Olympic Dreams for Phillips Exeter Academy Rower

Deaglan McEachern is hoping to qualify for the Summer Olympics.

Deaglan McEachern said it takes 10,000 hours before someone can get really good at something and he has spent at least that much time rowing since he first took up the sport as a sophomore at Phillips Exeter Academy in 2000. Twelve years later, the 28-year-old Portsmouth native hopes to qualify for the men's pair event at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and it will all come down to how well he and his teammate on the U.S. National Rowing Team perform in the qualifying race on June 12 in Princeton, N.J., where the U.S. National Rowing Team trains. McEachern is confident he can achieve a time of 6:24 or less in the 2,000-meter rowing event. There will be as many as 12 two-man teams from across the country who always want to compete …

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Suspended Teacher's Fate to be Decided Soon

Katharyn Wheeler-Smith is on leave for an undisclosed reason.

An Exeter High School teacher suspended more than a month ago could have her fate determined this week. Popular English teacher Katharyn Wheeler-Smith was placed on leave for an undisclosed reason. Superintendent Michael Morgan said after a School Board Tuesday night that a decision on if she will return to her job could be reached by Friday. Morgan placed Wheeler-Smith on leave and has declined to say why, citing employee privacy rules. Wheeler-Smith, known as a tough but competent teacher, has drawn support from hundreds of current and former students. Last month, some of them presented a petition to the School Board pleading for her return. It was signed by more than 200 people. A Facebook group named  "Operation: Retrieve Wheeler" was …

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VIDEO: Students Rally for 'Get Fit in May' 5K

The race will be held May 19.

Lincoln Street School and Main Street School student on Friday held a rally ahead of the "Get Fit in May 5K" road race May 19. The rally was held at Lincoln Street School. The 14th annual race, organized by the Exeter PTO, regularly draws hundreds of students. Today is the last day to register for the race online. It costs $18 for the 5K run and walk. It costs $22 after today. The children fun run is $7 per child. You can register for the run here.

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OBIT: Nicholas Katzenbach, 60's Policy Maker Educated in Exeter

Nicholas Katzenbach attended Phillips Exeter Academy.

Five Things From the Exeter School Board

The Exeter Elementary School Board met Tuesday.

Below are five items discussed by the Exeter Elementary School Board at its meeting Tuesday night at the Lincoln Street School: 1. NO MORE TEACHERS, NO MORE BOOKS... The last day of school is tentatively scheduled for June 14. 2. LACE UP THOSE RUNNIN' SHOES. The 14th annual Exeter PTO "Get Fit in May 5K" race will be held May 19. Click here to register. 3. DOWN TO TWO. There are two finalists for the assistant superintendent position that was recently vacated by Laura Nelson, who took a superintendent job in Derry. A finalist for the job could be named by May 21. 4. DOWN TO TWO, PART 2. There are also two finalists for the principal job at Swasey Central School in Brentwood after Joan Ostrowski announced her retirement. 5. CAPS AND GOWNS. …

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Phillips Exeter to Test New Crosswalks

School officials want to make them safer.

Phillips Exeter Academy will soon test a new crosswalk system with enhanced safety features. The pilot program will be at the crosswalk near the Exeter Historical Society. Phillips Exeter will pay for it. If it's successful, it could be expanded to about a half-dozen other crosswalks around the Phillips Exeter campus. The new system will use a combination of LED lights and reflective signs, among other features. Currently, the crosswalk near the historical society has faded paint and a small, free-standing sign in the middle of the road. School officials devised the system over the last few months. Exeter Selectmen approved the pilot program Monday night. "It sounds like a good plan," said Selectman Frank Ferraro. "It's a step up from what…

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Jason Claffey

7:36 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Also I dug up this YouTube clip of a lighted crosswalk system in Mass. just as an example. It would certainly seem to get people's attention: http://youtu.be/LBhcDkWkBbk –The Editor   more ›

Exeter High 'Spring Extravaganza' Rescheduled

A fundraiser will be held for prom/graduation activities.

The following is a news release: The Exeter High School Alumni Association & Life of The Party proudly present "A Spring Extravaganza" Sun., May 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Exeter High School. The event will feature raffle prizes. Krispy Kreme Donuts will be sold to raise funds for upcoming prom and graduation activities. The event will feature: Come on down to Exeter High School and show your support for local businesses, EHS students, and members of the Exeter Area of Chamber of Commerce.

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Help Exeter High Prom/Graduation Fundraiser

A parent group is trying to raise money to keep students safe.

The following is a news release: The Exeter High School Project Prom/ Graduation parent group for the class of 2012 is seeking donations to keep the kids safe and substance-free after graduation and the prom. The school/parents have an organized night of fun after the prom and a cruise in Boston, Mass. after graduation. The class is short funds due to a lower than expected turnout at two fundraisers. Checks can be made payable to "PPPG 2012" can be sent to: Exeter High School, 1 Bluehawk Drive Exeter, NH 03833

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