Everyone recognizes the powerful voice delivering the morning announcements and the enthusiastic calls during football games, but whose voice brings these moments to life? History teacher, Patrick McGlynn, is the mastermind behind all of this.
For McGlynn, it started with working at the West Caldwell Recreation Department where he first began as an announcer for All-Star and basketball games. However, McGlynn showcased his talent after winning a Friday night radio show for WFAN. The show was a live show that ran from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. covering sports happening around the leagues.
“It was awesome,” McGlynn said. “The best year of my life.”
After that opportunity, McGlynn shifted his focus to announcing here at West Essex. He helped with the behind-the-scenes of Mr. West Essex, from being the live announcer to helping with behind-the-scenes scripting. He worked with Mr. West Essex from doing live announcing to behind-the-scenes script writing.
“Mr. West Essex is one of my proudest moments,” McGlynn said.
In April, McGlynn’s voice is heard coming from the auditorium during the Give Kids the World Family Feud event. He is West Essex’s Steve Harvey coming up with lines and jokes on the spot.
“Mrs. Colabelli came to me with a great opportunity that I could not pass down,” McGlynn said.
Not only is he a talk show host, but he is also a football, field hockey and wrestling announcer. McGlynn can be found as the PA host at the football games and calling names for senior night. He gathers lineups, speaks to coaches and studies the team’s history to prepare for the upcoming games.
“It is specifically important to prepare, especially for Senior Night,” McGlynn said. “I have to learn everyone’s pronunciation, particularly mom and dad’s names.”
On top of all of that, McGlynn can be heard on the daily morning announcements. He works closely with seniors to spread West Essex news to the student body and staff. McGlynn’s voice is specifically heard sharing cultural fun facts of the day. His goal is to get students comfortable speaking to the whole school.
“I try to pull students who would not be the type to get in front of a microphone just to help them get over the fear of public speaking,” McGlynn said.
McGlynn’s overall message as an announcer is to take every opportunity that he is presented with. McGlynn was once a shy high schooler, but with the help of many broadcasting opportunities, he became the booming voice behind West Essex.
