Senior classmates Rose O’Malley and Emily Figueroa have both been on the volleyball and softball teams during their four years at Groton-Dunstable. They lead by example both on and off the field and are outstanding role models for underclassmen.
Besties -Emily Figueroa and Rose O’Malley
By Bob Mingolelli
Brought to you by the GDRHS Athletic Department
“You have to interview these girls together,” advocated
Groton-Dunstable principal Michael Mastrullo. “They’re best friends!”
Rose O’Malley moved to Groton from central Illinois in
2012 with her parents, Therese and Kevin, her younger brother Patrick,
currently in 8th grade, Joseph, a freshman at St. Anselm College, and her
sisters Annie, a senior at Boston College and Mary Kate who has graduated from
college.
“We’re a huge sports family and my parents have always been
there to support all of our activities,” shared Rose. “We try to go to
each other’s games which are such a big part of our lives. My Dad encouraged me
with both softball and volleyball, and my mother is always there. My Dad was a
walk-on and made the basketball team at BC.”
“I am so proud of being part of the volleyball team that was
league champion last year,” smiled Rose. “It was a really big
accomplishment for us and also to be the number one seed. We weren’t expected
to go that far. That was why it was so special. Being league champs along with
my teammates was my favorite memory at G-D.”
“I really enjoyed my classes and teachers,” commented Rose.
“If I could add a suggestion that I think would further the experience at G-D
it would be to provide students work study opportunities, where they would
encounter internships, real work experiences. It could possibly allow us an
additional extension of our education.”
“I had Rose in AP Environmental Science and
Anatomy and Physiology. Simply stated, Rose is a very much grounded,
dedicated student-athlete who is enjoyable to have in class,” offered science
teacher Charles Fittz.
“In Spanish class, Rose participates and always
does her work extremely well,” commented foreign language teacher and chair,
Jacqueline Liebold. “She pushes herself in class and is never satisfied with
‘okay’ but continually strives for excellence. More importantly, she recently went
to the Dominican Republic where she helped build a softball field, but what she
really built were lifetime friendships and a connection to the children in the
Dominican Republic. Her character of good will and willingness to help others
comes through at school and abroad. I am so proud of her determination and
"can do" attitude.”
Emily Figueroa has lived in Groton her whole life with
parents Vincent and Kerri, her brother Jake, a seventh grader, and Sarah, a
sophomore at GDRHS.
Both parents were very active in sports. “Mom played field
hockey in high school and coached my middle school field hockey team, and Dad
was on both the football and baseball teams in high school and coached many of
the teams I played on growing up.”
“My freshman year was significant. My mom hoped I would play
field hockey in high school. However, I walked into volleyball tryouts that
first day knowing nothing about the game but the girls were so supportive and I
fell in love with the sport and…I met my best friend, Rose O’Malley.
I really remember that when I decided to switch to volleyball, as you can
imagine, it was a big deal in the Figueroa house.”
“It's easy to talk about Emily!” exclaimed science
teacher Dan Reid. “I consider myself lucky to have had her for a full year in
Molecular Biology and AP Biology. As bright, responsible, and hard working as
she is, she's equally humble. She would be perfectly happy to succeed in her
education without recognition and fanfare, but I think that's exactly why she
should earn the spotlight. Emily leads by example, and no matter how busy
her life is or how much work she's got to do, she maintains the same positive
mentality. With her ability and her attitude, there's no limit to what she can
accomplish.”
“For me personally, I wish I had the opportunity for more
electives (art classes) beyond the core classes required. I think it would make
for a more enriching experience,” offered Emily.
“Emily is simply a kind person and a pleasure to be
around,” said chemistry teacher Tamara Allen. “She is always smiling and seems
to be able to see the bright side in any situation. She is highly
self-motivated, an extremely conscientious student, academically talented and,
despite her busy schedule, I know that I can always count on her to remain
focused and produce high quality work,”
“Both girls are leaders,” added softball coach John Palumbo.
“Emily anchors the outfield from her center field position and Rose is
the take charge shortstop for the team. They lead by example both on and off
the field and are very supportive of their teammates, regardless of their grade
or ability. I named them captains a few weeks ago (in addition to Sarah Woods
and Laura Bieren), because I have been so impressed with their work ethic and
respect for the game. Rose, although a senior and captain, always offers
to help carry equipment and always says "please" and "thank
you”. Despite their outstanding talent in softball, they do not take anything
for granted. They are very down to earth, high character individuals.”
“Emily and Rose are outstanding role models
for underclassmen from both Groton and Dunstable,” offered principal
Mastrullo. “They are intelligent, hard-working, compassionate, kind and
are fortunate to attend such a great school. But without students like Emily and Rose,
this school would not be the school it is and what we strive for. Typical
business vernacular talks about return on investment. Applying that
concept to Rose and Emily, the towns of Groton and Dunstable
received a tremendous return on their investment,” concluded Mastrullo.
