It is well known that IHS is full of talent, whether it is a gift for sports, theater, music, art, or anything else. These special talents and hobbies help shape our student body. We can inspire each other with our skills and open doors for big opportunities. IHS is known for their art programs and successful sports; however, there are other talents found within our student body. From American Sign Language to Figure skating, Ipswich High School is filled with many special talents. By recognizing these talents, we inspire one another and create opportunities for growth.
Junior Jenelyn Taylor has become fluent in ASL, a skill essential in her life as the daughter of two deaf parents. This skill has given her many opportunities. For example, she was featured in the high school music department’s OSCAR performance. Jenelyn performed a song from the movie CODA. Reflecting on her performance Jenelyn says, “the support I got from everyone in the PAC was so heartwarming and even brought tears; it was such a cool experience that I was given and I’d do it again if I had the chance.” Jenelyn sees ASL as an essential part of her life and enjoys when others show interest in it. While ASL may not be a common talent, her fluency has provided her with meaningful experiences and connections.
Another unique skill in our student body belongs to junior Sarah Jolliffe, a dedicated figure skater of six years. Sarah’s favorite moves include the sit spin, where the skater balances on one foot in a seated position, and the double stag jump, a leap with both legs bent. For Sarah, skating is more than just a sport—it’s an escape. “When I have had a difficult day, getting on the ice definitely lessens some of the stress,” she explains. Sarah loves being able to master new skills. She also explains how the sport has given her connections, “[she] feels like the special moments out on the ice mostly happen between [her] coach and [her] when [she] masters a skill, passes a test, or gets [her] program down well.” Figure skating requires dedication and perseverance, and Sarah has found both joy and personal growth in the sport.
One senior, Vivien Vincze, has her own passion for mountain bike racing. After spending years enjoying downhill biking at parks, she challenged herself by joining a racing team. Vivien’s passion is not all about racing, she states “I learned to be okay with losing, not every race is going to go well and you kind of have to accept that when you get a bad placement.” However, she also states “ I think that winning my first race last year was definitely a big moment. It proved that my hard work with practicing paid off.” Vincze’s experience is proof that hard work and dedication pays off when doing something you love. As Vivien puts it, passions can “give you something to look forward to.” For Vivien, biking isn’t just about competing—it’s about having something to strive for, a passion that keeps her motivated.
Another senior, Charlie Quimby, has a large coin and stamp collection. Charlie’s hobby sprouted “because of the insights they provide into the world, culture, history, and trade. It’s amazing how much you can learn about the world through stamps.”. In addition to this, his interest deepend after a family collection was passed down to him. Charlie has found this hobby very calming, though some may think it’s boring, stamp collecting helps him unwind. While some might see it as old-fashioned, for Charlie, it’s a relaxing and rewarding pastime. His collection has grown to over 2,000 items, and though he doesn’t plan to sell them, he estimates their worth to be around $200.
These diverse talents—whether in language, sports, or hobbies—showcase the individuality of IHS students. They demonstrate passion, dedication, and the ability to turn interests into something meaningful. By recognizing these skills, we create a supportive environment where students can share their talents and inspire one another. Every skill has value, and recognizing them strengthens our school community.
