Spotlight on: Audrey McDonnell
October 2024 Senior Student of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for October 2024 for students was fall student-athletes and for teachers was a teacher who is encouraging to all students.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The October 2024 Senior Students of the Month are Kaleb Davis and Audrey McDonnell. The October 2024 High School Teacher of the Month is Sarah Beardsley.
Read a Q&A with Audrey McDonnell below.
Q. How do you feel about being recognized as Student of the Month for your achievements as a fall athlete?
A. I feel very appreciative and acknowledged for being recognized as Student of the Month as a fall athlete.
Q. What motivates you to excel both on the field/court and in the classroom?
A. I am motivated to excel on the field by my drive and love I have for field hockey. In the classroom, I am motivated by the feeling of succeeding and to excel in trying my best in every subject.
Q. Can you share a memorable moment from this season that you’re particularly proud of?
A. A memorable moment in my field hockey season this year was being named one of the tri-captains in my first year for the combined Central Valley Academy and Herkimer team.
Q. How do you balance the demands of your sport with your academic responsibilities?
A. I do my work whenever I have an opportunity and plan when to do it based on my game and practice schedule.
Q. Who has been a major influence or source of support throughout your athletic career?
A. My mom has been my biggest source of support for me during my athletic career because of her constant presence at my games and feedback she gives to make me a better player.
Q. What advice would you give to younger student-athletes who aspire to achieve the same recognition?
A. My advice is to continue to work hard in your sport and continue to look for the drive to succeed, but also remember that school and grades deserve the same amount of effort.
Q. What are your plans for continuing sports after high school, and how do you see athletics shaping your future?
A. I am still deciding if I want to continue my field hockey career in college, but even if I don’t play on an official team, I would love to participate in an intramural program. Athletics shapes my future by giving new friendships and bonds with teammates, and gives me something to push me to do my best.