Q&A with 2022 Alumni Service Award Winner, Hakiem Coles ’07
1. What inspired you to get involved with the Black Alumni Association [BAA] and take on this leadership role? What are your goals for the BAA?
I wanted to be a part of an initiative that gave back to the community that helped make me the man I am today. As Black Alumni of this prestigious school, it is important to make sure that current and future students of color know they are not alone and, if they choose, they can communicate with people that know exactly what it feels like to be in their shoes as a minority on a predominantly white campus. Our goals have remained the same, we are dedicated to providing support for black students and their families in addition to providing more educational experiences on this campus through raising funds towards an endowed fund. Once we are able to hit our goal of $100,000 we will be able to support yearly trips to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. I think we need to understand and appreciate our American history in order to build a better tomorrow where people are genuinely empathetic towards one another no matter what they look like.
2. Tell me a little bit about your career and what you do in your current role.
I am the Director of Education for an Adult Trade School, Pennco Tech. The campus is located in Bristol, PA and I have been working there for 8 years now. I have worked on the administrative side of operations and worked my way up to the position I currently hold. I am responsible for over 400 students between our Day and Evening programs. I manage over 25 instructors and ensure that they are providing a proper education to my students. We have Automotive Technology, Collision Repair, Medical Assistants, Pharmacy Technology, Plumbing, HVAC&R, and Electricians. I am in charge of making sure the curriculum is current and evolving with their respective industries in addition to making sure my instructors have everything they need to be the best resource for our students.
3. What about your time at Shipley inspired you to do what you do?
I love helping people, I have been doing it almost my entire life no matter what job title I held at that moment. Shipley has always been big on service in the community and there were people that helped me along my journey on this campus. This is something that will always stick with me because it is a choice to be kind to others, I am prepared to make that choice every day of my life. That personal choice has allowed me to thrive in life because it has never been about personal accolades for me, more so about how I can positively affect the people around me.
4. What advice would you have for current Shipley students?
You are all going to be the future leaders of America in whatever field you decide to enter when it is time for you to leave Shipley. I encourage you all to embrace your journey with the ups and downs that will come with it. Stay true to yourself and fight for what you think is important in this world.
5. What is next? What are your professional and personal goals for the next five years?
The next step for me will be an eventual promotion in the next 1-2 years. That promotion would have me serving as the School Director of my campus. This would make me the youngest and only person of color in my company’s history to serve as the School Director. This would be an amazing accomplishment and I continue to work my hardest to make that eventual transition as seamless as possible when that day comes. I think 5 years from now the BAA will definitely have an established endowed fund on this campus which will really begin the fun of implementing our plans for enhancing the cultural experience on this campus. On a personal note, I would like to think that I have started my family within the next five years with my lovely wife. I strive to be the best son, brother, husband, friend, and boss I can possibly be.
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Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
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Phillip Brown, Upper School Theater Director at Shipley, considers his portrayal of Jay Jackson in Lantern Theater Company's "The Royale" to be the role of a lifetime.The play was nominated for seven Barrymore Awards, including Outstanding Overall Production of a Play, with Phillip himself nominated for Outstanding Leading Performance in a Play.
Contour line drawing is more than a classroom exercise, it demands unwavering concentration, forging connections between the artist and their subject, creating a unique interplay between the pen and paper. A poignant reminder that art isn't merely about what we see; it's about how we see it and the stories we can convey through the lines we draw.
The Shipley School proudly recognizes Benjamin Bradlow, Maxwell Davis, and Nicholas Marks, members of the Class of 2024, who have achieved the status of semifinalists in The National Merit Scholarship Program. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
Explore the world of renowned artist Rory MacArthur at The Speer Gallery in a mesmerizing exhibition on loan from the West Collection. Discover MacArthur's journey into glyphs and abstraction, where he crafts perfect glyph-like objects using color, shape, surface, and form in an age inundated with symbols.
The Shipley Boys and Girls Soccer teams embarked on an incredible 10-day journey to the UK, where they trained with professionals, played friendly matches, and experienced the culture. See photos and read more about their adventure abroad.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Meet Sergio Jackson, Shipley’s Director of Athletic Performance, who inspires the community to move and thrive. Learn about his journey from a college athlete to Shipley, where he creates an inclusive and empowering environment for the community. You will also discover how he applies his guiding principles of strength, energy, resilience, and gratitude (SERG) to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.
Departing Director of Physical Plant and Security, Bob Meals, shares his fond memories and gratitude. This place isn't just a workplace; it's a home," he emphasized, having lived on campus for 25 plus years. The family-like environment, the friendships, and the connections with students, families, and coworkers are what make this place so unique."
Join us on Saturday, September 30, for this day-long celebration that will include a kids’ carnival, free community barbecue, athletic events, Kona Ice, and more. Festivities begin at 10:00 am! Carnival, Kona Ice Truck, 5th grade smoothies, and Middle School bake sale proceeds will support Shipley's 22-year partnership with The Brain Tree Primary School in Uganda.
Read reflections from Class of 2023 Shipley alumni, who are now thriving at various prestigious universities. They share how their Shipley experience has equipped them with resilience, adaptability, courage, and a passion for exploration and learning. Read all of the Class of 2023 reflections.
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Shipley’s Asian Student Alliance (ASA), led by co-presidents Amber Feng ’24 and Anne Gu ’25, recognized Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with programming for Upper School students, including a presentation about AAPI Heritage Month by members of the ASA, and one by guest speaker Elvis Zhang ’17 about his life as an entrepreneur and Asian American.
Capping their stellar season, the girls’ played Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in the Final League game, only this time the tables turned and Shipley was victorious.
Shipley's Middle School Latin students took the 2023 National Latin Examination with over 100,000 students from around the world. Thirteen students earned Latin Award prizes and recognition for excellence. Middle School Latin students also competed in The Philadelphia Classical Society's 84th Annual Latin Week Competition - Traditional Artistry & Literary Projects on Classical themes. A total of 30 Middle School students won Latin Awards and recognition for excellence.
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.