When an Exonian thinks of the IT Department, automated emails come to mind. Reminders to change passwords, issues with logging into the wifi network, and replacements for our cracked laptops — this seems to be a rigorous summary of the department’s job.

“I learned everything from playing sports. That’s why I do the job that I do.” If one takes a stroll on the second floor of Love Gym, they are bound to find the striking office of the Director of Athletics and Physical Education, Jason Baseden. The endless decor is perhaps dizzying for an onlooker, but its charm is almost nostalgic — a myriad of sports memorabilia spans every wall and table in the office. With decades-old helmets, lacrosse sticks, squash rackets, volleyballs, and at least a few dozen picture frames, Baseden has it all. The history of Exeter athletics is enshrined here, and just as sports touch every corner of his workplace, it is apparent that athletics permeate every facet of his character and values. Sports is what he’s about. Baseden is undeniably on his way to becoming a legend of Exeter athletics if he isn’t already one. With an incessant passion and belief in the “perfect vehicle” that is interscholastic sports, his love for the game is so contagious that he can instill it within every person he meets. Apart from his devotion to athletics, Baseden has produced real and measurable improvement within the department in just five short years since his appointment in 2020. His work has completely transformed how the department functions and will continue to do so. Growing up in Oregon, Baseden was exposed to sports from a young age. He recalled, “The kids in my neighborhood always played sports in the street. We played no matter what season it was.” Baseden carried his passion for sports past childhood, playing football, basketball, and running track at Beaverton High School in Oregon. He then received a division-one scholarship to run track and field at St. John’s University, a Big East Conference school in New York. Although Baseden now works in education and athletics, his career began with working “in the television industry in Los Angeles and New York.” After graduating from Saint John’s with a major in Communication Arts, Baseden started his professional journey at Universal Television. He shared, “I then moved to Madrid for a year to learn a new culture. From there, I went to Cape Town to help my friends who had started a not-for-profit, Hoops 4 Hope.” He continued, “As I ran out of money, I had to move to NYC and start working at Discovery Channel.” Baseden’s path was winding, but he eventually landed in the right place: educational athletics. “I moved to France and worked in television on the Tour de France and shows like ‘The Bachelor.’ I was introduced to the Director of Athletics at The American School of Paris and I had a change of heart as to what I wanted to do as a career. From that point on, I switched to the education industry.” Baseden explained, “After coaching four years at The American School of Paris, I became Athletic Director at the International School of Brussels, in Belgium. I was in that role for seven years before moving back to New Jersey as Director of Athletics at The Peddie School. I was at Peddie for five years before arriving at PEA.” Since arriving at Exeter in the summer of 2020, Baseden has held many roles, serving as the Director of Athletics and Physical Education, working on Principal Rawson’s leadership team, and supporting the Curriculum Committee. However, his work extends past athletics, as he also has “eight excellent advisees.” He added, “On Tuesday nights, I am on dorm duty in Ewald.” Baseden’s time is filled with meetings around campus and communicating with his counterparts at other schools. He shared, “Most of my day is spent working with those who are coaches and those who work in the athletic office, from the equipment room to the Downer Fitness Center and boathouse.” He continued, “I also spend a fair amount of time speaking with alumni and parents of current and prospective parents.” Assistant Athletic Director Brian Muldoon praised Baseden for his versatility: “Mr. Baseden is very adept in the world of educational athletics. There is not an aspect of the job that he cannot speak to. He has his finger on the pulse of sports in society and how that affects our students and our coaches.” Dana Barbin, former Instructor in Physical Education and Head Coach of boys’ varsity hockey, spoke about his impact on the department. “He has given athletics and physical education a strong voice around campus with other colleagues.” He added, “I also love that he has a real eye and concern for making the gymnasium a more attractive and comfortable workplace for those of us who basically live there every day.” These improvements that make his colleagues feel as though work is something they can enjoy foster a tight-knit environment. Physical Education and Athletics Coordinator Tracy Coole echoed the same sentiment: “He spearheaded the addition of three furniture spaces in the gym in an effort to warm the brutal concrete building. He is also responsible for the illuminated lion on the front of the building.” For Baseden, personal connections are equivalent, if not paramount, to the athletes themselves. Muldoon explained, “My first impression of Jason was that building relationships is very important to him. He wants to get to know every colleague and student as people first.” Barbin added, “He’s someone that coaches and athletes can go to and talk with or ask advice of.” Hilary Hall, head coach of the track and field team and Instructor in Physical Education, described Baseden as someone with “a steady, amiable way that quickly allows connections to build whether we are talking about advisees, colleagues or alumni.” Baseden discussed his attachment with his advisees. “I would say talking with the boys in Ewald over the years has been very special to me. I always appreciate them and their care for each other. I learn a lot about the student experience from them here at PEA.” Barbin talked about his first impressions of Baseden. “I met Jason when he came to campus to interview for the Director of Athletics position. He was young, strong, handsome, and intelligent. Four plus years into his tenure at PEA, it’s fair to say that he is very supportive of all the coaches, support staff, and students.” His charismatic personality is accompanied by a warm character — that’s what makes Baseden so welcoming. Muldoon reflected, “I genuinely enjoy working with him and appreciate his approach to the work that we do. I never wake up dreading coming to work and that is because of the community and atmosphere he has helped create.” Interestingly enough, many of his colleagues also find much of Baseden’s identity humorous at times — most noticeably, his fashion. Hall said, “He has an amazing fashion game, particularly his footwear.” Coole continued, “He is always overdressed for the cold weather. If it is below 50, he has a hat on. He is a huge sneaker fanatic. I’d be curious how many pairs he actually owns.” Barbin commended Baseden’s “real fashion sense for team uniforms and coaches attire, particularly old-fashioned jackets.” Clearly, Baseden knows how to dress. When asked about how Baseden has changed over the years, Muldoon made sure to mention something that hasn’t changed: “The Steelers still have not won a playoff game since he has been here.” He also added that “[Baseden] runs his hands through his hair when he is stressed!” Believe it or not, Baseden is bald. These jokes perfectly reflect the “familial atmosphere” that Muldoon described — the department members are genuinely relaxed with one another. Much of that is through Baseden’s own efforts. This acknowledgment from his peers is exactly what Basedan tries to shape his work around: “I hope to leave a legacy as someone who was an advocate for educational athletics in a very academic institution. Someone who tried to provide a great experience in athletics and PE for all our students, not just the more athletic ones.” His caring nature doesn’t just impact sports; it changes our campus as a whole. Jason Baseden is an icon by no short measure. He has left a lasting impact on his colleagues and students, inspiring those around him to become more selfless and to remember that our colleagues are humans before they are students and teachers. That is true non sibi. On his final note, Baseden said, “I hope to stay here at PEA for the remainder of my career. We have a lot of work to do to become what I believe can be the best educational and athletic experience of any school in the world. That is my personal goal, and it will take time. Nothing worthwhile happens overnight.”

“I think the root cause of hatred is just misunderstanding. We judge people when we don’t know enough about them.” “Well, I disagree. I think hatred serves as self-defense.” Maybe both of us are right. When we feel threatened, disrespected, and mistreated, hatred allows us to build a wall for protection — in a way, it gives us a safe space, a place where we can avoid raw confrontation. “They’re just a bad person — I don’t need to make up with them.” As humans, we often simplify our understanding of the world by categorizing experiences and emotions: good and evil, beautiful and ugly, “I love them,” or “I hate them.” To classify things on one end or the other gives comfort and peace to our minds — it removes complexity, letting us strip away the nuances of life by sticking on an easy label. When everything is so overwhelmingly abstract, we cover it with a box by hiding the vague truth. Fear shuts our eyes as we shy away from the intricacy of human existence because we dread the risks of fully engaging our hearts. Our apprehension stems from the chance that others may exploit our empathy. We worry that our first impressions may be flawed, that there are deeper layers hidden beneath the surface, and thus hesitate to try understanding others. It feels safer to retreat to a place of indifference rather than risk vulnerability — sometimes it just seems easier to avoid “getting it.” And maybe, that isn’t such a bad thing after all. We don’t owe it to everyone to try and understand where they’re coming from. Sometimes, it’s ok to leave things unresolved and say “I don’t care,” when it gives us the path to walk away happier — they do say, “Where ignorance is bliss, tis’ folly to be wise.” Being blinded by the box can give us closure, like taking out your contacts so you’re only able to see the blur of the shape. But we can’t just call it a day. We can’t always live with peas hiding in our mattresses. We can’t judge the mattress when we’re oblivious to the peas. We can’t judge a person without acknowledging their beauty. We can’t grade narratives without sympathizing with the intimate stories. The time-old story of writing them is seriously haunting. Staring at the rubric, the platitudes dizzy your head: tension, description, resolution, and all the rest. These are the hallmarks of an “A-grade narrative,” the ingredients for supposedly “beautiful” writing — perhaps, this is “the box.” The box is vague though, a shadow with blurry boundaries. Confused, we go down the path of trauma dumping. “Make sure to write about something deep,” is what your friends tell you — appropriation, racism, family issues, and anything else that elicits tears. Your fingers pause on the keyboard; is this storytelling or self-exploitation? It doesn’t matter when it’s for the grade, though, does it? So, you press on. You pour your unfiltered history into structured paragraphs because that’s what the system demands. But, can English narratives be judged? We act as though they can — each one is put on a scale, apparently quantifying how “good” it is. Writing itself is something that can be objectified: flow, sentence structure, grounded storytelling, grammar, prose — these are concrete metrics. The issue is when we’re getting graded, the approach was to depersonalize the stories themselves, invalidate the traumatic experience, and fictionalize the raw emotions behind a narrative: that’s when the box comes into play. When you judge the tale itself, you consider how entertaining someone’s life experiences are; you are giving someone’s personality a score. What if we judge people like how English teachers slap a grade on our writing? We endlessly complain about the subjectivity, ambiguity, and insensitivity in this system. But it’s funny because every one of us is a hypocrite, including the two of us. Especially Grace. We subconsciously whisper, “Look at his shoes,” or “Her mascara looks clumpy,” or “Did you know they’re flirting?” Through words and judgments, we greet someone we’ve never talked to before. While our impulsive comments are meant to be the telling of their character, they’re truly a reflection of our own. “Do you believe in past lives?” A question that lingers as we meet new people. Pause. Laugh. “When special people come into our lives, they are the missing piece of the incomplete puzzle that is our existence. It’s almost like you were meant to meet.” There’s beauty in meeting these people – something about them feels uncannily familiar, as though they are fragments of moments we’ve known before but can’t quite place. It’s enough to make us wonder; maybe souls cross paths more than once. We’re drawn to strangers by the subtle echoes that guide us: the warmth of a smile that reminds us of summer evenings with friends, the jokes and laughs that feel like your siblings, and the tight embrace that feels like home. Even as simple as the one student sitting at the Harkness table, adequately speaking like your friend in your class last term, their presence brings comfort and you slowly start to look forward to this class. The beauty of this familiarity creates the magnetic pull we feel toward strangers who never stepped foot into our lives before. We judge quickly, instinctively. Their energy either wraps us in a comforting embrace or warns us to keep our distance. “Vibes,” we call it. Those vibes often echo familiarity, something we seek in a smile that mirrors kindness, in humor that clicks without explanation, in stories that resonate even when we’ve never heard them before. It’s not just charisma that captivates us; it’s the feeling that we’ve somehow already known them, in another time, another space, or even just in our imagination. In our insanely high standards, we hold against ourselves, in our dreams of carving a perfect personality, in our yearns to transform into someone else, people we attract to also reflect a version of ourselves. When we meet someone who completes our puzzle, their existence doesn’t seem strange, yet recognizable as it’s something we’ve been longing for all along. And perhaps that’s why beauty often lies not just in uniqueness, but in the threads that connect strangers to something we’ve always understood.

On Monday, Feb. 3, the Town of Exeter Select Board held their bimonthly meeting, following up on the yearly deliberative session held on Saturday, Feb. 1. These two gatherings are critical functions of the Town of Exeter’s government, each one serving roles to give townspeople voices and carry out important responsibilities of the government. The Town of Exeter operates under the SB2 (NH Senate Bill 2) system. The Select Board, elected officials that serve as the town’s executives, is given input from various town committees and petitions from citizens. This input serves to create the town warrant, a public document listing the issues and articles to be discussed and voted on for New England towns. The Select Board meets twice monthly, culminating in the first of two yearly town meetings, which consists of a deliberative session. Each event is open to any town citizen – who in the SB2 system is the town’s legislators – where articles of the town warrant can be amended before they are voted on in the second town meeting. The select board currently consists of Chair Niko Papakonstantis, Vice Chair Molly Cowan, Clerk Julie D. Gilman, Nancy Belanger, and Daniel Chartrand. Selectman Papakonstantis gave insight into the deliberative session held on Feb. 1, sharing the agenda items and the decisions that were made. Firstly, a motion was made by a resident to “amend the dollar amount on the removal of Pickpocket Dam,” according to Papakonstantis. This amendment was “voted down by the deliberative session and not amended,” Chartrand shared. Papakonstantis said, “There was only one other motion to a warrant article, and that was on a citizen’s petition. The amendment was to revise the wording which actually passed. It’s very important to note that the petitioner herself just changed the wording to make it a little stronger.” He continued, “What that means is that all the warrant articles as proposed, with the exception of that one citizen’s petition, will now go on the ballot as originally written.” Then, regarding the Select Board meeting on Feb. 3, Papakonstantis said, “We interviewed two volunteers, and we appointed both of them. One was as an alternate to the Planning Board, and the other was as an alternate to the Pairpoint Park Stakeholders Advisory Committee.” Pairpoint Park Stakeholders Advisory Committee, according to exeternh.gov, has a mission to “focus on formulating recommendations for the Select Board regarding transforming the property at 23 Water Street from an abandoned lot to a downtown community park.” Also, according to exeternh.gov, “The Exeter Planning Board is entrusted with the task of encouraging and directing appropriate land use in the Town of Exeter.” During the meeting, the Select Board nominated a resident of Exeter onto the Exeter-Squamscott River Loval Advisory committee. This committee advocates for the protection and preservation of the river and its wildlife. Papakonstantis added, “We adopted the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan that was submitted by our emergency management director.” The Hazard Mitigation Plan “describes the natural hazards impacting Exeter, identifies existing programs and plans that mitigate the impacts of natural hazards, and recommends new actions to strengthen resilience to natural hazards,” according to exeternh.gov. Papakonstantis elaborated that, “[The Select Board] considered a proposal to revise the charge for our Tax Increment Financing [TIF] Advisory Board, and after discussion and deliberation, we sent it back to the town manager and economic developer to add a few things for us to consider in a future meeting.” A TIF Advisory Board is a group of individuals that advises a local government on how best to utilize increased tax revenue for economic development purposes. In light of the recent changes in state and federal government, local governments have faced concerns regarding the funding of several projects. Papakonstantis explained, “We just wanted to get our finger on the pulse of where we were and how that might affect projects. It’s been up in the air, but we feel confident that most of our projects will continue to be funded.” Papakonstantis detailed, “I put it on the agenda because, at one point last week, President Trump froze everything [all federal funding] and rescinded it 24 hours later. We just want to show the public that we’re keeping our eye on this and that any money that’s been promised to us, we are going to fight to keep vigorously.” There is, however, some pushback to the board of selectmen system, especially in a town as large as Exeter. “A downside [to the SB2 system] is that … you are making decisions one time a year for a $35-$40 million operation …. It was a form [of government] that was put of town operations was much smaller,” described Selectman Chartrand. Despite this, none of the calls to reexamine Exeter’s government have found any footing. Chartrand continued, “There was a citizen petition in the mid-2010s to study our form of government. The voters voted that down overwhelmingly …. This is the way we’ve been doing it since the 1600s …the legislative body [citizens of Exeter] could change the form of government, but they have shown no inclination to do so. They like their town meeting. The upside is it’s probably the most radical form of democracy.” Voting day is on March 11, when this year’s town warrant – currently composed of 37 articles, including citizens’ petitions – will make its way to the voters. Selectwoman Belanger mentioned Articles 21 and 24 — intended to improve sustainability — as some of the many articles that could have meaningful impacts. Article 21 outlines adding EV charging stations to the municipal parking lot. Article 24 would lead to establishing a styrofoam condenser that could mitigate waste at landfills by condensing styrofoam into little packets. “There’s actually a market to sell that product,” continued Belanger. The Exeter Select Board’s recent meetings covered a variety of important topics. During the Feb. 1 deliberative session, several articles in the town warrant were discussed and amended, with one citizen’s petition passing after revising its wording. The Select Board also appointed volunteers to committees, adopted the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and reviewed the status of state and federal grants, ensuring the town remains prepared for potential funding changes. With important decisions around funding, sustainability, and local projects, the deliberative process allows the community to impact the direction of their government directly. Members of the Exeter Select Board encourage any Exeter resident who is of voting age to vote in the upcoming election. As Exeter heads into the March 11 voting day, all eligible voters need to engage with the town warrant articles and make their voices heard.

By ARYAN AGARWAL, GRACE YANG, and MEGHAN TATE ZEE On Friday, Feb. 7, following the Student Council’s presidential debate, Phillips Exeter Academy’s 16th principal, Bill K. Rawson, walked onto the stage. The lingering chatter of faculty and students dissecting the heated moments of the debate faltered into uneasy silence. As shoulders stiffened and eyes tracked his every step, the school was held in anticipation — no one knew it yet, but everything was about to change. “It is with understandably mixed feelings that I have informed the Trustees that I will retire as principal of Phillips Exeter Academy at the end of the next school year.” After delivering this heavy message at the assembly, Rawson also wrote a letter to the Exeter community, alongside a letter from the President of the Trustees, Kristyn Van Ostern. Rawson has been an integral member of the Academy in various roles. In addition to being the incumbent principal, he graduated as an Exonian in 1971, is a parent of an Exonian from the class of 2008, and served as a trustee from 2004 until 2016. Until retirement, he will continue to serve the Academy in its growth and aid in a thorough search for the 17th principal. In an interview, Rawson explained his decision to retire: “What was originally a two-year assignment as interim principal has become an eight-year assignment as the school’s sixteenth principal. I feel the time is right for me personally to retire.” Rawson’s tenure has been not just lasting but impactful beyond doubt. Though the community will see him go with regret, Exeter can find warmth in the fact that his time has been and will continue to be worthwhile. It is undeniably bittersweet. The decision is also for the betterment of the school: “I believe the time is right for the school to transition in leadership. We have made substantial progress towards the priorities I articulated at the end of my first year and are ready to confront new challenges and opportunities.” Over the years, Rawson has handled several of the most significant improvements made to the school. Dean of Faculty Eimer Page noted that “He [Principal Rawson] was our principal during the pandemic, brought need-blind admission to fruition, helped to develop the buildings, New Hall and Wetherell, got the Davis Library and Academy Building renovation launched, stewarded our Climate Action Plan, and much more.” On the note of need-blind admissions, Van Ostern expanded in her letter that “the historic transition … [is] an achievement that exemplifies his [Principal Rawson’s] lifelong commitment to non sibi. His leadership, defined by purpose and selflessness, has inspired our community to embrace these values.” Russell Weatherspoon, former Dean of Students, added, “He accepted the significant burdens that are part of leading the school. These include working with the board of trustees, administrators, and faculty. staff and the students to create a healthy and welcoming learning community.” Rawson comforted Exeter, believing that this change was well-timed. He said, “The best time for a transition in leadership is when a school is in good health and a strong position, and we are in good health and a strong position now.” In Rawson’s mind, Exeter is heading in the right direction and standing on solid ground — these are the ideal conditions for a change in principal.” Reminiscing on his tenure at Exeter, Rawson recalled in his letter that “I was warmly welcomed by all members of the Exeter community upon my arrival in July 2018. That warm welcome has had everything to do with the success that we have achieved together.” Rawson has felt dearly connected to this school ever since attending as a student and has grown an even fonder connection with his time as principal. His appreciation for the kindness around him is unwavering, regardless of his role — after retiring, Exeter will only hold an even more special place in his heart. Rawson’s announcement left Academy members with many emotions. Instructor in Science Tanya Waterman stated, “My reaction to the announcement at Assembly was the same as that of the students: quite surprised, yet grateful for his service to his beloved PEA. The standing ovation said it all.” When a school of such size, with no hesitation, stands in unison for one individual, it speaks volumes to their character. Upper June Kim added, “The timing of the announcement was interesting because it was right after the presidential debate, and we were all in an excited state. Suddenly, Principal Rawson came on the stage and then announced that he was going to leave. I felt so many different emotions at once, so it was confusing and shocking.” Page commented, “My reaction is one of gratitude to him, excitement for him to have more time for his family and grandchildren, and anticipation for our community as we embark on the search for our next Principal.” Though his departure will leave us all with a gap, Rawson will leave us with hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Lower Sophia Xue said, “He has such a strong presence in the Exeter community and within the students. I’m sad that he won’t be the one giving us our diplomas when we graduate.” Reflecting on his roles at the Academy, Rawson stated, “I have said many times that attending Exeter as a student transformed my life. Truly, every time I have been a part of this community — as a student, faculty member, alumnus, parent, trustee, and now principal — I have been deeply enriched by the experience beyond anything I could have imagined at the outset.” From making significant changes in the Exeter community to watching Exonians in their extracurricular competitions, Rawson has not only contributed a great deal to the school but has become an integral part of it himself. Kim stated, “He goes to sports games and joins in on clubs or affinity group meals. He’s tried hard to become a part of the student body and listen to us. He also has a lot of school spirit, especially for EA.” Principal Rawson is a person who first serves the students with an undying passion. Xue added, “As a member of the architecture club, we had dinner at his house once to discuss our end-of-term project, and he was super welcoming. He prepared food for us, and we just sat down and talked about the club projects.” No matter what, Rawson is never afraid to go to the grass-roots level to connect with Exonians — for him, that’s what being a leader truly is. That will be his legacy. Weatherspoon commented, “Principal Rawson has gotten to know so many students and other adults by simply engaging them in casual but open conversation. “ “I’ve had the privilege of having many dinners with him because in Democratic lub, we started this tradition of having bipartisan dinners and discussions, and that has been amazing,” senior Aveen Burney added. Senior Bea Prarie commented on Rawson’s values for the Academy, saying, “Principal Rawson always encourages us to be polite and grateful, especially to the people of the town of Exeter. So a couple of years ago, when he didn’t wave when he crossed the street, he bought the whole school ice cream.” Burney later stated, “One of my favorite memories is actually before I came to Exeter. I was attending a Zoom and in the chat, I mentioned how we both attended the same school in Long Island. I was so excited when he responded and it’s been something that connects us after all this time.” Rawson has a substantial presence on campus, consistently cheering for and supporting every sports team and arts event. Instructor in Physical Education Samantha Fahey expressed her gratitude for Rawson’s support, stating, “I’ll never forget it was my first varsity game here, and I didn’t know he was going to be there. I already felt a little pressure, but he welcomed me with open arms.” Senior Anna Holtz observed, “Principal Rawson genuinely cares about students at Exeter, or else he wouldn’t put in all the effort outside of his basic duties. I feel like he goes far beyond that.” As the school handles the magnitude of Principal Rawson’s decision to step down, the community hopes to move forward, holding dear the cherished memories created during his tenure. The standing ovation that erupted from the student body during Friday’s assembly was a testament to their deep respect and admiration for him. “[This action] the student body gave to him spoke highly to how he is regarded and the personal connections he has forged with so many individuals on campus,” reflected Page. Gene Shen ‘72, a Trustee of Phillips Exeter Academy and one of Rawson’s close friends, gave a hopeful look to the future by recollecting his favorite memories. “He truly is a great individual. I’ve loved hanging out at Saltonstall House with him by the fire over a glass of wine and talking about old times and how life at Exeter has transformed all of us. I truly, truly love the guy.” These connections aren’t rare, though — ask anyone on this campus, and they will tell you exactly how Rawson has left a mark on them. That’s because it’s what he does best. Rawson is a legend of Phillips Exeter Academy in every right. One can go on about his accomplishments during his time here and those that will come in the future — there is no short supply of them. The progress that he has fostered is staggering, but that isn’t what makes him such a unique character. It’s the things beyond his résumé. Apart from his accomplishments, his dedication to principles of non sibi, respect, and compassion has shaped the Exeter experience for generations of Exonians past and still more to come. Finally, thank you, Principal Rawson, for serving as the 16th principal of our beloved school — we assure you that you will be missed. You inspired confidence in so many of us. We are grateful for your strong words of advice to students: “Believe in yourselves as your teachers, other advisors, and mentors believe in you, and as I believe in you.” Thank you, Principal Rawson.

Beginning this winter term, the Core Values Project (CVP) changed to a more flexible schedule with advisory meetings and wellness blocks designed to standardize the experience for all students.

A legion of Exonians roars as a group of dancers rush onto the stage. They order themselves into a neat arrangement, beginning their act. Rhythmic clapping and stomping echoes through the room, vibrating the floor, hypnotizing the crowd.

Annually, the onset of October brings LGBTQIA+ History Month, a tradition started in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school teacher in Missouri. The month brings together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities nationwide to celebrate these groups. Its celebration has great importance here on Exeter’s campus, with organizations like OMA and GSA collaborating to create an inclusive environment for the campus community.

By Aryan Agarwal, Kevin Thant, Arjun Velan, and Andrew Yang

By: Aryan Agarwal, Chloé Lind, and Jayden Oh

“You’ll wake up one day, and you’ll realize something. You’ll realize that there are people that look up to you.” I came to this school as a wide-eyed prep who thought he owned the world — quickly, I was humbled. High school is one of the biggest steps a student takes. Now, add to that leaving family, living alone, and competing at the most difficult place in the nation; the barrier to entry is, without question, high. And that’s why we rely on our role models.

Springtime at Exeter brings relief as the flowers bloom, the sky turns bluer, the days get longer, and summer streches closer. After a grueling school year, students can’t wait to pack their things, hop on their flights home, and enjoy the sunny beaches of their cities. One would think such a feeling would bring relaxation, but in typical Exeter fashion, the Academy can never get its mind off the future. With the annual course registration from April 17 to 21 this year, students have already begun thinking about next fall.

The cold bite of the rink isn’t for everyone. Hockey is a sport of warriors. As the girls’ varsity hockey team glides across the ice, each stride blends power, finesse, and ferocity. The puck moves seamlessly between sticks, serving as a deafening dialogue of trust and instinct between the squadron that they are. Every shift demands precision, each play is a delicate scale weighing strategy and split-second decisions. Beneath the arena’s harsh lights, the team’s unwavering determination transforms the frozen surface into a battlefield where resilience is forged and victories are earned.

The Asian Magazine is one of the many unique publications at Exeter, showcasing advanced creative work from students with Asian backgrounds. The club held a joint meeting with Asian Voices on Feb. 7 to celebrate their latest publication from last spring, “Rebirth & Regrowth,” with catered Asian food and to start preparations for their next magazine issue. The event brought together club members, artists, and writers to discuss the creative process behind the magazine and highlight the importance of this platform for Asian students at Exeter as a community and artistic space for Asian students at PEA.

On Friday, Feb. 7, the student council announced the results of the Executive Board elections: upper Lauren Lee, upper Andrew Gould, and lowers Ari Benenson and Jade Yoo emerged as the newly elected leaders. But the election process extended beyond just these four winners — candidates and voters alike engaged in a rigorous campaign, shaping the outcome with their efforts and insights. As the results came in, reactions from all sides revealed key factors behind the decisions, offering valuable takeaways for future campaigns and the system itself. This week, The Exonian focused on those behind the curtains rather than those on stage, providing nuanced perspectives on the process.

In a school that preaches unity, it’s hard to imagine a campus so divided between what side of Elm there is to sit upon. From the looks of it, it should be the same, the same horrible food, and the same awkward color scheme.

On Friday, Dec. 13, the varsity girls’ basketball team lost, with a 30-82 defeat at Loomis Chaffee. Friday’s match followed a 38-62 loss in the previous week with opponents Choate Rosemary Hall.

Since their initiation in 2014, Post Instructional Evaluations (PIEs) have become a familiar practice that marks the end of each academic term for all Exonians. Proposed by the Student Council in 2013 and subsequently passed by a faculty vote, PIEs are meant to serve as a way for students to give anonymous and constructive feedback to their teachers.

On a normal day in the Downer Fitness Center, one will find an array of things and people, from students working on their fitness to athletic teams running lifts. It is a place where all types of people on Exeter’s campus can get in a workout. Recently, “Coach” Zacharia Marhamo, has joined as a very special addition to Exeter’s strength and conditioning program.

One of the most acclaimed shows of the 21st century, Breaking Bad is the only show ever with a perfect IMDB score of 10. Chronicling the tale of a dying chemistry genius turned drug lord, Walter White is your typical wasted genius. He’s a Nobel Prize Winner who struggles to pay his bills today. With the freedom of a dying man and fueled by the desire to leave a legacy for his family, he begins a meth business with old student-turned-junkie dealer Jesse Pinkman. He convinces himself that he needs to make money, but through the course of the show, we are exposed to the complex mind of Mr. White. It is a rollercoaster of emotion, murder, adultery, and crime. Still, it is masterfully weaved into a beautiful story, one which can get anyone hooked.

As one of the largest campus clubs, The Exonian is an extracurricular for many students. Many interviews are conducted weekly, thousands of words are written, and a well-made print edition is put together. Members of the club are working overtime. So when people say, “No one even reads The Exonian,” it begs the question of what the point of the newspaper actually is. Many key concerns about The Exonian is its redundancy. Indeed, there can’t be much happening on the Exeter campus for a new issue to be published weekly, right? That’s probably what most of the schoo

In the depths of the Phillips Hall sits a warmly lit English classroom, illuminated by a few incandescent standing lamps. It’s furnished with a small armchair in the back right corner. The place is spiffy-clean, centered around a neatly kept Harkness table. The walls, decorated with modern art, host a window in the back of the room that looks out at a white wall. On first impression, the room is welcoming, but that alone would be an injustice to the instructor to whom it belongs.

27 years after its proposal by the Student Council and adoption in 1997, the Academy’s Midterm Effort To Improve Class (METIC) system has much room for improvement. Members of the community agree that change is necessary, but it will require agreement on proposals to enhance it and powerful initiative. With family weekend, midterm grades, and chilly weather on students’ minds, METICs have become just another item on Exonians’ schedules during the midterm mark. However, the original purpose of the METIC as an opportunity for self-reflection and to give administration and faculty feedback on how students are doing in classes remains crucial and should be prioritized.

The town of Exeter, NH, closes at 8 p.m. If you don’t go out by then, you’ll be lucky to even enter a restaurant. It’s like living in a closed-off state. In Exeter, New Hampshire you are not affected by the rest of the world nor the affairs that concern it.

An electric show about a genius with a photographic memory navigating his way through the treacherous roads of New York corporate law, Suits captivated viewers from day one with its premise, wit, and characters.

With the advent of the spring season, many of Big Red’s teams — crew, lacrosse, softball, baseball, golf, and tennis — kicked off their season with exciting preseason trips. From early mornings of training to afternoon trips at Universal Studios, preseason aimed to prepare teams for their upcoming seasons both by improving their practical skills and strengthening team dynamics.

On Saturday, March 29, the girls’ varsity softball team went head-to-head in an exciting match against a challenging opponent, Choate Rosemary Hall. This was their first match of the season, a season starter for the preps and new members. The team fell short after a high-intensity match, scoring four runs but unable to match Choate’s five.

On Sunday, Mar. 30, at 7:49 p.m, an incident involving Silly Spray occurred on 10 Spring St, in close proximity to the PEA campus. The offenders, driving by in a passing vehicle, sprayed Silly String at pedestrian students and were then reported to the Exeter Police Department. Although only one case was reported to Phillips Exeter Academy Campus Safety and law enforcement, further investigation by The Exonian indicates that there were multiple accounts of this activity against PEA students on the same night. As an investigation is still underway, the exact details of the incident remain uncertain.

Sonder (n.) — the feeling one has on realizing that every other individual one sees has a life as full and real as one’s own, in which they are the central character and others, including oneself, have secondary or insignificant roles.

Phillips Exeter Academy, an institution for goody-goodys and Saints around the world, has an acclaimed faculty. They are some of the most educated high school teachers in the world, professionals, some may say, at their work. In fact, they are so professional, such experts, that they manage to effortlessly make our lives at this school infinitely harder with seemingly harmless acts. These acts are so harmless that they probably don’t even know that they are doing it. So we, The Exonian, present Annoying Things Exeter Teachers Do.

Pat-pat, pat-pat, pat-pat. An eternal rhythm echoes throughout the William B. Thompson Field House. It is music to a runner’s ears as the pack of athletes endures a challenge much greater than just physical strain — to perform is an obstacle of the mind. Their spikes strike the clay track with periodicity like a pendulum. This sport is an art.

Google defines the word nonchalant as an adjective, meaning to appear “casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm.” Apparently, to be nonchalant is to have no care. In a bittersweet way though, they’ve gotten it all wrong; what we often mistake as nonchalance is actually quite the opposite. To be nonchalant is very different than to be simply shy.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Phillips Exeter Academy’s Committee to Study Slavery and its Legacy presented on the assembly stage, showcasing a substantial selection of historical data, facts, and analysis. Their slideshow recounted the lives of the several enslaved peoples owned by John Phillips as well as significant milestones in the Academy’s history, including an account of the first black student to graduate from Phillips Exeter Academy. This week, The Exonian sought insight from members of the committee and students across campus for their thoughts on the assembly and the committee’s broader goals and missions.

On Saturday, Jan. 18, the varsity wrestling team participated in a competitive and exciting dual against The Hotchkiss School. Exeter wrestling has an overall record of eight wins and nine losses. After an impressive showing on Saturday, they ultimately fell short to Hotchkiss in a loss of 36-42.

It’s just you and your opponent. Both of you stand within the confines of these four walls, trapped not just physically but, more importantly, imprisoned mentally.

When people think about economics, they see a Wall Street trader hunched over a cluttered desk wearing a Patagonia vest and rolled-up sleeves. Three monitors sit in front of them with red and green numbers flashing, Outlook notifications ping, and, most importantly, money is being made.

On a brisk winter morning, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through downtown Exeter, mingling with the faint hum of passing cars and the chatter of pedestrians.

During Phillips Exeter Academy’s admissions process, prospective Exonians inevitably come across what is arguably the most essential document created by Exeter each year: the Courses of Instruction (COI), a repository of all Exeter courses being offered.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the varsity field hockey team put on a strong showing, with a 2-2 tie at Kimball Union Academy (KUA). Wednesday’s match was a great comeback from last week’s 2-5 loss to Brooks School, as they return to the form they had exhibited during their three-game winning streak earlier in the season.

When you came to this school, you were promised “lifelong friends.” You’ve been deceived.

If an Exonian were to open their phone today, they would be greeted by an onslaught of notifications from sources like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. In a world where children are spending an increasing amount of time online, Exonians use social media as their main mode of communication and socialization outside of real life. With posts and messages, friends can have quality time, even when they aren’t sitting right next to each other. These individual interactions aren’t the sole purpose of these apps though.

Clubs at Exeter are a critical part of extracurricular life, spanning a range of topics that seem to cater to everything a student could possibly be interested in. Students, especially new ones, can easily be overwhelmed by the amount of options, which is where Club Night comes in. An annual event near the beginning of the school year, every club in the school congregates with booths, decorations, candy, and other items, all to display their club to the rest of the school, recruiting new members as they pass.

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8:00 a.m. classes aren’t easy. They’re especially difficult in the middle of the winter, when your clothes are soaked with snow, dripping on the stairs as you trudge to the fourth floor of Phillips Hall. Yet, as students make their way into one classroom in particular, the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafts through the seams of the door. A warmly lit room welcomes them, the dark wood of the Harkness table cooling the mood. On the other end sits Instructor in Modern Languages Katherine “Kitty” Fair, her familiar face bringing an end to the shivers and fatigue of the morning. This year, Fair has announced her retirement from the Academy, leaving a bittersweet gap in the hearts of Exonians across campus.

Squash might seem like an individual sport. It’s just a player and their opponent, standing trapped within the confines of four walls. Yet, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The PEA boys’ and girls’ squash teams might function as singular players in matches, but they operate as a compact unit that marches together. Each of those 10 courts in the Fisher Squash Center contains four walls streaked with black residue and slicked with sweat. This sport takes blood, sweat, and tears, but they get through it together.

Wealth and wisdom—grace and glamor—bravery and beauty. Yet man, bar the bells and whistles, is only mortal. No matter how famous or rich, timid or poor, “the young and the old, and the low and the high, / Shall molder to dust, and together shall lie.” So when death is imminent, and our lives are insignificant—“Oh, why should the spirit of man be proud?”

When the Class of 2020 left Exeter for spring break in their senior year, they packed light with a few books, some clothes, and plans to enjoy their short vacation. No one expected that the goodbyes would be permanent. Not their teachers, not themselves, not even Principal Bill Rawson. They never came back.

On April 8, Phillips Exeter Academy and its Student Council announced a new and reformed version of the dress code that drops nearly all formal guidelines that were once standardized by the school administration. It entrusts students with the discretion to interpret what is appropriate and acceptable in any given scenario at school.

On Friday, Feb. 7, following the Student Council’s presidential debate, Phillips Exeter Academy’s 16th principal, Bill K. Rawson, walked onto the stage. The lingering chatter of faculty and students dissecting the heated moments of the debate faltered into uneasy silence. As shoulders stiffened and eyes tracked his every step, the school was held in anticipation — no one knew it yet, but everything was about to change.

Springtime at Exeter brings relief as the flowers bloom, the sky turns bluer, the days get longer, and summer streches closer. After a grueling school year, students can’t wait to pack their things, hop on their flights home, and enjoy the sunny beaches of their cities. One would think such a feeling would bring relaxation, but in typical Exeter fashion, the Academy can never get its mind off the future. With the annual course registration from April 17 to 21 this year, students have already begun thinking about next fall.

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