I came to AIS as a new student in sixth grade. While I chose Agnes Irwin mainly at first because my older sister was already here, the school allowed me to make my subsequent experience invaluably special for me. For two years, I listened to Pam’s countless stories about the antics of her AIS classmates and the idiosyncrasies of her teachers. It was her enthusiasm that captured my attention and helped me choose Agnes Irwin.    For me, Agnes Irwin is far more than classes: it is another home. As cliché as it may sound, I love being here. The combination of academic challenge, athletic spirit, and caring friendship that I have embraced in my six years as an Agnes Irwin student have truly made me love it here. Whether debating Faulkner in my 5-person English class with Ms. Mather or soaking in Mr. Frank’s “storytime” history lectures, my academic experience has been stimulating and rewarding. But by no means is Agnes Irwin solely an academic institution. For instance, it is an average Agnes Irwin day to translate 40 lines of Vergil, decorate the Junior Table with red and yellow while dressed as Ronald McDonald on Class Color Day, and then head to the gym for a volleyball match. This dynamic environment, combined with the strong community, has allowed me to form meaningful friendships with classmates, teachers, coaches and even underclassmen, over the past six years. Every hour I spend at AIS is fun and productive! The small, safe community has been the perfect setting for me to discover and develop my interests in academics, athletics and other extracurricular activities. In the classroom, I discovered my interest in science and my love of language. The interactive labs and Dr. Katz’s commitment to his students’ successes have made chemistry my favorite class at Agnes Irwin. Meanwhile, the intimate discussions and thrill of understanding another culture have made me realize my passion for Spanish.   As an Agnes Irwin student, I am also actively involved with athletics. I have run track and played field hockey, volleyball and lacrosse. I also represent my class on the Athletic Association, a board of Upper School students responsible for athletic events and school spirit. Whether on the field or in meetings with the Athletic Association, my enthusiasm for athletics has helped me to find my niche as a member of our community. I believe this is a signature characteristic of an Agnes Irwin education: regardless of a student’s passion, there is always a medium in which she can express herself.  Throughout high school, I have been a member of the PALS mentoring program and Lower School Helpers. Both have given me the opportunity to venture over to the Lower School and spend time with younger girls: something I love! In PALS, I meet with one Lower School student weekly, serving as a mentor. Lower School Helpers is a weekly club during which I help in the PreK classroom. My experiences with these two organizations inspired me to dedicate my SSP time to this age group. Sophomore year, I spent two weeks teaching at a special education pre-school, and junior year, I spent two weeks volunteering at a school in Jamaica. I attribute fully this progression of my interest in teaching to programs available to me here at Agnes Irwin. For me, the AIS experience has been invaluable. Agnes Irwin strikes the perfect balance of fun and challenge, making this a very unique place! -          Amanda