At 6:00 p.m. every weekday, you can expect to see sweaty wrestlers pouring out of the gym and onto the paths, many facing the chilling wind without jackets. These wrestlers, boys and girls, are regarded as some of the toughest kids on campus. Varsity wrestling captains Jack Breaks and Becket Moore are at the heart of the operation. Breaks and Moore do a lot of hard work to support and lead their team. “They lead us through our warm-up at practice and meets, demonstrate moves, and always make sure we know what’s happening,” Prep Avni Murarka, a new wrestler, noted. Prep Catherine Chen concurred, “They take on more responsibility when we’re at away games or individual meets. In practice, they’re serious when we’re drilling hard and preparing for a competitive duel, but they also help wind me up during warmups.” Being a wrestler isn’t easy, Breaks noted, “The sport is not the most rewarding at times; there’s lots of hard work and long hours that can still lead to losses. It’s the grit and resilience that I like about this team.” The sport is especially demanding for captains. According to prep Alex Luo, “Coach is strict on them, though, because as captains they showcase, what is an example for the rest of the team.” Chen also noted their incredible drive, adding, “They’ll practice outside of normal practice. That’s why they’re captains. [They’re] great and they strive to get better.” The spirit of grit and resilience Breaks described is felt by all on the team. Luo reflected on the role that the captains play in team morale, “After the second meet I participated in, I lost pretty badly. I think that Becket could tell I was feeling pretty down. So he came up to me and told me that I was doing pretty good as only a second-year wrestler who hasn’t wrestled over break and just cheered me on; he made me feel a lot more confident about my wrestling abilities and excited to wrestle more.” Luo stressed the importance of closeness among the team outside of competitions and how the captains foster that camaraderie, “They help facilitate team dinners when we go to a big competition. For example, after the Northern New England’s tournament, we all went to Lexi’s, as a group of about eleven to twelve people. That helps foster the connections between teammates.” Chen recalled the same, “It was super fun. It was good; it’s different when you’re on the mount versus outside and hanging out.” Chen continued, “They’re great people outside of practice.” Senior Bella Bueno added, “Both Breaks and Moore have built a community in welcoming new members and encouraging team connections outside the sport.” The admiration goes both ways — multiple teammates expressed appreciation for their captains. Luo added, “I think he [Breaks] is pretty awesome; he’s funny to just talk with. He’s chill, relaxed, and when you see him wrestle, you can tell that he’s experienced, and it’s very easy to learn from him.” Their hard work — both the captains’ and the team’s — has been paying off. According to Breaks, “A recent highlight is having around seven people on the team ‘place’ on the podium at the Class A wrestling tournament at Northfield Mt. Hermon. In doing so, all ten team members qualified for the New England Prep Wrestling Tournament.” Moreover, for the first time in 10 years, the wrestling team has a meet on Exeter/Andover day. Moore explained, “Usually we just wrestle Andover earlier in the season so it’s really special for the team to have this meet on the actual E/A day.” As the team prepares for these important tournaments, Breaks and Moore are more essential than ever. From leading the team through warm-ups, helping everyone get “in the zone,” boosting morale, and fostering team spirit and camaraderie, Breaks and Moore truly are indispensable. Bueno concluded, “For the rest of our season, the captains hope we have a strong and successful tournament season, continue to push each other to succeed, and continue to foster a strong team environment that will continue to grow the team into next year.”

By EVAN CHEN, EMI SOUTHGATE, and SERENA YUE On Wednesday, Feb. 5, senior Erin Chen shared a beautiful story reflecting the difficulties of family and the connections we hold with those we love at her meditation. A Bancroft Hall proctor, captain of the girls’ squash team, and a friendly face often seen on the Exeter paths, Chen is known and respected by many. Standing before the audience at Phillips Church, she described her mother, who in her words, is a complicated woman who helped craft Chen and her six siblings into the people they are today. Chen, when reflecting on her meditation journey, described it as “fulfilling. I felt like I was flourishing as some Greek philosophers might say. That I’d read it over so many times before, talked about it to so many people, and I was just very ready to give it.” The work done to produce such a moving piece for Chen was “very long and hard. I spent a lot of hours revising it. Originally getting the material down was super easy for me. I had been thinking about it for a long time throughout my life.” She added, “I wanted to write about [my family] and to give them credit for where I am in my life; and as I said in my meditation, my life always seems to come back to my mom, so I’ve known forever that my meditation would be about my mom. I actually realized during the writing process that I talked about her less than I thought I would, it ended up being more of a figurative imagination of my exploration through the world and trying to dissect what it means to live.” The reception to her words was very positive, and hearing this contemplation on such a complex family dynamic had an impact that echoed throughout those who were in attendance. Prep Maddie Barrett, a resident of Bancroft Hall, enjoyed Chen’s meditation. “It was so amazing to hear about her experiences not just from a proctor and mentor point of view, but as her just like telling it and writing it in a story form,” Barrett reflected. This same sentiment was shared by Lower Nina Fazal, who knows Chen as her squash captain: “I learned a lot about what Erin cares the most for and a lot of other little details about her life through the years that I would not have learned if I didn’t listen to her meditation. I think it was really moving to hear about her identity and how she feels about this fact of how her mother collects every marker of her and her siblings’s accomplishments.” She continued, “My favorite part of her meditation was all of the references to mythology! I didn’t know that she had such an interest in it so it was really neat to see how she twined that in with a story from her life.” Upper Asha Masoudi, a teammate and roommate of Erin’s, added, “I loved hearing about Saturn Devouring his Son. Erin and I talked about this painting a lot and it was so incredible getting to hear the way she viewed it in a more detailed and personalized way.” Chen explained her use of Greek mythology in her meditation, “Well, I’ve always been a huge Greek mythology buff. It’s always been close to my heart and it’s something that’s always inspired me and motivated me. I knew I wanted there to be a figurative world in my meditation, and I found Greek mythology was the best proxy for that world.” She continued, “I’ve been taking notes ever since prep year whenever something really struck me and so I’ve had a lot of thoughts piled up. My prep year, I wrote down how my mom reminded me of Zeus, and so that’s kind of where the idea of Greek mythology was born from.” Masoudi concluded, “Erin is one of the most thoughtful people I know. Chen looks at everything through such a complex lens and I love talking with her about anything because she always has something insightful to say. She’s an incredible leader and always makes everyone feel heard and included. She always has the right thing to say.” No matter if she’s reading her meditation, on the squash courts, or proctoring in Bancroft, Chen always manages to inspire people around her. Her legacy lives on, just like her mother’s piles of keepsakes.

Murmurs, gasps, and whispers fill the room. As the pungent smell of formaldehyde perfuses the air, sheep brains are strewn across the table, and students tentatively prod and slice at them with a scalpel. They are led through a fascinating exploration of the brain, traversing through the optic nerves, complex olfactory bulbs, and dura mater. Comparing an animal brain to a human brain, this experience investigates the captivating organ’s nuances, similarities, and unknowns. This task is daunting to some, but it is invigorating and enthralling to senior Aria Suchak, who is expertly leading the Biology Club through this endeavor. A kind, thoughtful, and persistent figure on campus, Suchak’s positive disposition has impacted many. “As her prep year roommate, I was living with her, so I was pushed to become friends, but we became even closer friends because she would listen to me,” senior Kairene Ramirez said. “She’s honest and very direct when she gives advice.” “She’s very caring and such a good listener. She also gives a lot of good advice and is a very supportive friend,” said senior Natalia Ulbin. Suchak holds an expansive presence throughout the Academy’s STEM community as co-head of MATTER Magazine, Biology Club, and Women in STEM. “I’ve interacted with Aria in Bio Club a lot, and I noticed that when she speaks, she draws attention to herself very well,” fellow Biology Club cohead Ulbin described. “When speaking, she speaks with intention behind her words rather than just to speak. I think she knows what she’s talking about, especially in clubs.” Fellow co-head of MATTER Magazine, CJ Smith, commented, “She is an awesome collaborator and teammate. We work together often to create and finalize our issue for MATTER, and she is always very reliable in helping put everything together with layout and editing.” “Compiling and creating articles is a long and arduous process, but in the end, it’s a great feeling to see my work along with all of my writers’ articles in a beautiful magazine,” Suchak reflected. Suchak’s passion for STEM extends beyond club leadership positions, and her contributions to the Harkness table have been immense. Instructor in Science Shimaa Ghazal described the growth she’s witnessed Suchak undergo throughout her four year tenure. “I first met Aria in an introductory biology class a couple of years ago and last year with the malaria class, and I can tell how much she showed progress in mentality and mindset,” Ghazal noted. “I think one of the best qualities she has is when she tries to explain something to the class, she takes her time for a comprehensive understanding of the concept and delivers the information without rushing or just trying to reach the correct answer. Being patient and willing to spend time on learning is an amazing quality to have in STEM.” Suchak, in turn, described the course’s impact on herself. “The most impactful class I’ve taken is the BIO650 Malaria elective,” she said. “It is definitely my favorite class at Exeter because it wasn’t like any other class I’ve taken. It felt like the eight of us in class were labmates in a university lab, working together to solve real-world puzzles about Malaria. Dr. Ghazal, our instructor, just sat back and listened to us as we worked through these complex challenges. It was one of those classes where everyone who was there really wanted to be there. It really just helped me realize that I love biology and being in the lab.” As a squash team captain, Suchak is also a great leader on the courts. When she’s not playing, she’s mentoring her younger teammates, advising them on the smartest shots to play, and cheering them on. “This is my fourth year on the team, and I love the team so much,” she said. “It’s a really fun group of girls who love squash. We are going to Squash Nationals next week, which we are all excited for.” Upper Mathilde Senter, teammate and dormmate of Suchak, commented, “I appreciate Aria’s dedication to the squash team. Even though she was injured a few weeks ago, she still came to practice every day with her speaker, ready to be a great captain. When we’re on court together, she rarely slacks off. Whenever I get flustered, she tells me to reset. Having a role model like her makes me try my hardest every day.” Suchak described her love for the setting of squash practices and matches - Fisher Squash Center. “I love Exeter’s squash courts, and I think they’re the best courts out of all the schools where we play. They are perfect for home games, and I especially love the posters that line the pillars outside each court. They represent our team’s attitude and positivity and the fun we put into the game. You can often find me soloing with my AirPods after a long day.” Among many other leadership roles, Suchak is a proctor in Lamont Hall. She is often on duty on the basement floor, welcoming dorm members into her room to talk or just hang out. “She is very inclusive and welcoming to everyone, and is a great proctor this year, and has been a great leader,” Says Ms. Lovett, the dorm head of Lamont Hall. Over her four years at Lamont, Ms. Lovett has seen her grow in many ways. “I’ve seen her grow in self-confidence, communication, and interpersonal skills.” Suchak looked back at her transition to Exeter and mentioned how her friends in Lamont made the process smoother and her Exeter experience more comfortable. “When I first came to Exeter, I was on the quieter side and didn’t speak up much. I think my friends in Lamont during my first two years, Sofia Morais, Claire Fu, Esme Eberstadt, and Kairene Ramirez, really made me feel at home at Exeter. They inspired me to follow their lead and become a proctor in Lamont,” Suchak reflected. Suchak’s presence as a leader, teammate, and student has inspired many. “Aria, you are so well-rounded, and honestly, everyone has something to look up to you for because you’re such a strong leader who is passionate about what you do and who loves to learn,” Ulbin commented. “You’re just an amazing friend and an amazing person.” Heading into senior spring, Suchak warmly reflected on her Exeter experience. “I am so grateful for my time at Exeter and want to soak up all the joy in the weeks I have left.”

When Exonians crave a quick breather from their familiar dorms and classrooms, they head into downtown Exeter. Their favorite drinks or menu items refresh them in the spring and warm them in the fall and winter, a stroll down Swasey Parkway offers calm before exams, and a fifteen-minute trip to Walgreens doubles as a precious chance to catch up with friends. The town, as the haven of these beloved off-campus hotspots, is central to Exonian life.

By Esther Chae, Evan Chen, June Koh, Lydia Kuhnert, and Serena Yue

Last weekend, the gym shook with the cheers of over 300 wrestlers from 55 schools, who arrived at the Thompson Field House where Phillips Exeter Academy hosted the 2025 New England Preparatory School Wrestling Association Championships. During this two-day event, Exeter’s varsity wrestling team competed in multiple incredible matches with some of the best wrestlers in New England.

On Friday, Sept. 27, the Academy hosted history professor Ellen Fitzpatrick for assembly, where she talked about the history of women running for president and encouraged students to keep chipping away at their goals. Fitzpatrick currently teaches as a Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire and specializes in modern American history. She has written eight books, including The Highest Glass Ceiling: Women’s Quest for American Presidency, which explains the issues and successes of women who have tried to seek the presidency, and Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation, which analyzes the effects of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on the American people.

Stillwell’s flavor board is a whirlwind of choices–a seemingly endless array of mouth-watering ice cream options. While some know exactly what they want, others find themselves torn. It’s typical to hear people fiercely debating the “best” flavor of ice cream, with classic options like vanilla and chocolate often being the main contenders. But is the most popular flavor truly the best, or do people just default to the familiar? Stillwell’s flavor board is a whirlwind of choices–a seemingly endless array of mouth-watering ice cream options. While some know exactly what they want, others find themselves torn. It’s typical to hear people fiercely debating the “best” flavor of ice cream, with classic options like vanilla and chocolate often being the main contenders. But is the most popular flavor truly the best, or do people just default to the familiar?

This past week, Exeter Social Service Organization (ESSO) kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with an open club night and leadership training for new co-heads and students.

Did you know that over 15.7 million people in America identify themselves as Italian-American? Even if you have no Italian blood, everyone is welcome at Italian Club. Whether you want to learn more about your own culture, sharpen your Italian language vocabulary, learn about your friends’ culture, or just eat some yummy food -— because who doesn’t love Italian food — Italian club is the place to be.

College acceptance season is a time of anticipation for many seniors here at the Academy. In December, the first wave of early acceptance posts made it onto Phillips Exeter Academy’s college decisions Instagram page under the username @pea25decisions.official.

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.

With the House Cup on the horizon, it’s high time for an unabashed, overly-simplified ranking and guide to Exeter’s girls’ dorms. So, here’s the lowdown on Exeter’s fine selection of girls’ dormitories, with all their quirks, bugs, and, occasionally, ceilings intact.

Twelve Exeter Chess Club members recently attended the Greater Boston Open Chess Tournament in Westford, Massachusetts, on October 13th.