Middle School Latin Students Recognized for Excellence in Latin
2023 National Latin Examination In March, Shipley's Middle School Latin students took the 2023 National Latin Examination. This exam awards recognition for an individual student’s academic achievement by accuracy score on questions of Latin grammar recognition, vocabulary, Latin phrases, Roman history, mythology, geography, reading comprehension, English derivatives, and more. Shipley MS students were joined by over 100,000 other young scholars from all 50 US States, as well as 13 foreign countries including Australia, Belize, Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Thirteen students earned Latin Award prizes and recognition for excellence.
SUMMA CUM LAUDE “With Highest Praise” Grade 7: Ellie Mulligan
Grade 8: Sophie Hansen
MAXIMA CUM LAUDE “With Very Great Praise” Grade 7: Ethan March Grade 8: Jackson Wiseman Shea Kelleher
MAGNA CUM LAUDE “With Great Praise” Grade 7: Finn Kelleher
CUM LAUDE “With Praise”
Grade 8: Amira Benarieb
HONORABLE MENTION Grade 7: Kate Ulrich Tia Farrell Ben Riggio Connon Straub Grade 8: Lucas van Binsbergen Billy Slawe
The Philadelphia Classical Society's 84th Annual Latin Week Competition - Traditional Artistry & Literary Projects on Classical Themes Students submitted an original interpretation or representation of an artifact, subject, or scene suggested by classical Greek or Roman mythology, history, archaeology, or literature. There are ten categories in the division.
A total of 30 Middle School students won Latin Awards and recognition for excellence:
SUMMA CUM LAUDE Grade 6 Paul Mattis - Costume (Life Size, Military) "Roman Shield and Sword" set *Best of Category Winner
Grade 7 Carolina Pollack - Model “Pandora’s Box” 3-D laser printed designs on stained wood with circuitry
Grade 8:
Billy Slawe - Minecraft Building “Pont du Gard” (Roman Aqueduct)
Amira Benarieb - Literary: Poetry in English “Medusa”
MAGNA CUM LAUDE Grade 6:
Naya Marreddy - Drawing “Athena’s Owl”
Grade 7: Finn Kelleher - Costume (Military) “Roman Shield” Connor Straub - Sculpture “Gladiator” painted Roman theater mask Kate Ulrich - Mosaic (soft) “Colosseum” paper tesserae mosaic Tia Farrell - Drawing “Medusa” Maggie Coyne - Drawing “Cupid and Psyche”
Grade 8:
Andrew Paul - 3-D laser printed “Roman Coins” (Nero, obverse and reverse) Evan Capobianco - Minecraft Building “A Roman Villa” Will Mattis - Mosaic (soft) “Magnifica Bestia” (Monkey, paper tesserae) Jonah Marciano - 3-D laser printed “Mors Caesari!” (2-sided, Roman Coin) Savannah Renzulli - 3-D laser printed “Ides of March” (2-sided, Roman Coin) Jackson Wiseman - Drawing “Dionysus” with unnamed female Shea Kelleher - Costume Military “Roman Armour” Jamie Haugen - Model “Medusa’s Lair”, her temple with 3-D laser printed Medusa
CUM LAUDE
Grade 6: Matilda Hoffman - Model “Pandora’s Box, with Hope inside” Benjamin Polster - Digital Art “Hercules and the Hydra” (Abstract Art) Cameron Beller - Sculpture “Masked Actor” (Roman theater figurine) Joshua Huh - Costume (Military) “The Wings of Tigris” Roman gladiator’s helmet
Grade 7: Ethan March - Sculpture “Mars” painted Roman theater mask with helmet Ellie Mulligan - Sculpture “Neptune” painted Roman theater mask with wave Ben Riggio - Sculpture “Zeus” painted Roman theater mask with lightning bolt Kayden Aronson - Painting “A Roman Aqueduct”
Grade 8:
Dylan Leven - Drawing “Aftermath of a Roman battle” Cole Feldman - Mosaic (soft) “Geometric detail” Fishbourne Villa, Roman floor design Lukas Farrell - Minecraft Building “Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii” Sophie Hansen - 3-D laser printed “Elephant Coin” Roman coin, 2-sided designs
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.
Join us on Saturday, September 27th at Super Saturday, a favorite Shipley tradition. The day-long excitement includes a kids' carnival, a free community barbecue, athletic events, and much more. Gather the family, wear your Shipley gear, and celebrate being a Gator!
With more than 75 clubs, ensembles, committees, and affinity groups, Shipley’s Upper School provides students with daily opportunities to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build community through a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Shipley’s Middle School Science Olympiad introduces students in grades six through eight to competitive science. Guided by teacher John Harris, the program blends hands-on problem solving with real-world application, inspiring curiosity in engineering, physics, biology, and more.
When Ian Craig stepped onto Shipley’s campus this summer as its 11th Head of School, he did so with a deeply rooted belief in the power of relationships and a steady commitment to what he calls “the work that matters.” With 20 years of experience as a head of school across a range of educational settings, Craig brings to Shipley not only expertise but also humility, humor, and heart. Learn more about Ian Craig.
Julia Fisher Farbman ’08 has built a career telling powerful stories. Her latest film, Audrey’s Children, honors pioneering oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. Read this profile from the Summer/Fall 2025 issue of Shipley Magazine.
Marion Swett Robinson ’65 built a groundbreaking career in global finance, rising to senior leadership and helping shape modern markets through ISDA. Today, she extends her impact and support of others through wellness initiatives and nonprofit board service.
Shipley’s Middle School offers extracurricular opportunities that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster connection. From Friday Clubs and gardening to creative writing and theater, students explore interests, develop new talents, and strengthen community beyond the classroom.
Lower School extracurriculars showcase how Shipley nurtures exploration at every age. This story is part of a broader look at how students develop confidence, creativity, and community beyond the classroom at Shipley. Learn more in this story from the Summer/Fall 2025 Shipley Magazine.
From mandolin and debate clubs to SWINE and Sprouts, Shipley’s extracurricular life has reflected student passions for more than a century. This archival look traces the evolution of activities that have shaped the experiences of generations of Shipley students.
Beginning January 5, 2026, Shipley’s Upper School will adopt a cellphone-free school day policy, building on a successful pilot and reflecting the School’s commitment to student well-being, engagement, and community connection.
In 2024–2025, 19 Shipley students earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a nationally recognized credential demonstrating proficiency in English and another language. Students achieved this distinction in Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
Learn about Shipley from members of the Class of 2025, who reflect on their journeys, celebrate meaningful relationships, and share the wide range of academic, artistic, and athletic experiences that shaped their time here.
Read about the life and legacy of Gary Gruber, Shipley’s Head of School from 1985 to 1992, a deeply compassionate and visionary educator who guided Shipley through a pivotal chapter of growth, change, and renewed purpose.
It's easier than ever to stay connected and in the know about all things Shipley with our new mobile app. From calendars and lunch menus to photo galleries, directories, and ShipleyNet, the app keeps everything you need right at your fingertips. It also brings you content from Shipley’s main social media accounts.
Thirteen members of Shipley’s Class of 2025—including student-athletes in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball, squash, swimming, and track—will continue to compete at the collegiate level, carrying their talents and Gator pride to campuses nationwide.
Shipley’s Track program delivered a strong year, with athletes earning championship titles and multiple medals across winter and spring meets in running, throwing, and jumping events.
Richard Liu ’25 founded Shipley’s Mock Trial Club as a tenth grader. Now with more than 30 members, the club competes statewide while fostering skills in public speaking, analysis, and collaborative learning.
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.