CJ ’26
College/School Attending This Fall: University of Miami
Major/Area of Interest: Neuroscience (Pre-Med)
Years at Shipley: 10
Activities and Positions Held:
Varsity Squash (Captain)
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
Mr. Clement because he was easy to reach all the time and always willing to talk. I also had a lot in common with him as we both played squash and were interested in science. He taught me a lot outside of classes and gave me a lot of really solid advice.
What was your favorite class and why?
Honors Biology with Ms. Willing because it was such a big challenge and I learned how to really push myself.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
Every year when the weather gets better in the spring, and everyone hangs out on the quad and plays spikeball.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
It means to be honest, but with tact. It means to be bold and challenge things and initiate important actions while remaining thoughtful and with integrity.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Shipley encouraged me to take risks through the strong mentorship across academics, athletics, and the arts. Having supportive teachers and coaches made it easier to have autonomy and not do things just to fit in or meet expectations, but because of genuine interest. That environment pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and try new things with more confidence.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it meant to you.
Shipley has meant a lot to me because it made learning feel personal and supported.
My teachers were always approachable and encouraged me to go beyond the material in class and explore my own interests.
One thing I’ll take with me is to keep reading and stay curious. I often say, “Don’t let school keep you from learning,” and Shipley really reinforced that mindset for me.
It is a place that shaped how I think about education as something driven by curiosity, not just requirements.