Gráinne McDonagh~My Senior Story

From a young age, my father instilled his philosophy in me: “Don’t be a follower. Be a leader.” For the past four years, Trinity High School continued to nurture my father’s words. When I sauntered into the auditorium doors in August of 2016, butterflies flew in my stomach due to my nerves. During my sophomore year class council elections, they returned. For my inductions into four honor societies and countless presentations, the butterflies flew. Now, as I prepare to depart from my home for the past four years, the butterflies have transformed into confidence. 

Trinity High School has shaped me. Attending a university as a first-generation student was always my fantasy; however, my parents’ sacrifices, sister’s advice, and Trinity’s mentorship has made it my reality. At the end of my junior year, I was nominated for the Posse scholarship, a full-tuition leadership scholarship. The experience consisted of three interviews that were part of a dynamic assessment process that endured months. During this time, my anxiety was heightened as I knew the worth of my position. My worries always subsided when our college counselor, Ms. Granholm, reminded me that the teachers of Trinity have prepared me for difficult discussions and educated inquiries. Her reassurance became fact on December 3, 2019, when I officially became a Posse scholar. Now, I will proudly attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison. 

Trinity High School is the only institution where I have witnessed teachers become friends and classmates become family. Quiet girls have become strong female leaders. I know my four years at Trinity have only been four of their hundreds, but those four of my eighteen have been the most transformative and memorable years of my life. 

Gráinne McDonagh, The University of Wisconsin, Madison
St. Francis Borgia Grade School, Chicago