Cassie ’26
College/School Attending This Fall: University of Galway (Ireland)
Major/Area of Interest: Theater, Journalism, and History
Years at Shipley: 4
Activities and Positions Held:
All Theater Productions, Shipley TV (Co-Anchor, Co-Producer), Admissions Ambassador (Co-Head), Student Government (Vice President), Athletics Committee (Co-Head), Mental Health Club (Co-Founder, Co-President), Spirit Squad (Co-Founder, Co-Captain), Varsity Soccer (Co-Captain), Lacrosse, JV Basketball, Events Planning Committee, Power of Blue, Flag Football
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
My most influential teacher was Mr. Addis. I had him for two years of history, and he completely changed the way I see the subject and helped me develop a genuine love for it that even led me to consider it as a college major. What made him so impactful is not just what he teaches, but how he teaches. He brought constant energy into the classroom, kept everyone engaged, and somehow made even textbook material feel alive and relevant by connecting it to real-life ideas and experiences. His little side stories and tangents always somehow circled back in a way that made everything click, and it never felt boring or forced. Outside of class, he was just as present, always said hi in the hallway, checked in, and made a real effort to know who you are as a person. That consistent kindness and attention made me feel seen and supported in a way that really stayed with me, and his encouragement and genuine care created an environment where I felt motivated, valued, and inspired every day.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Mr. Farr’s ninth-grade class. Coming in as a new student, I was nervous, especially being in a mix of new students and people who were already at Shipley, but that class immediately made me feel like I belonged. I met some of my closest friends there, and the environment was just so welcoming and fun. Mr. Farr really helped introduce me to the academic expectations of Shipley while always being supportive and encouraging, which made a huge difference for me. His class didn’t just teach me the material; it helped me find my place in a new community. Between the jokes, his classic “would you agree,” and the candy he always had, it was a space where I felt comfortable, included, and excited to learn. Looking back, that class really set the tone for my entire experience at Shipley.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
It’s hard to pick one most memorable experience at Shipley because I’ve had so many, but two really stand out to me. One was my junior year when I created a flash mob for our annual St. Patrick’s Day assembly with faculty participating. It was so much fun to plan and perform, and it gave me the chance to bond with teachers in a completely different way while surprising my classmates and celebrating my culture. The other was Swamp Night, my sophomore year, during JV girls’ basketball, when the game came down to the very last second, and we won on a buzzer-beater. The energy in the gym was unreal, everything felt neck and neck the whole time, and when that shot went in, it was pure excitement and chaos in the best way. The spirit that night, from the game to the crowd to the Spirit Squad dance, made it feel like the whole community was together in one moment, and it’s something I’ll never forget.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
To me, Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing means having the courage to actually try things, even when they feel new, uncomfortable, or uncertain, and then giving yourself the grace to learn through the process, no matter how it turns out. It’s about saying yes to the things that scare you a little, joining the new club, trying a sport you’ve never played, introducing yourself to someone new, and allowing yourself to grow from it instead of being afraid of doing it “wrong.” Shipley has really pushed me to live this idea in real ways. From stepping into the theater as a new freshman and eventually landing leading roles, to playing on multiple sports teams, to even helping create and join new clubs, I’ve learned that most of the best parts of my experience have come from just trying. I’ve made mistakes, felt unsure, and been outside my comfort zone more times than I can count, but I’ve also found things I love and people who will be my lifelong friends. For me, it’s really about just trying, because you never know what you’ll discover until you do.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Shipley encouraged me to take risks by giving me the space and support to do everything I love, and then push even further. The idea of it being an “and” school shaped so much of my experience, showing me that I didn’t have to choose just one version of myself. I could be a three-sport athlete, a theater kid in almost every production, involved in multiple clubs, and also step into leadership roles and even create new opportunities when I saw them. That environment helped me build confidence in who I am and who I want to become, and it pushed me to take chances I might not have taken otherwise. I ran for sophomore class vice president as a new student and ended up winning, which was a risk that meant a lot to me because it forced me to put myself out there. I also started playing lacrosse freshman year with no experience, and now it’s one of my favorite parts of my life. I became a starter, made some of my closest friends, and grew so much as a teammate and person. Theater has been another huge example, where taking risks on stage and in different roles led me to fall in love with the craft so much that I plan to study it in college. Looking back, I took so many risks at Shipley not because I had to, but because I was encouraged to, and every time, I was supported and rewarded with growth, confidence, and community.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it meant to you.
Shipley is a place I love with my whole heart. It gave me the space and opportunities to grow not just as a student but as a performer, an athlete, a friend, a leader, and, most importantly, as a person. Over the years, I’ve made lifelong connections with people who truly shaped me, and I met faculty members who became role models and the kind of people I know I’ll always want to come back to and share my life with. I tried new clubs, new sports, new classes, and even stepped into completely new experiences and adventures that I never would have imagined for myself. I met friends from so many different backgrounds, learned about and celebrated different cultures, and all of it has happened while receiving an incredible education that challenged and pushed me to grow. It wasn’t always perfect; there were difficult moments, but Shipley helped me grow into a strong, independent, loving, and supportive person. Shipley pushed me, believed in me, and helped me become someone I’m proud of, and because of that, it will always mean so much to me.