News

Ben Capobianco ’23

Name: Ben Capobianco 
College/University Attending: Virginia Tech University 
Major/Area of Interest: Finance 
Years at Shipley: 13 
 
Activities:
Varsity Soccer and Basketball 
 
Who was your most influential teacher and why? 
My most influential teacher at Shipley was Ms. Van Horn, my fourth-grade teacher. She was the first teacher I had that I felt could genuinely teach the material in a simple and personable way. My family and I are still in contact with her today, and she was my favorite teacher in my time at the lower school. 
 
What was your favorite class and why? 
My favorite class at Shipley was Honors Biology. While the course was difficult, the material was very interesting, and Ms. Willing made it a much more enjoyable learning experience in the classroom. The topics covered, such as genetics, cell anatomy, and species are all areas that are interesting to me, so learning about them didn't feel like a task, but a privilege. 
 
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley? 
My most memorable experience at Shipley was the last soccer game of the year. We were playing in the State semifinals for the second year in a row, and we were at the Farm Fields. We ended up losing the game 4-0, and after every goal the feeling of helplessness was palpable, and the realization that this will be our last game together began to set in. I remember it was getting dark when the game ended, and many of the seniors stayed for an hour after, sitting on the bench in the dark taking it all in. Most of us had been playing together since we were in the third grade, and the feeling of finality at this moment was strong as we ate soft pretzels and reflected on our experiences together. 
 
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you? 
The Shipley slogan "Courage for the deed; Grace for the Doing" represents Shipley students' willingness to serve others. Whether it is something small like helping with somebody's homework or something grand like a service project or volunteer work, Shipley has shown me that in order to give back to others you must have the courage to actively offer a helping hand, and the grace to put yourself in their shoes in order to most effectively assist them. 
 
Complete this sentence: Shipley has prepared me to… 
Excel in anything that I do, and if I can't excel at first, Shipley has prepared me to adapt and improve. 
 
How has Shipley prepared you to be your best self and do your best work? 
Shipley has prepared me to be my best self and do my best work by teaching me to be resilient and hard-working through a challenging curriculum and a great teaching staff. 
 
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks? 
Shipley has encouraged me to take risks with the honors courses. Throughout the years I have taken many honors classes, some I even felt unprepared for. However, I always ended up enjoying the material in these classes, and have been up for the challenges they pose. 
 
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it has meant to you.  
My time at Shipley has been no short journey. I've attended Shipley since kindergarten, thirteen years ago. I immediately made good friends, many of which also still attend Shipley, but some have left for their own journey. Lower school was filled with childhood fun, playing on the playground, rehearsing plays, and learning about spelling and grammar for the first time. Middle school was all about learning how to become independent socially and academically. High school was preparing for college life, as most courses attempted to simulate the college curriculum in order to best prepare students for the transition. Shipley has essentially been the only school I know, and moving on will be a new experience; one that I am slightly nervous about as I expand into unfamiliar territories, but one I also look forward to as many new opportunities await. 
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814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone: 610-525-4300
Fax: 610-525-5082
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.