Cassie started at Shipley in ninth grade from Haverford Middle School
Activities and Positions: Varsity Soccer (Captain) JV Basketball Varsity Lacrosse Spirit Squad (Co-Founder) Mental Health Club (Founder and Leader) Shipley TV (Co-Producer and Anchor) Admissions Ambassador (Co-Head) Theater Productions Student Government Athletics Committee (Co-Head) Events Planning Committee
Favorite Club: It’s hard to choose, but my favorite club is tied between Spirit Squad and the Athletics Committee. I love Spirit Squad because I get to dance, show school spirit, and hype everyone up at events. It’s such a fun way to bring energy to the School. The Athletics Committee is amazing too because I get to help plan and organize different sports events, which is exciting and lets me make a real impact on our athletic community. Both clubs let me combine leadership with doing things I genuinely enjoy!
Favorite Class: My favorite classes are United States History with Mr. Addis and Sports in American History with Dr. Richard. I’ve always loved history, and both teachers make it come alive in ways that make me want to keep learning. Sports in American History is especially cool because I get to see connections between the sports I play and history, which makes it super relevant and fun. And United States History gave me a deeper understanding of the past while keeping the classroom environment welcoming and engaging.
Thoughts on Shipley: When I think of Shipley, I think of community. Coming from a large public school, it was hard to build genuine connections, but at Shipley, I’ve been able to form meaningful relationships with both students and faculty. Being part of a close-knit community where people support each other has been one of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience.
Advice for New Students: Take it all in and take chances! Shipley has so much to offer, from clubs and sports to theater and events,and it really lets you try everything you want to do. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, this is your chance to explore, grow, and make the most of every opportunity.
The Shipley School proudly announces that six members of the Class of 2026 have been recognized by The National Merit Scholarship Program as Finalists.
What does constant connectivity mean for developing brains? At a recent Learning Child Series presentation, Shipley parent Dr. Jesse Suh, P’31, shared research on digital technology and adolescent development—and offered practical strategies families can use to build healthier technology habits.
The Shipley School is proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2026 Alumni Award recipients — four distinguished individuals who embody the values of excellence, leadership, and service in their respective fields.
Shipley sophomore Kate Ulrich recently earned a second-place finish in the Girls Under 17 division at the US Squash Junior Championship Tournament, held January 17-19 at the Arlen Specter Squash Center in Philadelphia.
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.
Martin Sun ’27 and Ara Speirs ’27 each earned recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, , the nation’s longest-running (1923) and most prestigious program for creative teens.
Five Shipley Middle School students, led by science teacher Ace Schwarz, traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to present original astronomy research at the American Astronomical Society conference, one of the field’s leading national gatherings.
Four Shipley colleagues are celebrating milestones anniversaries during the 2025-2026 school year. Celebrating 15 years are Kate Gearhart and Tamar Norquist. Celebrating 25 years are Christian Wareikis and Vince Ceriale.
Eliza Varner, Upper School Physics teacher and Class Dean, recently earned the prestigious National Board Certification, awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The certification recognizes educators who meet rigorous standards through a performance-based, peer-reviewed process.
Shipley’s annual Swamp Night is on January 23! Bring your family for food and fun with the entire Shipley community. Wear your favorite Shipley gear and join the Shipley Swamp to cheer on our basketball and squash teams!
Motivated by a desire to expand access and opportunity, Shipley student Rishaan Nagar ’26 turned his volunteer experience with SquashSmarts into Squash The Gap—a growing initiative that connects volunteers with Philadelphia students through mentorship and community engagement.
Former Shipley standout Marta Johnson ’95 returns to where it all began, this time as head coach. From her family immigrating to America and first volleyball game to coaching her own daughters on the same court, Marta shares what it means to come full circle and build a culture of hard work, heart, and connection.
For as long as he can remember, Ronan’s been building things—first with LEGOs, then with anything he could get his hands on. But one day, curiosity took over: instead of just building, he started taking things apart to see how they worked.
Shipley freshman and girls basketball standout Melody Vaughn recently found herself on the 2029 ESPN W Watchlist - an honor bestowed upon the best up-and-coming players nationwide. Learn more about her passion, motivations, goals, and why she loves being a Shipley Gator.
Last spring and this fall, Shipley’s Middle School launched new overnight trips, immersing students in history, culture, and community. From the maritime culture of Newport News, VA, and D.C.’s civil rights landmarks to Broadway in NYC, these journeys deepened curiosity, built connections, and brought classroom learning vividly to life.
Shipley's Boys' and Girls' Varsity Cross Country teams each won their respective Friends Schools League Championship on October 16. Several runners also earned individual medals for their times. Go Gators!
Nine Shipley Middle School students joined peers from 13 schools at the RISE Student Leadership Conference, where they explored empathy, communication, and inclusive leadership in sessions guided by Shipley faculty leaders. Shipley senior and student leader Cassie McDaid ’26 was the keynote speaker of the event.
Senior Emily McKay ’26 balances a rigorous academic schedule with her role as co-captain of Team USA’s Theatre on Ice team—leading with empathy, supporting younger teammates, and proving that excellence and compassion can share the spotlight. Learn more about Emily in this Beyond Shipley Spotlight, featuring students whose pursuits outside of school reflect Shipley's mission in action.
For nearly two decades, the name Thom Schauerman has been synonymous with Shipley Boys’ Soccer.
For 19 years, his passion, leadership, and dedication led the Gators to over 250 victories and 10+ FSL Championships. Schauerman’s legacy extends far beyond wins; it’s about community, mentorship, and heart. Read more.
Shipley's new Head of Lower School, Tim Bickhart, is also the parent of Henry '28 and Jack '33. Learn more about what he loves most about elementary-aged children, what he considers to be great teaching, and what inspires him.
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.