A Beautiful Machine Magazine Reader Tribute
At Beautiful Machine Magazine, we believe that appreciation should be expressed while people are still here to receive it. Too often, we wait until someone is gone to acknowledge the impact they had on our lives. That’s why we invited our readers to “Give Them Their Flowers” by sharing stories about the people who inspired them, mentored them, encouraged them, or simply made the world a better place.
The following tribute was submitted by one of our readers. It reflects the personal experiences and opinions of the author and has been edited only for grammar, clarity, and publication style. The thoughts and sentiments expressed belong solely to the author.
Pershing High School’s Superwoman
By Dr. Michael Terrell, Jr.
I was not raised with privilege. My brother and I grew up on Detroit’s North Side, raised by our mother, who devoted her life to giving us every opportunity she could before her passing in 2015. We certainly didn’t have a silver spoon, and outside of Pershing High School, we had very few positive male role models.
Growing up, our focus wasn’t on luxuries. We were concerned about where our next meal would come from and making it safely to and from school. During those challenging years, one person became a constant source of encouragement for countless students: Ann Connelly.
To many, she was a trusted adult who always made time to listen. To me, she became someone whose guidance would leave a lifelong impression. When I graduated from Pershing in 1990 near the top of my class and served as Senior Class President, Ms. Connelly was there encouraging me every step of the way. More than three decades later, she remains an important person in my life.
Her impact has only grown over the years. As Founder and President of the Pershing High School Alumni Committee, established in 1990, she has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for students and graduates alike. Through scholarships, mentorship, and unwavering advocacy, she has helped countless graduating seniors pursue higher education and brighter futures. I am proud to be one of the many lives she has touched.
One of the accomplishments I admire most is the role Ms. Connelly and the alumni committee played in helping save Pershing High School from closure. Thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated alumni and supporters, Pershing is being rebuilt on the same historic grounds where the original school opened in 1930. The new Pershing High School is scheduled to welcome students for the 2027-2028 school year, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.
Pershing arguably has one of the strongest alumni communities in Michigan. This year alone, the Alumni Committee awarded more than $6,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, continuing its mission of investing in young people. On July 4, 2026, Ms. Ann Connelly celebrated her 75th birthday, marking another milestone in a life defined by service, compassion, and commitment to others.
Some people change lives through grand gestures. Others do it through decades of quiet, consistent dedication. Ann Connelly has done both.
Ms. Ann Connelly truly deserves her flowers.
Photo credit: Hour Magazine at Runway 313
