High school senior, Sara Carnell, 18, has lived in Inlet all her life. In the fall she is planning to attend Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to study nursing.
She said she felt drawn to nursing when her seven-month-old son, Aidan Ferguson, was born three months early and spent two long months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
“I saw my son grow from being just two pounds. The nurses tending to his care were amazing. Watching them in action made me realize that is what I want to do,” she said.
Before her son came along, she had hoped to become a teacher. This year she took part in Educational Studies Career Opportunities (ESCO), a program that Town of Webb school offers. She worked with Ms. Hannah’s class. “The kids are funny; I like working with them,” she said.
Unlike most Inlet students, who leave the Inlet Common School after 6th grade, Sara was transferred to the Town of Webb after 5th. She had been the only student in the class at the time.
“I was happy they moved me earlier. I really wanted to be with other students in the class,” she said.
Sara said her favorite class is any with Mrs. Amos, her favorite teacher.
Sara played soccer as a mid-fielder. She also played volleyball, and ran track and cross country. She plays the bass clarinet and is a member of the Varsity Club.
In her spare time, Sara enjoys running for fitness and spending time with her family.
She is interested in music, as well, and loves to dance, she said.
Sara’s parents are Anne and Kent Carnell. Kent is a chef at Big Moose Inn in Big Moose and Hedges in Blue Mountain Lake. Anne is a housekeeper at Clark’s Beach Motel.
Her siblings are brothers, James Carnell, 16, Justin Murdock, 23, and sister Kendra Carnell, 14. All have graduated from or are attending Town of Webb School.
She has worked at E-Z Mart in Inlet for three years and plans to work there this summer.
Sara said her mother influenced her the most. “It would be really tough without her. She has helped me through everything,” she said.
Sara said she is going to miss her friends in Old Forge, but is looking forward to being on her own. She is anxious to discover what else is out there, she said. But, since she is commuting to school, she won’t be leaving the area right away, she said.