The senior enjoys the activities, yet loves to help her evolve as a person.

“The truth is, that it pushes me to grow, not just as an actor, but as a person,” Connelly said. “It challenges me to be stronger, more resilient, and more adaptable. Yes, it gets stressful. There have been nights where I wake up in my sleep realizing I was dreaming about all of the things I need to do the next day.

“But those moments are teaching me something bigger, how to manage pressure, how to balance responsibilities, and how to give my best even when it feels impossible. One day I’ll look back on it and realize that those long nights and overwhelming schedules were nothing compared to the lessons I’ve learned, the connections I’ve made, and the person I’ve become.

“Being involved isn’t just about doing everything,” she added. “It’s about challenging myself, stepping outside my comfort zone, and discovering what I’m capable of. It’s about growth, and for me, that’s worth every late night and every moment of chaos.”

Participating in so many groups has helped Connelly find more ways to explore her interests.

“I recommend being involved in more than one area, not just focusing on a single thing,” Connelly said. “For example, I am highly involved in theater, but I also participate in sports. Being involved in multiple activities has taught me flexibility, teamwork, and leadership in ways I never expected.

“This year has been especially difficult because I completely tore my ACL during the very first practice of the season (dance). Missing my senior year of dance has been devastating. I had spent weeks imagining the routines, excited to do my senior dance, the stadium cheers, the energy of performing with my team, and suddenly all of that was gone. Watching from the sidelines as my teammates danced without me felt strange and empty and it was hard not to feel like I had lost something I had worked so hard for.”

At Senior High, Connelly is involved in Diversity Action Troupe, fall play and musical as well as dance, costume committee, large group and individual speech. She is also the president of the Performers Club.

Being in the Performers Club gives Connelly the ability to grow in all the activities of acting.

“Performers Club is incredibly helpful, not just for preparing for musicals and fall plays, but also for speech,” Connelly said. “It’s so much fun and it’s a space where you can try new things, build confidence, and explore your creativity. At the end of every meeting, we play a lot of games, mostly improv or activities related to different speech categories. If you aren’t sure which speech category you want, try coming to Performers Club. It’s a great way to explore your options.

“The games let you experiment, have fun, and see what fits your style. It’s a space that helps you discover what you enjoy and what you might want to pursue in the future, all while building skills that carry over to the stage. We meet on Fridays after school, and everyone is welcome. Whether you love performing or just want to try something new, come join us — you never know what you might discover about yourself.”

As the fall play “Macbeth” is in the works, Connelly is ready to make this a lasting memory.

“Fall plays are very different from musicals, and that’s part of what I love about them,” Connelly said. “My favorite part has to be dress rehearsals. Once your costume, hair, and makeup are all done, you feel completely immersed in the story. All of the sudden you aren’t yourself, you are the character.”

In addition to the work on stage, Connelly said getting the costumes ready is also a big part of it.

“Costumes are always an adventure, which is my most favorite part. Here’s a little tip from me to you: if you don’t like your costume, play it up like you never have before. Slouch, huff, drag yourself across the stage. Make it obvious that this outfit is the worst thing ever. Mrs. (Lindey) Krug (director) will notice, and she’ll fix it.

“But if you love your costume, own it. Stand tall, act confident, and strut like it was made just for you. But just remember to add a little bit of yourself into your wardrobe.”

Connelly loves the intricacies of being part of musicals.

“Musical has always been a huge part of my high school experience, even though it is incredibly time-consuming,” Connelly said. “My freshman year, I worked in costumes for “Les Misérables.” I loved learning something completely new. I had never worked backstage before, and being taught how everything operates — the small details, the quick changes, the way a costume can completely transform a performer.

“It was fascinating (don’t ask me to sew though, that’s not for me). My sophomore year was a turning point for me. I was officially in charge of props, which came with a lot of responsibility and stress, but it also taught me so much about leadership. I learned how to manage a team and solve problems on the fly, and approach challenges creatively. I discovered that I love being in charge in a way that encourages imagination and collaboration rather than just giving orders.”

Everything is important in the musicals, from costumes to lines to props.

“I remember one night during a show, Mina Dejong was playing Winnie Foster in” Tuck Everlasting” and she had a toad. (I was responsible for sliding the toad across the stage so she could find it). Well let’s just say the toad is supposed to stand upright; the toad completely went onto its back as I accidentally slid it over some striking tape,” Connelly said. “I will never forget that moment. That moment was funny, stressful, and thrilling. When it all came together, Mina, like the performer she is, handled it perfectly. It reminded me why I love musical so much. It’s not just about the show itself, it’s about the beautiful accidents, the teamwork, and the moments of problem-solving that teach you that you can do anything.”

As her senior year has just begun, Connelly said she will miss her time in theater.

“The thing I will miss the most is sitting in Krug’s room, just talking for hours about whatever is on my mind that day,” Connelly said. “It is not the words themselves I will miss, but the feeling of being heard and being seen. There is something rare and comforting about having someone who does not just listen, but truly wants to understand how you feel, who makes you feel like your thoughts and emotions matter.

“Krug created a space that felt safe, warm, and inviting. That kind of space is not given out lightly, and I will always carry the gratitude for it with me. She does not just do it for me. She does it for every student who walks into her room, offering the same kindness, patience, and understanding. As senior year comes to an end, I realize it is not just the laughter or the conversations I will miss. It is that sense of being understood, of being allowed to exist fully without being judged. That feeling is rare, and losing it feels like losing a small, essential part of home.”

Through all of her activities, Connelly has had a steady, calming support staff behind her.

“My family will always be my biggest influence. The people who loved and supported my dreams, even if at some point they seemed not reachable, are the people that made me who I am today,” Connelly said. “My mom — she always told me whatever I want to do in life, she will make it possible for me no matter what. She has pushed me to become the best version of myself, and she has pushed me to do whatever it is that I can set my mind to. She has also taught me how to appreciate how rare things are and how beautiful things can be, so what I will always carry with me is how life is prettier than it may seem.

“My brother — my childhood consisted of going to every single band-related thing, whether it was a game, competition, or concert. My brother Billy is now a full time band director at a school nine hours away from me. He has shown me that if you like what you are doing, keep doing it regardless of what people say or think.

“My cousin Lexi — She is the biggest hype girl you could ever get. Her smile makes the room illuminate with happiness. She has shown me that happiness and kindness are the best forms of medicine, so always have a smile on your face. If you don’t, it’s OK to not be OK. If I could write a book, I would put them in every single chapter, and I am so incredibly grateful for what these people have shown me throughout life.”

After high school, Connelly plans on attending college for a theater arts major in secondary education.

“My dream is to bring that same sense of belonging to others by directing plays and musicals while teaching theatre at the high school level,” Connelly said. “I want to inspire students the way I have been inspired, to help them discover the courage to tell their stories, and to create a space where they feel seen and valued.”