SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

» NEWS » LIFE » OPINIONS First Class Mail U.S. Postage Exonians struggle with new coronavirus Senior of the Week Renee Bertrand Managing Editor Felix Yeung considers Paid Mailed from 03833 rules, 3. reflects on past four years, 4. ‘Awakening’ in Editor’s Corner, 6. Permit Number 78

Phillips Exeter Academy Exeter, New Hampshire

“The oldest continuously running preparatory school newspaper in America.” Post-Summer Conversations, Exeter Implements Anti-Racist Policies

By OTTO DO, AMY LUM, being this all white world, but it ac- ANDREA LUO and HANSI ZHU tually was quite diverse. We haven’t done as good a job as we can in rep- resenting that diversity of the ancient In response to racist incidents world in our classes,” Department shared by PEA students on the Ins- Chair Matthew Hartnett said. tagram account @BlackatExeter, ad- Additionally, Hartnett noted that ministrators and individual academic the department reworked several of departments worked during the sum- the narratives in Ludus, the depart- mer to implement anti-racist policies ment’s introductory Latin textbook. and practices. “Most of the stories in there are told Principal William Rawson high- from male characters, so Mr. Lang- lighted the changes that have been ford rewrote some of the stories and implemented since his June 29 letter even created a whole new story that’s to the community. “I can’t begin to told from the point of view of a fe- do justice here to all the work done male slave,” Hartnett said. “Addition- by Director of Equity and Inclusion ally, we want to make sure that slaves (DEI) Dr. Stephanie Bramlett, by aren’t always depicted as being pas- Dean of Faculty Ellen Wolff and by sively related to whatever actions are other administrators, staff and facul- happening, but instead giving them ty,” he said. some agency.” “For my part, I was particularly Members of the Science Depart- interested in getting the two new po- ment were encouraged to devote a sitions posted, which has occurred,” substantial portion of their profession- Rawson continued. “I have been al development to Diversity, Equity working with the new trustee DEI and Inclusion-related work. Task Force, as has Dr. Bramlett. I met Science Instructor Kate Hernan- with faculty of color and student lead- dez explained the personal work she ers to discuss a variety of issues raised carried out this summer: the creation in Black@Exeter and in other corre- of a “cultural competence” document spondence. A lot of time was spent for instructors, in particular. Accord- by Dr. Bramlett and others to plan for ing to Hernandez, “It’s an opportu- the anti-racism work that we intend to nity for all of us to develop a skill of do this year. We are moving forward recognizing when a well-intended with a new bias response reporting comment may have had an unintend- form.” ed impact. It references common or The Classics Department faculty potential microaggressions and why reflected on their previous cultur- those might be problematic or harm- al portrayals of the languages they ful. It gives folks a path forward.” teach. “A lot of people think of the Reacting to the stories shared in Ancient Greek and Roman world as SUMMER, 2. Felix Yeung/The Exonian

continued work specific to their dis- includes being driven by data to help ciplines. The Department of Coun- quantify the present issues and track Reconsideration of Academy and seling and Psychological Services for change,” Hernandez said. “In (CAPS) has initiated a search for a an event when a student has come new counselor, following the retire- forward to discuss their experienc- Race Continues Fall Term ment of former counselor Constance es with racism. . . we have gathered Morse. “We are being intentional other related faculty, advisers [and] By OTTO DO, AMY LUM, their summer discussions, as well as from microaggressive racism. Chris- about how the counselor can increase deans to further surround the student ANDREA LUO and HANSI ZHU school-wide work to be done. tian-Brathwaite also served as the This work will be supported by a keynote speaker for Faculty Week the diversity and clinical expertise of with support.” new Principal’s Discretionary Fund, and will work with groups such as the existing fabric of our team. We Dean of Faculty Ellen Wolff de- Building upon conversations held announced by Principal William the Academic Advising Committee, will work hard to continue to expand scribed the critical role the new As- this summer, academic departments Rawson on June 29. “I have a par- the Community Conduct Commit- our representation of identities,” Di- sistant Dean of Faculty will have in plan to continue their antiracist work ticular interest in supporting efforts tee, the College Counseling Office rector of Psychological Services Dr. creating a more diverse faculty body. throughout the fall term. After coor- to increase the number of Black and and the Student Listeners Program Szu-Hui Lee said. “One of that colleague’s primary dination between the Office of Multi- other faculty of color, and funding to support anti-racism initiatives Similarly, Hernandez said that responsibilities will be recruitment cultural Affairs (OMA), the Director will be required to support those throughout the year. OMA will work to be intentional in and hiring, with an emphasis on cul- of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion recruiting efforts,” Rawson said. Student Council Co-Presidents individual and organizational self-ex- tivating a diverse candidate pool… (DEI) Stephanie Bramlett and the “Which initiatives will be supported Charlotte Lisa and Senai Robinson amination, challenge racist policies, I am thrilled that we will soon have Dean of Students Brooks Moriarty, from the new discretionary fund, ver- plan to share the Council’s initia- introduce an International Student an assistant dean who can partner Exeter’s schedule now includes a sus the operating budget or endowed tives during the Anti-Racist Work Orientation reflection and require an- with us (and an assistant director of weekly anti-racist block, hosted for funds, remains to be determined as Block this coming Thursday. “We ti-racist training for Academic coach- equity and inclusion) to redouble our the first time last Thursday. we move forward.” are working to come up with a very es. OMA will also be offering Zoom efforts,” she said. “We need to do bet- Panelists of the first webinar - in Racism was also the theme of specific conversation about the major “drop-in” hours. ter, in both hiring and retention.” cluded Bramlett, Principal William the first school Assembly on Sept. problems Black Exonians are cur- A major focus for OMA will Wolff and Bramlett are also con- Rawson, Moriarty, Dean of Multi- 15, which featured psychiatrist Dr. rently facing on campus and possi- be on student support. “The OMA vening an anti-racist teaching collab- cultural Affairs Sherry Hernandez Nicole Christian-Brathwaite. At ble, tangible solutions to those prob- Team will be identity-informed prac- orative open to all faculty. “It’s going and Dean of Faculty Ellen Wolff. assembly, Christian-Brathwaite ex- lems,” Lisa and Robinson said. titioners, supporting students at the to be a kind of think tank or idea During the meeting, they highlighted plained the lasting trauma that results Departments are also engaging in intersection of their identities. This generator, a resource and a conduit particular departments’ work from RECONSIDERATION, 3.

NEWS IN BRIEF Details of Kaminski Case

Student Tests Positive for Coronavirus: Revealed in Affidavit Assistant Principal Karen Lassey confirmed to tact them. They/them pronouns are an early class, the student recalled, The Exonian that one student has tested positive By ANNE BRANDES, EMILY KANG, FELIX YEUNG AND used to protect anonymity. Kaminski gripped their thigh. Af- for the coronavirus. The student reported to the DANIEL ZHANG ter having trouble with math in the Health Center with symptoms last night. Anoth- Former Mathematics Instructor spring term of their prep year, the student received tutoring from Ka- er student from the same dorm unit reported Trigger Warning: This article Szczesny Kaminski was arraigned minski. They worked in Kamins- similar symptoms. Though this second student contains graphic deatils about on August 24 on three charges of ki’s classroom with an open door; sexual assault. Phillips Exeter has Class A felonious pattern aggravat- has tested negative, they are being treated as a after a while, he began to draw presumed positive. 17 close contacts have been a number of resources for sur- ed sexual assault and three charges of Class A misdemeanor sexu- hearts on their papers. quarantined, all separate from the two students vivors in the Exeter community. To access these resources, please al assault against an anonymous In the middle of the semes- in question. click here. Additionally, if you find Academy student, who enrolled ter, the student’s tutoring moved yourself distressed by any details, at Exeter in the fall of 2013. The to Kaminski’s residence, where Brentwood Circuit Court gave The he abused the student three times Community Conduct Committee (CCC) please seek confidential help at the National Sexual Assault Hotline: Exonian access to the arraignment during the spring term. Over the Announces New Committee Members: (800) 656-4673. The following ar- and to an affidavit by Exeter Police summer, Kaminski instructed the Tasmiah Akter, Toby Chan, Zander Galli and ticle was originally posted on The Department Deputy Chief Michael student to keep in touch with him Exonian’s website, Aug. 25. P. Munck, which revealed details through their Gmail, instead of Alexandria Westray have joined the Community concerning the case. their Exeter emails. Conduct Committee. The Exonian urges the Exeter community to respect the privacy Kaminski’s interactions with In their lower year, the student of all anonymous individuals in the student began in their prep faced a disciplinary hearing for the article below. Please do not year. He taught the student math on plagiarism, and Kaminski stepped attempt to use details from the ar- three occasions: their prep fall, prep forward as their faculty friend. ticle to identify individuals or con- winter and lower winter terms. In Kaminski’s support in the hearing KAMINSKI, 2. 2 NO. 14 – CXLII SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

» DASHBOARD » PROTOCOLS Phillips Exeter Academy tracks coronavirus cases using Exonians grapple with coronavirus protocols, including dashboard. As of Sept. 24, Academy reported one positive social distancing, and find new ways to connect, 3. News coronavirus case, 3. Details of Kaminski Case Revealed in Affidavit, Continued

led him to become a “part of” their student and not to drive them any- course—a small, seminar course Kaminski sent this message to accountability toward the harm that family. The student’s parents felt where. for which instructors do not re- the anonymous student’s mother has occurred to sexual misconduct “indebted” to Kaminski for his guid- The student denied all allegations ceive additional pay. He insisted to on March 29, 2020. Portions of the victims,” she said. “We believe that ance, according to County Attorney against Kaminski over the course of the Department Chair and Deans’ message are redacted to protect the Exeter has a responsibility to create Patricia Conway. the investigation, and their parents Office that the anonymous student privacy of the student. Brentwood pathways for healing, consistent Over the course of the next few expressed a desire not to have the be part of the course. Though the Circuit Court with its charter to instill the highest years, the family communicated concerns investigated. Detective Dean’s Office debated allowing the Kaminski sent this message to morality, seeking reconciliation and frequently with Kaminski over the Patrick Mulholland of the Exeter course to go through, administrators the anonymous student’s mother remediating actions with alumni phone and email. Kaminski also vis- Police Department still described allowed the student to enroll. The on March 29, 2020. Portions of the whose lives have been inextricably ited the family in their out-of-state concern over these interactions and student graduated in 2017. message are redacted to protect the altered by their harmful experienc- home—traveling to theme parks the possibility of grooming. The This January, police in another privacy of the student. Brentwood es.” with the student—and accompanied Academy issued a second warning state notified the Exeter Police De- Circuit Court This morning, Judge Polly L. the family on a trip overseas. in April 2016, requesting that Ka- partment that a male faculty mem- With no identifying information, Hall of the Brentwood Circuit Court Kaminski’s sexual abuse started minski discontinue private interac- ber at PEA had sexually abused a the Exeter Police Department’s in- set cash bail at $50,000 for Kamins- during preparation for the discipline tions with the student. student. vestigation stalled during PEA’s ki. He must have no contact with the case and continued throughout the On May 9, 2016, a month later, Detective Evan Nadeau, now a internal inquiry. On March 13, student or family, not possess any student’s lower and upper years. The Campus Safety received reports that state trooper, notified the Academy however, Nadeau received an email firearms or weapons, refrain from last incident of abuse was believed the student was seen walking to Ka- on January 23, 2020. PEA identified from the anonymous student’s attor- the excessive use of alcohol, sign a to be in the spring of 2016, when the minski’s apartment. Kaminski was the faculty member described in the ney, disclosing their and Kaminski’s waiver of extradition, surrender all student went to Kaminski’s house later seen driving the student home. report as Kaminski and placed him names. EPD reopened the investi- passports and have no unsupervised for help. According to their moth- Campus Safety reported this inci- on administrative leave. gation and again alerted the Acad- contact with any unrelated minor er, the anonymous student said that dent to police. Mulholland raised to During Phillips Exeter’s internal emy. Exeter ceased its independent under the age of eighteen. He will Kaminski had “taken a lot from the student’s parents that Kamins- investigation, Kaminski sent multi- investigation in response, as per the be released pending trial if he meets [them].” ki’s disregard of employer warnings ple messages and voicemails to the Academy’s Memorandum of Un- these terms. In the fall of 2015, the Dean’s was another sign of grooming. The anonymous student and their family. derstanding with the department. At the bail hearing, defense coun- Office received a report of Kamins- parents continued to regard Kamins- He urged the student to help block After interviewing former stu- sel Amy Spencer said that Kaminski ki coming and going from the anon- ki as a family friend. the investigation and asked them to dents, faculty members and admin- was not a danger to the community ymous student’s dormitory at odd In a letter sent out to the wider delete recent messages. istrators, the EPD concluded there or a flight risk. Spencer also noted hours. Kaminski frequently drove Exeter community yesterday, Prin- Kaminski sent this message to was probable cause Kaminski had that Kaminski suffers from severe this student to music lessons in Bos- cipal Bill Rawson wrote that “the the anonymous student on February committed three counts of sexual hypertension in her argument. ton, and he tutored them privately Academy placed Mr. Kaminski on 19, 2020. Brentwood Circuit Court assault. Kaminski was arrested on Conway argued against bail. “He within his own residence at 74 Front written notice that certain actions Kaminski sent this message to August 24. Kaminski was fired by assaulted [them] not once, not twice, Street. The Academy received more would result in his termination” af- the anonymous student on February the Academy in April; the Exeter but over, and over, and over again. reports of suspicious interactions be- ter the conclusion of the 2016 inves- 19, 2020. Brentwood Circuit Court Police Department asked the Acad- For years. This was clearly calculat- tween Kaminski and the student in tigation. Kaminski’s encounter with emy not to disclose this firing until ed… He didn’t stop, even after be- In one voicemail, Kaminski told 2016. Notably, faculty members re- the student at his home and decision Kaminski’s arrest. ing warned twice by administration, the student that disclosure would ported an incident where the student to drive the student back after the knowing he was being watched by be “terrible for both of us.” “I’m Ann Malabre ‘81 gave The Ex- had been late to check-in. Dorm fac- administration’s written notice did faculty members,” Conway said. being punished in multiple ways. I onian a statement on behalf of the ulty later discovered they had been not result in his termination. Raw- “He is a predator. And he is clearly will most likely lose a job. PEA has Phillips Exeter Alumni for Truth and at Kaminski’s residence. son was not Principal in 2016. and presently a danger to our soci- a policy of disclosure, and I do not Healing (PATH) advocacy group. ety.” The Academy opened an inves- The then-Dean of Faculty “made want my name to be plastered ev- “Along with the rest of the Exeter tigation in 2016, and the student’s contact via email” with Kaminski erywhere,” he said. He left a similar community, PATH is dismayed parents were notified. The student’s about his breach of Exeter’s warn- voicemail for the student’s mother. by the news of the recent arrest of Campus Safety: (603) 777-4444 mother reportedly stated that they ings; the affidavit does not state Szczesny Kaminski on charges of Over the span of seven years, a Exeter Police Department (EPD), “trust[ed] Kaminski and [were] whether Kaminski received addi- sexual assault and concerned for the number identified as Kaminski’s Non-Emergency: (603) 772-1212 not concerned.” Two anonymous tional discipline for violating this individuals involved. We underline exchanged 2,123 iMessages and National Sexual Assault Hotline: deans met with Kaminski and dis- warning. our stance that the Exeter commu- 16,864 iChat messages with the stu- (800) 65604673 cussed boundary issues; Kaminski nity will be strengthened by the In the student’s senior year, dent. was warned not to be alone with the Kaminski created a Math 999 Academy’s acknowledgement and Post Summer Conversations, Continued numerous @BlackatExeter posts, the affinity groups. knowledgment she has used since ism. Many of the athletics faculty summer. “We are paying attention, English Department released the fol- Ongoing professional develop- 2017. Written by Isabella Shey, it were on vacation this summer, but the listening, and reflecting. We had de- lowing departmental statement: ment for all department members reads as follows:“We would like to Director of Athletics and Physical Ed- partment wide conversations about English Department Anti-Racism with the goal of cultural competency acknowledge the Squamscott/Pena- ucation Jason Baseden shared plans these stories and discussed how we Statement and elimination of classroom practic- cook peoples who were the first for department-wide discussions this can individually and as a department The Exeter English department es or habits that center whiteness and peoples of this land. We would like fall. better support our students,” Direc- acknowledges the harms expressed marginalize any students or student to honor their ancestors, descendants According to Department Chair tor of CAPS Dr. Szu-Hui Lee said. most recently in the @Exeter Insta- groups. Progress towards these goals and future generations for caring for Hannah Hofheinz, the Religion De- There is now a feedback form on the gram posts. Structures of racism and will become part of the review pro- this area and allowing us to be here partment “is deeply committed to CAPS page on Exeter Connect where inequity have affected both policies cess. today.” being anti-racist in our pedagogies, students can anonymously submit and practices, and past calls for change Examination of our hiring and However, Hawkins said there our curriculum and also in our inter- feedback about their experiences with have not led to sufficient results. The retention practices to increase the is no plan for a required statement actions on campus.” Specific initia- CAPS. department is committed to full par- number of BIPOC faculty in the de- acknowledging the native land on tives and curricular changes are to be Of the many policies shared by the ticipation in our overdue national and partment. which the Academy is built. “Person- announced. departments during the Anti-Racist institutional reckoning on race and More deliberate departmental dis- ally, I respect any teacher’s personal The Art Department developed Work block last Thursday, the n-word equity by listening to the ideas and cussion and sharing of pedagogical acknowledgement or statement. But I a new anti-racist curriculum and policy, in particular, has generated stories of faculty and students present and curricular practices that will fos- am not in favor of a departmental pol- launched an exhbition this summer student responses. and past to develop a targeted agenda ter a trusting and equitable environ- icy mandating for all teachers a polit- which focuses on identity. Depart- To many students, an official for addressing harmful structures and ment in our classes. ical or moral statement not directly ment members also read Ijeoma policy like this has been long over- related to English.” habits in the year ahead. Our efforts As referenced in the above state- Oluo’s So You Want To Talk About due. “I think them setting it as a rule will aim not only for immediate prog- ment, the English Department re- History Department Chair Kent Race, which has helped them have now is the bare minimum because it ress, but also for the sustained and leased their first formal n-word poli- McConnell said he and his colleagues more productive discussions on cul- shouldn’t have taken a whole Black constant work necessary to fulfill our cy, prohibiting its use by all students. reworked their syllabi to decenter tural competency and inclusion. Lives Matter movement for them institutional commitment to becom- “Students will receive this policy whiteness, while Mathematics De- As a result of their work, the Art to be like, ‘Oh, we shouldn’t say the ing an anti-racist school and our de- along with all the usual first day of partment Chair Gwyneth Coogan Department made an addition to their n-word in English class,’” upper If- partmental goal of creating classroom class English policy sheets,” English said her department worked on paring departmental student policy. “The Art eoma Ajufo said. “It should’ve been communities in which BIPOC/Queer Instructor Courtney Marshall said down materials to create more space Department is committed to main- common knowledge.” students feel welcomed, included, during the Academy’s Anti-Racist for different voices. taining an Anti-Racist curriculum, The policy also provoked some safe and celebrated. Vision webinar. English Instructor “I believe that we were all ‘called and artwork that depicts or celebrates to think carefully about potentially Our response to the Black@Ex- Mercy Carbonell noted that similar in’ by the Black@Exeter posts, racist ideology will not be tolerated,” harmful interactions in the classroom. eter posts and other recent calls for policies have been discussed over the whether our name appeared in the the statement reads. “I was intrigued by the fact that they greater commitment to antiracist years, including one crafted by Direc- text or not. I hope that the posts en- Music Department Chair Kris- said that nobody can say it,” upper work have included these initial steps tor of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Steph- courage all of us to affirm the Black tofer Johnson shared that the full-time Marina Williams said. “But then I this summer: anie Bramlett. However, none of the students in our classes, our dorms and music faculty drafted ten commit- was thinking about how there might Reading of Black@, Queer@, previous policies came into practice. our teams so that we can make a safe ments to anti-racism over the sum- be teachers that say, ‘Let’s have this Asian@Exeter posts by all depart- In the wake of the @BlackatEx- space for all,” Coogan said. “Howev- mer, which will be reviewed by the Black person in our class say it,’ and ment members and opening discus- eter posts, many of which specifically er, it is our own responsibility to make larger music faculty this fall. Some that kind of singles out the person, so sions with particular attention to the called out English teachers for their these changes. Students should not of these commitments include: en- I guess it’s a good thing that nobody Black@Exeter posts. ambiguous n-word policies, Mar- have to be our teachers.” gaging guest artists and composers can say it.” Full-department participation shall emailed English Department Modern Language Department from Black and Brown musicians; In addition to departmental work, in a September 2 discussion of the Chair Nathaniel Hawkins, proposing Chair Evelyn Christoph shared that programming greater diversity of rep- the Board of Trustees has also pub- Black@Exeter posts and systemic a new department-wide statement to her department worked on empow- ertoire for individual musicians’ study lished a new Diversity, Equity and In- anti-blackness. This discussion was forbid students of any race to say the ering students through new selected and performance ensembles; and clusion statement, which commits to facilitated by Dr. Aretina Hamilton, word. Though there was no in-person readings. “French and Spanish teach- supporting the creation of an affinity creating and supporting a diverse stu- Associate Director of Equity and In- discussion, English faculty voted and ers… revised readings to represent a group for student musicians of color dent body. “Diversity and inclusion clusion at Interlochen Arts Academy, ultimately approved the statement wider array of cultures apart from tra- to highlight their voices and address are critical to sustaining and strength- who will continue to work with the through email. ditional, centralized focus on France their experiences. The department ening our tradition of excellence in department as an independent outside “I thought, ‘Is it at all possible to and Spain,” Christoph said. will publish a department statement all aspects of life at Exeter,” the state- expert and facilitator. craft the policy as a part of our at- The Health and Human Develop- about music and race later in the term. ment reads. “Fostering an experience Participation by over half the de- tempt to be anti-racist?’” Marshall ment Department committed to dedi- Counseling and Psychological where all participants feel they can partment in summer anti-racist edu- said. “This policy is one way we can cating one of their three units for new Services (CAPS) participated in bring their full selves forward is not cation and professional development. reduce harm.” students to anti-racism, cultural com- professional development training merely aspirational. It is fundamental to our educational mission and meth- Adoption of a departmental poli- For a number of years, certain petency and identity. “In addition to around issues of equity and inclusion. od.” cy eliminating the n-word from class instructors—including Carbonell— that, we try to tie in DEI topics in units CAPS also helped to bring training discussion. have read a formal land acknowl- where we can and it is appropriate,” on trauma informed care to faculty “It was a busy summer,” Rawson Department Chair Michelle Soucy and student leaders in order to better concluded, “and I hope the comments Our ongoing efforts will include, edgement in their classes. Carbonell said. “For example, when discussing tend to the social emotional needs of I made during opening assembly con- at a minimum, the following: noted that, though this kind of state- COVID-19 we included an article the students. vey the urgency and determination An open forum series beginning ment is not required by the depart- about health disparities.” Members of CAPS were also with which we intend to pursue our in fall term to hear student ideas, sto- ment, “it should become a practice for The Athletics Department af- intentional about reading the @ anti-racism work this year.” ries, and feedback. An invitation for all educators/public speakers.” firmed their commitment to anti-rac- BlackAtExeter posts throughout the collaboration with student and faculty Carbonell shared the land ac- SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 NO. 14 – CXLII 3 Exeter Tracks Coronavirus Cases Using Dashboard By MOKSHA AKIL and TINA al, one employee and two students ports pre-travel tests required for lege campuses that are experienc- but I’m really grateful because it HUANG tested positive. students and tests taken by employ- ing big increases in positive re- gives us the opportunity to be here “Both students will continue ees prior to students’ arrival. Lassey sults, it’s really impressive,” Basu and experience the campus.” described the testing for the em- said. “Out of all the students tested For community members both to be cared for and isolated at the Preps, lowers, and upperclass- ployees as similar to the students. [before arriving], we only had two on- and off-campus, the Acade- health center. Dr. Katy Lilly and men who chose to study remotely “There’s a different company that positives. It’s kind of comforting, my’s COVID-19 dashboard has be- Dean Carol Cahalane, as the Dean for September will be allowed back came in and did the testing before especially being a new [student] come a go-to source to track active on Duty, initiated our protocols to campus on October 3. Around you all came back for all employ- and having doctors as parents.” coronavirus cases. The dashboard for positive cases, which included 500 students are expected to return, ees,” she said. “And then similar to tracks active cases, as well as the identifying and testing close con- “It’s good that [the school is] more than on previous arrival days. the students throughout the rest of number of individuals in quaran- tacts of the two students,” Lassey being transparent and making sure “We’ll be testing the preps and low- the term they will be coming in and tine or isolation. said. everyone is doing what they should ers the same way we did with the testing 20 to 25% of the employees be doing,” Basu continued. “Giv- seniors and uppers,” Lassey said. “The dashboard allows us to The dashboard gathers data every week.” ing us masks, the posters with the “Hopefully, we will keep our pos- share openly with both the inter- from four testing sites, including Peer schools, such as Phillips protocols, the emails—it’s a lot for itive test numbers low.” nal and external communities what the Lamont Health Center, which Academy Andover, have institut- them and could be cumbersome, conditions are on campus with uses rapid on-site testing and can ed similar dashboards. Andover’s respect to our reopening and the have results within 15 minutes. dashboard reports one positive stu- pandemic throughout the term,” “That’s primarily used for people dent case and two positive faculty Assistant Principal Karen Lassey, who report symptoms and who are cases. head coordinator of the dashboard, in close proximity to those who said. “It provides a space for par- report,” Lassey said. Students also Upper William Park appreciated ents, students, alumni, employees participate in COVID-19 testing at the dashboard’s simple interface. and the general public to see a visu- the squash courts, conducted by the “The graphs are pretty easy to read al representation of our testing pro- Cambridge-based Broad Institute and it explains what the numbers tocols and the results of that testing and CIC Health. are showing,” Park said. “It makes over time.” “We will be testing roughly 20% me have some peace of mind know- ing that I can actually go online and The community learned of its of the student body every week for look at the stats myself, rather than first active case through the - dash the rest of the term,” Lassey added. having to get information by asking board on Tuesday. One student “That will happen throughout each other people.” has tested positive thus far, with week that we’re not doing the large another presumed positive. A total scale testing.” Random student Upper Indrani Basu shared her of 16 close contacts of the first case testing will also be conducted by appreciation for the Academy’s were identified and are currently in Broad and CIC. handling of the students’ return. quarantine. Prior to students’ arriv- The dashboard additionally re- “Just thinking about all of the col- Avery Lavine/The Exonian Exonians Grapple with Virus Protocols By JEANNIE EOM, BRIAN follow,” Dean of Health and tiously spraying the disinfectant son has had to migrate online; when they were going to do it,” SON, DAVID CHEN, TUCKER Wellness Johnny Griffith said. to be sure that surfaces will be casual opportunities for engage- McGahie said. “I know that Mr. GIBBS and CLARK WU “[But] there does seem to have safe to touch for the next musi- ment have also been replaced by Caldwell did speed friending been improvement in that re- cian,” he said. more formalized online events. with the preps, and they also re- gard.” For students’ first weekend on ally liked it.” The coronavirus pandemic Athletes noted that masks campus, typically a vibrant has led to a host of health and Griffith noted that faculty have made some sports more Though student recreation time, the Student Activities of- safety guidelines for Exeter stu- reminders, given to accidental difficult, while others have seen poses unique challenges this fice organized a speed-friending dents, faculty and staff alike. rule-breakers, have been effec- negligible impacts. All sports term, faculty and staff have event. The event was designed Though these policies keep stu- tive. In addition, Dean of Stu- programs require the wearing of come together to devise new to offer students, new and re- dents safe, they have also raised dents Brooks Moriarty recently masks, but “as a cross country ways to connect. Matt Carboni, turning, a chance to engage with new challenges to day-to-day patrolled campus in a golf cart runner, at least, they have not a Campus Safety officer, -no one another in an online envi- life. The Student Guidebook, to ensure physical distancing. diminished the quality of my ticed students on skateboards ronment. “This makes it less last updated Sep. 4, states that However, these measures only training much,” upper Bradley or just sitting in a circle. “They intimidating,” McGahie said. adults and students must re- go so far; to ensure the safety of St. Laurent said. “Although I looked quite bored,” he text- “Assuming it’s the weekend at main six feet apart, whenever others, administrators said, stu- know that may be a different ed McGahie. “So I arranged to school, and new students had possible. In addition, masks are dents must be responsible and case for other sports.” have the corn holes and Frisbees to go to a big dance without required at all times, and most proactive. The pandemic has also re- put back down so that students knowing anyone, they probably activities are virtual. The Music Building, one of sulted in broader impacts for could kind of self selectively get wouldn’t want to come.” Last together around these games.” Students reported slow ad- few places to house certain in- student life. Assistant Director struments, has introduced pro- of Student Activities Kelly Mc- year, Student Activities hosted a While the guidelines can be justment to new day-to-day pat- similar event in person. terns. Upper Toby Chan noted, tocols to ensure student safety Gahie stressed that, this term, tough, many believe that they According to McGahie, stu- for example, that “getting used while allowing practice room being flexible has to come first. are well worth the sacrifice. dents enjoyed the speed-friend- to the arrows and one-direction- use. On the schedule posted Few major events can be orga- “COVID guidelines make so- ing activity both times it has al staircases” has been difficult. outside of each room, teachers nized ahead of time as pandem- cial activity more challenging leave thirty minutes between ic circumstances may change happened. “Based on the feed- everywhere,” upper Kira Fer- Additionally, maintaining six available time slots for disinfec- rapidly. “For that reason, I can’t back we got both of those ses- dyn said. “[But] I absolutely feel feet of distance on paths and at tion and air flow. According to hire people. I can’t make plans sions, [students] seem to like it. like the challenges we’re facing meal times has proven tough Music Department Chair Kris- or spend money. We need to see I also heard separately from a are worth the reward of being for some students. “[Distanc- tofer Johnson, students have where we’re at,” she said. lower who had heard that some able to communicate in person ing] does seem to have been largely respected the policies. of her upper friends had done and spend time on campus.” the hardest of the guidelines to Additionally, bonding and “Students seem to be conscien- recreation typically done in-per- this, and she wanted to know

Exonians distance outside of Webster Hall. Courtesy of Exeter Communications Reconsideration of Academy and Race, Continued for ideas about how to be an antirac- of fall. due to the pandemic and Brick- we do hire.” within each dorm or in familiar ist educator,” she said. “It’s going to As a department with an interna- house’s departure from the academy. In the afternoon activities block, groups like sports teams.” ensure that that focus pervades all tional staff, the Modern Languages According to McConnell, “the the Music Department has offered “I’d rather talk about it with my of our thinking about teaching this Department largely consists of im- project is ongoing but its efforts have new classes that cover a more di- classmates and see how they feel. year.” migrants. Chair Evelyn Cristoph an- been greatly hampered with the clos- verse range of topics than previously I feel like there’s a lack of an actual Though the Assembly Commit- nounced that the department will be ing of archives across the country due offered. “Offerings that particularly community conversation and more tee did not meet over the summer, starting a podcast to share the stories to the COVID crisis. Additionally, expand opportunities beyond our of a lecture,” upper Juliette Ortiz add- assembly coordinator Alex Myers of immigrant faculty, in an effort to Ms. Brickhouse left the academy, so current curriculum are the Electron- ed. Other students noted that, due to worked with ESSO Diversity club empower students of color. “[Span- a search for her replacement is taking ic Music Composers’ Collective, limited time, many questions went adviser Augustus Toyin and Bramlett ish Instructor Diego] Ardura will be place. Once things open up concern- Music of Protest, Music Research unanswered. to plan a diverse lineup of speakers. heading a podcast project for col- ing historic materials, the project will and Critical Writing, Music Theater However, upper Nathan Zhou felt Myers described his focus on leagues to tell their stories, both in the get underway again.” Workshop, Contemporary Music that the webinar sparked productive making assembly responsive and language of the country they left and Classics Department Chair Mat- Listening and Ensemble Leader- conversations. “I watched it with informative for students on campus. the language of the country they now thew Hartnett noted the lack of diver- ship,” Department Chair Kristofer guys in the dorm, so it was good be- “How do we make assembly relevant call home,” Cristoph said. sity of the department’s instructors. Johnson said. cause for some things we could call to Exonians’ lives today? How do we On Feb. 1, Principal Bill Rawson “We’re not in the position to add an- Some students noted that the each other out about it,” he said. inform the community about import- sent an email to the student body other teacher to the department at the Academy’s webinars felt unproduc- The Academy will continue to ant topics?” Myers asked. announcing an investigation of the moment, but, when the opportunity tive. “I wish we could have actual work towards becoming an anti-rac- The Art Department opened sub- Academy’s ties to slavery. History comes, we will do everything we can conversations instead of having them ist school. At the Anti-Racist Vision missions over the summer for the Department Chair Kent McConnell, to bring in a faculty of color,” Hart- talking at us,” upper Ifeoma Ajufo webinar, Wolff reiterated the Acade- Lamont Gallery exhibition “Critical Head of Archives and Special Col- nett said. “However, we can’t just said. “In [Langdell], we’re doing a my’s commitment to this goal. “Rac- Joy,” which focuses on the diversity lections Magee Lawhorn and former wait for candidates of color to come dorm meeting where they’re gonna ism, trauma and equity are the lens of the Exeter and art community. The History Instructor Cameron Brick- to us. We have to be proactive and go try to set up activities that we can with which the faculty will be con- exhibition is already open and will house were appointed to steer the find them, so we’ve already begun do for antiracism. What the whole ducting their work for this year.” remain available for the remainder project, which has now been paused networking and preparing for when school can do is have conversations 4 NO. 14 – CXLII SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

» SENIOR OF THE WEEK » MASKS Senior of the Week Renee Bertrand’s Exeter experience Realities of Exeter life, including mask wearing, explored Life spotlighted, 4. by Staff Writer Jeannie Eom, 4.

Senior of the Week: Renee Bertrand

By TINA HUANG and BRIAN SON Bertrand has also been an active “I came into Exeter with a plan of contributor in the Office of Multi- ‘how to be the best Exonian’— that cultural Affairs (OMA). “Some of included being varsity captain of the my favorite memories have been in soccer team, being the president of OMA, and the faculty there are won- Model [United Nations] and presi- derful,” Bertrand said. dent of Business Club,” senior Renee Senior Dillon Mims remembers Bertrand said. “Now, I do none of meeting Bertrand through mutual those things, and I haven’t since prep friends at OMA. “That alone is usu- year.” Throughout her time on cam- ally enough to create a pretty strong pus, Bertrand’s interests have grown affinity for someone in my book,” he well beyond her original goals. And said. “And since then, I can’t count she has made her presence felt in her the number of times she’s made me four years at Exeter. burst out laughing while we were Bertrand first visited the Acade- hanging out in the OMA.” Mims also my in her eighth grade year. “It was worked alongside Bertrand in the Ex- almost this utopia,” Bertrand said. “I onian Encounter Committee, through must’ve toured [the school] during which, he said, “I’ve been able to ob- faculty meeting. We came to Grill and serve her passion for community and there were all these kids talking and event-organizing in real-time.” laughing and having fun.” Bertrand acknowledges that her But Bertrand had to present a large workload can be challenging at Powerpoint for her parents to let her times. “I’m not going to lie. Leading attend. When she enrolled as a stu- affinity groups is hard because not dent, Bertrand’s utopia became a little only are you looking after students more real. “The other kids here were who are in your club, but you’re also like me. We weren’t all super genius- making greater change in the Exeter es. We had our own strengths and community.” weaknesses,” Bertrand said. But Bertrand insists that doing this As a prep, Bertrand approached work and taking the initiative to lead her studies with a fiercely indepen- affinity groups is what she loves to dent mindset. “I didn’t really know do. “One of the reasons I decided to how to ask for help,” she said. “I come to Exeter was for its diversity… Senior of the Week Renee Bertrand pictured in front of J. Smith. William Vietor /The Exonian didn’t have the study skills yet. I was especially its thriving Afro-Latinx being run over, it felt good to have where Bertrand currently lives. Ad- through.” kind of a loner. I didn’t really want to community,” she said. a companion through the difficult ditionally, Bertrand volunteered as make friends. I just wanted to get out Bertrand is also an active sym- “There’s a lot of unsaid burden that times.” a camp counselor at an at-risk chil- and go to Harvard.” phonic musician, having played the comes along with [being a student of Mims recounted a similar expe- dren’s center. “[The center] gave kids color], and there’s a lot of mentoring However, with some advice from French horn for six years. “I didn’t rience with Bertrand, particularly of color a solace. It was a place to you have to do for younger students.” Amen Hall then-seniors, Bertrand’s want to major in music, but now I during his upper winter. “I’d say that go to during COVID and the Black perspective soon shifted. “They were hope it will be a part of my life for a In her years at Exeter, Bertrand what absolutely solidified our friend- Lives Matter protests,” Bertrand said. really there for me and helped me long time,” she admitted. has become more aware of the racism ship were the hours and hours we “Helping others, doing community change my mentality,” she said. Her friends, in particular, love her she and others students face, noting spent working together on our 332s in work, doing social justice work, are the campus’s lack of resources. “You As a result, Bertrand began to live performances throughout the the winter,” Mims said. “She is also my main passions... I’m excited to have to be there for so many differ- evaluate her activities and goals. “I school year. “She can play the French incredibly genuine, open, and honest. continue doing them at Exeter and in ent individuals because there’s not had to reassess what I wanted to do horn like no other,” senior Zoë Bar- She is not afraid to tell you the truth the future.” enough support on campus. In that in high school and what I was pas- ron said. “I miss going to her concerts straight-up, and I’ve always admired Since her first trip to the Academy way, I’ve kind of taken on this men- sionate about,” Bertrand said. “Now, and shouting her name at the top of that about her.” in eighth grade, Bertrand has grown torship role for some students,” she I’m really happy with what I do, and my lungs when she walked into The In her classes, Bertrand’s warm- as a student, leader and friend, with said. I don’t think I would have been if I Bowld. She is so dedicated to mu- hearted personality inspires those the school’s motto of non sibi always kept going with the activities I started sic… I can’t wait to see what she ac- As she enters her last year at Ex- around her. Physical Education In- on her mind. “I value other people’s with.” complishes in the future.” eter, Bertrand will continue to be a structor Rebecca Lietz, who taught opinions so much more than I did be- leading voice on a socially distanced On campus, Bertrand leads mul- Barron has known Bertrand since yoga to Bertrand for two years, noted fore. I’m also more passionate about campus still reckoning with its history tiple clubs related to community early on at Exeter. “I can’t say when I her dedication and enthusiasm. “[Re- what I do; I really love school, and I of racial injustice. “I just had such a service and social justice. Bertrand met her or when we became friends. I nee’s] courage in the class was con- love Harkness—that’s why I’m here. rough prep year that I can’t imagine currently serves on the Exeter Student just remember her being a constant in tagious,” Lietz said. “She exemplified I think Exeter has developed that pas- another student going through that; I Service Organization (ESSO) Board my life at Exeter,” Barron said. “We leadership by being kind and courte- sion for communication, for helping can’t imagine another student feeling as Children’s Coordinator, overseeing used to sit at the same tall table in Elm ous to newer yoga students… When- others, on an individual level.” that sad, that lonely, that unheard,” all 36 children’s clubs. Bertrand, who for breakfast every weekend, where ever Renee was attempting a newer Though she loves Exeter, Ber- Bertrand said. “So, the reason I’m on grew up in a majority-white, upstate we would talk for hours. One time or more difficult pose, she persevered trand also recognizes its demands campus, the reason I’m here and not New York community, hopes to pro- she made me laugh so hard I started with grace. Being able to laugh when on her and her peers of color. “In my at home with my family, whom I love vide kids of color with more resourc- crying, and I probably looked out of she fell out of crow and having the life and in my friends’ lives, a lot has very much, is that I want to make Ex- es to succeed. “I want to get as many my mind, but I didn’t care because we ability to get back on her mat and try come up because of COVID. We’ve eter better for other students. It needs kids who are in the same situation as I were having such a good time.” again showed her humility and grit!” gotten closer, but it’s more than each to be better, it can be better, and it was,” she said. “People of color who “She is always two steps ahead Over the past summer, Bertrand of us can handle,” Bertrand said. “The should be better.” feel isolated in their community and of the game,” Barron added. “I know had an internship at Big Brothers school constantly asks a lot from its really want to learn, I want to get as that when I feel overwhelmed, I can “We claim to be the best school in Big Sisters of America, a non-profit students, and with COVID and Black many of them into places like Exeter turn to Renee, and she’ll always make the country, but I need to see that for pairing children of color with adult Lives Matter, the school needs to as possible.” me feel better… While it’s not fun myself.” mentors in the Columbus, Ohio area, recognize what students are going Masked, Unmasked: Students Weigh In

By JEANNIE EOM with the guideline on-campus has not being that person,” David said. you always have to come face to face the U.S. as it was in Asian countries, been a little challenging for Polovick. Though the situation is not a big to interact with people.” so in a way, I’m kind of glad because “During the day, it is not too bad, es- it opens up more areas for fashion In the span of just a few months, deal to David, he stressed that things Wu finds that wearing masks on pecially since we are in our rooms and different ways of expression.” wearing masks and social distancing can become a little awkward. “Some campus is not a significant annoy- during a portion of the day doing have become the new normal. The people try to elbow bump me now, ance, though, within dorms, it can get Paik is also a fan of fashionable classes online,” she said. “However, I Exonian took a look at how neces- and it’s just really awkward. I don’t to be a little more work. “It becomes masks. “I got this one fashionable do find playing sports or doing active sary mask-wearing has changed how know who started elbow bumping bothersome at times [in the dorm], mask for twenty bucks from this re- activities make it a little tougher.” students engage with one another. people on campus but waving is fine especially when we go to the bath- ally small studio in New York City As athletes begin official train- for me,” he said. Now, David mostly rooms or in the hallways,” he said. called ‘Friend of a Friend’ studio,” From a public health standpoint, ing this week, some have found waves at those he sees on the path. As a consequence of that, Wu said: he said. “They make some really students seemed to unanimously mask-wearing to be unexpectedly “I would say that I try to stay indoors cool stuff. Mine is this custom denim agree that mask-wearing is necessary Social interactions like this have difficult. “I would say it gets pretty more often due to the new circum- mask lined with blue, and it’s real- and in the interest of the communi- been an obstacle for many students, difficult for cross country because we stances.” This habit is also shared by ly cool.” Despite having the option ty. “I feel really comfortable about albeit to varying degrees. “It’s hard have to run with the masks on, and it David, as the effort often becomes a to wear it out, Paik does not wear it wearing masks because it can [re- not being able to see peoples’ whole gets pretty hot during the day,” Paik hindrance. “I would choose not to go often as disposable masks make the duce the risk] to me that I don’t get faces, especially because I usually said. Though Paik does not typically fill my water bottle up if I have to put effort just a little easier. the virus,” upper Jimmy Wu said. greet people by smiling. You have to mind wearing masks on a daily basis on my mask,” David said, offering an “It’s also a good way to give oth- be more intentional with your greet- “I do have to say, I’m going as the weather remains dry and cold, example. er people the comfort of safety and ings now,” Polovick said. through an insane number of masks,” running does bring a different expe- know that you’re not the one starting This dilemma is amplified when However, wearing masks is far he said. rience. [a transmission chain] if you are the students meet teachers they have not from a problem for most. “Honest- The pandemic has also led to one with the sickness.” A word of advice from Paik: “You seen before. “I definitely think hav- ly, it’s not that bad, most of the time some mask innovations. “Now, have to make sure to brush your teeth I don’t notice it,” senior Veronica As the flu season draws near, the ing teachers I haven’t had before on they’re making it so that it’s easier to often.” Choulga said. “Sometimes I do when wearing of masks may be doubly Zoom for the first time in the spring, breathe through, while being relative- it gets a little too hot or [I] have glass- useful. “I think, from a human health Though wearing masks is a strict and now in the fall, I don’t feel as if ly safe,” Paik said. es on, but it’s not as bad as I thought standpoint, masks are great,” upper rule on campus, some have found I’m having as strong a connection As students adjust to the new nor- it would be. I’m usually too busy or Garrett Paik said. “It will prevent it to be just a tad annoying. “Once with them,” Polovick said. “In class, mal on campus, they are finding new distracted to notice, so it’s not a huge people from spreading common flu my mask is on, it’s a little annoying, I would talk with them, but since I ways to interact within the guide- burden.” or the cold, not just the coronavirus.” but it’s fine. If anything, it’s putting only see my teacher online, when I lines. “People started doing elbow on the mask when I’m leaving the see them in person [wearing a mask], The mask-wearing guideline “Having lived through the pan- taps and virtual hugs, where people room,” upper Jacob David noted. I don’t recognize them that well.” has even become an opportunity demic since March, most of us have pretend to do things in the air,” Wu for Choulga. “I always admired the gotten pretty used to wearing masks While David does not participate Wu shared this newfound chal- said “It’s quite awkward actually.” fashion behind masks,” she said. “I on a daily basis,” senior Keara in high-intensity sports, there are oth- lenge. “If they’re wearing a mask and Still, Exonians are exploring new remember, a year or two ago, I was Polovick added. er difficulties that come with wearing they’re far away from me, it’s quite ways to connect, all while keeping masks. “From a distance, I may think hard to recognize them,” he said. quite jealous that it wasn’t really themselves and each other safe with Although wearing masks has be- someone is one person, and it ends up “While six feet is not a big problem, common practice to wear masks in their public mask-wearing. come its own custom, keeping up SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 NO. 14 – CXLII 5

» PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS » EXETER REOPENING » AWAKENING Staff Writer Marina Avilova looks Staff Writer Angela Zhang reconsid- Managing Editor Felix Yeung pulls forward to November presidential ers Exeter’s reopening plan, 5. writers’ voices to depict ‘Awaken- OpEd election, 5. ing,’ 6. Presidential Elections: Raise Your Voice

By MARINA AVILOVA ’22 ever, is a time for us to rethink our po- od. However, if Trump is re-elected sive Democrats might not be his says you are eligible for mail-in votes litical lives as Exonians and step into to a second term, we would have far most enthusiastic supporters, it is still if “you cannot appear at any time “I don’t care about politics. I just the arena if we don’t want things to worse things to deal with. Even more important to do everything we can during polling hours at my polling don’t think it affects me.” If there was get even worse. people would die from COVID-19 to prevent Trump from keeping the place because an employment obli- ever a time that this sentiment made Exeter is generally a liberal space. while Trump glosses over the situa- wheel. This is in no way a magical gation requires you to remain phys- no sense at all, it would be right now. But that doesn’t mean everyone on tion. Marginalized identities would solution to all the challenges of 2020. ically at work or to be in transit to or This year has been a test for the campus is forced into becoming some face further persecution. Climate The Democratic Party, however, un- from work from the time the polls government. It highlighted the de- liberal activist. The varying levels of change would continue to be dis- der the leadership of Joe Biden and open until after the time the polls fects of our healthcare system with political activity both from teachers regarded. After the recent death of Kamala Harris, promises to fight for close.” the pandemic, outlined the flaws and students show, of course, that be- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, his re-election healthcare access, criminal justice re- If the current state of things does of our police system, forced us to lieving in an idea doesn’t necessarily would guarantee a new conservative form, environmental action and loads not change, voting may be difficult, grapple with the systemic racism in mean striving for it. The same can justice on the Supreme Court, ce- more. To at least have a hope, we but please exercise your right if you modern American society and made be said about Republicans on cam- menting a hard-right majority. His need to spread the word, to engage can. There are many of us who can- underlying disparities more apparent pus. We don’t have to be involved in unconstitutional attacks on vital leg- in canvassing and, if eligible, to vote. not yet, but stand eager and waiting than ever. Worse still, the Trump ad- politics. Regardless of what they are, islation like Obamacare would see The pandemic does hinder stu- to do so. If you are one of those peo- ministration has proved itself inade- however, Exonians should act if they the light of day. Donald Trump’s sec- dent voting processes. In-person ple, you still have a voice. Talk to the quate at solving these problems. care. ond term will cost lives. voting on Election Day might not be people you know. Talk to the people Ignoring the Nov. 3 elections is Granted, Exeter is an independent But it doesn’t have to happen. an option as of now, since students you don’t know. Talk (and vote!) like the dreaded epitome of “knowledge organization and the next president Although Biden may be more aren’t allowed off campus yet. The the future of this country depends on without goodness.” Now, more than will not abolish the Harkness meth- center-leaning, and though progres- official website of the town of Exeter it—because it does. Are You at Risk? By JEANNIE EOM ’22 tries will obviously pose a challenge were to walk with high caution and deem to be “dense,” most numbers ple, and any argument that Exonians for those trying to contain the vi- a degree of balance, this community and statistics don’t quite matter once fuel economic activity feels not quite For many students, Exeter is a rus (much love to Dr. Lilly and the could be setting an exemplary prece- the spread of the virus begins. How- right in comparison. second home. A place with missed Health Services team). So long as ev- dent during the pandemic. It simply ever, what is not out the window is As in all public health crisis cas- friends and beloved faculty, the home eryone follows the strict safety mea- takes one person, however, to dou- the fact that Exeter residents are on es, there is not an ubiquitous set of of that community so many of us sures set to the beau ideal, the hazard ble, triple, or quadruple the number average 45, with a large concen- guidelines that will satisfy everyone. would use to define the “Exeter ex- can stay relatively low. Maintaining a of infections in a matter of days, a tration in their 60s to 80s. Now, the Exonians travel onto campus for perience.” Exonians flew in (and will thousand teenagers within strict lines detriment to not only the closed com- influence this disease could have on varying reasons, and these discus- presumably fly in) from all corners and rules is quite an extraordinary munity around us, but to the town teenage students is often a matter of sions are, in many cases, not up for of the world for many reasons, de- feat. By the same token, some will of Exeter. Without proper caution, numbers, less than of life. Even as discussion. There are a host of con- spite virtual classes. And while every unfortunately have to conclude the many of us could fall off that tight- this virus spreads to more and more tributing factors that affect the de- individual is directed by their own term at home, hoping to come back rope and bring the town of Exeter young people, the elderly remain cision to depart home, and it is near circumstances, the yearn for commu- in January to see their friends again. with us. It is a momentous and exi- the most at-risk demographic. And, impossible to adhere to everyone’s nity during an otherwise humdrum We are on a tightrope, it seems—and gent factor in operating school in this demographically, this may make an desired standard for reopening the quarantine summer is probably a big the path ahead looks difficult. particular setting. outbreak in Exeter somewhat worse Academy. But while we’re here, it’s reason why. What does our tightrope look Exeter’s population density is than in other places. Now, consider important that we all walk that tight- The news of the first positive like? Let’s imagine all of the hun- more than 1200% higher than that that 50% of these people have fam- rope together carefully. COVID case on campus fills me with dreds of students on campus walk- of New Hampshire, which also hap- ilies with minors. With a virus that dread, but not surprise. By nature, a ing on the same rope. We are in it pens to be greater than the national does not discriminate (it takes even residential institution with students together, after all. While all students average. While Exeter may not be the quintessential tough dude), our from more than thirty foreign coun- are treading on one rope, if everyone as compact as what we typically coming back must scare a lot of peo- Should Exeter Have Reopened? By ANGELA ZHANG ‘23 out to be negative, and 13 people in cols and campus restrictions are still completely different ballgame than worth the charges. Student athletes close contact with them were imme- not enough to ensure 100% safety, in-person classes, and many students would also be missing out on op- After six long months, Exeter diately identified and tested. There which is completely valid. That’s find themselves unmotivated and portunities to train and play for the finally reopened its doors to- stu were quarantine facilities in the why the freedom of choice is so struggling to keep up. The financial, Academy if it did not reopen. Espe- dents from around the world—with Health Center for such individuals. important. I trust families made de- emotional, physical and mental dif- cially for those seeking to be athletes strict restrictions, of course. Simul- Even now, with a positive case on cisions in their best interests. Those ficulties students may experience at at the collegiate level, access to train- taneously, college campuses have campus (to be expected), the school who would rather continue virtual home should not be overlooked. Be- ing and sports teams is an important also reopened, while others stay is rapidly identifying and quaran- learning, are concerned for their ing in a proper school environment, factor in deciding if a completely closed for the rest of the year. The tining close contacts. I admit I was safety, are immunocompromised or having access to more resources virtual experience with the Academy reopening of schools, naturally, has worried at first; I am lucky enough have travel restrictions can choose and being away from potentially would be worth it. It’s a good thing become a contentious topic. After to not personally know someone to experience Exeter virtually. At the stressful familial issues undoubted- we reopened, or else we would alien- all, COVID-19 poses a significant with the virus, so with someone on same time, there were families that ly aids many students in finding a ate and possibly lose members of our health risk to wide swaths of the gen- campus testing positive, the reality needed Exeter to reopen. The current sense of normalcy during these dif- Exeter community. eral population. of the virus just got, well, much kore plan, though imperfect, tries to ac- ficult times. That, and simply being Overall, I believe the majority of The New York Times completed a real. However, there isn’t mass hys- commodate both groups. at Exeter, will also help improve the students still look forward to their survey in early September, showing teria, and no one is left in the dark. Not every student has access to educational experience of the many return—and for good reason. Being a 36,000 case increase in coronavirus The school is doing everything it an organized learning space, stable Exonians who thrive on campus. physically present at Exeter is undis- patients on college campuses. While can to control the situation and is internet connection or a quiet envi- Reportedly, there were also a putedly a critical component of the not all these cases were a direct re- transparent in its notices to families. ronment at home. Some families did handful of students who considered Exeter experience. Campus serves sult of campus reopenings, and were This calm and collected response not expect their children to be home withdrawal from the Academy if it various purposes for each student, likely contracted elsewhere before reassured me my health would be for so long and are thud unprepared did not reopen. Tuition is certainly and, granted strict and trusted health the start of school, the results go to taken care of once I return to Exeter for or do not have the resources not inexpensive, and some students protocols are implemented, the re- show that campuses have become a in October. to support their children’s extend- did not believe a completely virtual opening of Exeter provides many new hotspot for the virus. Some believe the health proto- ed stays. Virtual learning is also a educational experience would be benefits to all families. This isn’t surprising news at all. Schools and health officials have known this risk to be real, and sure- ly, they have been working tirelessly ever since early summer to mitigate the potential consequences of a known risk. With that being said, I be- lieve Exeter made the right choice in reopening. This belief is not at all a dismissal to the health risk. In fact, if Exeter hadn’t proven itself respon- sible in controlling the situation, I would not support its reopening. The Academy invested in many health resources and protocols, spent a great deal of time rewriting student guidelines and daily expectations and seems to have a plan for nearly every event that could happen, in- cluding the recent positive test. To see that plan, we need to revisit the Academy’s earlier response. For example, on Sep. 10, the Academy completed a round of testing that had two indeterminate results. Staff consequently admin- istered rapid antigen tests that came back negative. The two cases con- tinued to be treated as positive cases until their second PCR tests turned Upper Danielle Sung standing in line. Teja Vankireddy/The Exonian 6 NO. 14 – CXLII SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 Editor’s Corner: Notes on Awakening

Otto Do/The Exonian

By FELIX YEUNG ‘20 tongues, the ones wrenched… shadows in between. self the truth about his past is from our mouths. Give us more In the building across, trapped in it, is immobilized keep your helmet, keep your than Second-Hand Reading, someone hears my call. She ——— in the prison of his undis- life, son life filtered through the eyes of casts white light into pitch- covered self, James Baldwin just a flesh wound, here’s your gods. Let trees grow from our black, too. The woman pulls with you I serve, with you I writes. This is true of nations. rifle broken backs—let the demon a knife from her drawer, dic- fall down Cities, too. crawling up the beach- inside each of us, condemned es 4:03a.m. scallions. Or are watch you breathe in, watch Then, the shame comes. es now— by our teachers, our fathers, they stalks of lemongrass? I you breathing out The shame of leaving, of become new Gods to replace look down, for it is me I must flocking across the Pacific ——— the ones of old. I rage, for I draw in this assignment. At ——— to that broken(?) country on know I am alive but have no least, the me others perceive. a broken(?) hill I once be- And sitting here, in this tongue to declare it. I thought But what do I know of how And sitting here, beneath lieved to be Heaven on Earth. room of bleeding silver, I I was growing wings— / it others perceive me, except a weeping fig tree, I soak in Of flying, swimming, across feel the wings buried but / was a cocoon. I thought I was what I know of how I perceive rays that penetrate the leaves. the global waters which di- there nonetheless, lodged surviving—it was dying. But I others? Isn’t everything a con- The air hangs still. On Vic- sastrously connect Africa to deep in that space / between am. I breathe. The artist helps versation between the viewer toria Peak, the sounds of the America, Europe and econom- my shoulder blades. I sit in a me see reality again. and the viewed? I glimpse at city ebb and flow, cycle like ic prosperity. The shame of den that is not mine—a shrine her face, looking for myself the water of a fountain. They dislocation. The shame of be- to a creature who bears my And my wings flutter once in it. form a chorus behind the ing a child of no city: an im- face but is not me. This is a more: in fury, in tragedy, in I think of Fahrelnissa Zeid. voice, made mechanical, that migrant not meant to stop and room of closets and opaque flight. I place my model a distance rings from my computer. I a resident not meant to stay. glass, of The Boys’ Book and away, she says, so I cannot think that there’s this very pe- But maybe this is where I needles snapped in half be- ——— see all the details, to gain a culiar quality that monuments am alone, where I am alive. cause knitting is “a woman’s general view, to see the pres- have—of being completely in- Maybe this is where I dis- game.” At its center is a nest something med school did not ence of the person and per- visible, Kara Walker says. The cover that life is tragic, and of monochromatic light, lines cover haps their soul. I want to larger they are, in fact, the therefore unutterably beau- of white circling—choking— someone’s daughter, some- capture this moment, of two more they sink into the back- tiful. In this space—between one another. The light careens one’s mother lights, accentuated by dark- ground. continents, between cities, towards my broken glasses, holds your hand through plas- ness. Instead, I trace myself Well, here I am, on a living between peoples. Maybe this diffracting into hues only I tic now— on the page, finding darkness monument. Victoria reach- is where I become. can see. that makes my features real. I es for her mountain from the I want to avoid danger, ——— don’t think there’s a big dif- burial ground at Frogmore. ——— avoid fear, / avoid excitement, ference between a portrait Queen (or not?) of my people. only twenty minutes to sleep these the very triggers that And sitting here, where no and an abstract. Because one I am not Black, not white— but you dream of some epiph- prompt / my wings from their stars hang in the cloudless could make a hundred por- something in between, or any resting place deep inside. But night, I trace a line that grav- traits and every time it would something else entirely. But just one single glimpse of re- my queer rage consumes me, itates toward shadow. Around be different. Because it is not Kara Walker helps me see re- lief my grief for the bird that, with my eyes. Beneath my overcast a photo. It is the soul, Zeid ality again, awakens me to the to make some sense of what the flip of a page, becomes a hair. Where my nose grooves says. monument that I am on. you’ve seen box again. Why have we not into my cheeks. The dark ac- The timer goes off. 4:04a.m. I see a British flag, planted reclaimed the locker room: centuates the light. I draw No, my drawing is not a photo by protestors last October. We Excerpts from James Bald- homosocial lair of homosexu- back my curtains, cast white of myself. And, yet, it is alive. were traded from colonizer win, Fahrelnissa Zeid, Kara al nightmares? I seethe. light into the pitch-black of The portrait moves in memory, to tyrant, from White to Red. Walker, C. Dale Young, De- Let us enter the chapter, 4:02a.m. Hong Kong. one line with beginning and Stripes to Stars. And I mourn nise Levertov, William Ken- William Kentridge says. Let end. It is my ode to wonder, to for my people, who seem tridge, Taylor Swift us into the rooms that are sup- Art is a conversation be- sonder. A glimpse into a mo- not to realize this fact. Who posed to be ours! Give us our tween the artist and the view- ment I will never live again. A have chosen one or the other. er. portrait of me, her and all the Whomever cannot tell him-

ANNE BRANDES NEWS EDITORS HUMOR EDITORS PHOTO EDITORS OPERATIONS The Web Board staff Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Cui Jack Archer Piya Bryant William Clark members are listed on The Bona Hong Sonny Fiteni Teja Vankireddy Exonian’s website: Emily Kang Sarah Huang SUBSCRIPTIONS www.theexonian.com. FELIX YEUNG Senai Robinson Adam Tuchler Jun Lee Managing Editor Daniel Zhang HEAD ART EDITOR Keara Polovick To subscribe to or HEAD DESIGNER Sabrina Kearney advertise on The Exonian, ISA MATSUBAYASHI LIFE EDITORS Otto Do ACCOUNTING contact exonianbb@gmail. Business Chair Morgan Lee GRAD ISSUE MANAGER Cooper Walshe com or call 603-777-4308. Ella Malysa LAYOUT EDITORS Veronica Choulga A subscription to the pa- Mary Timmons Daniel Cui OUTREACH per costs $90 off campus MAEGAN PAUL Jason Wang Allison Kim SENIOR COLUMNISTS Brandon Anderson and $150 overseas. Chief Digital Editor Minseo Kim Kai Lockwood Operations Manager OPINIONS EDITORS Avery Lavine Jonathan Meng SPECIAL PROJECTS The Exonian welcomes Dennis Kostakoglu-Aydin Ryan Xie Alexis Ramon Letters to the Editor sent Stephen McNulty HEAD COPY EDITORS Ursie Wise to the care of exonian@ Dillon Mims May Chen FACULTY ADVISORS gmail.com. Emmanuel Tran Kilin Tang Ellee Dean Erica Lazure The Exonian reserves the SPORTS EDITORS HEAD PHOTO EDITORS Avery Reavill right to print Letters to the Sydney Kang Will Vietor Editor in a timely fashion Charlotte Lisa Thomas Wang ADVERTISING and to edit them for content Ginny Vazquez-Azpiri Joshua Lum and clarity. Cooper Walshe SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 NO. 14 – CXLII 7

“That’s what I need. The eternal med “The river ate my sock.” “Coronavirus gave me a mullet.” leave.” Humor —Noah James ‘21 —Anonymous —Felix Yeung ‘21 New Upper Digs Tunnels 6 Feet Underground to Socially Distance

By JACK ARCHER does he break social distancing with his trusty industrial shovel, hair obscures his ears. His only Those markers they put on trees? protocol. He has yet to meet an- no spot on campus is unreach- distinctive quality is a cheery They’re not markers. Turns out other soul venturing down the able, as long as he has a couple buck-toothed grin. they’re headstones. I might be As October rolls around, up- paths he frequents. Never does hours to get there. the only one on campus who perclassmen begin to navigate Some of Mol’s peers have he have to make an awkward knows what John M. Stone ‘82 Exeter’s new way of life in the Students in Ratte’s dorm ex- stronger feelings regarding him. hop onto the grass to stay six feet looks like,” he shuddered. first weeks of school. Many are pressed feelings of confusion “If I’m being honest with you, away from someone going in discovering strange strategies and reverence toward their peer. I’m scared of that kid,” a prep “My biggest disaster hap- the opposite direction. Mol has that help them cope, as well as “Mol’s chill, but he kinda scares said, quietly. “I eat with him a pened on the first day of class- yet to lose his way and meet the unlikely locations which provide me,” said one upper with a look lot, and I’ve NEVER seen him es,” he added. “When I was same fate as so many new uppers a moment’s calm and a couple of consternation on their face. drink water. He just eats like sev- clearing out a tunnel under before him: having to double seconds to peel off a sweaty face “That kid built an entire tunnel en plates of vegetables. I think D-Hall, I wasn’t paying attention back. Mol knows his way around mask and rub the unrelenting system under campus in, like, a he might be a little deaf, but he and cracked open a huge pipe. I his paths—as he should—be- acne beneath it. Some of these WEEK.” swears he has the best hearing in didn’t get a chance to read its la- cause he made them. strategies are stranger than oth- When questioned about his his family. If you get a chance, bel clearly, but I’m pretty sure it ers, and one place in particular Since the start of school, unusual method of transporta- watch him carry his shovel. He said ‘Water Main’ or something. didn’t exist last school year. Ratte has been burrowing six tion, Mol smiles and shrugs. holds up upside down! I’d bet my Anyway, water spills into my feet under the ground, digging an lanyard that kid doesn’t dig with tunnel, flooding it completely! New upper Mol Ratte has “Digging is almost a family tra- intricate tunnel system under Ex- the shovel. I think he might use Man, that was annoying. I had to found a novel way to get around dition,” he said. “My dads and eter’s campus that can take him his—oh, hey Mo, what’s up!” dig a whole reservoir to hold all the school. On his forays through brothers do it all the time, but anywhere he needs to be. that water, which is probably still campus, whether it be a journey Mom was never into it.” According to Ratte, the pro- under Elm Street. It was lucky I to D-hall for a vegetarian snack When he descends into his Mol certainly doesn’t look cess of creating his paths has had was right under D-Hall though, (Mol actually refers to himself subterranean highway, Mol is like a champion excavator. He’s its challenges. “The other day, I cause I was able to head up there as a herbivore) or to South Side always six feet away from ev- on the shorter side, but somehow was minding my own business, and grab a nice glass of Tropi- for a walk in the woods, not once eryone, and with no one in sight, looks lanky. A copious amount of digging a new tunnel, and then a mask isn’t necessary. Armed I ran straight into a dead body. cana Orange Juice.”

8 Reasons Why the “Man, I feel kinda sick, I should Custodial Staff Hated go to the Health Center” Packing Your Room The Exonian: By ADAM TUCHLER

1. You play hockey, so naturally your room reeks of sweat and low GPA. 2. You are filthy and never empty your trash before breaks. 3. You don’t regularly change your bed sheets/do laun- dry. 4. You don’t have a filing system so your room looks like a failed paper factory. 5. Why do you keep that under your bed 6. You have too many anime posters on your wall. 7. You assembled your couch inside your room, so it doesn’t fit through the door. 8. Your “interpretive sculptures” required a meeting with Dean Moriarty.

10 Ways to Flex in Zoom Class and Canvas Discussion Educators Discouraged by Boards By ADAM TUCHLER Prospect of Third Online

1. Use the word “juxtaposition” (always works). 2. Answer every question the teacher throws at the class as if you are having a one on one conversation with him/ Term her/them. pers have contested this claim, his unconventional sound. Ahead 3. Write solely in antiquated language on each discussion By SONNY FITENI and Principal Rawson has yet to of his first studio album, singles board regardless of the class. respond. like “Canst thou bring me to the 4. Be a math shark and post the homework 3 days in ad- Exonians aren’t the only ones Last Thursday, Phillips sat party?” have been hotly teased on vance. lamenting the loss of campus pres- down with our podcast news team LionLinks. 5. Use people’s names in class. ence. Several members of our in- stitution’s faculty have taken our 50 Minutes to share some of his When asked in class if any- 6. Never mute yourself because you know you are gonna absence very hard, and as the fu- story. Here is an excerpt of that one had actually listened to the speak again in 20 seconds. ture of distance learning hangs in transcript: self-titled EP released last Friday, 7. Whenever the teacher says something profound, make uncertainty, some members have Thank you for joining us, students groaned. “Put it back on an expression that shows you are thinking about what the made plans for the worst. Jawn. Could share what was go- Tuesday—the administration had teacher is saying. Then make a confused look and try to to take that from us, too?” When Disappointed by the thought of ing through your head when you ask a profound question back at the teacher who will then teachers clarified that they were never joining his students around made this transition at such a ignore it because it is irrelevant and/or he/she/they do not referring to our founder’s musical the Harkness table again, educa- late stage in your career? know the answer. endeavors and not a cherished tra- tors like Phillips Exeter Academy I don’t think—I do. dition which had been repeatedly 8. Use Notability for all of your math homework. founder John Phillips have turned Who inspires you? moved around the week so as to 9. Post your homework on OneNote before class starts. to alternative avenues for fulfill- Kendrick. become insignificant, one student 10. Disagree with anything anyone says at any time. ment. Phillips, age 264, explained Can we expect any surprises chimed in that “as long as it’s not that his decision to move from from your album? that new Nav I’ll give it a chance.” founder of a prep school to aspir- Let me just say, when the kids ing Soundcloud rapper was the re- Now, having made his way hear Lionel [Mr. Hearon] hop on sult of an “overdue career change.” onto the coveted “CXLII News- these adlibs, it’ll be like the Acad- room” communal Spotify play- Top 7 Things to Do John Phillips, now stylized as emy Building burned down a sec- list, Jawn Phillips reflected on the Jawn Phillips, hopes to leave his ond time. fame other educators could find if mark on the rap game with his new Is there anything you want to they are willing to take the leap. During Zoom Class old-school style and fresh face. tell fans at home now? “My brother Sam-I-Am Phillips Swaggering over to the Bowld By ADAM TUCHLER is down in Essex writing some Music Center in a waist-length Sons, if you work hard enough, cookbooks. Y’know something dress coat and breeches, Jawn as- Hennything is possible. for the summer, something for the 1. Homework for that class. sured listeners that he would car- Thank you for joining us, kids.”* When asked if he’d consid- 2. Write listicles for the humor section. ry on certain hip hop mainstays. Jawn. er shouting out “Green Eggs and “Don’t need to ask why I always Goodday to you, too. 3. Talk to other friends who may or may not be in class Ham” on a future single, the New wear red,” he notes. at the same time. Not to be confused with Gram- England rapper was quick to shoot 4. Browse Amazon for harmonicas. Celebrating his induction onto my-nominated musician and lead things down. “It’s juvenile, not for 5. Play Among Us with your friends in the same class. the XXL Freshmen list as the “hot- singer of the Mamas and Papas my city.” test thing on three legs,” the Ando- John Phillips (who refused to re- 6. Attend college info sessions to demonstrate interest. ver-born rapper has given himself turn the Exonian’s request for 7. Post next week’s math homework on the discussion the self-professed moniker “King comment), Jawn Phillips explained *Samuel Phillips is actually board. of New England.” No living rap- that his Billboard promise lies in John Phillip’s nephew 8 NO. 14 – CXLII SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

» REMOTE STUDENTS » BOYS’ WATERPOLO INNOVATES Exonians participate in Academy athletics around the Boys’ Waterpolo finds new ways to stay in shape and Sports world, 8. together throughout pandemic, 8. Remote Students Participate From Afar By GEORGI VENCI ly. Every student enrolled in a workouts throughout the week. been using a similar system. ier.” physical education (PE) course Students are held to an honesty In-season and off-season sports Yu expressed similar grat- Sep. 14 marked the begin- is connected with an instructor code when asked about their re- have been meeting in-person itude. “It feels really nice to ning of all athletics for the from the athletics department spective workouts and exercise and over Zoom, conducting know that everyone’s in the hybrid fall term. This includ- through Canvas, where instruc- at the end of each week. “Zoom training sessions and engag- same boat and supportive of ed physical education, club tors can post workouts, diet and Canvas hands a lot of re- ing in various workouts. Each each other.” sports, in-season sports and the pointers and other information sponsibility to our athletes and sport has a Canvas page, which In the spirit of equity, most debut of training for off-sea- that an athlete would normally students,” coach Avery Reavill functions in a similar way as workouts posted by the Athlet- son sports. Uppers and seniors receive from a coach. Athletes said. the PE courses. Coaches and ic Department include modifi- who have returned to campus can also report and submit what Remote training comes with teammates are able to stay con- cations for if a student cannot have started in-person training, workouts they have done, as some unexpected upsides, how- nected for training and other access certain equipment. “We while preps and lowers will well as post any questions or ever, one of which is personal team building events, despite do our best to provide work- soon join them in early Octo- comments for the coach. The growth for the remote partici- the offset of having teammates outs free from open space and ber. In the meantime, remote PE instructors have also cre- pants. “With so much respon- who are learning remotely. equipment requirements,” students have been participat- ated an extensive library with sibility comes independence, Some students spoke to the Reavill said. ing in a combination of online pre-recorded workouts for stu- which I think is a valuable ex- difficulties of completing on- “The department really has workouts and Zoom meetings dents to follow along at their perience,” Reavill said. line workouts. “I haven’t been made the best system for ath- with their teams. These remote own pace. Live workouts have Another positive is the setting aside as much time for letics given the circumstances,” students, even those participat- also been taking place over flexibility that comes with us- workouts as I would on cam- Liu said. ing in a team, are registered for Zoom to encourage students ing Canvas workouts. Upper pus,” lower Caleb Yu said. Machado expressed a similar the newly-created Fitness and to maintain their workout reg- Lindsay Machado, involved Fortunately, the captains appreciation for the effort her Wellness course. imen and stay connected with with off-season Cross Country, of interscholastic teams have captains and coaches have put Given the circumstances, instructors. Girls’ Swimming, and Girls’ been working to keep the team into creating an inclusive team the new system has had to take Some classes have been us- Water Polo teams noted that connected and motivated. Low- environment. “Coaches, cap- on a very different approach ing an app called STRAVA, an “the advantage of a Canvas er Henry Liu, involved with tains, and athletes are all doing than past years. Instructors in internet service used to track workout is that your schedule in-season Boys’ Water Polo, the best they can. I appreciate physical education have had to exercises while also incorpo- becomes much more flexible. I said that “staying in touch with that they’re thinking of those of change their program to accom- rating social network features. can create a day that works for captains and teammates has us away from campus.” modate online learning for stu- This allows athletes to track and me and my classes.” made being off-campus and dents who are learning remote- report any recent activities and Interscholastic teams have off-campus workouts a lot eas-

Exonians play distanced games. Courtesy of Exeter Communications Boys’ Waterpolo Adapts to Pandemic Constraints

By HENRY LIU of the innovative methods that with Coach Fish.” Even with no games planned the rest of the season. “I’m the team is currently imple- These team workouts are for the season, the team is still looking forward to working The pandemic has caused menting into their practices. done with careful attention to motivated to train hard. “The with the teams to create a Boys’ Water Polo to lose an “We do drills on land, such as the social distancing guide- team dynamic is really what competitive environment,” he important aspect of their sport: passing from a kneeling posi- lines. “We are sanitizing motivates us. Even though said. “We’ll eventually have the water. Limited access to tion or target practice shoot- hands, balls and other equip- we don’t have a season this the chance to scrimmage with- the pool has forced the athletes ing. We also go to Hatch Field ment. Staying six feet apart fall and many seniors won’t in our squad and I think that to adapt to new practice meth- and play a modified version of at all times is a priority, and play polo in college, we keep will bring a lot of energy to our ods. While many of Exeter’s handball using the field hock- Coach [Don] Mills is giving us the intensity up with friendly practices” interscholastic teams have had ey nets, known as ‘land polo,’” ten push-ups when we aren’t competition and a focus on “I’m personally very excit- to change up their training re- he said. as a punishment,” senior Aren preparing the younger guys to ed for the preps and lowers to gime, Boy’s Water Polo, in par- The team has also incorpo- Mizuno said. Mizuno not- take on leadership roles next join us, as they are the future ticular, has had to make major rated cardio and lifts into their ed that wearing masks while year and come back better than of our program,” Garey added. changes to how their workouts training. As senior Nick Garey working out is a bit like “alti- ever,” Garey said. “Our team’s “I hope to pass down to them and practices are conducted. pointed out, “We cannot use tude training.” culture has always been one of the same passion that seniors The athletes have had to Downer for lifts yet, so Coach “The team is trying their relentless intensity, and we see impressed upon me when I switch to creative methods of [Shaun Fishel] has set up a ru- best to stay socially distant this virus as just another chal- first joined the team. This is workouts in order to replicate dimentary weight room near and sanitized to keep the oth- lenge to overcome.” a special team, and they will the aquatic sport on land. Se- the stadium that we train in. er members of the community Coach Avery Reavill main- have to carry the torch sooner nior Josh Yu described some We do team runs and workouts safe,” Yu added. tained a positive outlook on than they realize.”

Phillips Exeter’s vacated pool located in the Love Gym. Courtesy of Exeter Communications