Myra Rahlan ’29 The Esse Quam Videri (EQV) Society is a student-led senior leadership group at Episcopal Academy. This year, they have created and started to implement various initiatives within our school, such as fostering relationships between upper and lower classmen, reinforcing quiet spaces in the library, and helping freshmen better adapt to the intense upper school environment. Through these initiatives, EQV aims to develop authentic leadership, uphold the stripes, and inspire others through a sense of integrity and purpose within the EA community. Members of EQV are chosen through a thorough vetting process and are recognized by their classmates…
Author: Lucia Forte
Danity Pike ’27Kyle Zhang ’27 All female-identifying students were recently gathered in the Chapel for an announcement. Ms. Erica Snowden, Executive Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), explained the Student Council’s initiative to add feminine hygiene products to certain bathrooms across campus. Students felt content with the new reliable accessibility to period products—but why weren’t period products already consistently available? How does this change set an example for other student-led initiatives? During the pandemic, period products were supplied in female bathrooms, then subsequently removed due to misuse. Pads and tampons were flung onto ceilings, flushed down…
Mia Favini ’27 The Episcopal Academy is renowned for its rigorous academic program, complemented by an abundance of extracurricular opportunities. EA does not center itself in one department or discipline. Instead, its wide range of programs makes it a special place. A student can participate in the theater program while also competing as a dedicated athlete, a balance that other schools often struggle to provide. Within its courses, EA offers a wide range of subjects, including Filmmaking and Honors Anatomy and Physiology. However, with this advantage comes a disadvantage. EA requires all students to complete a long list of graduation…
Mahika Rahlan ’26 Sophia Venneri ’26 When school administrations are pressured by budget cuts, typically, Arts and Music programs are the first to go. However, for the first time in recent history, STEM education and flagship programs are being severely targeted. In 2025, a major topic of discussion, capturing news headlines, has been research funding cuts for programs in universities and federal agencies. In particular, these cuts have affected sectors such as health, science, and education. We’ve heard how, on a national scale, important names such as the NIH (National Institute of Health), NSF(National Science Foundation), and CDC (Centers for…
Daniel Adibi ’26 During the winter, EA’s robotics teams are busy at work constructing 120-pound robots to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The competition and EA’s involvement provide an opportunity for students passionate about STEM to explore engineering hands-on. Yet, behind the excitement of the season, a deeper question lies: who is funding the innovation taking place at FRC? FRC itself is sponsored by defense contractors such as BAE Systems and Raytheon Technologies. This has sparked concern for some who worry that this could send a harmful message to kids: their interest in STEM should inevitably align with…
Elvin Lin ’26 As the weather grows cold and seasonal depression begins, there are many things to look forward to in November. Perhaps you’re excited for Haverford/AIS Day, perhaps you’re worried about the many college deadlines, or maybe you’re simply ready for Thanksgiving break. Yet, those all pale to the importance of the deliciousness of tart red pomegranates. That’s right, November isn’t just a time for turkeys and pies; it’s also prime time to celebrate one of nature’s most glamorous fruits! Although it’s not the most popular fruit amongst heavy hitters like apples, strawberries, and oranges, the pomegranate is a…
Lucia Forte ’26 If you have ever hopped on an afternoon bus trip to tutor at ACLAMO, took a Thursday night van ride to UCHC, or even joined the Agnes Irwin-Haverford weekend pack-a-thon, then you have been a part of the makeup of Episcopal Academy’s culture of service and community outreach. The epitomic alignment with the Stripes of generosity, kindness, and respect, EA’s Community Service scene is one of our most vital and impactful facets of the school. Thus, it is no surprise that, among the new school year’s many many changes and new initiatives, the makeup of Community Service…
Siena Scungio ’27Kathleen Stubbing ’26 The release of the new Taylor Swift album, The Life of a Showgirl, has sparked worldwide controversy around whether or not Taylor Swift created a successful album. Currently having written twelve studio albums and releasing four re-recorded albums, Swift is known for her deep lyrics that fans connect. Additionally, she is known for her record-breaking tracks’ unique tunes and powerful messages. It is still undetermined if the recent release of The Life of a Showgirl will become another praise to her name, or if her popularity will begin to decline for the first time since…
Sofia Foulds ’26 Everyone is saying it: the freshman need to use their lounge instead of beingin the middle of the hallway. With the hustle and bustle of the passing period, itbecomes very difficult to navigate the second-floor hallway. The freshmen form a blockade, preventing anyone from passing through without throwing some elbows. One student said, “It is so annoying that they decide to take up the entire hallway. In fact, I have been late to class due to them not moving out of the way.” Another student says, “They somehow cannot process an ‘excuse me’.” Clearly, this has become…
Cyrian Foppa Tiankwa ’27 At the Episcopal Academy, the school day does not end when the final bell rings. Through the aftercare program, Upper School Students step into new roles, acting as mentors, playmates, and supporters, providing care and sharing smiles throughout the Lower School. The aftercare program truly demonstrates the values carried throughout the school and how they are implemented, even with the youngest of attendees. Starting at 2:45 PM, aftercare welcomes Upper School students and additional staff as they report to their designated groupings. They help kids with homework, ask them about their day, and foster an environment…
Kayla Kouahou ’28 For years, Ray Bradbury’s 1953 novel Fahrenheit 451 has been a cornerstone in Episcopal’s Introduction to Literature curriculum, taught each year to incoming 9th graders. Bradbury’s warnings about censorship and conformity continue to resonate across generations, speaking to the same concerns that define our digital age. It’s evident to all of its readers that this work of literature has earned its place and is sure to stay in the Upper School English Department for many years to come. Douglas Parsons, Upper School English Teacher, reflects on how conversations about the novel have evolved with each new generation…
Effie Goebeler ’29 As the weather gets colder and the leaves start to turn, students look forward to Halloween as a fun (and spooky) break from school. And what better way to spend it than to go to The Bates Motel, the best place for a scare and some fun times with friends? The Bates Motel has been an important part of the EA community for a very long time; EA students and teachers have gone on school trips there for years, and it’s easy to see why they continue to return to Bates for their Halloween festivities. The Bates…
Aileen Chan ’29Vivian Jiang ’27Benjamin Wang ’27 The Episcopal Academy’s latest gallery show, “Colors Collide,” filled the gallery’s walls with bursts of color and emotion. Running from September 15th through October 15th, the exhibition featured the work of two distinctive artists: Callie Connors, whose expressive paintings capture fleeting moments of beauty, and EA’s own lower school art teacher, Meghan Cangi, whose collage work brings dimension and texture to familiar forms. Together, their contrasting mediums created a dynamic conversation about color, memory, and the natural world. Since she was five years old, Connors knew that she wanted to pursue a career…
Cai Parker ’27 Reid Lawler ’26, this month’s artist spotlight, is defined by his passion and his immense drive for the arts. These qualities shine through in his singing and acting, which wow his audience no matter the occasion. Whether he’s playing several different characters, helping the community to sing hymns in Chapel, or even managing the EA dance team, Lawler gives his all to what he loves and encourages others to do the same. “He’s…sincere and passionate in his effort for everything he does in the arts,” states Jim Erwin, choir director and music department chair. “He is really…
Myra Ralhan ’29 Meet Dr. Grace Rohr, EA’s newest science teacher, who brings a love for teaching, a background in studying dinosaurs, and even her very own fossil collection. Dr.Rohr joins the Science Department this year after finishing her PhD in ecology and evolution at Drexel University. There, her research was primarily focused on bone pathologies in long-necked dinosaurs called sauropods. She used CT scanning and computer models to figure out why these dinosaurs got certain injuries. Before going down this path, Dr. Rohr studied biology and chemistry at Tufts University with the intention of becoming a doctor. Now, Dr.…
Sofia Foulds ’26 Is it the new junior transfer Jackson Solley? Is it returning senior Brody Garrison?Is it junior Kamau Kegler? Nobody knows. I even saw the kid calling the playswarming up his arm on the sideline a couple weeks ago. The EA football team seemsto be subbing in a new quarterback for almost every snap, that even the announcerseemed confused. Nevertheless, with the constant changing, it seems like CoachTodd Fairlie might’ve just cracked the code. The football team is on a hot streak to start off the season with a crushing win over Simon Gratz (62-0), and another commanding…
Vivian Jiang ’27 In this year’s fall production, Pride and Prejudice, originally a novel written by Jane Austen, the Episcopal Academy’s Domino Club directed by Daniel Clay works to bring alive a world of elegance and charm surfacing social stratification and unyielding expectations, while also producing buoyant comedic elements and a modern twist. Set in a time marked by warfare, industrialization, and romanticism, Pride and Prejudice is an ode to the English customs of the regency era, from which the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is born. The adaptation of the original novel follows the four young Bennet…
Benjamin Wang ’27 Effie Goebler ’29 Photography has always been an important part of EA, whether it’s taking a picture for the EA Instagram, photographing a sports game, or taking a photography class. Where would we be without it? It’s about time that we spotlight this unsung hero of the art world. Upper School art teacher Ellen Erikson describes photography as a medium that expands what we can see through the naked eye and also what we can feel—it helps to connect us. “It has the ability to show us things that we simply cannot see with our own eyes,”…
Andrew Ahn ’28 With Father Gavin taking on a 7th grade religion class, the Upper School welcomes Reverend Michael Palmisano on day one Chapel services. Usually seen directing middle school Chapel or instructing a Biblical Literature class in the Upper School, Reverend Palmisano understands the spiritual diversity of his audience and hopes to bring his unique perspective to a larger group of students. Reverend Palmisano emphasizes the importance of being attentive and introspective during the speeches, saying, “Right before the blessing, I like to reflect on what the speaker had said so that people can reflect upon the speech.” Palmisano…
Quinn McHale ’26 Friday nights at Episcopal Academy aren’t just about the games—they’re about the Thunderdome. The student section has become the heartbeat of school spirit, filling the stands with noise, color, and energy that electrifies athletes and fans. For Charlotte Franklin ’26, one of this year’s Thunderdome leaders, the role is a dream come true. “I was super excited to be chosen,” she mentioned. “I remember watching Rylie Spor ’23 when I was a freshman, and she made the games ten times better by getting the crowd so excited and loud. I’ve always wanted to make the football games…