Reese started at Shipley in seventh grade from Gladwyne Montessori.
Activities and Positions: All School Vice President Shipley TV Shipley Singers Glee Club Jazz Honors Combo JV Girls Basketball Fall Play Winter Musical Shakespeare Arts Committee Admissions Ambassador
Favorite Club: My favorite club is Shipley TV because it combines creativity, collaboration, and storytelling in a unique way. I’ve loved getting to work behind the scenes and in front of the camera, whether that’s brainstorming segments, filming, or editing. It’s a space where students can showcase their personalities and talents while also keeping the community connected and informed.
Favorite Class: My favorite classes at Shipley are English and Drama because both let me explore storytelling and self-expression in different ways. In English, I love the open discussions where we share ideas and build on each other’s perspectives, and I’ve been lucky to have the best teachers. In Drama, I get the chance to work on my passion for theater during the school day, and I’ve grown so much with the support of an incredible mentor throughout my Upper School years. Together, these classes have helped me find my voice both on the page and on the stage.
Thoughts on Shipley: When I think of Shipley, I think of community and the way people support each other in so many different spaces, whether it is in the classroom, on stage, or on the court. One of the best things I have experienced here is the feeling that no matter what you are involved in, there are people who want to see you succeed and grow. That sense of belonging has made my time at Shipley meaningful.
Advice for New Students: One piece of advice I would share with new students is to try new things, talk to new people, and take the classes that excite you. People always say that high school flies by, and as corny as it sounds, it really does. By the time you get to senior year, it hits you how quickly it all went. My advice is to savor the time you have here and take advantage of everything this incredible community has to offer.
The Shipley School proudly announces that six members of the Class of 2026 have been recognized by The National Merit Scholarship Program as Finalists.
What does constant connectivity mean for developing brains? At a recent Learning Child Series presentation, Shipley parent Dr. Jesse Suh, P’31, shared research on digital technology and adolescent development—and offered practical strategies families can use to build healthier technology habits.
The Shipley School is proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2026 Alumni Award recipients — four distinguished individuals who embody the values of excellence, leadership, and service in their respective fields.
Shipley sophomore Kate Ulrich recently earned a second-place finish in the Girls Under 17 division at the US Squash Junior Championship Tournament, held January 17-19 at the Arlen Specter Squash Center in Philadelphia.
Congratulations to Rohail, Ara, Jayden, Doris, and Rishaan for their creativity and award-winning excellence in the CMU CS Academy Fall 2025 Creative Task Competition hosted by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science.
Martin Sun ’27 and Ara Speirs ’27 each earned recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, , the nation’s longest-running (1923) and most prestigious program for creative teens.
Five Shipley Middle School students, led by science teacher Ace Schwarz, traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to present original astronomy research at the American Astronomical Society conference, one of the field’s leading national gatherings.
Four Shipley colleagues are celebrating milestones anniversaries during the 2025-2026 school year. Celebrating 15 years are Kate Gearhart and Tamar Norquist. Celebrating 25 years are Christian Wareikis and Vince Ceriale.
Eliza Varner, Upper School Physics teacher and Class Dean, recently earned the prestigious National Board Certification, awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The certification recognizes educators who meet rigorous standards through a performance-based, peer-reviewed process.
Shipley’s annual Swamp Night is on January 23! Bring your family for food and fun with the entire Shipley community. Wear your favorite Shipley gear and join the Shipley Swamp to cheer on our basketball and squash teams!
Motivated by a desire to expand access and opportunity, Shipley student Rishaan Nagar ’26 turned his volunteer experience with SquashSmarts into Squash The Gap—a growing initiative that connects volunteers with Philadelphia students through mentorship and community engagement.
Former Shipley standout Marta Johnson ’95 returns to where it all began, this time as head coach. From her family immigrating to America and first volleyball game to coaching her own daughters on the same court, Marta shares what it means to come full circle and build a culture of hard work, heart, and connection.
For as long as he can remember, Ronan’s been building things—first with LEGOs, then with anything he could get his hands on. But one day, curiosity took over: instead of just building, he started taking things apart to see how they worked.
Shipley freshman and girls basketball standout Melody Vaughn recently found herself on the 2029 ESPN W Watchlist - an honor bestowed upon the best up-and-coming players nationwide. Learn more about her passion, motivations, goals, and why she loves being a Shipley Gator.
Last spring and this fall, Shipley’s Middle School launched new overnight trips, immersing students in history, culture, and community. From the maritime culture of Newport News, VA, and D.C.’s civil rights landmarks to Broadway in NYC, these journeys deepened curiosity, built connections, and brought classroom learning vividly to life.
Shipley's Boys' and Girls' Varsity Cross Country teams each won their respective Friends Schools League Championship on October 16. Several runners also earned individual medals for their times. Go Gators!
Nine Shipley Middle School students joined peers from 13 schools at the RISE Student Leadership Conference, where they explored empathy, communication, and inclusive leadership in sessions guided by Shipley faculty leaders. Shipley senior and student leader Cassie McDaid ’26 was the keynote speaker of the event.
Senior Emily McKay ’26 balances a rigorous academic schedule with her role as co-captain of Team USA’s Theatre on Ice team—leading with empathy, supporting younger teammates, and proving that excellence and compassion can share the spotlight. Learn more about Emily in this Beyond Shipley Spotlight, featuring students whose pursuits outside of school reflect Shipley's mission in action.
For nearly two decades, the name Thom Schauerman has been synonymous with Shipley Boys’ Soccer.
For 19 years, his passion, leadership, and dedication led the Gators to over 250 victories and 10+ FSL Championships. Schauerman’s legacy extends far beyond wins; it’s about community, mentorship, and heart. Read more.
Shipley's new Head of Lower School, Tim Bickhart, is also the parent of Henry '28 and Jack '33. Learn more about what he loves most about elementary-aged children, what he considers to be great teaching, and what inspires him.
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.