MCDONOGH SCHOOL
In each division at McDonogh, students find joy in learning, discovering passions and contributing to school life. Twelfth grader SYDNEY, eighth grader DUNCAN, and second grader LEAH talk about the opportunities they have embraced, the meaningful connections they have forged with their teachers, and their favorite spots on campus.
How do you feel that you best represent your school?
Sydney: I feel I best represent the school in my dedication to a variety of activities. I am a student, an athlete, and a leader. McDonogh allows me to not only explore, but excel in all three areas. I take a variety of classes, I belong to Sankofa, I run indoor track and play lacrosse, and I am a member of the SGA.
Duncan: I am best able to represent my school by being a member of the middle school robotics team. Our team, called “Eagle Eyes,” participated in the First Lego League where each team needed to work together to solve a problem. This year, we did really well and became a state champion awards finalist.
Leah:The golden rule in the lower school is to treat others the way you want to be treated, so I try to be kind.
What teacher/coach/mentor has made the biggest impact on you?
Sydney: Monsieur Ridgeway, my French teacher, has made a great impact on me during my upper school years. I had him for two years, and he always helped me whenever I needed it but in a way that would benefit me most. He always knew what I was capable of and held me to that standard, and I do believe that is why his class was always one of my favorites. He also taught me the value of strong communication between a teacher and a student.
Duncan: My favorite teacher is Mrs. Fried. I had Mrs. Fried as a math teacher for two years (5th and 6th grades) and although she was a little tough on us, she was great at explaining things in a way that we could all understand. She made us into better students.
Leah: A lot of my teachers have had a big impact on me, like Ms. Walsh, Ms. Gupton, and Ms. Mollett. They teach me new things and they are really nice. And my science teacher makes it really fun – when we were learning about planets, he pretended we were the planets and we got to spin around.
Do you have a favorite place on campus
Sydney: I think my favorite place on campus would have to be the library. The library is where I like to study, but it’s also where I spend my free time relaxing with friends and classmates.
Duncan: My favorite place on campus would have to be the Fader Innovation Center because I made a lot of friends and good memories there while working on robotics.
Leah: The art room is my favorite place because I like doing art and there’s a lot of crafts.
What is the biggest lesson you will take away from your school experience?
Sydney: Not to take the time you have for granted. As cheesy as that may sound, it all goes by faster than you think. Take the risk, have fun, and make sure you find time for the things that make you happy.
Duncan: My biggest takeaway from school has to be to not let others dictate what you can and can’t do. I am one of only four boys in my grade that takes the “OnStage” class, but I don’t let that bother me because acting with everyone has been a lot of fun.
