2025 was a major year for Peddie in many aspects. It marked the end of a chapter for many senior faculty and staff members, including previous Head of School Mr. Quinn, as well as the graduating senior class. Ribbons were cut as new buildings like the Zhao and Li Family Fitness and Exercise Center were established. Not to mention, Head of School, Mr. Hamilton was installed in September. Before we bid our last farewell to 2025, let’s take a look at what made the year such a special one for Peddie.
On January 6, the first snowfall of the year had many students excited as they trickled back in for school following winter break.
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On January 20, the 157th annual Declamation Speaking Contest was held, with Rayan Khan ’25 taking first place, followed by runners-up Olivia Lu ’27 and Aisha Caban ’25.
On February 10, Peddie celebrated Founder’s Day and invited CEOs Matt Hulsizer ’87 and Jackie Reses ’88 to Chapel to speak about the importance of one of Peddie’s values, citizenship, in the corporate world.
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Ten days later, Peddie’s Theater Department performed the musical “Damn Yankees,” with Ethan Sbarro ’26 starring as Joe Hardy, Nathan Kim ’25 as Joe Boyd, Emily Crehan ’25 as Meg Boyd, Yanelly DeLeon ’25 as Lola and Brooke Truslow ’25 as Applegate.
Peddie’s Arts continued to shine in the month of February as the Winter Music Concert took place on the 25th, featuring viola soloist Keaton Chien ’25 playing Bruch Romanze, Op. 85.
That same week, the Winter Term Student Art Exhibition was held, showcasing student artwork ranging from architectural designs and interactive sculptures to paintings and photography.
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In the second week of March, Peddie took several students on two Spring Break trips on the other side of the world: one to South Korea, and one to Morocco and Spain. Students in Korea enjoyed a breadth of fun activities, from beautiful sights at the Namsan Tower to a self-guided tour by Matt Luo ’25 regarding artifacts found in the National Museum of Korea. Likewise, in Morocco and Spain, students got to ride on camels and even learned how to make traditional foods.
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While other students were on break, Peddie’s Robotics team was hard at work. On the 26th, the team was declared the District Event winners at the first competition of the season at Seneca.
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When students and faculty returned to campus, former Director of Visual Arts Mrs. Watkins presented her farewell exhibition “BETWIXT” on March 29, featuring highlights from 36 years’ -worth of her artwork at the Peddie Arts Center.
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On April 21, students ran outside of the chapel as the annual egg hunt began all over campus.
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On May 8, Peddie’s Theater Department performed the heartwrenching play “Our Town”.
Later that month, on the 15th, the Spring Music Concert took place, featuring cello soloist Katrina Lee ’25 playing Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129.
On the same day, Peddie celebrated the establishment of the Zhao and Li Family Fitness and Exercise Center. It encompasses a new two-level facility featuring the Michael L. Li ’17 Sports Performance Training Center, Zen D. Rizzuto-Flancbaum ’19 Rowing Facility, golf simulators, a yoga studio and a community fitness center.
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On the 20th, the school was involved in a series of competitive games and activities, with Green ultimately winning the Battle of the Heads.
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As the end of May was approaching, so were many faculty members’ last days on campus. Doc Martin, a Latin teacher at Peddie, walked out of his last class into a hallway full of students congratulating him in a clap-out to commemorate all he had done during his time at Peddie.
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On May 23, upperclassmen and their dates dressed up for an eventful night: prom at the Franklin Institute.
On the 24th, one day before Graduation, Baccalaureate was held. Matt Luo ’25 concluded his emotion-packed speech with the words “The despair of knowing that it will likely be the last time I ever see you all here in one place. Pride, just a hint of relief, and, above all, gratitude for all the things and people that brought us here. Thank you, and Ala Viva.”
May 25: the graduation of the Class of 2025 as well as the retirement of faculty and staff members Mr. Quinn (Head of School from 2013 to 2025), Mrs. Watkins (Former Director of Visual Arts) and Mr. Watkins (History Teacher) who had been at Peddie since 1989, Mrs. Berrettoni (History teacher) and Mr. Caglieris (Math teacher) who had taught at Peddie since 2005, and Mr. Newman (Former Director of Building Services), who had been at Peddie since 1976.
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With summer break coming to a close, Peddie fall sport athletes returned to campus during the last two weeks of August for varsity-level preseason training. Blue and Gold games were also held on the 31st.
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On September 1, Peddie’s 162nd Convocation marked the official first day of classes, with the 29th marking new Head of School Mr. Hamilton’s Installation.
On October 7, the junior class took a trip to Philadelphia to learn more about U.S. history through the city’s museums and architecture.
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On the 13th, students showcased their work in STEM and Computer Science fields at the annual Signature STEM EXP Night.
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On the 30th, Peddie’s Theater Department performed the hilarious play “Noises Off.”
Then came November 8, the day every student — whether freshman or senior — was waiting for: Blair Day. After a tally of 6-4, with wins from Peddie Boys and Girls varsity soccer, Girls varsity tennis, Boys and Girls varsity cross country, and Girls JV soccer, Peddie took home the Kelley-Potter Cup, basking in the victory.
On November 11, Peddie’s Arts Department held its Fall Music Concert with flute soloist Coco Zhou ’26 performing the first movement of Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D major, Op. 283.
Not long after, another exciting tradition, the freshman musical, was held on the 15th, where the class of 2029 performed “Newsies Jr.”
On December 5, Mr. Quinn’s portrait was installed as well as the start of the 52nd Annual PSIT basketball tournament.
And finally, just before students and faculty left campus for winter break, Vespers, a celebration of the holiday season filled with music and readings, was held on the 18th.
