News

Alum Lands Dream Job; Returns to Exeter to Inspire JH Students

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When Exeter alumnus Aidan Obritz '15 returned to Exeter Township Junior High this past week, he probably never thought he'd be welcomed like a celebrity, but students certainly treated him like one when they immediately launched into their enthusiastic questions for the professional gamer, who works as an e-sports coach for Cloud 9, a California-based company. With a degree in Japanese from the University of Pittsburgh, the pandemic forced Aidan to consider other job opportunities after graduation since his intent to move abroad became impossible due to worldwide travel restrictions. Looking for alternative opportunities closer to home, Aidan surprised himself by being able to turn a hobby into a career by first coaching at Arcadia University shortly after they debuted their state-of-the-art e-sports arena. Shortly thereafter, he caught the attention of Cloud 9 who brought him on board to be a professional coach for e-athletes. Now, he trains kids and adults how to play games such as League of Legends in a style he says is a lot like a soccer camp: "We run through drills, communication, teamwork, getting better at mechanics... all that good stuff." Marveling at his good fortune during such an unpredictable time, he says, "It's definitely a dream job."
During the day's events, Aidan was joined by other notable Berks professionals, including Mike Robinson, Executive Director of Community and Fan Relations/Internship Coordinator at the Fightin' Phils; Timothy Morgan, Territory Manager and Registered Nurse; Anthony Chaudry, Scientific Investigator at GlaxoSmithKline; and Heather Adams, Executive Director at BCTV.

Jacksonwald STARs eat lunch surrounded by firetrucks

STAR students at Jacksonwald received a super special treat this week as they ate lunch outside surrounded by firetrucks and firemen from the Exeter Township Fire Department! While eating, the firemen shared tips on fire safety and talked about some of the cool things their firetrucks have on board to help people during fires or emergencies. Our sincerest thanks to Sergeants Ed Weitzel and Brian Otto and firefighters/EMTs David Kemmerer, Brian Frey and Tyler Kline from the ETFD for your time and showing our students all of the great things you do to keep Exeter safe!

APT Sells Sweets to Raise Dough

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Lorane APT is selling delicious pies, cake rolls and Pellman cheesecakes to raise funds for the school's parent and teacher organization. Desserts will be provided by Boyer's Food Market and will be available for pick up on 11/22 and 11/23. But hurry! Orders are due on 11/5 and can be placed by clicking HERE.

Meet the Junior High’s New Assistant Principal, Jennifer Cooke

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Jennifer Cooke, Assistant Principal | Junior High

Email: jmcooke@nullmyexeter.org

Jennifer started at the Junior High today as the new Assistant Principal, replacing Joe Alcaro, who is moving to Reiffton as their new Assistant Principal. Jennifer previously worked as the Assistant Principal at Reading High School. Prior to her experience at Reading, Jennifer was a math teacher for 14 years at Daniel Boone. She also experienced a variety of teaching positions early in her career, including working in the Philadelphia area. "I truly love middle school because it's such a great time for kids as they're figuring out who they are and discovering what they want from life. I hope to help them with that discovery and guide them in the direction of the futures," she says. She lives in Douglassville with her husband, her son and her three dogs.

Exeter artists have their work juried into a competition at Shippensburg University

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Three Exeter students were honored to have their artwork juried into the Shippensburg University Art & Design Department - 2021 Scholastic 144 exhibition. Their artwork will be displayed and judged in the Kauffman Gallery, with the opening reception beginning on November 6th.

They are from left: Olivia Biancone with "Sunflower Sunset" and "Sideyard," both in gouache; Brynn Patchell with "Inner Feelings" in acrylic; and Brittany Truong with "Telephone Line" and "Nha Trang, Vietnam," both in gouache.

The exhibit awards students up to $1,000 in prizes, as well as honorable mentions to high school juniors and seniors in select counties throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland and runs through March. Good luck to our Exeter artists!

Meet the Senior High’s new Assistant Principals CJ Hartman and Julie Davis

photo of cj hartman and julie davis

CJ Hartman, Assistant Principal | Senior High

Email: cdhartman@nullmyexeter.org
At the Senior High, we welcomed CJ Hartman in late August. CJ was a biology and ESL teacher for 20 years in the Souderton School District, working most recently as the Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs at Bishop McDevitt High School, where she was responsible for for professional development, master schedule, classroom management and instruction, student support programs, school wide programs and communication. During her summers, CJ's traveled extensively to study diversity, culture and the Spanish language -- and perfect her Latin dance moves, which she takes part in performing here at home. "I am most looking forward to meeting and forming relationships with as many students, parents, community members, teachers as possible and learning the culture of Exeter," she says.

Julie Davis, Assistant Principal | Senior High

Email: jcdavis@nullmyexeter.org

Julie was welcomed to the Senior High this week, previously working as special education teacher for more than 17 years. She lives in Montgomery County with her husband, three children and her crew of pets. She earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Millersville University and says, “I am looking forward to working with students to help them on their journey to become active, productive, and compassionate citizens in our communities. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that is rigorous, engaging and provides a high quality education here at Exeter," she says.