The Amazing Claire Beach
Claire Beach came to Flower Hill School as a third grader after attending private school in Centerport for three years. Since she settled into the district, it's been smooth sailing ever since. The teenager will graduate in June with Huntington High School's Class of 2013.
Like many of her classmates, Ms. Beach has capitalized on Huntington's extensive extra-curricular program offerings, participating in a range of activities, including student government, honor societies and clubs.
Many colleges have accepted Ms. Beach for the fall semester, including Lafayette College, Binghamton University, Bucknell University, American University, Fordham University, George Mason University and Skidmore College. She has narrowed her choices to Bucknell and Fordham. "I plan on majoring in English and pursing fashion law," she said.
Ms. Beach was elected J. Taylor Finley Middle School's student council president as an eighth grader and re-elected the following year as Huntington High School's freshmen class president. Since then she has held a student government position ever year, including serving as the high school's G.O. vice-president in 2012/13.
The teenager is a member of the St. Patrick's Church youth group. "We set-up dinner and shelter for the homeless," Ms. Beach said. She has been involved in Huntington High School's Habitat for Humanity chapter, participating in a "day build" as a junior during which club members "helped a family get one step closer to having a home of their own," she said.
The senior has also belonged to the Natural Helpers since her sophomore year. "It is the most amazing club and I am so lucky to have been able to have Mr. [Robert] Gilmor as a mentor," Ms. Beach said. "He has truly made such an impact on my life."
Ms. Beach has been inducted into the National Honor Society as well as the French, English and science honor societies. One of her favorite teachers is Camille Tedeschi, who she studied with as a freshman and sophomore and again this year in a first period women's studies course. "She makes going into first period as a senior fun," the teenager said. "She also taught me so many other skills. I was fortunate enough to travel with her to Peru in 11th grade."
Huntington's fashion design program is also near and dear to Ms. Beach's heart. "I'll never forget the fashion classes I took with Mrs. [Amy] Worth in 9th, 10th and 11th grades," she said. "They helped me develop a passion to sew. I took on a venture last year that involved designing children's dresses and giving them to children in need. The idea became Claire's Clothes for Change. I was able to invest in two different types of sewing machines and continue to sew today."
Ms. Beach will be missed around Huntington High School next year. Her work ethic, pleasant nature and willingness to help others have left deep impressions on fellow students and teachers.
"My advice to any incoming freshman is to get involved with as much as possible," Ms. Beach said. "Make new friends and create amazing experiences. High school is the perfect opportunity to make great memories and learn new things. Start looking into college early, in 11th grade. Do not wait until 12th grade to start applying. The summer before 12th grade is the perfect time to log onto common app."