Community Corner
Catherine Connell is This Week's Whiz Kid
The 17-year-old Stoneham High School graduate was awarded the William M. Nadeau Memorial Prize for demonstrating her degree of character, citizenship, concern for others and service to the school community.
Stoneham Patch Whiz Kid of the Week
- Catherine Connell, 17
- graduate
- Accomplishment: Connell won the William M. Nadeau Memorial Prize at Stoneham High School’s end-of-the-year awards ceremony. The award demonstrated the greatest degree of character, citizenship, concern for others and service to the school community.
Key to Awesomeness: Connell attended the senior awards banquet just as every senior does before they graduate, but she didn't know she would win such a prestigious award.
“I am honored to receive this award,” Connell said. “It was so unexpected and I really appreciate the recognition from the entire school community. This award had been given out for many years, so to be a part of Stoneham High school history is also pretty cool.”
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Connell has been working hard throughout her time at Stoneham High and never expected a prize for her accomplishment.
“Well, I never expected any recognition, (as) the thanks from my classmates and faculty was more than enough,” Connell said. “I am so thankful though and it was a great surprise for my family and me.”
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Connell attributed her success in the classroom to her parents and faculty.
“Of course some of the credit goes to my mom and dad,” Connell said. “They have always supported me in my decisions and helped me through the stressful moments.
“The teachers at SHS have had a great part in my success. They have so much passion for what they do and put so much care into every student’s success, including mine.”
Connell will move on to the next chapter in her life in the fall when she will attend the University of Rhode Island, but she will never forget her time at Stoneham High.
“The one thing I will always remember about Stoneham High is the relationships that I formed during my four years,” Connell said. “Not only lifelong friendships among my peers, but the relationships I formed with so many of my teachers. They were mentors, but also people I could go to for personal advice. I feel I will be able to have these amazing relationships for many years to come and I am so thankful for that.”
Connell plans to major in kinesiology before continuing on to graduate school to pursue her doctorate in physical therapy.
