Valedictorian, Kathryn Feehan

Kathryn Feehan took the podium at the 2017 North Shore High School Commencement Ceremony while her peers, teachers, family, and friends watched with joy and admiration. She began her speech by stating, “These past four years have taught me two very important things that I believe are invaluable for us to understand as we move forward and begin our adult lives. Number one: Do what you love and you will be successful, and number two: Be your own person. These may seem obvious to you as we have all matured and learned similar lessons, but reiteration of these ideas is key…”  Kathryn later concluded by saying, “No matter how far you go in life, never forget where you’re from and remember to keep your family and other supporters close, because that is what really helps us get to where we want to be. Go and do great things. North Shore, remember to do what you love, to be your own person, and that you can always come home.”  

It is clear from reviewing Katie’s extensive list of awards and honors that she has approached every challenge of her high school career with hard work, passion, and dedication. This is reflected in her numerous accomplishments including being one of the first 35 students in the Class of 2017 to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidate. She also was a member of the National Honor Society (secretary), Science National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society – just to name a few!  In addition, she consecutively achieved High Honor Roll status throughout her academic career. She achieved a reported GPA average of 102.7 (weighted).

While her academic accomplishments have been outstanding, Katie also participated in a myriad of fulfilling activities including being a Peer Leader, Writing Center tutor, and Irish step dancer! She will be attending the University of Notre Dame where she will be majoring in finance. Everyone at the North Shore Schools is very proud of her many accomplishments and wishes Kathryn Feehan only the very best of luck now and in the future.

Salutatorian, Donald Ahrens

Over his past three years at North Shore High School (he was enrolled at Chaminade High School in 2013), Donald Ahrens has truly excelled. Among his long list of academic honors, his athletic accomplishments have been exceptional. He was an All-County Lacrosse player and one of the first athletes in the Class of 2017 to sign a “Letter of Intent” to Yale University. Don also was an Academic All-American, an ice hockey assistant captain, a member of “Athletes Helping Athletes,” and a Peer Leader.

Don also received the following academic awards during his career at North Shore High School including the Senior Award for Excellence in Social Studies, Senior Award for Excellence in English, and the Battalion Chief John Paolillo 9/11 Memorial Scholarship Award. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, and the National Science Honor Society – just to name a few! He achieved a reported GPA average of 102.67 (weighted).

During the 2017 North Shore High School Commencement Ceremony, Don said, “At North Shore, I found individuals full of personality, humor, and energy providing evidence that life can take you wherever you may wish to go with enough determination…I am confident that we have enough sense of self to accomplish amazing feats…” He concluded by stating, “I will hasten to say that we will all go on to have our adventures. Inevitably, we will feel that we are not in Glen Head anymore, but we should find comfort knowing that if we ever lose our way, we can look no further than here to find ourselves once again.” Congratulations to Donald Ahrens as you embark on your years at Yale University studying economics and excelling in athletics!

Lots of luck to both Kathryn Feehan and Donald Ahrens. We at the North Shore Schools are all so very proud of both students and congratulate them for their dedication, passion, courage, and talent. This is only the beginning and we celebrate you and the entire North Shore High School Class of 2017.

Photo Caption: Article by Shelly Newman Photos by Adrienne Daley

Congratulations to Kathryn Feehan, North Shore High School Valedictorian, and Donald Ahrens, North Shore High School Salutatorian. Best of luck!