Raider Report
October 20th, 2025 “The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword.”— Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Inviting Innovation: Welcoming The Chris Perry Tech Lab
By Anton Liesnoi
‘26 & Pavlo Tsybran ‘26
Fryeburg Academy has opened the Chris Perry ‘10 Creative Technology Laboratory: a space that celebrates innovation, curiosity, and community. These values perfectly reflect Chris Perry ’10, a beloved FA alum remembered for his creativity and kindness. Chris passed away earlier this year, just before his 33rd birthday. His friends and family decided to honor his memory by creating something that would continue his love of technology and exploration. Thanks to their generosity, the new lab now gives students a place to build, create, and connect, just like Chris brought people together through his ideas and energy.
When the lab was first announced, Chris’ friends wrote that “This is more than a memorial. It’s a space for students like Chris—innovators, problem-solvers, kids who ask big questions and build cool things.” They also described him as “steady, brilliant, funny, and loyal - a person who shaped many of our best memories at FA and beyond.” The Perry Lab stands as a living reminder of his spirit, giving future students a chance to explore their own creativity and curiosity. The lab is located in the Bion R. Cram Library and it features modern, high-performance PCs, comfortable headsets, and Cont. School Life 2
STUDENT LIFE
Fryeburg 4H
By Aspen Hazlewood ‘26
This past fair, with the sale of market steer Cadillac, Delaney Dutton ‘26 wrapped up her final year of 4-H, a program dedicated to developing practical skills and knowledge, notably in the field of agriculture. Cont. Student life 1
4H participants and show cattle (Photo- Rachel Damon)
New computers in the tech lab (Photo- Mike Dana)
Junior Free Periods
By Lilia Vishnyakov ’26
As many students know, FA is constantly developing and improving its scheduling. From varying lengths of classes to shifting dates of all-school meetings, Academy students are accustomed to this culture of continual innovation. This year, the biggest change is that free periods are no longer exclusive to the senior class. For the past month, juniors have enjoyed not having study halls, the liberty to go wherever they want during the time allotted by their counselor. This exhibits another unique aspect of FA’s campus and culture, which allows students to leave school grounds during their free and lunch periods.
Upon the announcement of this change, many seniors expressed confusion. Zonder McKenzie ‘26 recalls thinking, “Why now?” They had waited three years to be rid of the binding study halls, and–suddenly–their long-awaited glory was dulled by having to share with the class below them. While this change seemed like a random decision, to expand upperclassmen’s advantages, there’s actually more to the story.
Continued from front page: 4H
Over the past 8 years, Delaney–as a member of the club–has annually purchased, raised, shown, and auctioned a steer. She says, “He would go into someone’s freezer to feed their family, employees, or even a food pantry.”
This illustrates a fundamental aspect of 4-H: building a holistic understanding of community. This year, Delaney tried something new. Showing and selling her first market hog, she earned the Grand Champion Senior Market Hog Showman as well as 3rd Overall Senior Market Steer Showman. Delaney’s younger sister, Kara Dutton, showed and sold a pig–the Grand Champion Market Hog. Also, Delaney and Kara own a business called K and A Cattle Company; the girls are awaiting the arrival of a batch of calves due this spring. Another way the pair pursues their passion is by showing others’ animals. In Hiram lives Nathan Wadsworth, one of the people Delaney and Kara work for. Wadsworth brought the girls to the
First and foremost, the school felt that study halls were lacking structure. Rather than calculated environments where students were motivated to study and do work, study halls were often just random assemblies of students soaking in 45 minutes of quiet free time. Additionally, space to create these environments was dwindling. FA has been seeing unprecedented growth in its student body in recent years, and–along with this growth–it has become increasingly challenging to fit reasonably sized study halls into classrooms. Between the lack of space and the challenge one teacher faces when trying to maintain a productive work environment for more than 15 various students, it became clear that study halls may not be the answer. So, in an attempt to troubleshoot these circumstances, the school decided to remove juniors from that equation by giving them free periods instead. Now, study halls look completely different. Class sizes are smaller, and teachers can provide more support for each student. Some stu-
dents report to the library, where they have access to resources such as computers, printers, and the achievement center. The new system shifts focus towards fostering positive work habits and maintaining closer supervision and support among underclassmen, while also providing juniors with more freedom. While juniors and seniors retain the option to go to the library for more structure or support, the freedom to choose is a cherished privilege.
Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Delaney showed his Reserve Champion Cow and won Champion Showman and Reserve Champion Overall Showman.
The Duttons also showed animals for another man, a veteran showman with 30 years at the Fryeburg Fair under his belt who had fallen ill. He asked the girls to “help him bring something to the fair that
“Some people might not be comfortable with your success, but you just have to keep doing it to get closer to your dreams.”
—Delaney Dutton
he could be proud of,” despite his condition. Delaney says that they were disinclined towards bringing a new breed into their
barn but, for the sake of community, they took a chance. After a month on halter and grain, the animal secured Reserve Champion Belted Galloway Heifer.
After another successful fair week, the Dutton girls took away a lesson: “Some people may not be comfortable with your success, but you just have to keep doing it to get closer to your dreams.” Clearly, Delaney and her sister are doing a lot.
Study hall in the library (Photo- Lilia Vishnyakov ‘26)
(Illustration by Serene DiNucci '27)
professional software for CAD (Computer-Aided Design), flight simulations, programming, and digital art. It’s a space where students can turn ideas into real projects—from 3D designs and simulations to creative digital work. The room previously served as the Robotics Lab, which has now moved across the hall. Together, the two rooms create a small, yet powerful technology hub where creativity and engineering overlap. Students can move between robotics, design, and coding projects easily, developing a mix of technical and creative skills.
The new Tech Lab also hosts Fryeburg Academy’s first Esports Club, one of the newest additions to the school’s extracurricular and enrichment programs. Advisors Mr. Sartory, Mr. West, and Mr. Kaschub help students form teams, organize schedules, and get involved in competitive gaming. Interested students can stop by on Tuesday or Wednesday at the beginning of lunch in the Perry Computer Lab (Library 104).
For those who want to compete, matches will take place Monday through Thursday at 4:00 p.m., depending on the game.
FA’s teams are planning to compete in Maine’s high school Esports leagues for Rocket League, Mario Kart Deluxe 8, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate later this year. Other popular games—like Fortnite, Madden, and Valorant—are available regionally, giving players more options to get involved once competitions begin. However, the Esports Club isn’t just about gaming. Many students come to hang out, share strategies, and make new friends. It’s a relaxed, inclusive community where peo-
ple can enjoy games together while building teamwork and communication skills. For dorm students or anyone looking for a new Enrichment activity, Esports offers a creative and social option that fits perfectly into the Academy’s spirit of connection.
Both the Chris Perry ‘10 Lab and the Esports Club are already giving students new ways to learn, compete, and create—and this is just the beginning.
Local Squash Takes Fryeburg by Storm: Intro to the PJBS Pie
By Mr. Huang-Dale
Pink Jumbo Banana Squash is a native to North America but rarely seen on our dining room tables. This past week Jonny Anderson and the kitchen crew at Fryeburg Academy took a chance with a bumper crop of these beauties from Mary Di Nucci and Weston’s Farm to make one of the most delicious pumpkin pies I’ve ever had. It had amazing texture, sweet rich nutty flavors and of course, with a dollop of whipped cream, looked to die for. Served up on the same day as a surprise entree - beef ramen soupthe pie was easily overlooked, but for those who got a taste they were not disappointed. PJBS is also considered an heirloom variety meaning the seeds have been saved by backyard gardeners and squash enthusiasts way back in the history of Turtle Island (North America). Squash like the Pink Jumbo Banana have other relatives, like the Guatemalan Blue Banana and other varieties of similar shape and size. Squash seeds can also be roasted and
eaten, or stored and replanted next year. However, if you expect to get more PBJS from your seeds you’ll need to prevent them from cross pollination by separating the plants from all other winter squash plants.
Comemmoratory plaque for Chris Perry
Student playing games in the lab. (Photo- Calden McNulty)
Chef Jonny with one of the homegrown beauties.
Above a slice of the PJBS Pie and layer bars by Sarah made from the same sweet squash.
Western Maine Conference Champions:
Fryeburg Academy Golf
By Brady Chappell’26
The Fryeburg Golf team has continued its unmatched domination throughout the playoffs. As of October 6th, the team won the Western Maine Conference Championship. The performance will earn them a banner spot in the gym and a place in history. Despite flying under the radar in FA sports, the golf team has done exceptionally well this year. Not only do they have talent, they have young talent. Kyle Infinger ‘28, Cameron Chappell ‘27, Cody Davis ‘27, Marcos Pradillo ‘27, and Will McIntyre ‘28 are all on the varsity team. They, along with Alex Allain ‘26, are on their way up to the state match at Natanis. They qualified as a team and will hopefully continue their dominant run. Cameron Chappell ‘27 says that “the team has a really good chance to do well in states, as the stakes get higher, the pressure increases. But we just have to stick to what we know, do it well, and we know that we can get it done.” The potential is high, the victory is within reach, and the team is set on achieving greatness.
Field Hockey
By Sally Baptista’26, Reporting Elise Dunn’26
Captains Elise Dunn, Ella Dean, and Aspen Hazlewood have led the girls’ field hockey team into the second half of their season! Elise Dunn reported, “It has been a tough season as we’ve been playing some of the best teams.” Due to this season’s challenges, the team’s record doesn’t mirror their passion for the game. Elise said, “The team loves to step up to a new challenge every game, and we’re ready to get back on track.” Every year, they continue their annual sisterly traditions of decorating the fences with cups that spell out the Encouraging words. In another tradition, the girls have Secret Sisters. This involves exchanging secret gifts between players who have a secret partner they are gifting to, and a secret partner to whom they are receiving a gift. Some highlights from the season have been Addison Valente scoring against Yarmouth after a
Fryeburg dry spell. Elise Dunn says, “Yarmouth was a challenge, but we were one of only three teams to score on them all season!” When asked, What word embodies the field hockey team? Elise Dunn replies that her word is “Tenacious,” and this is why!
“As a team, we celebrate our wins, even if small, and accept and grow from our losses together.”
—Captain Elise Dunn’26
The field hockey team continues under the leadership of Deneane Frost, from whom past field hockey players have taken inspiration. Field hockey alumna Catie Nipps claims, “Coach Frost inspired me to continue a difficult sport that I was completely new to! She taught me dedication and the
true spirit of being a united team.” Through the idea that the team is united, when asked, “How do you come together as a team?” Captain Elise Dunn replies, “As a team, we celebrate our wins, even if small, and accept and grow from our losses together. Every day improvement happens with great teammates to enjoy it with us.” This just goes to show that through losses, there are celebrations, however small, and they can carry a team’s passion, spirit, and resilience! GO RAIDERS!
Cody Davis ‘27 (Photo-Lakyn Osgood Ela '12 )
Sophia Carbone’28 (Photo- Holym Han ‘26)
Football
By William McDonnell'26
Reporting Benedikt Arnason’27
Since the last Raider Report Issue, the football team has played two games. In week 4, they played Messalonskee High School (then 1-3). Despite their record, Messalonskee was the toughest team FA had faced all season. The Eagles have a talented QB whom the Raiders had to stop if they wanted to win… and they did. The Messalonskee QB, Tatum Doucette, dislocated his shoulder, forcing them to use their second-string quarterback. So, the Eagles’ offense was no longer an issue. The Raiders’ offense wasn’t much use, once again, relying on
Boys’ Soccer
By Benedikt Arnason’27, Reporting William McDonnell’26
big plays to win. Ty Boone ‘26 scored 5 touchdowns, which were all the points that the Academy scored that night. The week after, FA played 4-0 Cony, who were ranked 5th in the state. In a battle against the two undefeated teams in Class B North, this matchup was chosen to be the game of the week. Fryeburg was not ready for the fight, losing 53-7. FA’s only scoring play was a 15-yard passing touchdown to Robby Hazlewood ‘27. Next week, the Raiders play the Lawrence Bulldogs (2-3) at Atwood Stadium. Lawrence is a run-heavy team, similar to the Laconia Sachems, whom FA faced earlier this season. This will be Fryeburg’s homecoming game and a great matchup!
Cross Country
By Sy Stevens’27
The past weeks have brought huge strides for the cross-country team. Qualifying for states was the principle goal of the season, and it currently seems attainable. This past meet at Traip resulted in huge PR’s for both the girls and the boys, with the boys’ average varsity time being 19:18 and the girls’ being 24:29. They will both have to drop these times even more to qualify for states, but it is certainly in range.
Girls’ Soccer
By Aspen Hazlewood ’26
At the time of writing, the girls soccer team (2-6-3) looks forward to their home game against Sacopee, hoping for another win to seal their post-regular season fate. As the second half of the season approaches, Coach Hart is grateful for the competitive early-season schedule and is on track to build off of last season’s success. With countless saves from goalie Emma Bariteau ‘27 and goals all across the roster, the girls pride themselves on their ability to celebrate victories and bounce back from losses. Anxiously awaiting a second consecutive playoff appearance, Captain Sally Baptista ‘26 only needed one word to describe the team: “resilient.”
The boys’soccer team is no longer winless. They have exited their “gauntlet” of consecutive top opponents. Following their game against the defending state champions, Greely, the boys came back home to defeat the (now) 5-4 Freeport in a 1-0 game. Fred Abdo scored the only goal with thirty minutes remaining in the second half. He sent a beautiful top-right corner shot from the top of the 18-yard box. The defense managed to hold on throughout the rest of the game, not allowing a goal. Finn Williams gave the Raiders some of the best goalie play of the season with six saves. At the time of writing, the team is preparing for a week on the road: at Lakes Region on Tuesday (10/7) and Sacopee on Thursday (10/9). The team
Football team huddle (Photo- Holym Han '26)
Avery Bariteau ‘27
(Photo- Jen Stacy Bartlett '93)
Dodge Mixer-Bailey ‘26
(Photo- Molly Schor ‘27)
Fred Abdoe’27 caught mid kick (Photo- Holym Han ‘26)
Ty Boone ‘26 (Photo-Lakyn Osgood Ela '12 )
Cross Country Girls race.
(Photo- Makenzie Woodward)
Sally Baptista ‘26
(Photo- Lakyn Osgood Ela'12)
Kassidy Jordan ‘27 mid shot.
(Photo- Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Boys Soccer in action.
(Photo- Paula Grace)
Field Hockey in action (Photo-Lakyn Osgood Ela '12 )
Football in action
(Photo- Jen Stacy Bartlett '93)
A Riddle from Elise
MAZE
I’m born in green but dressed in flame, A fleeting cloak, no two the same.
I dance on branches, crisp and bold, Then slip away as air turns cold.
I’m nature’s whisper, soft and sly, A warning painted 'cross the sky.
Though death may claim my vivid show, In spring again, I rise and grow.
What Am I?
Answer: A leaf
Musicians Marching One by One
By Jeehoo Lee '26
Do you sometimes hear the cadence played by percussionists on campus? That’s the sound that the FA marching band makes! The FA marching band participates in major music events throughout the year, including at the Fryeburg Fair, homecoming football games, and the Memorial Day parade happening in May. In the marching band, various instruments such as the flute, saxophone, clarinet, and percussion all make different sounds. Before the actual marching, students endlessly practice marching by trying to match their walking legs on the turf field, listening to verbal signs from Mr. Sakash. This year, the FA marching band headed to the Fryeburg Fair and played several marching songs: “Buckjump” and “September” in front of the audience at the Grand Stand. Mr. Sakash adds that “the members of the marching band have worked very hard for three weeks and that there are many new instrumentalists this year.” If you are looking for an opportunity to demonstrate your talent, come and join the marching band.
Capturing a Year to Remember: The Fryeburg Academy Yearbook
By Arthur Osborne '26
The Fryeburg Academy Yearbook is nearing completion, and this year’s edition promises to be a stunning celebration of the Class of 2026. Designed with Fryeburg Academy’s signature colors and style, it captures the energy, friendships, and accomplishments that have defined the school year.
Each senior is featured with a portrait and a short bio, creating a lasting record of the faces and personalities that shaped this graduating class. Beyond that, the yearbook brings together the year’s biggest highlights, from thrilling sports victories and inspiring musical performances to memorable trips, club events, and moments that united the school community.
The production team, led by Haley Spofford ‘26, has spent months organizing photos, writing captions,
“Designed with Fryeburg Academy's signature colors and style, it captures the energy, friendships, and accomplishments that have defined the school year."
and crafting layouts that tell this year’s story in full color. Every page reflects their creativity and dedication to preserving the memories that make this year special. The yearbook is currently available for $65 until October 10th. After that date, the price will increase to $75. Students are encouraged to order early to ensure they don’t miss out on this keepsake that captures the laughter, effort, and spirit of Fryeburg Academy’s unforgettable years.
Fryeburg Marching at the Fair (Photo- Rachel Damon)
Fryeburg Marching Band at the Fair
(Photo- Rachel Damon)
Fryeburg Marching Band at the Fair
(Photo- Rachel Damon)
FA Music Program Hosts Jazz Quartet from NYC
By Mr. Sakash
Fryeburg Academy's music program hosted a jazz quartet from New York City to perform for FA music students. The group is currently touring in Maine and was able to join us for this special event. This unique ensemble blends Arabic music with jazz, drawing on its rhythms and scales. During the performance and masterclass, students had the opportunity to learn about the rhythmic patterns and tunings typical in the music of Egypt and Lebanon.
“The
unique ensemble blends Arabic music with jazz, drawing on its rhythms and scales."
—Mike Sakash, Arts Chair
Music students listen to the visiting jazz quartet. (Photo- Mike Dana)
(Photo- Mike Dana)
(Photo- Mike Dana)
Celebrating our Student Artists
Artwork by Savanah Tufts '26
Artwork by Enzi Moore '26
Artwork by Sarah Priestman '25
Artwork by Sarah Priestman '25
Artwork by Brie Charest '25
~Letters to the Editor~
RAIDER REPORT STAFF
President and Manager of Publication: Holym Han ‘26
Vice President and Manager of Writing: Lilia Vishnyakov ‘26
Layout Designer and Assistant Manager of Publication: Serena Di Nucci ‘27
Senior Editors: Will McDonnell ‘26, Arthur Osborne ‘26
Web Management: Anton Liesnoi ‘26
Club Advisor and Publication Supervisor Ms. Ayer
Scan the QR Code to send us a message. You may submit your feedback, stories, and news to be included in our next Raider Report!
Contributors
Subeen An
Pavlo Tsybran
Daria Kolosovska
Sally Baptista
Benedikt Arnason
Sy Stevens
Arthur Osborne, Zonder McKenzie
Holym Han
Wasp Harlow
Jeehoo Lee
Andrew Meier
Brady Chappell
Bridget Wilson
Olivia Eveleth
Peter Priestman
Elise Dunn
Lilia Vishnyakov
Rylan McBride
Serena Di Nucci
Connor Spofford
Aspen Hazlewood
Anton Liesnoi
Calden Mcnulty , Thomas Gilmore-Merritt
Anhelina Kalishchuk
William McDonnell