New Britain High Grad Finding Success at West Point
By Kathryn M. Roy | New Britain Consolidated School District at July 25, 2024 | 8:00 pm | Print
New Britain’s Conor Kane, a 2010 New Britain High School graduate, is finding success at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Kane, who will enter his junior year this fall at West Point, is another example of a New Britain success story.
Kane transferred to New Britain High School from Simsbury his junior year.
“The people I met were from all different walks of life,” he said. “I got to experience a whole different life.”
Kane said despite New Britain High’s large student population, he had a close circle of friends.
“A lot of my friends were in the top ten percent of our class, because those were the kids I was with (in class),” he said. “It was small enough where you could find your niche.”
Kane was co-captain of the baseball and indoor track teams. He also ran cross country.
His favorite classes were AP U.S. History, from which he was prompted to join the debate team, and AP Psychology.
Kane said baseball coach Roberto Mercado was a mentor to him.
“I played baseball with him the summer before I came (to New Britain High),” he said. “He was like a father figure to me. During my off periods, I could go to his office and talk to him; he provided me with a support network.”
Kane said there was a transition period going from New Britain High to attending a military school.
“You could wear any clothes (at the high school) and now you have uniforms,” he said. “You had to wake up at 6 every morning. You have to be really respectful, but it makes you think things out before you say stuff.”
Kane said he loves West Point.
“I’m getting a great education and a good future,” he said.
An international history major, Kane hopes to visit the British Isles or Ireland to conduct research for his thesis. He is also undergoing leadership training and assisting with leadership of students at West Point’s preparatory school.
Kane said at this point, he would like to join the Armor Branch of the U.S. Army upon graduation, with his second choice being Aviation.
Kane said he had a great experience at New Britain High School, and can’t thank the teachers enough.
“The teachers at New Britain High School are still the best teachers I ever had,” he said. “I still go back and say hi and see how they’re doing.”
