At Phillips Exeter Academy, the arts breathe life into students’ busy schedules of rigorous academics and intense athletics. Beyond the classrooms, dancers move with grace as their steps stretch beyond Goel; gifted musicians’ harmonies tuck within the paths on campus; and painters, with every brushstroke, bring a smudge of imagination to the red brick walls of the Academy Building.

“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 Friday, Jan. 31, the timeless words of Charles Dickens echoed through Rockefeller Hall as Rob Richards, Instructor in Theatre and Dance, presented “Hard Times,” a theatrical adaptation of the classic novel by Charles Dickens. Exeter’s community was drawn into the vivid portrayal of Victorian England, where themes of industrialization, class struggles, and human resilience came to life. Richards shared several insights about his creative process and the inspirations behind adapting “Hard Times.” He spoke fondly of his long-standing appreciation for Dickens, a passion nurtured by his upbringing. As Richards explained, “My mom was English, so she grew up with Dickens. My dad was not English, but he grew up with Dickens, too. And both my grandparents were Dickens fans.” This familial connection formed the foundation of his interest in Dickens’ storytelling. The show opened with a stirring performance by Instructor in Music Eric Sinclair, who captivated the audience with a rendition of Stephen Foster’s haunting ballad “Hard Times Come Again No More.” The melancholic melody sets a somber tone, immersing listeners in the harsh realities faced by Dickens’ characters. Sinclair’s soulful delivery transported the audience to the darkest corners of Victorian society, where hardship and hope coexist. Lower Meghan Tate Zee described, “I really loved it. It was a great way to start the show, and it captured the audience and helped ease everybody into the play.” Richards reflected on Dickens’ ability to create complex characters and explore social issues, noting, “His stories are powerful; they’re generally trying to stand up for folks who are struggling, like orphans in ‘Oliver Twist.’ He also wrote about the British class system and the inequities of that, which are themes that still resonate today.” Following the poignant introduction, Richards expertly guided the audience through his adaptation of “Hard Times” by focusing on a specific character’s perspective. “At first, I thought to tell Louisa’s story as an adult or as an older woman,” Richards shared. “But in the end, I went with Tom. I wanted to see if his character could be redeemed because he’s not a very likable character.” On his meticulous writing process, Richards revealed that transforming the lengthy novel into a cohesive play required significant editing. “I go through it with a highlighter, then another color, and maybe four or five different colors,” he explained. “My paperback copy of ‘Hard Times’ was falling apart, so I had to put thick packing tape on it to keep it together.” This methodical approach involved crafting multiple drafts and carefully determining the sequence of scenes. Richards’s thoughts reflected the pace of the play, his consideration of the flow of the play, the narration, and the plot crafted his theatrical interpretation as well executed. “Certainly, having the sabbatical in the fall was a real gift; that’s when I really got to devote good, concentrated time to the play,” Richards concluded. “Long before radio, before television, before our technology, there was storytelling, and we’re still telling stories, and it’s important to sustain this form of execution,” shared Richard, reflecting on the importance of adapting literature pieces into theatrical adaptation. When asked about the relationship between literature and theater, Richards highlighted the distinct experiences they offer. “With literature, it’s a one-person event — you’re the reader, and the author takes you away, overall it’s a nice intimate experience,” he said. “Theater, though, is a collective event with an audience and live actors. If something happens, like an actor forgetting their lines, it’s right there for everyone to see.” He emphasized the transformative power of both mediums, stating, “Good stories can change your life.” Lower Axel Pena reflected on the show in awe of Richard’s ability, saying, “It was just a one-man show, so I think Mr. Richards did a very good job showing [the story] as well as he could,” he noted, “But with it being only a one-man show, there wasn’t as much room to show diversity, but he executed by describing different people within the story by putting this varying degree of people’s experience on this timeline.” Zee further enhanced this idea by acknowledging Richards’s acting skills: “It was a monologue, and he did really well with changing voices and tones to fit different characters and make them come to life. He was very animated, and the control of his facial expressions and volume articulated the speech well.” Reflecting on storytelling as a timeless tradition, Richards concluded, “We’re still telling stories, and it’s so important.” His passion for Dickens and his commitment to the creative process remain evident as he continues to refine the play for future audiences.

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.

On the Exeter campus, in PEAN’s layout room, before the mirrors of the dance studios in Goel, and in the Phelps Science Center, senior Kenzie Carty’s bubbly laughter can be heard from afar. Having participated in ten terms of dance, Carty has become a core member of Exeter’s dance company. Despite her flawless jumps, turns, and kicks, Carty always wears an iconic smile that radiates positivity on stage. Upper Sophia Zimmermann described Carty’s energy as “very full of life, brimming with kindness and joy.”

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.

The lights in Love Gym flicker on as swimmers thrust open red locker doors, excavating tech suits from their depths. This has become a religious routine for the competitive swimmers who christen PEA’s pools before sunrise. Athletes swarm Downer, hopping on treadmills and performing full-body stretches aided by foam rollers and various other exercise props. The coaches assert an infectious energy over the group, hollering at the top of their lungs albeit the early hour.

“Gentlemen, what are the four pillars?” “Tradition, Honor, Discipline, Excellence.” — Dead Poets Society. So begins each semester at Welton Academy, with a march of solemn footsteps and voices echoing the core tenets of a place rooted in rigidity and pride.

Amidst a spring night beAmidst a spring night behind Hoyt Hall, a circle of girls leaned in around the cackling fire pit, balancing marshmallows on crooked branches, laughing when one caught fire or sagged into the flames. The giggles softened as the seniors took the lead, confessing old stories and half-kept secrets, their voices rising and falling with the breeze. Among them, one’s bright, buoyant laughter wrapped around the girls like a hug—it was senior Lucy Jung.

“Are they cute or are they Exeter cute?” I never expected a quote dropped at the “Health Relationship Workshop for Lowers” would inspire me to write something — the casual question seemed to be a confrontation to desperate souls at Exeter. With Valentine’s Day following closely behind, the flood of Instagram stories felt like a punch, solidifying the emotions of those searching for something— or rather, someone—to hold onto.

On Feb. 14, retired Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet took the Assembly Hall stage, sharing how his dream to become an Air Force pilot propelled him to eventually lead the Polaris Dawn’s 2024 space mission. Poteet reflected, “I was just so amazed by the sheer power and control demonstrated by these fighter pilots. I was just like, ‘I want to do that. I don’t care what it takes, I am going to commit the time, energy, and resources necessary to achieve that goal — that was the fire that lit inside of me.”

“Help me” is something I think to myself often. It’s what I think to myself as the Assembly speaker’s words scramble in and out of my ears, it’s what I think to myself when my head droops down from fatigue for the 17th time, and it’s what I think to myself as I count the seconds till 10:40, when I can free my shoulders from being pinned against overcrowded benches, and when I can finally stop my stomach from grumbling obnoxiously.

As students returned to campus from break for the winter term from their homes, November break trips, or vacations, students from two term abroad programs rejoined the Exeter community from Grenoble, France, and Japan. Six seniors partook in the trip to Kyoto, Japan, which entailed taking classes at a local high school as an exchange student, being immersed in rich culture, and living with a host family for around three months.

On Oct. 5, instead of listening to an assembly speaker, students watched as the Academy’s music students took the assembly stage and performed a variety of a capella pieces, classical music, and self-composed songs.

Members of one of the Academy’s dance clubs, The Lionettes, informally known as “Dance Company 2.0,” can always be spotted in Goel—they hardly leave the building. From weekly rehearsals to school-wide performances, they are an integral part of the dance community of Exeter. “We used to do a lot of Rihanna, we used to do a lot more typical jazz, but now it’s a blend of different styles,” senior Advika Verma, cohead of Lionettes, said.

The last students streamed through the doors of the Bowld, searching for a place to sit in the bustling auditorium. The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as the stage was set and the lid of the piano propped. Lights dim as the doors slam shut, and the first performer stepped onto the stage to thundering applause.

As the class of ‘28 embarks on their journey at Exeter, they have recently selected their class representatives for the upcoming two terms. Following a competitive process of over forty participants, countless signatures, and 20 final candidates, Faye Yang, Lily-Bee Butler, and Emre Oklu were appointed as the Prep Representatives of their class. The Prep Rep election process is one of the most competitive of the year, with candidates campaigning on a wide range of issues they hope to resolve on campus. From allowing math test retakes to promising a more eco-friendly campus, candidates presented their final visions to their peers through a 150-word statement and an Instagram post on the student council account.

Between classes, homework, and clubs, it almost feels like there is never enough time at Exeter. But for these four students, there is always time the night before classes to plan their unique outfits. Senior Zoë Curtis (@zoe.curtiss), upper Nick Limoli (@nick_limoli_), lower Ava Salvator (@the0therava), and prep Kit McManus (@kit.mcmanus) shared their fashion inspirations and tips for their diverse closets.

Most students look forward to Spring Break as a time to sunbathe on the beach or sleep in at home. Indoor track athletes are not most students. For several indoor track stars, Spring Break marked an opportunity to run on the nation’s biggest stage — at New Balance Indoor Track Nationals.

On Mar. 29, Grainger Auditorium pulsed with music as streaks of flashing lights painted the dance floor. The Spring Formal Dance, hosted by the Student Council’s Recreation Committee, promised a night of energy and excitement. Yet, while the beats boomed, the crowd’s enthusiasm wasn’t quite reciprocated.

Whether on the court coaching players to strengthen their “SSV” (Serve, Stroke, and Volley), on the bench teaching her team the mental side of tennis through “Mindfulness Mondays,” or in the van talking to the team after a match, coach Nancy Buckley brings heart, humor, and high standards to everything she does. As head coach of Exeter’s girls’ varsity tennis team, she’s more than a coach — she’s a mentor, motivator, and master of both forehands and philosophy.

The devil couldn’t reach me, so he blessed me with a sensitive soul.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Harvard Din and Tonics made their entrance on the Assembly Hall stage at 9 p.m. — a vision of old-school glamor and musical poise. The a capella group of nine sported black tailcoat suits and formal dresses, green handkerchiefs peeking out of each chest pocket, and a stoic expression worn on their faces.

Harkness Wallflower: Typically hangs back and lets others take the lead. Well-honed listening skills. When coaxed (typically by instructor) to contribute, can often produce an insight no one else has thought of.

Romantic comedies have a unique way of gripping our hearts, weaving laughter with longing, and leaving us questioning the nature of love itself. These films are more than just stories — they are emotional journeys that sweep us into whirlwind romances and bittersweet goodbyes.

The soft murmur of voices fills Elm’s mezzanine as Exonians share poetry and ideas around the table. Every Sunday at 10 a.m., Pendulum—Phillips Exeter Academy’s longest-running magazine club—gathers a passionate group of writers to celebrate and explore the art of creative expression.

As the winter tightens its grip on campus, Exonians are confronted with the harsh realities of the New Hampshire chill. With biting winds and heavy snowfalls creating an icy environment, the seasonal shift brings not only frigid temperatures but also an uptick in illness among students. As daylight fades earlier and academic demands intensify, the health and well-being of the community hang in a delicate balance, resulting in a Lamont Health Center swamped by students.

Growing up, my parents often told me “吃亏是福,” which quite frankly translates to “Suffering is a blessing.” This mantra, rooted in Chinese culture, is a quiet promise that enduring loss with grace will bring unseen rewards.

When we think about nights at Exeter, we picture moments like the muffled hum of late-night talks, the smell of ramen curling through the hallway, and Facetiming friends until unholy hours. Yet, our nights are also often filled with quiet tears shed over homework as stress seeps into our brains, hindering our focus and scarring our truly Exonian souls.

On Monday, Jan. 27, as the clock struck 9:45 a.m. and the weekly department meeting block began, Phillips Exeter Academy campus buzzed with its usual rhythm. Exonians scurried across the paths, heading towards their respective destinations. Faculty members filed into Elizabeth Phillips Academy Center for their meeting, and students poured into Grill to enjoy their break.

Growing up as a female pianist, I was mostly told, “You can’t play Beethoven, your hands are too small.”

As fall foliage covered the Exeter campus, 10 Exonians packed up their instruments and embarked on a journey inside a “compact van” to the Riverwoods Retirement Community in the town of Exeter.

By ARYAN AGARWAL, ALEX LIM, HANNAH WEI, ANDREW  YANG, GRACE YANG, and JULIA ZHOU From the deepest depths of EPAC basement, a howl resounds...

By  GRACE YANG, JADE YOO and SOPHIE ZHU Whether it be in the halls of Dunbar Hall, before the studio mirrors, in the ebb and flow of daily life,...

The Exeter cycling team opened the season with an outstanding performance at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Apr. 16th. Contrary to regular cycling races that are usually a longer distance, this race was an individual time trial with staggered starts. Racing is now an 8-mile time trial. Exeter placed first overall as a team, beating teams like Portsmouth and Andover.

Breathe in. She bows low, longer than usual, gripping the edge of her oldest friend, the grand piano. The applause folds around her as she pauses to listen to the claps. She smiles to herself because she knows the crowd. She recognizes every laugh, every cheer, every face — knows them by the space they’ve taken up in her life.

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.

“Gentlemen, what are the four pillars?” “Tradition, Honor, Discipline, Excellence.” — Dead Poets Society.

Amidst a spring night behind Hoyt Hall, a circle of girls leaned in around the cackling fire pit, balancing marshmallows on crooked branches, laughing when one caught fire or sagged into the flames.