As seen in the annual “Terrific Teens” issue of West Hartford Magazine, 2014.

By Lisa Lelas

Connor Cunningham. Photo by Todd Fairchild, ShutterbugCT.com

In some cases, you really can judge a book by its cover. Just meet any student from West Hartford and you realize it’s no surprise that our town is consistently ranked at the top for best schools in Connecticut and even in the country!

While the list of bright and competent students from West Hartford seems endless, we have selected a small handful of dedicated young men and women, all recent graduates from each of the five West Hartford High Schools, to represent this year’s ‘terrific teens’ to watch in our community.

Not only are they teens with dreams, but they are already acting on them. Each of them has the desire to make a difference. To create a positive change in the world. They are, without a doubt, great role models to represent our community.

Congratulations. We look forward to watching you blossom as you now go out into the world to inspire us all. Today we put the spotlight on Connor Cunningham:

On a golf scholarship to Sacred Heart University, Connor Cunningham has dreams of being on the Pro-Circuit as a professional golfer but will major in business management to possibly go into business for himself beyond the PGA!

This graduate of Hall High School has always loved sports. Whether playing ball sports, Frisbee, golfing, cliff jumping or even hanging out with friends at the beach, he loves being outdoors. When he’s indoors, however, he loves watching college sports, especially football and basketball. “March madness is the best!” he boasts.

As an honor roll student and competitive athlete, Connor always remembers the famous words of ESPY Award winner, Jimmy Valvano, shortly before he passed away: “Don’t give up. Never give up.”

“My dad has always been my biggest role model.” He says, “Growing up we were best friends. I learned so much from him. He’s a great guy. He got me started in golf.  I got serious about golfing at Wampanaug Country club in the fourth grade.”

A special memory he shared with his dad recently was traveling to Wisconsin this summer and playing golf at some of the top golf courses in the country.

High school memories are also abundant for Connor. He fondly reflects on his four years on the golf club. He achieved All Conference recognition and came in third at the All State Division 1 tournament.  A trumpet player in the school band, he was also a member of the Hackeysack Club which raised awareness for the Lakota Sioux tribe in North Dakota through event fundraisers.  He also enjoyed his role as the leader “chief” of the “Reservation,” a student run fan section at sporting events.

Connor’s favorite hometown hang-out is Chipotle, and his favorite food: Chipotle buffalo wings.

His favorite classes in high school? Intro to Psychology, AP Psychology, and History. One of his favorite books is “The Longest Winter” by Alex Kershaw about World War II. “It captivated my interest. Didn’t want to put that book down! World War II history is something I’ve always been fascinated with.”

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday to see another teen spotlight! To view our full teen story please view West Hartford Magazine here.