CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: SHIPLEY STUDENTS SHINE IN 2025–2026
During the 2025–2026 school year Shipley students earned recognition across an extraordinary range of disciplines. From the arts and sciences to athletics, world languages, and creative writing, our Gators distinguished themselves both within the Shipley community and on regional, national, and international stages.
Upper School Students Honored at Closing Awards Ceremony
Students claimed top honors in competitions spanning Latin, Mandarin, computer science, and squash, while others were celebrated for their leadership, character, and service at the Upper School's annual Closing Awards Ceremony. National Merit Semifinalists, Scholastic Art & Writing Award medalists, and Science Olympiad standouts further reflected the depth of talent and dedication found throughout our student body.
Please join us in congratulating the many students whose hard work, curiosity, and commitment to excellence earned them well-deserved recognition this year.
On Thursday, May 28, the Upper School held its annual Closing Awards Ceremony. During this ceremony, Shipley recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards. Congratulations to the following students:
UNDERCLASSMEN AWARDS FOR LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
| The Sandi Richards Service Prize: Mina Shahidi |
| Awarded by The Student Life Committee of The Shipley School Board of Trustees to an underclassman for character and service. |
| The Mary Law Starr Prize: Julianna Tallon |
| Awarded to a student in grade nine who has demonstrated leadership, influence, and responsibility. |
| The Elizabeth Warrick Curtis Award: Ash Scott and Patyence Johnson |
| Sponsored by Kathy Guy Dawson ’78. This award is given annually to an Upper School student whose exemplary leadership and achievements contributed to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture by making a difference and leaving a significant impact on others within the Shipley community. This student will have consistently demonstrated their commitment to respecting and honoring differences through courage and grace, while encouraging and supporting everyone to flourish and thrive. |
OUTSIDE AWARDS
The following students have been honored by academic organizations outside the school:
| Anderson Art Prize: Rikki Teicher and Vivi Foo |
| The recipient of The Anderson Prize is chosen by an outside juror. This prize is awarded to a senior art student whose work exhibits depth of vision and a wide range of technical expertise. The juror takes into account the basic considerations such as presentation, composition, and color. Yet the greatest emphasis is placed on those all-important, and most difficult to achieve intangibles: originality and the development of a compelling and cohesive body of ideas. |
| The Leila Peck Horticulture Award: Amaya Thompson and Emily Nesbitt |
| Awarded to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to the Shipley Sprouts. The award is not necessarily given to the person who has won the most ribbons in the flower shows, but to the person who has been an enthusiastic participant in all phases of Sprouts: shows, projects, and club time. The prize recognizes willingness to work as well as a conscientious worker. |
| The Frances Kellett Roberts Prize: Vik Bommi |
| Established in memory of Frances Kellett Roberts, Class of 1947, and given to the student who earns the most points in the Philadelphia Flower Show. |
JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIP AND UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARDS
| Janet Neville: Lilla Tsvetkov |
| Given in memory of Janet Neville, brilliant and gifted member of the Class of 1946, to a member of the junior class who, like Janet, has true intellectual promise. |
| Harvard University: Ben Slivinski |
| For the outstanding junior: excellence in scholarship and achievement in other fields –school spirit, ability, scholarship, and influence. |
| University of Pennsylvania: Phoebe Woo |
| This award is made to a junior who has established an excellent academic record, shown leadership outside the classroom, and has demonstrated high personal and academic integrity. |
| Haverford College Award: Emily Nesbitt |
| The Haverford College Book Award recognizes a student whose highly distinguished record of scholarship is shaped by deep curiosity and broad intellectual interests, and who wants to make a difference in the world. |
| Tulane University: Emy Teitelbaum |
| This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and public service. |
ACADEMIC AND DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS
| The Phi Beta Kappa Prize: Parker Gertz |
| Awarded to the student with the highest academic average for the high school years. |
| The Senior Scholarship Prize: Melanie Missias-Manning |
| Awarded to the student who has earned the second-highest academic average for the high school years. |
| The David Rich Latin Prize: Avery McCarthy and CJ Rubino |
| The David Rich Latin Prize is named in honor of the career of David Rich, Latin teacher at Shipley for over 30 years. The prize is given to the student who best exemplifies the spirit and philosophy of David’s pedagogy, which combined the highest standards for academic achievement with a deep appreciation for the beauty and emotion of Latin literature. |
THE MODERN LANGUAGE PRIZES
For French, Mandarin, and Spanish are awarded to advanced-level honors students who have consistently demonstrated a love of language, a sensitivity to foreign cultures, a strong work ethic, and have attained a high level of proficiency.
- Spanish: Melanie Missias-Manning
- Mandarin: Nina Letts
- French: Lilla Tsvetkov
| The Penelope Julliard '56 Double Language Award: Oliver Kourula |
| This award recognizes a student who is committed to language and cultural studies. This award is for a student who has studied more than one language and consistently demonstrated a passion and talent for the learning of languages. |
| The Williams Garthwaite English Award: Melanie Missias-Manning |
| Established in honor of two close friends and members of the Class of 1930, Lee Garthwaite and Mary Louise Williams. It is awarded to the student who best combines analytical thought, originality, and elegance of style in writing with genuine and lively contributions to the intellectual life of the classroom. |
| The June Avery Snyder Prize: Shira Drechsler |
| Given in memory of June Avery Snyder, Class of 1937, by her husband in honor of what would have been her 50th reunion. The prize is awarded to a student who has shown marked proficiency in creative writing and who combines with that talent, enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, joy for living, compassion, and the leaven of humor. |
| The Allegra Woodworth History Prize: Ava Becker and Nathan Rivers |
| Named in honor and memory of Allegra Woodworth, an esteemed history teacher from 1927 to 1971. This prize is awarded to a student who, in the course of studies in the Upper School, has demonstrated scholarly zeal in works of distinction. |
| The George Wrangham & Margaret Ralph History Research Prize: Leila Shah-Lipman |
| This award was established in 2009 in celebration of the extraordinary impact that Mr. Wrangham and Mrs. Ralph had on their students during their years at Shipley. Mr. Wrangham and Mrs. Ralph possessed an incomparable passion for learning and commitment to the research. This award is given annually to the sophomore or junior student or students who produce the best research paper or project as judged by members of the history department. |
| The Catherine Bohlen Interdisciplinary Prize: Brynn Merritt and Parker Gertz |
| Given in honor of this long-time teacher of history and the history of art. It is awarded to the student who demonstrates excellence in Interdisciplinary Studies. |
| The Daniel M. Caesar Award: Jackson Preisser |
| This award was established in 1993 in memory of Dan Caesar, Class of 1990, in honor of his ability and love of music. The award is given to a student who has contributed the most to musical performance at Shipley. |
| The Scammon Jones Music Prize: Ellery Pape |
| This award is given annually to the student who maintains the highest level of achievement in the study of music theory. |
| The Performing Arts Prize: Reese Rehl, Jackson Preisser, and Cassie McDaid |
| This prize is awarded for excellence in theatrical performance. |
| The Charles S. Owen Science Department Prize: Robel Dilnessa |
| The Science Department prize recognizes students who have inquiring scientific minds and distinguished academic records in upper-level courses in all of the three major scientific disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. |
| The Margaret Williams Prize in Mathematics: Rohail Ahmad |
| This award recognizes an outstanding student of mathematics who demonstrates genuine intellectual curiosity and revels in exploring complex problems, making connections, and asking questions that spark rich discourse. |
| The STEAM Award: Danilo Linsalata |
| The STEAM Department prize recognizes a student who has embraced the ability to create, innovate and implement the iterative design process as well as the ability to inspire others. |
| The Graham Barrott Computer Science Prize: Rohail Ahmad and Jayden Nguyen |
| Awarded to a student who, by his ability, interest, enthusiasm, and curiosity, has achieved excellent standards of work and produced superior lab programs throughout the year. |
ATHLETIC AWARDS
| The Merry Tropp Sportsmanship Award: Michael Brown and Cassie McDaid |
| Established in 1996 in loving memory of Merry Tropp, head girls’ varsity squash coach to recognize senior athletes who best demonstrate the dedication, commitment, and sportsmanship, in practice and play exemplified by Merry as a teacher, coach, athlete and friend. We recognize two athletes in the name of Merry Tropp. |
| The Esther Forbes Russell Prize: Nina Letts, Cecilia Stanislaus and Elliott Scott |
| Given to a senior who has excelled in both academics and athletics, this award was established in 1946 by the father of Esther Forbes Russell ’36 to honor her accomplishments as a scholar and athlete at Shipley. |
| The Richard L. Maack Father’s Association Bowl: Finn Buckley |
| Awarded in honor of Richard L. Maack, Director of Athletics from 1991-1999, and is given to the Shipley male athlete who through sportsmanship, ability, and enthusiasm has contributed the most to Shipley athletics. |
| The White Blazer Award: Katie Gilbert and Ashley McCauley |
| Honors the senior girl who has played on two or more varsity teams and through her dedication, enthusiasm and skill best exemplifies Shipley’s top female athletes. |
SENIOR LEADERSHIP PRIZES
| The Theodore Spencer Award: Megan Bruno |
| Given to a senior for character and service. |
| The Alumni Prize: Maddy Willner |
| For conduct, spirit, and influence. To a junior or senior. |
| Havermyer Dobie: Helen Goldstein |
| For effort, cooperation, spirit and service. |
| The Anne Garrett Buck Memorial Award: Nina Letts |
| To a senior for academic honors through consistent effort, significant extracurricular contributions, and the warmth and generosity of spirit of Sissy Buck. |
| The Worden Prize: Ava Becker and Cecilia Stanislaus |
| The Worden Prize is given annually to a student who is likely to perform to the best of his or her abilities, who participates enthusiastically in the life of the school, and who exhibits both a caring for others and a sensitivity to the needs of humankind. |
| The John J. Serrell Prize: Robel Dilnessa |
| Given to a senior whose moral character, selflessness, strength in adversity, and involvement in school life have brought Shipley more fully to its mission by making this a community where all are welcomed and all may succeed. |
| The Class of 1944 Bowl: Danilo Linsalata |
| To one of the three upper classes with the highest standard of citizenship, and to the student who is truly representative of the citizenship of the class. |
| The Avery Silverman School Spirit Award: Cassie McDaid |
| This award recognizes a member of the senior class whose passion, humor, loyalty and conviction renew our spirits, and whose sincerity, openness and honesty command our respect. |
| The Tamara Tirjan Memorial Award: Jade Gounaris |
| I would like to acknowledge the members of Tammy’s family who are present - Heidi Tirjan, Max Tirjan, Class of 2020, and senior Liv Tirjan. Given to a senior who has an outstanding academic record, and who has demonstrated perseverance, maturity, personal warmth, common sense, and quiet leadership by example. |
| The Thomas W. Nammack Award: Patrick Kelley and Brynn Merritt |
| Presented in honor of Tom Nammack, who led the Shipley Upper School with warmth, humor and integrity from 1993 - 2005; it is awarded annually to a member of the senior class whose character, leadership, and sense of humor represent those personal traits of Tom Nammack and whose breadth of interests and involvement in academics and co-curricular activities have earned the respect of the community and have improved the quality of life for students and faculty at Shipley. Nominations are made by the faculty and the recipient is determined by the Head of Upper School and the Head of School. |
| Emma Bailey Speer Prize: Melanie Missias-Manning and Nathan Rivers |
| In recognition of tremendous personal growth over the years, to a student who has learned the real meaning of "Courage for the Deed, Grace for the Doing." The recipient has high standards, a sense of responsibility, a willingness to work, a concern for others and contagious enthusiasm. |
| The Lambert Leadership Award: Reese Rehl |
| This award is given annually to the Upper School student who best exemplifies a commitment to excellence in all areas of school life and models the leadership, strength, and conviction of the three Lambert sisters, Ali '96, Erica '99, and Jill '03, each of whom served as All School President and helped to make Shipley a better school for Shipley students of today and tomorrow. |
Students Earn Top Marks in Latin Competitions
Dr. Wellenbach’s Upper School Latin students recently competed in two events, with several students earning awards.
The National Latin Exam is an achievement test with questions covering topics including Latin vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, Greco-Roman mythology, history, literature, culture, and more. It was taken by over 100,000 students in the United States as well as 26 other countries throughout the world. Winners were:
Finn K. - Summa Cum Laude (Gold Medal), Cameron B. - Maxima Cum Laude (Silver Medal), Maggie C. - Maxima Cum Laude (Silver Medal). Josh H., Ayan B., Sylvia V., Theo K. - Magna Cum Laude. Martin G., Ethan M., and Sophie H. - Cum Laude.
Philadelphia Classical Society Latin Week Competition: Each year, the Philadelphia Classical Society sponsors a regional showcase where students submit artistic and literary projects to be judged by area Latin teachers. Categories for submission include: painting, drawing, mosaics, sculpture, digital art, and many others. Winners were:
Ellie M. - Summa Cum Laude (Best in Show). Greg M., Tia F., Rikki T., Joanna G., and Will F. - Summa Cum Laude. Ayan B. and Jamie H. - Magna Cum Laude. Josh H., Jackson W. and Cameron B. - Cum Laude.
Middle School Science Olympiad Places at State Competition
The Middle School Science Olympiad team brought home several pieces of hardware from the PA State Science Olympiad Tournament held on April 25 at Penn State Altoona.
The team placed 10th overall, out of roughly 120 B Division teams. Category winners included:
- Write It Do It: 1st - Eva C. and Jude L.
- Metric Mastery: 3rd - Jude L. and Kian G.
- Hovercraft: 6th - Brockton B. and Cole R.
- Scrambler: 6th - Brockton B. and Cole R.
- Remote Sensing: 7th - Cora G. and Ford E.
- Codebusters: 8th - Eva C., Ava M., Jude L.
- Crime Busters: 9th - Ava M. and Ben N.
- Mission Possible: 10th - Ronan D. and Cole R.
The A team roster includes: Brockton B., Eva C., Ronan D., Ford E., Kian G., Cora G., Jude L., Olivia L., Sophia L., Ava M., Claire M., Ben N., Deacon N., Bryce R., Cole R., Greg R., Millie R., and Catherina Z.
Way to go, Gators!
Six Shipley Students Earned Awards in the Fei Yue Cup Chinese Speech Contest
Six Shipley students earned awards in the Fei Yue Cup Chinese Speech Contest, held on April 18. The contest was jointly organized by Friends Select School and the Yu Yue Chinese Academy.
The contest provides students with a valuable platform to strengthen their language proficiency, build confidence in public speaking, and engage more deeply with the broader Chinese language learning community.
Two students earned awards in the Upper School Non-Heritage Division:
Ryan ’28 - 1st place
Oliver ’29 - 3rd place
Three sixth-grade students earned awards in the Middle School Non-Heritage Division:
Andrew ’32 - 1st place
Enzo ’32 - Honor Award
Griffin ’32 - Honor Award
In the Lower School Heritage Division, Sophia ’33 earned 3rd place.
Upper School Mandarin teacher Shujing Ding said, “Their hard work, preparation, and confidence truly showed during the contest, and it was wonderful to see them recognized for their efforts. This achievement reflects not only the students’ dedication, but also the continued growth and strength of our Mandarin program.”
Two Upper School Students Earn National Scholastic Writing Awards
Shipley is proud to announce that two students have earned National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, founded in 1923, is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious program for creative teens. Each year, more than 100,000 teens across the U.S. and Canada enter their art and writing.
National Medalists receive certificates and medals and are considered for national exhibition, publication, and scholarship opportunities.
Phoebe ’27 earned a national Gold Medal for her short story “Intermezzo.” Gold Medalists are invited to attend the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June. “Intermezzo” also earned a Gold Key at the regional level.
Sydney ’28 earned a national Silver Medal for her personal essay and memoir “Click.” Her piece also won a Gold Key at the regional level. Sydney also earned a regional Silver Key in the Journalism category for her work “Living Loudly: Growing Up with ADHD” and a regional Honorable Mention award for her short story “All for You.”
Congratulations, Gators!
Five Upper School Students Earn Top Marks at Carnegie Mellon University Creative Task Competition
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.
Students from Dr. Roberta Brandao’s Computer Science – Python class submitted a variety of projects, ranging from fun games to functional programs.
Ara won First Place - Final Unit for his Acorns to Oaks Level 4 - Squirrel Invaders
Jayden and Rohail won First Place - Collaborative Task for their Acorn to Oaks Level 3 - Climb A Tree
Doris and Rishaan won Second Place - Collaborative Task for their Acorn to Oaks Level 2
Tim Barnes from CMU said, "The competition was fierce. This challenge brought in entries from around the globe - coming from as far as Mongolia and Japan! These challenges always showcase the student's incredible talent - and it's sooo difficult to select the top projects.”
Two Upper School Students Win Scholastic Writing Awards
Congratulations to two Shipley students for earning recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running (1923) and most prestigious program for creative teens, known for recognizing emerging talent such as Sylvia Plath, Stephen King, Amanda Gorman, Andy Warhol, and Ken Burns.
Ara Speirs ’27 received an Honorable Mention in the Essay category for his personal memoir Running Is Hard.
Martin Sun ’27 earned a Gold Key in Poetry for Your Silence, advancing to the National Awards round. National medalists will be announced in the spring, with honorees invited to New York City for the National Awards ceremony.
National Merits 2025
Congratulations to all our National Merit Semifinalists from the Class of 2026—an honor given to less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors!🏅
- Rohail Ahmad
- Matthew Benfield
- Finegan Buckley
- Riley Fox
- Jade Gounaris
- Melanie Missias-Manning
And an additional congratulations goes to our Commended students:
- Gabriel Deringer
- Parker Gertz
- Theodore Krieg
- Jayden Nguyen
- Natalie Tran
Over 1.3 million juniors from 21,000 high schools across the country entered the National Merit Scholarship Program, and these Shipley students were recognized for their skills, achievements, and potential to excel in demanding college programs. Join us in celebrating their incredible achievement!
