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SUMMER 2026

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026!

P. 36

SUMMER 2026 / CONTENTS

FEATURES

America at 250 Why studying U.S. history matters. Sarah Pruitt ’95

Edward Kraus Paul steps across the stage as one of 326 graduating seniors. P. 38

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

“Exeter was established with the purpose of building character, and has been practicing that magic formula since 1781.”

Exeter celebrates with a joyful sendoff to graduating seniors. Sarah Pruitt ’95

Ethan Benenson ’26, president of the senior class, p. 38

A Life’s Work: Teaching

The Academy says goodbye to nine esteemed members of the faculty who collectively provided more than 300 years of service. Meg Foley

Bookmark This Page! The new digital edition of The Exeter Bulletin — including Class News & Notes — is live! Same great stories, plus video, photo galleries, audio and more. Spot a as you read this print issue? That’s your cue: There’s more to see, hear or watch online. Cover: Photography by Amanda Sagba

bulletin.exeter.edu

The Exeter Bulletin

The View From Here

Volume CXXX, Issue no. 4

Principal Jennifer Karlen Elliott

Around the Table

Letters ∙ Heard in Assembly Hall ∙ Rocky King ’26 shares how Exeter changed his understanding of the word “future” ∙ Senior bookmark ∙ Exonians in review ∙ Inside the writing life with Belle Burden ’87 ∙ ∙ A gap year adventure from Adele Mamedova ’25 ∙ Exoniana

The Academy

Founders’ Day Award ∙ New Trustees named ∙ Climate Action Day ∙ Global Initiatives trip explores Jewish experience ∙ Track dedicated to K. Tucker Andersen ’59 ∙ Girls Who Lift Club ∙ News ∙ Spring theater, dance and music performances ∙ Student art exhibition ∙ Spring sports

Director of Communications Robin Giampa

The Exeter Reunion love story of Lanna Wang ’12 and Tyler Goddard ’12. P. 54

Connections

Educator Hannah Herklotz ’05 ∙ Biologist Joseph Luczkovich ’74 ∙ Lanna Wang ’12 and Tyler Goddard ’12 ∙ Events around the world

Class News and Notes

110

Editor in Chief Jennifer Wagner P’24 Class Notes Editor Cathy Webber Contributing Editor Patrick Garrity Staff Writers Adam Loyd, Sarah Pruitt ’95 Production Coordinator Ben Harriton Designers Rachel Dlugos, Andrew Hall, Jacqueline Trimmer Photography Editor Christian Harrison

Memorial Minute Colin Franklin Newell Irving ’41; ’65 (Hon.)

Communications Advisory Committee Daniel G. Brown ’82, Robert C. Burtman ’74, Dorinda Elliott ’76, Alison Freeland ’72, Yvonne M. Lopez ’93

112

TRUSTEES

Finis Origine Pendet

President Kristyn A. McLeod Van Ostern ’96 Vice President Suzi Kwon Cohen ’88 Jeffrey N. Bannon ’77, Bradford “Brad” Briner ’95, Samuel “Sam” Brown ’92, Jennifer Karlen Elliott, Elizabeth A. “Betsy” Fleming ’86, Ira D. Helfand, M.D. ’67, Paulina L. Jerez ’91, Giles “Gil” Kemp ’68, Zemin “Will” Li ’90, Eric A. Logan ’92, Cornelia “Cia” Buckley Marakovits ’83, Christine M. Robson Weaver ’99, Genisha Saverimuthu ’02, Michael J. Schmidtberger ’78, Marshall A. Smith ’87, Rhoda K. Tamakloe ’01, Belinda A. Tate ’90, Seisei Tatebe-Goddu ’01, Janney Wilson ’83

THE EXETER BULLETIN (ISSN No. 0195-0207) is published four times each year: fall, winter, spring and summer, by Phillips Exeter Academy, 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH 03833-2460 Tel: 603-772-4311

Shay Kashif ’26, Amanda Sagba

Periodicals postage paid at Exeter, NH, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA by Cummings Printing. The Exeter Bulletin is sent free of charge to alumni, parents, grandparents, friends and educational institutions by Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH. Communications may be emailed to the editor at bulletin@exeter.edu. Copyright 2026 by the Trustees of Phillips Exeter Academy. ISSN-0195-0207

Student choreographers drew inspiration from popular films for the spring dance concert. P.24

Postmasters: Send address changes to: Phillips Exeter Academy, Records Office 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH 03833-2460

MORE ONLINE Watch a video of the student reflections at bulletin.exeter.edu. 2

THE EXETER BULLETIN SEASON YEAR

THE VIEW FROM HERE

Growth Chart Four years ago, we asked the six students pictured here — Nicholas Limoli ’26, Eric Bagg ’26, Lauren Lee ’26, Collin Moore ’26, Luca Domingos-Worth ’26 and Sofia Chaudrey ’26 — what they hoped to gain from their time at Exeter. Their answers ranged from the sensible, “to study the classics,” to the passionate, “become co-head of a dance club,” and the aspirational, “form true, meaningful bonds.” Just weeks before graduation, we sat down with them again to watch the video interviews of their prep selves, revisit those early goals and reflect on the ways they’ve grown. As they shared how the Academy shaped their experiences, challenged their assumptions and prepared them for whatever comes next, it was clear that the relationships they built within the class of 2026 and throughout the Exeter community had left the deepest mark. A notion perhaps best summed up by Lee: “I’m just extremely grateful to have grown up in a space where everyone around me, regardless of what their ambition is, has an ambition and has a passion and is constantly working towards it.”●

CELEBRATING LGBTQIA+ EXONIANS OCTOBER 16–18, 2026

EXETER BELONGING is a new series with a rotating focus highlighting cultural and affinity groups and the influence they have had on our community. This October, join us on campus as we celebrate LGBTQIA+ Exonians past and present. All are welcome. CONNECT: Alum panel and small group discussions, affinity spaces and a belonging brunch with current students. DISCOVER: Archives exhibit, campus tours, and breakfast with campus leadership. CELEBRATE: Welcome reception, dinner, dancing and art.

Visit exeter.edu/exeterbelonging for program information and to register for the event. THE EXETER BULLETIN SUMMER 2026

Around the Table IN THEIR WORDS Hear from alumni about their experience writing, reading and listening to personal meditations. P. 16

Owen Welch ’26 delivers his meditation in Phillips Church and Multifaith Center this spring.

SUMMER 2026 THE EXETER BULLETIN

AROUND THE TABLE / CORRESPONDENCE

The Community Exchange Letters to the Editor The poem by Charlie Smith in the spring Bulletin is so powerful. I was very moved by the poem. My dad and brother went to PEA and I read the Bulletin’s articles. I am always impressed. Katie Balcke

Feedback from the Quad Exeter’s mission statement reads, “unite goodness and knowledge and inspire youth from every quarter to lead purposeful lives.” We asked Exonians, what does the phrase “youth from every quarter” mean to you?

Congratulations, Principal Rawson! You addressed historical issues to make Exeter even more welcoming. Thank you, Bill.

“The phrase means being able to acknowledge and value everyone’s ideas and thoughts despite them being from very different backgrounds.”

Tom Fernandez ’85 Commenting on social media

Excellent article about a great man! Jeff Bannon ’77 Commenting on social media

Thank you, skipper. Ebrima Cham ’71 Commenting on social media

He definitely reflects Exeter’s real underlying values, I’ll say that. Valerie Wagner ’83 Commenting on social media

“Giving opportunity to every student from every walk of life.” “It means having a variety of perspectives on campus and being able to learn from every single one of them.” “It means that I belonged here as a student, and it means that I belong here now.”

Watch the video responses at bulletin.exeter.edu.

Pearl Hara Yamazaki ’29 (far left)

What’s something that surprised you about Exeter?

“Although I always knew that Exeter would be a transformative experience, I couldn’t quite guess how. Exeter encouraged me to appreciate my Japanese culture and incorporate it into how I present/view myself more. I am also beyond grateful for all my friends because they have taught me so much about the world. The constant collaboration here has taught me how much you can learn from others, even in nonacademic settings.” Pearl Hara Yamazaki ’29

Students record what “youth from every quarter” means to them.

THE EXETER BULLETIN SUMMER 2026

We want to hear from you! The Exeter Bulletin welcomes story ideas and letters related to articles published in recent issues. Send your remarks for consideration to bulletin@exeter.edu or Phillips Exeter Academy, The Exeter Bulletin, 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH, 03833.

QUOTED

Heard in Assembly Hall Sound bites from this spring’s speaker series “I had a student ask me about democracy. She said: ‘I’m a high school student. What can I do?’ And my answer to her is my answer to you: You have the most important power in the world. You have the power of ideas. ” Alan Leventhal Former U.S. ambassador to Denmark

“It’s more than just physical self-defense. We have to learn how to protect ourselves spiritually, protect our mana, protect our minds, our emotions. … If I could give one piece of advice to any of the girls and women here, [it would be] get into a combat sport — Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, MMA — anything at all, just start doing it.” Ilima-Lei Macfarlane Mixed martial artist

“We’re seeing lots of science that is disrupting the habits and systems that we take for granted and calling for almost a total reunderstanding of what can be done and what we have to do. We can understand how we can go to the beach and we can pick up litter … but it’s much more difficult to understand ocean acidification. We can’t go to the beach and move the currents.” Andri Magnason Writer, documentary filmmaker

“If we found life elsewhere in the universe, it would be a monumental event in the history of the world. Not only because it shows us that there’s life elsewhere in the universe, but also because of what it takes to get there: the rigor and self-discipline and goodness and knowledge to actually be able to answer this question.” Thomas Beatty ’01 Professor of astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

“After virtually centuries of Ukrainians fighting for their identity, trying to reclaim their history, fighting for their country from under attack time after time from Russia and the Soviet Union, isn’t it a shame that it took a war in the 21st century for the world to begin to be aware of the rich and vast cultural heritage of Ukraine — their books, their literature, their drama, their music, their art?” Deborah Ziska Writer, filmmaker, museum communication consultant

“Cheetahs maintain the health of the ecosystems as a top predator. They hunt down the fast or the slow, the weak, the sick, and they maintain the biodiversity within these wonderful ecosystems that are vanishing before our eyes.” Laurie Marker Conservation biologist, executive director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund

To watch videos of some of these assemblies, go to exeter.edu/live. SUMMER 2026 THE EXETER BULLETIN

AROUND THE TABLE / STUDENT MEDITATION

All That Matters Rocky King ’26 shares how Exeter changed his understanding of the word “future”

Each winter and spring, members of the senior class take to the lectern in Phillips Church and Multifaith Center to deliver meditations in front of peers, instructors and friends. A meditation has no template or paradigm. Most are personal and evolve from thinking about life and one’s place in it. Here is an excerpt from “All That Matters,” the meditation Rocky King ’26 shared with the Exeter community this spring.

omehow, the teachers liked me. They’d pull me aside and tell me I was “different,” “smart,” “promising.” My classmates didn’t care about grades or academics and, to be honest, neither did I. However, something in my life made me want to try, and that’s what ultimately set me apart. Maybe it was because of my mom, or maybe because school was the only place where people told me I mattered for something good. I acted like everyone else socially because standing out was dangerous. But inside, I was different. I wanted out. I wanted more. That drive led my beloved math teacher, Mr. Vilson, to refer me to the Prep 9 program. He handed me the application as if it were a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. “You can go places,” he said. “You just need the door.” My mother pushed harder than anyone for me to pursue academics. She wanted something better for me and my brother, even if she wasn’t sure of the path. My acceptance came soon after.

“I acted like everyone else socially because standing out was dangerous. But inside, I was different. I wanted out. I wanted more.” 8

THE EXETER BULLETIN SUMMER 2026

The preparatory program for elite boarding schools was intense. I spent my eighth-grade weekends and the following two summers in class. Those train rides were long, and this was the first time I had met others who spoke about a future I had never heard of. Up until that point, the term “future” meant the next meal or next month’s rent. I struggled to buy into others’ visions of hard work in academia; however, I followed their vision of the “future” out of love for my mother’s sacrifices, and I excelled. When I was accepted to Exeter, my mom cried in a way I had never seen. Not out of sadness, but out of relief. Out of hope. As if everything she had endured was finally being held by someone else for a moment. But for me, it wasn’t that simple; going to Exeter didn’t feel like an escape. It felt like I was abandoning my brother, abandoning my mother, and leaving them to fight without me. Still, I went. Being at Exeter felt like living in someone else’s skin. Everything around me felt clean and orderly. A beautiful, uninterrupted silence enveloped my mind as I walked down the paths. Students walked the halls and sat down at Harkness tables as if they knew exactly what they wanted and why they were here. In the dining hall lines, kids argued about ski trips and European vacations. At the same time, I stood frozen, feeling my hands clench and my chest tighten, wondering whether my brother was walking home safely or if my mother was working herself into the ground.

“At night, I’d lie in my dorm room feeling tugs on opposite sides of my heart. One tug pulled me toward academia, extracurriculars and friends. The other reminded me of the family I had left behind.”

At night, I’d lie in my dorm room feeling tugs on opposite sides of my heart. One tug pulled me toward academia, extracurriculars and friends. The other reminded me of the family I had left behind, and that every day I spent on this campus was a day they were fighting without me. Every bus ride back to New York City, I watched myself send texts out to those I had befriended for jobs around the city. While my classmates rested, I worked. That was the reality I couldn’t escape. Smoke shops were usually the first stop, where vapes were restocked, glass counters were cleaned, and boxes were broken down in cramped back rooms that smelled of incense and dust. Nobody asked why I wasn’t in school like the rest of New York City’s high school students. They simply pointed me toward whatever needed to be done, and I appreciated that. Warehouses were tougher. I carried cases of Arizona Iced Tea until my arms burned and pushed heavy dollies across cold concrete floors. Ramzi, a smoke shop owner, taught me that bosses didn’t judge you by how much you could lift, but by how fast you could move. You didn’t have to be the strongest to help; you just had to want it. By the end of each shift, my shirt was soaked and my back ached, but I felt more accomplished bringing home cash meant for food or bills than I did bringing home any grades from school. Construction was the most challenging but straightforward job. Swing a hammer, haul trash, rip out drywall, and try not to inhale too much dust. The

middle-aged men I worked with didn’t slow down for anyone. Being young and fast helped. It was brutal, but it made sense. If you worked hard, you got paid. When I think about where I started, it’s strange to sit in classrooms surrounded by students who grew up with every resource I used to wish for. I don’t forget where I came from; if anything, being here makes the contrast sharper. While other seniors talk about college trips or internships arranged through family friends, I remember my brother and me singing on subways, working construction during breaks, and watching my mom fall asleep fully dressed after double shifts. Being at Exeter didn’t magically make any of that disappear. It just layered two different lives on top of each other. One life involved dining halls, Harkness discussions and conversations about careers in fields I didn’t even know existed. The other involved weekends and vacations spent working, sending money home, and checking in on my brother when I wasn’t there to look out for him. Somehow, those two lives ended up shaping who I am becoming now, and for the first time, I can see a future that isn’t defined only by survival. Rocky King ’26 is a four-year senior, a dormitory proctor in Abbot Hall, an Exeter Student Service Organization mentor, a participant in the Young Brothers Society and La Alianza Latina, and a guard on the boys varsity basketball team. He will attend Fordham University, where he plans to study finance and data science. SUMMER 2026 THE EXETER BULLETIN

AROUND THE TABLE / READING

Shelf Life

Mansa Awuah ’26 reflects on the books that allowed her to walk in someone else’s shoes

or more than 30 years, the Class of 1945 Library has invited seniors to contribute a short list of books and media to commemorate their graduation, their experiences as readers and everything they’ve learned at Exeter. These lists are made into bookmarks and shared with the community. Principal Rawson ’71; ’65,’70 (Hon.) and 36 members of the class of 2026 participated this year. “I love when students really get into choosing books for their bookmark,” Cataloging and Metadata Librarian Abby Payeur says, “and the conversations that inevitably arise as they think about their life as a reader.” We asked Mansa Awuah ’26 to tell us about the titles that made her list, “Love, Death and Everything in Between.” She writes: “These books depict emotional situations that are unique to the human experience: the loss of a beloved friend, a first heartbreak, navigating grief and deep friendship. Each of them is notably centered on one

or all of these themes in the nonfiction, mystery and romance genres. “For me, the value of reading is in books that pull you into their world so thoroughly that you become emotionally invested in characters and their stories — as if you’re walking in their shoes with them. My aim in creating this bookmark was to cultivate a list of books that would evoke emotion in readers, which would, in turn, excite them about the immersive experience of reading. I feel I have come away from each title with a new perspective on the world. Throughout my time at Exeter, I’ve found solidarity in books that present the raw reality of human struggles. I hope that others feel similarly after reading the books on my list.”●

Mansa Awuah ’26

THE EXETER BULLETIN SUMMER 2026

Find more bookmarks at: library.exeter.edu/seniorbookmarks