When did you attend SCS?
I entered mid-year as a second-grader just after the Christmas break in 1976, enrolled until I graduated with full 8th grade in 1982, but continued on with about 13 other students for 9th grade at St. Charles.
What were some of your accomplishments after you graduated SCS?
I became an Eagle Scout. In college I was the Student Body President and later Alumni Association President of Plymouth State College of the University System of New Hampshire in Plymouth, N.H., now Plymouth State University. I was awarded the Van A. Hartman Memorial Award recognizing “Outstanding Senior Man” in my PSC graduating class. I was later awarded Alumni Achievement and Distinguished Alumni Service Awards from Plymouth State. I am also a former Board Member of Saint Patrick School in Jaffrey, NH – the Granite State’s smallest Catholic school.
What are some of your professional accomplishments?
I am currently a Management Succession Consultant with my own firm, The McCool Group. I authored my own book, “Deciding Who Leads” which was recognized as one of the best new business books of the year by Business review. I’m a former BusinessWeek columnist and freelance New Hampshire correspondent for The New York Times and other media.
Tell us about your family life
I live in Jaffrey, NH with my wife Kristin and we have been married for 19 years. We have four children, Lindsay, Erin, Matthew and Sean.
What are some of your fondest memories of SCS?
I have lots of great and enduring memories of my time as a student at Saint Charles School. From all the fun I used to have chasing other students around the schoolyard in games of tag, playing kickball, and otherwise wearing out my buckled shoes, to basketball practices led by Coach Palmer, to serving as an altar boy, and having fun at the Greek Festival in the armory beside the school, and on a number of field trips!
How did SCS contributed to who you are today?
I’m grateful, in particular, to the Sisters of Notre Dame who were our writing and penmanship teachers who gave me some very good writing skills that I still use today. I think each and every one of my classmates had a decided advantage over other students in high school and even college because of our advanced writing skills. These writing skills are really critical in today’s business word, so I’m convinced that the foundation of my work today has its roots in those lessons from Saint Charles School. I’m thankful that the teachers’ collective care and concern for me as a student has enabled me to create a successful professional career.