Newman Central Catholic High School May Student of the Month: Claire Glaudel

Claire Glaudel, 18, of Walnut, is the Newman Central Catholic High School May Student of the Month. She is the daughter of Michelle and Terry Glaudel. Her siblings are Olivia and Mason.

Favorite class: Forensics, because it is different from any of Newman’s other electives. It’s also really interesting to learn about crime-related things while also being hands on in the labs, using techniques that forensic investigators use.

Least-favorite class: I hated AP U.S. History. We were the last class to have this online through IVS, and it’s very tough to work on all the assignments in each unit while having to teach ourselves on our own, since the material is all online. I also found it hard to stay on task when in the library for this class because I’d find any excuse to work on other homework.

Favorite teacher: Donna Spencer. I’ve had her for three quarters of my English classes while in high school, and I’ve learned so many things from her. Her classes also have helped me become a better writer because we do so many different types of papers and her class is very challenging.

School activities in which you participate: Football and basketball cheerleading, National Honor Society, Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die, Key Club, and Ambassadors Club.

Civic, church, or other volunteer activities in which you participate: I volunteer at the Sauk Valley Food Bank on the weekends when I am not busy. I volunteered at the Sterling Christmas Walk, Rock Falls Summer Splash, and Sterling’s Hot Dog Days. I also have volunteered at a local church where I love helping with vacation Bible school in the summer and the live nativity during the Christmas season.

What will you do after high school? I will attend Iowa State University to study apparel, merchandising, and design, with an emphasis in fashion communications.

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be? I would say if we have another Newman sweatshirt or at least a crew neck with us at school, we should be able to wear it if we’re cold. Also if we have a neutral-colored jacket with us, that should also count. You never know what to expect with the temperature in the school, and I tend to be cold a lot of the time and teachers would rather me freeze than be in a comfortable setting.

If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be? A home economics class, because when I first started high school, I was shocked Newman didn’t have one in the curriculum. This also is essential because most kids have no clue how to do these basic skills once they actually have to start figuring their life out.

What does it take to be a successful high school student? Being on top of all your assignments and being good with time management are really important. Especially if you also work, play sports, volunteer, and do other things outside of school, it’s really easy to forget about your schoolwork. I also suggest keeping a planner (or four; I have about four I keep up with to make sure I know what’s going on and never forget about something.)

Do you have a job? I work at the Shell station in Walnut. I primarily serve ice cream, so that’s probably my favorite part. I get the opportunity to eat ice cream while at work or take some home after I get off. It’s also fun to get creative with making new combinations of sundaes and storms (blizzards).

How would you describe your group of friends? We always have a good time, and we’re very close and supportive of each other. Whenever you see us together, we’re most likely laughing at something someone said or goofing around.

What do you do in your free time, outside of school activities? Shopping, watching baseball games, and finding new places to eat or drink, such as cute cafés, coffee shops, or bakeries.

What kind of music are you listening to? Anything that sounds good to me, but my favorite genres would be R&B, some hip-hop, some rap, and some alternative music. I also love throwback songs.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be and why? Santorini, Greece. It’s so beautiful there, what I’ve seen in pictures, and Greek food always looks amazing.

What is your favorite childhood memory? A combination of all the times I played outside in the summer with my neighborhood friends. We always had a good time and sometimes got into trouble, but we didn’t seem to care as long as we got back home before dark (or else we’d be in more trouble).

What is the best way to cheer you up? Surprise me with anything. I’m always in a better mood if my friend, Caitlin, brings me Starbucks or a donut in the morning when I get to school. I prefer to be surprised with my favorite foods and drinks, but any kind of surprise is fun.

What is your life’s philosophy? “Everything happens for a reason.”

Do you have any pets? A 2 year-old Goldendoodle named Stella.

Favorite

Food: Pasta

Musical artist: Ariana Grande

Movie: “Clueless”

Pro sports team: St. Louis Cardinals

Color: Pink