At this year’s S.O.A.R. Soirée, Declan shared an insightful and personal reflection on the word “S.O.A.R.” He told the audience, “When I hear the word S.O.A.R., it lands differently with me. Because getting off the ground takes the right conditions, the right support, and people who believe in you. Bridges was that for me.”
In the week leading up to the gala, we connected to talk about his journey to Bridges, the impact it made, and his plans for the future. I truly enjoyed getting to know Declan, and I think you will, too.
THE INTERVIEW
DAMON: When I interviewed your mom for her Board Member Spotlight, she shared that you’re quite the athlete. Have you always been into sports or is this something you picked up in high school?
DECLAN: I’ve loved and played sports since I was a kid. I played football all four years in high school and flag football growing up. Both of my parents are OSU Alumni so I’ve developed into a die-hard Beaver Believer–I never, ever root for the Ducks. I am also a die-hard fan of the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Winterhawks, Seattle Mariners, and LA Dodgers. The Seahawks win at the Super Bowl will stand out as one of my all-time favorite sports moments!!!
DAMON: Wow! Your mom was certainly telling the truth about you and your passion for sports. I’m curious to learn a bit about your childhood. What comes to mind? Perhaps some significant memories or special interests.
DECLAN: I was a really active kid. I went to daycare on the Nike campus so I have been around and playing sports my whole life–flag football, baseball, soccer. I was always passionate about watching sports. The first time the Seahawks played the Patriots in the Super Bowl was in 2015. I was 7 years old. I took their loss really hard. The 2026 super bowl win was redemption!
DAMON: I remember that game, too! I think the Seahawks were robbed. So happy they came out on top this year. What about other interests as a kid?
DECLAN: I have been obsessed with airplanes my whole life. Some of my earliest memories are of traveling with my mom. She would find ways to get me in the cockpit with the pilots or get tours of the exterior of the plane. I have a cool photo of me at 6 years old proudly standing under an airplane, next to a wheel that was as tall as me.
DAMON: I hope that photo ends up in your Alumni Spotlight! What was elementary school like for you?
DECLAN: Elementary school was hard for me. I felt out of place. Most teachers were not able to help. I was bullied, and kinda felt like an outcast. Teachers would constantly see me for my worst and nothing else. I struggled as it took a long time to get accommodations and then when I did, teachers did not know how or have time to support my needs.
DAMON: That sounds really rough. I’m so sorry. I’ve heard similar stories from so many of our students. So when did you first visit Bridges?
DECLAN: I had a really rough 3rd and 4th grade year. When I was in 4th, my parents took me to a shadow visit at Bridges and the rest is history!
DAMON: Do you remember your shadow day?
DECLAN: Yes, I do. My shadow day was eye-opening. It was the first time I had ever experienced being in a classroom with other students who have ADHD. I immediately felt seen and like I belonged.
DAMON: That makes me so happy to hear! Were you excited or nervous about starting at Bridges?
DECLAN: I was nervous! I have never been great with change even though we all have to accept that change is inevitable.
DAMON: Very true. How did the Bridges community help you with your ADHD and dealing with change?
DECLAN: The teachers at Bridges were most notable. They were always there to help me learn academics and also how to navigate life. As a student, I wasn’t viewed or reprimanded for my lowest lows rather I was celebrated for my highest highs. I was selected to be a Bridges Ambassador and in 7th grade I even earned Ambassador of the Year. My time at Bridges was a complete shift from my elementary school experience.
DAMON: Big congrats on earning Ambassador of the Year! In addition to being an Ambassador, how else did you give back to the Bridges community?
DECLAN: One of my favorite experiences was volunteering for With Love Oregon, an organization that provides essential items for foster kids across the state.
Now as a senior in high school, I’ve had a chance to volunteer at Bridges and I’ve loved it.
DAMON: I really like how Bridges encourages our students to give back and help others in need. When you think about the Bridges community, what comes to mind?
DECLAN: The community at Bridges fosters togetherness as a collective, working to make connections—kinda like building bridges with one another in life.
DAMON: I like that a lot! I know that Bridges focuses on preparing our students for high school. Where did you end up going to high school? Did you look into multiple high schools?
DECLAN: Though I am not Catholic myself, we looked at multiple Portland-area Catholic schools based on size and access to traditional high school experience, including activities like sports and theater. I found La Salle Catholic College Preparatory to be the most welcoming and the right size.
At La Salle, I found not only sports and theater, but also community. The high school football coaches were incredible mentors and all of them have become like second fathers to me.
DAMON: Did you feel prepared academically, socially, and emotionally when you started at La Salle?
DECLAN: Everyone had been doing online or hybrid school in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades of middle school because of the pandemic so it was a tough transition for all 9th graders. The social skills I learned at Bridges really helped me with my transition to high school, and I felt more prepared due to all the time spent on social skill-building at Bridges.
DAMON: Now that you’re almost finished with high school, can you share what brought you joy during this period?
DECLAN: Football and theater standout as my favorite part of high school.
I will always appreciate my teachers who supported me through my academic journey, most notably my math teacher, Mrs. Pinto.
DAMON: You’ve talked a lot about football, but I haven’t asked what position you play.
DECLAN: Outside linebacker.
DAMON: Gotcha! What else have you been passionate about at La Salle?
DECLAN: I found that I have a passion for making sports videos. I created in-season and post-season recap videos for the football team. In theater I both acted, did set production, and running crew–Sound of Music, Clue, Prometheus were some of my favorites productions.
DAMON: I did theater in high school, too. I really enjoyed it. I know that Cluewill be coming to Portland with the Portland Broadway Seriesnext year. You might want to check it out.
DECLAN: I will! Thanks.
DAMON: Speaking of next year, have you decided what comes next? After high school?
DECLAN: I’m going to study Aircraft Maintenance Technology at PCC. I am currently coaching youth flag football so I’d also like to keep coaching and maybe continue creating sports films for La Salle Football.
DAMON: You really have it all mapped out! I’m excited for you.
DECLAN: Thanks!
DAMON: Do you have a favorite singer or band?
DECLAN: Right now I am listening to a lot of Journey, Cheap Trick, Alex Warren, Myles Smith, AC/DC, and other 70s 80s 90s hits.
DAMON: That’s not what I expected! I’m impressed. What about your favorite food or takeout spot?
DECLAN: Dough Zone Dumpling House is my current favorite place to eat.
DAMON: I remember when they went into the space on the waterfront. I always planned on checking them out, but I still haven’t. Now, I will definitely need to go! What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
DECLAN: I watch and learn about subjects of interest. Fly on flight sim. And watch sports, of course!
DAMON: One of the final questions I like to ask our alumni is, “If you were a teacher or principal at Bridges, what change would you make or a new thing you would implement?”
DECLAN: The new school is pretty awesome and the program gets better every year, so that’s hard to say!
DAMON: That’s fair! Okay, my final question. Knowing what you do today, what would you tell a new Bridges student before their first day?
DECLAN: For all the Bridges students, know what you possess is an ability not a disability. Even if it makes it harder to do stuff you will find that you excel at many things that come very hard to others.
DAMON: I love that! I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. I’m excited to share your story and wisdom with current and future students and families. Thank you.
DECLAN: It was my pleasure!
