From the Beacon: Shipley Theater Department Joins Broadway Green Alliance
Kylie Liggett ’25
Shipley’s theater program is excited to announce that it will partner with Broadway Green Alliance for the Mean Girls Spring Musical and hopefully for many more shows in the future.
Broadway Green Alliance is a corporation that tries to bring more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices into theaters all around the country. They also support climate-positive initiatives, which means anything that takes more Co2 out of the atmosphere than it releases.
One of the things people love about Broadway Green Alliance is that it recognizes that it is impossible to be completely green, but that any improvement is beneficial: millions of small and large decisions cause climate change. Broadway Green Alliance provides climate toolkits for high school and college students with resources to make their theater programs more sustainable. They have saved thousands of pounds of textiles and toxic batters from ending up in waterways and provided all Broadway theaters with energy-efficient washers.
Theater Directors Mr. Brown and Ms. Gibson are both extremely excited to start the partnership with Broadway Green Alliance. Not only are they partnering with Broadway Green Alliance, but Shipley’s theater program has found many other ways to go green this year. Ms. Gibson commented, “This year, the Shipley Theatre Department has been trying to find creative ways to reduce our carbon footprint. In the Fall Play, we opted for a digital playbill instead of the paper ones you usually find at our productions. We also chose to produce plays that focused on climate change. We are excited to continue this work in the production of Mean Girls by recycling set pieces and costumes from previous productions, using recycled paper products for our marketing efforts, and working on our front-of-house concession stands to minimize plastic. We also encourage the audience to recycle in bins in the foyer. We are proud to partner with the Broadway Green Alliance on this production.”
The Shipley School is proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2025 Alumni Award recipients—three distinguished individuals who embody the values of excellence, leadership, and service in their respective fields.
For over 20 years, Shipley’s partnership with alumna Paige West ’86 and the West Collection has brought world-class contemporary art to the Speer Gallery, inspiring students to think boldly and engage with real-world ideas.
Shipley’s Speer Gallery, led by art teacher Julia Staples, is a vibrant hub for learning and connection, showcasing thought-provoking exhibits that spark conversation and inspire collaboration across subjects like History, Science, and English.
Read about how Shipley changed life for Sissy ffolliott ’70 and why she supports the Centennial Society—ensuring future generations receive the same transformative education and encouragement she experienced over 55 years ago.
Middle School Science Teacher Ace Schwarz recently presented an education-focused project at the prestigious American Astronomical Society (AAS) Conference. Learn how Mx. Schwarz brings NASA research into Shipley’s classrooms, empowering students with authentic data projects and cutting-edge astronomy lessons.
To celebrate Black History Month, Shipley was proud to host Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, on Monday, February 3. Carlotta spoke to students and faculty about her story - for the right of every child to learn and grow without discrimination. She also spent time with the Black Student Union.
Congratulations to Aarik ’28 and Rohail ’26 for their creativity and award-winning excellence in the CMU CS Academy Fall 2024 Creative Task Competition, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science.
Shipley’s Finance Club, hosted Tim Buckley, former CEO of Vanguard, for a discussion on career development, leadership, and the power of curiosity. Buckley shared practical advice on building a fulfilling career, the importance of asking thoughtful questions, and how purpose can drive lasting success.
Shipley’s dynamic history curriculum challenges students to think critically, engage deeply with diverse perspectives, and connect the past to today’s world. Explore how innovative electives and passionate educators bring history to life in 11th and 12th grade classrooms.
Shipley’s Middle School history classrooms are alive with creativity, immersive projects, and hands-on learning. From muckraking magazines to trench art, students don’t just study history—they experience it, making meaningful connections to the past and present.
The Shipley School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian L. Craig as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Craig brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in independent schools and a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and program innovation.
Over the past five years, Shipley’s Cross Country program has surged forward, blending competitive success with a vibrant culture of personal growth and team spirit. This rise has been powered by an engaged community of runners, dedicated coaches, and a program spanning Lower, Middle, and Upper School.
On display in Shipley's Speer Gallery from January 27 - April 4, 2025, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures addressing the urban landscape of Philadelphia.
Ranked #6 in the nation for U15 squash players, Kate reflects on her journey—from her first lesson with Coach Chris to joining Shipley's varsity squash team. Learn how the Shipley Squash Academy shaped her skills, mindset, and love for the game as she continues to tackle new challenges and reach for new heights.
It's easier than ever to stay connected and in the know about all things Shipley with our new mobile app. From calendars and lunch menus to photo galleries, directories, and ShipleyNet, the app keeps everything you need right at your fingertips. It also brings you content from Shipley’s main social media accounts.
Shipley’s annual Swamp Night is on January 24! 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 teams!
The Gators had an awesome fall sports season, most notably The Girls Cross Country team claimed their first-ever FSL Championship and finished second in the PAISAA State Championships! Dagny Shiffler ’25 took first place winning an FSL gold and placed 5th at states
Jennifer Devlin, a former electrical engineer, is an Upper School STEAM teacher and Science Olympiad co-coach. She loves seeing students' "aha moments" and takes pride in helping them achieve beyond their expectations.
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.