Academics
Upper School | Gr. 9-12

Meet the Class of 2023

Shipley students are the School's best spokespeople. Hear from members of the Class of 2023 about their most influential teachers, favorite memories, and reflections on their time at Shipley.

List of 16 news stories.

  • Srijan Velamuri ’23, soared at Shipley for three years, engaging in diverse activities from leading the Environmental Club to co-heading the Chess Club. Reflecting on his time, Srijan shares, 'I never imagined all of the doors that Shipley would open for me.' Shipley has prepared him to advocate for himself and embrace bold chances while acknowledging the support of others. Srijan will attend Johns Hopkins University where he will study Neuroscience.

    Srijan Velamuri ’23

    Srijan Velamuri ’23, soared at Shipley for three years, engaging in diverse activities from leading the Environmental Club to co-heading the Chess Club. Reflecting on his time, Srijan shares, 'I never imagined all of the doors that Shipley would open for me.' Shipley has prepared him to advocate for himself and embrace bold chances while acknowledging the support of others. Srijan will attend Johns Hopkins University where he will study Neuroscience.
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  • Chengyi Tang ’23, with four enriching years at Shipley, sets sail for Harvey Mudd College to study Physics. From leading Science Olympiad and Math Team to exploring music and sports, Chengyi excelled in various realms. Reflecting on his time, he shares,

    Chengyi Tang ’23

    Chengyi Tang ’23, with four enriching years at Shipley, sets sail for Harvey Mudd College to study Physics. From leading Science Olympiad and Math Team to exploring music and sports, Chengyi excelled in various realms. Reflecting on his time, he shares, "Shipley has prepared me to be an independent and critical thinker in both the arts and the sciences... The four years of Shipley have made me realize my ability and my potentials. I've done things I've never expected I could when I first stepped into the campus in August 2019."
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  • Matthew Spencer ’23, is off to Boston University to pursue International Relations and Economics on a Pre-law track. As Class President and Varsity Track Captain, he's been an active leader in the Shipley community. Reflecting on his time, Matthew shares,

    Matthew Spencer ’23

    Matthew Spencer ’23, is off to Boston University to pursue International Relations and Economics on a Pre-law track. As Class President and Varsity Track Captain, he's been an active leader in the Shipley community. Reflecting on his time, Matthew shares, "Without Shipley, I wouldn't have been able to see the possibilities of life in its fullness. It's been so fun to have been here with everyone, and I'm so grateful for being able to attend."
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  • Sarah Liebman ’23, a Shipley student for two transformative years, has co-founded Shipley TV, escalating her passion for TV and film and teaching her valuable leadership and responsibility. Reflecting on her time at Shipley, she says,

    Sarah Liebman ’23

    Sarah Liebman ’23, a Shipley student for two transformative years, has co-founded Shipley TV, escalating her passion for TV and film and teaching her valuable leadership and responsibility. Reflecting on her time at Shipley, she says, "Coming into Shipley I expected a rigorous course load compared to that of my old school and a smaller class. That was it. I would have never imagined all of the doors that Shipley would open for me." Shipley has prepared her to make a difference in the world, improving her study habits and celebrating her wide variety of interests, providing an encouraging and supportive learning environment.  She will attend University of Texas at Austin where she will study Film and Production.
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  • Daniel Lapinski ’23 expresses gratitude for his time at Shipley, stating,

    Daniel Lapinski ’23

    Daniel Lapinski ’23 expresses gratitude for his time at Shipley, stating, "it has prepared me to be my best self and do my best work by providing endless opportunities." Engaging in various activities such as DECA, serving as a camp counselor, and participating in Service Research Projects, Daniel has grown into a well-rounded and ambitious individual. He is now heading to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a diverse range of interests, including Business, Computer Science, and Environmental Science.
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  • Tanner Kelton ’23, a Shipley student for 10 years, is heading to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue Architecture. As the 2-year captain of the Varsity Soccer team, president of the Events Planning Committee, and active participant in various activities, Tanner has learned the importance of trying new things and embracing support. Reflecting on his time at Shipley, he says,

    Tanner Kelton ’23

    Tanner Kelton ’23, a Shipley student for 10 years, is heading to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue Architecture. As the 2-year captain of the Varsity Soccer team, president of the Events Planning Committee, and active participant in various activities, Tanner has learned the importance of trying new things and embracing support. Reflecting on his time at Shipley, he says, "one of the most important things that I have learned in my time at Shipley is that you will never regret trying something...Shipley means support to me – through my 10 years at Shipley, the unwavering support I have received...made me feel comfortable to fail."
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  • Colin Harkins ’23, made the most of his four years at Shipley and is now bound for Syracuse University to study Television, Radio & Film. As a prominent figure in various activities, including founding and producing Shipley TV, captaining the Debate Club, and leading multiple student organizations, Colin has grown into a confident and ambitious leader. Reflecting on his time at Shipley, he believes,

    Colin Harkins ’23

    Colin Harkins ’23, made the most of his four years at Shipley and is now bound for Syracuse University to study Television, Radio & Film. As a prominent figure in various activities, including founding and producing Shipley TV, captaining the Debate Club, and leading multiple student organizations, Colin has grown into a confident and ambitious leader. Reflecting on his time at Shipley, he believes, "the school motto represents the most important value a person can carry through life...push yourself, take risks, and try new things...be a respectful, empathetic, and conscious citizen of the world, hence grace for the doing."
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  • Mason Gurkaynak ’23, a Shipley student for 12 years, will attend Southern Methodist University to study Sports Management and Economics. As the President of the Sports Business & Law Club and active participant in various activities, Mason has grown and thrived at Shipley. Reflecting on his time at the school, he says,

    Mason Gurkaynak ’23

    Mason Gurkaynak ’23, a Shipley student for 12 years, will attend Southern Methodist University to study Sports Management and Economics. As the President of the Sports Business & Law Club and an active participant in various activities, Mason has grown and thrived at Shipley. Reflecting on his time at the school, he says, "Shipley has taught me how to advocate for myself... Shipley encourages its students to communicate effectively with everyone in the community." Mason is grateful for the memories, friendships, and resilience he gained at Shipley, setting him up for success in his college journey.
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  • William Gresh ’23 flourished during his six transformative years at Shipley, actively participating in various activities and excelling academically. Shipley's encouragement to take risks and demonstrate courage in doing the right thing deeply influenced him. Reflecting on his time at Shipley, William expresses gratitude, stating,

    William Gresh ’23

    William Gresh ’23 flourished during his six transformative years at Shipley, actively participating in various activities and excelling academically. Shipley's encouragement to take risks and demonstrate courage in doing the right thing deeply influenced him. Reflecting on his time at Shipley, William expresses gratitude, stating, "Shipley has opened my eyes to so many different people, religions, ideals, and so much more. I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for the amazing faculty and the friends that I made through this school." With a passion for Philosophy/Pre-Law, William will continue his educational journey at Loyola University Chicago.
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  • Abby Frisch ’23 spent an impressive 14 years at Shipley, engaging in a variety of activities such as Yearbook (Assistant Editor), STEAM Club, and excelling as the Captain of the Crew Team. She says,

    Abby Frisch ’23

    Abby Frisch ’23 spent an impressive 14 years at Shipley, engaging in a variety of activities such as Yearbook (Assistant Editor), STEAM Club, and excelling as the Captain of the Crew Team. She says, "Shipley has encouraged me to take risks by creating a safe space and a supportive learning environment in which I feel I can voice my opinion without harsh criticism, and rather with constructive feedback." With determination and open-mindedness, Abby is headed to Hamilton College to study Biochemistry.
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  • Griffin Ferzan ’23 fondly reflects on his time at Shipley stating,

    Griffin Ferzan ’23

    Griffin Ferzan ’23 fondly reflects on his time at Shipley stating, "I was a shy student when I first came to Shipley. The teachers and students I met pushed me out of my comfort zone..." Shipley has prepared him to succeed in the real world, equipping him with valuable academic and personal skills, fostering connections with teachers, and pushing him to embrace debate, a passion he discovered at the school eventually becoming the Co-President of debate club. Griffin's journey at Shipley has shaped him into a stronger student, leader, and person, preparing him for the next chapter at Cornell University with a focus in Industrial & Labor Relations.
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  • Maddy Ewald ’23 became a part of the Shipley family when she joined the Upper School as a freshman. Throughout her journey, she embraced the value of perseverance, particularly evident in her challenging Honors Biology class. Reflecting on her experience, Maddy emphasizes,

    Maddy Ewald ’23

    Maddy Ewald ’23 became a part of the Shipley family when she joined the Upper School as a freshman. Throughout her journey, she embraced the value of perseverance, particularly evident in her challenging Honors Biology class. Reflecting on her experience, Maddy emphasizes, "sometimes struggling in a class will help you more than hurt you...learning how to learn is more important than the grade reflected in a class." Shipley not only prepared her academically but also honed her communication skills and time management abilities, setting her up for success in her future endeavors.  She will attend Union College with a focus in Biomedical Engineering.
     
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  • Ben Capobianco ’23 began his journey at The Shipley School 13 years ago. As a Shipley Lifer, he is now pursuing his studies in Finance at Virginia Tech University. Reflecting on his experience, he fondly recalls his favorite class, Honors Biology, and the impactful influence of his teachers, who always encouraged him to take risks and embrace challenges with resilience and grace.

    Ben Capobianco ’23

    Ben Capobianco ’23 began his journey at The Shipley School 13 years ago. As a Shipley Lifer, he is now pursuing his studies in Finance at Virginia Tech University. Reflecting on his experience, he fondly recalls his favorite class, Honors Biology, and the impactful influence of his teachers, who always encouraged him to take risks and embrace challenges with resilience and grace. Ben says, "Shipley has prepared me to excel in anything that I do, and if I can't excel at first, Shipley has prepared me to adapt and improve." Attending Virginia Tech University in the fall, Ben will study Finance.
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  • Keith Brennan ’23 thrived during his four years at Shipley. His personal and leadership growth was evident in his roles as a captain for the Cross Country Team and the Leader of the STEM Club. When asked about how Shipley prepared him to become his best self, he responded,

    Keith Brennan ’23

    Keith Brennan ’23 thrived during his four years at Shipley. His personal and leadership growth was evident in his roles as a captain for the Cross Country Team and the Leader of the STEM Club. When asked about how Shipley prepared him to become his best self, he responded, "I learned how to confidently use my voice to communicate effectively with teachers. What I cherished the most about my academic journey was the classroom environment, which fostered open conversations, allowing me to ask questions and seek help without any judgment or the need for prior appointments in almost any class."  Keith will continue his academic journey at Case Western Reserve University studying Biomedical Engineering.
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  • Jesse Baiman ’23 believes that his Shipley experience has prepared him to achieve academic excellence at any level and make lifelong friends along the way. When asked about the school motto, he responds, “To me, it means putting other people first. And when you do something for someone else, think about why you are and how it makes you feel. I believe that doing something nice for someone is one of the best feelings I've ever felt.”

    Jesse Baiman ’23

    Jesse Baiman ’23 believes that his Shipley experience has prepared him to achieve academic excellence at any level and make lifelong friends along the way. When asked about the school motto, he responds, “To me, it means putting other people first. And when you do something for someone else, think about why you are and how it makes you feel. I believe that doing something nice for someone is one of the best feelings I've ever felt.”
    Jesse will attend High Point University with a focus in Entrepreneurship and Accounting.
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  • Mateo Alvarez ’23 feels Shipley prepared him to succeed in college through a strong academic foundation. He says, “Shipley means a lot to me both socially and academically because it has prepared me to succeed in later life, not worry about taking tough courses, and has taught me a lot about friendship and small communities.”

    Mateo Alvarez ’23

    Mateo Alvarez ’23 feels Shipley prepared him to succeed in college through a strong academic foundation. He says, “Shipley means a lot to me both socially and academically because it has prepared me to succeed in later life, not worry about taking tough courses, and has taught me a lot about friendship and small communities.”  Mateo will attend Hamilton College with a focus on Biology.
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Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone: 610-525-4300
Fax: 610-525-5082
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.