Jemima Shanks is headed to Dickinson College this fall to study Environmental Science!

She made an outstanding impact on the campus community since joining the Heron family for her final year of high school. After moving to the area with her family, Jemima jumped right into campus life, balancing Gunston's rigorous academics with her participation in school organizations and athletics. She quickly stood out as a leader of exceptional character, earning an induction into the National Honor Society and maintaining a stellar academic record with High Honors distinction.

Jemima brought her sharp intellect to the Model UN team, traveling with the Gunston delegation to Philadelphia to compete at this year's winter conference. She also focused her energy on environmental stewardship, collaborating with peers in both the Environmental Club and the school's local chapter of the Youth Climate Institute to promote sustainability on campus. Her passion for the natural world was further highlighted by her completion of the Chesapeake Watershed Semester.

On top of her academic and environmental pursuits, Jemima anchored the midfield for the Varsity Field Hockey team, earning a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad. She carried that same competitive drive straight into the winter season, making waves with the swim team where she helped power the 200-meter Freestyle Relay team to a podium finish.

Jemima’s strong academic achievements also earned her an impressive list of acceptances from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Loyola University Maryland, St. Lawrence University, the University of New Hampshire, the University of Rhode Island, and the University of Vermont. Jemima’s leadership, multi-talented contributions, and positive presence have left a lasting mark on Gunston in just one year, and we wish her the best on the start of her college journey!