“Gemma Essex has been my student for the past 5 years at Gilheim Stables. I have watched her evolve as a rider and person and consistently improve, moving up from cross rails to the 3’ this summer. Over the years, we have developed an excellent trainer/rider relationship. Gemma is consistently able to incorporate my feedback, comments and constructive criticism, to learn, grow and improve. She has shown grit, resilience and poise in the show ring and continues to work hard to perform her best. Her dedication to the sport is notable as is her passion and love for any horse or pony she has the opportunity to ride. She always presents herself with a positive attitude, encourages and supports her peers and will happily lend a hand in the barn. Gemma will make an excellent addition to any team. I recommend her without equivocation. ”
~ Greta Heimbold, Head Trainer
“I have known Gemma Essex for two years and have had the pleasure of training her at Gilheim Stables. She is always enthusiastic and positive, works hard and takes coaching well. She consistently tries to incorporate my feedback into her riding. I have watched her grow in her riding and as an individual and know that she would make an excellent addition to a team and be a supportive teammate. Everyone who works with Gemma knows that she is deeply committed to the sport and truly loves horses. I recommend her without hesitation.”
~ Nick Martino, Assistant Trainer
“I am honored to have taught History to Gemma Essex for three years (and, hopefully, one additional one next year!) at Bay Ridge Preparatory High School. Gemma is among the kindest, most genuine, and most mature not just “students,” but human beings I have ever encountered in my twelve years of teaching at BRP. Gemma is a natural leader—despite the fact that she does not covet power, she is a popular girl even though she does not seek attention and she is thoughtful, caring and kind, all the while shying away from compliments.
To understand how utterly unique and special this young person is, one need look no further than how the BRP administration utilizes her. In short, Gemma is the person to whom our school immediately turns whenever one of our kids is required to act as a guide and show a prospective student (along with his or her family), or perhaps a group of students around our building. Gemma is regularly given this task because she exemplifies what our institution is all about. In short, Gemma is the personification of the kind of young person that attends BRP. Gemma is a wonderful student—one who follows directions to a “T” and works diligently on every assignment she is given—yet Gemma is also a young woman who advocates for herself when/if she needs help with the work. Gemma advocates for herself and this kind of forthright communication is invaluable to me as her teacher. Gemma is also refreshingly honest and has a certain kind of deep decency that makes her, frankly, a joy to engage with. Gemma is extremely diligent in terms of any endeavors in which she partakes, be they scholastic, dramatic, or athletic.
Gemma is an avid equestrian who not only loves horses but also loves to teach others (myself included!) about them. Additionally, she is a keen soccer player who—through her own innate perseverance—managed to help manifest the first girl’s soccer team in our school’s history. The fact that she was able to actually get this done speaks to her determination and “never-say-die” attitude. When she wants something, Gemma goes out and gets it, period.
Lastly, Gemma has a warmth about her that one notices the moment one meets her, but behind her sweet facade lies a motivated and determined young person who allows nothing to stand in the way of her goals. Gemma Essex is absolutely beloved at our school by both her classmates and the staff, and I can say without hesitation that she will likewise not only be appreciated but also cherished by those who meet her in the future. The minute you meet her you will immediately understand that Gemma is a rare bird, indeed.”
~ Mr. Anthony Bernard, Upper School Teacher: History, French, Bay Ridge Preparatory High School, Brooklyn, NY