The Advisory Advantage

Little more than strangers when they first gathered as freshmen, the nine seniors pictured here, along with their faculty advisor, Jennifer Sharp-Stilliard, have become so much more. Called the “Sharp-Stilliard Advisory,” and affectionately nicknamed Sharp-Stilliards, they are one of eight unique Advisory groups that comprise the Class of 2022. Since the fall of 2018, each group, led by the same faculty member all four years, has spent countless hours together — woven into their class schedules and beyond — setting goals, challenging one another, caring for one another, playing cards, cracking jokes, and chatting about their lives in and outside the classroom, often over doughnuts and bagels. Confidantes, friends, peer counselors, and indefatigable supporters, Advisories — indeed, the entire Advisory Program — epitomizes Kent Place sisterhood. “Growing with my Advisory group has been an honor,” says Ellie Hegeman ’22, a member of the “Hanna Advisory.” Adds Leah Cohn ’22, “It allowed me to have a consistent support system that I was able to depend on during my entire time in the Upper School.” For Leah’s advisor, Judy Bianco, Upper School Computer Science & Engineering Teacher and advisor of 20 years, Advisory provides a treasured glimpse into the lives of students outside of academics. “I feel like I’m a cheerleader for them,” she says. “As an advisor, you’re not teaching a subject, you’re teaching students how to learn and grow.”

This article is featured in the fall 2022 issue of Kent Place magazine.