For her accomplishments in the classroom as well as athletic endeavors, Marblehead High cross country star Marri O’Connell was chosen as the (female) Moynihan Lumber North Shore Student-Athlete of the Month for October.
With a 4.237 cumulative GPA, she is taking five AP courses this semester. O’Connell is also a member of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society.
“I feel sick if I get a B in anything, so I like to get good grades,” said a chuckling O’Connell. “I’ve always enjoyed science and math — those two subjects have always clicked for me.”
In the community, do-it-all O’Connell is a STEM club member and mentor with the MHS Peer Mentor program. She has also provided community service for Marblehead Conservancy with the cross county team.
Speaking of cross country, it’s been quite a season for the three-year captain. She was named Northeastern Conference Runner of the Year and captured her third consecutive NEC title with a time of 18:37.
“We’ve been doing really well this year,” said O’Connell, whose team placed second in divisionals. “The team dynamic is awesome and we really enjoy ourselves.”
Last Saturday, O’Connell’s 19:12.58 time at the Meet of Champions was good for ninth place. The speedster recorded first place at the Frank Kelley Invitational, 48th at the McQuaid Invitational, and eighth at the Bob Glennon Twilight Invitational with a time of 18:33.60.
“I’m really excited about this award and have definitely worked hard over my years of high school — both academically and in cross country,” O’Connell said.