Varsity Lacrosse (Captain), JV Basketball, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Soccer,  Athletic Training, Theater Productions, The Beacon (Head Editor), Mental Health Club (Founder), Athletics Committee

 

My most influential teacher I had during my time at Shipley would have to be Mrs. Greenwood. During a time when she was going through a lot, she maintained a positive attitude and she continued to show up for the people that needed her the most. I am lucky to say that I had Mrs. Greenwood for 9th grade Art Foundations, Journalism in 11th grade, and Studio Art 1 in 12^th grade, and we ran The Beacon together. I love to be with Mrs. Greenwood. Whether that's filling each other in about our weekends or discussing new shows we are currently binging, Mrs. Greenwood is an amazing person to talk to. As an art student, Mrs. Greenwood was very patient with me. She supported how I approached my art but also supported me when I was struggling with my art. As a teacher, she is very open-minded and encourages every student to be themselves. This was my first year being a Beacon Head Editor and even on days when she felt like pulling her hair out because of the layout, she stayed very composed. She allowed me to take on this leadership role but was there to pick me up when I thought I was going to fall. I am very proud of Mrs. Greenwood, and I am happy she did not leave last year because I don't know how I would have gone through my senior year without her.

 

My favorite class was Statistics with Mr. Frankel. While a majority of the student body would probably say I said this class because Mr. Frankel is so outgoing and fun to be around, it is actually because he helped me find a math class that I actually enjoyed and understood. You can ask any of my friends, I am not a mathematical person, so to find a teacher that made me feel heard, understood how I was feeling, and took the time to teach in a way that I would understand, is something I am very grateful for. Mr. Frankel took the time to get to know his students and connected with each and every one of them. I wish he could come to teach at Moravian because I want a math teacher like him wherever I go, but luckily, we live in the same town so I can say hi to him in the local grocery store :)

 

I am very happy to say that I had many memorable experiences at Shipley, but my most memorable experience would have to be getting hypnotized and it actually working on me. I only volunteered for fun and honestly did not think it would work that well on me, to the point where the hypnotist had to come back and unhypnotized me. That is one memory I know I will never forget. I am very grateful for Ms. Willing, Mr .Clement, and my best friend Sam MacLaughlin for helping during that unsettling time.

 

This phrase has been said all throughout my time at Shipley, but when I hear it, I think of just leading by example and trying to be the best version of yourself.

 

Not give up, even during times when you feel like your life is falling apart.

 

I am so blessed to say that during my time at Shipley, I was surrounded by so many role models. Shipley taught me that it is OK to ask for help in academics, athletics, or even just your personal life. If I never asked for help, I don't think I would have become the student or athlete that I am today.

 

Because I had such a good support system at Shipley, I knew it was OK to take risks. I had a great cushion of people to fall on if something happened.

 

If I am being honest, I didn't think I was going to end up at Shipley. It was during the pandemic when I decided to say yes to going to Shipley and I am so grateful that I did. I have met some amazing people here and I feel like I truly found myself. I am going to miss the family-like environment, but from what I have seen from students in the past is that everyone is very willing to welcome you back. Once a Gator, always a Gator.