WPHS senior Mary Grace Ryan channels discipline from Irish dance to journalism aspirations

Mary Grace Ryan found her voice — and her future — at White Plains High School.

Now a senior, Mary Grace has embraced the school’s size, diversity and range of opportunities, using them as a springboard to discover her strengths as a leader, athlete and emerging journalist.

“When I came here, I felt the load come off me,” she said, referring to her experience at the school since she arrived as a freshman. “This school taught me a lot — not just academically, but about myself.”

That self-discovery began in the art studio. In the ninth grade, Mary Grace recognized a natural talent for visual expression, eventually joining — and later leading — the National Art Honor Society.

She served as vice president last year and is now president, organizing meetings, exhibitions and outreach efforts to help fellow students share their work and envision futures in the arts.

“I’m really proud of that leadership role,” she said. “It helped me grow as a speaker and as someone who brings people together.”

Yet the school also gave her the freedom to realize that talent doesn’t always equal destiny. Through rigorous coursework, including AP Art, she discovered that while she loves creativity, art would not be her long-term career path.

That clarity opened the door to journalism.

Challenging coursework, including AP Language, helped her develop confidence and clarity as a writer. She explored journalism through class assignments, wrote a profile she was especially proud of, and briefly contributed to the school newspaper, The Orange. 

The experience revealed how storytelling could combine creativity, structure and purpose.

She now plans to study sports journalism, blending her love of writing with her passion for athletics and equity in sports — particularly women’s professional leagues.

“I like telling stories that matter,” Mary Grace said. “Sports are about more than competition. They’re about opportunity, visibility and voice.”

This fall, Ryan will attend George Washington University, where she plans to major in journalism and take advantage of the school’s location in Washington, D.C. She is eager to pursue internships, gain real-world reporting experience and engage with global perspectives.

“I’m a big-city person,” she said. “I need that energy, and I think it will push me in the best way.”

Leadership has been a constant throughout her time at WPHS.

Mary Grace was elected captain of the girls swim team, reflecting her communication skills and ability to unify teammates. She has competed on multiple teams while balancing a lifelong commitment to Irish dance — a passion she has pursued since she was 4 years old.

Over the years, she has competed at regional and national levels, building discipline, resilience and poise — qualities that also serve her well as a writer and leader.

“I’ve come out of my shell here,” she said. “I learned to embrace myself. I figured out what I like, who my friends are, and what I want to do.”

As she prepares to begin the next chapter, she credits WPHS with helping her turn curiosity into confidence and ambition into a clear path forward.