From McNamara to College Checking in with our Recent Alumni

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From McNamara to College:

ALUMNI

NEWS

Bishop McNamara works to create empowered leaders who are ready to change the world. We’ve already seen our recent alumni doing wonderful things in college,

Kennedy Walker ‘21 is a Millennium Scholar in her sophomore year at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). For years, Kennedy has dreamed of becoming an engineer. Throughout high school, she explored various types of engineering while participating in summer enrichment programs like the Women in Engineering summer program at the University of Maryland College Park and the Cornell Catalyst Program, sponsored by billionaire Robert Smith. Both programs helped her understand engineering better, focus on resources, and how to look for schools where she could pursue her dream. They were also a great addition to her resume, on top of her accomplishments at Bishop McNamara. When asked about how well Bishop McNamara prepared her, she had very honest answers. Though she knew that STEM was her passion, she did not like Math until she had Mrs. Diehlmann and Ms. Coney. “Mrs. Diehlmann made Math fun, and Ms. Coney broke Math down so that it was easy to understand.” Kennedy also credits Ms. Brennan for helping her with her writing. “Her detailed critiques made me a better writer.” She admits that unfortunately, due to the pandemic, she was not able to get the hands-on experience in Chemistry that she desired, but is working hard to learn all that she can now. Kennedy entered Penn State as a Material Science Engineering major but now has realized that she wants to major in Chemical

Louis Pickens ‘20 says that Bishop McNamara’s environment is what makes it special, and teachers were the first thing that came to mind. He noted the way that Mr. Nolte, Mr. Greer, Mrs. Diehlmann, and Mr. Holloman (for example) showed how much they cared and would go out of their way to help him. “Math, though it was not my favorite subject, became my favorite class because of Mrs. Diehlmann.”

These teachers, along with AP classes and independent study, helped prepare Louis for college. Learning how to build strong relationships with his high school teachers has also helped him build strong relationships with his college professors, which he understands is key in college. “I picked Xavier University because I wanted an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) that provided a similar environment (to Bishop McNamara).”

When Kennedy Bradwell ‘21 reflects on her time at Bishop McNamara, she admits that the people made BMHS a special place, but one group of individuals made it extra special - the teachers! “My teachers had the most faith in me.”

That faith helped her believe in herself, and now she wants to produce media that helps others believe in themselves as well. “I want to have stories of Black Excellence to show on a bigger screen. There are not a lot of Black stories on television that I can relate to or that I see myself in, so I want to make those stories for myself and for others that feel the same way.” Kendall, the Class of 2021 Salutatorian, is now a sophomore, participating in an exclusive major, Business of Cinematic Arts at the #1 film school in the country, The University of Southern California. During her senior year at McNamara, she was the recipient of several scholarships and full-ride offers totaling over $1.5 million collectively. She likes USC because of how much there is to do, and is grateful and excited that she chose the right school.

From McNamara to College: Checking in with our Recent Alumni

and recently checked in with a few to hear how they’re doing. We also wanted to see how McNamara prepared them for their educational futures.

Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. While she was originally interested in Material Engineering, she has come to an understanding that the major may limit her in ways that Chemical Engineering would not. Kennedy’s journey is a common one. Career exploration can be complex, and the earlier one starts to explore the better. Kennedy started to apply for these programs in her sophomore year and continues to get closer to her destiny as she narrows the field with a better understanding of her future occupation. As a young Black woman attending a PWI (Predominately White Institution) studying STEM, she has faced some challenges. At first, she found herself second-guessing her statements and answers, but realized that her statements and answers were valid. She has had to become more intentional about being confident in whatever space she is in, recognizing that she is supposed to be there. Kendall’s pieces of advice for current Mustangs are as follows: “Work on learning concepts and do not rely on memorization. Understanding over memorization is key. Time management is essential, but make sure there is some flexibility built into that management. Not having proper rest and the ability to plan for breaks can be unhealthy.” Her final piece of advice for college-bound students – always have a filtered water bottle on hand.

Now in his Junior year, Louis has embraced Louisiana’s music, culture, hospitality, and his newfound passion. Louis shared that he was always good at science and knew his purpose was to help others, so the medical field was his initial choice. However, after interning with IBM, he realized that business was a better fit for him.

Louis has learned several lessons during his time at Xavier University. First, he advises his fellow Mustangs to get involved during their freshman year of college, even if it’s just one group. He thinks that making connections and networking are important, as well as asking for help when needed. “Don’t wait until you don’t understand something. Go to your professor’s office hours. Go to workshops. Apply yourself and put the work in. Use your resources.”

Professors, teacher’s assistants (TAs), and upperclassmen have all helped him to form a path to success. He has also recently joined a leadership society that allows him to apply for additional scholarships and looks forward to future opportunities as he continues his college career.

Kendall credits Ms. Heneghan for being the most influential on her art. “She taught me to think critically about art. I still use the principles and methods that she taught me, and I also teach others the methods that she taught me.” Outside of the arts, Kendall says, thanks to Bishop McNamara, she was most prepared for writing in her current film program, where most assignments are based in writing. In true Mustang fashion, she wanted to share some of her wisdom with current students and parents. Her first piece of advice was to take the PSAT seriously. Many of her initial scholarships and offers came from the PSAT. Kendall also encourages students to “say yes to things you normally wouldn’t do”, and she used lacrosse as an example. Before being asked, she had never considered playing, but it became an extremely positive and memorable part of her high school experience. “Seniors, be true to who you are in your personal statement. Don’t write what you think they want, but share your voice. That’s what’s most important. Finally, embrace what you’re doing right now, but remember there’s always more to come.”