural performance ability. “I think when he performs he’s really put time into understanding a character and understanding like the characters role in the play, but also perhaps imagining what a character is like out of the play,” Lee commented.

“And he just is so good at connecting, he is an empathetic person and I think that helps him a lot with his acting and singing.”

This passionate commit-

ment to theater also led Hess to pursue his interests in music, some of which have led Hess to spend most of his free time in the music building.

Although he began with only singing musical theatre pieces for certain shows, he branched out to the classical side of vocal music. Now taking on four large musical commitments in senior spring, as a part of Concert Choir, Music 500, Gli Scalatori (GS) and acapella, there is no better space for him to spend his free blocks and lunch periods.

Hess described his journey through joining various musical groups. “I joined the choir last year, and I’ve done acapella since lower year, and I’m in GS, which is a chamber group that does Italian madrigals,” Hess said.“And then I decided last term that I was going to get out of my comfort zone and do Music 500. So now I have to prepare about half an hour of classical music and repertoire.”

“I’m very glad because I got to drop math—that I think is the best trade off, like music for math, in my opinion,” he added.

The music staff have also gotten used to his vibrant company, and he is an essential part of many of the Academy’s ensembles. “He is always helpful to younger singers,” Music Department Chair Kristopher Johnson noted, “trying to help them come along and enjoy themselves, but also to build their skills.”

“We have this wonderful, new organ that’s in Powell Hall that we use to rehearse, and he has been passionate about naming this organ Gertrude,” Mr. Johnson laughed when asked about his favorite memory of Hess. “As long as I teach here, hopefully for 20 plus more years, we’ll have this organ called Gurdy and I’ll say, ‘Oh, this student Oliver, he’s the one who came up with this great name for this organ because he was here during the pandemic when we got it.’”

Music Department Intern Jerome Walker appreciated Hess’ energy inside the Music Building. “He has a really great energy of wanting to dig in and have fun and do the work, which is great,” Walker said. “It’s a great thing to have.”

Walker also noted Hess’ commitment to leading Concert Choir. “He’s a leader in Concert Choir, not just because of his ability as a singer, but also because of that energy,” Walker added.

Lee also noted Hess’ ability to lead and inspire others around campus. “I think he’s very hardworking. It’s evident when he does something, he wants to see it through and he does it well,” Lee said. “And

the people cause it helps them to rally as well. He’s a great leader.”

Apart from music and theater, Hess is also interested in other parts of the arts and humanities. Having taken a variety of courses during his senior year, Hess has enjoyed exploring and is currently testing the waters for what major to pursue in college. His passion for the humanities is brought out during his contributions at the Harkness table, as well as the studying he does in preparation.

“He is very poised at the Harkness table, which is always admired about him,” senior Addie Luce said, explaining all the numerous things she loved about her close friend.

Senior and fellow Webster Hall resident James Keeling agreed. “As a student, he’s a fantastic student, he works really hard and gets good grades on top of that.” Keeling said.

Keeling also recalled how Hess is always studying, even in his friends’ rooms at night.

Now in senior spring, Hess has a different perspective on how he treats homework and studying. “I always have homework to do, but I don’t want to do it,” Hess remarked, discussing how he spends his nights at Webster.

“So I’ll go into someone’s room and distract them, and then, as a group we won’t do homework.” homework, Hess and his friends have many other activities that keep them busy. Not only do they spend their time trying to beat each other in FIFA and Super Smash Bros, they enjoy staying up late, having nice conversations and cracking jokes, according to Hess, trying to make the most out of their last term together.

“I think those are the memories I’m gonna remember the most about him,” Keeling smiled. “We spend up to like 4 a.m. having a good time.”

At 3 a.m. on a Saturday morning last fall, they had a new, crazy idea on how to spend their time. In a whim of a moment, they started a TikTok account and began posting funny TikToks they recorded after midnight— whether it was lip synching or dancing to a song, or doing a funny sketch over it. “And you can’t not hear laughter at any point,” Keeling said.

“Those are good memories, because those are just us being us, having a good time in its purest.”

Senior Alex Ranganathan also noted Hess’ fun nature.

“We’re in the dorm. And we’re just really bored and Oliver has incredible ideas for a TikTok,” Ranganathan recalled. “And we made a Tik-

Tok. And it was really stupid, but it was also very funny.”

According to his peers, Hess is also just a positive, lively person who always has a smile on his face. “He’s really funny in like, a weird way,” Luce chuckled, thinking of her memorable moments with him. “Just simply doing homework with him last night was so fun, he was making jokes the whole time.”

“Once, I made a big charcuterie board, and during those few break days between winter and spring break, we had a big show to reward and picnic outside which was super fun,” she recounted.

Especially as a new lower, Hess integrated impressively well into his dorm family and his close-knit group of friends and sports teams. “At the start, I didn’t adjust insanely well to bringing him into our squad,” Keeling admitted. “But I also got to know him through the volleyball team, and he integrated himself really quickly.”

Many of his friends had sions of him as a new lower, and they have remained fairly consistent throughout their time being friends with him. pression of him was that his laptop was covered in stickers—all colleges like Yale, Duke, Middlebury. And from I knew that his whole family had gone to Duke, and that he wanted to go to Duke,” Luce remembered. “I guess my a lower who’s like, already thinking about college? That’s pretty crazy.’And I guess it all worked out for him in the end anyway,” she added, emphasizing that Hess has still continued to love Duke just as much.

Since then, Hess has made multiple lifelong memofriends, and they all smiled when thinking about good times they have spent with him. Whether it was staying in an attic in Boston or just hanging out in Grill listening to music, they have enjoyed every moment with him. “It’s more of a feeling than a lot of concrete memories,” Luce commented. “Oliver is just an incredible person. And I don’t think my Exeter experience would have been as great or the same without him.”

“I think I would describe him as noble,” Richards said, when asked to describe Hess’ personality. “I could see him going, if time travel existed, to the degree that you can with period or Victorian period or Gothic period or medieval period, living in different times and having that nobility.”

“He’s got a lot of humility, and a wonderful presence,” Richards continued. “He’s a good guy with a wonderful sense of empathy and caring.

I think he’s a thoughtful dude who cares about important stories.”

Aside from being an impactful friend, student, and actor, Hess also has many small quirks that make him who he is. One of these, as many of his dormmates point out, is that his room is always welcoming and one of the most organized and well-decorated they have seen. When you enter, you are transported to a different world with a bunch of chairs, an extra dresser, a ton of IKEA stuff, stuff on the walls, tapestry shelves, posters, cool lights, and a monitor. “He’s got everything,” Keeling added. “It’s actually a very nice room full of carpet. It’s got the whole site.”

Juggling all of these different areas of expertise and enjoyment, Hess is an extremely busy person. Both his students and his teachers point out, however, that he is very organized and on top of things, and is an overall strong, courageous person. Richards specifically emphasized how much

courage it takes to even begin to do theater, and to pursue it to such a high level and be vulnerable on stage takes real strength and immense hard work from his part.

“I mean, it takes courage to bring that character to life and to live out those circumstances, authentically, honestly, truly, and all over,” Richards continued. “Yeah, boy do I love this courage. And there’s just a lot of goodness there too, and that’s such a gift to someone like me who plays the mentor role.”

Learning from Mr. Richards was a gift to Hess as well, because it helped him grow as both an actor and a person, and their relationship is visibly extremely close and valuable.

At the same time, however, the huge, school-wide plays weren’t Hess’s only involvement in theater at the Academy. Having done DRAMAT since lower fall, over the last three years, he has developed a deep and strong connection with Goel, especially with the tiny black box in its basement.

DRAMAT was called Wanda’s Visit, and as a cast, we were very under-rehearsed,” Hess recalled, discussing his experiences with the club.

“And my parents came, and it was just a disaster of a show.”

“Now, when I talk about it with the director, we all laugh about it.” Hess added.

“The DRAMAT black box is tiny, the ceiling is very low, and our lighting system is really wonky,” Hess continued, passionately describing his beloved practice space.

“There are so many so many MAT space, but it makes the experience all the better.”

Everyone who worked with the club was very disappointed that they weren’t able to use the black box this year, and although they are still able to put on outdoor shows, they all admit that it doesn’t feel nearly the same.

“In an ideal world, we’d be putting shows up in the little tiny black box,” Hess sighed.

Everyone who has met Hess at any point admires him for his passion and positivity, and all his friends, teachers, and classmates are convinced that he is going to go on to achieve great things in life.

“He’s the type of kid who will do good things in the future,” Keeling noted, expressing how excited he was to see and hear more from his friend going forward.

Although his time at Exeter has been shorter than most, it has been worthwhile and he has had a lasting impact on so many of the people he developed strong relationships with. To them, Hess is unforgettable, and someone that everyone thinks they will remain in touch with. along with me and remember the moments. Powerful moments like, even after the show, we would just share a look or have a hug, and we wouldn’t even necessarily say something, but it was seen as sort of an understanding that, you know, what a great job,” Richards shared towards the end of his interview.

“There’s certain people here that you’re friends with now, but you kind of can see yourself fading away from, but I think he’s always someone whose private story I’ll be on for a really long time,” how much fun they were going to have going to colleges close to each other. “And I just know that I’m always going to talk to him and he’s someone I’m going to keep in touch with.”

“Couldn’t be prouder of everything he has done,” Richards continued. “If he ever needs a second father, I would adopt Oliver in a heartbeat.”

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Senior of the Year: Phil Horrigan

make Exeter a more com-

By HENRY LIU “Phil [Horrigan] always loves to repeat this quote of

where he impressed me with his curiosity about every“He was not afraid to be

with and has led multiple clubs. He was a co-head

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different environment and that enabled him to get a lot out of the experience. Phil ed person and naturally inclined toward Harkness-like engagement. He has had a very positive effect in my classes because he is willing to weigh in or share his

Phil Horrigan lives in Wash-

usually contributes to the

to attend a public charter school. While Horrigan had family members who attend-

While not every idea he proposes is as radical as abolishing the Student -

actively discussing the possibility until the beginning ally probably the biggest

to each of his interactions.

kid. A lot of times with the

can say that Phil consistently makes life interesting around the dorm. It touches the soul to see that man in the common room because you know that there is a strange conversation in

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gentle voice in the crowd [of men] makes the greatest embodies this quote and inspires all those around him to act compassionately and

thought about it… my mom Horrigan described his initial reaction to the Academy. “I fell in love… I was campus on a one-on-one was kind of a legend in his grade. He was a really [smart me away because I knew that I wanted to be around wanted to do MUN [Model United Nations] and Han was a MUNer and told me about how great the MUN program was here. He also

(despite

his

left-leaning

ball tournament in which of the pro bracket. You can bee around or maybe running around in cross country practice or playing basket-

of Marketing for the Exeter Student Service Organiza-

Horrigan commented on his varied positions on campus. “It has been interesting to see what people have

term on the cross-country sion on his teammates and coaches.

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it was or our location is further than we thought when we started walking— he relentlessly positive and present in the moment… It

“It was really not until my upper year that I showed any interest for Student

As a proctor in Soule this

of got stuck in the Executive

“I do remember when my er. Her impression was that

try teammates appreciated his dedication to the sport. ther of us had ever run cross country. I was immediately struck by his breathtaking

role in solidifying the dorm things started has been a big part of my career. If you can imagine how many people were talking about the

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son why he has amassed so many very close friends at Exeter because he truly does have like so many people who uniquely depend on him to be the inspiring and positive [and] steady person

rgian can be found in his

would be a much [weak-

“He seems ambitious and

an unyielding passion for the intricacies of the Islamic

jokingly said. “Every day -

be a hard worker who rel-

around him and steps in

he said. “So every once in a

explained. “I ran trying to -

of that to be a member of Soule Hall. Every time I go around at the Harkness

er it be his diligent work ethic or his compassion for his teammates. “After working with Phil for a few

nience of some sort—the

unique to him. He does that Horrigan has been an avid member at Kirkland Society

chats easily turn into long conversations that never fail

said. “It was the best place for me to be. I think it really works because Soule has a lot of quirks to it. While it is one of the strangest dorms on campus it is also one of the tightest dorms on cam-

mentors to me. I looked up to them a lot and the kids my age were just so fun to be around. I ended up sticking around in winter track and

him just to feel his presence.

said. “He would even stay after class to talk with Mr. Friedlander about various Islamic prayer practices and the manifestation of broader Semitic linguistic phenomena in the Egyptian Arabic devotion to the study of Islam made that class so much more fun and interesting for the rest of us. From that mo-

Brandes said. “Exeter as a school would be a weaker place without Phil. His presence will really be missed. hard to say that about peohaving him around… Whersomeone who cuts through some of the most stressful

Phil was not only an intellectual but a passionate perHe devotes himself entirely Many Exonians share this sentiment about Horrig-

impact his presence will leave on campus. “While I

election compared to last me and this year it was everyone. Although abolishing

as Phil anywhere on cam-

where the tables are turn-

when he was a lower and I was a prep on boys cross

thinking about it is a good

honest he intimidated me at

least contributed a little bit to growing communities on campus. I know that Soule

said. “ He uses his voice to been and as prosperous as

he said.

and echo it back at them. It makes me feel proud to live

student body on the Student

a lot of fantastic preps this

slept much right before a

issues in Model UN. Always striving to form a communi-

“[Every] Exonian is important in the sense that they are a critical part of every

excuse if they end up running slow. Phil never made/

and has helped make this campus home for countless

all the time. Some people interested in is the system.

together a really “smart guy change.

“I have known Phil in a variety of settings—in the

Horrigan explained the importance of smaller interactions with dorm members in building a close community. “Every time [an underclassman] eats lunch with us down in the common

while often sweetening their sting with a dose of his dis-

pushes himself way outside of his comfort zone every

something you learn very early on in English class at

makes the environment feel

Seidel also mentioned it shows me that through

expounding on the latest Re-

something that can be imconnects it to his experienc-

them walks with us to sports or every time one of them

and at Kirtland Society meetings—and in all these olas Unger said. “Whether he is advocating for the

really like solving the puzzle of what makes things -

we are trying to make them part of our family when we respond in kind and when we welcome them as much Senior and dorm-mate -

you can always keep editing no matter how good you Horrigan is also a pas-

interest. He is both a varsity track athlete and a memdescribed his experience in the fall Prep Program ingone on to participate in

nett commented on Horri-

“He has not only been a

discussions. “I got to know Phil best on a tour of archaeological sites in France

person to hang out with…

Phil always breaks the tension wherever he is. His witty jokes and comments

passions beyond cross country.. “Phil has shown me that an Exonian need not be de-

incredibly intellectual powith Phil long runs are some of my favorite memories at Exeter.

and spring track. spending a lot of time on

helpful. It makes people actually look forward to going

shared comments for the administration and hope for

it makes them excited to go to conferences. He is really

-

so it makes people feel like Senior Anne Brandes itive attitude. “He makes the

view on the cross-country how important that quality

because I like being phys-

make the institution a better place because how much impact can one person have on a school of this magnitude and of this weight? But I think when you talk about making Exeter a better munity. And I think by being

ready to pass down these problems to other people because I think the grades below us are mighty capable -

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

D2

Senior of the Year: Sarah Huang es in order to give a better anti-racist perspective on US “Sarah is all about honesty: honest and discerning getic in her high standards for truth and perspective,” Caldlect, tenacity, and empathy are going to take her places.

Sarah is going to do big things for any community she is in; she is a protector of people for representation. She makes every community she enters a better, more honest and more thoughtful place.” in her praises. Brandes said,

By ANNA KIM “I don’t consider myself an activist,” Sarah Huang a clear hair tie, her voice quiet but assured. The Dunbar common room is silent except the and thinking.

Huang continued, “I’m a being called an activist, besider myself to be an activist.

As I think about maybe some in Asian Voices, and UNITE publication too, you take things one thing at a time. You “I personally think there’s a level of risk and putting yourself out there [to being an activist]. And to me, I’m not really in that position because school to, to support POC, to offer love and compassion to my friends, try to make this a -

and pursue potentially the future,” she explained.

Prep year roommate and senior Anne Brandes de-

-

-

And Sarah is a very careful

Brandes said.

Brandes said, “Our friendship deepened and deepened every day, but I never felt like I didn’t have a friend at Exeter because of Sarah.”

Brandes talked about a

chair, thinking back on her transformative journey of discovering herself over the last four years.

Before Huang came to Exeter, or even thought to apply

they look so good. Like, can I

“I had read this book called Just Mercy in seventh gosh, like, this is such a huge thing.’ I started to kind of try to become a little bit more riencing,” Huang said.

girls in my grade. A huge thing meetings for girls of color, hang out on Friday afternoons

huge part of middle school for me. I actually am really, really grateful that that happened,” Huang said.

When it came time to high school, Huang’s decision to just all the different opportunities that Exeter had. Another thing is that I didn’t feel like one thing, one extracurricular, er. The opportunity to try so be a really good place for me

be there for you.” shared the funny backstory ed up enrolling in the learn

ipes. We both got really into cooking and [Huang] sent me so many recipes, like mochi even in the midst of chaos, Sarah can kind of create this eye of the storm and really just take the time to let everyone breathe.”

Senior Alana Yang added, “She’s like a bubbly person.

Just seeing her puts a smile on as energetic, goofy, compassionate and proactive.

Yet in the classroom, Huang becomes a critical student. “I really like the idea of Harkness. It’s kind of funny because I think like being at of things that Harkness replicates that I don’t love,” Huang said. “Because Harkness is supposed to be about democLike every person’s voice is valued, but then you sit there and it’s almost disorienting, because if you are told one thing and experiencing anoth-

We called ourselves a breakof almonds that I had stored in a jar on my bookshelf. And

school for nine years. I continue to attend a private school,”

ble experience here at Exeter.

She is that sort of person that inspires you and challenges you, but she’s just a really

back from a squash match and I didn’t eat dinner. My plan

on the line to some degree and just the kind of privilege that it means to be here makes me kind of step back from that

girl living on the West Coast.

“I come from a lot of economic privilege, like I live in San

ent cultures and just different people together so that they all feel comfortable.”

Senior Seth Amofa said, “She is a friend. She is almost like a bigger sister. She is a mentor. She’s a trailblazer.”

He continued, “She’s very important to the community because of her commitment to truth, her commitment to fostering a very inclusive and engaging environment for others. I think she is a leader

-

perspective at Asian Voices or

Asian Americans and Asian -

to trust yourself and lean into “History is like one of the subjects I love a lot. And

like, no, like I’m really hungry.

All of my almonds, I didn’t eat dinner, don’t eat my almonds.

-

course, like in the dining hall and then in clubs and in classes. We’ve been good friends ah is so genuinely invested in making not only this school table place possible that it can lives on this planet. She’s so deeply dedicated to that, that I

almonds into the jar and I hand them to Sarah,” Brandes said

going to stop in high school or of move into her career and I

go to the nursing home togethI’m going to be crazy aunt Anne to her kids. I can see us gether. I could see us living in

other and then they become friends over time,” Brandes added.

Brandes paused to recolHuang over the years. “Saryou can’t help but feel close to because she’s so decidedly herself. She is uncompromising about the things that she -

and the personality to be able to actually execute the things ens said. has done. “Sarah is, every day, one of my biggest inspigenuine and humble and kind she is as a person. It restores my faith in humanity and she someone like Sarah. So in 20 God, that’s the Sarah Huang,

so much. It’s hard to express -

-

I felt uncertain about every-

have in the future, I just feel so I can say is like my friend,

she continued.

This certainty has carried her years at Exeter. Earlier this year, Huang read a thoughtful ment at a student organized vigil honoring the victims of the Atlanta attacks.

Senior Sarah Kang afshe makes these really deep

a person. To her core, she is such a good person and such -

boys. I remember being annoyed because I noticed that even though the girls came to class prepared, they did much quieter at the table than the boys. That’s something that really stood out to me.

And then I started to notice a similar dynamic in other classration for class didn’t feel as comfortable taking up space at the table compared to other boys in the class,” Huang said.

“Whose points are repeatat the table far more often than English Instructor and close mentor Mercy Carbonell spoke to Huang’s dedication to equality. “Her discerning mind, her commitment to sodom—she brought all of these qualities to her peers and to our conversations. She offered her peers her respect, an appreciation for the life of their minds and an authentic enHistory Instructor Alexa ing Sarah Huang in my US -

journal. Then she keeps it and mitment to justice. For that to be possible for her commitment to justice. She really has devoted so much of her time at Exeter to being in conversation and listening to other peo-

keep their ties close. “I remember distinctly that one of

best friend. She’s so smart and funny. to think about ideas and quesally think that’s such a cool thing to do because she helps me think more critically and deeper about topics.”

While Huang might seem highly involved in campus life, she also had advice for in. “I think like the spirit of any social change movement, you have to kind of, I think, Exeter, it comes from a place and be for the better, but at the same time, like at least the adis you have to be really careful cause things get really draining really fast and it’s a lot for one person to carry and it’s not meant for one person,” Huang said.

Coming to Exeter’s diverse community meant the es for her identity as an Asian American. “There are all these talk and actually listen. These

solutions to make their living experience at Exeter better.”

“She goes so far, even

That’s a huge thing. I think is pretty cool. Finding people

she does that on a consistent basis. She’s done that as for and it’s just such an admirable quality,” Brandes said. “She’s

ticulate is super important,” Huang said.

Asian Voices, an important

and make it better. And it’s that because she does that regardless of the circumstance, nothing’s in it for her, you lievable.”

As one of the most prom-

trying to do is every other ty bonding thing. The other a more serious discussion.

Ultimately, [Asian Voices] is community part is so important,” Huang said.

Huang has a lot to handle. though, she relieves some of the pressure through her natural sense of humor. Senior Bea Burack said, “She’s extraordinarily passionate, but she never loses her sense of humor and her sense of perspective

about Exeter as a marathon, not a sprint, and I never understood that because I felt like I every term, but I felt like by trying to get it done. You have for you. And another thing is

on. I think that she does a really great job of balancing that humor, and lightheartedness it comes to the things that really matter.”

“Recently, one of our friends hit his head on one of those light poles on the quad. tape. It must have been really late at night or really early in the morning because I didn’t see her do it. She put the tape around the pole and she called it Seth’s pole. That’s a pretty good representation of both her sense of humor and also just her dedication to her

Burack continued.

Another part of Huang’s -

great sense of positivity to the boathouse. I remember being

lot more and that has given me direction,” Huang added. had started taking advantage things faster, but I don’t think you can really regret that. So on myself, but not in a coning bad,” Huang encouraged. her community. “What makes the difference there that makes ence in my opinion is your genuine intention to make the to keep on going. It’s emotionally draining and it’s not a no choice for Sarah, [because] it’s “That experience of trans-

It doesn’t necessarily matter I believed in her and I felt like she believed in me.”

goes. That’s already predetermined,” Brandes concluded.

Huang looked up at the

shoulder as I update, revise and rethink my syllabus.

-

of Asian Voices Emily Kang said, “I feel like she’s one of

-

genuinely really cares about people around her. She’s al-

of events that happened. In

-

herself as a strong, perceptive, and empathetic historian, and it is because of Sarah that I have recrafted my syllabus and reprioritized certain voic-

people are going through.

Even if she’s going through hard things herself, she’s al-

nothing’s going to change if she doesn’t say anything.’”

Huang said. Her poignant

-

unspoken challenge in the air.

a match and she can set other creates this chain reaction of amazingness.”

Even throughout the dis-

Kang continued, “What

rable trait.”

rupted at the table, it’s not fair for her to experience that and then have to explain to all of these people that it is not okay that they’re doing it. Yet, like,

D3

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior of the Year: Sarah Kang

By ANDREW YUAN After an exhaustive rant with her friends at midnight, senior Sarah Kang tiptoed her way down to the Amen Hall common room. While her dormmates relished their restful sleep, Kang sat down on the cold floor and placed a small, delicate easel in her lap. Allowing her imagination to soar, she caressed the pale canvas with gleeful and gentle brushstrokes.

The next morning, her fellow dorm mates would find themselves dazzling at Kang’s artwork, still wet with fresh paint.

Senior Lucy Cai recalled one of these late nights when exciting creativity sparked in the small common room.

“During the five-day break before spring term, Sarah decided to paint a photo of [our friend] Kendrah,” Cai said. “We were in the Amen common room for a couple hours, really late at night, and it was a quiet, really creative and cool space.

I really appreciated her ability to inspire whenever she’s in the common room working on art.”

Advisor and Art Department Chair Carla Collins agreed, noting Kang’s artistic presence in the dorm. “Sarah is one of the known creatives in Amen. She is almost always enlisted for dorm gear and works on projects in the 4th floor common room with her little posse of Amen artists,” Collins said. “Sometimes she even hosts creative dorm events like watercolor painting and coloring night.”

Kang developed a passion for visual art at a young age. Growing up in Fort Lee, New Jersey with Adventure Time, Courage the Cowardly Dog and Pokemon, Kang attributed her initial interest in art to her childhood experiences.

“My parents allowed me to indulge in these TV shows, maybe sometimes too much, Kang said. “And I also became genuinely interested in

different kinds of textile and embroidery.”

Her appreciation for all mediums of art at a young age contributed to eagerness to apply her creativity across varied art forms.

Upper and fellow Amen dormmate Alexandria Westray expressed her fascination at Kang’s dedication to art. “She isn’t just limited to one style or even one medium. She’s done embroidery, literally making dresses, painting, drawing, all sorts of things,” Westray said. “I think it’s really amazing how she has so much passion for it and not just talent obviously, but also so much hard work she puts into what she creates. She always wants to better herself and better her work.”

Arts Instructor Tara Lewis praised Kang for her skillfulness. “She is so versatile in many different mediums within Visual Arts. She is incredibly talented in drawing and painting, specifically portraiture.

However, she is also always pushing herself to learn different skills. As her teacher, I have seen her combine painting, drawing, collage, digital, text, and most recently 3-dimensional elements,” Lewis said.

When exploring her interest in 3-D art, Kang decided to make three dresses for her ART403: Advanced Projects in 3-D Art class, one of which she completed on an all-nighter. The stunning dresses are now on display at the entrance of Lamont Art Gallery.

“I’m really proud of the dresses that I ended up making for my 3D design class. They were the first real article of clothing I’d ever made.

Before that I’d only used the sewing machine a few times and I knew my way around it, but it was really fun just making whole clothes, being able to wear them and just put them on display,” Kang said. “I’ve always loved vintage dresses and so I decided, ‘Why don’t I

make some of them myself?’”

Upper Siona Jain, for whom one of Kang’s dresses was made, noted Kang’s love for the vintage style. “We chose to go to Boston one Christmas and we went to this vintage dress shop. Sarah really loves these vintage dresses and got us all into vintage dresses of the 1940s. We just kept trying a bunch [of the dresses] on. Now there’s a lot of photos of us on the vintage dress shop Instagram,” Jain said.

Kang is fascinated in more than just dresses in her passion for 3-D art. Lewis shared one of Kang’s recent art projects. “For one assignment, the prompt was to create a wearable work of art without using any adhesives such as glue or tape. Sarah crocheted a pair of shorts from recycled plastic bags,” Lewis said. “This was a labor intensive project because she had to first make the ‘plarn’(plastic yarn) from the bags and then crochet the yarn into a wearable pair of shorts.”

During her years at Exeter, Kang began accepting and appreciating her Asian cultural heritage. “When I was in middle school, even the Asian kids bullied me and said that I have a flat face and small eyes. I was a perpetual foreigner. I remember growing up and thinking that I wanted to be white so badly,” Kang said.

“I just ended up growing out of that,” Kang continued. “I developed interest in learning Korean and my family history.

Being a part of the Asian Voices and the Korean Society, I liked being around different Korean people and talking about identities with AV. I don’t have to explain the subtle experience of being an Asian woman as I had to at my home.”

Senior Erin McCann commented on Kang’s increasing self-confidence at the Academy. “We both came from a Korean family, so we both have that

aspect of our identities growing up with the same foods and similar phrases in Korea. She’s definitely become more comfortable with her identity as an Asian woman over the course of her time at Exeter,” McCann said.

When creating art, Kang is subconsciously influenced by her childhood memories and subtle experiences in her life. Kang explained the motivation behind her art creations. “I’ve always made art as kind of a reactionary thing to the things that have been happening in my life and the pieces that I create don’t necessarily tie in directly to what I’ve experienced at that moment. Just the process of art has always been like the most therapeutic thing for me,” Kang said.

“Whenever I’m upset or I feel really stressed out, I’ll just turn to a pen and paper or pencil and paper and start drawing a really cool movie still from a movie that I saw like a week ago.”

Justin Li, class of ’20 and a fellow artist highlighted Kang’s reflection upon her heritage in her artwork. “I think her art is definitely developing very fast. I’m glad to see that both conceptually and technically she’s been improving a lot,” Li said. “She explor[es] issues of heritage, especially [since] Asian heritage is so important right now. I know she does a lot of work with editorial organizations and is a part of the Asian Magazine. Seeing her artwork explore the cultural heritage is really interesting.”

“She tries to put her own experiences into artwork and make it more reachable and accessible to everyone else. When I think of her cultural influence, she drew this painting of a Korean twinkie snack. I think she was just comparing the foods that she grew up with. ” Jain said. “There’s another piece where she’s looking down over a city and I think she felt really moved through using

concrete, not very abstract, strokes and colors.”

Lenny Chen, class of ’20, reflected upon Kang’s artistic style and the activism hidden in her artwork. “I feel that her art often conveys her experiences as an Asian American, and her personal struggles with darker emotions. Many of her pieces aren’t the most cheerful, but always provide food for thought and help me to reflect on my own negative emotions and process,” Chen said.

Inspired by her favorite artist Gustav Klimt and Instagram influencer flesh.PNG, Kang pursued her bold experiment with creative elements in her art. “[Klimt] combines traditional and more abstract techniques to make these beautiful expressive pieces of art,” Kang said. “His most famous piece, the kiss. There’s so much tenderness and so much care into the two characters, both the man and woman, that you see in a painting. And you can see all the traditional techniques, like the tones and lighting. But at the same time, they’re surrounded by these beautiful patterns and this old background. It really proves to me that you can really do anything with your art.”

Lewis noted the stylistic influence Klimt had on Kang, in particular her keenness to combine abstraction with concrete imagery. “When I taught Sarah in the ART500 course, Sarah’s final composition was entitled Conversations with my Dad. The painting situates itself between realism and abstraction.

It conveys that familiar feeling of driving in a car at night as a passenger where the cars, street lights, and night start to blur into one,” Lewis said.

But most of the time, Kang allows her creativity to take over her artwork instead of trying to come up with a “meaning” or a backstory behind her art.

“I do create a lot of art that has to do with my identity and childhood and growing up and what it means to be an Asian American woman,” Kang said. “But I’m not sure if I’m ready to kind of show all of these pieces to other audiences. I feel like as of now I’m trying to work on my skill and I really do just like to show the fun side of art.”

Upper Kendrah Su echoed Kang’s stance and emphasized the pure and simple joy that her painting brings. “I think that there’s always an element of fun in her paintings, whether it’s old leaves on an otherwise like black and white portrait or a little teardrop and the sad world just runs over just like a graphite sketch.

She always adds something that makes it enjoyable to look at,” Su said.

Recounting her past four years at Exeter, Kang realized how significant her experience at Exeter meant for her.

“Exeter has changed me as a person and an artist by making me a go-getter type of person,” Kang said. “Exeter is definitely not going to baby you, it’s definitely not the place for that.

It provides support, but ultimately it’s up to you to kind of reach out for help when you need it. As an artist, I’ve learned to stand up for myself. I’ve definitely learned how to

be more proactive. I’m not taking a back seat in my life. I’m active in reaching out to teachers or participating in different events for the art community here at Exeter. That just made me more ambitious.”

Collins commented on Kang’s artistic growth while enrolled in the Exeter arts curriculum.

“I have seen Sarah’s artistic abilities flourish throughout her time here at Exeter. I have been encouraging her to pursue her artmaking since she showed me her work as a prep. She has grown so much in the past years.

She has an incredible work ethic and is becoming well-rounded in drawing, painting, and 3D design. I’m pleased and proud to say that she has achieved a lot of praise for her work and portfolio,” Collins said.

Westray witnessed Kang’s gradual changes at Exeter. “She’s definitely taken on more of a leadership role over her time here. She’s now a Senior Pages Editor for PEAN and she is genuinely working so hard on that,” Westray said. “Every time we see her, she’s always emailing seniors, getting their photos or quotes in. It’s amazing to see the efforts she’s putting into every single role on this campus.

She’s definitely grown more confident and ambitious.”

Senior Emily Kang agreed. “Sarah is extremely friendly, funny, and kind. Her smile is contagious, and she is always thoughtful about those around her,” Kang said. “She became very candid and honest, which is something I admire.

Also, her smile always makes me smile.”

Su cherished her friendship with Kang. “I broke my right foot recently. Sarah is one of the people that will get me food. You don’t even have to remind her. One day I think I wanted hot dogs at the protein tent. And so I asked if she could bring me hot dogs. And she asked how many? I was like, ‘I don’t know how many can you bring?’

And she said, ‘We’ll see.’

She brought back a big takeout box with six hot dogs. She’s willing to go that extra mile when it comes to food,” Su said.

Looking forward into the future, Kang wants to pursue storytelling and incorporate her other academic passions into her art.

“She’s just passionate about K-dramas and Webtoons and all forms of visual storytelling,” McCann said jokingly. “I definitely see her using her art as a voice for narratives and speaking up.”

“When I think about all the subjects that I’m interested in, like English or biology, I just think about how all of those things can be portrayed in some sort of visual manner and I combine them with art. I hope to do more things like that,” Kang said. “I really, really want to combine all of my interests and make artwork that represents them and represents me.”

“I’m still deciding what steps I should take in the future, probably art since it’s always been a part of my life,” Kang continued. “I’m interested in any social media or graphic design, basically any form of storytelling because everything is about the story and the art itself is the story.”

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

D4

Senior of the Year: Emily Kang

By CATHERINE WU “I don’t really consider myself an activist,” senior Emily Kang said.

“I just like to try to help people feel like they belong or are accepted, especially in a school where it wasn’t necessarily built for everyone who attends here. I like helping them out, creating resources, and being able to be there for people who might not have people there for them.”

Kang hails from Gainesville, Florida, where she attended Lincoln Public Middle School. Following her older sister Madison’s footsteps, Kang decided to apply to Phillips Exeter Academy after her sister was admitted.

During her four years at the Academy, Exeter Innovation courses offered here have sparked Kang’s interest. In Kang’s Asian American History and Literature (EXI535), she explored various prominent Asian Americans who have voiced what Kang and other Asian-identifying students have felt all their life. “It’s just so nice to find words that express things that you felt. And I also just like looking at history because American history is typically white centered. So it was really nice to actually look into specifically what has happened in history for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and more,” Kang said.

One of Kang’s favorite courses has been Bookmaking As Feminst Archival Practice: Reinscribing Histories (ENG590). “I liked my Feminist Bookmaking class last term with Ms. Carbonell...We interviewed a bunch of alumnis and made books, but not exactly books.

It was art that we made based off of the interviews...It was really nice to talk to a lot of alumni and hear things and everything they said was connected to my Asian American history class and my Global Topics in Woman, Gender, and Society (HIS502) class, and they’re all so interconnected,” Kang said.

“In the Feminist Bookmaking elective I taught this winter, Emily was a rockstar,” English Instructor Mercy Carbonell said. “She entered into the coalition-building, intersectional theory & revolutionary feminism with a spirit to unearth Truth and

celebrate Resistance. Her leadership was a serious gift. She was an embodiment of praxis: of welding the theory with the action. She knows how to initiate, to offer her less confident peers her wisdom on interviewing.

Her creative imagination weaves threads together.

Her appreciation for tactile experience is incredible.”

Kang participates in many extracurriculars at the Academy. “Emily is most involved in student activism, especially Asian student activism, at school. She is an OMA proctor and AV cohead with her friends JaQ and Sarah, as well as a cooking club cohead. She was also a News Editor for The Exonian, so she was involved in student journalism for a long period of her time at PEA. She’s also in varsity swimming in the winter and cycling in the spring, although she recently had an accident on her bike and might be taking a break from that,” Varsity Girls Swimming Coach Lundy Smith said.

From her Asian American History and Literature course to Feminist Bookmaking, Kang has always had desire to better our society into a greater world. This passion led Kang to be particularly involved with the Asian Voices (AV) club here at Exeter. “After I went [to AV] the first few times I started to really want to go [to AV] every week, even though it’s Friday night and there’s so many other things I could be doing.

It’s just really nice to be around people that you’re comfortable with and talk to them about things, especially since we are at a boarding school and you’re not with your family. Just having a space where there’s people you’re comfortable with and talking to them is really important,” Kang said.

“She’s now a cohead of AV (Asian Voices),” senior Morgan Lee said.

“She is very skilled at bringing people together in serious conversation, while making people feel safe and seen.”

AV is not a strict discussion-based club, but a casual gathering for students of all backgrounds.

During meetings, students often share favorite memories, childhood stories, or random topics in addition to formal discussions. The club itself is a big group of students

across campus who gather to casually hang out and share opinions every week. “It’s not just exclusive friends. though,” Kang said. “Even if it’s your first time, we always like to welcome people every week to just hang out.”

Kang and fellow coheads JaQ Lai and Sarah Huang hosted casual meeting spaces every Friday with students from all grades to share their minds freely. “We used to have a lot more formal conversations,” Kang said. “Especially nowadays just because there’s so much going on in the world, we try to have formal conversations and then fun stuff.”

“We try to alternate it just cause we know school life, the world, and just everything is really difficult and heavy and we don’t want people to feel burdened by coming. We’re more of a discussion group, but we also want to be a community that’s there for Asian-identifying students on campus,” Kang continued.

In club meetings, Kang is not the one to lead discussions, but instead moderates and encourages others to voice their opinions. “It’s supposed to be a space for the members to be able to feel vulnerable, allow them to be vulnerable and share whatever they want,” AV member upper William Park said. “So it’s giving other people like me, just a member of AV, a space to talk about it. Emily doesn’t really talk much throughout the AV meetings, but when she does talk, it’s to moderate the discussion. Maybe like towards the beginning, she’s the one who’s asking people, ‘Oh, how did he feel about this?’ And I think it’s just her being very thoughtful about what to talk about and when to speak.”

Regarding this year’s anti-Asian racism hate crimes, AV reached out to Asian-identifying students on campus to let them know that there were people who were there for them. “There was some event discussion, like spaces that OMA held and we helped facilitate those.

We also had our own formal discussions within our Friday meetings. But we also know that sometimes making people talk about things too quickly or just in the moment can be really jarring,” Kang

said.

“So when something happens, we always try to think, ‘what exactly do the students want or need right now?’ And making them discuss things that they’re feeling that they don’t really know how to express or they don’t even know how exactly they’re feeling. We don’t try to make them talk about it because that’s just not a good thing to do. We just try to see what’s going on with people. And then if people feel ready, we try to create the space to talk because we also think creating space to talk is very important. Especially when there just aren’t very many spaces on campus to talk or just like creating the affinity space to talk because sometimes it can feel awkward or not.

You don’t feel as safe or comfortable talking with other groups,” Kang continued.

In March of this year, upper Daniel Zhang and AV coheads organized a candlelight vigil honoring the victims of the Atlanta shooting. “I remember we talked after the vigil for the Atlanta shootings,” Park said. “I personally thanked her [Kang] for organizing it. For me, that was a very important, powerful moment at the school that I really felt I needed...So I was just thanking her and she was not necessarily rejecting my thanks, but just saying, ‘Oh, we didn’t do it necessarily for the credit and I’m just glad that it helped you.’”

In addition to being involved in AV, Kang is also a proctor for Exeter’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). “Being an OMA Proctor was really one of my favorite things to do...I think that’s where I was every single free time I had, and I just liked having snacks, talking to people, and just being there.”

The community of friends Kang had in OMA helped further her sense of selflessness and true compassion for others.

“They’re so fun. Like me, Sarah Wang, Dillon Mims, Iliana Rios, and Zoe Baron. We were just always there and it was so fun because it was just like a safe space for us. We could be who we were and just talk and be comfortable with each other. Sometimes school is rough and people aren’t always okay, but like whenever things are just not going well, we were

always there for each other,” Kang said.

Kang also helped organize a workshop for the Asian American Footsteps Conferences (AAFC), which is an annual conference for any Asian American-identifying students from independent schools in New England.

“I went [to a conference] my prep year. I wasn’t really interested in Asian American identity [then], but I heard Wong Fu Productions was going to be there.”

Having watched their YouTube channel growing up, Kang decided to attend that first conference. “And then I ended up being a lot more interested. After that I was like, ‘Oh, I really want Exeter to host it, because Exeter hadn’t hosted it before, so I just felt like it would be really cool if we did. Then, me and other AV members helped draft up a proposal, then it got accepted, and then we started planning for the 2020 conference,” Kang said.

Through these involvements, Kang has developed a genuine sense of kindness and caring for others over the past four years at Exeter. “Emily has a lot of integrity, and this has been exceedingly important to her role in the community. Working with her in AV, AAFC, and many other spaces, I am struck by her ability to discern right from wrong and how we can best support those around us,” AV co-head and senior Sarah Huang said. “She reaches out to people in a very gentle and open way, and I think she makes the people around her very comfortable to be as they are.”

Even outside of these activities, many Exonians on campus have felt Kang’s sense of genuine selflessness to help others as well. During swim practice and swim meets, Kang had always put others before herself.

“Her selflessness. I can’t count the number of times Emily has either asked or volunteered to step into an event when no one else could or wanted to do it.

Emily is the consummate teammate...I’ve seen Emily emerge as a campus leader who excels in leadership roles at The Exonian and OMA,” Smith said.

Kang’s teammates on the swim team see her genuine compassion for others as well. “I know it is generic, but I would say

Emily is genuinely a kind person.” upper Ginny Vaqzuez said. “She hasn’t always been the loudest in the room, or the first one everyone would pick to be leader, but she possesses qualities that anyone would want in a true friend.”

“Emily is sweet. Most people at Exeter are overly competitive and bring it into every aspect of their lives. This feeds into the hostile feel that Exeter has kind of become.

Emily goes against all of that. She’s not obsessed with grades and doesn’t talk about it all the time.

I love talking to her because she always makes me laugh and reminds me that there are still good people at this school,” Vazquez continued.

Many have noted Kang’s radiant personality and agree that she left behind a legacy of real integrity and goodness at the Academy. “Emily is definitely quiet when you first meet her,” senior Erin McCann said, “but I know that she can probably scream louder than most of my friends combined.”

“She is so perceptive, and remains incredibly honest with everyone she meets—it’s something I will always admire about her! I really think that Emily has grown into herself and become confident in herself—which makes her a powerful activist.

She is an advocate for justice on all levels, and it stems from a beautiful sense of self that she has grown into more recently,” Lee said.

Carbonell recalled a comment from one of Kang’s teachers, “‘Her kindness and generosity are evident in ZOOM classes. She encourages contributions from other students, she listens and responds to questions from her peers. Well-prepared, thoughtful about the text and how to interpret and apply the text, and willing to incorporate varying points of view from her peers—Emily is the essence of a talented Harkness student.’”

“And always, I am aware of the unsaid, the not recorded, the small moments in her life that reflect so much of who she is ~ the gentle, unseen moments of connection she makes. Her criticality of care is a lifeforce for a community on the wings of change,” Carbonell concluded.

D5

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior of the Year: JaQ Lai losophy apply to his academic and artistic life, but also his personal life. A close friend and fellow senior, Audrey Yin, discussed some of her favourite memories with J. Lai over the past four years, speaking to his love of exploration and his sense of belonging at Exeter. “Our upper year, winter term, we would go on these random walking adventures through town for hours, walking to random places in town.

Once, we walked to this really obscure thrift store with really cool chandeliers and vintage items…There was also this really obscure seafood place,” Yin said. “But [J. Lai] liked it because he’s hands-on, he loves cooking and he’s a really good chef. Once, he bought

By JOY CHI For JaQ Lai, discovering a new passion begins with what he calls “a certain level of trust in the unknown.”

The four-year senior from way to connect to the community in a unique and personal way, whether it’s by zooming down the campus paths on his longboard, playing catan with his friends at the Exeter Inn Dormitory or being at his computer, brainstorming his next art installation.

Theater Department Chair Lauren Josef and his adviser of three years agreed. “JaQ When he gets some momentum, he’s off, bouncing off of people getting ideas. He’s making things happen and physically, he’s always moving. Usually when I see him on campus, he’s on his skateboard, but what’s cool is that always says hi to every member of my family,” Josef said.

J. Lai’s sister and lower Alysha Lai recalled J. Lai always had “a clear vision of what he wants and how to get there,” such as applying to boarding school four years ago all by himself. “When you talk to him and get to know him, what I like most about JaQ is his infectious passion. Any conversation you have with [him], you just learn so much and you just get inspired and Lai said.

His genuine love for his work can be seen in all his interactions as a friend, a community, leader, and as an artist.

On a Wednesday this past Fall Term, chalk dots appeared on the Academy Center. A couple days later they had spread to the sidewalk. These were all a part of Lai’s art installation, Polka Pox. “By creating absurdity in a familiar environment, I hope to create a break in the monotony of a typical person’s day. Walking outside, on our now-emptier campus, it’s easy to keep your head down (or buried in your phone) as you walk from one place to another. I want to give people a reason to pause, to to take the opportunity to notice and appreciate elements of their environment that they might have taken for granted—to see the old with new eyes.” J. Lai said.

Judging by the reactions from the community, he accomplished just that. Exeter Inn Dormitory dorm mate and upper Daniel Zhang said, “That moment of pause that JaQ created could mean so many things––for some people maybe they put it on their phone right away, thinking about it, because for some people it’s just a one second to pause and they just go right back to their day. For some people they look up and they’re like, huh. And they start thinking about the world around them. Maybe not in some deep philosophical sense, but in, ‘Hey, the trees are really nice today,’ or ‘It’s really sunny…’ I think that that’s part of what the thesis of JaQ Lai is. Deciding these different conditions to allow people to see the world in different ways.”

Exeter Inn dormitory dorm mate and upper William Park, agreed, sharing what the Polka Pox meant to him.

“I was so amazed by the fact that it wasn’t for an ‘Oh, look at me, I’m an artist. I create art.

Look at me. I’m so pretentious and smart.’ It wasn’t about [JaQ] taking any credit or getting recognition for this thing that he made and but instead it was purely about the message he was putting out. I think that that was what opened my eyes to how he was someone motivated by actual passion about creating something that he felt ing from, rather than any need for praise or acknowledgement.”

Much of J. Lai’s attitude to life, as well as a source of inspiration for Polka Pox, can be found in his favorite poem Monologue of an Onion by Suji Kwock Kim. In particular, the line ‘You must not grieve that the world is glimpsed through veils. How else can it be seen?’

Zhang valued this quote.

“I think that’s a great quote to encapsulate a lot of what JaQ’s mode of thinking is. Every single moment that you exist, you see the world through a veil. Your perceptions of the world are through a certain framework that you’ve learned as a child...Because of that, everybody views the world through something different from the most basic epistemological perspective,” Zhang explained. “You have to put yourself as the observer behind someone else’s veil.

I think that’s something that JaQ succeeds in immensely, that he is able to understand what different circumstances and conditions have informed the way you think, and he’s able to empathize or at least feel compassion towards those conditions and circumstances. And working off of his knowledge of who you are as a complete person, he’s able to understand you better.”

“I think [we need to recognize] that the eye is a veil...

Recognizing that not only is the distinctiveness of each individual perspective, not only is it unavoidable, but it’s actually integral to who we are...It’s part of our identity.

And I think it’s something that should be celebrated. That’s part of why I think I’ve gravitated towards this idea of creation,” J. Lai explained.

This mode of thinking not only applies to how J. Lai chooses to live life but also to how he makes his art; he recognizes art and design as creating an environment certain goals and understandings. “When you really create something, you’re drawing that input, that unknown, that process that is unique to you and you’re creating something that is wholly your own,” J. Lai expanded. “Your own idea of perspective, because that’s all we can really make. I don’t have control over all the things that I have seen or heard or tasted or touched that were not made by me, so in a way you could say that nothing is mine, but another way you can say is that everything that I have is just perspective...So I’m not really necessarily designing, but I’m more almost setting up a space for someone to engage with it in a certain way.”

Much of the work J. Lai has done at the academy has

been based around this idea of creating art for the community to interact with. In the fall term of his upper year, with the annual Fall E/A games coming up, he decided to design and sell E/A merchandise to people at school in an effort to spread school spirit. In all, he received over 400 orders of tees and sweatshirts.

Sarah Wang, a close friend of Lai’s who handled the business side of the project, spoke about the purpose and impact of it. “He was like, ‘I feel like having everybody wear something matching, like having one piece of EA gear, would be super cool and boost morale...He brought unity, he boosted school spirit,” Wang said.”

Thomas Wang ’20 and a former resident at Front Street Dormitory, said “[JaQ creating those E/A sweatshirts] is the most impressive thing that I’ve ever seen in my four years...This guy literally made thousands of pieces of clothing out of, realistically, a 7 by 12 dorm room. He got to a common room with boxes of t-shirts and did this all with the help of only a few friends,” Wang said.”

Contrary to what people might believe, J. Lai doesn’t necessarily have a plan for the future. Instead, he guides his path by asking himself a couple simple questions: “Is this how I want to be spending my time and energy? Does this make sense to me?”

“It’s more about what is right in this present moment, like, which way do I want to go? I think it really requires a certain amount of commitment or like trust in yourself because you often then believe that this unknown that you’re following is worth following.

It’s not like I always have that trust, but it’s something that I in the ways I can,” J. Lai said.

Co-adviser of Asian Voices and English Instructor Wei-Ling Woo respected J. Lai’s dedication towards his self-discovery. “I would describe JaQ as mature beyond his years, artistic, intellectual, and attentive. We’ve had many conversations about pursuing one’s passions and how to channel one’s energy into the pursuits that make us as opposed to what we think we should (or others think we should) be doing. I think it takes a lot of wisdom and maturity to come to this realization, especially at a place like Exeter, which places a high value on achievement,” J. Lai said.

Josef recalled a conversation they had earlier this year.

“If you’re lucky enough to be able to be happy throughout your life while you’re pursuing your passion, then I think you’ve hit the jackpot personally...I think his idea was that society can place these norms and expectations on us as to piness, because sometimes I and success on the same level and often like money comes with that,” Josef said. “But I think that when we were talking about life, a lot of it is about understanding each other’s cultures and traditions and approaching people more than things or pursuing people and passions more than things or positions at a company.”

“I sometimes think that when you choose to do a lot of things in your life, sometimes spread yourself too thin and can’t really dedicate yourself to any of those very well because you’re trying to do all of them. And I think JaQ’s found a good balance and that’s not easy to do,” Josef said.

In spectacular fashion, J. Lai did just that, by dropping out of the student council president elections in 2020, just the night before. Zhang recalled the night. “I remember I was helping him do design for that. Just like he was like, had a projector and was doing some really cool stuff with creating templates for spray paint.. but then he was kind of in the middle of it [and] he was just like, ‘Hey, I don’t really want to do this...’

I think that was a moment where I thought about how JaQ is someone who’s very limitless,” Zhang said. “He is someone who acknowledges the different frameworks and assumptions he operates under and is able to step away from those frameworks and assumptions when it’s necessary...He’s someone who has the courage to pursue what he really wants to do...And he understands the importance of creating time to do the thing that you need to do.” suits during his time at Exeter.

“I realized that there was a cost to pursuing things that I didn’t love...I think for me, I realized that I could be just as successful in the ways that mattered to me doing things that I really enjoyed and showing up for people in the ways that I wanted to show up if I didn’t go for StuCo and if I didn’t do as many of those clubs,” J. Lai added.

J. Lai does just that every day, as the beloved proctor and co-head and senior he is.

One club he continues to pour his time into is Asian Voices,

for Asian-identifying students.

Woo, who is the club’s advisor, explained his presence in the club. “Along with his other-coheads, I think JaQ has been a wonderful facilitator in the Asian Voices space. As a student leader, he is always so attentive to the discussion dynamics, and I believe he truly cares for and tries to look out for everyone,” Woo said.

Senior and fellow Asian Voices co-head Emily Kang also commented on JaQ’s presence within the club. “JaQ is always so thoughtful and reassuring. Whenever Sarah thing, he helps us sort our thoughts, take in different perspectives, and offers guidance.

Because of his thoughtful and supportive nature, he is a super awesome Asian Voices cohead to work with and I really appreciate his work with AV,” Kang said.

Many of his dormmates at the Exeter Inn Dormitory also commented on his role as a proctor. Park started by explaining how as a new student this year, J. Lai made him feel right at home. “When you see your dorm proctor nerding out with your dorm over facts about magic, it’s a very funny thing to see, but it’s also very comforting in that you’re not afraid to also nerd out with him,” Park said.

Lower Arhon Strauss agreed. “He’s just a really good friend who will stay up until 3 a.m., helping you with whatever, even when he has his own assignments he won’t go to sleep–he’ll stay up helping the people around him,” Strauss said.”

While Strauss considered J. Lai a “leader and pioneer” in speaking about what made Lai who he was, Strauss also added, “It’s not the fact that [Lai] talked to Principal Rawson for Asian Voices, not the fact that he’s an incredible student, nor the fact that he made Exeter gear and made a bunch of it and was very popular with it.

And that’s not what’s important about it. I think it’s just this ability to do what’s lost and not care where everyone or anyone else thinks.”

One of the moments J. Lai was proudest of was not an event he had organized, rather, one he had participated in. In recalling the Exonians against Sexual Misconduct sit-in in May of 2019, he said, “I was very much just a part of a much bigger thing that a lot of people were putting a lot more thought into and really leading, but I was really grateful to be part of that because I thought that that was something that was really worth doing.”

Not only did J. Lai’s phi-

he just has a really genuine sense of home here because he likes to try to experience as much as possible.”

Wang also recalled fond memories with J. Lai. “My birthday lower year, he and my other friend surprised me with dinner in the Browning common room and JaQ cooked me pasta. He cooked me salmon, because he knew I loved it. He went to the grocery store...they bought a bunch of balloons and stuff like that. That was super fun.

And then my friend got me a longboard because JaQ has one...I guess that kind of segues into another memory. JaQ and I will just randomly sometimes go out and longboard together,” Wang shared.

Zhang enjoyed his E/A experience with J. Lai. “I remember one experience where we really got closer was E/A my lower year, his upper year. We went to get breakfast with an alum, and afterwards on an impulse, bought a Christmas wreath for Front Street. We just brought it back, hung it up...And then, I think that’s kind of similar to the polka dots in a way, people just coming back to the dorm and being like, ‘Hey, who put this up here?’” Zhang added.

As he approaches the end of his time at Exeter, Lai respent at the Academy. “I’ve never had an ambition to end up where I am now or to go wherever I may end up...I’m not that concerned with what I will accomplish or what impact or legacy or whatever I will have made. I’m more concerned with what I am doing right now. How can I be a better proctor right now? How can I help [Asian Voices] be better? How can I be better at making a better space for people to connect right now? How can I help my friend across the hall, if he’s having a tough night right now? It’s almost like when you’re running, if you were watching your feet when you run, you’re not going to run well. You just think about how it feels in the moment.”

J. Lai concluded, “[Life] is about really embracing that unknown. It could be going out with friends over a weekend and just feeling really present and really connected to people, even if you’re not saying anything. Some of my other happiest memories are of Swasey–skating down Swasey, going with friends, going by myself and interacting with the strangers that I met there or just sitting and listening to the water, or the ice or the birds...You can call it surreal, but I don’t think it feels surreal so much as a more open version of the present...Nothing practically has changed about your life but [it] just feels so much more open. It feels like it could go anywhere from here. I think that’s part of the magic, right?

That feeling is real, the effect it has on you and your life is real.”

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

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Senior of the Year: Scarlett Lin -

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“Learning to give up facilitates the thinking process of what is truly meaningful in our lives. In this process of internalizing what we want, we become almost bullet-proof against what we previously feared.”

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior of the Year: Anna-Rose Marion Cont. that Head of the Dance Department Allison Duke and dance instructor Amberlee Darling danced in. The seniors asked Marion if she would like to participate in recreating the dance with them as a surprise for their dance teachers.

“For them to include me as a prep meant everything to me,” Marion said. They learned the piece in a very short time and got it teched and costumes for it as well. When it came time to perform, “it was just really beautiful. And I think my mom even cried. It was one of those moments where we just kind of came together outside just because we hung out more too before they graduated. I just really felt a part of something and like, this was my home.”

Even though this happened during her prep spring, little moments and pockets of immense joy in dance happen very frequently. “Because we were both choreographing, we would often have playful arguments over what should happen next in the piece, and this banter often led to both of us lying on the ground, practically crying from laughing so hard,” upper Kira Ferdyn said.

This upbeat light hearted attitude is how Marion often car-

ries herself—always there to joke around or have heartfelt talks—and makes Marion approachable and entwines with her welcoming spirit.

Marion has grown very comfortable in the company and is never scared to step up to the plate to take action there big or small. “She doesn’t hesitate to throw herself into company, choreographing, captainship, showcase,” upper Anne Chen said.

Besides dance and academics Marion actively advocates for legislative change for the environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic for important issues. Marion interned and fellowed at NH350 where she did a lot of professional training with people on how to push for change. In addition, Marion has written blogs, appeared on radio shows, organized events, information campaigns and written letters to the editor and op-eds. Marion is also planning to take environmental studies policy as her major.

Marion plays the piano, however, in Exeter’s concert band she plays percussion.

Like dance, being a part of this band has made Marion feel strongly connected to

the Exeter community. She has been a part of the band since prep year when music instructor Eric Schultz found a place for her in it. “It was just such a warm and welcoming environment...it’s kind of like a comedy routine, um, Monday and Thursday night because we get a lot of stuff done, but we also prioritize having fun and bringing joy.

Especially her prep year, Schultz would tell puns and dad jokes. One time, in Marion’s prep year, the band was rehearsing a piece but it was not at the level that it should have been at that point. “We that day and it was really bad, it was tragic. Then we ran through it again after he gave some notes. We asked was that better? And he was like, yeah, it was better. Then he turns to the two of us and goes, but you know, you have to remember zero times a hundred is still zero,” Marion said.

Marion’s caring nature will always stand out to others.

“Her generous loving spirit,” according to Darling, is a trait that prominently stands out the most.

“When I’m panicking or stressed, which is often, she

can always help me reason through it. She’s incredibly kind and understanding, and she’ll give up her own time to help you, even if she’s busy,” Chen said.

Senior Phoebe Ibbotson attested to this and explained how Marion will always be there for her. “My favorite thing about Anna Rose is how understanding she is in all aspects of life, whether it’s about mental health or assignments or anything that’s going on in my personal life. I know that she’s someone I can go to with that and feel comfortable with.

And it is really nice having a friend that offers that kind of protection,” Ibbotson said.

“She’s one of those people that just feels like home and what makes my experience at Exeter so wonderful.”

Ibbotson also noted how understanding Marion is.

“Anna Rose is the epitome of what Phillips Exeter is supposed to represent. And she is hardworking. She’s kind, she’s compassionate. She cares about everyone. And she really tries to listen to everyone’s beliefs and opinions, which is what Harkness is about. And I think she represents that to a T.” Ibbotson said.

Besides Marion’s caring

nature, her natural leadership shines through as a dance captain and a day student proctor.

“She’s a natural leader, and is always there when you need someone to talk to,” Ferdyn said.

In dance, Marion has been terms, although she took on captain responsibilities starting her prep year. It began when some seniors took Marion under their wing inviting her to come help lay out the Marley or set things up backstage “I was really involved I was doing a lot of weird little captain tasks,” Marion said.

This made Marion feel deeply connected to the dance comFor the Exeter community, Marion advises not to wait to be happy. “If I was having a bad term, I could be like, oh, well there’s always next term or, there’s always next week.

If you had a week with like 14 major assignments I can be happy next week. I can be happy next term, but to know that that’s not the best way to approach things… my upper year I did exactly that and I was miserable. I think never, never let go of your joy no matter what it is.” Marion said.

At the culmination of her Exeter journey Marion will take with her the fact that nothing is set in stone and there are some things she does not have peace in this not knowing. success that she will always take with her. “I’m going to sit in this little box and I am just kind of gonna stay in my lane and put my head down and move forward, is not the key to success, happiness, anything like that because success is not great. That’s not getting lead role. It’s not “Success is feeling good and who you are and what you’re doing and making a difference in even one person or like one being’s life. Just making that positive difference, making yourself feel joy. And knowing that you’re on a journey to knowing yourself and becoming is something that is really important. Getting in touch with that emotional place of out who you are is something important. Vulnerability is not weakness. Those things can only make you stronger going forward and have a more rich life experience.”

Senior of the Year: Stephen McNulty history at the Academy was during his lower fall in History Instructor Leah Merrill’s Early Modern Europe class.

Many of his peers in that class, including Yeung and Brandes, commented on McNulty’s visible passion at the Harkness table. McNulty is the type of student who points out only the most artful connections between the texts and the world.

Merrill, who is also McNulty’s advisor, added that McNulty is a “true intellectual” and “visionary” whose “warmth, unabashed caring, and unapologetic quirkiness enable him to tell it as it is and to be listened to and heard.”

The following term, McNulty took Absolutism and Revolution with history instructor Alexa Caldwell, who detailed how McNulty was “socially aware” by facilitating a “safe space for learning” and “inspiring critical thinking among his classmates,” further describing McNulty’s passion as “infectious.” It is clear that within every class McNulty engages himself in,

By ANGELA ZHANG It’s early in the morning, and an angelic voice soars through the sky. Stephen McNulty cheerfully sings out loud as he walks swiftly across the Academy campus, stopping to greet those he encounters on the paths before returning to singing brightly to wherever he’s headed next in his busy day.

“Most people sort of hear me before they see me, you At the core, McNulty is a naturally inquisitive student who possesses a strong moral compass and a unique sense of intellectual curiosity, empathy and compassion. He’s incredibly sensitive, thoughtful—he would not hurt the tiniest of bugs. McNulty is the type of

person to complete existential analyses on almost anything and everything around him.

Instead of using conventional emoticons, his go-to is “\o/”, a depiction of someone cheering, to which close friend of his senior Felix Yeung believes “shows what elevates Stephen from everyone else, as he sees the joy, the beauty, the simple humanity in places where others see dark.”

It is simply in McNulty’s nature to search for goodness.

Ask anyone who knows him, or even just knows of him, and they will all share similar stories about McNulty’s unmatched kindness and brilliance, how McNulty’s love and appreciation for life is incomparable to anyone else’s: it is what drives his every action, what allows him to be a friend and mentor to all.

Several friends of McNulty shared heartfelt sentiments regarding his character. “Stephen cares very much about what is right, and he holds himself to doing the morally right thing. And what makes Stephen so uniquely Stephen is his grasp of what it means to be human,” Yeung said. “He sees the humanity in everyone and values the inherent dignity of all people.

He looks at you, into you, and through you. His gaze is not inquisitorial, but compassionate. He looks not to scrutinize, but to understand and to love.”

Senior Anne Brandes added on. “Stephen is a tireless advocate for human life and happiness. You might say, well, isn’t everyone? That sounds like something we all have in common. Well, yes and no. Everyone, or at least

mostly everyone, wants the best for the people around them, I agree. But, seldom does an individual think about how to treat others fairly as deeply as Stephen.”

McNulty’s success in the Academy’s History and Reliunparalleled and evident love for humanity. When asked about his favorite disciplines, he joked, “I have always been big on history. Part of Exeter was a 30%. And then I stopped liking math.”

He continued that what makes him love history so much is the chance to read texts that express people’s differing views, and then the opportunity to understand such people’s nuanced perspec-

classroom spirit and conversations with his kindness, curiosity, and wisdom.

Part of the reason why McNulty enjoys learning about humanity so much is because his spirituality and religion play a major role in his life. On campus, McNulty serves as the co-head of Catholic Exonians. In tandem to this, in the classroom, as he explained, “The more I dive into these classes, especially philosophy and theology, the less intellectual and more personal it becomes. It’s become more about processing my place in the world. There’s both an intellectual and an emotional aspect that I deeply enjoy.”

For example, McNulty recently completed an interesting assignment in his epistemology course with Religion Instructor Hannah Hofheinz, a rock and describe it. Initially confused by the purpose of this assignment, McNulty eventually found his way and articulately expressed, “This project is the sort of thing where the more you dive into it, the more you can see some connections to your own life in the world.” He went on to write a 7000-word paper on suffer-culture and the cycle of sleep deprivation, procrastination and unproductivity at the Academy, digging deep into the lives of Exonians during

the process.

Ironically, McNulty had written this paper at 3 A.M. in the morning. In fact, McNulty believed a common assumption about him is that he doesn’t get enough sleep.

McNulty turned out to be correct, with multiple of his friends commenting on his supposed lack of sleep. Lower sion of McNulty was “a tall and skinny kid who clearly didn’t get enough sleep.”

Upper Mali Rauch and senior Jax Lembo, respectively, added, “I don’t know how Stephen runs on as little sleep as he does,” and, “Sometimes I’m concerned about how much that kid works.”

Whether McNulty truly gets enough sleep for someone his age will remain a mystery. However, what is not a mystery is the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

Wu explained how he feels incredibly blessed to have McNulty as a mentor.

“Stephen is one of the most courageous people I know and I honestly don’t know how I would’ve gone through Exeter without him, or where I’d be right now,” Wu said. “A moment that my mind keeps rushing back to is when Stephen stood up in the choir last winter term and auditioned for a solo. I’ve long forgotten which piece, but I do remember that the day was beautiful.

And his voice is beautiful – of course, many, many people know this because he sings literally everywhere on this campus. And he just glowed that instant. And I felt so proud of him.”

Lembo attested to this.

“He does everything, and I mean everything, with such visible drive and passion.” ed, intelligent, and studious, work on campus. More importantly though, Stephen is the most compassionate and empathetic person I know. He makes Exeter a more human place. He just embodies curiosity, wit, understanding, and kindness, setting the highest standard for genuine goodness that I have ever seen,” Rauch said.

But like almost every other Exonian, McNulty was not from the very start of his career at the Academy.

“When I was a new lower, I was convinced that I was not going to make it through Exeter. You come into Exeter

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Senior of the Year: Stephen McNulty Cont. thinking you’re good at something, just to realize there’s a person who’s better than you at it. But now, I don’t mean that in a self-deprecating way anymore. Like every Exonian is incredible at some things, and we can’t all be incredible at everything, right? So we push and challenge each other in ways we haven’t becommunities who are willing to go the distance with you,” he shared. With an optimistic smile, he continued, “So I think a piece of advice I want to offer to everyone is to know that you’re capable. By senior year, you’re gonna look back and be like, wow, I survived.

Exeter builds really strong people. Trust that things will work out. You’re going to make it work.”

Indeed, McNulty has “made it work”. He involves himself with numerous hobbies and extracurriculars that, as expected, showcase his loving, compassionate, and intelligent character. One of the most unique things about McNulty is that he gerrymanders for fun.

“By gerrymandering, I mean I literally go into maps of county level data for districts and elections, that kind of thing. Like drawing the boundaries. I’ll try and be like, let’s make as many democratic districts as possible or as many republican districts as possible, right? I literally wrote one of my college essays about this,” he said while laughing. And while McNulty may view this hobby of his as just a quirk, his peers believe it is quite telling of McNulty’s nature.

“I think Stephen’s knack for this obscure activity shows a keen desire to engage with the world around him. He sees exploration everywhere, in every nook and cranny and digital simulation. He wants to engage with the world of ideas and inject them with his ‘Stephenness,’” Yeung said.

McNulty is also involved in the Academy’s Theatre Department, and is a member of a few acapella clubs, as well as the Academy’s Concert Choir.

Just from hearing him sing on the paths of campus, one can probably guess that McNulty is an avid performer and lover of music.

Over the years, McNulty had performed in several mainstage productions with

the Academy’s Theatre Department. Most recently, McNulty was in the original musical “What Comes Next”, composed by the music instructor Jerome Walker.

McNulty recalled that this musical was one of the greatest highlights of his winter term, and that the small cast made it easy for him to forge strong bonds, something he deeply values and has strived for throughout all his time at the Academy.

“I simply think it’s extremely important to make space to have joy and community,” McNulty shared.

McNulty’s fellow cast to his evident appreciation of community, as well as his joyous spirit and personality.

“If Stephen were to be a song, he would be the one you keep singing over and over and over again. He’s just that kind of person you’re always happy to see,” senior Yona Krugur said.

Senior Oliver Hess added that this aspect of McNulty is of Mcnulty’s legacy.“He facilitates genuine connections with people, whether it’s someone he’s known for years or someone who he’s just met. I can tell that he really, genuinely likes to make connections with people. And I like to think it rubs off on us,” Hess said.

With every performance, bloomed—something that has translated beyond the theater.

“Stephen’s changed a lot since Funnier. Perhaps, he’s just more of himself. To quote his character from What Comes Next, he has ‘some spunk, said.

Another community where McNulty has made his mark is Model United Nations (MUN) which he was a cohead of his senior year.

To him, joining the club was “one of the best decisions of his career at the Academy.”

The club allowed him to explore using his own voice to uplift the voices of those around him, but most importantly, it gave him the chance who truly mattered to him.

From 3 A.M. phone calls with the rest of the upper board to exploring Boston during conferences to eating pizza and

rooms of his fellow delegates, every memory McNulty recalls with MUN has been “nothing but cathartic.”

McNulty found a community in The Exonian as well, where he served as an came to the Academy, he started writing opinion pieces for the paper because he enjoyed the gratifying feeling of publishing something that would spark conversation within the community. When McNulty became an editor in his upper year, his passion inspired and transformed the writing of his juniors.

Brandes, who previously served as Editor-in-Chief of The Exonian, mentioned that as an editor, McNulty did more than “just read the pieces.” Instead, McNulty “[involved] himself with the writer and the should be elevated.” McNulty happily dedicated hours every week to truly make every submitted opinion editorial stellar, with no complaints whatsoever. This is another one of McNulty’s commitments that demonstrates his love and care for mankind. His work brought him genuine joy and him another chance to delve into the nuances of humanity through writing.

But like MUN, it’s not only the work McNulty does within The Exonian, but the community that he found within the club that made it so worthwhile. In fact, The Exonian is where McNulty met some of his closest friends, such as Brandes and Yeung.

The trio has a group chat with each other ironically titled, “The Boys,” and they’ve been through thick and thin together. During the interview, McNulty shared that one of the friendship was during three consecutively busy weeks of their senior fall-terms.

McNulty had to plan and set up PEAMUN, the Academy’s own annual MUN connext week he had to complete Since 1878, a multi-part series by the 142nd board of The Exonian that examined racial dynamics throughout the Acadafter that, he had to submit his 999 project with Brandes and Yeung.

McNulty spent those three

weeks working tirelessly with his friends, and he spoke incredibly fondly of those heartfelt moments in the newsroom that he’ll cherish forever. In particular, there was one night in which McNulty and his friends turned off the lights in the room to put up Christmas string lights, turning on 12place simulations on their laptops and ordering food as they worked into the late hours.

McNulty pulled a series of all-nighters with the other two, and he shared that the support the group had offered to each other provided him with “one he’s experienced at Exeter.”

The projects that McNulty pursued required great maturity and sensitivity to address, with topics ranging from the attacks on BIPOC at the Academy to sexual assault against women to suicide attempts. It is no surprise McNulty navigated these subject matters with great compassion, respecting the truths and stories of every individual’s life, and as always, putting their humanity at the forefront of his research and presentation.

“It was very easy for me to think I did not have the energy to go through with these projects, considering the weight of the topics and the sheer amount of work. But having the right people be there with me by my side made it possible. That’s part of what has made Exeter so good for me. You have people who are willing to put in the work with you. And the key there is the ‘with you’ part,” he shared.

Brandes and Yeung shared similar sentiments, praising McNulty for his work ethic and the friendship he offered to them during these times.

“Our—and the rest of our team’s—success in these endeavors was due to the fact that Stephen derived sincere joy from the work itself. He energized the projects. He made the long nights not just If I’m pulling off a project, I want Stephen on it,” Brandes explained.

Yeung added, “These were really special moments because whenever you work with Stephen, he always brings such intellectual vitality and curiosity to everything he does. And these were very special moments, even though we were operating on very,

very little sleep.”

Some of McNulty’s other most special moments did not even take place on the Academy campus, but in the United Kingdom. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Concert Choir would travel to other countries and perform with other schools in music exchange programs. McNulty toured the UK with the choir, and remembers it as one of his best memories during his time at the Academy.

Chair of the Music Department Kristofer Johnson recalled that McNulty would “wander in pure wonder and awe” through Westminster Abbey. “Stephen just lives the Exeter existence fully. He brings a depth of emotion and joy to all that I’ve seen him do.

So many of us are asleep and not paying attention, but not Stephen. He’s awake to beauty,” Johnson added.

With a childlike cheeriness and bliss, McNulty described the incredible sense of community he felt during the tour. “As we were singing, something clicked. You know, you’re all standing, singing with each other in a circle. Here I was, hair disheveled and all. I did not look that great, but the point is, the experience was so beautiful.

And part of it was because you could feel the community pulsing in that room. I still go back and watch the clip of us singing sometimes,” he admitted.

“An upperclassman once told me, when a group of people are singing in unison with each other, their heartbeats start to align,” McNulty continued. “So you’re breathing and living at the same time as someone else. It’s like this electric feeling, the sort of feeling I am chasing all the time. It’s the feeling of being with people, being on the same wavelength as them and being part of a real community.”

Smiling brightly, McNulty joked, “Whenever I’ve most loved Exeter, I’ve always been part of some community, like singing in a circle, or doing anything in a circle. Circles are cool shapes. It’s why Harkness works.”

But what McNulty prides himself in the most is his work with Fight Club, a peer-based grief support group at the Academy for students who have experienced some form

of death loss. Panama Geer, the adviser for the club, had only extraordinary things to say about McNulty—what he’s done for the club and what he’s contributed to the Academy.

“Stephen is an eclectic and inspirational young man who has quietly connected and impacted many students throughout his time here. He contributes so much in so many different ways to Exeter, and he does so with humility and a deep desire to make a difference,” Geer explained.

Having suffered loss in his childhood and knowing what it’s like to grieve, McNulty wanted to provide a supportive community and safe space for his peers who shared similar experiences.

“Turning Fight Club into, at least for me, a very special place was incredibly important. Before the pandemic, the members would go up to the loft of Phillips Church and have pizza and play pingpong. Sometimes we’d talk about coping with our grief.

Sometimes the conversations were about the hardships of pain. And sometimes, it was about nothing in particular,” he explained. “There’s a sacredness to that space that Fight Club built. And I think that so much of my understanding of Exeter is shaped by the sacred spaces the people build. I didn’t build Fight Club, you know. It’s built by the people in it. But being able to play a role in building this sacred space is what matters to me.”

“Looking back, all of my best memories of Exeter are with people,” McNulty concluded.

Before ending the interview, McNulty beamed and raised his hands up in the air to cheerfully express his thanks, similarly to the emoticon he frequently uses: ‘\o/’.

The time he went to bed that night was unknown, or even if he got enough sleep, but it can McNulty spent the next few hours contemplating spiritual and existential questions, sharing good laughs with friends and gently humming a tune before falling asleep in the late hours of the night to prepare himself for the busy day that awaited him the next day.

Senior of the Year: Dillon Mims

By MAYA COHEN With soft taps of chords and percussive beats, the entry theme for “Precedented Times” begins, gently rolling and continuing until senior Dillon Mims’ voice takes over. The words are digestible, and Mims expertly narrates a discussion of 2020, the phrase “unprecedented times” while connecting what’s happening right now back to the present in his podcast produced for his Senior Project.

Mims likes to wake up around 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. and with no appointments, it’s a chance for him to work out, run or meditate. eight, there’s no clubs, no commitments, no homework to do,” Mims said.

“My sort of ‘escape’ is my step away in those mornings when I can just be.”

As the day unfolds and Mims goes to class and interacts with those around him, there are endless ways to describe him. “He is the kind of person who will always show up when you need him, always be supportive, and always brighten your day,” senior Zoe Barron said.

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self often connecting to people from either shared activities or “convoluted and niche topics”, as he likes to describe them.

“One day, I made a Hairspray reference. Dillon understood my reference and built off of it. Immediately I knew, ok we’re going to be friends,” Barron added. “More than anything else, I’ve learned TikTok references from Dill. I promise if you ever see him running, in his head, he is thinking, ‘She’s a runner, she’s a track star.’”

Mims arrived at Exeter in 2017, and described his decision to come to the Academy. “Even though I was choosing between a lot of schools, I had had the chance to visit, and I was just so impressed with the facilities and the sort of intellectual capacity of the people and all the opportunities,” Mims said. “Even though I didn’t know exactly what my high school experience would look like and what kind of things that might be able to do or want me to be, I knew that I’d be able to get the most out of Exeter. It was sort of that mysterious capacity that enticed me the most and the idea of all these opportunities that I couldn’t picture,

but I knew I would have.”

Since coming to Exeter, Mims has also been a catalyst in helping Exonians break out of their shells and create a safe school environment. In this, he’s provided valuable help to peers, helping them manage the Academy’s change of pace and new lifestyle.

“He has taught me how to be a better listener, to be more open-minded, and how to manage stress and anxiety,” upper Bradley St. Laurent commented.

Mims is additionally a support system for many in his dorm, Cilley Hall.

In fact, even students who don’t live in Cilley can recognize Mims’ presence in his dorm. “I know that Dillon’s door is always have come into his room at 2 in the morning to tell or ask him things,” prep Jasper Chen said. “I know that it is impossible for him to say “no” to anything.”

Mims is always ready to drop anything to help his doormates read or edit a paper or to support them in any other way.

Senior Eli Brotman recalled how Mims helped him with his own life.

“Dillon has taught me how to come out of my shell

more, as a relatively introverted person,” Brotman said. “Dillon, although also kind of introverted, has introduced me to a bunch of his friends who have also become some of my close friends too.”

Senior and fellow Cilley resident Will Peeler acknowledged Mims’ hospitality and warmth, especially towards new students. He’s just someone who I think has really been good for Cilley’s dorm culture. He’s helped a lot of people who are new to realize that there are, you know, solid people in the dorm who they can come to and they can rely on.” Peeler said.

I think I’ve learned how to be driven,” lower Andy Horrigan responded when asked what he’d learned from Mims. “Whether he likes it or not Dillon will get what he has to do, he won’t complain (very much) and he’ll get it done.

He knows that short term suffering yields long term happiness, a trait which I think every Exonian should encapsulate.”

Mims recalled the end of a stressful senior fall, where his friends and him all woke up at 5:00 am and

Three hours were spent just ing the sunset, and reminiscing.

Upper Dilan Cordoba appreciated this concept “Dillon has taught me, in some way, how to appreciate moments,” Cordoba said. “Senior year has his class and yet, through conversations we’ve had, Mims demonstrates to appreciate the little things.”

Peeler also shared how it is a very common occurrence for “half the dorm to go through his room at any point in the night.” Mims has helped many new students in his dorm genuinely understand that they always have someone to rely on for any reason on any day and at any time. “One of the things I love about Dillon is that at any point I can go to his room and know he’ll help me out with whatever I need,” Peeler added.

“And he really works to foster the sort of environment where we all look out for each other.”

Mims’ devotion to his dorm is no surprise, and he described one of his favorite places to be on campus as Cilley. “I feel like there

are people I can laugh with and cry with and then joke with, and that’s really important to me,” he said.

Ask almost anyone, friend or teacher, and they’ll agree that Mims has changed since coming to Exeter to some capacity, except for Horrigan. “He hasn’t changed, it’s really weird,” Horrigan said.

“From his always spotless room to his perfectly folded clothes, it seems like he’s very intentional in everything he does,” Horrigan added.

But, according to Brotman, Mims has seen throughout his time at the Academy. “I’ve seen him grow from a somewhat apprehensive character, to someone that understands what he wants and knows his limitations and capabilities,” Brotman said.

“He has become more independent and has opened up to trying new things and meeting new people in general,” Brotman added.

Mims felt similarly about himself. He didn’t truly recognize his potential for leadership until he was put in those leadership positions and had to “make them work.”

When asked to describe

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior of the Year: Dillon Mims Cont. he’s got an open mind.”

History Instructor Bill Jordan commented. “He’s an intellectual and he likes to have fun. And to me, that’s the highest compliment I give a person if they’re an intellectual, because it

repeat of history.

Jordan also described s process for the project as beyond impressive as his project advisor. “He had a great idea. I love podcasts,” Jordan recalled. “So, you

fun thinking about things is open-minded.”

Jordan also noticed the

a really good idea for it.

across his time at Exeter.

“Well I’ve seen him mature,” Jordan said. “I mean, I had him in a 200 course and then again as a senior come more sophisticated in his thinking and became a Past his character changes, Mims has discovered and developed his in-

asked. But, according to Barron, “I’ve seen him

them.”

Mims’ development in interests have led to the contribution that Dillon is attributed to often, al Affairs (OMA) proctor and contributes to the safe space that OMA embodies. “I think being an OMA ist multicultural space has been my biggest contribuMims, History Instructor Kirsten Russell highlighted his enthusiasm and good that comes to mind is fabulous,” Russell said. “He is energetic, he’s enthusiastic.

He’s sincere. I mean, one of the really fun things is tual and social pursuits. He

seems to love life. It’s fun to be around.

Russell also commented on the change that she’s seen in Mims’ Harkness skills inside the classroom.

“He’s more sophisticated other people’s contribu-

he’s more able to incorporate his peers’ intellectual contributions.”

“He’s a person that puts an intellectual,” History Instructor Bill Jordan commented. “He’s an intellec-

thinking,” she added. “So

Mims said.

But Mims’

interests

a senior project, “Precedented Times,” an interest coming to Exeter. The podcast relates past events in American history to current events that are often named “unprecedented” but are a

to business.”

Mims not only learned

in the Democratic Club and on a bunch of political campaigns and also of course, on, Unsilenced.” ed Mims’ personality and diligent, kind of a perfectionist, fun, generous, kind, [and] funny.”

When asked the best Barron responded “Reliable. He is the kind of per-

editing equipment that is not for the simple-minded but spent the bulk of the time researching the project. The six-episode series “I aim for this notion [The podcast] does that by taking an issue or a crisis or concern from the past year, 2020 and 2021, and relating it back to a similar time in American history.” Dillon said.

“Mims has contributed authenticity to Exeter. He be driven by passion and

lack authenticity,” Cordoba commented.

In addition to proctoring for OMA and Cilley, as clubs, Mims is no stranger to the Exeter Theater Department. Dillon attributes Exeter to part of his cre-

“He puts his heart and soul into everything and it Peeler shared.

“I think also just his passion for the things that he does just shines through,” he talks about any of the things that he’s passionate about it’s just kind of infectious.”

After being a student, leader, and support system at Exeter, Mims has some dent body, being easier on ourselves, letting ourselves be human, letting ourselves be kids for once,” Mims said.

“When you recognize

to manifest his creativity in being Theater. Other positions he’s held at Exeter have included Democratic Club co-head, Young Brothers Society (YBS) cohead, and an editor for The Exonian.

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seem most impressive are just like you, they’re doing everything you’re doing.

I think it is a great equalizer,” he added. “I think in my abilities because I different than anyone else.”

Mims on a variety of projgether on a bunch of stuff

Senior of the Year: Nahla Owens brings people together,” Religion Instructor Russell Weatherspoon said. strived to make this impact.

“I think the thing that pushes to a brighter future. So I try and kind of bring that into everything I do,” she said. people enjoying those [Unsilenced] performances is something that carries me through.” hopes to be remembered at Exeter for her dedication to people and things she cares people see me as someone sionate about the things that I do,” she said.

Many students compresence makes a notable difference on campus.

Senior Sarah Huang exMUN, ALES, DRAMAT, Program (KIPP), and later A Better Chance. Many of

By SAFIRA SCHIOWITZ The lights dim, and a spins to life, illuminating the Assembly stage projector. As dancers, poets, and stage,

then-upper

Nahla nizing and directing come to life for the 2020 performance of Unsilenced.

ing as a co-director, as a host,” Aguilar ’20 said. to be.’”

application process to go attend prominent boarding schools, and this started her sue in the future. think about Exeter as an option. She applied upon a mentor’s suggestion, and

foremost as kind,” she said.

“As a co-head of Democratcontinued. “We’ve been super close friends, and I’ve appreciated the community the main reason that I decided to come. So it’s a long landed here.”

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Academy and the labor she has devoted to creating communities of care through

Then, she attended Experience Exeter. “[Kiki

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person and that completely changed my mind and

done more than land. She has made an enduring and helped organize the Academy’s “Unsilenced” event in honor of Martin Luther perform and share their art,

in underserved communities night and I just had so much

“She’s absolutely amaz-

herself and her ability.”

Because of these qualiI left because of her.”

Aguilar also comment-

bly because Nahla is shockingly experienced, patient and inspiring.”

“As many people on this credibly smart and also has a remarkable capacity to share love and compassion

is that throughout all four senior Sarah Huang said.

Teachers and faculty been that caring about the and about people in general,” Aguilar said.

Senior Anne Brandes shared similar thoughts.

been inspired by her. “Nahla is steady, thinks clearly, and gets to core issues quickly. She has an easy manner and a disarming laugh. She

her remarkable talent in so many disciplines.” la in the OMA-sponsored realm,” Huang continued, “I think most people on this campus can attest to the -

to come. Huang expressed ens feel. “When I’m around be more kind and generous.

I often feel so excited to see all the amazing things she’s going to do in the future, and I’m incredibly grateful

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

D10

Senior of the Year: Charlie Preston has led him to become a valuable mentor for underclassmet Charlie through Kirtland

By ELLIE ANA SPERANTSAS In the Latin wing of the Academy building, a teacher’s sharp rendition of Roman poet Catallus’ poem rings through the air, sharp syllables so similar to the English language, but with a unique twang.

“Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo—whatever is coming, will come.” A youthful Charlie Preston sits at the round table, surrounded by peers discussing and dissecting the poem demonstrating life is worth living well.

While the other students at the table slump in their seats, examine the ancient carvings in the table and check the time, Preston leans into the conversation, engaging and interacting with those around him. His radiant smile and uninhibited bliss bring joy to the whole room, and his passion and love for the subject shine through the fog brought by exhaustion and stress.

To some, this conversation is one more class to get through—one more box to check off the list before the quiet few hours of sleep that await on the other side of daily commitments. To Preston, this is a conversation that will alter his life outlook and teach him a phrase that, years from now, he will still claim as his life motto. This discussion will draw him deeper into the subject than ever, allowing him to truly understand the reason why scholars learn dead languages in order to interpret ancient texts. This is not just requirement; it is a door to another perspective—an understanding that life is worth living to its fullest.

Preston does not know all this now. What he knows is he loves this subject, this class-

room, this discussion. His classmates can see a sparkle in his eyes that is pure bliss shown only at this table.

That joy has allowed Preston to excel to unprecedented heights. Coming to the Academy with middle school Latin experience, Preston threw himself into the Classical Languages and history departments. When he didn’t place into a satisfactory level of Latin, Preston self-studied the contents of LUDUS, the introductory Latin textbook, over Thanksgiving break to close the gap in his knowledge and place into Latin 220 in the winter term. Never missing a chance for a challenge, he audited Ancient Greek as a lower, is now one of four students in Latin 771 and the only student in Greek 631 and currently taking the accelerated one-year Italian course.

Beyond the Academy building, Preston has taken leadership positions in his dorm Ewald, History club, Kirtland Society (Exeter’s Classics club), Linguistics Club and Middle Eastern Society.

His knowledge of the language has been seen by the Classics department and they have hired Preston to work on the writing of the glossary and grammatical appendix to the department’s Greek textbook, two summers.

Preston’s teachers over the years have seen his passion for the language throughout their time with him. “The legend of Charlie Preston is this kind of an embodiment of what it means to be an Exeter student,” mentor and History Instructor Troy Samuels said.

“It’s one thing to love the study of ancient Rome and Greece. It’s another thing to be willing to question. I mean,

the kid knows more Latin than I do, and that’s part of what my Ph.D is in.”

Latin Instructor Nicholas Unger praised Preston as well in regards to Classics. “What his litany of accomplishments do not capture is the sheer passion for languages that Charlie brings to the table,” Unger said.

This passion and determination are what have allowed Preston to excel, according to senior and Ewald dorm mate Caleb Richmond. “He never fails to give his 100% into a subject he’s interested in,” Richmond said. “Everyone that knows Charlie knows that he exudes this aura of ‘Charlie-ness’ that is impossible to compare anything to.

It’s as if he’s his own mascot, cheerleading for himself and always ready to help.”

Exeter alumna and former Kirtland Society member Michaela Phan ’19 believes this aura has now extended beyond Preston’s inner circle.

“The Classics community [at one like Charlie because he shook things up a bit with his surge of passion and determination,” Phan said. “The most admirable thing is that everyone knows he does this work because he truly cares about it.”

Preston takes a lot of inspiration from Classics as well.

“Charlie always repeats this quote, his favorite Greek ad-

to, “Men of the greatest virtue are those who lead without being told to do so.” Charlie, I know, well embodies this quote in his pursuits of leadership at Exeter, in classics and beyond,” senior and friend Joe Laufer said.

Preston’s joy in Classics

meeting, I could tell that he was someone who was very open and willing to talk to younger students,” upper and fellow Kirtland Society member Kiesse Nanor said.

Senior friend JaQ Lai agreed. “He’s a guy who has his priorities straight and that has been really inspiring for me. It’s weird to talk about it because I guess we’re technically peers and we’re both seniors, but I think I draw a lot of how I try to approach priorities or make time for things or really caring about what you do from Charlie.”

This was not always the case, however. Preston recognized his increased ability to distribute priorities since coming to Exeter. “If you’re going to think of life as a bunch of light bulbs you have in front of you, and you have a hundred watts and only a hundred watts to spend, I think that I have learned to more fairly distribute my wattage, so that bulbs that were very dim previously, have become a little brighter.”

“No matter who he is talking to, he is always giving them his all. No matter if he’s tired, no matter if he’s stressed, he will always be there for you to support and cheer on your accomplishments,” upper Grace Ding said. dorm, Preston is also known for mentoring students in History 314: Roman History for Latin Students, taught by Samuels. “You can tell when students have talked to him because they come with a different energy. [Charlie fosters] this mentor relationship, especially with the kids in History 314,” Samuels said.

Preston’s connection with and knowledge of cultures, from his own Armenian heritage to Classical Rome, has allowed him to bond with others on a deeper level. “Before Exeter, I hadn’t found communities of people who are interested in the same things that I am. I would consider my friend group now pretty eclectic. Being able to hang out and form connections outside of a particular subject with a group that engages in that subject with you, whether it be Linguistics Society, Latin or Middle Eastern society has been really helpful to my development and my friendships,” Preston said.

impact Exeter has had on him and the recindance of his self proclaimed formal “social awkwardness.” “I think the environment being on campus at Exeter has allowed me to meet a lot of people and stop being so nervous around human beings. Part of that has also been my love of literature. I read stuff in Latin and Greek, but also I read as much as I can in English. Being able to relate to people who have mastered the art of expressing themselves through literature, through their art, has allowed me to understand my own life and to express myself on a day-to-day basis. It’s that social aspect that I’m glad that I’ve changed the most. Now I can go to college and feel I’m really sad, almost scared about dropping all of these communities, all these clubs out of the entire life I’ve built here at Exeter, I feel somewhat friends and build that up again next year.”

Senior and Classics scholar Phil Horrigan recounted an incident of that deep bonding from the summer after their lower years on the Classics night when we were checking in,we decided it would be fun to make Mr. Langford, our Latin teacher this term, think that we were weird (if he wasn’t already thoroughly convinced) and so Charlie, another friend, and I decided to all get into the bottom bunk of one of the beds in our dormstyle room. We made a version of a human sandwich, and the look on Mr. Langford’s face was priceless.”

Lai recalls a time when they had overlapping frees and instead of spending the time in Grill, Charlie asked if they could go for a walk. “We do that a decent amount, just decide to go do things.” Lai said.

The walk, which Lai expected to wind up on the trails or in town, led them to a graveyard nearby campus. There, he showed Lai the gravestones and told him about each imwas buried there, including former principals and people integral to the founding of the town of Exeter. They spent the entirety of their free period there, laughing and discussing the history of the town and school. “He just cares so deeply about this kind of stuff to learn about it. We could very easily have just spent the hour

in Grill, but instead we had that very unique experience, something I would have never stumbled on on my own,” Lai said.

“I think some people think of Charlie as a purely intellectual, purely academic guy, but don’t know he’s willing to have fun,” Lai added. “Charlie knows how to laugh. He takes enjoyment in a lot of things.

It’s easy for him to appreciate something, which I think is really cool. He’s not afraid to be silly at times, which I enjoy.

He doesn’t take himself too seriously.”

Many of his friends recognize the impact Preston had had on their lives at Exeter.

“I’ve had many conversations with Charlie that have truly changed my viewpoint on life and have changed me as a person so fundamentally. That’s who he is for a lot of people.

He takes the lessons that he learns and just spreads them.

There are so many times I remember spending the entire night over summer break just talking to him and other people about life and just everything. I really value those experiences with him and these memories because they made Exeter feel like home,” Ding said.

Preston’s personality and genuineness allow him to connect with teachers in a to approach me, reach out his hand and welcome me: ‘Hi, I’m Charlie and I’m a student listener. Pleased to meet you.’

Vintage uninhibited, comfortable in his own skin, genuine Charlie.” Ewald dorm faculty and modern language instructor Paolo Reichlin said. him four years ago, when, as a prospective student visiting campus, he sought me out in spoken Latin. Ever since then, we speak to each other in Latin every time we see each other on the paths,” Unger said.

With teachers, peers, classmates and friends, Preston embodies what Exeter culture strives to be. “Exeter culture is very, very unique because of the way that nerds appreciated.” Horrigan said.

“I think Charlie is one of the nerdier kids in the class of 2021. I think most others would agree. And I think that he’s grown into that role.

We respect him for it. A student like Charlie only comes around once in a generation.”

Senior of the Year: Iliana Rios

By ANDREW YUAN Then-upper Iliana Rios stood with other Academy students and faculty, her arms interlocked with theirs, as they formed a human wall to block off Grill. Rios had organized the protest as a demand for the Administration to make the Academy a more inclusive space for Latinx students and faculty after a Grill employee dressed as a U.S. border wall for a Halloween costume contest.

in her gender and racial identity, often having to stand up for classroom and community spaces. “I’m from Las Vegas and I went to school with a lot of people that looked like me and had the same experiences,” Rios said, “most of my neighborhood was primarily Mexican and Hispanic, and I’m also Mexican. So I shared a lot of experiences with all these people and I never felt out of place there.”

“I think that coming to Ex-

American student from a single-mother family that immigrated from Mexico, Rios always imagined her experience at Exeter as enlightening and inclusive.

“My sister actually came here, she was a two-year senior. She had a different experience than I had but I really wanted to come to Exeter.

Exeter was presented to me to be a super community-based school with lots of support systems,” Rios recalled, “I thought that kind of life gave me a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have back home. I decided to apply as a new lower and that was my entrance to Exeter.”

Upon Rios’ arrival at Exeter, she found herself isolated

was the only person of color in a classroom or sometimes the only female student in a classroom, sometimes both, which There were really a lot of moments that just weren’t great,” Rios continued.

Rios navigated through her Exeter experience with the help of her supportive friend group.

Senior Zoe Barron shared her fondest memory of Rios throughout her journey at Exeter. “My fondest memory of Iliana is the Principal’s Day in our lower year. All of our friends went to boston and it was just the two of us on an empty campus. For the entire day, we just enjoyed running around campus, watching twi-

light, and having fun together,” Barron said.

Rios agreed. “Zoe and I, during the Principal’s Day of our lower year, wanted to have a day free. It’s really hard to be free on campus because I constantly have assignments and club meetings. We woke up, watched movies, and went to the track side to get breakfast.

I think there was a moment when we were walking across campus and we just recognized how beautiful the Exeter campus was. When you’re walking to EPAC or to the English building, you don’t really recognize how fortunate you are to be in such a beautifully built place,” Rios said.

“It was nice when you don’t have the stress to really recognize that you are on this amazing campu. You can go to the woods or you can just observe it with serenity all around you,” Rios continued, my best memories, not only because I really enjoyed the day with her, but also because I got to appreciate the campus that I would call home.”

During his friendship with Rios, senior Dillon Mims appreciated all the joy that Rios has brought around her friends. “Playing Frisbee on

the quad this past term has been really great. But what’s genuinely the best about Iliana is that she makes every situation hilarious,” Mims said, “I can’t count the number of times I’ve laughed with her situation with fun and excitement.”

Senior Renee Bertrand described Rios as a “complete bad b*tch.” “She’s so unafraid of taking up space, being sure of her opinion and encouraging others to be sure of their opinions as well. She makes other people around her feel believes in her friends and she believes in the community.

That’s important,” Bertrand said. “When I’m around her, I feel like more of a bad b*tch.”

Senior Panchali Choudhary enjoyed her time around Rios and her amusing jokes.

“She just makes every moment enjoyable because of her super dry sense of humor.

She’s just really sarcastic and witty, which I appreciate.

She’s always really fun to talk to.”

Looking back at her years of activist work at Exeter, Rios -

ly devoting herself into activist work. ation [American], sometimes it’s pushed on you that you should be thankful for what this country has given you so much with the chance to go to Exeter and I’m heading off to Columbia next year,” Rios shared, “These amazing opportunities are here because of when you feel like you’re not in a position to criticize it. That was one of my biggest issues with stepping into activism.”

“I felt like I didn’t have a right to criticize a country that had given me so much. Eventually, I think I’m criticizing this country not because I hate it, but because I love it and I want it to be better for people like me,” Rios continued. “and I think that I belong just as much as my white classmates. I’ve grappled with this nitely come to understand the power of activism.”

Senior and former Asian Voices co-heads Emily Kang and Sarah Huang applauded Rios’ successful activism behind her dedicated organization of the Grill sit-in protest in the fall term of 2019-2020

school year.

“It was impressive in the way that she planned the protest. It was so smart because the very fact that it was a human wall they formed at the grill forced the need for activism into light in a really ways visible throughout the campus,” Huang said.

Kang agreed, “Especially considering that it happened during upper fall, the potential that she had in her activism was just promising.”

Bertrand recalled Rios’ passion for solidifying communities of care while organizing a protest with La Alianza Latina (LAL) in 2020. “I can very vividly remember how passionate Iliana was about the LAL protests, how she was one of the facilitators of having that protest, and how important that was to acknowledge how unsafe so many Latinx students feel on this predominantly white and historically white campus, especially during this polarizing time,” Bertrand said. “She’s never afraid. She’s never someone to stand down when something is wrong. She will always challenge someone else’s point of view if she feels like it does not acknowledge

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Senior of the Year: Iliana Rios Cont. a dedicated and driven person the hard moments are.”

Alianza Latina co-head Jutivism through connecting her personal experiences and a dependable presence around LAL as a grounded member,

looked. In her discussions, she engages themes of race and

nity.

seemingly unrelated texts to overarching themes of racial plight and ethnicity.”

not really doing this for myself -

-

activism in her contribution to for the Post-Millennial student derstands the role of commu-

said. really acquainted here because

returning board member this -

and provides people insights into the Latinx community.” ing younger students and be-

edged and is harmful.” only to protests or actions, but deeply ingrained in her daily life and Harkness discussions.

Barron shared her experiences of struggles for racial

Associate Dean of Advising Courtney Marshall agreed, citing her activism in class. more Latinx literature for oth-

regarding social justice issues, is evident at the Harkness Ta-

might come in and relate their experiences and background in their conversations. That personal activism is sincere

the main character in the book added. to prove ourselves or having less expectations of us than Barron said. ingness to make her voice heard. I admire her determination more than anything.

I admire the respect she has for herself,” Barron contin-

having more books like this, is a Dominancan, but also a 10th grade student,” Marshall said.

Choudhary commented on are expectations for activism to be systematic changes, but even just in classrooms, if people say problematic things,

in a classroom, in our friend group, or in an extracurricular, -

over and underestimated, but

if everybody else around her -

-

time and effort into caring and

adjust through the transition

fearless on the frontline as she understands the value of

embedded in all institutions.

depend on her to maintain the -

epitomizes the beautiful struggle.”

to raise my sister and I on her

guiding force.”

Dean of Multicultural Affairs Sherry Hernandez shared

dorm mate Sam Chalmers -

through all these things, it al-

Rios is a force. She is kind, thoughtful, and incredibly bright. We are so lucky to have -

Chalmers referred to as an

for my mother, or for people -

emotional attunement in part

-

best in college next year. We

obviously incredibly intelligent and not afraid to speak up at the Harkness table and give her opinion on readings.

She takes a very multicultural -

could change that.

I might not have a place at the government building or I might not be the student the

like a Pisces friend.”

Rios explains her love for racism and discrimination tar-

ful to recognize that despite being not listened to by people er by choosing to speak up, joining coalitions and joining others as a collective.”

Senior of the Year: Senai Robinson

By CLARK WU Lights off. Music turned to the max. With rhythmic of Club Room B, senior Senai Robinson invents dance moves. His friends laugh and Robinson laughs along, But although Robinson has left such an indelible im-

have goes to the necessary.” sary things, and looking back,

Robinson considers most

is Harkness, the sharing of

like sports or clubs or things that a bunch of other kids could barely afford to put any in a tiny Catholic school…

my race seemed to be the one thing that kept me strong, the one pillar of self I could lean one. But the point of this story many things I had not accepted, had not processed, had not fully understood, and had not

alphabet could be integrated into math as variables in the eighth grade,” he said.

eter is vulnerable.”

and beyond, to be a reconstruction and reinterpretation of his identity. A second-generation Black and Latinx immigrant from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, he

curiosity and passion led him gram. Although a time of rig-

genuine love in school” in the family. The prospect of higher education and success

loved the mascot, the liberal uniform requirements, and

all their middle school lives.

-

-

changed overnight upon arriving on this dreamt-of, but

that memory.” couple of my prep friends sat

like me, I really did feel shut out from all that,” he said. feeling of ostracization by portraying myself as someone

campus fail to recognize his here for four years, and re-

ness tables.

When Robinson got in, amant in making him feel secure as an African American and as a Dominican and

to ask a person in my class identity for a very long time in the name of friendship, in the name of community.” ly shocked by the patterns of friendships, connections, disconnections, and differences enforced by this community,

people talk and go back and forth and laugh and say jokes and just come together in a enced.” friends back to this room. In fact, all of their favorite memsame.

Upper Ifeoma Ajufo reB and dancing. Senai took one of the theatre masks and started dancing like crazy.”

Senior Adia Allison addlaugh.”

Upper Marina Williams

found a more inclusive one.

opened up opportunities to him, and Robinson dreamt

-

at this school,” just Blacks and Latinos but

-

of connection that prep year did not spark joy or relief. A myself. And because school ber one priority, a bunch of kids picked on me and treated felt alone. That one moment that feeling.”

free, I ran into bigger traps.” son built himself a community and a support system of mostly Black and Latino stuI realize the kind of damage I did to myself creating that false sense of community. I started to believe that every-

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Senior of the Year: Senai Robinson Cont. the path were my friends. And each and every single one of them demands an authentic version of me.”

Robinson feared showing that authentic self. At the time, to understand and accept his queerness and his insecurities with his own body. Even now, he is still considering if he ever denied these parts of him.

“I could interact with people, I could be friends with them and we could talk for so long but in the back of my mind there was always this if.

If this person would judge me if they knew that I was gay. If this person really, really cares about me. If they looked at my body for a second longer and blinked twice or smiled weirdly.”

“My family had a lot of things to say when I was growing up and gaining weight. And they also have a lot of things to say about LGBTQ+ people to this day.

So many things have brought me to this place I was in, this place that I am in.”

Robinson built an invulnerable cover and buried his shame and embarrassment in work during his upper year.

The Academy was an accomplice to his deteriorating mental health. “We have to realize that students aren’t on equal ground when they arrive at Exeter. If you treat students equally, this gap between me and my peers, this gap that I had to work so hard to close, is going to stay there forever.”

“There are so many things we do as a school that no one questions. Like the fact

that as a Black and Hispanic, the only time you have with your community, people that you feel not only understand you, but can also live through you, revive you and give you a source of compassion and love, make you feel that the racism and whiteness you’ve experienced this whole week is valid and awful, is that one hour every week in a club.”

Robinson also believes that dorms should feel much more friendly and inclusive.

“I shouldn’t feel like I owe somebody something when I wear a durag. I shouldn’t feel like I don’t belong when I’m trying to wash my hair.

And I shouldn’t feel out of place when everyone’s talking about sports or classes when I want to talk about Breonna Taylor and George Floyd or Crosses.”

“Whiteness is the absence of BIPOC culture. People don’t realize that because we’re predominantly a white institution. White students get their time with their community, get to have the classroom, get to have the clubs, get to own the dorm, get to feel at home. The school is an ple. Realizing that, I decided to run for Student Council president.”

Robinson’s campaign produced the Academy’s second co-presidency, and his leadership was cherished among many students. “He’s shown that the Black students on this campus are more than just a percentage, and inspired so many more students of color

to reach for leadership roles,” Ajufo said. “Senai’s been able to bring so many students of color out of their shell and showcase their talents. He’s helped everyone realize their value on this campus. That’s something I think is so important.”

Then COVID-19 hit. For that he had to forgo all his plans and priorities. But also serve in his role from outside Exeter.

“We always paint this perfect image for all the leaders, all the Student Council presidents. I would have traded the world just to have their lives,” Robinson said. “I didn’t want to hate my body, my sexuality, my race, my ethnicity. I didn’t want to feel like the community I found was a lie and perpetuating my self-hate. I wanted to live in all the greatness and the power and the happiness in those leaders. I wanted it all so bad. And somehow, some way I ended up where they are, partially. So there are things they’re not saying, not showing. Maybe they’ve gone through the exact same share of problems and imperfections and challenges as my own.”

The pandemic was the introspective time Robinson needed. “The process felt like the end of WandaVision, where you see someone lose everything they love. It’s terrifying. But what’s more terrifying is if you lose yourself. Like you’re standing on the edge of the shore and the wave just keeps coming and knocking

you back down.”

“I think people assume that I’m happy. I think people assume that I have it all. I think some people assume that I try to play the system at Exeter,” Robinson said. “I think some people assume that I give great advice or that I am a great friend and a great person and that I’m always going to be there even if they don’t give me any attention.” go of these assumptions, he created a new criteria of how life can be and how he could live, how he could feel free.

He could be a great friend and a great leader, but those roles should not have been expectations.

Allison, who accompanied Senai through many of to be “compassionate before anything else.” “He often worries for others before thinking of himself,” she said. “I think he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance. He’ll thrive wherever he is because he never gives up, even when he believes that the odds are not in his favor.”

“Whenever I go to Bella Noche, you will be the added.

Webster dorm head and English Instructor Alex Myers attested to Senai’s growth and also his dedication to give back to the community. “In Webster he has been so friendly to others and welcoming. humor in situations and bring honesty and candor to conversations. He is generous with

his time and reaches out to others,” Myers said.

Senior Serena (Bea) West agreed. “I think Senai likes the opportunity a leader has shock unique to prep schools that hit a lot of people of color who come to Exeter. Senai is just so willing and passionate about helping them feel at home,” she said.

“I think at boarding school er or sister to you. That’s Senai,” West added. “He’s the on this campus. He’ll call you on FaceTime and give a 1AM motivational speech or dance to celebrate a history paper submission anytime.

He brings out the best in you.

Going on a run with Senai was the farthest I’ve ever ran.”

Robinson said, “A friend told me recently that I don’t really cry. I had forced myself into the emotional bounds that allowed me to prioritize the things that I thought mattered, to appear amicable and positive and friendly and nice.

This is the kind of thing that attracts others at the Academy and in this twisted world.”

“I want to make it clear.

What I thought mattered does matter. It extremely matters to me. But life is about balance.

And for me, during my time at Exeter, I could not have my vulnerable self working on self-love while also trying to be a great student and a leader.”

When Robinson returned, nally getting to a place where he felt closer to completion.

“I could do anything I wanted to. I could wear a skirt or wear makeup without worrying about others thinking that I was too gay.”

To Williams, that is Robinson’s legacy. “To not care what people think. He is unapologetically himself, a beautiful trait to have,” she said. “Senai, please don’t dim your light to let others shine over you. Your presence is important and so are you.

Please take care of yourself always and keep doing things that make you smile. I’ve only known you for two years, but I have seen you transform into a whole new person. Just know that you have a huge support system that cares about you and loves you through every situation.”

A part of Robinson wants to turn time back to his lower spring, the time he thinks he may have been happiest. “The sun was out. My friends and wasn’t much to worry about.

We went to town to grab icecream then sat on the boardwalk. I remember I laid in my friend’s lap, eating ice-cream.

I don’t know what we talked about. I remember there was laughing. I remember it was really good.”

“And the sun started setting in the water. It looked really, really nice. I just felt at peace and I didn’t want to away with the water.”

Senior of the Year: Osiris Russell-Delano think that’s motivated me to just keep going and doing it.”

Music is not the only medium through which Russell-Delano brings out the best in those around him and strives to bring out the best in himself. He is a leader in writing poetry and the study of literature.

Mercy Carbonell was Russell-Delano’s English teacher his lower year. “He is

By SAFIRA SCHIOWITZ Often in his music videos, Osiris Russell-Delano can be found in a public space, somewhat removed from the active world around him. The intro of the rap begins. Rolling rhythms and pulsing chords dance together tentatively, waiting for Rusell-Delano, who eventually looks directly into the camera and spits rhymes that strike like lightning – not necessarily in the sense of their speed, but in their truth.

Rusell-Delano lives in the Bronx with his family, but he a young age while living in many different places. “I’m from New York City, but I’ve oughs, so I’ve moved a lot throughout my life,” he said.

“I was always a really passionate kid about learning things and just exploring the world.

And that’s how I got here in a sense.”

Before Exeter, Rusell-Delano attended the Manhattan Country School, a small private institution in the Upper West Side ranging from pre-K to eighth grade, where he was “taught a lot about being curious and making sure that learning is also united with activism.”

Already instilled with the non sibi mentality, Rusell-Del-

ano said he “really had no idea about Exeter in the beginning.” He learned about the Academy through the Boys Club of New York, a program meant mainly for Black and Latinx kids.

“Eventually my counselor [there] told me to apply,” Rusell-Delano explained.

“I just got in. I didn’t really think too much about it, but then when I came here [for a tour]…I was just like, yeah, this is where I’m going to be.”

Rusell-Delano has since left his mark on Exeter as a musician, poet, athlete, friend, student, and more. Humbly, he says that he is all of those things because of the community he found at school. “It really know what was going on,” he said, speaking about his prep year. “But thankfully [in] my lower year I had really good friends and we motivated each other. That’s gotten me to where I am today.”

He feels that the best part of Exeter is the people. “Seeing my relationships with friends and peers evolve into a lifelong bond is really cool,” he said.

Senior Hojun Choi is among the friends that Rusell-Delano has had during his time at Exeter. He has many fond memories of making music with Choi.

“Me and Hoj would go

into his room lower and upper year,” Russell-Delano said.

“It’d be a Saturday night and we just sat there for four hours making different beats, freestyling, or just having so much fun.”

When he came to Exeter, Russell-Delano thought that his main interest was poetry.

“When I was younger, I saw [poetry and rap] as sort of disconnected. Like music was more fun and playful and poetry was a serious thing. And I think as I’ve grown, they’ve merged a lot more.”

In creating his art, Russell-Delano says: “I try to make sure I’m speaking truth in both ways and whether it’s over a beat or whether it’s just in writing.”

This philosophy has paid off in his musical journey. He began releasing music in his prep year. “Ever since then,” he said, “I’ve been doing that and getting more serious about it too. It’s taken me to really cool places...I got to record in some real studios for some music videos.”

Russell-Delano is a veridreds of monthly listeners, and his music videos have thousands of viewers. His songs often revolve around identity and internal struggle. The images presented in the lyrics are vivid, vulnerable, and they hold the audience by the col-

lar, willing them to understand a message that is more proxiThe passion that Russell-Delano has for music is clear to all. Another friend of his, senior Andrew Luke, said “When he would post a snippet of his songs, I was lucky enough to hold the camera and record him, and you could see how much work he puts into his songs and how much he cares about his art.”

“I’ve also been to a music studio in New York with him and Hoj. Watching him at the mic [his passion] was apparent as well,” Luke added.

Russell-Delano’s dedication to rapping honest and raw lyrics speaks to his warm personality, which is a reason many people gravitate towards him. “What I admire most about Osiris is his open-mindedness which I think plays into his music career as well. He’s a very easy person to relate to, and I believe that’s why lots of people enjoy the songs he and Hoj make,” senior Drew Smith said.

The joy that people get from listening to Russell-Delano’s music in turn makes him where he performed some original songs on the quad in front of Phillips Hall. “Seeing that people even knew the lyrics was really cool. And I

“One who considers his work with his peers carefully, one who wants always to draw out all voices. As a student, as a leader, he is committed to drawing together, to leading, to initiating.”

While inspiring others, Russell-Delano maintains his ability to introspect. Of his poetry and narratives, Carbonell said, “His pieces prove an eclectic pulse, a sense of authorial purpose, a keen ear for rhythm and a sharp eye for detail.”

Past English teacher of Willie Perdomo, admired Russell-Delano’s skill as a student. and independent thinker,” he said.

Though music and writing are Russell-Delano’s major passions, he is involved in many other areas of life on campus. He is the captain of the water polo team, in varsity swimming, a co-head of Mock Trial, and a co-head of Black Students of Excellence (BSE). “We have a lot of fun there, and then we also get to advocate in the community, which is great,” he said of the club. Both he and Choi are also involved in the Music Production Club.

Russell-Delano remembers something a senior told ing at Exeter. “The days are of my Exeter experience,” he said. In those long days and short weeks, Russell-Delano has made a perpetually positive impact on the Academy through not just his passion, but his truth.

From Mercy Carbonell: Poet,

scholar,

athlete,

son, sibling, friend, teammate, leader, artist, witness, truth-seeker, truth-giver, Osiris is a soul and a citizen every community would be blessed to have in its midst.

I wrote recently to my seniors about a night my freshman year when I ran through a rainstorm down Thayer Street to cross campus to hear Maya Angelou speak. I remember the rain, yes, the way she parted the curtain and emerged in a silver gown with a crutch for her ankle was in a cast; how the lights dimmed, and she lifted her head up; how in a stunningly low voice slowly bellowed to us, “You must have the courage to reinvent yourself.” Over thirty years since that rain swept evening, I know I have heeded Angelou’s call. For I have the gift to teach students like Osiris. I have watched as he, too, has parted curtains, emerged in a spotlight, lifted his head up and offered wisdom so many need to hear, to live by, to feel deeply. in December of 2018 at the start of 10th grade English, the winter term course designed to read about, listen into, contemplate constructions of “Race in Literature.” Now I teach him in the James Baldwin Senior Elective.

With his collaborative consciousness and his contemplative spirit, Osiris comes to the study of literature and to seminar discussions with his love for creativity and writing, in literature, his ability to listen carefully, his dedication to the careful analysis of language. tions in thought. He comes with penetrating and inviting questions. He offers crucial insights, subtle in synthesis and vast in possibility for further rumination. He knows how to lead his peers to the text as evidence and as the space to appreciate a writer’s aesthetic dent, one who considers carefully his work with his peers, one who wants always to draw out all voices. As a student, as a leader, he is committed to drawing together, to leading, to initiating. Even as a 10th

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Senior of the Year: Osiris Russell-Delano Cont. grader, Osiris embodied what he still brings to all of the spaces he inhabits: a maturity, an intuition and a lived, literary wisdom.

Osiris was in the strange position of being one of the only students of color in his 10th grade class: not uncommon but not at all ideal in a course like this one for his sake. In certain moments, it was abundantly clear that he had a knowledge of terminology many of his peers were not versed in: white fragility; white supremacy; colonialism. In many ways, his ease with some of the skills, language inspired his peers who have felt they cannot speak to do so. He gave a voice to a number of his peers; he spoke

of his dedication “to shift the narrative of hardship, to show beauty and pain.”

His engaged ink on the pages of Baldwin’s writing marks the words that carry Baldwin’s nuance and Osiris’ conversation with critical truths. He opens himself to truths that challenge him. He reveals his appreciation for a writers’ craft. He embraces Trinh Minh-Ha’s sentiment of “Words, fragments, and lines that I love for no sound reason; blanks, lapses, and silences that settle in like gaps of fresh air as soon as the inked space smells stuffy.”

As a writer Osiris continually reveals his desire to lean into experimenting, risk-taking, playing in forms with a

serious spirit. His pieces prove an eclectic pulse, a sense of authorial purpose, a keen ear for rhythm and a sharp eye for detail. He knows how to create a classic narrative scene and then offer up techniques that spin it into something that feels new. In one memorable piece, Osiris writes a Letter to Ms. Watson, the woman in Gordon Parks’ “American Gothic.” In this piece he tells her a story, a story of someone in our PEA community wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, a story in which Osiris is bringing Ms. Watson into where we are: “I imagined you sounding out the four-word term. In my mind, your syllables were short, but you made sure to emphasize

the word, “Again.” In imitating Rosario Morales’ poem, “I Am What I Am,” Osiris invents his own form: a calling out to a relative, Massa: a courageous, powerful, lyrical, intimate piece, one full of critical conviction and emotional desire and structural integrity.

In all of his writing, he advances his work each time, giving descriptive characterizations that close out certain shadows and bring on the dust. As a result, we, as his to see and to understand and to know. He does not give us the answers. He gives us the brief beat and stillness of certain moments in his life, often moments that might be unfelt

by so many, and reveals how long they last and linger about, waiting to be written.

And always in Osiris’ work there is a contemporary reckoning with what is happening beyond the halls and buildings of Exeter. After that course in 10th grade, I told Osiris that I wish I could send his One Word personal lyrical essay on “Assimilation” to James Baldwin. I wish Baldwin was here to read it.

Osiris’s creative, provocative work beautifully interrogates not only traditional forms of narrative but also the ways in which this country sometimes frames the nature of “progress.” It is easy to imagine Osiris and Baldwin walking through the streets of NYC

Senior of the Year: Annie Shin

of the piece that you want to play. There’s value in sitting down with the score and just reading it and marking cool phrases. Sometimes I like to draw pictures or doodles in my music to help me visualize what I want my music to sound like at that moment.

Those are all practicing because they all contribute to my end product of the piece.”

Not only does Shin work hard to perfect her craft, she has talent that strikes awe in those that hear her play, according to Smith. “It’s the way that she turns a certain phrase, the way that she in-

By WILLIAM LU Picture this: the high-ceiling halls of Westminster Abbey, one of the most revered churches in England, decorated with colorful banners.

The space rings with the harmonies of the Chamber Orchestra and Concert Choir.

Annie Shin, a lower at the time, leads the orchestra as the concertmaster with condirection of the conductor.

The harmonies of the orchesand she puts her heart into the music as the leader of the orchestra. As Shin plays, air and into the hearts of the audience.

Originally, the honor of concertmaster was not supposed to be Shin’s. When the Chamber Orchestra and Concert Choir were on tour in London during the spring of 2019, the entire trip had been building up to this moment.

Unfortunately, the concertmaster who was scheduled to lead the orchestra in that performance missed the last rehearsal due to an illness.

Current Music Department Chair Kristofer Johnson decided Annie Shin, who was a that role.

According to Adrian VenShin’s mind was not to take such an honor, but rather, whether it would be fair for her to have that opportunity.

“I don’t know very many people who would say no to that, but Annie was ready to say no so that someone else could do it,” Venzon recalled.

Yet the conductors decided that Annie was indeed the of concertmaster. She took the situation by the reins and delivered a stunning performance.

“I feel like this speaks to her ability as a perform-

er, musician, violinist and a leader in the orchestra, that she was able to take on this role...I think it was probably the most important concert I will watch her play in my life,” Venzon noted. “She is both an incredible musician and an incredible leader in the orchestra.”

Such a spectacular feat was not abnormal for Shin.

Years of discipline, practice and hard work have brought her to the point where she is today, with her music career starting when she picked up the piano at just three years old. Although Shin said that her parents were the driving factors in her piano career in the beginning, she became a rather serious pianist, self motivated and disciplined.

“When I was going through elementary school, I did adjudications, competitions and recitals in the big halls in New York, things like that,” Shin recalled. “It was a really big part of my life. It was a huge aspect of who I am today and my work ethic today.”

Shin’s music career pivoted in the third grade. She started exploring the violin with a new private teacher.

“I fell in love with the violin and then things escalated from there. I ended up deciding to stop taking piano lessons, because it got to the point where I wanted to dedicate my time to the violin. I think that there’s a sort of guilt when you’re using resources for something like the piano when you can’t put as much time into it as you’re supposed to.”

For Shin, there’s something about the violin that makes her gravitate to it and that keeps her coming back for more. “What really surprised me and drew me to violin was that there’s a sort of you don’t get with piano… everything in the violin to me -

bility; the violin is all about relaxing your shoulders and gers,” Shin said. “And even ity to me. Music is all about According to Chamber Orchestra Director Rohan Smith, Shin has been a large contributor and participant in the music program, playing in the Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra (where she is currently the concertmaster), chamber music with various groups and countless evening prayers. “She’s got a real engagement in the artistic community here at Exeter,” Smith said. “She really sets a great example in our symphony and Chamber Orchestra through her engagement in the music. She’s just Shin’s accomplishments are fruits of her countless hours of hard work and strong drive to succeed.

When asked what drives Shin, close friend Senior Sarah Wang said, “I don’t even think she wants to excel. I don’t even think that’s like a goal; she just genuinely enjoys it. That’s the thing that I admire most about her.”

Wang added that she often sees others participate in activities or extracurriculars just to add to their college résumés, without truly enjoying them for what they are.

“The reason why Annie is so successful is because Annie is dedicated to what she does and she actually enjoys it, so she’s willing to put in the time and the effort. And I don’t think that’s something many people can say,” Wang added.

Senior Audrey Yin, who frequently performed with Shin in EPs and Coffeehouses, said that her love for the violin mirrors her desire to love those close to her. “She works with love and empathy, and keeps her family

and friends in mind. I feel like that keeps her pushing through,” Yin noted. “I feel like Annie has this clear purpose of just trying to love as many people as possible, especially her family… She is the most ‘sunshiny’ person ever. She has a great smile and that is analogous to her personality.”

Shin has found ways to keep the violin a fun and consistent part of her life. motivated. There are a lot of times when honestly, I just don’t feel like practicing,” Shin admitted. “But I think one of the biggest motivators for me are my peers, the people who play around me. One of my favorite things I started doing when I came to Exeter was performing at events, or at EP, evening prayer... just being surrounded in that reminded me of how fun music is supposed to be; it’s just exciting to collaborate.”

According to Shin, many who are just getting started in music ask her how much she practices. In response, she recalls her elementary school orchestra director whose favorite quote was ‘you only need to practice on the days that you eat.’ This philosophy worked for Shin as she just started the violin, as it emphasized the importance of consistent practice. But as Shin continued her study of the instrument, she began to realize that there is importance in things beyond practicing as well. “It isn’t always sitting down and picking up the violin and grinding on scales or taking one measure and playing it over and over again,” Shin said.

Shin continued, “I’m not at all diminishing the importance of [practicing]. However, there’s also a value in sitting outside and listening to the music that you were working on and there’s value in hearing different renditions

the way that she plays a run with a certain kind of energy.

She’s a very accomplished violinist; her playing has a lot of elegance along with a very, very easy command of the instrument.”

Shin’s violin teacher, Eva Gruesser, agreed. “Annie has a strong sense of inner calm and this draws people to her.

In her violin playing, she always focuses on her own high standards in a mature manner and she achieves a highly polished and colorful sound,” Gruesser said.

Gruesser also recalled when Annie was recording for her college tape. “She started out very safely and centered towards a beautiful decided to reverse her priorities. She let the music soar and transformed herself into a daring performer, while all the time the microphone was absorbing every facet of her inner courage… I always feel honored to teach Annie with her searching spirit that is mirrored in her pure and brilliant violin tone.”

Yin also emphasized that Shin’s playing is packed with in every single part of her body. It’s so visual. I think that’s rare. It’s just an intrinsic part of her soul and she puts in the work to be excellent,” Yin said.

Venzon, who was Shin’s stand partner in the chamber orchestra, said, “I feel like everyone in the orchestra has so many other things going,” Venzon commented. “Having someone as committed and as driven to music as Annie is really important and inspiring.”

Along with the violin, Shin is also very invested in dance at Exeter. She is currently a co-head of Imani, a co-ed hip-hop dance group.

Yin said, “She has this face that lights up the room on stage, super captivating. She never misses a beat. It’s so natural watching her dance.

It’s what she was meant to do.”

Wang recounted being brought to tears when she watched Shin perform a dance that she choreographed herself about the relationship between Shin and her mother. “It was very raw. I was proud of her because she had the courage to do that.” Wang noted. “She’s

and sharing ruminations on Art. The gentle hunger and dedication Osiris harbors is an inspiration for our community.

Last fall, I asked Osiris to be one of the mentoring readers at an event I organized with my 10th graders in our Lamont Gallery on Poetry addressing Gun Violence. Last winter as part of our MLK Day events, Osiris lit the stage in “UnSilenced” with his own verse. No matter the stage, the space, Osiris is always bringing his humility, his wisdom, his curiosity, his collaborative spirit, his creative pulse and his dedication to community.

constantly trying to help others and trying to avoid burdening others with her own issues. The fact that she was able to open herself up like that and choreograph that piece while presenting it to makes it the moment I was most proud of her.”

According to Smith, generosity and thoughtfulness are Shin’s strongest qualities, and they are what makes her unique as a musician as well.

“She’s a person who’s tuned in and wants to share the fairness aspect of music making.

That’s not always the case because in our business of being musicians; we tend to be pretty ego-driven at times. I would say Annie has a healthy passion for self-expression, but it doesn’t get in the way of her caring about being open to others,” he said. “She is somebody who is looking for meaning in the arts and meaning in life.

Those conversations particularly stand out for me as moments I’ve enjoyed spending with Annie.”

Venzon pointed out that the greatest lesson that Annie has taught him is how to be a good person, mentioning her kindness, solid work ethic and compassion as key qualities that she’s “rubbed off” on him through their time spent together. “Being able to spend so much time with her was honestly such an honor because of all these good qualities,” he reminisced.

“You just naturally gravitate towards Annie because she’s just so, so sweet...

When you’re lucky enough to be her friend, you just feel so loved and so cared for,” day I knew we were going to be great friends because she’s just such, you know, a kind and wonderful person…[she is] such a positive presence in any space that she inhabits, whether that’s in her dorm or like in our orchestra or like in the dance company.”

Shin remains intertwined with the music she creates, radiating a passion for her art and connecting with those she shares it with. “I think the goal is to just share the moment with everyone who’s listening and everyone who’s creating the music. I think that’s something that’s so valuable and unique to performing arts is that when you’re on a stage, you’re creating a moment, out of thin air. You are personally creating a moment to be with the intent to be shared with an entire room of people.

And that’s so valuable and unique,” she said.

Through music and her years at Exeter, Shin has found what is most important to her. “I found that the biggest, the most utmost priority is to remain faithful to the music, to stay passionate.

And remember that music is something to be enjoyed and loved,” Shin said.

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Senior of the Year: Max Tan

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be like to be in a senior’s

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people to exit Science Build-

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phasized Tan’s dedication

but these genres are much more complicated in music -

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capsulate a lot of non sibi,”

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plate - and that’s a lot - to

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cause he picks up concepts so

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the larger school communisounds the most irrelevant

the classes made me think

bed or looked it over in passing but he still gave me some

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there in space and much of a great diverse group of people and it’s not at all a toxic

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the amazing bathrooms and attending this school and navmore independent and more episodes of solitude at Exeter gave me time to be introspec-

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but most of all, as a place of

the best for the team and that nis at Exeter also has helped

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but other times it feels as if ing stuff out of the readings, forcing meaning, or bringing something up for the sake of

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lenging that standard in a To share a space, even if it’s brought up taught me that the

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here and all made me take a much more negative outlook

competition late March, and and is a perennial presence in the rolling photo album on

child, so that acceleration sort

has been rough because of behind a black mask) made cello career coming to a close, Tan planned his spring soloist

it’s because it’s something

ate about being part of the

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get something done, striving of the number of opportuni-

Keeling recalled memoremember that one time Max invited us all to his house for

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Exonian conversation, most of the time it’s complaining

because all the ‘good’ and famous repertoire are from a bunch of random things that don’t seem to matter,” Tan

to look at the implications

sical talents and his creative

have to learn and practice un-

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ic subset of material, and it -

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ests, there’s no need to feel shame or guilt for taking care

like most people leave Exeter and end up chasing the mon-

in motivation,” and concludTan also felt that like being able to give back to noted Tan’s compassion and

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Senior of the Year: Maggie Wainwright Cont. to point out that she was not perfect, “I was performing a lot in prep year and a lesson that I’ve had to learn over the course of my time at Exeter is that performing is not always the best way to be friends with people. Sometimes people like vulnerability and that’s been a big lesson for me, letting myself be vulnerable and turning the performance off at times.”

“I learned to be a better community member and a better friend and a better person because I made friends with so many different people and because I realized or was kind of brought to realize that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength and that people want that from a relationship.”

“I’m good friends with Sadie DiCarlo, who is a co-head of dramatic with me, and she is the electrical and hilarious, and we have so much fun, but she’s also taught me to really value the moments that come right after—the moments when you can express your real concerns to someone or express your real feelings to someone without worrying about whether it’s entertaining or not.”

“I think I put a lot of pressure on myself, especially at the beginning, to always be entertaining for people and to always be giving a good performance. I think this was a really profound realization for me to say, people don’t want a performance from their friends. They’re interested in someone who’s okay with being boring at times. So working through friendships in a myriad of forms throughout the years has really helped me realize and practice that.”

When asked about advice, Wainwright said, “I think I larger existential answers in people who were learning hard lessons just like I was.

What I mean by that is that I had cast Exeter in my mind as this utopia where everyone was going to be exactly like me, and we’re all going to just sing and dance forever all the time. And that’s not the case, and I’m glad it’s not the case.

I think that people who are not like Maggie is what has made Exeter so profoundly informative and instructive and rich for me. I would say that trying to make friends with particular people who were not compatible with me, or we had vastly different interests, just trying to force those connections where the reality is that, there takes a thousand kinds of people to make up this school. And once I found my community, once I found theater people and Mock Trial people, I could create those friendships and those connections that I had been searching for elsewhere.”

“I would say that my best memories are both onstage in the moments when the punchline is falling, the audience is laughing, and at D squared, playing the guitar with a friend and singing about rabbits, or creating spontaneous poetry, or joking about monks. I’m so lucky to have had really profound friendships,” Wainwright said.

Over her time at Exeter, Wainwright has joined a variety of clubs such as Democratic Club, Mock Trial and DRAMAT. These activities have not only allowed her to make an impact on campus but also meet new people.

Senior Nahla Owens reWainwright was at a Democractic Club event, “I just remember I was just like, wow, her dress is so cool. And if you ever have seen Maggie walk around campus you know she’s an absolute style icon.

But I also really remember how intelligent and well spo-

in awe.”

“She just has that kind of energy where you want to sit down with her in the dining hall and really have a conversation with her about literally anything, from the best kind of fruit in the dining hall to whether or not we should have certain political policies— anything and everything,” Owens continued.

“I’ve fortunately had a lot of amazing conversations with her about history and philosophy and social justice and Democratic Club. I’m just always just struck by how brilliant and intelligent and passionate she is about the things that she talks about. I truly think that she spends her time in a way so that everything she does, she absolutely loves,” Owens said.

Wainwright said, “I really love politics; I think that there’s a lot of progressive change that can be affected if Democrats just get better and stop being so corporate and reject super PACs money and listen to constituents. And I really feel like our party could change the world.

Chen added, “I think she’s just so welcoming, nice and warm and you can feel that immediately, but also she’s just so inclusive. Because of that, I’ve loved working with her on the Mock Trial board.”

“I think this was my lower year; Maggie and I were partners, so I was her lawyer, and we had this whole weird neighbor case going on, and it was one of the funniest things ever because we tried to play it like hostile witness, but just in a fun way. So she was the weird neighbor in the case where she was very important because she’s the only one who kind of saw everything that went down, and I remember her entire character was this old grandma who would

ramble on as long as possible.

And then I was a lawyer who would interrupt her and guide her back. And it was a lot of fun. We still talk about it,” Chen said.

Wainwright said, “One of the proctors introduced me to Mock Trial, and that was how I got involved in that. Probably the highlight of my prep year was getting to go to nationals and being with all the incredible people who make up Mock Trial. I just remember going around at the welcome dinner for nationals, and every time we would put on a different character in front of the state teams. And we’d be like, like, ‘oh, yes, the posh people or maniacs or whatever it was.’ That was really lovely.”

Senior Sadie DiCarlo said, “I love how we’ll always get dinner and wind up having a political debate. She’s always so willing to share her ideas and listen to yours, and just a really fun person to talk to all the time.”

DiCarlo met Wainwright through DRAMAT, and they later co-directed a show. “The show was called Your Mother’s But, and it was just us dipping our toes into DRAMAT… I remember how crazy and fun and just loving of life she was” DiCarlo said. “I don’t think it’s changed. She’s still very spontaneous and fun loving.” me into theater. I was always into theater, but I think she’s made me more passionate about it. About DRAMAT in particular, we would go on the weekends and clean up the black box, just cause we really cared about the theater and wanted to see it thrive,” DiCarlo added.

Upper Shantelle Subkhanberdina recalled acting in a DRAMAT show Wainwright produced. “Maggie was do-

ing costumes for the show, and the skit was the silliest thing where we just come in and we’re yelling. She was tasked with making the costumes, and I remembered

really funny because she just bought three huge sheets and cut holes in them.”

“Maggie always puts in the effort to have you feel seen and for you to walk away from the shortest interaction even feeling better, because you just had a conversation with someone who really cares and wants to listen.”

Wainwright shared her experience as a co-head of DRAMAT. “It’s primarily a space for people to be weird and let go of their inhibitions and surprise themselves. And it takes a co-head or a leader and willing to be vulnerable themselves in order to lead the way on that,” Wainwright said. “I’ve learned that, this might sound weird, but if you are a co-head of something, you are like God in that situation; you are responsible for imbuing that group of people with a sense of purpose and a common identity and a meaning for that hour on Monday or whichever day, and that’s really powerful, and you have to embrace that.”

Wainwright added, “I was casting a woman as a woman my upper year in a main stage production, but until then I had only played grumpy dads or in The Secret Garden, I had to be a depressed hunchback man.”

“I loved getting into DRAMAT, and back when we were in that bad theatre, Fisher Theatre, you’d go in and a rat would fall on you. And just my fondest memories are of performing as a ridiculous waiter or a deranged father or a militant vegan progressive—the moment when you said something and done it

Senior of the Year: Alana Yang

By JESSICA HUANG The dark blanket of night covers Exeter while rain drizzles onto rooftops one night of current senior Alana Yang’s lower year. In the sleepy silence of Amen Hall, Yang and senior Lucy Cai sit together in the common room, building a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle away. Yang’s rich experiences at the Academy and the memories she has made with her friends piece together her Exeter journey.

Yang, who is originally from Los Angeles, now lives in Taipei, Taiwan. On campus, she resides in Amen Hall, one of her friends, senior Lucy Cai. “I’ve known Alana since when we accidentally set off in Amen. I immediately wanted to be friends with her. That has not changed since then.”

Cai recalled.

Yang came to the Academy with no clear cut goals in mind besides growing as a person. “I feel like I arrived at Exeter not really seeing,”

some people see Exeter as a place where like, ‘Oh, this is one stepping stone to like another goal I have’, but I came to Exeter more to explore what I was interested in. Harkness really drew me to the school.”

Transitioning into the Academy, Yang faced some challenges. “I’m a naturally introverted person. So when I came to Exeter, it was kind of hard for me to really break out of my bubble . . . But I think it’s just a process of recognizing that you shouldn’t care so much about how you present yourself or fuss over how you act around people and that’ll actually make you less nervous,” Yang said. And that’s a gradual thing. It’s not like I realized that overnight.”

In Yang’s prep year, she joined both Debate and Model United Nations (MUN), two clubs she would later lead as cohead. While she had started MUN in eighth grade, Yang had no prior experience in debate. “It was really something that I picked up here [at Exeter] and I was kind of scared of going. It’s one of the clubs that you try out for the sake of trying out, and I didn’t neces-

sarily know if I was going to stick with it,” Yang said. “Public speaking is something that really excites me. It doesn’t really come super easily to me, but I want to keep going back to it because there’s something about speaking in front of people and being able to push through a really challenging speech that is really appealing to me.”

Yang did not immediateconference she attended her prep year did not go as well as she had hoped. “I tried really hard and I followed a bunch of people’s advice and I thought I was doing everything right. I [got] the lowest level of recognition my prep year.”

Yang, however, did not give up. She continued to give Model United Nations her all, Model United Nations the following spring term. “I came back with the best delegate award, which grew my consaid. “[It] showed me that if I put in the work and if I really persist, then it’s possible to For Yang, attending Harvard MUN with the team

during her lower year was extremely memorable for her.

“We spent so much time as a team together just going out for ramen or going out for boba in the middle of the night or running to get dumplings,” Yang remembered with a smile. “We get trapped at Exeter.”

Senior Phil Horrigan met and bonded with Yang through MUN. “I’ve come to understand that Alana is uniquely talented at almost everything that she does. She was a killer delegate during her time as a competitor, she was a great teacher while she was in charge of helping younger delegates,” he said. “I would describe Alana as passionate.

There’s no middle ground with Alana. When she’s in the zone, good luck reaching her.

When she dislikes something, she dislikes it, and you can tell. This is a good trait, in my opinion.”

Upper Michelle Park, who not only knows Yang through MUN, but also as a roommate, shared similar sentiments.

“She knows when to take charge and be responsible, and be assertive, but then she also is super bubbly and happy around her friends and super compassionate, extremely loving,” Park said. “Whenever we talk, we never stop laughing. When I think about Alana and the great memories that I share with her, I feel like they all kind of culminate into moments where we’re just laughing for no reason or laughing hysterically.”

Sam Chang ’20 knew Yang through MUN as well and emphasized Yang’s prescende during their conferences. “She always puts 110% of her effort in. And then when she’s having fun she’s great to be around. Like after our MUN conferences and once the work is done Alana is really fun to be around. She really lightens the mood and is a great leader and person to look up to.”

Besides her passion for

public speaking, Yang is interested in biology, particularly after taking Biology 586 in her upper year. “It’s completely unlike any other Exeter biology course because it doesn’t teach from a textbook and you can totally mess up in the class.”

During the class, students to collect data for a lab in Stanford that would eventually be used to create medicines for diabetes. “It’s one of those courses at Exeter that allows you to actually make an impact outside of campus.”

Yang also impresses her friends as a talented runner and former member of the Track and Field’s varsity team.

“Despite her strengths and her academia, she’s a runner: she’s a track star,” Chang said.

Senior Kendrah Su loves Yang’s “layered” personality. “She has a strong sense of justice, and is great in many areas. She’s a talented artist who sculpts mini crabs out of Babybel cheese wax,” Su said.

“She is a varsity athlete and can often be seen speed-walk racing down the path. She is a great scientist who not only come kill bugs in my room without hesitation while I sit in the farthest corner.”

Yang’s friends all praise her dedication to everything she does. “I really admire her competence and how hard she works. I think she could probably rule the world one day,” Cai said.

Until she does rule the Yang spending quality time with her friends on and off campus. “My favorite memories with Alana have been getting Stillwells ice cream.

Her order is cookie dough ice cream with mini gummy bears. She set a goal prep year but I have only seen her order and fellow debate cohead Erin Mcann said. “She describes

perfectly, and the audience is there and they’re yours and you got them and you’re both riding the high of performance, I would say those are the best, the best moments of my life.”

“I don’t think I’ll pursue a career in acting because the act of participating in the acting industry often involves very little acting whatsoever. It’s auditioning for character types over and over and over again and not getting it and, and not really doing much of what keeping acting on, on my plate and in my life, just not as a career, but I’m looking forward to doing theatrical productions at school. And maybe doing what my mom does: directing at community theaters in the evenings or teaching drama classes to elementary schoolers after work. But I think it’s just a really kind of profound way to connect with people,” Wainwright said.

Senior Oliver Hess recalled working with Wainwright as cast members for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“She had my two favorite lines in the whole play, and she performed it so well,” Hess said. “Maggie is a very pragmatic, but also very philosophical person. I think she’s really pushed me to be introspective in a lot of ways, but also at the same time, I think situations where I might not.

And she’s also taught me to kind of laugh at moments where it seems like it would be harder to laugh.”

Lin said, ““Maggie taught me how to smile. It’s actually an art—when you smile, apparently it’s not balanced.

Maggie knows how to smile, and she taught me how to too.”

herself as ‘Big A (on the inside)’. She also once told me that she believes in embracing penguin culture (no context needed) and she thinks that chocolate milk comes from brown cows.”

One of Yang’s favorite things to do with her friends easy thing to do, you know, on Friday evenings,” she said.

Yang highly recommends Community and Insta to anyone looking for a new show to watch. Her absolute favorite activity is “something handson with people like baking in the basement.”

Since meeting Yang, one thing stands out to Park during their time together. “When I think about Alana and the great memories that I share with her, I feel like they all kind of culminate into moments where we’re just laughing for no reason or laughing hysterically,” Park said.

Senior Isa Matsubayashi has countless memories with Yang to share. “Alana and I joke that there is always a ‘curse’ on us when we hang out, because honestly, we’ve been through some not so pleasant moments together: walking barefoot through the woods after getting lost on our way back from rope-jumping, trekking back from Hannaford’s in the snow carrying packs of Poland Spring water because we couldn’t get an Uber back, etc. Those were honestly one of the most excruciating memories I’ve had here, but Alana and I always look back on it and laugh our guts out,” Matsubayashi said.

“I could write a whole book on our pre-break adventures.”

As the pieces to Yang’s Exeter adventure fall into place, she hopes Exonians will never forget how much they are worth. “My biggest takeaway [from the Academy] is I shouldn’t doubt myself. It’s important to remember that I also have pretty important things to contribute,” Yang rience is what you make it to be.”

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior of the Year: Felix Yeung

By ATISHAY JAIN “When a man takes an oath, Meg, he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. [He cups his hands.] And if he self again.”

Thomas More (Fictionalized), A Man for All Seasons The above quotation is the epigraph of senior Felix Yeung’s meditation.

“In the fall, my advisor, Leah Merrill, happened to mention this quote from A Man For All Seasons by Robert Bolt—I’d read it in her class lower year,” he said. Merrill’s comments led Yeung to consider the promises that people have made to him, as well as the promises he has made to others. “What does it really mean to let water slip through our hands?” he asked. “And is it possible that we unwittingly make promises that are impossible to keep? What do they look like? Are there promises that are implicit? And this? All those questions went into my Meditation.”

Bring up Yeung in a conversation with anyone on campus, and they will refer to him as dedicated, motivated and relentless.

Yeung can be seen bringing this spirit to writing, history, and music. Beyond academics, Yeung has brought his notable personality to The Exonian, Mock Trial, a cappella and choir, and various other clubs at the Academy. In addition, Yeung has achieved recognition for his writing as a member of the 2020-2021 New Hampshire Youth Poet Laureate Team; he also won an American Voices Medal and a National Gold Medal from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. But he doesn’t stop there—as Exonians attest, he has brought his infectious energy and passion to the Harkness table and those around him.

“I always write from a feeling or some combination of feelings. I don’t know if that’s technically ‘good’ or ‘correct,’ but it’s the space I write from. I feel in my gut what I want to convey, then I look to language for translation,” Yeung said. “My writing is also rooted in a rejection of silence—I come from a place in which people don’t talk to each other, don’t address their feelings. I want to tell what truths I have—I want to capture what I know at a

particular point in time.”

Though he considers himself to be an “over-sharer,” the written word empowers him to convey what he struggles to put into speech.

Yeung’s senior meditation, which he names as a series of “ghosts,” is written as a series of eulogies, tion and narrative. “When I wrote some of these eulogies, I tried to extrapolate how I might perceive something in a few years.

Mercy Carbonell, my English teacher, encouraged me not to force a feeling…

In that spirit, I tried to open myself to new possibilities, rather than imposing a set outcome onto my present self,” he said.

“The piece is, at heart, an expression of grief and a commitment to love.”

Yeung’s senior meditation is a prime example of his writing and remains at the core of his Exeter experience.

Senior Hassane Fiteni praised Yeung’s meditation. “I am someone who has read a lot of meditations, I don’t give this praise lightly: Felix’s meditation is the best meditation I’ve ever read,” Fiteni said. “His use of words and the way he weaves in narrative gives the reader this really unique understanding of his voice and his experience. His meditation was intensely personal, too, which is really hard to do. I’ve never read a piece and felt like I got to know someone really well, even when I’ve read famous authors in class, in the same way I did when I read Felix’s meditation.”

Besides the quote from Bolt, Yeung also drew from Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky. “It is just a beautiful piece of work; I really love it. I was thinking about how you can carry a through-line: one story through different forms of telling. It’s poetry, but it tells one cohesive story,” Yeung noted. “Deaf Republic also sits with silence—silence is rebellion. I had to grapple with that as I sifted through the silence that envelops my Meditation.”

English instructor Lundy Smith noted Yeung’s thirst for knowledge in the classroom. “[Yeung’s] studies are driven by his own curiosity so he would take chances on his writing and assignments to try to push himself and try new approaches,” Smith said. “I always come away learning something from him, and I appreciate his

opinions on topical matters, especially current campus events.”

English instructor Todd Hearon spoke about Yeung’s spirit for learning and great respect for his classmates. “He is insatiably curious and passionate about learning. The best thing about him is he wears his learning lightly at the table in order to try to facilitate with all the members of the Harkness conversation,” Hearon said. “He was incredibly generous in his insights and ideas but also the way that he would try to include and build upon the contributions of his classmates.”

“He called [his classmates] by name, used eye contact and body language, and just all of the tools and resources possible to enhance the Harkness conversation and that sion I found really remarkable,” Hearon continued.

“I thought the same later on in the fall term with his writing as well.”

Science Instructor Jeff Ward expressed admiration for Yeung’s commitment to his studies, even when taking classes from Hong Kong during the Academy’s period of remote instruction. “Felix is a very dedicated student.

During his upper spring, when COVID hit, he was at home in Hong Kong and made the choice to become nocturnal so that he could attend all of his classes synchronously,” Ward said.

History Instructor Leah Merrill, Yeung’s adviser, spoke about her experience being his instructor in seven history coursknow Yeung during his lower fall in History 302: Early Modern Europe.

“Felix distinguished himself from day one in the classroom. His analytical reading skills are unparalleled. I am regularly astounded by his ability to synthesize complex readings, pin point crucial passages, raise essential questions with insight and sensitivity,” Merrill said.

“But more than that, Felix is unmatched in his ability to move and manage discussion. He served more as a facilitator and teacher than a student in the seven classes I had with him. He is, perhaps, the most impressive Harkness student I have worked with in my career.”

Merrill consistently collects Yeung’s writing work in the classroom as

examples for other students. “From his hallmark brief opening sentence to his extensive bibliography, Felix packs sophisticated thinking and deep use of evidence into each beautifully crafted piece. His work is vivid, engaging, and convincing. A true intellectual and scholar, Felix is comfortable with complex ideas and communicates them with ease,” Merrill said.

To Yeung, dedication to coursework comes easily at a place like Exeter.

“Here, classes have conveyed far more than academic content,” Yeung said. “They’ve taught me about life: I value agency and thinking because of Tina Rosenberg’s Haunted Land; I commit myself to love because of Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon; I cherish our shared humanity because of the lessons I’ve drawn from studying genocide. There is always something to be gleaned beyond the immediate context.”

Outside of Yeung’s passion for History and English, his work as the Managing Editor of The Exonian is best characterized by senior and fellow Editor-in-Chief Anne Brandes. “Without Felix and his unique drive, our operation wouldn’t have happened. The ambitious work we accomplished was dependent on Felix’s efforts,” Brandes said.

Brandes recalled Yeung’s persistence in their work on The Exonian’s 2020 Graduation Issue. “We were just sitting tire 108 page Graduation Issue. It was over 30 hours in two days. Felix just kept on going; since he was in Hong Kong, he would just be up at 4 a.m.,” Brandes said. “When it comes down to it, most people will not do that, even if they have the position of Managing Editor. Most people just say, ‘Look, enough is enough. This publication is asking too much of me, and I don’t want to do it anymore.’ I’ve never heard Felix backed down from a challenge. Never. Not once.”

Brandes spoke about Yeung’s willingness to help take on more work.

“If I had to email 300 people to take an ad for The Exonian, I would say, ‘You know Felix, I have got to do so much work, and 300 people, man, that’s a lot.’

In a sort of Tom-Sawyerwhite-fence-esque way, I would say something like, ‘Yeah, at least I am

glad I will be able to meet new people advertising for The Exonian. It will be an interesting experience.’

Every time Felix would think for a second and say, ‘Actually, do you mind if I take half?’” Brandes laughed.

Upper Kiesse Nanor also acknowledged Yeung’s work as the former Managing Editor of The Exonian. “I saw that drive when he was writing for The Exonian and when he eventually served on the Exec. Board, which is obviously a very demanding role,” she said. “Even though the work was tough, I could tell that he poured a lot of passion into the work he did.” solely, however, by his ability to do work. “Felix is like a work machine, but that’s not all Felix is.

He’s a really deep thinker, and his agenda while he’s thinking is how to make systems or structures or projects more fair for everybody in them,” Brandes added. “That compulsion to try to make whatever environment you’re in more fair is one of the most admirable instincts that a person can have.”

Ayush Noori ’20 commended Yeung’s approach to presenting his ideas and focus on subtleties, even concepts. “I can speak to Felix, both as a writer, a thinker and an analyst.

I think there’s an overlap between these things.

Felix is able to grapple with complex issues and quickly identify a position and hold his ground, but also be willing to move his stake in the ground,” Noori said. “In short, upon interaction with Felix, it’s obvious that you’re speaking with someone who is rapidly able to grasp and concepts. And that’s to his credit, as a journalist, as a writer, at the Harkness table and beyond, he’s really able to identify and delve into nuance.”

Yeung’s passion for the dedication of music is also well known across campus. Yeung’s voice instructor, Mark Cleveland, said, “Felix was always eager to participate in a student soloist recital and we always looked for these types of opportunities together. His engagement in music is an extension of that interest, willingness, and eagerness strate his progress and ability for music. He is always ready to ask ‘how?’ or ‘why?’ even in private

lesson environments.”

Yeung sees synergies between his musicianship and his writing. “At heart, they’re both ways to foster connection. Music is about expressivity—time, dynamics, body language, all of that is in service of the message and interpretation,” he said. “For my senior recital, for example, I sang various songs about nocturnal imagery, looking for commonalities across cultures and musical traditions. I thought a lot about stellar geography—and how our understanding of our inner lives.”

Noori, a fellow Concert Choir member, spoke about his admiration for Yeung’s ability to take on challenges in singing. “Felix is an extremely talented bass and an extremely talented vocalist. He’s able to sing this really profound and strong range, he is, I think, one of the strongest basses that we had during my time at Exeter,” Noori said. “Felix seems to effortlessly tackle even the most complex and rigorous pieces, and I admire him a lot as a thinker.”

Noori recounted a memory from the Concert Choir’s tour in England during his upper year, Yeung’s lower year, highlighting Yeung’s intellectual curiosity that is apparent in many aspects of his life. “Felix is also interested in seeking out new opportunities; he’s very intellectually curious, and this intellectual curiosity spills into other aspects of his life. One example: when we were on the tour, he really wanted of Indian cuisine, and all these restaurants were closed, so we kept hunting for Indian restaurants. Finally, we got to this market and we walked down this small little alleyway and found a hole in the wall that led to a restaurant, and that turned out to have the best Indian food I’ve eaten in my life. And I’m saying this as an Indian dude—it was pretty remarkable,” Noori said. “I think Felix’s opportunities and experiencing new things spills over into other aspects of his life, which makes it really enjoyable to be around him.”

Senior and Concert Choir member Evie Houston noted his infectious energy and his talent as a musician. “His best qualities are that he is incredibly genuine and will always say what is on his mind.

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Senior of the Year: Felix Yeung Cont.

Sometimes he has a hard time showing it, but he has such a kind heart and will reciprocate any sort of care that is shown to him,” Houston said. “He’s the type of person you can sit down with and have a conversation about anything, from schoolwork to your personal life, and lend you an empathetic ear.

Senior and dormmate Jason Wang spoke about how he felt welcomed to the Academy by Yeung during their upper year.

“From the way Felix conducts himself, one can easily discern his motivation and ambition. Felix was House to reach out to me over the summer before I came to Exeter - his genuine advice and guidance

made me feel like I had a friend before even stepping onto campus,” Wang said. “[Yeung’s] personal stories truly portray himself as a multidimensional human being, shedding light on his hopes, struggles, and insecurities,” Wang continued. “Felix is one of the strongest writers I know.”

Fellow Concert Choir member Nanor noted that Yeung approaches his work with a relentless spirit. “I think my favorite thing about Felix is his drive. In all the time I’ve known him, he’s always been working, and even though all Exonians sometimes fall into the slump of not wanting to do work for a couple of days, I’ve

never seen that happen to Felix,” she said.

Outside of the classroom and extracurriculars, Yeung has also been a true friend during his years at Exeter. Senior and close friend Stephen McNulty recalled several times where he turned to Yeung for support, advice or a genuine conversation. “He is a very energetic and enthusiastic person. He has an ability to engage on a serious level with really complicated thing and be able to hold that space both emotionally and intellectually,” McNulty said.

McNulty also expressed admiration for Yeung’s passion and drive for writing. “I think I came to understand that his best quality as a writer is his at-

tention to detail… Everything he does is crafted to a tee and I think one of the best qualities about him is that he has a tremendous capacity to switch from comedy to seriousness,” McNulty said.

McNulty continued, adding that Yeung has an incredible capacity to be there for those who need him. “I’ve seen Felix really be there for people, and click into the state of someone who wants to be there, who wants to be a supportive friend. I think that that’s something that often is really hard to navigate,” McNulty said.

Lower Clark Wu echoed this sentiment.

“There was a time where I had to travel to Hong Kong, where Felix lives,

and he reached out and made sure I knew that I had people in the city,” Wu said. “It’s a really important thing not to feel alone.

Felix understood that and helped me out.”

Lower Catherine Merrill described Yeung’s impact on her during her time at the Academy. “There has not been a time that Felix hasn’t gone out of his way to help me, whether that is with studying or the stress of Exeter. He is the kind of friend who will spend their frees to help you study a subject he did years ago,” she said. “Felix is one of those friends that you just feel comfortable around and don’t have to try to be someone you’re not. You don’t have to lie and say you had a good day if you

didn’t, because he genuinely will listen and care about your problems.” the power and strength of the relationships he has forged at the Academy. “I my own legacy,” Yeung said. “I don’t even need a legacy. I truly don’t want whatever that means. I friends—as someone who stuck up for them. Someone who was there when they needed me. Someone their best… That’s what I want to be known as. And those are the only people I need to be known by.”

Senior of the Year: Audrey Yin

By ELINA YANG Audrey Yin has always gravitated towards music. Her first piano teacher was her mother, who had “a great singing voice.” Yin didn’t stop there—she has also played the flute, oboe, her brother’s bassoon, ukulele, and guitar. Her rich musical background and interactions with different instruments led her to compose her own music. “Ever since I was in elementary school, I started writing little songs. I’ve always loved composing my own thing, whether it would be plays or even music,” Yin said.

When Yin first arrived at Exeter, she was introduced to many musical opportunities. Her prep year, Yin joined Symphony Orchestra as an oboist, and the Sans a cappella group. She seized the chance to immerse herself in music, as her brother, Dylan Yin ’19 had done before her. Yin spoke of the inspiration her brother had offered her. “Dylan was part of so many acapella groups and concert choir, it was a significant part of his life, and now it is mine.”

She is now involved in numerous acapella groups as the co-head of

both Sans and Peads, and a member of Gli Scalatori. She calls Gli Scalatori, a vocal chamber group that sings Italian madrigals, her “home.” Yin explains, “Sometimes it felt like my only motivation to get up in the morning.

I know that’s crazy, but I just love to sing with them so much. And I still do.”

Another significant music group that makes Audrey feel at home at Exeter is Concert Choir.

One of her favorite memories comes from a trip to London with Concert Choir during her lower year, where they sang in an extravagant and echoing high-ceiling building. Their voices melted together in a beautiful and surreal way. She said, “I think it’s why I love choir so much, because of the component of unity. And that’s why it’s like family, because we are literally standing in a circle, singing at each other, looking at each other. You have to connect in order to make music.”

Audrey’s deep bond to music and to what she sings, establishes emotional connections with the audience. Senior Annie Shin said, “I think that she’s really in touch with her own feelings and emotions and just

has a way of expressing them, whether it’s their music or art or words.”

It was as if the ability to convey feelings is innate within Audey.

Senior Meredith Thomas, Audrey’s “platonic soulmate,” shared a moment during Concert Choir’s performance at the grand opening for Goel Center directly from her “This I Believe” essay: “After a 30 second flute solo, Audrey began to sing, ‘It’s been a long hard night, and I’ve been waiting for the morning, It’s been a long hard fight, but I see a new day dawning.’

Maybe it was the story I imagined behind the words, maybe it was the urge I felt to grasp the hands on either side of me, or maybe it was how Audrey’s voice faltered at the start as if she were apologizing, but finally settled; perhaps it was the sunlight streaking in rays across the room, warmth extending all the way to me—it must have been all of these things at once, because only three words into the song, I began to cry.”

Audrey’s singing and shared proclivity towards music helped her friends lean into the intensity of emotions. Many close friends acclaim Audrey’s singing, and arts because

they tie so deeply to her own emotions. She expresses her love and admiration in simple truths, and makes her works at once relatable and extraordinary.

Kristofer Johnson, the head of concert choir, Gli Scalatori, and other vocal chamber ensembles, and also Audrey’s biggest mentor, said, “Audrey’s empathy is off the charts, and it totally informs how she sings, creates, and lives. She lives her emotional life out loud and with courage that we should all envy.”

“Audrey sees beauty in everything; she doles out her unconditional love without inhibitions.

She is the most authentic, emotionally intelligent, and selfless person I’ve ever met,” Thomas says.

“Audrey could write an entire album of music about something as pure as a ladybug landing on her shoulder. This is what makes her such an incredible musician: she is able to connect through vulnerability.”

“The best way I could describe Audrey is someone who loves so unapologetically and fully, and she is someone who really is unafraid to express her love for someone or something.” Senior Annie Shin said.

These wonderfully

unique traits intermingle into a perfect concoction of song-writing genius.

Yin wrote her first song “Stars” in fifth grade as an outlet for her experience being bullied at school. “I still know all the words, it was all about being unique and not being afraid of being yourself.” Yin said. Both her musical talents and empathetic personality takes her far on the path of songwriting. Last year she dropped her album, “Heartworm” on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and Youtube.

Yin describes the inspiration behind her music. “Songwriting is like a venting zone for me, where I can finally be vulnerable and talk about all my emotions and be super personal.

The songs are like my diary entries, and music is like my love language in general.”

“I keep referencing her album because it’s amazing! She’s so incredibly talented and her voice is so good, and she’s so humble and modest about it too.”

Shin said.

Yin plans to drop more music soon as she is currently working on three collaborations extended from her massive network of friends, built upon advertisement of her last album. Music will continue to be a huge component of her life as she plans to double major in art history and performing & media arts at Cornell University.

Speaking towards the future, Johnson said, “Audrey will be making music and art in ways we can’t even begin to guess at yet. Her need to express and communicate will drive her to innovate and blend styles and techniques beyond what I might imagine possible.

I look forward to watching her journey.”

Yin wants to keep making music and help more people. One of the biggest motivations behind her activism in music is to show compassion, empathy and love.

She wants to use her songwriting and musical ability to benefit others.

During the summer before her lower year, Yin started an organization, HapPEA, with her friends as a platform to advocate and uplift mental wellness inthe Exeter community through inspiring stories. She interviews many staff, faculty and students about their lives, struggles, and motivation to keep going.

The group also made a video highlingting voices of sexual assault sur-

vivors on campus.

At the start of spring term last year, Yin co-founded Voices Of Color with Senior Erin Choi. Seeing the pandemic affecting the BIPOC communities and racial violence exacerbated throughout the country, Yin hopes to provide a space for all students, especially BIPOC students to share their stories. Using the only viable platform, social media, during remote times, they put together a remote Unsilence, which is an event usually held at school in the spring, and made a YouTube video of all the performances.

Music Instructor Jerome Walker said, “Audrey brings a sense of responsibility into every space, seeks to uplift the voices that are missing, and I think that’s astounding. I smile every time I see her!”

Shin adds on to Yin’s dedication and skills.

“She’s really good about finding opportunities and reaching out to people and organizing. She always finds ways to bring people together. So it’s very Audrey-driven.”

Thomas speaks of the connection between Yin’s work and her art.

“Audrey acts out of a genuine concern for others, and she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. This is what makes her such an incredible musician: she is able to connect through vulnerability.”

As an incredible performer whose actions are never performative in nature, Yin’s compassion and authenticity is recognized. She was one of the few national Young Arts Finalists this year, becoming a finalist in the film category with a short film she put together in a single weekend. Yin submitted a stop motion film to a poem by Alicia Simmons ’20 to help organize a fundraiser in response to the BLM protests and demonstrations around the country last summer. They eventually raised over $50,000 for several Black Lives Matter organizations. Last year, she won Merit in the songwriting category as well.

Meredith sums up Yin’s enormous contributions to Exeter. “I know I am not the first, nor will I be the last person to say that Audrey not only has a gift, she IS a gift. To me, to her massive network of peers & collaborators & friends, to her family, to Exeter, and, I firmly believe, to the future music world.”

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

Sports

JUNE 6, 2021

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BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY Read about the incredible performance of the Boys’ Cross Country at the the Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity interscholastic championships, D1.

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BOYS’ VARSITY SWIM Read about how, despite the pandemic, captains Aren Mizuno and Aiden O’Brien were able to lead the Boy’s Swim team in the water, D6.

Boys’ Varsity Water Polo

By HENTRY LIU The pandemic has caused Boys’ Water Polo to lose an important aspect of their sport: the water. Limited access to the pool has forced the athletes to adapt to new

practice methods. While many of Exeter’s interscholastic teams have had to change up their training regime, Boy’s Water Polo, in particular, has had to make major changes to how their workouts and practices are conducted.

The athletes have had to switch to creative methods of workouts in order to replicate the aquatic sport on land.

Senior Josh Yu described some of the innovative methods that the team is currently implementing into their practices. “We

do drills on land, such as passing from a kneeling position or target practice shooting. We also go to Hatch Field and play a modified version of handball using the field hockey nets, known as ‘land polo,’” he said.

The team has also in-

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SOFTBALL Read about how captains Katie Moon and Annie Smaldone led the Softball team with their work ethic and compassion, D10.

corporated cardio and lifts into their training.

As senior Nick Garey pointed out, “We cannot use Downer for lifts yet, so Coach [Shaun Fishel] has set up a rudimentary weight room near the stadium that we train in. We do team runs and workouts with Coach Fish.”

These team workouts are done with careful attention to the social distancing guidelines. “We are sanitizing hands, balls and other equipment. Staying six feet apart at all times is a priority, and Coach [Don] Mills is giving us ten push-ups when we aren’t as a punishment,” senior Aren Mizuno said.

Mizuno noted that wearing masks while working out is a bit like “altitude training.”

“The team is trying their best to stay socially distant and sanitized to keep the other members of the community safe,” Yu added.

Even with no games planned for the season, the team is still motivated to train hard. “The team dynamic is really what motivates us. Even though we don’t have a season this fall and many

Boys’ Varsity Cross Country

By COOPER WALSHE In the green mountains of Gill, Massachusetts, the finals to the Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity interscholastic championships came to a victorious close. As the Exeter Boys Varsity cross country finishes first in the Varsity race, the Junior Varsity race is coming to a close.

All team members rush to the course to cheer on those who have not finished. Exeter swept the top 12 spots in this race.

The success, according to the cross country Captains and seniors Connor Chen, Croix Mikofsky and Gavin Pitt, is due to the tremendous team dynamic of the team.

Mikofsky reflected on the historic meet. “I learned so much about leadership and camaraderie that day,” Mikofsky said.

The boys’ cross country team is collaborative to its core, Captain and senior Connor Chen agreed. “Interschols at NMH was a perfect example of our team’s unity and our passion for each other’s successes,” Chen said. “It was the perfect capstone to our season and reflected all the workouts, lifts and effort we poured into our year.”

Chen began running when he was in the third grade in his home city, Hong Kong. He grew up as an athlete, and competed in swimming, soccer and basketball. He came to Exeter as a Prep and immediately felt at home with the cross country team. “When I met the cross country team, I immediately knew that I had found my fit. We jumped right into fun workouts and they introduced me to a few of their long-standing traditions,” he said.

The older runners in the group worked to make him feel like he belonged on the cross country team, which informed Chen’s current goals as a

captain. “I strive to foster a similar relationship with each new runner that joins PEABXC… As a captain, I recognize the effect of leading by example, and strive to set a standard of diligence and persistence in everything I do. I also work to bring the team closer outside of practices and races, just as the older runners did with me when I was a prep,” Chen said.

In the midst of an unconventional season right now, “this team has taught me about the importance of unity and enthusiasm,” Chen continued.

Mikofsky shared Chen’s prior athletic experience as a basketball and soccer player. However, he started running after hearing about the campus renowned team dynamic of the Boys Cross Country team. “I had heard that the cross country program at PEA was special and I decided to come out to tryouts. I immediately fell in love with the team, the energy, and the competition. The rest is history, I guess,” Mikofsky said.

Like Chen, Mikofsky noted that the cross country team assisted in his transition to Exeter. “The XC team was essential to my transition to Exeter.

No matter what, I always had a table at dinner where I felt I belonged,” he said.

Mikofsky reflected on his first race at Exeter, a meet against Choate Rosemary Hall, and how that has affected his meet preparation in past years.

“It was my first time racing against another school in my life. I went in with no expectations of myself other than to work hard, and I frequently think about that race when preparing for big competitions,” he said.

Looking forward, Mikofsky is confident that the lessons and skills he has learned on the cross country team will

seniors won’t play polo in college, we keep the intensity up with friendly competition and a focus on preparing the younger guys to take on leadership roles next year and come back better than ever,” Garey said. “Our team’s culture has always been one of relentless intensity, and we see this virus as just another challenge to overcome.”

Coach Avery Reavill maintained a positive outlook on the rest of the season. “I’m looking forward to working with the teams to create a competitive environment,” he said. “We’ll eventually have the chance to scrimmage within our squad and I think that will bring a lot of energy to our practices” “I’m personally very excited for the preps and lowers to join us, as they are the future of our program,” Garey added.

“I hope to pass down to them the same passion that seniors impressed upon me when I first joined the team. This is a special team, and they will have to carry the torch sooner than they realize.”

be life long. “Being on this team has ignited a passion for the outdoors and for adventure that I am sure I will carry with me through college and life,” he said.

Pitt started running on the track team his prep year. He found he had a love for distance running and, like Mikofsky and Chen, had heard about the camaraderie of the boys’ cross country team.

Pitt says that the impressive mileage of the Cross Country team “gave us

it made the race really interesting,” Pitt said. “A big part of our training is focused on handling hills, relaxing on the uphills, and smoking the downhills.”

Other teammates are eternally grateful for the hard work and effort that the captains have exhibited during their time at Exeter. “I really admire the commitment that the captains have not only to pushing everyone on the team to their limits, but making everyone feel in-

have shown that they can be consistent and accountable leaders and they have modeled, for me, what it means to be an athlete here at Exeter.”

Upper Garrett Paik expressed gratitude for the captains and their work ethic. “I have a lot of respect for the captains because they’re really humble, and because they race hard,” Paik said. “When it comes time to race, they give it their absolute all, which sets the tone for the rest of the team.”

really appreciate training under Newbould especially.”

Coach Newbould regularly joins the team during their training sessions and has come especially close with the captains. “It’s nice to have a guy who comes from the sport, who runs 130+ mile weeks and understands what training and competition are all about.

He encourages us to push ourselves with the training and respects those who do. He genuinely

a mutual respect for one another, and allowed us to connect on a deeper level than if we were just hanging out outside of XC.” Pitt’s favorite course during his time at Exeter is DeMerritt Hill Farm located in Lee, New Hampshire. “The course is pure XC: rolling hills cutting through apple orchards...

cluded despite their grade or running ability,” upper Arya Nistane said.

“The reason our team has been consistently good for so many years is because of this inclusive culture we’ve fostered,” Nistane continued.

Similarly, senior Phillip Horrigan would describe the captains as role models. “[The captains]

This season, the captains will be training with and under Coaches Newbould, Unger and Jordan. “Each one of them brings so much to our team. They all are just endless wells of information, and there was never a dull conversation on our runs,” Mikofsky said.

“All of the coaches are great,” Pitt added. “I

cares about the team,” Pitt said.

This unusual Fall Term will certainly present new challenges. The captains are aiming to continue to be fearless leaders. Chen concluded, “whether through movie nights or card games or ultimate frisbee, I aim to create a brotherhood of unity, passion and enthusiasm.”

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Fall

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GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL Read about how captains Dylan O’Day and Eliya Toledanohope hope to carry on the tradition of Exeter’s volleyball family, D2.

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

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BOYS’ SOCCER Read about how captain JD JeanJacques leads the team by exam-

»

BOYS’ BASKETBALL Read about how the remote start of winter term motivated the Boys Varsity Basketball to work harder than ever, D4.

Girls’ Varsity Cross Country

By COOPER WALSHE

Last Friday, the on-campus upperclassmen on the Girls’ Cross Country team ran the home course in an intra-squad mock meet.

As all races have been cancelled this fall season, the athletes staged an intra-squad mock meet.

Coach Dale Braile noted that the meet had an unconventional format. “They were timed on two parts of it—the second mile,and the last half mile,” she said.

“This gave them a chance to get reacquainted with the course and to think about it in pieces rather than as a whole.”

This run helped run-

ners—new and returning— familiarize themselves with the course, after a sixmonth hiatus from students being on campus.

In order to follow the strict COVID-19 guidelines on campus, the team came up with families for runners to train and race in. The families are similar to dorm units, a system splitting students within a larger dorm structure. Runners have trained in their respective families for several weeks now. During the meet, families were sent off the line one by one, staggering the release by twenty seconds to give some room between different families.

Although the circum-

stances are not ideal, the team has maintained a positive attitude to make the best of their situation.

“We’ve tried to recreate the feeling of meet by wearing uniforms, playing music on our post-meet cooldown, having snacks provided by the day student parents and, of course, cheer-

senior Helen Lieberman said. “Even though our circumstances are different, the team still has the same encouraging, supportive feeling that makes it so special.”

“We cannot judge our success by comparing times with our competitors.

Instead, we will judge our

success by a combination of the bonds made between teammates and individual improvements,” Braile added.

Lieberman highlighted

done by the team. “We have a lot of great traditions that we can still do, even socially distanced. For example, returning students read letters that we wrote to our future selves last year, and new students receive letters written by last year’s seniors,” she said. “We also have dress-up days every Friday, which are always fun.”

Even without the duel meets against other schools in their league, Girls’ Cross

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Country has also been able to keep healthy competition. “I think it was quite nice to have a mock meet just to get a general estimate of where we are in our training. I took this as more of a workout than a meet because of the set-up of the 5k,” senior Leila Herman said. “For me personally, I felt like this was a lot less stressful than normal meets because there wasn’t an aspect of needing to compete against other schools.”

The team is optimistic that restrictions will be reevaluated and loosened.

“Many of our workouts, from long runs on a local rail trail to interval training on a nearby road, require

going off-campus,” Lieberman said. “We’ve adjusted by doing more speed-based

ing 19 wins into a perfect 20-0 season,” she said.

The captains gave credit to coaches Bruce Shang and Suzan Rowe for their success as well. “Coach Shang, the head coach, is by far one of my favorite coaches that I’ve had in the six years that I’ve played this sport,” Toledano said. “His and Coach Rowe’s constant support and ‘tough love’ has made me a better player altogether and taught me that hard work pays off.”

O’Day echoed Toledano’s sentiments, describing how the coaches helped her skills improve over time.

While starting on Junior Varsity her prep year, Shang helped her improve. “It paid off because Coach Shang decided to put me on varsity the following year. His motto, ‘get better, ’is integral to the team’s dynamic and work ethic,” she said.

Both captains plan on furthering their volleyball

career in the future. O’Day wishes to continue playing Division III volleyball at her college, while keeping up with her academics as well.

“I think that Exeter has prepared me to manage my time as a student-athlete,” she mentioned. “I have mastered doing homework on the bus ride to games.”

Toledano hopes to continue playing volleyball in the years to come, noting that she will use the lessons she learned at Exeter moving forward. “Exeter has taught me that ‘with great risk often comes great reward’ and that pushing myself to be the best

it doesn’t quite replace our normal training.”

Even without typical resources, however, the team remains optimistic. “I think that during the rest of the season we’ll all improve a lot, and coach [Gwynneth] Coogan has some pretty hard workouts lined up for us, so this meet was a nice baseline,” Herman said. “I ward to meeting the lower classmen on the team soon!” As the Girl’s Cross Country season progresses, the team looks forward to mock races to come.

Girls’ Volleyball

By JONATHAN JEUN and ADRIAN SUN Seniors Dylan O’Day and Eliya Toledano serve as this year’s co-captains of the Girls’ Volleyball team.

Despite the changes that followed the pandemic, they lead Exeter’s renowned volleyball team into a new season.

The two captains specialize in different positions. On the court, O’Day is one of the middles, where she strategizes ball placement and blocking. Toledano is one of the liberos on the team and plays a large role in defense.

Still, the two captains share a common strength in serving for the team. “Both of their serves are powerful, and our team can count on them to give us some easy points with their serves,” lower SoThe two captains began playing volleyball before

coming to Exeter. O’Day found her passion in volleyball in seventh grade. “Before volleyball, I tried every sport—soccer, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, crew—but volleyball was my favorite.”

Toledano also started playing in her middle school years. She began her volleyball career in the summer before seventh grade. “I did karate for eight years prior, but my mom encouraged me to get into volleyball, since she played in high school competitively as well.”

Both captains associate volleyball with some of their most special memories of Exeter. Toledano described her friendships that stemmed from being on Exeter’s volleyball team. “Being a part of the volleyball team has helped me make so many friends, become well-adjusted to campus life and, of course, take in the full experience of what Exeter offers without the underlying

stresses of academics.”

“Pre-season introduced me to some of my best friends that I am still friends with three years later,” O’Day added.

Morais praised the captains’ eagerness to connect with the team on and off the courts. “I remember passing around the volleyball with them on the quad before our know each other,” she said.

“They were both very welcoming and excited to meet the new players.”

Their amiable personalities helped maintain the team’s high spirits during practices and games. “Their energy is always uplifting on the court. I think that team chemistry is extremely important for a sport like volleyball,” upper KG Buckham-White noted.

Upper Elizabeth Handte of the captains. When O’Day offered to show her around

eter, Handte was “surprised by her genuine character and welcoming attitude.”

Handte and Toledano were new lowers in 2019, and, as the only liberos on the team, they forged a close relationship. “Eliya is one of my most supportive teammates,” Handte said. “As my mentor, she acted as my second coach, and I see her as my role model.”

Last fall, the team went undefeated the entire season, racking up a record of 20-0. Toledano’s most notable highlight last year was the match against Hopkins School. In order to secure the championship game, the team beat Hopkins with an Toledano illustrated the team’s triumphant experience in detail. “We hudand half of us were crying.

We were overall extremely proud of ourselves for turn-

risk and the reward.”

Although the girls did not have their ideal season this term, both captains hope to carry on the tradition of Exeter’s volleyball family.

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Boys’ Varsity Soccer

By EMMA LIU Coming into the season with a 11-5-2 record from last year, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team is facing a whole new set of challenges this fall. Socially distant training is challenging at best, but under senior captain JD Jean-Jacques, the team has shown their resilience and ability to adapt, resulting in yet another successful season.

Jean-Jacques started playing soccer at the age of four. “At the time, I thought soccer was the coolest sport after watching teams play,” he said.

“I gave up playing tennis, squash and flag football at a young age in order to pursue soccer year round.”

Fast-forward to his senior year, and JeanJacques’ position as captain is well-deserved. “JD first struck me as a quiet, yet assertive and strong character… That’s exactly what makes him a great captain,” senior Matthew Chen said.

“JD is always looking for ways to better his teammates,” lower Cam Guthrie added. “[He is] very respectful, humble and an overall leader at heart.”

Chen, who has been playing with JeanJacques since their lower year, also noted that he “leads by example.”

Senior Alex Fraser noted that Jean-Jacques is also a highly skilled player. “JD isn’t the loudest

kid in the locker room, but… he earns the team’s respect through his tenacity in practice and in games,” Fraser said.

Guthrie affirmed this thought. Last year, in a game against Choate, “you could tell how badly [Jean-Jacques] wanted to win… [He] played very smart and collected,” Guthrie said. “I clearly remember being impressed by the way JD was playing.”

During practices this season, Chen said JeanJacques “kept spirits high,” even when basic elements of practice such as scrimmaging were not possible.

Fraser added that, with the two other captains learning remotely, “JD did not anticipate having to lead both the Varsity and JV kids, as well as all new students.” Still, Fraser said, Jean-Jacques did a stellar job.

“JD… has to step up even more now than during a regular season.

He’s had to make sure we are on top of our game and grinding during each practice. [He] has done so,” Guthrie said. Guthrie also expressed his admiration and respect for Jean-Jacques, noting that “everyone, myself included, is excited to have the opportunity to train with such a hard worker.”

Despite the many changes the team has undergone this season, it is clear that Jean-Jacques has played a big part in the success of this season.

Jean-Jacques expressed his pride for the team as well. He acknowledged that “many of the bonds that are formed… come from fighting together on the field,” and without games, “it will take a little extra effort on all of our behalf to create those bonds.” Though there are challenges, JeanJacques said, “We’ve really turned this new experience into our own…

We’ve all been encour-

aging each other to stay positive and optimistic.”

When asked about the most memorable moments with the team, Jean-Jacques highlighted the off-game moments.

“Some of the most memorable moments I’ve had with the team are during dinners and pickup games,” Jean-Jacques said, demonstrating the importance of camaraderie and community.

This is one part of Big Red Soccer that has con-

tinued this year. “We’re probably not going to play any games, so the focus is on enjoying our time together as a team and bonding with the new players,” Chen added.

As he plays his final season at Exeter, JeanJacques hopes to “encourage an elevated sense of community” and “[express] to the team how important community is.” COVID-19 caused unprecedented changes to the season, but Jean-

Jacques is determined to maintain the bonds between players that he felt in his prior seasons at Exeter.

Reflecting back on the past four years at the Academy, he said with appreciation that “Exeter has taught me how to become more of a community member and how to go after my pursuits at full throttle.”

ethic on and off the court.”

Despite the individual nature of squash, Fortin believes that it is very much a team sport: “During matches, we cheer each other on and everyone is very supportive. Our ladder consists of about twenty-one players, so there are a variety of skill levels. Though sometimes we play different schools, we all practice together. This creates a uni-

challenge and the intense focus she brings to the court. Emily is also able to analyze players’ games well and can recognize key areas for improvement.”

But outside the competitive scene, the captains foster a positive and inclusive environment for the team both on and off the court.

Lavin pointed out, “My favorite thing about Emily and Catherine is their attitude. They are so much fun at practice, games, and team dinners.”

Baker agreed. “I love how friendly and inclusive Emily and Catherine are. They are always doing drills with other players regardless of skill, and making each practice an enjoyable experience for all.

They’re awesome. They create a really nice environment that makes everyone on the team enjoy going on Zoom and they make the team proud to be members of PEA Squash.”

When asked about how squash had impacted her

time at Exeter, Baxter responded, “I would say that this team has really shown me true teamwork: how to foster a community that is open to collaboration and competition. Since day one, the team and coaches have always created such an amazing and supportive atmosphere that allows for everyone on the team to rapidly improve.”

These feelings were reciprocated by Fortin, who said, “The squash team at Exeter has been a very impactful experience for me, which I will miss dearly next year. One of my fondest memories is from last season when Coach Lovey invited the team to her house for dinner. ” Overall, the leadership and compassion that Baxter and Fortin exhibit make them the best captains for PEA Squash. In the words of Baker, “Best captains ever!”

Girls’ Squash

By HENRY LIU Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Varsity Girls Squash captains, Seniors Emily Baxter and Catherine Fortin, have been ensuring that the team maintains their team unity for when Big Red steps onto the squash courts in February.

Fortin got her start to the sport her prep year, although she had experience playing tennis before arriving. “I had played tennis prior to arriving at Exeter, however I had never played squash until my prep year when I decided to try out.

The team was extremely welcoming, and squash has been one of the highlights of my Exeter experience,” she said.

Baxter also started playing squash her prep year.

“I grew up in Los Angeles and had never even heard about the sport before.

Honestly, I began to train a couple weeks before trywinter prep spaz that consisted of fencing, skating, diving, and wrestling (none of which I can do). I continued to play because of the people and coaches on this team.”

With the similarities between the sports of tennis and squash, it served as no surprise that experienced tennis players like Fortin and Baxter would quickly pick up squash and move up the ranks.

Upper teammate Dorothy Baker praised Fortin.

“Catherine is very good at helping people with technical issues such as form or drill work, and she is good at communicating with teammates and linking them to coaches,” she said.

Baker also praised Bax-

ter’s leadership skill: “Emily is very good at commanding the room, creating connections between teammates, and being a positive Baxter and Fortin are both caring individuals who not only contribute their talents for squash, but also foster a spirited atmosphere at practices. “Emily and Catherine bring a contagious enthusiasm and excitement for squash to every single practice, both in person and virtually over Zoom,” lower Isabella Vesely said. “They consistently develop positive relationships in our team and, even on the most challenging days, help us persevere and put in our best efforts by leading by example.”

One way Baxter and Fortin have maintained the team’s close relationships this term is through giving the team opportunities to keep in touch virtually.

Lower Elizabeth Lavin mentioned, “We connect over Zoom 1-2 times a week, and have a team snapchat story where we post daily updates. We’re also working on updating the @exeter_girls_squash instagram account. Emily and Catherine are very active on all of those forums.”

Baker added to Lavin’s compliments.

“They’ve done a good job with checking in on us individually to see how we’re doing and also connecting us together via Zooms with the coaches.”

Despite all of these methods of staying connected, there are certainly in the remote situation. “It ed as a team as we are all remote and living in different time zones. However, our wonderful coaches, Coach Lovey and Coach Car-

bonell have helped to organize weekly zoom meetings with the team. Here, we are able to connect with each other,” Fortin noted.

Being a leader during these unique times poses several challenges, but despite the challenges, the two captains have continued to thrive in their leadership roles, keeping in mind what their teammates need and constantly providing support. “Emily and Catherine have heavily impacted our team both in our concrete results by helping us improve on the court as well as the mental aspect of the game. They encourage the team to think more positively and constructively and always push us to become both better squash players and, in general, better team players.”

Vesely said.

Baker added, “They lead by example how to have healthy and positive relationships between teammates/competitors, and they show us their work

from each other.”

Both captains also consistently bring positive attitudes during practices and share their mindsets of healthy competition. Vesley said, “Regardless of the day, Catherine always manages to bring a smile to our faces during practice.

She communicates well with the team members and makes us feel welcome.”

She continued on to describe Baxter. “Having faced Emily on the court in practice more times than anyone else on the team, I can always count on the

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Boys’ Varsity Basketball

By MICHAEL YANG The remote start of winter term has motivated the Boys Varsity Basketball to work harder than ever. Captains Robbie Stankard and Lucas McEachern have kept the team connected and in shape, anticipating their return to the courts in February.

McEachern has played basketball since a young age. “I grew up in France watching basketball with my dad, and I think my first time playing was at a camp when I was four or five.

As McEachern grew up, he gained many friendships from participating in various teams.

“The relationships I’ve made have changed my life in so many good ways,” McEachern said.

“The discipline, sacrifice, hard work and countless hours that come with playing at such a high level are skills that I will

take with me in anything I do in life. These skills are priceless, and I think sports are a great way to develop them.”

Stankard has a similar story. “I have been playing basketball since before I can remember. It is truly my favorite thing to do, so I love any time I get in a gym,” Stankard said. “As for why I have continued playing at such a competitive level, I think as a young kid I never expected myself to be able to reach the level I’m playing at right now and where I am projected to be after four years of college basketball, so I am really just seeing how far I can go with it and enjoying every day!”

To stay connected, the captains organized team workouts on Zoom with their coaches and their teammates. McEachern noted that the team has rotated workout leaders each session. Stankard added, “We also have our

own group chat that’s always busy.”

Upper teammate Andreas Lorgen testified to the captains’ strong teamwork. “[The captains] are always available if we need them and they have kept us updated throughout this entire period,” A. Lorgen said. “They are both incredibly hard workers and very positive guys and they act as role models for all of us both on and off the court.”

Prep Marcus Lorgen agreed. “As a new guy this year I experienced that Robbie and Lucas were very welcoming,” M. Lorgen said. “They’ve been a big part of why I feel so comfortable on the team, where everyone is older than me. In practice they have been great role models, working hard and having a focus on what we need to accomplish as a team, despite the year being complicated.”

Stankard and McEachern’s dedication has

had an infectious effect.

“Robbie and Lucas have set the example for the team through these times by showing up early and working hard,” upper Elijah Porras said. “For each workout, they show up early, focused, and ready to work. Robbie and Lucas set the tone for the rest of us to follow. They show up each and every day, and they motivate each and every one of us to push ourselves and get better.”

Upper Fawaz Omidiya said, “They’re both very honest and hardworking and help bring the team closer on and off the court.”

Many players on the team practice their skills at home through staying in shape and finding opportunities to play ball.

“I have gotten to practice with a pro team here in Oslo, Norway, along with my brother,” Lorgen ‘24 said. “Aside from team practices, I have access

to the team gym, where I’ve been working on my skills. At home I’ve been working out by doing ball handling in the basement, as well as lifting and doing plyometrics.”

Team members also cited the involvement of their coaches as a factor for success. “We are lucky to have such great support from both Coach Tilton and Coach Fishel.

Together, we were able to make the best out of a really unfortunate situation,” Stankard said.

Even with their persistence and efforts to keep the team unified, the captains have faced many challenges. “It’s hard to foster a sense of competition and improvement on camera, but we try our best,” McEachern said.

Stankard added, “I think the biggest thing that has affected the team this term is just not being able to play games. I know that the administration is trying to help us orchestrate intramural games when we get back, and we understand the constraints they are under and we appreciate their support, but there’s still nothing that’ll truly compare to suiting up to play another school, especially Andover.”

McEachern was optimistic about the team’s future. “The news about our season was devastating, as it has been for anyone who lost theirs, but we have made it a point to use this time to improve and set ourselves up for success when the opportunity arises,” McEachern said.

Being a part of the Exeter basketball team has impacted Stankard and McEachern in significant ways. “My days have revolved around working out, and staying in shape because of the level of

competition, and overall need to be in top shape,” McEachern said. “The ambition to perform on the court and pursue this sport in college has taken the reins of my life in the sense that I watch what I eat, watch how I sleep, and make it a priority to take care of my body.”

Stankard emphasised McEachern’s comments and stated, “Not only have I grown as a player, but I have learned so much, and I have also made amazing friends along the way.”

Despite current circumstances, Stankard and McEachern were eager to get back to the courts.

“Although the impact of Covid-19 is not ideal, I am still excited just to be back in the gym with the guys and hopefully, we can help each other get better as we get ready for next year,” Stankard said. McEachern added, “Having sixteen weeks of uninterrupted play and working out is a real opportunity to transform our bodies and reach a whole new level. Scary hours in New Hampshire!”

Porras described Stankard and McEachern’s leadership and dedication as “the epitome of leaders by example.”

Stankard reflected fondly on the season thus far. “We had a really special group this year, and I am sad that we were never able to truly show how good we could be together. However, I am really proud of how we have come together even without the possibility of playing games,” Stankard said. “It is truly a testament to Coach Tilton and the quality of the guys that make up this program. I am so grateful to be a part of such a special group.”

the post-quarantine period with optimism. “Once we get through the initial quarantine period we will be able to practice and have competitive scrimmages against ourselves. I’m looking forward to getting on the ice with this group and working on our skills, cohesiveness, hockey IQ, and to continue our development.

We will be live-streaming these competitions and this will be a great opportunity to showcase what we’re working on as a program.”

Overall, the team is ready to get back to work.

“I am just looking forward nally being together,” Shu said. “We’ve been talking through screens for way too long.”

“I’m super excited to meet all the new players in

person and reconnect with past teammates,” Xu said.

“I also really look forward to skating in the rink again as I stayed home in the fall and haven’t been on campus in almost 11 months.”

“It has always been a goal of mine, to be that leader on the team that brings everyone together to embrace our love for the game. Even though the captainship doesn’t make or break my love for my team

Girls’ Varsity Hockey

By MICHAEL YANG On the cusp of charging the ice, Big Red Varsity Girls Hockey is thrilled to be days away from returning to training. Senior Captains Alyssa Xu and Rachel Shu, along with head coach Sally Komarek, kept the team motivated and connected as they battled out the remote winter term.

Shu began playing hockey at a young age. “When I was 5 years old, I begged my parents to learn how to skate. From then on, I fell in love with hockey because of the competition and excitement it brought to my life,” Shu said. After learning that she had been appointed captain, Shu said, “Words can’t describe how excited I was when Coach Komarek called me last spring to tell me that Lyss and I would be the captains this year.”

Xu, meanwhile, had a different introduction to the sport. “I was at my friend’s house and she said she had to go to practice, so I tagged along. When I got home, I asked my parents if I could play, and they were shocked because they thought it was a boys’ sport.” ‘I ended up getting gear and forgot to buy socks and a jersey, so I looked like a robot when said.

Both captains found teamwork to be at the heart of their hockey experience.

Shu said, “I love being part of a team where we all push each other to be the best we can be. My hockey teams over the years have become a family to me. Most

of my longest and closest friendships have been made through hockey.”

Xu spoke similarly. “I played at a competitive level and continued to play because of the many opportunities that came with playing. Along with the many life skills gained from hockey like how to work as a team and understanding responsibilities, hockey also brought me to come to Phillips Exeter and opened many doors for college.” on their growth playing for Big Red. “When I got to Exeter, I had to step up and get more comfortable with becoming more offensive,” on the ice grew tremendously here and honestly has made my game a lot better.”

Xu agreed. “Hockey at Exeter has allowed me to learn so much from fellow teammates as well as coaches, everyone on the team has a unique set of skills from shooting to leadership style and it’s been great learning these skills from teammates and bringing them to teams outside of Exeter.”

Xu credited Komarek with her success at Exeter.

“Coach Komarek has been great with weekly challenges and fun activities to do in small groups as well as an entire team,” Xu said.

“Rachel and Alyssa are both incredibly passionate hockey players, great teammates, and they each use their strengths and leadership styles to the advantage of our program... Alyssa and

humble in their leadership, and are extremely well-respected and trusted by their teammates,” Komarek said.

Xu and Shu’s teammates agree. Lower Anjali Frary said, “There are many ways to be a leader, and Lyss leads by doing - she works hard and demonstrates grit. Rachel comes across as reserved, yet strong and steady, mentally and physically. She puts her all into hockey.” Upper Victoria Quinn expressed similar thoughts.

“The captains, Lyss and Rachel, are the kindest and most supportive people ever!” Senior Seo Kwak added, “Great people, I love them a lot.”

Lower teammate Sami Smith also described Shu and Xu’s leadership and dedication. “They have had

a very positive and leading attitude that has been emitting good energy to the whole team.” Smith continued, “I am really going to miss these two so much.”

Keeping the team connected was a challenge that the captains tackled over the quarantine period. Over the remote period, the team stayed connected through various activities. “We had a lot of Zoom meetings to keep in touch, including workout or yoga Zooms, trivia nights, and team lunches,” lower teammate Eden Welch said.

Prep Caroline Shu expressed gratitude to her sister. Shu said, “My sister and I have been doing many off-ice workouts that correspond with our performance on ice.”

Komarek looks towards

the cherry on top. The pandemic has made this year very hard and upsetting,” Shu said. “But, luckily, this team is so loving and supportive. Their smiles and enthusiasm each day have made this hard time so much easier.”

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Spring

»

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Read about how the Girls’ Basketball team overcame a season made

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

»

»

TRACK year’s Winter Track and Tield team came to love the sport, D6.

E6

GIRLS’ CREW Read about how Captains Addie Luce, Nina Weeldryer and Alicia Coble are leading Girls’ Crew, D7.

Girls’ Swimming

By JONATHAN JEUN and HENRY LIU Despite being remote for the majority of winter term, the Girls’ Varsity swim team, led by senior and captain Ursie Wise, has been training in preparation for the dual meets scheduled towards the end of the winter term. Taking into account the various COVID-19 regulations, Wise has continued to support the team as a leader, and looks forward to competing again.

Wise started her swimyears old. When asked about how she started swimming, Wise recounted, “I started swimming as soon as my mom thought she could let go of me in the pool without letting me drown.”

She credits her love for swimming to her mother, who swam as a teenager and encouraged her to take on the sport. Wise said, “I believe I joined

competitive swim team when I was seven.”

Wise continued her passion for the sport all the way to Exeter. Even as a prep, Wise was already on girls’ Varsity swim, waSwimming was a large part of Wise’s seamless transition to Exeter. “I already had a sibling at Exwho was on both the varsity swim and water polo teams,” Wise said. “I always had someone to eat

with in Elm for dinner and always had people I knew I could call my friends.”

“The swim team in particular becomes super close over the course of our season,” Wise said.

“We have a lot of fun in the pool, and even on the more strenuous days, we sets. Because of the swim team, I knew I always had supportive teammates and friends in my life at Exeter. My favorite moments on the swim team are likely moments of bonding on the bus rides, or in the locker room.”

Wise credits her coaches for her improvement in started swimming under Coach Lundy Smith, I was am now. By the end of my second year training with him during my upper year, freestyle at Interschols,” Wise said.

Wise has been an integral part of the swim and dive team since the beginrais described. “Ursie was one of the upperclassmen that really made an effort to welcome the rest of the preps and me to the swim team. She told us about the traditions and funny stories from past seasons, and whenever she played her music during practices, it never failed to get our team excited and pumped up.”

Upper Lindsay Machado agreed with Morais.

“It didn’t matter if we had a long day or a bad class; Ursie would always man-

age to end practice with a smile on everyone’s face.

She pushes us through tough sets by working the hardest and setting an example, but she also knows when to have fun and bring the team together for a joke. Despite not being on campus, she has kept the team motivated to compete.”

Wise’s outgoing personality and compassion are well known on the swim team. “She really understood that it’s been hard for us, not being able to have the same experience and she’s done so much to recreate the same feeling of community and support,” upper Yvonne Jia said.

When asked about why they thought Wise was such a great captain,

the team had nothing but praise.

“Ursie is committed, determined, strong willed, and an all around positive person. I would say she is the type of person you would want to have with you wherever you go. She has kept close contact with the swimmers and made sure to check in on us often, slipping in some good advice here and there,” Jia said.

Morais added to that, recalling that during practice, “Ursie would be in a separate group with the other distance swimmers, and you could see how hard she was working so that whenever it was time for the meet she could score us some valuable points. She has always been a hard worker, always putting the team

Lower Nat Kpodonu commented on Wise’s unmatched work ethic, stating, “she’s always working really hard and I think she leads by example. I know she’s really good at swimming, and in the pool, she always gives her all. At meets, she was always cheering for people.

She’s an understanding and a great leader.”

Jia looks up to Wise as a mentor. “Her work ethic inspires me to be the best student and swimmer I can be. Once Ursie puts her mind to something she never backs away from it and she exceeds expectations every time. No matter how stressed or busy she is, she always makes time for the team and I really admire her for that.”

Morais summed it all

up, recalling that “when Coach Lundy announced that Ursie was going to be 21 swim season, I was so excited to see how she would do, and it’s a bummer that we weren’t able to have a regular season where she could lead our team for her last year at Exeter.”

Wise agreed. “Among the countless activities this pandemic has changed, the pre-COVID swim team at Exeter is easily one of the things I miss the most.”

Even though Ursie Wise did not get the season she envisioned for her senior year, she hopes to carry the traditions of Exeter’s swim team to her next chapter.

Girls’ Basketball will always remember.”

Despite being virtual

By JONATHAN JEUN and HENRY LIU Girls Varsity Basketball co-captains and seniors Erin McCann and Molly Pate overcame a season made unconventional by COVID-19 restrictions, continuing to motivate the team and improve in preparation for their remaining games. Not only have McCann and Pate been phenomenal players, but they have also been supportive teammates on Both captains found their passion for the sport at an early age. “I started grade with my friends on the rec team in my town,”

Pate stated. “I have played on travel teams, AAU, my middle school team, and now here at Exeter.”

Meanwhile, McCann was introduced to the sport in the sixth grade. “I didn’t really play any other sports because I wasn’t very athletic,” she said.

The two captains credit the team’s close relationship for their smooth transitions into Exeter. “I was the only prep on the team, so I had plenty of upperclassmen mentors to look up too,” McCann recalled.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Pate stated, “playing sports here at Exeter has been a great way to help me transition.”

In addition to the team,

Pate and McCann give their thanks to the coaches. “I have trained under several different coaches during my time at Exeter,” Pate said. “Having the opportunity to train with a variety of different coaches has been a great way to view the game from so many different angles, and I feel like I have learned so much about basketball as a result.”

As the two co-captains years on the team, they shared favorite moments with the sport. Pate says that the highlight of her lower year was the match against Andover’s basketball team. “We implemented a full court trap that

Andover just had no idea how to handle,” Pate said.

“This full court trap gave our team numerous opportunities for steals and fast breaks, and we ended up winning.”

On the other hand, McCann will miss the bus rides with her teammates during away games. “I remember last year on the bus ride back from Choate, we took a wrong turn and ended driving through an abandoned construction site while blasting music and singing,” McCann said. “The sense of community you build as a team overtime that lets you laugh off mistakes or in this case, a wrong turn in the bus ride, is something I

McCann and Pate have managed to keep the team well-connected.

“Molly and Erin did a great job with planning activities and games for the team to play over zoom when we were all remote so we could still bond together as a team,” said lower Nur Almajali.

“Erin and Molly are often left with the task of leading the beginning of our Zoom meetings, and they come up with creative, fun, and elaborate ice breaker questions and activities for the team. One time, they took pictures of a card game they had at their house and we played it virtually over Zoom through breakout rooms,” upper Katie Sauer said.

The captains continue their support even off the court. Lower Delaney Miller emphasized their enthusiasm, mentioning, “The whole team has a group chat together, and Molly and Erin check up with us on it every once in a while.”

Sauer added, “They’ve also been executing their roles as basketball captains amazingly, as they reached out to everyone and created a team group chat, and contacted people for team uniforms. communication.

Although I forgot to text Molly about my team uniform size, she reached out to me in person at practice, and I thought that it was extremely helpful.”

Even on the court, Miller explains how “they really care about the team and our dynamic. When

practicing, they’re pushing us to go beyond what we think we can do. They’re always cheering for us and hyping up the team for whatever we do. They’re super helpful and show strong leadership.”

“Both Molly and Erin lead by example. They are always working their hardest and trying to improve.

To keep motivation up over break, they encouraged the team to send pictures or videos or our workouts to our group chat,” upper Ana Casey added.

Both captains are regular members at nonmandatory basketball practices, exhibiting a commitment to improving. “I almost always see them at the optional basketball shootaround, and they text the basketball group-chat if anyone would like to join them for a run to get in shape for basketball,” Sauer said.

“They are fun to be around but take their position as captain seriously. When they show up to practice they are ready to give their all which sets a great example for the rest of the team,” upper Cecilia Treadwell said.

“It’s an honor to work with them, Erin being on varsity for a while, and having known how good Molly was last year when we were on JV together. I always thought they were great players and having them lead us and by our side makes it all worth the while,” Miller said.

Having people like them makes me want to come to practice and keep doing basketball.”

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Winter Track and Field love for running began when he was in elementary school.

“I started cross country in second grade or so,” he said.

Similarly, Drew Smith’s passion for the sport started parents had encouraged me to try it out since they’d

rable performances by his teammates. “My favorite ner at the end of the mile,” a huge mob and were jump-

Jamaica,” he said. is one of his favorite things runner, I’m most driven when I see the new freshmen gritting their teeth and teammates are giving it their all, which reminds me of the quires.”

Smith enjoys the friendships that come with being part of the team gave me a group of friends that I could

By JONATHAN JEUN and HENRY LIU

that I’ve found a home and a

Evie Houston, Audrey MaliSmith serve as this year’s tains. Despite being remote for the majority of the term,

because I didn’t have a win-

lead the team to another sucHaving never seriously -

come such an important part of my athletic experience here at Exeter.”

my lower spring and loved

ferent ways, but all of them

that I could use it as off-season training for soccer,”

new family on the team.

For Houston, who joined Malila had similar beginopened her eyes to the strength of Exeter’s commumy lower year after some encouragement from my friends,” Malila said. “In more of something I could do to cross-train for dance.

perience with the sport whatsoever, just bringing some athletic ability from soccer

team community’s strength was so welcoming to me, especially as a prep with no experience,” Houston said.

Malila held a similar sentiment. “Initially, I had was very much an individual sport, and expected to experience a highly competitive environment with divisions between upper and lowerclassmen,” Malila said. “Instead, the team turned out to be one of the most inclusive and uplifting communities that I have ever been a part of.” ton named her as the “driving force of this program.” ance of pushing you to where but not over pushing you.

But she also doesn’t go easy on you. She’s actually my advisor now because I felt

on campus that you want to have on your side. She really was just such an integral part of my experience on this team.”

The captains have tried to implement Hall’s mindset into their own leadership

practice,” Smith said. “With the team being one of the largest in the school, we are unique in that our specialties are diverse across all aspects of life at Exeter.”

“I will most remember the friendships I made on bus rides, at D-hall, or at the

captains is the perfect balance of getting stuff done but also having a good time. es a lot less stressful. They push me to become a better runner and do well in meets,”

added. “ I’ve shared just as many moments of laughter

Upper Ifeoma Ajufo added, “The captains are incredible role models and friends who show their love for the team by always cheering everyone up and creating a lively environment. They’re incredibly motivating, because they are all driven and willing to do whatever to lete.”

at Exeter, they reminisced about the special memories

off-campus all of the swim

ly as a prep who wasn’t on campus, it was comforting

one of my favorite moments at Exeter.”

The captains emphasized seasons were all because

stated. “I just want them to the whole team really appreciate their efforts.”

Smith had similar sentian honor to train under their guidance, as they’ve helped me reach every goal set for myself.”

The captains’ determination to support their teammates contributes to the team spirit. Upper Ethan Aguilar said, “Drew is a very good leader. He pushes you very hard. He believes in everybody, and he believes that we can be much better than Senior

and it was these times that out my four years at PEA.” -

moments are before and aftypically drop a few bars to get the team hype for the meet,” Smith said. “Whether the team performed well or not, it is always a time to

Phil

Horrigan

ply, leads by example. He grinds. You can see the effort on his face while we’re younger runners can see it too, and it inspires them to From a supportive and motivational atmosphere to relentless positive energy, all the captains have played remember.

Boys’ Varsity Swim

By JONATHAN JEUN and HENRY LIU Seniors Aren Mizuno and Aiden O’Brien are the captains of this year’s Boys Varsity Swim team. Despite the ongoing pandemic, they lead the team everyday in the water. Not only are they excellent swimmers, they are great leaders who incorporate having fun into the sport.

Mizuno began his swimming career early on. “I got into swimming when I was seven years old,” Mizuno said. On top of swimming, Mizuno spent his childhood playing other sports along with swimming. “I also played soccer everyday and ran.”

Similarly, O’Brien’s passion for the sport started at he was an athlete for various other sports alongside swimming.“I played water polo, lacrosse and soccer. However, I’ve been swimming the longest,” O’Brien said.

When he came to Exeter, Mizuno decided to swim for the majority of the year. “I used to swim year-round so swimming in the winter,” up water polo so that I could continue to swim in the pool and be with my great teammates.”

For Mizuno, many of his friendships at school have come from the sport. “I’d say that a lot of my friends come from water polo and swimming,” Mizuno said.

Outside of swim practice, the team’s culture and traditions are some of the things that Mizuno enjoys. “We always hang out and eat after practice,” Mizuno said. “We

have built a strong sense of camaraderie.”

Senior Adam Tuchler found Mizuno and O’Brien to be the life of the team.

“Aren was always very encouraging, motivating us to train as hard as we could so we could perform at our best. [Mizuno’s] own hard

time in, no matter how hard the sets would be.”

Their personality differences is one reason Mizuno together leading the team.

“Aren and Aiden are basically polar opposites, but it Despite Aren being calm

never failed to include me in the team activities. I received a few FaceTime calls from them to update me on the state of the team, and the occasional throwdown race between team members for the coveted Throwdown Belt,”

the team, despite not being there in person.”

The good memories made from end-of-season swim meets have been an integral part of the sport. “ My favorite moment would be

up and band together was the

their last season of being on Exeter’s swim team, they ming career. “I’m not sure if I’m planning on swimming in college. If I do, I’ll

winning the ‘Most Improved Swimmer’ award last year,” Tuchler said. “[Aiden] was high throughout the practices. Swimming is a very grueling sport, so I’m glad that we had them to lead us through this past term of challenges.” his own experiences with them last year as a prep, and I was extremely happy that they were selected to be capthe captains are good leaders because they are great at motivating their teammates.

“Aren would lead more by example, grinding out the yards in the distance group, but Adam would be more vocal, playing music and cheering teammates on. I still vividly remember how hyped up Adam would be going into dual meets on the bus, playing hype music and preparing everyone mentally for the races ahead.”

“Having been here since prep year, their improvement has been incredible,” senior Josh Yu said. “I still remember when I was beating Aren in the freestyle events but he gives me a good run for my money now, beating me every now and then. He put going to pretty much all of the optional practices in the morning to get extra pool

and collected and Aiden being loud and excited, the pair manage to piece it together and get fun in along Yu said. “It’s impressive how we manage to get our sets in but still have time to mess around and hang out.

I would credit a lot of it to the leadership that they have

down Belt is a W.W.E.-style championship belt awarded to a swimmer who displays athletic and personal excelus off-campus people pretty

-

and training properly.”

“I was swimming off-campus with my club team, and they always wanted updates on my progress in the pool,” prep Michael Yang said. “As seniors, they have a lot of commitments but I found it to be very

nature of the team. “I was

-

but within swim, we can still on the team enjoyable and

the Easterns swim meet last year,” Mizuno said. “Everybody performed really well and it was awesome roomthe hotel room.”

O’Brien shared a similar sentiment for the Easterns swim meet. “My favorite swimming moment was Mills made a deal that if one of us went 47 in the 100 free, whole team,” O’Brien recalled. “The thought of gared me to go my best time. In reality, though, seeing all my teammates hype each other

for that challenge though. I tices have prepared me for er hand, O’Brien is certain that he’ll swim at his next school. “Team culture was were all leaders in our own sense,” O’Brien said. “Being that sense of doing my part and leading by example onto my college team.”

JUNE 6, 2021

Boys’ Wrestling

By MICHAEL YANG As the end of the winter term approaches, Exeter’s Wrestling team will cap off their interestingly unique season. They have battled the remote period before returning to campus in February and had to accommodate pandemic regulations into practices. Captain and senior Christian Petry, along with head coach Dave Hudson, kept the team motivated despite the new restrictions that came with wrestling.

Petry was introduced to the sport at a young age. “I started wrestling for a club in Danville,

New Hampshire called Smitty’s Wrestling Barn. I was already playing soccer and baseball, but my parents and I needed something for the winter. We decided I would try wrestling because my local high school was very good and even the middle school had a good team.” His passion for the sport grew from there and continued in his wrestling career at Exeter. drew him to wrestling. “Baseball thing about wrestling that draws me back to it time and time again. ism of the sport to be extremely

fascinating and the mental aspect is incredibly challenging and draining. To step out onto the mat against another person, just you and him, with only one person’s hand raised at the end is an indescribable feeling, especially with hundreds watching your matches.”

Looking back on his time as captain, Petry commented on what it was like being appointed to the job this season, considering the challenges brought by pandemic conditions, “It certainly feels strange to be a captain of a team that didn’t get the chance to compete this year.” Petry continued, “I am

Girls’ Varsity Crew

By MICHAEL YANG The beginning of the spring term marks a much anticipated crew season. Having been remote last spring, the girl’s crew team is excited to be training together in person.

Senior captains Addie Luce, Nina Weeldryer and Alicia Coble along with head coach Sally Morris are back on the water to lead their team over the next few months.

Luce, Weeldryer and Coble talked about their introductions to the sport. “I began rowing my freshman year at my old school,” Weeldryer said.

Luce had a different introduction to the sport. “I was introduced to the crew by my mother, who has always had an interest in the sport though she herself is too short to participate. After my prep spring and lower fall season, I began to fall in love with the sport and its intensity, which is why I continue to play at such a competitive level,” she said.

Coble had a similar experience. “I was introduced to the crew by my mom who learned to row after college.

I joined EGC (Exeter Girls Crew) my prep spring and have loved the sport and the team ever since.”

When asked why they have kept to the sport, the captains pointed to the impact that crew has had on their lives. Coble said, “I keep rowing competitively because I love the sense of unity I feel with my team in the boat.”

Luce had a similar experience with crew. “The sport of rowing has transformed my life in many ways in and outside of the boathouse. Even on the weekends and during summer/breaks, my day-today schedule revolves on my workouts and practices.”

Weeldryer said, “I’ve continued to row because I love the teammates I meet along the way and the work ethic that a challenging sport instills.”

The captains talked about their captainship this year as well. “I don’t feel old enough to be captain. Since our upper year season was cancelled, it feels like just yesterday that I

was a lower on the team. Being a captain during such unprecedented times has been interesting,” Luce said.

“Being captain this year ing. A lot of our rowers this spring were new to crew or new to the school, so we had to work hard to include all different grade levels and experience levels. That being said, I’ve had the chance to get to know most of the people on the team, and they are such a great group. We love to hang out after practice at team dinners and keep motivation high through playing great music after practice as well as cheering each other on,” Weeldryer said.

Coble further elaborated on aspects of team bonding. “While there are a lot of things making it hard for all the athletes on the team are excited to be back in the boathouse. Nina, Addie, and I have made a point to get to know the new athletes,” she said. “Getting back on the water has been a huge motivator for everyone so I’d say it’s less about what I’ve done and more about what the sport has done for the athletes.”

Luce commented on the team’s unity despite smaller numbers. “The team has been cut down by 30%, which has made the team closer than it has been since I have been on it.”

Coble praised the team’s coaches for their hard work and dedication. “Our coaches encourage athletes to work out when they could and with whatever equipment they had. Once people were back on campus, we started training together and that helped us get ready for our spring season.” the long time spent off the water. “We just got on the water, which is crazy! Before Friday, the last time I was in a sweeping boat was November of 2019.”

Coble added, “Normally during the winter we have offseason training together.

Obviously that was not able to happen last term.”

Morris praised the cap-

tains’ efforts despite such challenges. “Captain Nina Weeldreyer, along with the other captains, Alicia Coble and Addie Luce, has led the ergometer sessions by example, sitting with novice rowers on the erg and teaching them how to row better and faster or literally coaching her after the novices leave.”

Morris also noted the different roles that the captains played. “Along with the erging, Captain Addie Luce has been a force in the team runs,

especially the Stadiums, encouraging and leading the way on each run. Captain Alicia Coble has been leading the dynamic warm ups and warm downs, explaining how to stretch more effectively, and also setting out guidelines for inclusive language among the team.”

Lower Isabella Riccardi talked about her positive interactions with all three captains: “Addie, Nina and Alicia are the perfect combination of captains. They’re so sweet and funny, making every practice so enjoyable. always been there to help with form or give us that ex-

disappointed that I never got to walk out to the middle of the mat before a dual meet as captain, as it was something that I had been thinking about since prep year.”

Assistant Head Coach Bob Brown credited the Academy for their efforts to give athletes the season they deserved. “If not for the resources, hard work and creativity of this organization, PEA athletes may have been among the masses and forced to miss out. It was with that ‘gratitude’ that our team came together each day. The team was excited to have the opportunity to practice and participate in a sport that we love. Wrestlers improve with what we refer to as this season provided quality ‘mat time’,” he said.

Although the season was not optimal for the athletes, Petry and the team were grateful for the opportunity to keep participating in the sport they love.

Hudson applauded the players as well. “Overall I felt the athletes made the best of the situation.

Participation, effort, and energy made for a positive experience given our restrictions.”

Brown explained the focus of the term. “We were able to slow things down and focus on strong, foundational technique and solid fundamentals concerning the sport. The absence of competition, travel and making weight on a regular basis also gave us a chance to focus on things that group of wrestlers.” Even with a relatively new team, everyone learned a lot under the leadership of their captain.

Petry talked about the leadership skills and experience he has gained this past season. “This was a different experience for me because I had to use my knowledge to help to teach new kids

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII about the sport. It has taught me a lot about leadership, and I think that it is a skill that is helping me outside of Exeter.”

Lower teammate Liam leader. “Christian has been dealt a bad hand with this season, but with the few weeks of wrestling we’ve been able to get, he has led by example and been hard-working and motivated on the mat.”

Even with the various setbacks that the season provided, Petry rose to the challenge.

Prep teammate William Bernau expressed his admiration for Petry’s leadership, “There’s no doubt that the captain has had more on his plates this year in terms of leadership and responsibility. Still, he set an example for the rest of the room. He wrestles with no excuses and refuses to take his hands off of his drilling partner.”

Keeping the team motivated despite the less than optimal conditions was a challenge that Petry had to face. “When you don’t have a match to look forward to you start to ask yourself why you are even there. My main way of keeping the team motivated is to keep everyone focused on the current task during practice and then to push my teammates to be their best when we do conditioning,” he said.

After returning in February, the team went to work right away. “Practice has been every weekday except Wednesday, with competition on Fridays (for these past couple weeks),” Brown said. “We warm up as a group with some running, stretching and drilling. Then, we get with a designated partner(s) and begin practicing at the coach’s direction,” Bernau added.

“Practices consisted of a drilling period, then transitioned

tra boost at the end of an erg piece. All three of them plan on rowing to college, and continue to push themselves in every aspect of the sport.

As a lower, I am so appreciative to have such strong role models in the beginning years of my rowing experience.

They continue to inspire me to push myself in hopes of one day achieving similar aspirations in strength, form, and commitment.”

Riccardi continued to describe the captains’ work ethic. “The captains have tance of our community as a team throughout COVID-19 and this season. Along with the coaches, they’re always

Before gaining access to the dock, athletes have rowed on the erg, run the stadium, and completed various exercise circuits and stretching routines, all designed to improve their own water rowing,” Assistant Head Coach Becky Moore said.

Riccardi elaborated on how the pandemic has affected crew practices this year.

“As with all sports, COVID

encouraging us to speak to someone new, whether it be at team dinners or stretch breaks during practice. They even hosted a meet and greet with Dunkin’ donuts at the beginning of the season on MC beach! As far as motivation goes, I feel the work they put into every practice inspires the rest of us to meet that level. They consistently cheer us on or correct our form on the erg. I feel as though my split time drops as soon as Nina walks behind me.”

“We have used all of the assigned practice times and made available coaching in the optional practice times over the break weekend.

working out. One of the biggest differences was they only took out 4 boats instead of the usual 6 to maintain smaller numbers (around 40 girls). It made the tryout process a little more intimidating, but our

strange season. Of course we have to wear masks while on the erg, running, and lifting (which is actually helping my endurance). We’re required to sanitize ergs at the end of practice and maintain the usual 6 foot distance when

allowed everyone to become closer.”

Lower Matilda Damon said, “it’s affected recruiting and generally worsened the performance of the team, since even seniors have only had two seasons on the water so far, one of them being prep year.”

Upper Dorothy Baker talked about each of the captains’ leadership. “Addie is

E8

into live wrestling with a partner.

During drilling we practiced certain moves and positions, while live wrestling put us in a more realistic wrestling environment,” lower teammate Nate Puchalski said.

Senior teammate Ozzy Gomez-Santana talked about Petry outside of wrestling. “He’s a fun loving guy who is insanely good at any competition he touches.

That competitive drive always translates to the mat and it’s amazing to see the years of hard work pay off when he can pin his opponent in record time. It’s also amazing to see that talent being transferred to the preps and lowers he wrestles during practice. classman can do in the following years because of him.”

Petry spoke on the loss of a former amazing wrestling coach.

“Wrestling has meant a great deal to me throughout my life, and I am extremely grateful for all of the people that I have met along the journey. On behalf of the Phillips Exeter Wrestling Team, I want to honor one of those people, Coach Davis. This past winter the wrestling team, coaches and alumni were shattered by the passing of Coach Davis. Coach Davis always brought a smile with him to pracgreet you when you walked into the wrestling room. I didn’t get to wrestle this year, but if I never wrestle a competitive match again, I will walk away happy knowing he helped coach my last ever match. He meant so much to me and so many others and I know that both myself and my peers on the wrestling team miss him dearly. Thanks for everything coach, we will never forget what you meant to us.”

super driven and a hard worker. she is always eager to get the team hyped for the workout, and she is particularly strong in leading the runs,” she said. “Nina is humble, friendly, and shows excellent leadership. She brings the team music and always has the playlist. As a fairly new rower, I was drawn to her and water, and she keeps the team morale in check.”

Baker elaborated on Coble’s leadership. “Alicia is incredibly friendly and creates an encouraging atmosphere for the team. She always reassures me that hard workouts will be ok and that we can get through anything as

a team. She is the pinnacle example of both a leader and a friend. she makes me feel comfortable asking questions about form or helping me feel strong on days when I feel weaker.”

Coble looks forward optimistically to the rest of the season, when more opportunities for training and competitions will arise. “Varsity scrimmage with SPS in April, so we are practicing six days a week, on the water if the crazy tide schedule is permitting.”

Moore added, “We are excited to start the season with an enthusiastic group!”

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Dearest Owen - CONGRATULATIONS to you & your fellow Exonians. And, our gratitude to the PEA educators. We are so very proud of all of your accomplishments and know that you will treasure and keep the strong bonds you have made with the exceptional young leaders in the PEA community. Much Love - Mom, Dad, Morgan & Sydney

JUNE 6, 2021

Spring

»

BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL Read about how community is being built within the Boys’ Varsity Volleyball team, D8.

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

»

»

WATERPOLO Read about how captains Ursie Wise and Emmett Lockwood are leading the spring Waterpolo team, D9.

E10

E/A Read about Exonians’ favorite memories from past E/A games, D10.

Boys’ Tennis

By MICHAEL YANG Boys’ tennis, like many other teams this spring, is back and ready for interscholastic games and matches. The vision for a competitive season started early this fall with off-season practices making up for the time lost last spring.

This year, the team is led by senior captains Jacob Feigenberg, James Manderlink and Tony Xiao and head coach Will Abisalih.

Xiao started playing the sport at a young age. “I started playing tennis in elementary school. At the most basic about hitting a ball and trying to get it in, but as I got better, it became so much more than that.”

Feigenberg was introduced to the sport by his mother.

“I was introduced to tennis around 10 years ago by my mom. She was playing at the time and signed me up for my 10 years later and I’m still playing and loving the game more than ever.”

Feigenberg continued about his passion for tennis.

“Sports and competition have always been a really big part of my life. Ever since I can remember I’ve played as a part of a team whether it was soccer, baseball, squash or tennis. One of the reasons I have stuck with tennis so long is it’s variability. It’s a sport anyone can play at anytime in their life and I think that’s special.” experiences. “Tennis is about grit, footwork, skills, athleticism, strategy, and teamwork (when you’re playing a doubles match), and all of a sudden it was very hard work, and during every practice I would sweat like crazy,” he said.

“There are so many variations in the game, so many creative shots that I can make, and that makes each match very exciting and very unique. There is running around the court chasing after a ball, trying to outsmart your opponent. All of this made me continue playing tennis ever since.”

Feigenberg talked about his experience playing with the team at Exeter. “While going to a boarding school such as Exeter, the ability to continue playing a sport outside of

season or over the summer, but some of my favorite memories come from my time here over the last few years.”

Xiao added to Feigenberg’s words about playing with the school team. “Exeter is the place where I played and I absolutely loved it. As I mentioned before, some of my closest friends are on the tennis team. I think there is a very natural, very genuine bond that forms when people play tennis together, and that connection is something that I greatly value out of my experience in Exeter tennis.”

Manderlink praised his two co-captains. “Tony is works hard all the time. It’s great having a role model like him who always keeps a level head and that you can count on to work hard every day,” He continued onto Jacob, “Jacob is also a hard worker and when he’s not in the trainers we can always count on him to have a good time out on the courts.”

Upper teammate Peter Roth complimented Manderlink. “James is the most hard-working member of the

team and really does a good for the rest of us to follow.”

“Team captains James, Jacob, and Tony are not only naturally talented tennis players, they also work hard to continually improve their game and encourage the rest of the team to do so as well.

They are serious in the task at hand but are also fun guys between sets and off the courts,” upper teammate Chaz Cordle said.

“They consistently are working hard and motivating us as a team. They are easy to get along with and are fun you can look up to while also being friends you can talk to.

They keep the team working hard and motivated by establishing an environment of respect, and they always lead through example. They push us by working hard themselves,” upper teammate Ben Vigneri added.

Cordle explained how the captains have led the team through these challenging times. “They work hard and have fun without focusing on the negative. They have great connections with the new coaches, and they seem

to communicate a lot of feedback to the coaches about our practices, which, in general, helps the team’s overall mocy throughout the season.”

Cordle expands on the leadership of the captains, “They show a very strong passion for tennis, and their displays of this on the court helps excite the competitive nature of the rest of the team,” Cordle said.

“As captains, we have worked towards fostering a positive environment where we can all learn from each other, grow, and have fun. One way we have tried to keep the team motivated is by leading by example. If we give our best effort and best attitude every day, it becomes contagious and soon the rest of the team will follow,” Manderlink said.

“It’s a great honor to lead the team, especially in such a challenging time for everyone.

I’ve been trying to get to know the people on the team on a more personal level, so that they would feel comfortable and motivated within the team atmosphere,” Xiao said.

Feigenberg added, “Being a captain of this team is special. I remember when I

arrived here my lower year, I really looked up to my captains. I always told myself that if I get to that point and get elected captain, I’d want to have the same effect on at -

ball handling and some mask wearing, many things have not changed. However, as for the season, it is a bit of a downer

that we can’t play as many matches against other schools as we normally would. Practice is fun but winning as a team is much more satisfying and we will be missing out on some of that,” Cordle said.

Manderlink looks to the season with optimism. “We are still working towards maximizing our time on the team but it has been very refreshing and exciting to get back out on the courts.”

Xiao concluded with the impact Exeter tennis has had on him. “Exeter tennis has introduced me to a group of very funny and very motivated people, many of whom have become my closest friends.

It has also provided me a chance to go outside every day, exercise, and meet different people. It is a very fun, very stress-relieving, and a much-needed activity for me, especially amidst the heavy workload in Exeter.”

All three of the captains have left a strong impact both on the court and on campus throughout their time at Exeter, and the opportunity they have this spring to lead their team one last time will leave a strong impression on all members of the team.

cheer one another up when mistakes are made and cheer for each other when they make a good play.”

Keeling noted the challenges of leading this year’s team. “Normally, the team would consist of somewhere around two dozen kids with around of the kids being returners to the sport. Now, with a two years gap, we are seeing a team of four dozen kids and only about 50% of the kids have played at the varsity level at Exeter before,” Keeling said. “It’s a tough adjustment trying to bring everyone into the fold, both in the sense of getting varsity reps and also becoming an integral part of the team community.”

Upper Liam Oliva added, “We don’t have a solidified season, which allowed the coach to not officially declare ‘Varsity’ and ‘JV,’ so he didn’t make any cuts.

This means our practice that usually has 15 people, now has a hearty 45. I really like it, the gym is always high energy and everyone is excited to play.”

Senior Dylan O’Day said, “We’ve had to adjust practice to figure out a way to make sure that everyone is getting better and being challenged. We do much more scrimmaging and combining skill levels to make practice a little more competitive and fun.”

Upper Harry Sun credited the practices for improving the team’s skills. “We always work on ball control, basic techniques, and volleyball IQ — we’ve learned that communication and a strong foundation is super key to our play,” Sun said.

Nguyen attributed the comprehensiveness of the practices as a factor to the team’s success. “We haven’t lost in three years, and we don’t want that to end.

That is our motivation,” Nguyen said.

Shang praised the captains’ leadership and dedication to the sport. “These captains are the best. It was fun seeing them grow and play the game with such passion. They have given so much to the boys and girls teams throughout their career here,” Shang said. “In the fall, they would help the girls team get water, set up nets, give extra reps, run drills, and push the girls in every practice. In the spring, these captains lead by example and spend time every practice teaching the game to the younger players on the team.”

Sun testified to Shang’s words. “The captains have led us so far by setting up practices, offering us time slots to come in for extra practice, always bringing music and good vibes, and taking responsibility for whatever happens during volleyball, for better or worse,” Sun said.

Oliva shared similar thoughts. “All of them work the hardest on the team and are happy to help new players any time. They really are far more approachable than their violent spikes would make them seem,” Oliva said.

O’Day agreed, noting, “they’re also very good at volleyball which is inspiring and brings the level of play up. They’ve made a great effort to make sure that everyone feels included.”

season but Jacob, Tony and I look forward to leading this team through matches and can’t wait to play Andover one last time.”

Manderlink along with fellow co-captains have made the most out of this year. “It was a season we all looked really forward to and losing that captains (and seniors in genermake up for that lost season,” Manderlink said.

Roth added, “for last year’s season, COVID entirely cut it out, which was quite unfortunate. However, in fall we had off-season tennis, which was nice.”

“It is way easier to be socially distant from other players in tennis than most other team sports, so other than a

Boys’ Varsity Volleyball

By MICHAEL YANG Boys Varsity Volleyball captains and seniors Wiley Bahr, James Keeling, and Nhan Nam Nguyen have been giving their all to the team, guided by memories of the sport’s lasting impact on their time at Exeter. Due to the pandemic, the team this year was offered as co-ed, and the captions and head coach Bruce Shang hope to make the most of this season.

When asked about becoming interested in the sport, Keeling shared his foundation in supportive teams. “I was introduced to the sport of volleyball by my friend group. We had known that our school had a middle school team. We spent those two years mak-

ing memories I won’t forget: both involved learning the sport as well as the team camaraderie.”

Nguyen also started volleyball in middle school. “I started playing in middle school, and in my prep fall term I was in Coach Shang’s prep volleyball physical education class. That is where I met my super best friend James Keeling; he has glown up since prep year,” he joked.

Bahr started volleyball as a prep when he took prep physical education with Shang. He noted what he most loved about his team.

“This is just such a fun family to be a part of. I love the community. Everyone is all so welcoming. I was welcomed when I came in as a lower,” Bahr said.

Keeling reflected on the sport’s impact on his time at Exeter. “In my prep and lower years, I was amongst individuals whom I looked up to and respected, such as Emilio Karakey and Sam Michaels. These figures helped shape the person and teammate I became throughout high school, impacting my life beyond volleyball and Exeter through their character.”

Nguyen reflected similarly on the impact that the sport had on his life. “It has enhanced my skills of working with other people, especially my fellow captains,” he said.

In fact, Nguyen pointed to his friendship with fellow captain Keeling as one of the best parts of his captainship. “One of my favor-

ite things being a captain is spending time with James Keeling.”

Bahr also noted the most important aspects of volleyball in his opinion. “Volleyball in one word is all about teamwork because you’re so dependent on your team and you need everyone to be involved,” Bahr said.

Keeling described his experience as captain during this unprecedented season. “I, as well as the other captains, put in effort into maintaining a positive team community and spirit in which everyone is involved and having fun. I think we all try to maintain this by holding team dinners and interacting with one another at every chance we get out of practice. In practice, we as a team try to

E11

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Girls’ Water Polo

By JONATHAN JEUN and HENRY LIU

Exeter, I’ve been a part of girls’ varsity swimming,

Ursie Wise receives the water polo ball and she swims it towards the cage.

From the weak side, she sees Emmett Lockwood open by the cage. A quick pass crossing the goal lands it in Lockwood’s hands. Lockwood comes up in a shooting stance and throws it to the opposite top corner of the

and was a captain of swimming and water polo,” Wise said.

For Wise, sports played a large role in her smooth transition to Exeter. “I had an older sister who already attended and played on girls’ varsity water polo and swam on girls’ varsity swimming,” she said. “Because of her, I immediately felt comfortable with both teams and always knew I had someone to talk to. I also just generally don’t get very homesick.

It’s not my style,” Wise said.

Wise gave a shout-out to the previous role models on the water polo team. “I really admired the older girls on the team (Sam Gove ‘19, Maddie Shapiro ‘18, Gabby Allen ‘19, Issy Wise ‘19),” she said, “They unintentionally created a culture of friendliness and inclusion on the team which has rippled on through the years. I try my very best to relay that same attitude to the younger players on the team.”

Similar to Wise, Lockwood admired older Exonians in his transition to playing Exeter water polo.

“My transition to Exeter was wonderful. My older sister is class of 2010 so by the time I was in eighth grade my parents and I were familiar with Exeter and some of the teachers on campus still remember me from the Exeter Parents weekend classes I attended when I was 5.”

Other than her older teammates, Wise credited her coaches with cultivating her abilities over the span of her Exeter career. “Before this year, we were coached

by Mr. McTammany. McT is super great. He’s patient and funny and had a lot of knowledge about water polo, and always kept the practices interesting.”

Wise praised her current coaches as well. “Coach

by scoring a point. Although this spring season has been unprecedented, Captains Ursie Wise and Emmett Lockwood strive to help the team improve.

Wise began her water polo journey at a young age.

“I began playing water polo when I was six or seven at the Rocky Point Club,” she recalled. “It was summer water polo––very lowkey and low stakes.”

Lockwood spoke about his beginnings with the sport. “I know it is cliche but I have been comfortable in the water for as long as I can remember. Other than swimming I played soccer that allowed me to be in the water though. My dad since some of his friends played in high school. It was an hour and a half drive to the nearest team but I loved every moment of it.”

As Wise continued playing water polo, she started showing her talents in different parts of the community. “I became a part of the Greenwich Aquatics Team and started traveling for tournaments,” she said.

“I’ve been to tournaments across the northeast, to Canada and played multiple summers at Junior Olympics in California.”

On top of water polo, Wise excels at both swimalso swim! I started traveling for swimming around the same time as I did for water polo,” she said. “At

are just as incredible –– all three of the coaches this

year stepped up for our team when we didn’t have a coach, and I’m really grateful for that.”

Lockwood talked about team at Exeter and how important it was to him joining the team prep year. “In seventh grade, my family moved to New Hampshire (one of the two states in the US without public water polo teams) so I played down in Boston. After four years of an hour-plus long trek to practice, I was excited to have the pool be a little closer to home.”

Wise’s favorite memory from water polo came from her coaches’ abilities to make practices fun and enjoyable. “My lower year, Coach McT walked into practice, didn’t say a word, drop-kicked a water polo ball to the ceiling of the pool area and then left,” she recalled. “We took that as a rest day.”

Lockwood explained the other side of Coach McTammany’s coaching style, “McT is hard on us but that is only because he knows not to take it when we are knows how to push us to our best and has taught me to be a more assertive player and the water.”

He continued to talk about his experience with this season’s coaches.“Our current coaches are Coach both of them are wonderful and are doing a wonderful job at working to develop our younger players for the next season!”

Some of the best moments of Lockwood’s Exeter career came from his time on the team, “During my prep year our captain Maddie Shapiro ‘18 made a special effort during tryouts of working with me on my ability to pass the ball more accurately and my shot. I remember her recognizing my efforts and nudging me to get better,” he said. “It has been such a dream this year

being captain and being able to give back to the younger players of our team the same grace and help that was givWise hopes to continue her water polo journey into college. “If the opportunity is presented to me, I’d love to play water polo in college,” she said. “The sport has been a huge part of my life and I hope it continues to be.”

Lockwood also has interests to have the sport in his future. “I plan to play on a club team during college.

Due to transitioning it will depend on what school I go to whether I will be able to play on the team that afuntil I fully transition,” he said. “One thing Exeter has taught me is that everyone in the pool still has something to learn and that water polo is a team sport because only a team can bring out the best of each other in the water.”

Upper teammate Jack Hudson talked about his experiences with each captain.

“To be honest, I have no idea how Ursie and Emmett do it,” he said. “One thing I’ve noticed is how prepared they seem every practice.

For example, we always have a unique warm up that the coach lets them decide

Boys’ Spring Varsity Track

before practice starts. What I feel like most of the school doesn’t realize is that co-ed varsity water polo includes novice players in practices as well as the more experienced players. This is very unusual when compared to other sports I’ve played.

With this in mind, the two have been extremely patient and helpful to these players by showing them tedious game rules and techniques.

I can say without a doubt that this is one of the hardest sports to lead, and they make it look easy.”

Lower Nat Kpodonu mentioned the impact that Wise and Lockwood have had on her during practices, “Ursie and Emmett have been so kind to everyone, and I think this season is particularly challenging because there’s a lot of new players. Emmett plays with the less experienced players quite a bit so that they have an idea of where to go or what to do, and Ursie is always a great example in the water for everyone. They both work really hard as well which is great.”

Prep Alex Rosen added on. “They always make sure to check in with us and ask what we want to do, which also helps motivate the team. For example, last Friday they helped con-

Considering the restrictions the pandemic has placed on track seasons, upper and teammate Sava Thurber commented on the leadership that the captains have shown during these challenging times. “Starting with last spring, I think the two biggest challenges for the track team have been access to equipment and morale. When everyone was at home, lots of members of the track team could not easily access a gym, exercise equipment, or a reliable place to run,” Thurber said.

“Of course, it was not optimal, but I believe it was the best we could have done at was keeping people motivated and excited to be a part of the team.”

As a new runner on the team, prep Michael Yang expressed admiration for Smith’s leadership. “Drew is the captain of the sprint group, [and] is a committed

By JONATHAN JUN and HENRY LIU After a year-long hiatus, the boys outdoor track team is back in full force as athletes run, jump, and throw.

Connor Chen, Varun Oberai, Drew Smith and Jeremiah Swett serve as captains of the spring track team, where they create a friendly and competitive atmosphere on the tracks. Although this year was unlike any other, the captains are upholding the long tradition of a successful track season.

The captains started their athletic careers from a young age. “I got into running track

old,” Smith said. “My parents had encouraged that I try it out since they’d grown up running track in Jamaica.”

Chen shared a similar story about his start in the sport.

“I’ve ran since I was six. Until I came to Exeter, I actually played a ton of other sports — primarily swimming and basketball, but I tried rugby and tennis too,” Chen said.

“Eventually I was forced to and the camaraderie of the track team was the primary factor in my ultimate decision to run for every term at Exeter.”

Oberai also enjoyed soccer and swimming before committing to track. “I

got into running in middle school when I tried out for the cross country team in 6th grade,” he said. “I turned out to be decent at it. I really enjoyed practices and races, so I continued the sport into high school.”

Like Oberai, Swett’s passion for running started in middle school. “My mom was a collegiate track athlete and held the Ohio long jump state record for some time in high school. In middle school, I followed in her footsteps and started running and jumping for the track team,” Swett said. “However, when I transitioned into high school, I was encouraged to do the throwing events such as discus, shot

put and javelin. I fell in love with them instantly.”

For the four captains, track played an integral role in making them feel welhaving cross country preseason where I met most of the team truly made PEA feel like a second home,” Chen said. “With runs and classes agenda, I quickly fell into the Exeter routine and transitioned smoothly.”

“I was really lucky to have the cross country team for support throughout prep fall, and the upperclassmen on the team at the time made adjusting to life here really easy,” Oberai added.

Drew loves to get to know each athlete on the team and makes sure they feel welcomed. He works hard, always pushing his limits, setting an example for the rest of us. He has led the team during these challenging times through keeping the team connected,” Yang said.

Prep Jackson Giampa said, “Drew is always upbeat and happy, but he is also very focused on his work and his training. His attitude towards improving in every aspect of track is contagious. On more than one occasion I have been supported and pushed

by Drew to do my very best when I was underperforming. During these times where I am pushed it is very

us go to Stillwells to get ice cream which was a big morale booster,” he said. “It is a lot of fun. They are great at leading us and showing us what we have to do. In a game as complex as water polo, this is especially important.”

“Emmett has been extremely helpful and motivating this season as he works hard during every practice and is always there to help clear any confusion. Ursie has contributed greatly to creating a welcoming team atmosphere that has allowed everyone the space to train, have fun, and improve,” lower Claire Fu said.

Kpodonu added to Fu’s comments about the captain’s leadership, “I know Emmett doesn’t hesitate to been struggling on, and she’s great at explaining players, and Ursie leads the cheer at the end of practice or gym and that’s always fun.”

Upper Lindsay Machado is enthusiastic for the next term under Wise and Lockwood’s leadership: “I’m excited to have them lead this year and I’m looking forward to next season!”

easy to forget about the pandemic and everything that is going on right now.”

Thurber expanded on Oberai’s and Chen’s leadership. “Trying to manage a large group with the current COVID protocol is tough.

But, I think that Connor and Varun have both been great at leading by example, setting a high standard for the rest of the team,” Thurber said. “I have been impressed by their enthusiasm and incredible skill level.”

Looking back on their track careers at Exeter, the favorite moments from the past few years. “One of my favorite track moments at Exeter was actually this past weekend at our intrasquad meet. On Saturday, there really weren’t many events, and most of the people at practice had their eyes turned to the middle of the ing place. With a slight tailwind, it seemed like all the throws were PRs, and our run was full of cheers and claps and whoops,” Chen said. “And then, there was David Mancini. His javelin sliced the air and arced across the sky like an eagle swooping down towards its prey. Even amidst the 20mph gusts, there was somehow silence, as though God had calmed the entire world for this humble throw. When the tip of the javelin plunged into the earth a few feet across the 200m mark, we erupted with joy and many celebratsmiles and cheers. It was a remarkable day and a fantastic achievement from David and the whole team.”

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Girls’ Varsity Softball

be, and to keep encouraging get the team focused and energized before and during each game, but as soon as the game is over, we can move on from whatever happened during the

Although this term has been very different in comparison to previous seasons, lot of reason to focus on team brought the team close togeth-

them outside of practice, and both on and off the softball of integrating the prep class with older kids in a way that is

By CLAIRE FU and NAT KPODONU With everyone holding their breath, the ball comes faster and faster until the slap of the ball hitting the bat resCheers of excitement travel from all over the stadium and from everyone on the sidelines, when they realize a The player runs from base to base, whizzing by as the calls from the sidelines grow loudlingering in the air is suddenly lifted as the player crosses

ting ready for the end of their as they have been leading the

team in my town and it was coached by my dad and anothmental games with the other team and it’s kinda like run-

Later, in sixth grade, she transitioned into club softball, where she met some of

ball career during elementary school, playing for her town’s

been so much more than just

barely even softball because the coach pitched to us and

much putting in time and hard work into something pays off, and how everyone contributes something different and im-

a successful and productive playing for their town’s softbe trying out a bunch of different sports, but softball seemed

must work together to support each other and get to know

aspect is actually playing with

someone shouts and the crowd As the end of spring term approaches, sports teams are beginning to wrap up their seasons, and seniors are get-

integral that everyone is putting in their all because each player adds a different way of playing and brings different

details of her early softball T-ball at that point, but in kin-

teamwork and friendship on

said both captains are some of the most supportive people added extra pressure, never acted to prove their seniority, and are always willing to teach instead of just telling us what

able—very encouraging when the team is doing well, and always there to support each of us if we’re struggling or dis-

leaders and role models by example, always consistent with putting forth their best effort to -

The team has been put in

the other team hits to center

They did not have a season last year, lost a season of training, and continually dealt with little bit of disconnect between the upperclassmen and underclassmen, but Annie and Katie have been working to keep us all engaged and growing as a games cancelled now, but the captains have been putting in a lot of effort to keep us mo-

catcher—just today, in our game against Tilton, they dove and caught a foul ball halfway even in tough games, we can count on both of them to step

much she is going to miss the to come back when there are more opportunities for games

For every sport, coaches always repeat the phrase

While they both have the talent to back up their years of experience, that doesn’t change the fact that it takes a certain type of person to ade-

captains have made it easier for everyone to maintain a great level of mental strength

their athleticism and energy are admired by the coaches

our technical skills may not be the best, they always remind us that our team dynamic can

Kaitlyn Clark remembered,

Their legacy and impact will be ever-present on the team, even after their gradare role models in the truest day emulate their compassion and leadership on the softball

What are your favorite E/A memories of the past and why is Exeter better than Andover? » “I think my favorite memory is probably the night before fall E/a last year. The field hockey team had dinner together and hung out after practice until it was time for us to perform at pep rally, and it was a really fun way to finish up the season.”

Carolyn Fortin ’22 » “‘Cause we just are.”

Addie Vining ’24 » “Andover is a safety school.”

Rosemary Mcllroy ’21 » “Because our academic building has a bell and SamPhil doesn’t.”

Kevin Treehan ’24 » “They don’t have Ms. Burke to make them cookies during check-in” Zra Ahmed ’22 » “Exeter Crew creamed Andover!”

Edie Fisher ’24 » “I’d say at my first E/a at Andover, it was super fun to explore the campus a bit and meet some Andover kids! I really miss playing volleyball with a full E/a crowd. The last time that happened was two years ago, and it was such a hype, fun time. The cheers were hilarious, from chanting back and forth ‘scoreboard, scoreboard’ to ‘safety school, safety school.’ The energy in the court was just so contagious and I loved it!”

Joseph Chen, ’21 » “Andover has a gorilla mascot… it doesn’t get any worse.”

Ayman Naseer ’24 » “Exeter is so much better than Andover at being worse. It’s really quite astonishing how consistently Andover proves itself to be superior!”

Tina Zeng Andover ’24

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

E14

Humor

10 Ways to Flex in Zoom Class Inaugural and Canvas Discussion Boards Roasts

By ADAM TUCHLER 1. Use the word “juxtaposition” (always works).

2. Answer every question the teacher throws at the class as if you are having a one on one conversation with him/ her/them.

3. Write solely in antiquated language on each

discussion board regardless of the class.

4. Be a math shark and post the homework 3 days in ad- vance.

5. Use people’s names in class.

6. Never mute yourself because you know you are gonna speak again in 20 seconds.

7. Whenever the teacher says something profound, make an expression that shows you are thinking about what the teacher is saying. Then make a confused look and try to ask a profound question back at the teacher who will then ignore it because it is irrelevant and/or he/she/they do not know the answer.

8. Use Notability for all of your math homework.

9. Post your homework on OneNote before class starts. 10. Disagree with anything anyone says at any time.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Daniel Zhang: Lost to Anne Brandes in chess MANAGING EDITOR Lina Huang: Convinced if given just the right circumstances, will be able to take over the world DIRECTORS OF WRITING Moksha Akil: By the way, have you heard she’s Director of Writing? And that she’s on Mock Trial? Has she shown you her dance choreo in Grill yet?

Anya Tang: “Habermas was wrong about Adomo being wrong about Lukacs being wrong about Marx and I can prove it.”

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Otto Do: Posts thirst traps on TikTok NEWS EDITORS Andrea Luo: B*rds Amy Lum: Her name is deceptively hard to say five times fast Tina Huang: Either a K-pop stan [OR] wrote for wattpad before the Exonian Hansi Zhu: We could have had Hanyu...

OPINIONS EDITORS Evan Gonzalez: The mustache needs to go

The Exonian Celebrates Editorin Her Email Writing Genius

By JACK ARCHER Today, Thursday the 15th, is our very own Editor-in-Chief’s birthday.

The Upper and Lower Board of The Exonian are thrilled that she has actually survived two-and a half terms of her arduous job.

To someone who doesn’t frequent the newsroom, her work might seem to consist of nothing more than sending mass emails once or twice a week. In truth, this is only like 90% of her job.

Don’t think it easy, however. As the term drags on, the EIC must dig deeper and deeper into her knowledge of etiquette in order to come up with a greeting she hasn’t used yet.

Often, Brandes draws on current events, opening a particularly memorable email with, “Hope you’re classes and staying safe!” on September the 10th, which indeed happened to On September 12th, she hit us with “Hope you’ve had a because, thanks to her acute observation skills honed by years of investigative journalism, she noticed that a few days had passed. On September 13th, upon realizing she needed to email the Upper Board for the third time in four days (it’s the kind of the only way we get stuff done), she greeted us with “Hello Again!” be-

cause she had said hello to us before, and now she was saying hello again.

Sometimes, Anne decides on a more casual route. On October 2nd, in her second email to the entire Exonian club list, she knew she had to greet each and every member of our enormous club. And Brandes found a way to do that in just two words: “Hello everyone.” Two words. 322 members. Still wonder why she’s Editor-in-Chief?

I’ve spent hours poring over every message sent from the Executive Board, trying to glean the secrets of email greetings. I never from the fearless leaders of

The Txonian, because all of them glow a nice bold blue in my inbox. Not exactly sure why this happens, but I do read them carefully. I’m certain the examples above are merely the tip of the electronic iceberg (can’t use real ones anymore—those things are so tiny by now the metaphor doesn’t even work).

Sometimes I’m amazed I get to hang out in the news room and make memes of these guys. On behalf of the Humor Page, we hope that Anne has an awesome birthday, laughs at all our jokes and that we didn’t take too many years off her life by trying to publish every bad photo of her we have.

Ranking Campus Ground Rules Based on How Confusing They’d Be a Year Ago (least to greatest)

By GEORGIE VENCI Requirement to attend in person classes Although all Exonians can agree that fatiguing/ dicking classes is a rejuvenating experience (especially if you’re missing math), this rule makes sense because attendance is vital for education.

Ranking it at #1 though because I’m confused why it had to be put in writing.

Masks and 6ft distance must be kept between members of the commu-

Manan Mendiratta: New Upper, lives ten minutes off campus, and has never had a COVID - free Exeter experience. Yes I would love to hear your edits on my opinions.

Max Park: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gcdRXbpv9j8 LIFE EDITORS Indrani Basu: Has never known EP Jeannie Eom: Forgot to check out for EP prep year and snuck out of Dunbar to listen to candle-lit poetry Taraz Lincoln: New upper jokes keep flowing HUMOR EDITORS Jack Archer: Who? Dorothy Baker: Lost to Chieko in the Halloween costume contest Chieko Imamura: Only takes Ws in Halloween costume contests Charles Simpson: has two main personality traits—beanie and guitar. Also a lower.

HEAD PHOTO EDITOR Teja Vankireddy: how’s waiting for your glutenfreedairyfreefunfree pizza going for you?

HEAD ART EDITOR Sabrina Kearney: I had to check to make sure ing at #3 because it’s hard paired with an octopus hat. she was on the board last year before I could roast her about being on the board last year. books to consider entering my

nity at all times My favorite when I was younger were: The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Giver, and

would live through at least one variant of dystopia.

Didn’t envision it to come so soon though.

No visitations Throughout my years at Exeter, the Vs policy has gotten stricter and stricter — it does not surprise me that Exeter would take away Vs all together.

Moment of silence. Rank-

dormmate’s room as a visitation.

Students must walk along the edge of the path if joined by a friend Everyone needs personal space. Strange mandate though — wouldn’t expect the school to care so much.

Students may not leave campus year, a non-Exonian Exeter resident ran by me wearing a neon blue morph suit

Boarders not allowed brary I’ve seen some pretty rowdy games of manhunt go on in that building.

If the librarians thought boarders were suspect to harming Louis Khan’s legacy, I’d understand the expulsion. #6 because I wouldn’t expect a virus to be the reason Intimacy ?

SPORTS EDITORS Toby Chan: wakes up with a new hairstyle every day Sydney Kang: can probably be classified as semi-aquatic Ginny Vazquez-Azpiri: combats her anime addiction by making memes George Venci: Currently hiding from Tony Cai and the lowers

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Prep Who Took A Nap After Trump Inauguration Wakes Up Four Years Later

By JACK ARCHER Four years ago, on the afternoon of January 20th, prep Sleap E. Hed decided to take a nap. He’d spent the morning wrestling with an impending sense of doom and it had left him very tired. He strug- gled the library (not even the Prep PE program could prepare one for such a feat) and found an un- occupied carrel to slump down into. After a few minutes of worrying about the problems that com- monly plague preps, like whether their favorite Upper thinks they’re cool or how Mr. Caldwell’s milk and cookies, Sleap pulled his cap over his eyes, clutched at the lion guard hanging from his neck like a toddler would a safety blanket, and fell fast asleep.

When Sleap awoke, he experienced all the usual post-nap symptoms: An extreme bout of amnesia, a thirst so great it might take several major rivers

to quench, and a general feeling of being barely human. After remembering who he was, he stumbled to the bathroom to regain his humanity. As he brought himself back to life with the help of ice-cold water, he noticed that the sunlight shining through the bath- room window was consid- erably brighter than it had been before his nap. He shrugged it off, focused on dinner more than anything else.

Once Sleap left the li- brary, several peculiar things greetbrighter. In fact, it looked like the sun was rising. He turned and raced back into the library.

“Uh...excuse me, what’s the date?” He asked a librarian, who looked back at him in alarm.

“January 20,” the librarian said, smiling. “Inauguration day!

“Phew! Thanks!” Said Sleap.

Why was the librarian smiling?

He didn’t think there was much to smile about today. The feeling of doom that had abated after his nap settled down on him

again, and he left in such a hurry that he didn’t hear the librarian yell after him, “How did you get in here? The library’s closed!”

Outside once again, Sleap realized he couldn’t see a single student. A few teachers dotted the paths, looking rather sad as they made their way between darkened dorms. Dhall was closed for some rea- son, so he went to a teach- er to ask where everyone was. He noticed that all the teachers were wearing facemasks for some reason.

Sleap had only seen doctors, nurses, and sick people wear those things before. Had the new gov- ernment already done something terribly wrong in the few hours he’d been asleep?

Sleap spotted his math teacher across the quad, and called out. His teacher looked up and saw him.

“Sleap!” He cried. He looked a little older for some reason. When Sleap drew near to him, his teacher leaped back.

“Where’s your mask!”

“Mask?” Sleap asked.

“Yeah, have you not been wearing your mask?”

“No, I’ve been asleep,” Sleap said, very confused. However his math teach- er looked more confused. Almost as confused as that time Sleap himself had chosen to present a problem about Alex the Geologist.

“Asleep? Sleap, why have you come back to campus? Are you just vis- iting?” He asked.

“Come back to visit? What do you mean? You saw me in class today!” Sleap had heard that math teachers were weird, but he had not realized that they were this weird.

“Today — Sleap, you graduated last year! You went to college!”

It took Sleap E. Hed a minute to process this sen- tence. The wave of relief that he had gotten into college. That had always been a dream of his. The next thing he realized was that he had been asleep for much, much longer than he thought. If he had graduated last year...

“Who’s president?” He asked the question with such ferocity that his former instructor took a few steps back.

“Why, Sleap, how do you not know? Joe Biden is.”

He had done it. Some- how, Sleap had managed to sleep through the en- tire Trump administration. He felt an immense sense of pride, and a little bit of morbid curiosity that made him ask, “Why are you wearing a mask?”

On that day, Sleap learned more from his math teacher than he ever thought he would. He also learned that he could not have chosen a better time to take a four-year long nap. An extra perk was that his four-years of sleep let him tower over the average sleep-deprived Exonian at approximately seven feet tall.

“So, how do we go to school these days?” He asked.

His math teacher’s expression soured. “Oh, this app called Zoom.”

“Oh what’s that? It sounds like fun!”

When There’s a Wheel Theres a Way: The TFW: When a Humor Start of Humor’s Unicycle Crusade Editor Saves the Life Section with a 3000 Word Marvel Review

By CHIEKO IMAMURA and DOROTHY BAKER

Our grandparents (allegedly) walked through storms, up great hills, and across roaring rivers all for the promise of an education.

It has now come the time for us youth to endure our own trek towards knowledge. For 16 weeks, a campus-wide bubble where outside lies danger (COVID and elec- tric eels, and who knows what lives in the Exeter river).

Morale gets low when you live inside a dystopia. So of course, one of our editors (Dorothy) purchased a unicycle. When asked about why she chose a unicycle to keep herself sane, she replied, “how could I leave upper year without knowing how to unicycle?”

Inspiration runs rampant within the humor community. We are a different breed. To become more like our idol, DaBaby, the humor editors must be multifaceted in their talents. As part of our plan for Exonian domination,

Questions to Ask at the StuCo Presidential Debate

By CHIEKO IMAMURA Here are the questions I would ask during the StuCo presidential debate (Election Committee take notes):

make a marble statue out of for $30,000?

Everyone’s all about what they would do with the stuco’s $30,000 but I feel like a general consensus has been reached by the student body that we should spend it on a large hunk of misshapen rock, probably of Jack Archer ($30,000 wouldn’t be enough for DaBaby), two time Exonian Humor Editor, and modern ancient greek legend. Other acceptable an- swers would be: Dorothy on her unicycle, Blake/Charles with a custom neon orange beanie, Chieko as a dinosaur, or current EIC and

withholder of walkie talkies, Daniel Zhang (for exact pose, see TFW above).

Which is your favorite path on campus?

This is really where the student body gets to see the candidate’s leading style. If they choose a path on the north side, they apreciate tradition and understand the everyday turmoils of your average Exonian.

If they choose one of the north side paths in the weth or EPAC quad, they also care a lot about collaboration since they all intersect at the middle of the quad.

If they choose a southside path, they’re a huge risk taker. They’ll fully invest in everything they do, but if their efforts are to fail, the council could soon be ruined, much like my new shoes when I attempt to jump over the 20- foot puddle outside of McConnell

Thoughts on Uncrustables?

You have the people who appreciate the ingenuity behind the squishy sac of peanut butter, grape jelly, and gold wrapped in the peo- ple who don’t. Simple as that.

Where is the Hahn Room?

The president of the Stu- dent Council should know this campus like the back of their hand.

This question is especially important because I have no idea where the Hahn Room is and I’m tired of seeing “Dickies!” in my inbox for missing yoga.

business as president?

There is only one correct answer: Submit to Exonian Humor at exonianhumor@gmail.com.

Positives To Being Quarantined In A Trailer

By DOROTHY BAKER - No pressure to wear nice clothes for class.

- So. Much. Sympathy.

- Did I tell you my advi- sor brought me Dunks?

- You get to be the main character of your in-per- son classes. No one will escape your

mammoth projected Zoom face.

- We get to listen to The Lum-

- Just as Principal Rawson intended.

- Gaining a niche Exeter experience that bonds us for life.

- How many people that have been sent to a trailer do you

know?

- We have our own bath- room.

- Erin.

-If you know, you know.

- Incredible private story content.

- New E&R bags.

- You get to learn French vocabulary (the trailer’s labels are in French to Leila’s blithe).

the editors have all committed to learning how to unicycle (well, mostly just Dorothy and Chieko, but you get the gist). Take this new series as a primary account of COVID’s effect on mental health. We sat down with Dorothy Baker and Chieko Imamura to answer the student body’s most pressing questions.

What are your expectations for the coming weeks?

Chieko: I envision my- self reading a book and turning the pages while getting my cardio.

With all the multitasking, who knows? My 332 could be written while getting my summer bod.

Dorothy: I expect to turn a few heads on the path. Our observers will break their necks in jealousy.

Have you had any prior circus training in your life?

Dorothy: We as editors believe that the unicycle is a form of self expression and should not be reduced to just a “circus skill.”

Chieko: In early adolescence, I

had a career in plate spinning for three years. My gym teacher, John Doe, also educated me on the art of juggling. However, unicycling was unheard of (the school would be liable for any damage to children’s psy- che or physique).

Dorothy: I can mime.

Do you have any fears for this unprecedented expedition?

Chieko: Concussion Dorothy: Concussion How will this impact the cycling community?

Chieko: During my time at Exeter, the cycling community has been dominated by bicycles.

We think we can be the catalyst to forge a wheel-inclusive campus.

Dorothy: Eventually, we hope to integrate tandem bikes to our transportation repertoire.

Chieko: Submit to Exonian humor Dorothy: exonianhumor@ gmail.com

Things Shorter Than the Five-Day Break

By DOROTHY BAKER If Break REALLY Lasted Five Days, Then So Did: - The elm line on taco tuesday - The bus ride back from the E/A football game (so quiet too) - The silence in assembly hall when someone wins an award but is not present to receive it - All 5’4’’ of Chieko Imamura’s height - That moment when someone’s phone rings while someone else is speaking in Harkness and everyone pauses while they scramble through their bag to turn it off - The cry sesh after math in the girls academy bathroom stall (you know the one) - The time spent outside during a - A coma - A road trip to every single city in the United States. Every single one.

- All 32 seasons of The Simpsons - A Dunbar girl’s snapchat story after Back in Black - The AP Chem curriculum (this is an inference. I’ve never taken AP Chem) - The time between Frank Ocean’s album releases - The line in Grill after assembly - The dispersion of Pangea

The joke is that these things are long, unlike the break.

Moments that Feel Just as Long as Break - My lowerclassmen years - Chieko and my unicycle career - The fun I had on Sundays - The lifespan of my “counseling pregame” playlist (it took about three weeks of 332 season before the songs became to repetitive to me) ter in the Exonian Newsroom’s Keurig - The lifespan of the rope swing - The lifespan of EP for the class of 2022 - The time in between when someone texts the dorm group chat that there’s pizza in the common room and the reenactment of that one scene in The Lion King - My prep year dreams of getting straight As - The time it takes to edit all the humor submissions we receive The joke here is that these moments are really short, similar to the break we just had

JUNE 6, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

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GRADUATION ISSUE – CXLIII

JUNE 6, 2021

Senior Participates in Electronic Detox, has No Idea if He Got Into College

By JACK ARCHER Senior Ivy Schmivy has no idea whether he got into any college. Not because he hasn’t heard back from any, but because he hasn’t checked.

What seems like extreme ambivalence from the outside is actually the result of a long hiatus from technology of any sort. Sometime last year, Schmivy found herself in a very dark place.

“I couldn’t see anything,” Schmivy said in an exclusive interview with the Humor section. “Literally. My power went out for like a day last year and it was pitch black.”

However, at this dark point in his life, he found a brilliant light within.

“A few days prior to the outage, I actually swallowed a 100-watt flashlight, so during the blackout I made myself throw it up. Somehow the batteries in it still worked,” Schmivy said. “Oh, and also I realized I cared too much about what other people think of me and decided to change that, but that was kind of a side thing to be honest. The biggest epiphany was remembering that I had swallowed a flashlight.”

When the lights in his home flickered on a few hours later, Schmivy began to act upon his revelations. “The first thing I did was swallow the flashlight again,” Schmivy reminisced, cherishing a significant turning point in his surprisingly long life, given the fact that he’d once had a flashlight in his

stomach for a week. “Secondly, I also stuffed all my electronics down my throat so I’d stop obsessively browsing social media and caring so much about my image.”

Albeit with an eccentric method, Schmivy seemed to have made a change for the better. He noticed his mood improving as well as his self-esteem. He felt like he had more time. He started reading real books again. “Starting to read again was the craziest part,” hereflected. “I had no idea that I could still read.”

However, disaster struck ot long later. As colleges began to release decisions to their early applicants, the hopeful Senior realized he needed the internet back. “I was dying to know whether I was going to college

or not,” Schmivy said. “So I set out to retrieve my stuff.”

He tried everything to get his electronics out of his stomach, but sadly a 13” laptop is a little harder to regurgitate than a laptop. “I was about to try swallowing a member of the IT department to see if they could get my laptop out, but then I remembered a warning as old as time: The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” Schmivy said. Schmivy recalled an old nursery rhyme about an old lady who swallowed a fly, and considered it a warning of bad things to come if he tried to solve a problem caused by swallowing things by swallowing more things.

“So instead, I just... stopped caring,” Schmivy said. “I left my electronics in

my stomach and went about my life. Sometimes my phone buzzes and gives me a tummyache, but for the most part, it’s been great!”

As other seniors fretted and stressed about college admissions and SAT scores, Schmivy just lived. He had no idea whether he’d been accepted or rejected anywhere, and he might never know. “I feel... at peace,” Schmivy said with a smile.

Schmivy’s friends, jealous of his recent enlightenment, demanded what he would do in the fall. Schmivy merely smiled at them. “Go to any college I want,” Schmivy said.

“What are they gonna do, decline? I’ll literally just swallow them.”

The Five Love Languages of Exeter

By SONNY FITENI “If you see these signs, they might like you” 1. Grilled Chicken Breasts with Marinara Sauce 2. Being socially distanced, with masks, more than six feet apart.

3. “Please man, just let me sleep.”

4. You have been issued the following dickey(s).

5. Stream their album on all platforms.

Andover Superlatives

By JACK ARCHER AND ADAM TUCHLER Most popular: Patient Zero Most likely to make good decisions: Senior who tranferred to Exeter Best looking: Gunga Most school spirit: Papa Smurf Most reliable: at&t network Least reliable: Whoever procrastinated for 21 years before they published the second issue of The Phillipian Best celebrity look-alike: George W. Bush ‘64 Smartest: Students who were rejected from Exeter

8 Pre-Zoom Questions You’ve Asked Yourself at Least Once

By JACK ARCHER 1.What was my password again?

2. Is that a smudge on my camera or did I lose an eye 3. last night?

4. Why is my face in 420p while my acne’s in 4k?

5. Do I really look like that?

6. How can I position my head so it hides my unmade bed?

7. What if they somehow see everything behind my laptop?

8. Am I reeeeaaaallllyyyy muted?

9. Are pants really worth it today?

Top 7 Things to Do During Zoom Class

By ADAM TUCHLER

Why I Should Be Allowed Back At Olive Garden

By CHARLES SIMPSON Today marks one year since I Garden, and today I make my appeal to the public. We all know the old platitude, “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” Well, I’ve come to say I am the poster boy for this phrase, for I’ve fallen to pieces-crumbly warm pieces since being barred from entering Olive Garden.

Why was I banned? The District Attorney has been very explicit about what I can and cannot share about the incident that took place, but for now I’ll say this: unlimited pasta is not unlimited patience.

I, dear classmates, am not here to write about how many people it took to get me out of there, or how many thousands of dollars in repairs I was

billed, I’m here to appeal to the humanity of Darden Restaurants CEO, Gene Lee, and Olive Garden mascot Ollie. I am here to gain the support of my peers in my endeavor to one day again set foot in Olive Garden.

No, my friends, I am not here to talk about how many hundreds of liters of sauce I was able to smuggle out over my life or how many times I started out with unlimited breadsticks only to leave due to a “family emergency.” Nor am I here to talk about how one might dress up as a waiter, but modify the apron such that the pockets are exceptionally deep. No! I am here merely to say I am anew.

When a person loses something, it changes them. We learn through these experiences. We learn when we are kicked out of Olive Garden

establishments in every country where Olive Garden operates (except for Canada, I had already been banned from entering Canada). We learn when we start thinking that the people in our lives are certain Italian dishes, and bite them at family gatherings. We learn when we occupy spot 97 on the FBI’s most wanted list for grand larceny.

My friends I ask you, what would without the thing you love most?

What would you but beg for forgiveness? Hear this, my appeal, for the sake of my joy. For the chance I Listen.

Zoom Box Bingo

By JACK ARCHER

1. Homework for that class.

2. Write listicles for the humor section.

3. Talk to other friends who may or may not be in class at the same time.

4. Browse Amazon for harmonicas.

5. Play Among Us with your friends in the same class.

6. Attend college info sessions to demonstrate interest.

7. Post next week’s math homework on the discussion board.

Thoughts I Have Around Midterms

By DOROTHY BAKER

1. The METIC for this class is going to be crazy 2. This meeting I’m about to have with my advisor feels a lot like Schrödinger’s cat.

3. I’m going to queue up my feels playlist in case this meeting goes south 4. I wonder if using the Zoom emojis boosted my participation grade 5. Thank goodness I’m taking an art 6. Do virtual sports count as a grade?

7. Having a two weeks off after midterms is so clutch.

8. I’m going to start staying up until 4:00am so I can hang with friends in different time zones during break 9. Wait how many weeks of classes do we have aftere break?

10. Shoot.

As we spend more and more time on Zoom, patterns begin to emerge. Your highly observant, analytically-gifted humor editors have compiled the most prominent trends into the only format that can demonstrate their repetitive tendencies to you mortal minds: Gambling. Each class, peer into the zoom boxes littering your screen, and see if you can spot the enough of the phenomenon below to achieve a coveted bingo.