Giving News
Ishea Johnson ’19: How Shipley Prepared Me for Academic Success at Princeton and Beyond
Shipley is truly outstanding in that it simultaneously provides its students with a rigorous, academically challenging curriculum while also fostering intellectual exploration and creativity.
As I think back on my time at Shipley, it is hard to pinpoint one specific aspect of my high school experience that best prepared me for academic life at Princeton. Rather, it was the fact that I was able to indulge my love of literature, explore the wonders of the sciences, try my hand at leadership as class president, and build camaraderie with fellow students across class years through crew and basketball that aided in my being a versatile and dynamic student.
I especially credit the network of Shipley faculty and staff who made Shipley a home and showed me the value of mentorship. Being a confident, self-directed learner is one skill that Shipley students learn throughout their time in school, a skill that proved invaluable as I conducted my independent thesis work as well as carried out smaller course projects and assignments.
Yet, while my diligence and scholarship helped me to produce work that led to my nomination to the scientific honor society Sigma Xi, my attainment of the award for outstanding thesis work in Molecular Biology, and the ultimate reception of my bachelor’s degree with honors, it was my love of learning, which I cultivated at Shipley, that made my academic endeavors gratifying and enjoyable.
—Ishea Johnson ’19
Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology, Princeton University
Attending Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology, Princeton University
Attending Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Why We Give
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Erika Griffin White ’98
Consistency is the key to making an impact, so as a loyal donor I want to make sure that my impact is a part of the fabric of Shipley’s continuous growth. When you loyally donate every year, you can see the progressive impact you have on programming, educational access, and a host of other initiatives our donations support. -
Lee Osterman & Elissa Topol
We want other children and families to receive all the educational benefits and rewards our children did in a caring and supportive environment. Our experience was truly a family adventure. No matter how times change and the years pass since the Shipley sisters started the School, the core values fostering excellence in education and responsibility for contributing to the world have not only changed, but strengthened. -
Caleb Balderston ’06
I’m committing myself to developing young leaders through secondary education, and find it important to support the institutions that instilled this in me. -
DeDe Chirgwin Brown
I was Director of External Relations for 23 years at Shipley, and I was able to get to know so many parents, alumni, faculty and staff. In addition, my daughter was a student at Shipley for 14 years, graduating in 2008, the year that I “graduated” from the School. I was motivated to give back as a parent for her academic education and her love of sports, both of which were so important to her in her college career as well as her future. -
Megan & Matt Genkin, P’30 P’33
We give to Shipley because after six years here, we have seen firsthand the amazing benefits of a Shipley education. Seeing how both of our children have grown academically, socially, and emotionally makes giving back an easy decision! Shipley encourages students to see the world beyond their own and realize that that world shares both similarities and differences. The focus on empathy in the curriculum is so important. -
Peter Raymond ’05
My 13 years at Shipley shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful to Shipley for a fantastic education, opportunities for exploration, meaningful relationships, and fond memories. Shipley prepared me well for life after high school. I appreciate all that Shipley has given me and am proud to support the School. -
Katy Sherrerd ’75
Shipley’s commitment to a culture that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion is an excellent example of how the school can help to shape a better world. An inclusive culture (with role models and a supportive community) provides a safe place for all students to learn the skills they will need to make a difference in the future. -
Chris & Wendy Smith, P’28 P’30
We prioritize giving back to and volunteering at Shipley because we feel strongly about living the School’s mission and see the clear benefits a Shipley education has provided our children. Shipley’s approach to positive education, focus on critical thinking, and strong sense of community creates a place where all students can succeed. -
Sophie Hart ’77
It was a great privilege for me to experience 13 wonderful years as a Shipley student. Shipley provided an unparalleled educational opportunity from Beechwood and Middle House to Upper School. But it also provided invaluable lifelong friendships that I deeply cherish, not only with my fellow students, but also with their parents, grandparents, siblings, and spouses, and with many of the talented and caring members of the faculty. This institution, this experience, these people, and all of the associated memories gave me a unique preparation for life’s journey. That is my motivation for making an annual gift. Fortiter in re, leniter in modo. -
Tim Lightman, P’28
Shipley supports the development of critical thinking skills, promotes the importance of compassionate participation in the world, and nurtures individual and collective wellbeing, all skills that children will need as they become adults in an increasingly complex and global environment. Being part of the community as both a parent and colleague inspires me to give. I know that giving back helps not just my daughter but all the students.
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Adopting a Daily Harkness Practice in Upper School History
Upper School history teachers Zackaria Gaines and Chris Simpson traveled to attend the Exeter Humanities Institute. The five-day workshop bought together teachers from across the country to support their growth in the discussion-based pedagogy known as Harkness teaching. We asked Mr. Gaines about what impact the Institute has had on his teaching and students.Read More -
Introducing Interactive Notebooks in Middle School Math
Middle School Math Teachers Sarah Stehman and Lauren Luchetti attended the Beyond the Math Curriculum conference. One of the tools that the math teachers learned about and brought back to Shipley was the interactive math notebook. We asked Mrs. Stehman about the conference and how interactive notebooks have made an impact in her classes.Read More -
Supporting Curricular Innovation in Lower School Social Studies
In the summer of 2022, fourth grade teachers Nikki Wiseman and Christian Wareikis received professional development funding from Shipley (along with teachers in first and fifth grades) to evaluate and re-design their social studies curriculum. We asked Mrs. Wiseman about the work and the impact it has had in her class.Read More -
Hakiem Coles ’07: Raising Funds for Shipley’s Black Students and Teachers
“Shipley was life-changing for me. It opened up my world," says alumnus Hakiem Coles ’07. His belief in the power of education to positively impact the lives of other black students inspired him to join Shipley's Black Alumni Association and establish a named endowed fund, the Black Alumni Association Fund, to support the curricular and cultural needs of Shipley’s Black students and teachers.Read More -
Rik Morris ’80: Giving Forward to Shipley’s LGBTQ+ Community
Rik Morris ’80 is a strong example of the Shipley spirit and the School’s commitment to supporting everyone in the community. “I don’t believe in giving back,” says the 2020 Alumni Service Award recipient. “I believe in giving forward.” Following his retirement as a Trustee a few years ago, Morris is serving as inaugural co-chair of the newly formed Shipley LGBTQ+ Alumni Association,Read More -
Why I Give: The Chapin Family
I’m an introvert, and he’s an extrovert,” says Emily Chapin Vollkommer ’05, of herself and her brother Colin Chapin ’08. At Shipley, they both thrived. “We could be our own people,” Colin says. Read more about the Chapins and why they give back to Shipley.Read More -
Why I Give: Upper School Science Teacher Andy Shepherd
Andy Shepherd has been teaching at Shipley for 17 years, and for 17 years, he’s been giving back to the School. As the recipient of financial aid to attend private school, he says he gives to Shipley “to create opportunities for kids out there like me, who want a better opportunity.” Learn more about Andy Shepherd and why he gives back to Shipley.Read More
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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.
