Q&A with Henry Katz ’19: From All School President to White House Intern
Ali Schwartz ’10
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. Can you tell us more about your experience interning at The White House? What responsibilities fall under The Office of Scheduling and Advance?
The Office of Scheduling and Advance handles the president’s daily schedule and movements off of White House property. The team I worked with was responsible for coordinating all aspects of these events. From sourcing venues and motorcade vehicles to making sure essential senior staff and elected officials were properly briefed on the needs of such events. On my team, I specifically served my office’s travel team, coordinating the president’s movements in motorcades, on Marine One, and on Air Force One. What were some of the most memorable moments or projects you worked on during your time at The White House? Was there a specific event or initiative that you were involved in that you found particularly impactful?
During my time at The White House I attended many memorable events such as the first annual Juneteenth concert, where Jennifer Hudson and other notable musicians of color performed. I also helped to plan and execute a civil rights symposium the president gave remarks for at the National Archives. After the event, I was lucky enough to ride back to The White House in the president’s motorcade, which is a moment I will never forget.
The Office of Scheduling and Advance are the producers of the most watched show on the planet. We set the stage for every picture perfect moment and it is our responsibility to put the president in the strongest position possible to communicate his message effectively. I learned very quickly that my work was having a direct impact on how the media covers the president and his work. I’d often leave an event I spent days or weeks planning, sit down at my desk, and see the event being covered on every major news network on the TV above my desk. That was pretty cool. You recently started a new job working as a Political Strategist in New York City. What are you looking forward to most in this new role?
In my new role at Schoen Cooperman Research (SCR) I am looking forward to working on campaign strategies for Democratic candidates and causes around the country. From anti-gun violence and pro-choice legislation, to public opinion polling on American and Israeli government officials, to corporate market research for companies such as Snapchat, HBO, and Margaritaville; SCR has a broad portfolio which will give me experience across different fields. What skills, values, or experiences did you develop (or begin to develop) at Shipley that contribute to your success in your personal or professional life?
My love for politics and campaigns started when I was in Mrs. Van Horn’s fourth grade class. I did not win my Student Council election that fall, and in my teary-eyed state, Mrs. Van Horn encouraged me to run again in the spring election. Mrs. Van Horn taught me that it is my ability to make others feel loved and appreciated which would help me down the line. So I continued to be myself, embracing every member of Shipley’s community and following through on promises I made to friends. I never lost an election at Shipley again.
Some hard skills I gained at Shipley were a foundation of statistics and strong writing skills. Teachers such as Mrs. Small and Dr. Pickering were both relentless and encouraging in my development as a writer, which has gone a very long way. Being able to communicate effectively through writing, especially with co-workers, has served me well in my professional endeavors.
Lastly, every teacher at Shipley taught me how to advocate for myself. There is never anything wrong with looking out for yourself, both as a person and as a student, and this mindset served me well going to UPenn. As all Shipley students attend colleges and universities which are much bigger communities than they are used to, self-advocacy is a skill that stands out with college professors and makes life as a college student a whole lot easier. Looking back on your time at Shipley, is there anything you know now that you would tell your young self as a student at Shipley?
Shipley is the best place to try new things and obsess over what you are passionate about. My whole life I have loved writing, sports, politics, and theater. While my athletic career at Shipley did not take off, I was able to fulfill my love for sports and politics by writing for The Beacon. I was able to run a student government campaign every year and then serve my classmates throughout the school year by improving student life through new initiatives and traditions. And lastly, I was able to perform in the school musical every year, which was by far the most rewarding community of students I met at Shipley. Having never taken a singing or dance lesson in my life, the Riely Theatre stage developed my public speaking skills and gave me the confidence to make others laugh and take risks. Shipley was a place for me to always take my work seriously, but never take myself too seriously.
Dr. Taylor, a Shipley alumna and distinguished scholar, has dedicated her career to African American literature, teaching, and leadership at HBCUs. Now Director of the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum, she leverages her experience to elevate the museum, stewarding its collection and sharing the richness of the African diaspora.
Morgan is the Director of Behavioral Health for a Philadelphia nonprofit and oversees multiple mental health programs and advocates to reduce stigma in minority communities. A former SURE president and Shipley alum, Morgan credits Shipley’s diverse opportunities for shaping her advocacy skills and encourages current students to embrace growth and new experiences.
In this Shipley Class of 2020 Young Alumni Spotlight, All School President Declan Buckley ’20 reflects on his path since Shipley, sharing insights from his studies at Harvard and his work in production finance at NBC Sports. He discusses the value of Shipley’s community, risk-taking, and embracing new challenges in shaping his journey after graduation.
In the first Young Alumni Q&A spotlight of the Shipley Class of 2020 series, Caroline Milgram ’20 reflects on her path from Shipley to her current role as an Underwriting Analyst in New York City. Joining Shipley in 9th grade, she embraced extracurriculars like Student Government and theatre, while developing perseverance and self-advocacy. Caroline credits Shipley’s supportive environment with helping her navigate challenges, including transferring universities, and preparing her for success at the University of Pennsylvania and beyond.
Shipley alumni Katrina F. Sherrerd ’75 and Chris Comstock ’10 are shaping the School's future with new endowment funds that champion inclusivity and artistic expression, ensuring Shipley remains a place where students and educators thrive for generations to come.
After 37 years shaping Shipley’s art program, Chris Wagner’s passion for art flourishes in a new way. Discover how a chance watercolor class in France sparked a vibrant second act in her artistic journey.
In his Commencement Address to the class of 2024, Prashant Bhuyan ’96 emphasized the importance of maintaining humanity in an increasingly AI-driven world. He advised the graduates to think critically, foster meaningful human connections, and use technology to create new paradigms that benefit humanity, thereby becoming leaders in the future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carter Barnhart ’10 is the co-founder and CEO of Charlie Health, with the goal of providing high-quality, personalized mental health treatment to a broader population through a virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP) that combines group, individual, and family therapy sessions delivered entirely online. In 2022, Carter was named to Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 100 list for her work to rapidly grow Charlie Health.
When Helen “Honey” Beuf ’78 lost her daughter to suicide, she turned her grief into action. Working with a good friend who is a movie producer, Honey and her other daughter, Tess, decided to produce a documentary film called My Sister Liv. In making the film, Honey says she became aware of unmet needs of kids in learning about suicide prevention and mental health.
Shipley is lucky to have two of its own at the helm of a re-energized Alumni Engagement Office after a two-year hiatus from hosting regional and major events. Aly Mason ’07 took over the role of Director in September 2022, joining Assistant Director Ali Schwartz ’10 in the shared endeavor of connecting with alumni of all ages through robust alumni programming.
This beloved former French teacher and Admissions Director retired from Shipley in 2009 after 32 years of serving in various teaching and administrative roles. Having served on the Boards of Church Farm School and Benchmark School, Mr. Coleman is back at Shipley as a member of the Board of Trustees.
The Alumni Service Award is presented for outstanding volunteer service to The Shipley School by an alumna or alumnus as demonstrated by strong loyalty, exceptional contributions of time and effort, and personal commitment to the advancement of the School’s mission.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding achievement, the dedication, and the personal accomplishments of a Shipley alumna or alumnus in a particular field of endeavor, whether it be in a chosen profession, through formal volunteer activities unrelated to the school, or through a personal commitment to an issue, project, or cause.
The Shipley School Young Alumni Award recognizes a Shipley alumna or alumnus who has graduated within the preceding twenty years and demonstrates innovation, curiosity, and creativity in the pursuit of excellence in a particular field, whether it be in a profession, through formal volunteer activities unrelated to the School, or through a personal commitment to an issue, project, or cause.
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.