Senior Matthew Carolan has attended Scituate Public Schools for his entire education. Known for his warm and friendly personality, Carolan never fails to make someone’s day, and he is often seen around the school visiting some of his favorite teachers and friends. With his participation in high-level classes and various school activities, Carolan spends lots of time at Scituate High, and his impact on the community cannot be overstated.
If you ever attend a musical event at SHS, you’ll be sure to see Carolan on stage, as he is a part of the SHS Symphonic Band, Select Choir, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble. He plays multiple instruments, including the flute, piccolo, and alto saxophone; however, the list doesn’t end there. Carolan is currently learning a new instrument, an upright bass, and feels “very lucky” to have this opportunity. He hopes to present it in the jazz band by the end of the school year. Carolan’s skill in music is undeniable, as he has received an All-State recommendation for flute during his junior and senior years. Adding to his impressive music credits, Carolan also started the Electronic Music Group (EMG) during his sophomore year with some students from the class of 2022 and remains the president.
Music isn’t Carolan’s only interest, as he is a self-proclaimed “history nerd.” Besides taking classes like AP United States (APUSH) History and AP Government in school, Carolan spends time outside school learning about history, fueled by his fascination with people and stories. He has been a part of the History Bowl for three years and became president this year. When asked about his favorite class in high school, it was evident that Carolan’s answer would be a history course: APUSH. Carolan said his junior year history class with Susan Ames meant most to him because it was the first time he felt “rewarded” for liking history, and he loved the challenge that came along with it.
Carolan is president of the EMG and History Bowl club; however, his leadership credits extend further. He is also co-president of the symphonic band and vice president of the National Honor Society. During the spring and winter, Carolan participates in indoor and outdoor track and field. With such a busy schedule and dedication to his activities, it is no wonder that Carolan is so well-known in the school.
When asked about his favorite high school teacher, Carolan’s answer wasn’t short, but it was definitely sweet. He spoke highly of SHS math teacher Kerri Hallihan, whom he had for Honors Precalculus in 11th grade. Even though he described himself as the “most non-interested kid” in math, he admired how Hallihan made math interesting. He noted her passionate and kind energy and how she taught for all students: “She loves what she teaches, she loves who she teaches, and she teaches in a way that all students can understand and enjoy.” Carolan felt empowered and encouraged with Hallihan as his teacher–especially in a subject he didn’t favor–and will never forget her impact.
Heading into his final semester at SHS, Carolan said his senior year has been his favorite. He had multiple reasons to support his answer, including the college admissions process not being as bad as he thought it would be and the freedom to pursue his academic interests. He also feels more independent, confident, and self-sustaining.
In December, Carolan was accepted to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he plans to explore his passion for history, music, and “whatever else finds him along the way.”