Bright Knights
STEADY LEADERSHIP FRONT AND CENTER Connor Smith ’22
When we asked the EHS community about senior Connor Smith, a few words used to describe him were reliable, dependable, curious, and inclusive. Deeply involved in all Four Pillars, Connor is always up for a challenge and loves learning. His passion for problem-solving has propelled him to take on various leadership roles throughout campus. What initially attracted Connor to EHS was its unparalleled Boys Volleyball program. Connor has been leading the team as a setter since his freshman year, a position crucial to the team’s offense. Setters must have a delicate touch with the ball and great communications skills to get the rest of the team on the same page. Given Connor’s personality, it comes as no surprise he thrived in that role. History teacher and Head Varsity Boys Volleyball Coach Kerry Hofmeister noted that Connor’s ability to think critically and analyze enhanced the team’s performance. “Many times, on the court, he would come up with a solution or have a perspective that I did not see myself,” says Coach Hofmeister.
“I was always told that if you work hard, you will find reward, and I have taken that logic to heart.” While you would see Connor on the court during volleyball season, you could also find him in the fine arts wing of campus. Most recently, he gave an electric and thrilling performance as the charismatic and smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn in the Spring Musical Chicago: High School Edition. When auditions came up, Connor knew this was his last chance to act on stage and challenge himself. “I knew the role of Billy Flynn was a character I could portray well,” explains Connor. “It is fun and interesting to act out another personality than my own.” While some may have seen Connor for the first time on stage, he has served from behind-the-scenes as the stage manager for the last four years. “I love the stage-managing side of things,” notes Connor. “It is nice to make sure everything is going well and running smoothly for everyone.” Theatre Technical Director and Assistant 10th Grade Dean, Paul Revaz, believes that Connor’s support and clear vision have benefited the program immensely. “He has been a go-to for stagecraft, set building, and stage management,” describes Revaz. “He stops by to see if I need a hand after school or on weekends. What you saw in Chicago: High School Edition is the on-stage face of his hard work and talent.” Moreover, Connor’s determination and passion are also evident in his academic course load. While he has thrived in most of his subjects, there is no denying his love for the sciences, especially chemistry and physics. Connor’s penchant for science has influenced him to attend Northwestern University and major in materials science and engineering upon graduation from EHS. Aside from Connor’s involvement across the Pillars, he is very active in on-campus programs, clubs, and honor societies, including Student Senate and the School’s newspaper, The Knight Times, to name a few. Connor has had a continuous presence with the newspaper and steadily worked his way through the ranks, starting as a staff writer, becoming the opinions editor, and, eventually, serving as the current co-editor-in-chief. As someone with such an active schedule, one may wonder what sparks Connor’s drive. “A big motivation for me is hard work,” says Connor. “I was always told that if you work hard, you will find reward, and I have taken that logic to heart.” And although Connor is a self-starter, he credits his close relationships with Mr. Hofmeister and Mr. Revaz for helping to shape him into the person he is today. “Mr. Hofmeister’s way of teaching about the world stood out to me because I felt like what I was learning mattered,” adds Connor. “And without Mr. Revaz, I am not sure who I would be right now because he has taught me in almost every facet of my life, and I greatly respect him for that.” —Lauren West
16
