News
Matthew Spencer ’23
Name: Matthew Spencer
College/University Attending: Boston University
Major/Area of Interest: International Relation and Economics on a Pre-law track
Years at Shipley: 12
Activities:
Class President, BSU Member, Global Village Member, Varsity Indoor and Outdoor Track Captain
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
Dr. Gillin, taking US History with her in 11th grade was really challenging and forced me to change my study habits and how I analysed information in order to succeed. Since taking her class I feel I have grown into a much better, much more responsible student.
What was your favorite class and why?
Macroeconomics with Dr. Rebholz, I didn't really know what to expect going into this class but I found that I was really intrigued by the subject matter. The discussion based class styles was a really great aspect of this class as well. Taking this class helped me realize that I might really want to study economics in college. What was your most memorable experience at Shipley? Starting my senior year, knowing that it would be the last chance to see everyone in my class together was pretty memorable. It was really great to see everyone again and it felt like everyone had acknowledged the finality of the year.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
To me it means be brave enough to do what you want to do, and make sure to do it the right way.
Complete this sentence: Shipley has prepared me to…
Shipley has prepared me to continue to make change and succeed in college and whatever I choose to do after.
How has Shipley prepared you to be your best self and do your best work?
Shipley has given me the tools to do my work in manner that makes me proud, and has given me the confidence to do so on my own terms.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Students and faculty here are very welcoming and encouraging, creating an environment in which I feel safe taking risks. This has built up enough confidence in me to be able to go out on a limb and take risks even when I'm in an environment that isn't as supportive as Shipley
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what is has meant to you.
Without Shipley I wouldn't have been able to see the possibilities of life in it's fullness. At Shipley, I've been able to meet some of the best friends I've ever had and met some of the coolest individuals I know. It's been so fun to have been here with everyone, and I'm so grateful for being able to attend.
News
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Katelyn Taylor: Creating Meaningful Experiences in Athletics
A quiet powerhouse in Shipley’s Athletic Department, Katelyn manages the moving parts of anywhere from 12-15 teams per season. While that may seem chaotic—she sticks to her spreadsheets and checklists, plans for various scenarios, and thrives under pressure, all while presenting a calm demeanor.Read More -
After 36 Years, Upper School Mainstay Christine Greenwood Retires
Christine Greenwood held various roles at Shipley, spanning a tenure of 36 years, most notably as an art teacher and the advisor of The Beacon and the Yearbook. She will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.Read More -
Lower School’s Tina Wattles Retires After Nearly 20 Years
Shipley's beloved PreKindergarten teacher Tina Wattles will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, leaving a lasting mark on the community. Her energy and smile will be greatly missed by her students and colleagues alike. "For a generation, Tina has planted acorns that have grown into mighty oaks. Her work will reverberate for years and years to come,” said Head of School Michael Turner.Read More -
Anna Dejdar ’04 Says Farewell to Shipley after 16 Years of Service
Anna Dejdar ’04 is set to embark on a new journey, leaving behind a legacy that spans over two decades. As she prepares to assume her new role as Head of Upper School at Stratford Academy in Macon, GA, in the 2024-2025 school year, we reflect on her invaluable contributions and the indelible mark she has left on our School.Read More -
Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams Earn Medals at Regional Tournament
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams earned many medals at the Pennsylvania Southeast Region Science Olympiad Tournament on March 8 at Penn State Abington.Read More -
Peter Makela ’04: 2024 Alumni Artist Exhibition
This year’s alumni exhibition features work from the Sky Paintings series by Shipley alum Peter Makela ’04 and will be on display in Speer Gallery from April 9 to May 5. Celebrate the fine arts at Shipley with an artist reception in Speer Gallery on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Alumni Artist Reception is part of Alumni Reunion Weekend and is open to family and friends of the Shipley community, we ask that you please register online or contact alumni@shipleyschool.org with any questions.Read More -
BJ Glenn ’07: Building a Career on Exposure to Communities Outside His Own
The son of a North Philly cop and South Philly educator, Shipley alumnus Robert "BJ" Glenn III ’07 demonstrated prowess as an athlete and as a student. Knowing the importance of a good education, BJ's parents enrolled him in Kindergarten at Shipley where he soon made his mark in class, and later on Shipley’s playing fields in lacrosse, baseball, and other sports. But it was at daily recess at age 6 when he discovered a sport that perfectly blended his budding speed and agility with a strong leg: soccer.Read More -
Two Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Read MoreThe Shipley School proudly announces two members of the Class of 2024 have been recognized by The National Merit Scholarship Program as Finalists -
Middle Schoolers Present Research at American Astronomical Society Annual Conference
Shipley Middle Schoolers Anderson Knipe ’28 and Lily Pressman ’28 presented their joint research on young stellar objects at the 243rd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society held January 7-11 in New Orleans, LouisianaRead More -
Gators Brought the House Down at Swamp Night
Shipley’s annual Swamp Night was held on Friday, January 26! Everyone in the community came together to share a meal, participate in games and activities, and cheer on Shipley's basketball teams. Check out highlights from the evening!Read More -
Fourth Graders Demonstrate Compassionate Participation
Compassionate participation in the world is a foundational pillar of Shipley’s mission. They aren’t just words - Shipley students live by this statement through their everyday actions. Read more about our fourth graders' mission to help others.Read More -
Roxana Barry Robinson ’64: High Praise for Latest Novel
Roxana Barry Robinson ’64 is an award-winning author whose upcoming novel, Leaving, received a Kirkus Star and was featured on Oprah's list of The Most Anticipated Books of 2024. Leaving comes out on February 13, 2024, and is available for pre-order. You can learn more about Roxana and her work by visiting www.roxanarobinson.com.Read More -
Creating a Culture of Kindness in Middle School
“Shipley is really special because three kids can go to a teacher and say, ‘I think it would be cool to do this.’ And the teachers and administrators support them all the way through.” Learn more about the Middle School's culture of kindness and November's Kindness Month events.Read More -
Lexi Wojtelwicz ’20: THON 2024
Just before graduating in 2020, Lexi Wojtelwicz reflected on her time at Shipley, writing, “Shipley is constantly presenting different ways to try something new…. There are so many ways to step out of your comfort zone, grow, and discover your passions while knowing you have the support of the whole community”. Now a senior at Penn State University, Lexi will be representing her Greek organization, Delta Gamma, in THON 2024. Lexi shares more about THON and her leadership role.Read More -
From Greeters to Graduates: How Shipley Develops Student Voice
Explore Shipley's commitment to developing and empowering student voice. From Lower School greeters to Upper School Admissions Ambassadors, and from fourth-grade debates to Harkness discussions, Shipley cultivates confident communicators who learn to use their voices with empathy and humility and to communicate in a range of forms.Read More -
Ishea Johnson ’19: How Shipley Prepared Me for Academic Success at Princeton and Beyond
Princeton University graduate Ishea Johnson ’19 credits her Shipley teachers with creating an environment where she developed and thrived as an independent learner, contributing to her success in college. "Shipley is truly outstanding in that it simultaneously provides its students with a rigorous, academically challenging curriculum while also fostering intellectual exploration and creativity," she says.Read More -
Fall Sports Round-Up
The Gators wrapped up a successful fall sports season with many teams reaching their respective Friends Schools League Championship and PAISAA state tournament, and many student-athletes earning spots on FSL All-League teams. Read more about each team's season.Read More -
Ozzie Jones Receives Barrymore Award Nomination for Outstanding Outdoor Production
Ozzie Jones earned a Barrymore Award nomination for Outstanding Outdoor Production, showcasing his transformative journey and key role in Theater in the X's acclaimed "Dreamgirls."Read More -
Finding Your Voice in Eighth Grade English
In the journey of self-discovery and personal development, eighth grade students at Shipley embark on a path of finding their voice. This article highlights eighth grade English, and how students learn to express their opinions, beliefs, and thoughts through literature and class discussions, laying the foundation for compassionate participation in the world.Read More -
Q&A with Henry Katz ’19: From All School President to White House Intern
Shipley All School President Henry Katz ’19, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May with a BA in Political Communication. This summer, he served as an intern at The White House in the Office of Scheduling and Advance, and has recently started a new position as a Political Strategist at Schoen Cooperman Research in New York City.Read More
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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.
