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Jack McLaughlin

Activities & Positions: What activities and sports are you involved in? How many years have you participated? Do you hold any leadership positions?
Shipley offers a multitude of activities and sports, ranging anywhere from student government to lacrosse to performing arts. My favorite activities are student government, swim team, and the theater productions. Each provides a different outlet for me to express my interests and aspirations. I’ve been a part of each since I started at Shipley in the seventh grade. Currently, I am the Performing Arts Committee President in student government. I represent a group of students who diligently plan and organize performance activities such as talent shows, publicity for theater productions, and so much more.

Favorite Club: What’s your favorite club and why? What do you do in the club?
While I am a member of many clubs, my favorite is the Civic Activism Club. This club allows Upper School students to participate politically and civically in our community. As young adults, our personal opinions are growing and growing, and I find it is very important to have a space where I can express those thoughts.

Favorite Class: What’s your favorite class at Shipley? What do you like about the subject and the teacher? Did you always enjoy this subject, or did it take you by surprise?

Although I enjoy many of my classes, my favorite class is French. I began my French studies in sixth grade, and have continued since, with my knowledge and understanding of the language growing with time. Since the start of Upper School, I have had the same teacher, Mme. Hoops. She has helped me foster my love of the French language and culture to the point where I can walk into my class after French and not speak English. What I love most about the class is how I feel comfortable speaking in a different language and being able to ask questions when I am lost. 

Favorite Shipley Memory: What do you think of when you think of Shipley? What’s one of the best things you’ve experienced here?

When I think of Shipley, I think of the teachers. You can tell how the teachers at Shipley don’t just think of teaching as a job. It’s more than that. They are passionate about what they do! I also think of the lifelong friendships I have made. I would be lying if I said I loved every second I spend at Shipley, but friends make it all worthwhile. 

Most Valuable Lesson Learned: What have you learned during your time here?

As my time at Shipley ends, the most important thing I have learned here is that I am allowed to be me. I have learned that wherever I am in life, I am where I am supposed to be, regardless of the opinions of others.

Advice to New Students: What advice would you give yourself back when you started at Shipley? What tips would you pass on to new students? Are there any activities/traditions they should be sure to take part in?

If I could give advice to myself back when I started at Shipley, I would say that it is okay to say no. I have learned that I don’t have to be a part of everything to make an impact. To new students, I would say that you should do the activities that make you happy, not someone else. Also, make sure to go to community events like Super Saturday and Swamp Night! 
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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.