Year in Review, Fall: Campus Reacts to Tragedy

On July 31 2014, Principal Tom Hassan informed the Exeter community about the death of Preeya Sheth, beloved member of the class of 2016. Sheth was an active and exuberant Exonian who impacted numerous members of the community with her remarkable drive and intelligence. The Academy acknowledged the importance of supporting the community during this time and provided outlets for students to grieve and commemorate as they returned to campus for the fall term. A memorial service was held in Phillips Church on Sep. 14, where students and faculty gathered and spoke of Sheth and her impact on their lives. Additionally, faculty and counselors aimed to provide support for students as they grieved. Because Sheth’s death was a suicide, PEA consulted with Dr. Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, Director of the Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, who advised the Academy on how to best heal the community. Student leaders were also important sources of support; proctors and student listeners received guidance from faculty on how to address depression and the loss of a member of the community.