Stagg senior wants to make impact

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Mara Heneghan, a senior at Stagg High School in Palos Hills, would like to major in political science or international relations. | Joseph P. Meier~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 17, 2012 8:00AM

Mara Heneghan very well may run for office one day in the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, or even pursue the top job as president.

It wouldn’t be surprising, given that the senior at Stagg High School in Palos Hills already has plenty of titles before her name.

Heneghan is president of the student council, president of the drama club, head of the drama costume department, and vice president of National Honor Society. She’s also a member of Stagg’s social action club and of Phi Alpha Theta, a social studies honor society.

“I love student council because you can impact so many people and listen to everyone. In drama, I have so many good friends and you can be creative,” said Heneghan, 17. “I really like being able to take other people’s opinions and suggestions and develop those ideas to fit for the entire school or club. I think I am pretty good with organization and responsibility and I like that they can rely on me and I can get the job done for them.”

It is a combination of Heneghan’s enjoyment of leadership roles and her love of history and government that eventually might land her a job in politics.

“My interest comes from what goes on with the world and a desire to help other people and improve the world we live in,” said Heneghan, whose advanced-placement U.S. history class last year sparked her interest in government. “I realized that so many decisions made an impact on a lot of people, and not always for the best. I hope I can change that.”

One law that Heneghan believes changed her life for the better came about as a result of the women’s suffrage movement.

“The government had to enact a law that allowed women to vote,” she said of the 19th Amendment, passed in 1920.

Heneghan also plans to keep taking advantage of the right to an education by attending college. She is considering the University of Chicago, Duke University or Georgetown University, and would like to major in political science or international relations.

“I am looking into becoming a lawyer and I am also looking into politics,” Heneghan said. “I may want to be a political analyst for a newspaper or TV. I have a lot more to learn about that before I decide if I want to run for office.”

Heneghan, the daughter of Ann and Anthony Heneghan, of Palos Heights, said her mentors include Carol Czworniak, her teacher for AP U.S. history and AP psychology.

“She really helped me understand that government isn’t just about a few people having a lot of power,” Heneghan said. “History is about the average people that lived during a certain time and their goals. She is just very positive about things and she inspires you to do your best. You have to put forth your best effort in her class.”

Heneghan also credits Lisa Thyer, her teacher for AP English and Shakespeare.

“She is always there to talk to and will set aside time with you. She has given me a lot of input on what I need to do to be ready for college,” Heneghan said.

But for the most part, Heneghan is self-motivated.

“I like the reward of good grades and knowing that something I did got me further in life,” she said. “When I need to motivate myself, I think that I want to get into a good school and study because I know it will get me the school and the job I want.”