etween new plexiglass installations,
socially-distanced desks, and hybrid
classrooms, Xaverian Brothers High
School looks a lot different this year; however,
not every change was COVID-related. Tis
September, Xaverian officially opened the new
X-Ploration Center, a multi-purpose space that
encourages students to unleash their creative
potential.
Te X-Ploration Center provides teachers
and students with the opportunity to engage
in project-based learning through design,
creation, and experimentation. With access
to the latest technology, students are able
to discover solutions and develop a deeper
understanding of key concepts through the act
of making. Plans for this innovative addition to
800 Clapboardtree Street began in December
of 2019, and though the coronavirus pandemic
complicated matters, construction was still able
to proceed in early June.
CREATIVITY UNBOUND
By Nicholas Daoust ’20, Communications Corps
Tanks to the generous contributions of
Xaverian’s donors, the X-Ploration Center
is currently home to four 3-D printers,
including one Formlabs Form 3 that
utilizes stereolithography, by which three-
dimensional objects are made through the
manipulation of light. Te center also houses
an Epilog Laser Fusion Pro laser cutter,
which is connected to a program that can
transfer any design onto a variety of materials
through superfine etching. Tis machine
alone has already been used to engrave
wooden displays, acrylic advertorial designs,
and personalized metal keychains—just a few
examples of its even broader potential. For
those who have an interest in woodworking,
“We want students to walk into the X-Ploration
Center and realize that a new way of expressing
their content knowledge is being emphasized.”
MR. RYAN HOWARD, DIRECTOR OF THE XPLORATION CENTER
Thacher Purdy ’26
Sam Maloof ’21
8 www.xbhs.com