Andrew McConnell is well into his third career.
For 20 years he worked on Wall Street, for firms like Bear Stearns and Greenwich Capital. He moved to Westport in 1992, and has been here ever since.
Andrew McConnell
In 2007 he decided to follow his dream, and do something his parents and 2 sisters already did: teach.
Earning certification through Sacred Heart University, the former financier requested an urban school. “It sounds trite,” he admits. “But I wanted to make the biggest impact I could.”
McConnell was worried that, as an older white man, he might not relate to city kids. A former principal at Bridgeport’s Central High School who was one of his professors reassured him: “If you care, they know it.”
He interned there, and was hired in 2010. Andrew teaches social studies, and coaches tennis.
In 2017, “06880” ran a story on his efforts to buy a van to transport his team.
He raised the funds. For nearly a decade it’s been used for many other purposes too, including for the Outdoors Club (which Andrew serves asfaculty advisor).
Earlier this week, the Westport Police Athletic League offered the group an afternoon at the Longshore rink.
Central High School Outdoors Club, at the Westport PAL rink.
The PAL provided both ice time and skate rentals, all for free.
Andrew asked if “06880” could give a shout-out to Tony Lantier and the Westport PAL for their generosity.
That’s an easy ask.
For nearly 3 decades — with support from Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department — the PAL rink has been a beloved town jewel.
They’ve done many good things, for many people. This is just one more.
Congratulations, Tony, PAL, Parks & Rec, and everyone else connected with the Longshore rink. You are this week’s Unsung Heroes!
PS: Andrew McConnell, with your work at Central High School: You’re no slouch yourself!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
This brought tears to my eyes! Thank you, Andrew.
As a student there was one special teacher who inspired me and recognized potential no one else ever seemed to see. Mrs. Stevenson at Bedfored Elementary. My father-in-law was a teacher, my brother-in-law was a teacher, my son is a teacher, my niece is a teacher. Teachers are dedicated servants who want the best for their students and often sacrifice for their students. Teaching is vitally important for our future. I am concerned about current news I read about these wonderful people who teach and care ….24 – 7 – 365 days of the year.
Kudos to you!
Dear Dan,
Thank you for celebrating a hero who leads by example and is entirely responsible for improving a small corner of the world through his own efforts.
With his daily dedication to his students, he is a mentor, a role model, and a cheerleader for every pupil in his realm.
While his entrance into the world of inner-city education may have made a small splash in the grand scheme of things, the ripples of his good works will extend far beyond and forever.