Mary McElroy
McGill-Toolen Class of 2011
By Rachel Robertson, Class of 2012
As a small town girl living in Robertsdale, Mary McElroy has always dreamed of living in the big city, and now she finally has her chance. Accepted to Barnard College in New York City, Mary has certainly made McGill-Toolen proud. Her hard work and leadership are exemplified not only through a rigorous course load but through varsity soccer and multiple clubs as well. Lettering in a varsity sport her junior and senior year, Mary has learned what balancing a schedule really means. Her commute to school takes an hour, and her soccer practice and homework often grow overwhelming. She explains that taking on so many responsibilities has taught her how to discover what is important in life: school, soccer, family, and friends. Even with athletics and academics, she always makes time for a social life. She credits McT for her Catholic education that readies her to face any challenge that may arise in the future. Devoted not only to God but to school as well, Mary serves in the Ambassador Club, National Honor Society, Scholars Bowl, Hi-Q Team, and The McGillian newspaper, using her impressive intellect to give back to McGill. She eagerly accepted the challenge of five AP classes her senior year, ultimately graduating with a 4.17 weighted GPA and 32 on the ACT. Becoming a National Merit Commended Student and voted Ideal Graduate of McT, Mary became the desired student of every college; she received an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy, was accepted to the Honors Program at Boston College, and was accepted to Fordham University where she was offered the Dean’s Honor Scholarship. Despite all of her options, Mary was most attracted to Barnard College, where she will attend this upcoming fall majoring in environmental biology.
English Courses
Courses
LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION 9 (CP1, CP2, Honors) - 1 credit
This course provides a study of literature with emphasis on analysis of the different genres designed to challenge the students to think, write, and read more critically. Composition study
emphasizes a review of grammar, mechanics, style, and syntax with a concentration on essay development. This course includes a prescribed vocabulary program.
UNITED STATES LITERATURE 10 (CP1, CP2, Honors) - 1 credit
This course provides a study of the works of classic and contemporary American authors as well as a Shakespearean play. The extensive reading and writing assignments emphasize application of analytical skills. The composition program emphasizes essay development. This course includes a prescribed vocabulary program.
PRE-AP LITERATURE 10 (Honors Advanced) - 1 credit
This course provides an in-depth study of the great works of American authors and Shakespeare. The extensive reading and writing assignments emphasize application of analytical skills. The composition program emphasizes essay development. This course also includes a prescribed vocabulary program and required summer reading. Placement in this course is by invitation. This course is required for those students who wish to take Junior AP English Language.
BRITISH LITERATURE 11 (CP1, CP2, Honors) - 1 credit
This course provides a selection of classic and contemporary British literature through which students will further develop their analytical and interpretive skills. Appropriate written assignments provide the student with the necessary skills to write unified, coherent compositions. The composition program includes a research paper. This course also includes a prescribed vocabulary program.
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE 11 (Advanced Placement) - 1 credit
This course provides an accelerated and in-depth study of the English language, the development of expository modes, the composition of a maturely written research paper, and the personal investigation of classic and contemporary literature through complex,
written rhetorical analysis. The student is expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in English/Language and is responsible for the testing fee. Prerequisites: Pre-AP Literature and/or a written portfolio with approval of AP teachers and department chair. The student is expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in English Language/Composition and is responsible for the testing fee This course is required for Senior AP English Literature.
WORLD LITERATURE 12 (CP1, CP2, Honors) - 1 credit
This course provides in depth interpretation and analysis of major works by writers from around the world. Although emphasis is placed on masterpieces, writings by modern and
contemporary authors are also discussed. The extensive reading and writing assignments emphasize application of analytical skills. The composition program includes a research
paper. The prescribed program of vocabulary is followed.
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE 12 (Advanced Placement) - 1 credit
This course provides an accelerated and in-depth study of classic and modern literature and language. Independent and outside work is required. The approved program for advanced placement is followed, together with the prescribed program of vocabulary study for seniors. The student is expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in English/Literature and is responsible for the testing fee. Prerequisite: AP English Language
Successful completion of the research paper is required for course credit
in all junior and senior English classes.
PUBLIC SPEAKING - ½ credit – DOES NOT COUNT AS A REQUIRED ENGLISH CREDIT.
This one-semester course includes instruction and practice in the following speech areas: building self-confidence in speaking situations, active listening, using the voice and body
effectively, using audio-visual aids competently, making announcements, making speeches to inform or to persuade, and speaking on the radio and for television. Preference is given to juniors and seniors who wish to enroll in this course.
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