Ava ’26
College/School Attending This Fall: The Ohio State University
Major/Area of Interest: Psychology/Pre-Law Track
Years at Shipley: 11
Activities and Positions Held:
Care for Cancer Club (Co-Founder), Jewish Heritage Association, Simon's Heart, DECA
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
The most influential teacher I had at Shipley was Dr. Richard. Having him first as a freshman in Honors Geometry and later as a junior in Honors Sports in U.S. History allowed me to grow not only as a student, but also as a person. As a freshman adjusting to the transition from middle school to high school while taking a challenging math course, I often felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself. Dr. Richard was always there to support me, whether I needed help understanding a difficult concept or advice about navigating the social and academic pressures of high school. His classroom became a place where I felt encouraged to ask questions, challenge myself, and gain confidence. When I had him again junior year, I was able to experience him in an entirely different setting. Although the subjects were completely different, the trust and understanding we already built made the class even more meaningful. He pushed me to think critically, contribute more confidently in discussions, and engage with the material on a deeper level. Seeing his versatility as both a math and humanities teacher showed me how passionate he is about learning in all forms. I also had Dr. Richard as my DECA advisor, which is where I truly realized how extraordinary he is. He is the type of teacher who inspires students to pursue their passions without feeling limited to just one path because he leads by example. Whether teaching, advising clubs, or supporting students outside the classroom, he approaches everything with energy, humor, and genuine care. More than anything, Dr. Richard made me feel capable during moments when I doubted myself, and his mentorship shaped not only my experience at Shipley but also the way I approach challenges and opportunities moving forward.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class at Shipley was Dr. Gillin’s Honors U.S. History class. It was by far the most rigorous course I took, not necessarily because of the content, which I genuinely loved, but because of the immense amount of effort, preparation, and discipline it required just to keep up. At the time, I often felt challenged and overwhelmed by the workload and high expectations, but looking back, I appreciate the class even more because of how much it pushed me to grow. Dr. Gillin held every student to an incredibly high standard, and while that could be intimidating, it ultimately motivated me to work harder and believe I was capable of more than I initially thought. Her class taught me not only how to think critically and write more effectively, but also how to persevere through difficult moments and take pride in hard work. Beyond the rigor, what made the class so meaningful was the way Dr. Gillin taught. I am naturally more reserved, especially in academic settings where I feel surrounded by peers who seem smarter or more confident than I am, but her classroom environment was so warm, engaging, and encouraging that I genuinely wanted to participate. She had a unique ability to make every student feel that their thoughts and contributions mattered. I also admired how intentional and organized she was as a teacher. Every lesson was planned down to the second, and each class flowed so seamlessly that learning history felt immersive, almost like watching a movie unfold in real time. Her passion for the subject was contagious, and because of that, Honors U.S. History became much more than just another class to me; it challenged me intellectually, helped me grow personally, and changed the way I view learning altogether.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
I do not have one single most memorable experience at Shipley, but rather a series of moments that all center around our Senior Spirit Days. Even though some of the themes can be completely ridiculous or over the top, the best part is when everyone fully commits to the bit and participates together. Seeing the entire grade dressed up, laughing, and embracing the themes creates such a strong sense of unity and school spirit. Those moments made Shipley feel especially connected and uplifted, and that energy always spread throughout the rest of the school community.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
To me, Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing means approaching challenges with confidence while also carrying yourself with humility, compassion, and integrity throughout the process. Courage is not just about taking big risks or stepping into leadership positions, but also about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, speaking up when something matters, and persevering even when things feel difficult. Grace, however, is what balances that courage. It is the ability to treat others with kindness and respect, remain humble in success, and handle setbacks with resilience rather than frustration.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Shipley encouraged me to take risks by creating an environment where growth is valued more than perfection. Throughout high school, I was pushed to step outside of my comfort zone academically, socially, and as a leader. Whether it was taking challenging honors courses that initially intimidated me, participating more actively in class discussions despite being naturally reserved, or taking on leadership roles in my clubs and activities, Shipley constantly encouraged me to trust my abilities and embrace discomfort as part of learning. What made taking those risks possible was the support system surrounding me. Teachers challenged me while also making me feel capable of succeeding, even when I doubted myself. Because of that encouragement, I became more confident in trying new things, speaking up, and pursuing opportunities I might not have otherwise believed I was ready for.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it meant to you.
Having spent practically my entire life at Shipley, I saw my relationship with the School grow and change alongside me. When I was younger, I sometimes struggled with how small and close-knit the community felt. The small class sizes and familiar environment made me feel as though there was little room to branch out or reinvent myself, and at times, I viewed it as limiting rather than supportive. However, as I grew older, I came to truly appreciate the sense of community that makes Shipley so unique. I realized that the close relationships I once resisted were actually what allowed me to feel known, supported, and comfortable being myself. What has meant the most to me are the relationships I built with both teachers and classmates. The teachers at Shipley take the time to genuinely understand each student, not only how they learn academically, but also who they are as people. They served as mentors as much as teachers, always willing to offer guidance and support both inside and outside the classroom. Likewise, the closeness of my grade created an environment where I felt connected to everyone around me. Knowing every person in my class made Shipley feel less like just a school and more like a community that has helped shape who I am today.