Resilient, thoughtful, resourceful and spirited, today’s independent school students juggle academics, extracurriculars, service and leadership. Meet upper school students from Bryn Mawr, Gilman and Roland Park Country School whose passion for and commitment to their school communities are evident in all they do.
BRYN MAWR SCHOOL, GILMAN SCHOOL AND ROLAND PARK COUNTRY SCHOOL:
Three distinct institutions united by two bridges to create a common educational experience. Each campus provides the best of both single-sex education and co-education through middle and upper school collaboration with its neighbors. Beginning in the sixth grade, boys and girls come together for musicals and performances as well as joint social events. By the upper school, boys and girls take classes together. Upper school students can choose between 170 electives between the neighboring campuses. Crossing the bridges over Roland Avenue and Northern Parkway, Bryn Mawr, Roland Park and Gilman students come together, collaborate in and outside of the classroom, then return to their respective campuses where they head organizations, compete on athletic teams, and share in their unique schools’ traditions and celebrations. CAMMY, TEM and SOLAI, tri-school student leaders, share what makes their school experience special.
Bryn Mawr School
CAMMY, Bryn Mawr’s student government president, has called her school home since kindergarten. Her involvement in the community touches all areas, from the squash courts to the school newspaper, the Quill, to peer mentoring younger students. Here, she reflects on her 12-year Bryn Mawr journey.
Which two adjectives best describe your school?
Curious and emboldened. I can say with complete confidence that the spirit of a true Bryn Mawr student is characterized by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. We see the great value in our Bryn Mawr education, we ask questions to further our understanding, and we continue our learning beyond the school’s borders because we are simply interested in knowing more. Bryn Mawr instills in each student the value of our opinion. We are taught to not only share our beliefs but to advocate for them, which is a lesson that has provided me with the confidence to pursue countless opportunities in my life outside of school as well.
What makes you feel proud to be a student at your school?
Bryn Mawr’s commitment to inclusivity makes me feel proud to be a student here. We have countless clubs and forums to discuss social issues and to provide safe spaces where students can share their beliefs. Our administration is also extremely supportive and open to hearing from the students about how Bryn Mawr can continue to evolve as an institution.
What is the greatest lesson from your school you will take away with you?
The greatest lesson that Bryn Mawr has taught me is the power of self-advocacy. Bryn Mawr cultivates an environment where the students feel as though they are not only allowed to share their opinion, but their beliefs truly matter and can enact real change. Our administrators are accessible and more than willing to meet with students in order for their voices to be heard, and taking advantage of these opportunities has taught me the power of sharing my perspective with others. Whether I’m asking a teacher to clarify a concept or discussing my opinion on recent events with the Dean of Students, I’ve been taught at Bryn Mawr to feel empowered by my beliefs and to advocate for them.
Gilman School
TEM, Gilman’s senior class president, is excited for the upcoming school year. Walking the campus for the first time since the spring, he looks forward to the renewed camaraderie with his friends. He also plans to resume his role as manager of the varsity basketball and volleyball teams.
Which two adjectives best describe your school?
The two adjectives that best describe my school are accepting and independent.
What makes you feel proud to be a student at your school?
I am proud to be a Gilman student because Gilman has strong academics that uniquely challenge each student. Gilman has a faculty and staff that not only care about students as people but they also help guide students with things that are happening outside of the classroom. The Gilman community prepares students for a future after college because they understand that there are so many possibilities for us after our time is done at Gilman and they want us to be prepared for anything and everything.
What is the greatest lesson from your school you will take away with you?
The greatest lesson I will take away from my school is to always stay true to myself because by trusting in your instincts and believing in yourself you can reach your goals without compromising your values.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is easily the studio art room.
Who is your favorite teacher?
My favorite teachers are Mr. Fitzgibbon and Mr. Connolly.
Roland Park Country School
SOLAI, an RPCS 12th grader, looks forward to leading her class as senior class president. She already envisions creating new traditions to mark the class of 2021’s final year. In addition, she runs on the track team, is a peer health mentor, and helps cultivate the on-campus garden.
Which two adjectives best describe your school?
Spirited and welcoming. All of the staff and students here are friendly and encouraging. From the energy of Opening Day to the cheers of the Dodgeball Tournament, there have been innumerable displays of spirit shown throughout each school year.
What makes you feel proud to be a student at your school?
I’m proud to be a student at RPCS because I’m given the opportunities to take a range of different classes, be an athlete, a leader, and a friend at the same time; I don’t have to choose to be just one.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
The grade-level dean’s office is my favorite place on campus because it is where I can go on my good and bad days and always feel safe. This room is a place I can get candy, a reality check, a laugh, reminisce on some great memories with friends, relieve some of my stress and worries, and let out my emotions when I’m overwhelmed.
What do you think distinguishes your schools from the other independent schools?
I think our wellness and entrepreneurship programs distinguish RPCS. Students, parents and guardians, and faculty are well-educated on health and wellness from information given by our counselors, nurses, athletic trainers, peers, and discussions from professionals. The Leadership and Entrepreneurship Institute allows us to make a change in our community and to inspire others to create a positive change in our world through programs such as the R.E.D Block Seminars, the Capstone Fellowship Program, Debate, the Philanthropic Literacy Board, and summer internships.
