Student Highlight: Clarke Ready to Compete in Irish Step Dancing Competition

It’s no surprise that 17-year-old Conor Clarke is an Irish step dancer competing at world level. Since he was 6 years old, he’s been dedicated to the dance style, traveling to compete in competitions throughout the year. “I absolutely love it,” said Clarke, who will be traveling to Dublin, Ireland, in April to compete at the World Irish Step Dance Championships. “This will be my third time going to this competition and I am very hopeful this year. In addition to his love of dance, Clarke, a senior at Winthrop High School, is heavily involved in Wake Up Winthrop, a newscast that is produced and directed by students every Friday morning.

How did you get in involved in Wake Up Winthrop?

I have been involved in the newscast in multiple ways from directing a story to producing the broadcast week to week. During my freshman year, Mr. Donnelly, the digital media teacher, told my class that he wanted to start a newscast and from that point on I knew I wanted to get involved. I have been involved for four years now and this is what I’d love to pursue someday.

What are your future goals?

My future plans are to audition for the show Riverdance and if I am lucky enough to get in, I would love to travel the world with the company. When I return, I am planning on going to college for digital media production and communications, and I would like to work in the television/movie field.

Who is your role model?

My role model would have to be my Irish dance teacher, Mr. Thomas Bracken. He has been there with me at my worst and best moments and has always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He has not only been my dance teacher, he has also been a good life coach.