“It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Kipley Kagan. I have had the privilege of knowing Kipley for over 7 years. During this time I have gotten to know her as a student, an athlete and as an individual. I firmly believe that Kipley will be an asset to any college program.
As a riding instructor at Ascot Riding Center, I have had the opportunity to watch Kipley develop into one of my most accomplished and cherished students. She is hard working, highly dedicated and one of the first to take on new challenges. Kipley has always been willing to problem solve and work through difficult situations while keeping a positive attitude. Being one of my more advanced students, she was happy to pass along her knowledge to the younger students. I feel lucky to have had her in my program not only as a student but as a role model for others.
In the time that I have known Kipley, she has become a successful and accomplished equestrian athlete. Her hard work and devotion has led to many awards and milestones. During her greatest successes and hardest losses she has been a pillar of sportsmanship. As an equestrian, there are days when your equine partner and you don’t see eye to eye. I have always been impressed by Kipley’s display of poise and maturity during those instances. She is the first person to offer congratulations or a kind word. My other students always knew that Kipley was in their corner cheering them on. She has a way of always bringing team spirit to an otherwise individual sport.
As a person, Kipley has proven herself to be a sensitive, kind, hard-working, honest individual. Her smile lights up the room making everyone feel welcome. She radiates joy wherever she goes.
It is with my highest regard that I recommend Kipley Kagan for your program. I am confident that she will make amazing contributions to this world as she takes on this next chapter in her life. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need any additional information.”
~ Lisa Guertner, Ascot Riding Center 978-239-2958
“I am writing this letter on behalf of Kipley Kagan. I was Kipley’s advisor throughout her 9th and 10th grade years (September ‘21 – June ‘23) at The Ethel Walker School, during which time I was the Assistant Head of School, Dean of Academics. As her advisor, I checked in with Kipley weekly about her progress both in and out of the classroom. Kind-hearted, curious, and hardworking, Kipley had already made a positive impact on the Ethel Walker community during her underclass years.
As her advisor, there were several consistent and common throughlines about Kipley’s character that are worth mentioning. In the classroom, Kipley’s teachers often commented on her work ethic and commitment to learning and growing from constructive feedback. Indeed, the growth that I observed between her 9th and 10th grade years was remarkable – and Kipley deserves all the credit for it by fully embracing a growth mindset! Moreover, Kipley also had a knack for connecting and collaborating with any combination of her peers. Kipley cares immensely about those around her and is especially observant when and if one of her peers is struggling. Even if she was several years younger than them, Kipley always lent an ear and offered support to her classmates. Put simply, Kipley cares immensely about those around her and I have no doubt that she will show up for others in a similar way in college or university.
Like Kipley, I grew up as a competitive rider, and so we were able to chat frequently about her passion for horse sport. When Kipley first started riding at Ethel Walker, it is safe to say that she was initially intimidated by how well many of her peers rode. This is completely understandable, especially within the context of also starting at and transitioning to a new high school. Even so, Kipley was so committed to growing as a rider and horsewoman by focusing and working incredibly hard in the ring; by spending time around the Barn Manager and learning more about caring for the horses both before and after lessons; and by accepting that mistakes are simply part of the learning process. Kipley’s trainers called her a “joy to teach” and regularly remarked on what an essential member of the team she was.
I moved on from Ethel Walker at the end of the last academic year, and yet I have no doubt that Kipley has continued to make an indelibly positive impact on the riding team, in the classroom, and with the larger school community as she has kicked off her junior year. I have no doubt that she will have a similarly positive impact on future educational and competitive communities after her time at Walker’s. I would recommend Kipley without any hesitation, and would be happy to answer any additional questions.”
~ Harrison Shure, Marin Academy (San Rafael, CA) Dean of Academics, hshure91@gmail.com | 434-284-0060
“Kipley Kagan acts as a positive catalyst in the communities to which she belongs. Her boundless energy is inclusive and determined, and she is very generous with her support of others and the school community. Kipley is a student-athlete who is poised to continue her success and enrich the experience of those around her. She always creates a special bond with the communities to which she belongs. Her empathy and energy combine to make a dedicated and positive student-athlete. She has the ability to rally others around a cause or a purpose, fervently support peers, and contribute positively to any community and team.
Kipley is an energetic and motivated student-athlete. Her work ethic allows her to tackle challenges head on, and her positive attitude is welcome in all situations. Kipley is empathetic and genuine, allowing her to connect with peers and adults and offer support and encouragement. She is situated for sustained growth and success, and she would be an asset to any team or institution.”
~ Patrick Coyle, 8th grade history teacher and high school counselor