Salutatorian Shannon Lee Connors Heads to Yale
The remarkable four year high school run of Shannon Lee Connors ended when she gave the salutatorian’s address at the 147th Huntington commencement exercise. She leaves behind a record and legacy that will stand for all-time as one of the school’s greatest ever.
In the fall, Ms. Connors will begin studies at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut where she intends to major in political science with a concentration in international relations. “I am also considering a possible second major in Spanish,” she said. “I plan on joining the Yale Political Union, a debating society divided into eight parties that discuss political theory, and policy.”
“Shannon Lee Connors is the quintessential student,” said Bernadette Walsh, Huntington High School’s college counselor. “She is a scholar. She is a leader. She is a positive influence amongst her peers. She understands that no situation, local or global, is black and white. The vast ‘gray area’ is what Shannon wrestles with.”
A multi-dimensional young woman, Ms. Connors distinguished herself in so many different areas at Huntington High School that it’s hard to believe one person could accomplish so much in such a relatively short period of time. She has had a particular passion for music, which she intends to explore further in the years to come.
“I'm eagerly anticipating joining in Yale's thriving music program and playing the clarinet in either the orchestra or the band,” she said. She also plans on continuing her penchant for political volunteering, working on the campus on behalf of presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee Barack Obama.
“Though I was fortunate enough to take a number of excellent courses at Huntington High School, my experience in AP Spanish this year was by far the most stimulating and rewarding,” Ms. Connors said. “Mrs. Peña challenged us constantly and used such innovative methods to bring the language to our class. Reading ‘Cronica de una Muerte Anunciada’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and then analyzing the literature in Spanish was an engaging and eye-opening experience.”
“My time in the Huntington music program also comprised some of my fondest memories at Huntington High School,” Ms. Connors said. “Being in wind ensemble for the last four years was an amazing creative outlet and I always looked forward to our traditions, such as our yearly rendition of ‘Sleigh Ride.’ I was extremely pleased to take part in the student internship program during the 07-08 school year, doing historical research with Mr. Graber. Being able to delve in depth into a topic and continue with that to the state National History Day competition was an incredible academic opportunity.”
Ms. Connors said she had a “remarkable” experience this year with the student newspaper The Dispatch, serving as its co-editor-in-chief. “Each time the paper came out, I was overwhelmed with pride at seeing the physical manifestation of the hard work of so many talented individuals coming together,” she said.
Looking back over her high school years, Ms. Connors said she especially enjoyed AP Spanish, Government and Economics classes and participating in the three-hour per week honors wind ensemble course during which she refined her already exceptional clarinet playing abilities. She singled out teachers Mercedes Peña, James Graber and Brian Stellato as particular favorites.
Mrs. Walsh told a moving story about Ms. Connors. “During the summer of 2006, Shannon enrolled in a class entitled Islam through the CTY program at Dickinson College,” the counselor said. “However, learning and studying Islamic culture was not enough for her. In order to truly understand Islam, Shannon felt she needed to live Islam. And thus, she donned the traditional hijab. Walking through the Dickinson cafeteria dressed head-to-toe as a Muslim woman was quite a brave step for this Caucasian-Catholic young lady. Shannon felt the stares of bewilderment and confusion. Knowing full well that her dress might cause controversy, she took it upon herself to explain to her peers that in order to bridge cultures, empathy must be prevalent. We must step into the shoes of others to truly understand and appreciate differences.”
Yale is filled with bright young students. Yet, those you know Shannon Connors have little doubt that she will stand out there, too. The Huntington school community has every reason to believe this to be true.
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