West Hartford Magazine’s 6th annual ‘Terrific Teen’ issue spotlights noteworthy graduates who are making a difference in our community!
Kaitlin McGuire, recent graduate of Northwest Catholic, is one of West Hartford Magazine’s ‘Terrific Teens’ for 2016. Photographed at West Hartford’s Westmoor Park. Photo credit: Todd Fairchild
By Lisa Lelas
Every autumn West Hartford Magazine takes great pride in introducing a few recent high school graduates as examples of excellence in our community, and who look to have bright futures. While we cannot possibly include all of the worthy students, we have selected eight students from the four West Hartford high schools as this year’s “Terrific Teens”!
Each of these students possesses an admirable work ethic with a drive to succeed and a desire to make a difference in the world. They exemplify what being a good role model is all about, and although they are not seeking fame, our community has noticed them as future “movers and shakers” of the world.
This year we sought out a natural setting for the Terrific Teen photo session, and were not disappointed with the beauty of West Hartford’s Westmoor Park.
Congratulations to Kaitlin McGuire of Northwest Catholic!
Kaitlin McGuire
Future history teacher
After graduating from Northwest Catholic, Kaitlin is attending the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, for secondary education with a major in history. “I’d love to become a high school history teacher,” she explains. “Growing up, my dad and his entire side of the family were always history buffs, talking about the world wars and such. I grew to love it, as well. I especially loved my history classes in high school.”
Kaitlin played varsity volleyball at Northwest and was involved with many school clubs. “I was on the student recruitment committee, part of a program for tutoring kids after school, I volunteered for the Special Olympics, and was also involved with the school’s Unified Volleyball program. I have found that volunteer work gives you a different perspective. When you see kids with special needs being so capable, it’s amazing!”
As a National Honor Society student, Kaitlin also received an English Award, the Donald Barry Knights of Columbus State Scholarship, O’Meara Foundation Scholarship toward college, and if that wasn’t enough, she also received a school plaque for receiving first honors (having above 3.67 GPA) in all semesters throughout high school!
So, just who can inspire someone with so much natural inspiration herself? “My English teacher at Northwest, Joan Keating-McKeon,” Kaitlin replies without a pause. “Although she was very challenging as a teacher, she demanded we do our best. She honed my skills to be my best always. She taught me that failure wasn’t an option.”
As a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fan, Kaitlin most enjoys reading the book series – a favorite pastime during high school whenever she wasn’t working at her uncle’s family business, McGuire Properties. Her favorite companion is her English Springer spaniel, Bridget, and her favorite places in town are The Center and Blue Back Square.
Audrey Hepburn inspired Kaitlin with her favorite quote: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life, to be happy. It’s all that matters.”
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