Raider Report
November 5, 2025 “The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword.”— Edward Bulwer-Lytton
FRYEBURG ACADEMY DECLARED OFFICIAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED CHAMPIONSHIP SCHOOL
By Lilia Vishnyakov'26
This past October Fryeburg Academy’s Unified Athletics program proudly received recognition for being a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School. Presented by the Special Olympics Unified Champion School program, this award acknowledges the significant efforts towards inclusion made by FA’s spirited Partners Club throughout three seasons of athletics. The club consists of a mixture of special needs students and “partners” who together participate in unified bocce, basketball, swimming, and track and field. On top of these sports being officially recognized by the school, the Partners Club also works
diligently to spread awareness, and foster community within the Unified Athletics program, all of which are criteria for receiving the national banner.
During the pep rally in early October, the Unified Athletics program commemorated this achievement with a walk out and announcement, featuring a formal presentation of the banner from a Unified Champion School representative, as well as a series of heartwarming words from Partners Club participants. Members expressed pride and excitement, highlighting the quality of the community within the Unified Athletics program, and the significance of the impact of their Cont. School Life 2 - pg 1
ARTS
Coming Up on "42nd St" FA Musical opens soon!
By Arthur Osborne '26
After months of dedication and hard work, "42nd Street" is entering its last few weeks of rehearsal and steadily moving toward completion. The show unofficially began rehearsal in July, with beginner and experienced tap dancers meeting with director and choreographer Emy Holden multiple times a week to prepare for the show’s rigorous choreography. Auditions were held the second da Cont. Arts 1 - pg 6
Unified team walkout at pep rally (Photo- Jen Stacy Bartlett '93)
Actors and actresses rehearsing (Photo- Carisa Hammer)
Online Community Building Club
By Zonder McKenzie '26
The Online Community Building Club (OCBC), founded by Elise Dunn, held its first meeting last Wednesday in the computer lab. The meeting had a great turnout, and members played Cake Off on Roblox as a fun group bonding game. By the end of the meeting, the club decided to meet every Wednesday, and to rotate their games each week. The OCBC’s goal is to create an inclusive space where all individuals feel welcomed and respected online.
An Informative Start to the Morning
By Thomas Gilmore-Merritt '27
This year, the Fryeburg Academy daily announcements are more than just an email. What used to be shoved into student, faculty, and parent inboxes at 5:14PM is now heard over the intercom Tuesday and Friday mornings. In an interview with Student Council Co-Vice President Lilia Vishnyakov ‘26, a frequent announcer, we were given more insight into what happens exactly behind the scenes. “We take the morning announcements and usually rehearse them one or two times as practice before going on the intercom, as well as emphasizing and annotating important details.” Through verbally communicating the daily announcements, Student Council hopes to make their voices familiar to the student body and increase connection to those who organize many of the student events.
Continued from front page: FA Declared Unified Champion School
of their efforts, as is highlighted by the award. Club director Ms. Fox emphasized how amazing the group that makes up the Partners Club and Unified Athletics program is, and encouraged anyone and everyone to get involved. Being declared a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School is a remarkable accomplishment, and truly showcases the FA Partners Club’s commitment to promoting inclusion. Congratulations unified athletes! Partners Club meets on Fridays during lunch in the True House, and all are welcome! iteau27@fryeburgacademy.org.
emmabariteau27@fryeburgacademy.org
The Peer Advocacy Leaders (PAL)
By Sally Baptista '26
Mrs. Scannell has brought together a group of peer advocate health mentors for the student counselors! Mrs. Scannell explained a little bit about the group and who they are!
What are you hoping the group will look like a year from now?
We hope that this becomes a self-sustaining peer counseling program with continued efforts to reduce stigma on a larger scale in the school community.
How are the students in your club trained?
The peer counselors participated in a daylong training where we covered topics such as:
-Warning signs for mental health challenges
-Leadership skills
-Basic counseling and intervention skills
-Referral protocols and adult involvement
-Supporting others through hardship,
-Available resources at school and in the community, objectivity and confidentiality Peer counselors will also continue honing their skills through mentorship with two licensed social workers and through ongoing learning opportunities about various mental health concerns and advocacy efforts!
“We hope that this becomes a self-sustaining peer counseling program with continued efforts to reduce stigma on a larger scale in the school community. "
—Mrs. Scannell
Emma Bariteau '27 (Photo- Lakyn O. Ela '12)
Fryeburg Special Olympics team walkout (Photo- Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
SCHOOL LIFE
Continued from first page: Peer Advocacy Leaders
What do you hope the school will get out of a club like this?
Teenagers are experiencing disturbingly, high rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. In 2023, Center for Disease Control (CDC) data revealed that 40% of U.S. high school students report experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered suicide, and 16% made a suicide plan. Locally, the 2023 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) reported that Oxford County students experience higher rates than the rest of the state in key areas, including:
-Bullying on school property
-Symptoms of depression
-Suicidal ideation
-Substance abuse (cigarettes, alcohol, -vaping, marijuana)
-Binge drinking
-Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
These findings demonstrate an urgent need for school-based programs that prioritize mental health awareness, peer support, and access to trusted resources. Students often turn to their peers for support, yet these peers are rarely equipped with the skills or resources to provide effective as-
MEET THE PALS!
Dasha Kolosovska '26
Hey! My name is Dasha, I am 18 and a senior! It is my second year at FA. I am a boarding student originally from Ukraine, so if you ever feel homesickI've got you <3 I love dogs - the most important part! I am so glad to get to know you! And please feel more than welcome to reach out to me! My email: daria. kolosovska26@fryeburgacademy.org
Charlie Scott '27
I am in 11th grade and I play football and lacrosse, but I enjoy of all sports. I am also a residential student in Hastings Hall here at the academy from Whitefield New Hampshire. I joined the Peer Advocate Leaders because I want to help anybody that needs it and I know how it feels to not have a person like that in your life
sistance. While professional counseling is available, many students face barriers such as stigma, fear, or scheduling limitations. We believe that empowering trained student leaders can bridge this gap. Peerled mental health advocacy can foster a more supportive environment, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behavior. Additionally, students have expressed a desire for more informal, relatable ways to access mental health information and support. This program meets this need while offering valuable leadership experience to peer counselors.
Sally Baptista '26 Baxter
My name is Sally Baptista and I am a 12th grader at Fryeburg Academy! I play soccer, perform in the fall musical, and am in Student Council. I am interested in helping my peers with mental health because I would like to always be a solid voice and listener for people who need it. I love meeting new people, parties with music and ice cream, creating something fun, and traveling! I am so excited to meet you, and hopefully will soon!
LOOK FOR THE GREEN!
All members of PALS have lime green bandannas on their bags, so they're always easy to spot!
Baxter loves snacks, belly rubs, and cuddles! He is a great listener!
Ayten Soylemez '26
Hi everyone! My name is Ayten, and I’m currently a senior. A fun fact about me is that I love my stuffed animals — I have 14 of them in total, each with their own unique name and personality! I’m super excited to meet you all. As someone who tends to stress over academics, I’m motivated by the goal of making life a little easier for others in at least one way, especially since I didn’t always have that kind of support growing up. Looking forward to getting to know everyone — take care!
Sofie Bondarev '27 Terry Ela '27
I am a junior at Fryeburg Academy. I enjoy reading, playing with my dogs, and sports such as track and volleyball. I am interested in helping my peers in regards to mental health because I feel that it is important to bring down the negative stigma that surrounds mental health. In the past, and the present, I have dealt with depression and anxiety, and having the freedom and ability to talk to my peers about my problems helped me get through my struggles. Going through my own struggles with anxiety over the past few years, I have learned that there is nothing more important than a strong support system. Even if you just want to chat, I always love to talk!
Jacob Eveleth Jr. '26
Hello everyone my name is Jacob Eveleth Jr. And I am a senior here at FA! I love to run track and I also play soccer. I'm interested in helping with this program for many reasons, one reason is that it's okay to ask for help and the stigmatism around it needs to stop. Another reason is in my personal life my grandfather lost his battle to mental health and I want to do everything I can to make sure no one else does. I'm here to talk if anyone needs it!
Maeve Charles '27
Hi! I am a junior day student. I am involved with Unified Basketball, Chorus, and FFA. In my free time I like to read, play with my dogs, and watch Anime. I am excited to be a peer advocate because I do not want anyone to feel alone. I came to this school without knowing anyone and it was hard at first. But now I have a great group of friends and I want that to be true for everyone. I know how it feels to be ostracized by your peers but I want you to know that there are people who care about you.
- 11th - E-sports, math, and therapySome of us don’t have the recourses to help them with their mental health, and I love have 1 on 1 conversation. - One day in 8th grade, all my teachers and my parents had a meeting with me, and they all told me to try harder to focus (which simply isn’t how it works) - I usually hang out after school for an hour before I have to go home, so feel free to find me (usually in SU) love to talk!
Clara Yager '26
Hi I am a senior from North Conway NH. I am on the field hockey and lacrosse team. Some of my hobbies include skiing, reading, and baking. The reason I was interested in being apart of P.A.L.(s) what to help create awareness around mental health and be a link for the student body to professional in our school. As an athlete I have felt the pressure of performance anxiety along with how sports and academics can pile up. I have had experience with depression in the past, which lead me to adopt skills and mentors who have guided me. I want to be able to provide a for others and an overall safe space. Throughout struggles with anxiety over the past few years, I have learned that there is nothing more important than a strong support system.
Arthur Osborne '26
Hi everyone! I'm a senior at FA during the 2025-2026 school year, and throughout high school, I have been passionately involved in the jazz and theatre programs, Raider Report, and now, PALs! I decided to join the Peer Advocacy Leaders because I know that sometimes having a place to vent and brainstorm solutions to my problems can be just what I need, and I want to be that place for anyone who needs it in the FA student body. I feel especially equipped to talk with you about academic stress, sexual/gender identity concerns, and interpersonal conflict resolution due to my personal experience in those areas, but anything is on the table!
Ella Dean '26
Hi I'm Ella and I'm a senior! I play field hockey, ski race for the MWV program and play lacrosse. I have witnessed and experienced struggles with mental health and want to help others! I have experienced and am still working on recovering from an eating disorder. I have also have had struggles with anxiety, especially performance anxiety in sports. Even if there isn't a specific struggle you need to talk about, you can always just come talk if you need to just get something off that's bothering you!
Aspen Hazlewood '26
I'm a senior commuter-day student from Jackson, NH. I've played field hockey and lacrosse all through high school. I'm a writer and editor for the Raider Report. I enjoy lifting, running, playing sports, reading, and being outdoors. I'm interested in being a peer-advocate because I feel confident speaking up for people, I know what it is to be stressed and overwhelmed by classes, friendships, sports, and family, and I want to help others through listening and helping my peers get the help they need.
The health building, where members meet.
(Photo- Sy Stevens '27)
(Photo- Sy Stevens '27)
Fall Fest Fun - Fryeburg Academy’s First Ever Tailgate
By Olivia Eveleth '29
Right before the big homecoming football game, Fryeburg Academy’s very first Fall Fest Tailgate Party took place. There were a variety of activities to partake in, including games like corn hole and badminton, a toasty fire pit to roast marshmallows, face painting, music, and a wide selection of treats for sale. The class of 2027 ran the party, and all proceeds will go to prom. There was lots of potential for a great gathering however, there were not many attendees which made the atmosphere a little dull. Hopefully next year the turnout will be better, with more students, family and alumni ready for all the fun Fall Fest has to offer.
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
Heartbeat of the Homecoming Game
By Jeehoo Lee '26
The Homecoming football game is not merely a tradition, but the highlight and the symbol of Homecoming Week at Fryeburg Academy! Yet, there’s another element that defines this spirited event, which is the FA Homecoming Football Band. Amid the chilly air of the football field, when the Raiders make a score or the game climbs up to the climax, a vibrant sound of the band captivates the audiences’ ears. The ensemble includes a wide range of instruments: clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, and various percussion instruments, from drums to the cymbals. This year, FA Homecoming Band performed several exciting pieces, including "Techno Pop", "Rah Rah for Fryeburg", FA's fight song, and "Buckjump". Despite the cold weather, the musicians continued to play with fierce passion and energy, never letting the chill overwhelm their sound. Do not forget the heartbeat of night, the FA band united players and the community in this year’s Homecoming football game!
Team Band (Photo- Holym Han '26)
Mr. Kaschub lead the team band (Photo- Holym Han '26)
Pumpkins at the Tailgate (Photo- Cal McNulty '29)
Badminton at the Tailgate (Photo- Cal McNulty '29)
Continued from front page: 42nd St
Auditions were held the second day of school, and official rehearsals commenced the following week, showing the eagerness and enthusiasm of both the production team and cast. Since then, everyone has been hard at work learning and memorizing lines, scene work, music, and choreography to prepare for opening night on November 13th! In less than three weeks, the show will conclude rehearsal and move into its performance schedule. This year, performances will include Thursday November 13th, Friday November 14th, and Saturday November 15th at 7:00pm, as well as a closing matinee on Sunday November 16th at 2:00pm, all in the Performing Arts Center. If you’re looking to support a friend or classmate involved in the production, enjoy a night of theatrical entertainment, or show your appreciation for local art, tickets can be purchased in person through the box office the day of the show, or online through the PAC website.
Arabic Jazz Performance
By Calden Mcnulty '29
Did you see the Arabic jazz band Pelosius when they performed here? Whether you did or didn’t, here are answers to some of the questions you may have. Why Fryeburg? Well, the founder of the band, Gideon Forbes, went to college with our band teacher, Mr. Sakash. Plus, Pelosius is doing a New England tour. So, as a favor to Mr. Sakash, Pelosius played for us. Why do they play Arabic jazz? Gideon Forbes has a background in jazz music, so when he started listening to Arabic music about 10 years ago, he decided to combine the two genres. How is Gideon Forbes able to balance living in New York and going on tour? Forbes works at a conservatory in Brooklyn, New York. While having great musical opportunities, it is a very expensive place to live, making it challenging to live out the dream of playing in a touring band. So, when Gideon’s not working, he spends all of his free time teaching, writing, and playing music.
All Aboard to Allstate: A Chronical of Jazz Auditions
By Peter Priestman '29
On October 17th, about 10 music students left campus on the two-hour drive to the All-State Music Festival Auditions at the University of Maine in Augusta. On the bus ride to Augusta, everyone, including Mr. Sakash, who was driving the bus, sang “Happy Birthday” to Lily Bryan ‘26. When the group arrived, the campus of UMaine Augusta was buzzing. There was a cafe about a five-minute walk away, which most of the Fryeburg students visited. Students from anywhere from Kittery to Presque Isle attended the Audition. All-State is a music festival including the best high school musicians in the state. The festival is split into vocal and instrumental sections, each including a number of ensembles. Almost all of the Fryeburg Academy students auditioned for the Vocal section, save Saxophone player Ezra Houghton ‘29 and vi-
the auditions,
Academy students frolicked back to the bus and drove
Arabic Jazz performance at Fryeburg Academy (Photo- Cal McNulty '29)
braphone player Serena Di Nucci '27. After
Fryeburg
home.
Field Hockey
By Sally Baptista '26, Reporting Elise '26
This season of field hockey has been a season of growth and passion for the game. When asked how the field hockey's recent games have gone?, Elise answered, “Our 2-1 double overtime win against Greely truly showcased just how far we’ve come as a team that started the year with a really tough schedule, even when morale was low and our chances didn’t look good, we pushed through and never gave up and all of that was brought to life in our Greely game.” Highlights from said game include a highly competitive match against Cape Elizabeth ending with a loss, but succeeding in drive for the game, Elise says, “our passes to forwards up the wing were notable and showcased the unity these players have on the field. Specifically, Sophia Brown, Addison Valente, Brooke Blood, and Seraphina Carbonaro, who had great games!” When asked who stands out on and off the field? Elise answered that “Aspen Hazlewood stands out significantly during our games and is an extremely strong and reliable player. She is a wonderful co-captain who
leads our team very well!” The other captains in field hockey have also had a great season, mentoring and exerting leadership on and off the field. Elise notes that “Between Ella, myself (Elise), and Aspen we have tried our very hardest to represent our team on and off the field. We are al-
“...even when morale was low and our chances didn’t look good, we pushed through and never gave up...”
—Captain Elise Dunn ’26
ways thinking of new strategies to bring the team together and foster an environment where everyone can improve and grow together!” The captains have brought the team together significantly. When asked about how the team comes together the most during the season, Elise an-
swers, that taking the losses and moving on despite how hard they are, and coming back every day wanting to do better for the team. This is very wise! I also was curious about things that Elise wanted the public to know about field hockey and she answered truthfully that “It is extremely interesting to watch! We need support!” The field hockey team has a lot going for them, and their games are worthy of a watch!
Field hockey team huddle (Photo- Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Girls' cross country race (Photo- Mackenzie Woodward)
Ella Dean '26 and family (Photo- Jen Stacy Bartlett '93)
Tucker Barnaby '26 (Photo- Paula Grace)
Girls’ Soccer
Boys' Soccer
By Benedikt Arnason '27 & William McDonnell '26
The last Men’s Soccer update described the Raiders’ first win (1-0 vs. Freeport), and was optimistic of upcoming victories. Well, these hopes have been realized for the Raiders in their recent games. At Lakes Region, the game remained scoreless through 80 regular-time minutes and 9 minutes and 49 seconds of extra-time. With 11 seconds left in the second and final overtime, Captain Kaelan Moser ‘26 rocketed a direct kick from 20 yards out directly into the top left corner of the goal, far from the keeper’s outstretched arms. In their next game, the team broke out offensively, scoring 5 goals in a shutout win at Sacopee Valley. For their next matchup, the boys came back home to play the Traip Rangers, after finding themselves down 3-0 at the half, the Raiders rallied back and nearly tied the game in the final seconds of regular time. Away again, the team tied GNG 1-1 after a controversial late-game penalty kick was awarded to the Patriots. For their final game of the regular season, the Raiders are getting another shot at the Lakers, this time on the turf of Atwood Stadium.
By Aspen Hazlewood '26, Reporting Sally Baptista '26
On October 9th, Fryeburg Academy’s girls’ soccer team walked out of the John Atwood stadium feeling high after a 9-0 shutout against the visiting Sacopee Valley Hawks. Fans recognized standout performances from Carlin Galligan ‘26 and Kailey Clynes ‘27, with several phenomenal crosses, and 2 goals each, the girls were major contributors to the final score. In other celebration, swing player Presli Knapp ‘28 scored her first varsity goal, majorly boosting the team's energy and excitement. While the girls demonstrated their skill and intensity, co-captain Sally Baptista ‘26 attributes their success to love: “I think that our most valuable asset as a team is our love for each other.” Although some players are motivated by a passion for the game, Sally says that others pull their drive from their teammates—
from a responsibility and commitment to one another. With several highly skilled and experienced players, the girls have a lot to be proud of, but beyond that, they have pride for their team atmosphere. Welcoming new girls every year, whether they be boarding or district students, there can be a lot of variation in level of play as well as confidence. One way the girls and their coaches aim to build players up is assigning each senior captain a role. Burke Callan ‘26 is the “listener,” Eden True ‘26 is the “leader by example,” Carlin Galligan ‘26 is the "technician," and Sally Baptista is the “positive voice.” Though the four girls are not limited to these roles, they’ve clearly found success in leaning into their strengths.
Football
By William McDonnell'26 & Benedikt Arnason ’27
The football team has had a hard time as of late, exiting a three game losing streak. Fryeburg’s homecoming game was a 4735 loss to Lawrence. FA’s defense had a hard time stopping the Bulldogs’ run and a consistent misunderstanding of assignments elongated many Lawrence drives. Fryeburg's offense wasn’t much help either: with numerous turnovers in the first half, they failed to find a tempo. In the second half, FA adjusted well, but it was too late. Lawrence was able to go into victory formation and kneel out the game in the fourth quarter. In week 7, the Raiders headed to Falmouth (then 3-3). Again, due to numerous mishaps, the Raiders couldn’t get anything going offensively. Fryeburg’s defense was solid for the first few drives, but as the game went on, Falmouth began to break them down. FA was shutout for the first time this season in a 35-0 blowout. The Raiders’ current record is 4-3 and they hold the 2nd place in Class B North. Next week, Brunswick (1-6) comes to Atwood stadium for FA’s final regular season home game. Fryeburg needs a win to secure a first round playoff bye. In preparation for the postseason, winning this game is important, statistically and mentally.
Boys' soccer team picture (Photo- Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Girls' soccer team picture (Photo- Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Fryeburg makes the tackle (Photo-Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Boys' Soccer in action. (Photo- Paula Grace )
Caleb Macomber '27 mid race.
(Photo- Justin Macomber)
Football team huddle
(Photo-Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Field hockey in action.
(Photo- Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Boys' soccer in action.
(Photo- Paula Grace)
Girls' soccer in action. (Photo-Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
Football in action. (Photo-Lakyn Osgood Ela '12)
A Riddle from Elise
I start as a seed in a tangle of green, By harvest, I’m orange and round to be seen. You hollow my heart to give me a grin,
But once I decay, the night seeps back in.
I guard your doorstep, warding off fright, Yet I fear the sun more than the night.
What Am I?
Answer:A Jack O’ Lantern
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
Rhett Harper
Benny Harper
Haley Spofford