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Connor McBride, 17, of Dixon is Newman Central Catholic High School’s September Student of the Month. He is the son of Mike and Betsy McBride, and he has two brothers, Owen and Cody.
Favorite class: My forensics class from my junior year. I enjoyed learning about the science behind crimes and finding a culprit.
Favorite teacher: Chris Somers is a teacher whom I can talk to about anything.
If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be? A home economics class would be nice to have. Students can learn simple tasks that are helpful in college.
School activities in which you participate: Football, basketball, track and field, math team, Knitters Club, and Key Club. I also am a member of National Honor Society and a Kairos leader.
Civic, church, or other volunteer activities in which you participate: As a member of the football team, we have volunteered our time at various functions in the community, and in both football and basketball, we help mentor the younger kids at Newman camps.
Do you have a job? In the summer, I worked in the fields as a detasseler and deroguer in the Sauk Valley. It was a quick way to make money.
How would you describe your group of friends? The word that best describes my group of guy and girl friends is positive. They are always fun to be around and are supportive in what I do.
What will you do after high school? After high school, I plan to attend a 4-year university where I hope to be a part of a track and field program. I am undecided on my choice of a major but look forward to discovering all possibilities in my future.
What is something you learned in high school that you think you'll never use? The math equation "a2 + b2 = c2" because I won't need to find the sides of a triangle when I am out of school.
If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why? Get rid of homeroom altogether. Students would be able to start activity practice earlier, which leads to returning home at an earlier time.
What does it take to be a successful high school student? Students should stay away from procrastinating and enjoy their 4 years by stepping out of their comfort zone.
What do you do in your free time, outside of school activities? I play sports, watch sports, or do something outside that keeps me physically active.
What's one thing in your life you can't do without? Sports, because they keep me busy. Most importantly, they continuously teach me something new about myself and about life.
What kind of music are you listening to? I listen to a little country and rap, but mostly hip hop or pop.
What scares you? Death. We don't know what will happen after death.
If you could try any job for the day, what would it be and why? Coach or manage a professional sports team.
If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? Ireland, because I have an Irish background, and I would like to visit some of the castles there.
What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite memories come from when I got to travel with my baseball team down to Tennessee to play baseball. Shout out to the Bandits!
What is the best way to cheer you up? My younger brothers Owen and Cody cheer me up by making me laugh when I get home after school and sports.
What is your life's philosophy? "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." – Tim Notke
Is there anything else you want people to know about you? I come from a large, loving and supportive family who have shaped me into the person I am today.