Rikki ’26
College/School Attending This Fall: Southern Methodist University
Major/Area of Interest: Studio Art
Years at Shipley: 5
Activities and Positions Held:
Varsity Squash, Arts Committee (Arts Head), Science Olympiad, Writing Center, Vinyl Club, All Theater Productions (Writer & Director of Fall Play Scene), Jewish Heritage Club
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
My most influential teachers were Mr. Maurer and Dr. Wellenbach. Mr. Maurer, although he challenged me, taught me how to become the best writer I could be. He always pushed me to expand my thinking and create new ideas that felt difficult at the time but ultimately led to some of my best work. His open discussion style in class never made me feel silenced in my own opinions, and he encouraged me to confront uncomfortable topics, which helped expand my writing. As a result, my work never felt stronger, and my insecurity about writing vanished.
Another highly influential teacher was Dr. Wellenbach. Growing up, learning another language was one of the most difficult things for me. However, his creativity and interactive teaching style helped me improve tremendously. His empathy and dedication ensured that his students thrived, whether through offering extra credit opportunities or always being there to help. He helped shape me into a better student and a harder worker.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Great Books Honors. Although the books were challenging and the material was difficult, the class itself was very special. While there were only seven students in the class, it was filled with opinions and non-judgmental, open discussion. We were able to challenge each other’s ideas in a debate-style format while also learning from one another. It will always be my favorite class.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
My most memorable experiences at Shipley were theater performances. The Shipley theater department was underrated and gave so many people the opportunity to explore the arts in multiple ways, whether that be through stagecraft, costumes, tech, assistant directing, performing on stage, or writing and directing a play. While all these roles were separate, it did not feel that way; it felt like a family.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing means having the bravery to take action and try new challenges, while also carrying yourself with kindness, humility, and respect as you do them. It encourages people not only to step outside their comfort zones and take risks, but also to approach everything they do with thoughtfulness and integrity, even when things are difficult or don’t go as planned.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Shipley gave me the freedom to make mistakes, which in turn allowed me to take risks. As a student who enjoys the arts—like theater—as well as sports, student government, and other leadership opportunities, I wanted to do it all. For most students, that would be impossible, but at Shipley, it’s achievable. I was able to pursue what I love while continuing to grow. If I started to fall behind in my academics or felt as though it was too much to balance with my personal life, Shipley was gracious in helping students learn what works best for them, and teachers worked with students to find what would help them succeed.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it meant to you.
Shipley saw me at my worst and my best, and each time, the teachers and community were there to support me. Coming here every day felt like coming to a second family. Although it’s a small school, I saw new faces and created new friendships each year. Hearing others talk about how uninvolved they were at their large high schools sounded crazy to me. If I wasn’t encouraged to join a sports team, I might never have found a sport that I love, and if I wasn’t encouraged to join clubs, I would never have had the opportunity to help run and grow the Arts Committee or the Jewish Heritage Club. I am so thankful for every community and opportunity this school has given me.