Flourishing
at Little Flower

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

While most students cringe at the sound of a ringing alarm clock in the morning, Melissa McNamee figures that’s life.
Sure, the 17-year-old could get an extra hour of beauty rest if she chose to attend a high school closer to home. But for McNamee — who lives in Mayfair — the long ride to Little Flower High School is worth the sacrifice to get there.
"It’s rough getting up early and sometimes the bus is crowded, but it’s OK," said McNamee. "I picked Little Flower because I always heard good things about it. And as soon as I got here, I knew I made the right decision."
Melissa is the second McNamee to become a Sentinel, following in her mother’s footsteps.
"She really pushed me to go here," said McNamee, referring to her mother Joan, a 1990 graduate. "Once I said I was slightly interested, she was all about it. She loved it here and wanted me to have a great experience too."
Mothers usually know best. And in this case, mom’s rave reviews were right.
"Everything about this school is fun," said Melissa. "I can’t even describe the school spirit here. I know everybody thinks their school has spirit, but I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It’s just insane how much these girls love the school."
McNamee had no problem getting caught up in the excitement. She signed up for field hockey within the first week of school and has been a regular on the Sentinels’ squad ever since.
"I’ve always liked hockey, and I saw field hockey and figured it was close enough, so I went for it," she recalled. "It’s completely different than what I was expecting, but I still really enjoy the game."
This season, the Sentinels have had a rough start, going 0-3-3, as the Times went to press this week. However, despite a discouraging record, the team has stayed more hyped than ever.
"This year is so different from any other year," said fellow senior Maggie Sipps. "We all know each other and we all play well together. We have a lot of heart this year."
"I’m really excited for this year, but at the same time it’s sad, ’cause it is my last year and I know I’ll miss it," added McNamee. "I want to come out and win bad this year. I think we all do."
Following field hockey season, she will trade her spikes for bowling shoes and play for the Sentinels.
"It’s a lot of fun," she said. "I’m not the greatest at bowling, but it’s just for fun. The girls are great and we usually spend the whole time laughing."
In addition to her athletic adventures at Little Flower, McNamee has taken full advantage of the academics at school. The senior has earned excellent grades over the past three years, offering her an opportunity to study her favorite subject, art, at an advanced-placement level.
"I really want to do something great with art one day," she said, a massive smile crossing her face. "I’m not sure what specifically yet, but I really enjoy making sculptures."
No college decisions have been made at this point. But she is getting a sneak peek at the college environment through weekly art classes at the Moore College of Art and Design.
"I’ve always been inspired by art. Especially by Jim Dine," she said of the American pop artist. "But I like all forms of art. I have fun with it."
Whether it’s in class, at the bowling alley or on the hockey field, Melissa McNamee strives to enjoy every moment to the fullest.
"I want to make sure I always have a good time," she said. "I want to make this whole year worth it. I had an awesome time the past three years, but I want to make this one really count." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com