Senior Independent Program (SIP)

Presentation Academy’s Senior Independent Program (SIP) is a unique opportunity for qualified and interested members of the senior class to pursue their individual interests while earning high school credit. Working with a faculty advisor and outside mentors, students learn to navigate the complex process of turning a vision into reality. Current seniors enrolled in this course underwent an application process that included student proposals for their individual projects, teacher recommendations, and student interviews. Since the program’s inception, SIP students have taken on a wide variety of projects ranging from environmental pollution to fashion, with each putting her own stamp on a project that matters to her. In the end, though the projects are different, students experience common outcomes: real-world learning, a tangible & meaningful finished product, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

2025-2026 SIP Projects

  • Zoe Eme '26

    Zoe Eme is creating an experimental film that captures moments of life both inside and beyond Pres. As she develops this project, she is also studying film theory, gaining a deeper understanding of how images and storytelling can shape perspective and meaning.

  • Evangeline Eubanks '26

    Evangeline Eubanks is writing a book that explores the story of a group weaving its way into society. With the guidance of a Pres alum mentor, she is developing her craft and exploring how storytelling can illuminate deeper questions about society and community.

  • Katie Murphy '26

    Katie Murphy is writing an original song and bringing it to life through a music video. In addition to this project, she is preparing for a concert where she will perform a range of songs. Through these creative outlets, Katie is developing her artistry and showcasing her talent as a performer.

  • Sarah Nalugga '26

    Sarah Nalugga is pursuing a music project that combines her love for violin and voice. She is learning a new piece with the goal of performing it while singing and playing at the same time. Through this project, Sarah is building her skills as both a musician and performer, finding new ways to share her passion for music.

  • Lucy Thompson '26

    Lucy Thompson is writing a book that reimagines a familiar story through a prequel-inspired lens. Alongside her writing, she is learning to use Adobe InDesign to bring her project to life. Upon completion, Lucy’s book will be published, showcasing both her storytellin and design skills.

  • Carly Terrell '26

    Carly Terrell is writing a book that reflects on her life and the challenges she has overcome. Through her writing, she is shaping her story into a work that speaks to resilience and strength. Upon completion, Carly plans to publish her book and share her journey with others.

2024-2025 SIP Projects

From left to right: Ky Welch '25, Jordyn Kustes '25, Maggie Sheehan '25, Marie Laracy '25, Bridgette Olash '25

Ky Welch ‘25: Ky Welch wrote and published a book of poetry and assorted writing surrounding their beliefs and life. This book aimed to be a comprehensive, artistic interpretation of Ky’s life; a snapshot of who they are now to look back on in the future, and something for others to better understand them now.

Jordyn Kustes ‘25: Jordyn Kustes created a murder case and told a story of loss, love, and betrayal through the eyes of two detectives in Maryland. Titled "Echoes From the Afterlife," all is not what it seems, and only through bending their minds into inconceivable shapes can they find their way to the truth. She wrote this book to showcase her ambitions and prove to herself that she is capable of creating something beautiful.

Maggie Sheehan ‘25: Maggie Sheehan began her project as a feminist art history book; however, her final project resulted in a blog. Through creating scrapbook pages that are personal to her, she is using art to highlight many issues, such as the pressures of marriage, the male vs. female gaze, and female friendships. Pres has been life-changing for Maggie, and she is thankful that young women are encouraged to speak their minds; she wants to uphold this ideal through her writing and art.

Marie Laracy ‘25: Marie Laracy wrote and published a book titled Putting the Fun in Run, A Girl's Guide to the Life-Changing Sport of Running. Marie's goal is to teach young girls that running can be a positive fun experience. Marie was excited to strengthen her writing and organization skills, and hopefully help young girls find the joy in running.

Bridgette Olash ‘25: Bridgette Olash learned how to play the ukulele. During the first semester, she learned how to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. During the second semester, she composed and performed her own song titled "If I Could."

2022-2023 SIP Projects

  • Fatimah Alawami '23

    Fatimah Alawami wrote and published Latinidad, a series of magazines that focuses on dances in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Her motive for making this magazine is to bring awareness and appreciation to an essential aspect of Latinx culture, dance.

  • Allie Conover '23

    Allie wrote and directed her own play called “Interference.” The original horror/comedy took place on Halloween in 1988. Morgan Blade had to take over WOLF Radio’s annual Spooky Story Call-In, and as the evening progressed, Morgan began to question his current life, as well as experience some supernatural occurrences. The show was performed for a huge audience on April 27, 2023.

  • Casandra Sullivan '23

    Casandra created four stuffed animals (a cat, a bunny, a bear, and a sloth) out of sustainable recycled materials to give to an organization centered around women and families. She had been learning how to use a sewing machine, the lingo used in sewing instructions/manuals, and basically- how to be Build-A-Bear. Her Senior Independent Project was inspired by my love for Build-A-Bear as a child and my deep connection to stuffed animals that was brought upon by my grandma. Even now, at nearly eighteen-years-old, she loved her stuffed animals and discovered a newfound joy when it came to creating them. She hoped her project can light up the eyes of sweet kids and they can keep these handmade stuffed animals forever.