Always An Outsider: My Experience in The Shipley/Episcopal Exchange
Barbara Pitt Lougée ’72
My father and brother had attended Episcopal, so when the offer arose to attend as well, it was an intriguing concept, as part of a family tradition. I was not a particularly bold person at the time, and I remember feeling somewhat mediocre in most things, so I thought doing this unique program would make me stand out a bit and also take me out of my comfort zone. I was glad to still be able to do chorus and sports at Shipley, so I could keep my connections with my friends. But, as one might think, I didn’t do it for the boys. I just thought it would be a really interesting experience. And it was.
As unique as it was for us girls, it was also odd for the boys and the teachers at Episcopal. Most of the teachers had been teaching only boys for many years, so to have a girl in a class must have altered their perception of how they taught. I had one teacher who would slip photos of cute animals cut out from magazines onto my desk in the middle of quizzes after we realized that we shared a love of a particular obscure musical comedy album. And my calculus teacher and I had a special connection due to my being one of the four students who remained to the end of year from a starting class of 20 and really enjoying the challenge. And the English/drama teacher appreciated a built-in female in the class to do scenes (which was fun for me because I loved acting and theatre).
I made friends with the boys and had a couple of dates, but I can’t say that I particularly felt more of a connection with them than my Shipley friends. I can only guess that they felt a bit constrained by having girls to deal with in their previously safe, all-male environment. I was a curiosity. I felt a bit of an outsider there, as I did at Shipley, which was a bit lonely. I didn’t really belong totally to either place.
I might have thought that going to Episcopal would change me in significant ways, but I don’t think it did. I was mostly the same person coming out that I was going in. It was a fun experience to be a groundbreaker, but I didn’t make huge strides as a person or find myself to be significantly different in the end. In some ways, it was just another teenage growth experience.
Being an Episcopal girl has shaped who I am, as have all the experiences and choices in my life, especially making the decision to go to Episcopal in the first place. That was a bold step for an unremarkable girl, leaping out of any comfort zone that may have existed at Shipley. Perhaps that is where I found the courage to move to New York City after college, or to up and move alone to California in my thirties. I am who I am because of Shipley and Episcopal, someone of many choices.
"Within this [Summer/Fall 2023] issue of Shipley Magazine, we highlight some of the work that has been done in recent years in support of the goals laid out in Vision 20/26. Our progress would be impressive in any light, but accomplishing what we have while navigating a pandemic is nothing short of remarkable."
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In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to become global citizens and compassionate participants in the world. This article explores how Shipley's special programs and partnerships facilitate hands-on, impactful learning opportunities, fostering cross-cultural insights, and making a positive impact in local and global communities.
For over 30 years, Shipley has been at the forefront of nurturing students' social and emotional well-being through its pioneering SEED program. This article explores the program's origins, evolution, and its global influence, highlighting Shipley's commitment to fostering well-rounded, empathetic, and emotionally resilient students in pursuit of educational excellence.
Shipley's commitment to educational excellence extends to cultivating a sense of belonging within its diverse community. This article delves into how Shipley has embraced its DEI Strategic Plan, celebrating diversity, providing professional development, and creating affinity spaces to foster inclusivity and unity.
This exploration of Shipley's Strategic Plan Goal #1: Educational Excellence focuses on enhancing student engagement and leadership by investing in professional development for teachers. This article sheds light on how dedicated educators at Shipley continue to learn and evolve, emphasizing the importance of staying abreast of best practices to provide students with the highest quality education.
At Shipley, a thriving sense of community is central to the School's mission. This article highlights some of the initiatives and events that have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant culture of pride, engagement, and commitment among students, parents, alumni, and friends of the School, all in line with Goal 2 of Shipley's Strategic Plan.
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
At the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, Shipley’s commitment to excellence was on full display through the prize-winning work of the Sprouts, Upper School Horticultural Ecology students, and the Middle School Gardening Club. Shipley alumni also made their mark, with Betsy Hastings Block ’83 and Laura Butera '08 contributing in big ways to the event's success.
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams competed in the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad State Tournament on April 22 at Penn State Altoona. Fourteen teams earned medals during the tournament.
Meet Sergio Jackson, Shipley’s Director of Athletic Performance, who inspires the community to move and thrive. Learn about his journey from a college athlete to Shipley, where he creates an inclusive and empowering environment for the community. You will also discover how he applies his guiding principles of strength, energy, resilience, and gratitude (SERG) to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.
Shipley’s Track and Field team made School history by participating for the first time in the historic Penn Relays at Franklin Fields on April 27-29, 2023. The Gators ran with courage and grace, making a memorable first impression at this year's Penn Relay Carnival. Before the races, the team and coaches made a promise to each other: "Focused teammates, committed to run for each other," and that is precisely how they competed.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
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Read reflections from Class of 2023 Shipley alumni, who are now thriving at various prestigious universities. They share how their Shipley experience has equipped them with resilience, adaptability, courage, and a passion for exploration and learning. Read all of the Class of 2023 reflections.
Honorary alumnus and former Latin teacher David Rich inspired Shipley students for close to three decades. Since retiring in 2021, he has immersed himself in Great Barrington's artistic community, rekindling his love for the piano and transforming Cicero's 'The Dream of Scipio' into a captivating play.
The Alumni Service Award is presented for outstanding volunteer service to The Shipley School by an alumna or alumnus as demonstrated by strong loyalty, exceptional contributions of time and effort, and personal commitment to the advancement of the School’s mission.
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.