PEAN Board Turns Over, Chooses New Editors-in-Chief

Phillips Exeter Annual Notebook (PEAN), the club behind the Academy’s yearbook, announced its annual board turnover and appointed three new Editors-in-Chief (EIC). Current seniors and EICs Catherine Huang, Emily LaRovere and Evan Xiang passed on their leadership roles to uppers Jon Chen, Abby Clyde and Maria Lee. The former EICs expressed their excitement and confidence in the incoming board, whose energy, talent and dedication will serve PEAN well in the coming year.To earn the EIC position, candidates underwent a three-step application process— submitting a written statement of interest, creating two mock yearbook page layouts and being interviewed by the former EICs and the publication’s faculty advisors. French Instructor and Faculty Advisor Sheryl Dion, who took part in the interviewing process, said, “PEAN is a great opportunity for students to use their creative talents, develop their organizational skills, and serve in leadership roles in the creation of a major publication each year.”

“They are all very talented and energetic and I can't wait to see what they accomplish.”

As Editors-in-Chief, Chen, Clyde and Lee will be responsible for creating themes, choosing design templates and reviewing spreads. The trio will ultimately be required to look over each page of the 365-page yearbook before deeming it as print-ready. In addition, they will train younger associates and photographers in operating digital programs like InDesign and Photoshop, and communicate often with the yearbook’s publishing company, Walsworth Corporate Offices.Xiang described the qualities that she and the application reviewers sought in their candidates. “We were looking for a team of dedicated and experienced members who could balance each other out well,” she said. “Recruiting and retaining new members to the club was a bit of a struggle for our board, so I really hope Jon, Maria and Abby can improve in that aspect.”Despite some setbacks, the previous EICs had a successful year on the PEAN board. Huang, LaRover and Xiang worked well together all year to produce an aesthetically pleasing yearbook that will soon be released to students.Huang expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with others involved in PEAN, members of the executive board and associates alike, saying “I enjoyed working with the PEAN team and getting to know the other board members.”The new EICs will carry on the strong teamwork of the old board, as they have already been working together for years.  LaRovere praised the new EICs for their commitment to the publication over the years and affirmed her faith in their capacities. “We were looking for someone who is dedicated and enthusiastic and we hope that the new board continues on with our hard work and organization skills,” she said. “They are all very talented and energetic and I can't wait to see what they accomplish.”Clyde believes that she and her fellow EICs offer a balance of characteristics that will promote their efficiency and productivity in the layout room. “Maria, John and I have been with each other for the past three years and we work very well together,” she said. “We have traits that complement one another: “John is the do-er, while Maria has a good eye and she is a great trainer.  I’m the enforcer of associates." She laughed, saying  “I guess I’m going to be the mean one.”Lower Numi Oyebode, who works as a photographer for PEAN, reflected on the first meeting between yearbook photographers and the new EICs. She observed the trio’s complementary abilities, noting that each EIC represents a different section of the yearbook. “They are very invested in their duties. Last night, we had a meeting with photographers and they shared their visions,” she recalled. “ I was impressed that they were already hopping into their jobs hands-on to tell us what to do and give us suggestions. They bring their humor and incredible work ethic.”Lower and PEAN sports associate Issy Wise celebrated Clyde’s appointment. “Abby is so nice and put-together. She knows everything that goes on in the PEAN room,” she said. “She’s very good with the computers and knows how to teach younger associates so that they understand the programs as well.”Lee, who served as a PEAN associate during her prep spring and lower year, and as a senior page editor this year, commended the prior board for their work and divulged her plans for the coming year.“The old editors handled deadlines well and they responded quickly, eager to help the younger members with photos,” she said. “This year, we want to meet deadlines, educate the senior associates and emphasize the popularity of the club. We promise to work and continue this club to the best of our abilities and produce a publication to be proud of for next year.”Chen credited his growth of creativity, foresight and time management skills to his service as a PEAN associate. “Seeing all our hard work culminate at the end of the year makes it all worth it. My favorite part of PEAN is using my creative eye to create pages that look good and represent the group pictured,” he said. “Over the years, PEAN taught me time management skills. Making the yearbook for the school is rewarding because every year we are gathering memories that will last long [after graduation].”