Lead Ambassador Irina Briskin ’25 welcomes touring prospective students and their families to see campus through her eyes. “I want people to love it as much as I do. I love touring the school and showing people what George School is like.”

A dedicated student, ambitious leader, and gracious community member, Irina’s days are filled. Between classes, club meetings, and other commitments, she took a few minutes to reflect on how she chose George School and her experience so far. 

As a middle schooler at Newtown Friends, Irina had her eyes set on George School. “It was the only school I applied to, and I knew it would have a great impact on me.”

Like many prospective George School students, Irena sought rigorous preparation for college. She was also passionate about biology and found the 7-term schedule intriguing. Once she became a George School student, she quickly learned how to use the schedule to her advantage, taking 11 credits of science last year—a school record according to Associate Head of School Scott Spence. Her favorites courses so far have been Human Anatomy and Biotech.

On tours, she reassures families who are worried about the demanding courseload. “You wouldn’t be going here if you were afraid of challenging yourself,” she tells them “It is a challenge, but that is why we are here.”

While college is top of mind for this senior, she views her leadership positions as an opportunity to grow and further her passions, rather than simply a line on her resume. 

“When I first met my buddies (fellow admission ambassadors she guides in the program), I asked them, ‘if you didn’t get co-op credit and couldn’t put this on your college applications, would you still want to be an ambassador?’ I want to get them to answer yes, because my answer to that is an obvious yes.”

She approaches her busy schedule with gratitude. “I know from the admissions process that there are hundreds of kids who hope for the opportunities that I have as a student. I remind myself of that when it gets tough,” she said.

Being involved is a way for Irina to show her gratitude to the school community she cares so deeply about. GS Hope Club, a club she leads, shares messages of kindness and positivity on sticky notes around campus. As an original member of the Advancement Student Leaders, she helps raise money for the Great Green Give—George School’s day of giving—and engages other students in giving back through volunteering opportunities on campus. As secretary for the Senior Class Committee, she joins a small group of her peers to collectively brainstorm ideas for fundraising and activities for their class.

Irina also plays an integral role in the annual MLK Jr. Day assembly. “I love public speaking, and I never would have even known it if I wasn’t mentored by [English teacher and MLK Jr. Day coordinator] Shantel Hubert,” she reflects. After speaking at the assembly for the last two years, she has joined the planning committee as a Student Leader, comprised of mainly faculty members, to plan the day. A natural leader, Irina has found George School to be the perfect place to thrive. “In seventh grade, I tried starting a fundraising committee. It didn’t work out, but I put myself down as first leader and recruited others to join me,” remembered Irina. “I’ve always been involved in fundraising and philanthropy.”

As a day student, she exemplifies how to keep a balance between school involvement and outside activities. In addition to campus commitments, she is a leading member of her local dance team, performing at places like the 2023 Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee, the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington DC, and most recently, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

“A lot of families on tours worry about the boarding and day school divide,” she said. But in my experience, there truly is no divide. We are all in the same classes. Sometimes I actually forget which friends live on campus and which are day students. I’m always welcome on campus, the only difference is I go home to sleep.”

Being a Lead Ambassador has given her the ability to share her love for the school with others. “On tours, when we pass the Admission Office, and I see people playing frisbee or sitting on South Lawn, I’m reminded that we aren’t just a school, we are a home.”