Shaped by ‘paradise,’ Presentation Academy
Madeline Galligan
Walking through the streets of downtown, there is a place that holds a special place in the hearts of many young women: Presentation Academy.
For me, it became more than just a school; it became a home. Within its walls, I found a space where I could grow, reflect and become something greater than I once imagined. The foundation I needed to build a stronger relationship with myself was rooted at the corner of Fourth and Breck.
On my first day at Presentation, I was surrounded by new faces and girls from different backgrounds, each carrying their own stories, beliefs and experiences. At first, I connected with others through speaking, sharing pieces of myself and learning about them in return. But over time, I discovered something even more powerful: the importance of listening.
Listening taught me how to truly understand others. It allowed me to empathize, to see beyond my own perspective and to create meaningful connections. At Presentation, I was given countless opportunities to practice this skill through conversations with classmates and guidance from teachers.
By listening, I became someone my peers could trust, someone who could support and encourage others to share their own experiences. In doing so, I found not only my voice but also the value of being present for others.
The phrase, “You are leaving paradise,” is written somewhere in Presentation’s tower, which I have yet to see. It carries a bittersweet truth; it reminds every Pres Girl that while her time here may end, the lessons she has learned will guide her forward.
As I reflect on my own journey, I realize I am not leaving anything behind. Instead, I am carrying with me the growth, challenges and memories that have shaped who I am today. I never expected to find a home at the corner of Fourth and Breck, but Presentation has changed me in ways I will carry for the rest of my life.
The people I have met and the lessons I have learned are now a part of me. And as I move forward, I do so with confidence, knowing that no matter where I go, those experiences will remain. Once a Pres Girl, always a Pres Girl.
Maturing and growing at Presentation
Shane Ohlmann
I was hesitant about high school because I knew that wherever I chose to go, I would be leaving my friends. I was leaving the comfort of my middle school and being thrown into a school where I would be starting from square one again.
I was convinced that high school was going to be hard — hard finding my classes, hard finding friends and lots of hard work. When I walked into Presentation Academy for my first day of school, I was ready to dive headfirst into a situation that I thought was going to be awkward and tough. But instead of feeling alone and scared, I was met with posters and cheers from teachers and future classmates.
This was the start of my Pres journey. I came to Pres being awkward and scared of meeting new people, but the smaller classes and friendly students allowed me to open up. This is how I met one of my best friends, and how I continued to make friends with people in my school. I never would have imagined being friends with upper and lower classmates, and this only expanded my experiences as I started enrolling in extracurriculars.
I found my love for designing, the environment, leadership and a passion to stay resilient through tough workloads. I have done things that would have had 8th-grade me staring in awe, such as being the left-side director during Pres theater, being president of the National Honor Society and getting into our Prezettes choral program.
I have grown in ways that I never would have believed possible because of the support I have received from my school community. I often walk into school staring at the tip of our tower just as the sun blooms. I often think of the names and messages from those seniors before me who have wished me luck in my future. It’s hard to believe I am so close to finally reading those messages and leaving ones for future Pres Girls just like me.
I know that I have a lot ahead of me, but I have matured and grown more confident in myself because of how much I have accomplished. I will continue to hold the love and support from Pres Girls with me on my journey to college, because once a Pres Girl, always a Pres Girl.
I will hold this title with me as I continue to grow because my roots will always be planted in the community of Pres.
