Local, USA

Mr. Connolly Has ALS

By Dan Habib

Gene Connolly, principal of Concord High School in New Hampshire, was known for his non-stop energy, a love for rock & roll, and the innate ability to connect with the school’s 1,600 students. However, in 2014, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also knows as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Since the onset of his illness, Connolly showed tremendous persistence, humor, and leadership, crediting the school and community as a source of unfailing support and understanding. 

MR. CONNOLLY HAS ALS chronicles Connolly’s final year as principal of the school, when his physical abilities - to speak and walk - are significantly limited by the debilitating disease. The outpouring of love and support from the students, evident as they interview him one-on-one with both personal and tough questions, is remarkable and inspiring.