Abby ’26
College/School Attending This Fall: Wake Forest University
Major/Area of Interest: Undecided
Years at Shipley: 13
Activities and Positions Held:
Events Planning Committee, Yearbook (Editor), Soccer, Softball (Captain)
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
Mr. Addis has been my most influential teacher because he really understands that everyone learns differently and makes an effort to support all his students. I had him for history in my junior year, and I liked his teaching style so much that I chose to take World Religions senior year just to have him again. As a visual learner, I’ve sometimes found it hard to keep up in more traditional classes, but after meeting with Mr. Addis - something he was always willing to do - he started adding more visual elements into his lessons. This made a big difference in how well I understood the material and helped me feel more confident in class. He also makes learning more enjoyable by breaking up harder lessons with jokes and taking time to ask about our lives outside of school, which helps build a stronger connection with his students. Because of this, I felt more comfortable participating and more motivated to learn, which is why he had such a strong impact on me.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Honors Comparative Anatomy and Neuroscience. I really enjoyed it because Mr. Clement was so friendly, supportive, and always willing to meet with students when they need help or have questions. He created a welcoming environment where it felt easy to learn and ask for clarification. I also loved the hands-on aspect of the class, especially the dissections, which made the material feel more real and engaging. Everything we learned was genuinely interesting to me, especially since I’m considering a future career in healthcare. This class helped me better understand both the human body and what a career in this field might involve, which made me love the class even more.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
My most memorable experience at Shipley was at the end of junior year and outside in the quad. Everyone was together in the junior lounge just hanging out and celebrating the end of the year. We spent time playing games like Spike ball and other activities outside, and it was really fun because it wasn’t focused on school at all. What made it especially memorable was just being able to relax and bond with my classmates and get close with them before senior year. It felt like everyone was in a good mood and enjoying each other’s company, which made it a great way to end the year.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
To me, Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing means having the confidence to take on challenges and the composure to handle them thoughtfully and respectfully. Courage for the Deed is about being willing to step outside of your comfort zone, whether that’s speaking up in class, trying something new, or taking on a difficult task even when you’re unsure of yourself, which Shipley helped me gain the confidence for tremendously. Grace for the Doing is about how you approach those challenges, staying calm under pressure, being kind to others, and learning from mistakes instead of getting discouraged. The phrase reminds me that it’s not just about what you do, but how you do it, and that both bravery and humility are important in growth and learning.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Shipley encouraged me to take risks, especially when it comes to public speaking. In the past, I wasn’t always confident speaking in front of a group, but Shipley gave me multiple opportunities to practice and grow in that area. Through class discussions, presentations, and smaller speaking activities, I have become more comfortable sharing my ideas out loud. I ran for Honor Council my junior year and I had to write a speech to deliver in front of our whole grade. Even though I was scared, Shipley created an environment where I believed in myself and I knew I could do it. Teachers also created a supportive environment where mistakes are treated as part of the learning process, which has made it easier to step outside of my comfort zone. Because of this encouragement, I’ve become more confident speaking in front of others and more willing to participate, even when I’m unsure.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it meant to you.
I’ve been a lifer at Shipley for 13 years, and during that time it has become such an important part of my life. Over the years, I’ve built lasting friendships and developed strong bonds with my teachers, many supported me both academically and personally. Shipley gave me so many meaningful memories that I will always look back on fondly. More than anything, Shipley provided me with a strong sense of community where I’ve felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. That sense of belonging is something I will carry with me into college, and it’s a big part of what makes my experience at Shipley so special.