Congratulations to Rachel Avery '25!
Breaking news: Rachel will attend University of Chicago this fall as a recipient of a Questbridge National College Match Scholarship! Founded in 1994, Questbridge partners with 52 top universities around the nation to provide high-achieving students with full four-year scholarships.
A senior at the Agnes Irwin School, Rachel Avery is Co-Editor in Chief of the school newspaper, The Wick, co-captain of the Robotics team, and a Head Tour Guide for the school’s Admissions Office. She also is a contributing writer and social media manager for Generocity, a local social impact media outlet grounded in community engagement, and has volunteered since her freshman year at the College Bound Opportunities (CBO) Heights Philadelphia’s annual Equity Summit held at the University of Pennsylvania.
Main Line Media News: What in your opinion has been the most interesting article that has appeared in The Wick during your time as Co-Editor in Chief.
Rachel Avery: As Co-Editor in Chief of The Wick, one of my favorite articles has been “Too Young for Brandy?” written by an Agnes Irwin sophomore. I am a fan of pieces that challenge my own perspective on different topics. It was interesting to read an article that emphasized sympathy for “Sephora kids,” something I hadn’t considered before. Sephora kids are children that are around eight to 12 years old who are often viewed as being disruptive in Sephora. I especially enjoy reading articles from our younger journalists who often have a fresh perspective!
Main Line Media News: What has been your most interesting experience as co-captain of the Robotics team? What have been the biggest challenges your team has faced in competition?
Rachel Avery: I have studied Computer Science since the 4th grade and it has been a great opportunity to be part of, and lead, an all-girls team. It is an honor to be a part of a team that fully emphasizes the importance of female representation in STEM. The biggest challenge our team has faced is discrimination by other teams. There have been times when other teams underestimated us because we are an all-girls team. However, I believe that as we continue to improve, that narrative is changing. I’m excited to continue to help the team in my final year at Agnes Irwin.
Main Line Media News: As Head Tour Guide for the Admissions Office, what is your favorite part of the tours that you give? What is the most frequently asked question you get from the tourists, and what do you think has been the most interesting question that they’ve asked?
Rachel Avery: I love it when families ask a lot of questions because I know how important a high school fit is, and it makes the tours feel more comfortable and conversational. I frequently get asked, “Why all girls?” which I completely understand. The transition to all girls from a co-ed school is a lot, with the difference in class sizes and the absence of boys, so I think the question is incredibly important. The most interesting question I’ve been asked was “How does AIS handle diversity?” As someone who believes that that is one of the most important aspects of a school, I really appreciate this question. DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) is one of the first things I look for in a school/university; I always make sure to highlight it on my tours and love to talk more at length about it!
Main Line Media News: What has been your favorite article that you’ve written for Generocity?
Rachel Avery: I helped write an article called “Black-Led Solutions” in honor of Black Philanthropy Month. The article highlighted several Black-led organizations that helped fight for voting rights, access to education, civil rights protections, and more. My experience at Generocity has been invaluable; it has taught me so much more about the philanthropy world in Philadelphia and has made me a much more worldly and better person. Researching Black-led organizations fighting for these issues – something that I care deeply about – was an amazing experience for me.
Main Line Media News: What has been the most important thing you feel you have learned/gained by working at the Heights Philadelphia’s annual Equity Summit?
Rachel Avery: Getting to volunteer at the Heights Philadelphia’s annual Equity Summit has been a formative experience. The Equity Summit, hosted by The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, invites students from the Philadelphia school district to attend workshops taught by professionals in diversity and inclusion who explain how DEIB efforts pertain to specific fields. Every year, I get to help direct students, put together gift bags, and carry items to different locations. I think community service in the form of hands-on work is sometimes underappreciated — I recommend taking part in opportunities like this! I’m grateful to get to work with the people putting this amazing opportunity together and helping out in any way I can.
Main Line Media News: What is your favorite course at Agnes Irwin and why?
Rachel Avery: My favorite course changes a lot, but currently, it would have to be Political Science. Coming from a family involved in politics (my father is a History professor), I love learning more about Political Science. It has been eye-opening to discuss things happening in the world, especially in uncertain times. I recommend taking this class for anyone attending Agnes Irwin!
Main Line Media News: What is your favorite book, and why?
Rachel Avery: My favorite book is No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre. This novel genuinely changed my life and how I think about life and death. Although I do not personally agree with existentialism, No Exit was incredibly well-written and a fascinating take on human nature.
Main Line Media News: Who is your favorite author, and why?
Rachel Avery: My favorite author is Wole Soyinka. I especially enjoyed his work A Play of Giants. I love works of literature that discuss a greater political question and issue which is why I love Wole Soyinka. His works are filled with his commitment to social justice and civil rights.