Features

Phones buzzed and dorm doors flew open across campus on Sunday afternoon as students were notified that classes were canceled for Monday, January 26. Once the initial excitement had settled, plans took shape: some pulled on their boots to head outside, while others settled back in bed.

Every other week, The Choate News is distributed throughout the School, featuring engaging student-produced drawings and photos from the most memorable moments. All published articles are enhanced by flashy media, such as graphics, illustrations, or photographs. But who exactly are the visual masterminds behind The Choate News’ graphics? 

From finance to candid lifestyle videos, various Choate students have a media presence across numerous outlets. For many students, social media is not just a platform for self-expression, but also for education, advocacy, and connection. They build meaningful engagement both on campus and beyond. 

Even though dorms at Choate have a unique identity and remain physically separated from each other, they are seldom isolated. From manhunt to karaoke night to s’mores, here are some classical co-dorm events on campus.

For me, the most exciting thing about boarding school was the thrill of exploration and the promise of change. My father graduated from Choate in 1993, and my brother, Jason Chang ’26, is a current student. Over and over, I’ve heard that Choate fosters a warm and loving community with the people, making this institution special. Now, as a student myself, I can confidently confirm this.

Across the world, rich cultures and traditions bring families together to celebrate the spirit of the winter holiday season. At Choate, students embrace this time of year in countless ways, showing that, while many honor familiar customs, the joy of the season can take many forms. From cooking favorite holiday recipes to meeting extended family, here’s how Choate students spend the holidays. 

The staple of any party, an icon of music, and the epitome of music fests: DJs. With their headphones and bobbing head, the DJ and their scratching of vinyls has been ingrained into all facets of pop culture. At Choate, several students have also explored the art of DJ-ing.

Myths offer something to believe in, whether that means hope for the future or comfort about the past. From the legends of ancient gods to folklores told today, they appear throughout human history. At Choate, such myths existed, from old fraternities to rumors about underground tunnels. 

It’s Monday morning, and The Choate News has hit the Dining Hall tables. Over the course of the school day, the 1,300 copies of the paper will cover everywhere from Lanphier Cafe to Carr Hall. Mr. Blaze Garbatini, on behalf of the Valley Publishing Company, marks the start of the paper’s journey.

Around every seven years, Choate faculty have the opportunity to take a term off for sabbatical. For many, the break is a chance to explore hidden talents, rediscover old passions, and return to campus with fresh perspectives.

Most members of the Choate community are no strangers to moving, from saying farewell to the place they called home to stripping the walls and packing treasured belongings in dubious cardboard boxes. This year, many teachers, including Ms. Rachel Hudelson, Ms. Michelle Thompson-Taylor, and Mx. Athira Sanal, moved houses and dorms across campus.

Every day, stampedes of students visit Lanphier Café for a much needed pick-me-up in the form of an iced coffee or a warm smile from their favorite baristas. For many, it’s a comforting daily ritual, and Lucas Du ’29 is a regular. “I come to Lanphier Café very often, like four times a week,” he said. However, the vibrant atmosphere that Lanphier Café offers would not be possible without the staff behind the counter.

The renovation of the Hill House dining hall wasn’t just about updating the space — it transformed the entire dining experience. With expanded food options, upgraded equipment, and new stations from a brick-oven pizza station to a soft-serve ice cream machine and a refrigerated drop-in cold food well, the newly renovated dining hall has brought more excitement at every meal for the Choate community.

At Choate, students pursue all kinds of passions, from sports to social justice, art, and more. With the sheer number of resources available on campus, students are encouraged to explore their interests in all sorts of ways and are supported by teachers and faculty throughout the process. For some, pursuing an interest might mean trying out for a sports team or joining a new club. However, for Wayne Wang ’26 and Ada Tieanworn ’26, their interests fall in exploring the world of business and entrepreneurship.

In Choate’s 2025 Summer Reading book, Everything is Tuberculosis, John Green explains the reach of tuberculosis throughout history, from cities created as sanatoriums for patients to the “beauty of consumption” depicted in 18th and 19th century European art. While tuberculosis may seem distant in time and relevance, our very own school and the town of Wallingford worked toward raising awareness, supporting patients, and preventing the further spread of the disease.