Nina Raynor
Staff Writer '18
When he walks down the hall, people instantaneously recognize him, whether it’s the million-dollar smile on his face, or the athletic apparel he never strays away from. Coach Connolly. A name no one could forget after sharing just one mere memory with him. People say he’s a great joker in class, an inspirational mentor on the fields and courts, and a good shoulder to lean on when his students need him most.
According to the legend himself, the key to connecting to the student body of Great Neck North is to be human first, and be a teacher second. Connolly explains how, “sometimes teachers can be teachers and not humans, and I really want to be human so that I can reach everyone on a somewhat personal and meaningful level.” As a Phys. Ed. teacher, he sees it all. The cool kids, the shy kids, the in-between nobodies. The sad truth is, teachers aren’t given enough credit for their perceptiveness. They may not show it, but when teachers stand before a class of confused, over-stressed high schoolers, they are reminded of how life had been so different when it was them, staring at someone older and wiser. As Connolly proves to show, the teachers that students gravitate towards the most are the ones that they can act around on a more personal level. This doesn’t mean they go out together every Saturday night; more like, looking for help when the day’s gone bad. Connolly is the kind of person who builds a unique type of relationship with his students; one that allow them to feel comfortable talking and interacting with him, with no walls standing in the way. If all of his students were his own children, he would want them to be around someone who can be there for them.
As a former student himself, he understands that in the classroom environment it is so easy to hide behind closed doors; which is one of many reasons why he turned to Physical Education. The important part about Phys. Ed. is pushing young people outside their comfort zones; not letting them lurk in the shadows. Clearly his methods have been working, because no one has anything negative to say about him. Students can agree that his classes are always fun and filled with laughter, disregarding all social boundaries that divide high schoolers in a world filled with hypnotic technology and isolating social circles. However, passion does not rest when the last school bell rings.
As a wise man once said, “When you get close with athletes, they truly become part of your life. When they suffer, you hurt. When they're happy you're happy."
Staff Writer '18
When he walks down the hall, people instantaneously recognize him, whether it’s the million-dollar smile on his face, or the athletic apparel he never strays away from. Coach Connolly. A name no one could forget after sharing just one mere memory with him. People say he’s a great joker in class, an inspirational mentor on the fields and courts, and a good shoulder to lean on when his students need him most.
According to the legend himself, the key to connecting to the student body of Great Neck North is to be human first, and be a teacher second. Connolly explains how, “sometimes teachers can be teachers and not humans, and I really want to be human so that I can reach everyone on a somewhat personal and meaningful level.” As a Phys. Ed. teacher, he sees it all. The cool kids, the shy kids, the in-between nobodies. The sad truth is, teachers aren’t given enough credit for their perceptiveness. They may not show it, but when teachers stand before a class of confused, over-stressed high schoolers, they are reminded of how life had been so different when it was them, staring at someone older and wiser. As Connolly proves to show, the teachers that students gravitate towards the most are the ones that they can act around on a more personal level. This doesn’t mean they go out together every Saturday night; more like, looking for help when the day’s gone bad. Connolly is the kind of person who builds a unique type of relationship with his students; one that allow them to feel comfortable talking and interacting with him, with no walls standing in the way. If all of his students were his own children, he would want them to be around someone who can be there for them.
As a former student himself, he understands that in the classroom environment it is so easy to hide behind closed doors; which is one of many reasons why he turned to Physical Education. The important part about Phys. Ed. is pushing young people outside their comfort zones; not letting them lurk in the shadows. Clearly his methods have been working, because no one has anything negative to say about him. Students can agree that his classes are always fun and filled with laughter, disregarding all social boundaries that divide high schoolers in a world filled with hypnotic technology and isolating social circles. However, passion does not rest when the last school bell rings.
As a wise man once said, “When you get close with athletes, they truly become part of your life. When they suffer, you hurt. When they're happy you're happy."