Maddy ’26
College/School Attending This Fall: University of Wisconsin- Madison
Major/Area of Interest: Elementary Education
Years at Shipley: 13
Activities and Positions Held: Class President (9-12), Simon's Heart Club (Founder & Co-President), Jewish Heritage Association, SCOPE, Varsity Track
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
My most influential teacher was my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Sklow. I entered her classroom not knowing anyone and was so shy that I often refused to speak at all. Ms. Sklow saw past that silence and gently encouraged me to find my voice. She taught me to be “loud and proud,” a phrase that has stayed with me ever since. Because of her, I learned not just how to participate, but how to advocate for myself and take up space without fear.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes were my English classes in 9th and 10th grade with Ms. Jaffe. English always came more naturally to me, but what made her class stand out was the way it felt less like a lecture and more like an ongoing conversation. We were encouraged to debate, disagree, and genuinely engage with each other’s ideas, which made the material feel alive. What I appreciated most, though, was the energy she brought into the room. I was constantly laughing in her class, and I always left feeling happy and energized rather than drained. It felt like I was there because I wanted to be, not because I had to be. Ms. Jaffe created an environment where learning was genuinely fun, which is something very few teachers were able to do.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
My most memorable moment at Shipley was organizing and participating in our first-ever Gator Games. While it was rewarding to help plan the event and see it come together, what stood out most was actually being part of it. I spent the day running around, playing games, and laughing with people I wouldn’t normally interact with on a daily basis. Knowing that something I helped create brought that kind of energy and connection to the community was incredibly rewarding and a great time overall.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing represents growth, not just in what you accomplish, but in how you carry yourself along the way. When I first arrived at Shipley, I was a quiet, shy student who struggled to find my voice. Speaking up felt intimidating, and putting myself out there required a kind of courage I wasn’t sure I had. Over time, Shipley gave me the space and support to grow into that courage. By my senior year, I was standing in front of the entire school, speaking at all-school assemblies as class president. But just as important as finding my voice was learning how to use it with intention. The “grace for the doing” came in understanding how to lead with respect, to represent others thoughtfully, and to carry myself with confidence while still being mindful of those around me. To me, this motto reflects my journey at Shipley: having the courage to step into uncomfortable spaces, and the grace to grow into them with purpose.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Shipley encouraged me to take risks largely because of how small and connected the community is. Growing up alongside many of the same people created a sense of familiarity, but it also pushed me to step outside of my usual circles. Instead of staying comfortable, I found myself talking to people I might not have otherwise, forming new connections, and putting myself out there socially.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it meant to you.
My time at Shipley was defined by growth, both academically and personally. I started as a shy student who struggled to step outside of my comfort zone, but over time, Shipley’s close and supportive community encouraged me to take risks and connect with others. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was the relationships I built with my teachers. I always felt supported, even during times when I was overwhelmed by assignments or stressed about tests. While I faced social challenges as well, those experiences ultimately led me to find my closest friends and grow more confident. To me, Shipley was more than just a school; it’s a place where I found my voice, built lasting relationships, and learned how to navigate both challenges and opportunities with confidence.