Advancement Intern Erin Donovan ’20 had the opportunity to sit down with Salutatorian Dora Tomko to ask some questions about her past four years at O’Hara as well as her potential future plans. Here are Dora’s responses:
What is your Parish?
St. Denis
What college will you be attending?
Undecided!
What will your major be?
History and Philosophy
If you will be involved in any clubs or activities at your college?
Undecided–but hopefully, I’ll get to continue with dance!
What activities did you participate in here at O’Hara? Did you hold any Leadership positions for any of these activities?
Lion Ambassadors—co-President, Theater—Dance Captain, NHS, Lion Connection, the Respect Life Club, and CSC.
Do you have any advice for the class of 2026?
Make the most of your four years! Behave as the young ladies and gentlemen that you are—treat everyone around you with the respect you wish for yourself, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, be inquisitive, be thoughtful. Get involved in everything you want to, and don’t be afraid to step up and out of your comfort zone. Be yourself, and be an example to others. And most importantly, have fun!
What is your favorite quote?
I have a new favorite quote! As I was filling out this survey, a little girl whom I was babysitting was sitting next to me, because she couldn’t sleep. I asked her what her favorite thing to say was, since she is too little to know what a quote is, and she replied: “My favorite thing to say is ‘I love you.’” So that is my new favorite quote.
What is your greatest O’Hara Memory?
My favorite O’Hara memory is either Kairos, or our Greco-Roman burial ceremony of Vince during freshman RCA literature.
Are there any people or classes that have had an impact on you?
Ms. Parker and Mr. Youngblood, in particular, have played a huge role in my formation as a person the last few years. What I’ve learned from my RCA classes, the Latin class conversations, those are some of my most formative and cherished memories from Cardinal O’Hara.
I also have got to mention Mr. Imburgia, who was a great mentor to me as an underclassman and really challenged and shaped me as a student, when Haley and I took AP Bio sophomore year.
College Plans: What colleges did you get accepted to? What is your college destination and major/minor? Honors program? Anticipated activities?
So far, I’ve been accepted to Baylor University, University of Dallas, Catholic University of America, University of Notre Dame, and Villanova University. I’m still undecided on my final destination, but I plan to major in History, with a possible double major or minor in Philosophy or Humanities. I’ve so far been accepted into the Honors Programs at Catholic, Villanova, and Baylor, all of which are exciting options! I plan to continue to dance and to be involved in theater.
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