Every December, the prep class celebrates the end of Junior Studies, their fall-term introductory course to learning at Exeter, with a special ceremony in Rockefeller Hall. The ceremony starts with music, provided this year by Silas ’08 on fiddle, accompanied by faculty members John Blackwell and Brad Robinson. Academy Librarian Jacquelyn Thomas, Academy Archivist and Assistant Librarian Edouard Desrochers, and Principal Tyler Tingley, all in academic gowns, process into the hall.

The ceremony includes remarks by Principal Tingley, followed by speeches from members of the prep (junior) and senior classes. Rebecca and Mark, members of the junior class, presented thoughts from the first fall term, entitled “In the Beginning … Now …” that had been developed by members of all the Junior Studies classes. Kevin and Aspen, both ’08, then gave four year retrospectives speeches. Three members of the class of 2011 showcased their musical talents, leading to the presentation of the time capsules.

Academy Archivist Edouard Desrochers read a proclamation, which was then signed by the three class representatives. Students from each section of Junior Studies then formally presented Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Desrochers with boxes containing the individual time capsules from that section. The individual time capsules contain a variety of materials—CDs, pictures, music, and often letters the students have written to themselves— and are held in the Academy Archives until just before graduation of the senior year.

As with all good occasions, the formal portion of the ceremony ended with food for the Class of 2011.