Hello! My name is Katey, and I entered Agnes Irwin in 9th grade. I came from a private catholic co-ed school, and my transition to Agnes Irwin felt seamless. As soon as I arrived for my visiting day, I knew this would be my “second-home” for the next four exciting years of my life. The girls were so welcoming and excited about new faces in their classes. Coming from a co-ed school, my all-girls’ experience has been wonderful because it creates such a dynamic learning environment. We have teachers who challenge and encourage us every day.  Agnes Irwin girls are not afraid to step up and take the lead, whether we are on the sports field, the stage, or in the classroom.   Agnes Irwin has many wonderful traditions. One of my favorites is AIS/EA day, the biggest sports event of the year! It occurs at the end of the fall season, when Agnes Irwin competes against Episcopal Academy in Varsity soccer, field hockey, tennis and cross country. This is a very exciting weekend of competition between Haverford, Agnes Irwin and Episcopal which culminates in a formal dance on Saturday night. Another favorite tradition of mine is our Holiday Assembly that takes place on the last day of classes before winter break. The entire school gathers into the gym for a unique celebration. The teachers perform, the chorus sings, and most importantly we scream the 12 Days of Christmas. I also really enjoy the Change-Over Assembly. This takes place on the last day of school in our West-Wike Theatre. As we share the last meeting of the school year, the graduating class leaves while the other grades climb over the theatre seats. This is when each girl officially has “moved up” into her next grade at Agnes Irwin. These are just a few of the traditions that are very special, and these memories will stay with us for many years.   Most of all I love the friendships I have formed throughout my three years at AIS. Here it is very normal to have friends in different grades and that makes our school very unique. On a typical school day, passing through the halls you will receive “hellos” from girls in every grade. For me, sports have been a great way to meet more girls at AIS, but other girls have made these same bonds through different activities and experiences. I have played soccer, basketball and softball since my freshman year, and I am a member of the Athletic Association Board. We organize events, and we also keep our school excited about AIS sports. Whatever your interests, from sports to arts to community service (or all of the above!), they will help you form close friendships that will span the different grades and make your experience here at AIS unique.   You find very well-rounded girls within the Agnes Irwin community because the majority of our students participate in an array of activities from drama productions, sports and other clubs and organizations. We learn to balance our time well because we must stay organized due to our rigorous curriculum. Every girl that attends Agnes Irwin will leave with a sense of confidence, an astounding work ethic and years full of memories.   I hope that I have encouraged you to explore what Agnes Irwin has to offer. I would enthusiastically recommend my school to anyone, and I am a big advocate for an all-girls’ education. If you are looking for a place filled with fun, a great education and long-lasting friendships, Agnes Irwin is the school for you!   -          Katey