Nora Knox has a constant smile and an infectious laugh, even as she discusses the gory scene from Hannibal – a movie about a cannibalistic serial killer. She found it fascinating and her reaction even more so “I thought – this is making my stomach turn – how cool!” It is fitting that she is the recipient of the Massachusetts Vocational Association’s Non-Traditional Award. There is nothing traditional about Miss Knox.
Greater Lawrence Technical School seemed like the perfect choice for her because she wanted something other than traditional academic classes and she thought that she would have more opportunities if she decided not to go to college. Nora will be graduating 5th in her class, is president of the National Honor Society and she is indeed going on to college. She has been accepted into SNHU where she will be studying Criminalistics.
She was raised in Methuen by her mom whom she credits with being her biggest role model. “She taught me to persevere, believe in myself, stay strong and to find a way to do something.” Nora has taken those lessons to heart. As a freshman at GLTS she decided to pursue Carpentry as her shop major and says that building a house in Andover for ACT was the best experience she ever had. “I love knowing that a house has layers – you don’t realize it when you see the finished product.” She faced some stereotyping early on but soon proved herself. “I can layout a wall and do the math for a rafter and stringer faster than anyone in my shop.”
Her favorite teacher is Mr. Borders, her carpentry teacher. “He’s really funny and really understands that students have struggles outside of school.” Nora has had struggles as well but tries not to let it affect her goals. When it seemed like everything around her was falling apart she kept her head on her shoulders. “I thought – I have to keep it together because they’re struggling. Someone has to keep it together.”
Nora has been nominated for the Eagle Tribune Scholar Athlete Award for her performance in the class and as a member of three cheerleading squads: football, basketball and competitive cheering. She is the base on the team. “My two feet are firmly planted on the ground,” she laughs. “I can’t be scared of dropping the fliers – they have to trust us. I just have to be confident and do my job.”
“I just work hard so when I do realize what my dream is I will have all the skills I need. I’m just trying to get everything together now – to do as well as I can now, to get everything on my plate. I want to try everything and experience everything.” Nora is hoping to one day be a Behavioral Analyst for the FBI or a Veterans Counselor to help veterans and their families that struggle with PTSD.