A senior at The Haverford School, Conor McDonald is president of the VEX Robotics Club, which captured the 2024 Eastern PA state championship. He is also a member of the Signet Society and Model UN, as well as the Math Club President and the President and founder of the Quiz Bowl Club. A Commended National Merit Scholar, McDonald participates in the Academic Mentorship Program, mentoring 6th graders at Haverford School. He also plays varsity soccer for Haverford School (is the starting midfielder), and is an Eagle Scout and Senior Patrol Leader (the highest leadership position) of his Boy Scout troop.
Main Line Media News: Tell us a little about how the VEX Robotics Club recently won the 2024 Eastern Pennsylvania state championship, and your most memorable experience at the competition.
Conor McDonald: This success was due to the consistent and durable robot we were able to build. In the elimination rounds, we partnered with a team with which we had previously won a local tournament. That prior experience with them gave us an edge in high-pressure matches and the finals. The most memorable part of the competition wasn’t during the event but in the days leading up to it. Our team stayed up late into the night, fine-tuning our autonomous programming with some last-minute design changes.
Main Line Media News: What was your inspiration in founding the Quiz Bowl Club? Tell us a little about the main activities of the club, and your goals for the club as its president…