The time of year has come when seniors are enjoying the last few days of their high school experience and are looking back at all the memories that they have created. There is one girl in particular who is sure to be going through it all with a smile and the type of cheer that makes everyone laugh and be so happy to be around her. Getting to meet her, know her, or watch her work magic with a baton is not only an honor but a memory no one could ever forget.
Claire McFadden is a Managing Editor for the Park Press. Her best-performing article is The Bird Flu Strikes Back which received 1475 views on the website. Coming from her love of chickens, that is one of her favorite articles, along with her National Chicken Month article. This year, she earned a Best of SNO and became one of the first ever completers of Social Journalism. She has a very creative and exceptional talent in writing and writes some of the best stories. She is also on the Speech and Debate team, twirls the baton for the marching band, and loves Mac Miller.
The Park Press has taught Claire a lot, especially how to be outgoing. Prior to working for the Press, it would have been more unlikely for her to go out of her way to talk to people. As she grew up and had the experience of interviewing people, she learned how to be braver not only as a writer, but also as a person.
She has made many friends in the Park Press and enjoys the community that it provides. Some of her friends include Will Medovic and JoceLynn McFarland, who are both seniors. Will and Claire perform in Duo together for Speech and Debate, and met doing a play in Towngate Theater.
“I would describe her as someone who’s loving, kind, especially funny, hard-working, dedicated, she always gets her stuff done,” said Will Medovic.
Claire loves to hang out with her friends inside and out of school. She explains how making all the friends that she has and coming out of her shell are truly some of her biggest accomplishments.
Voted the most likely to brighten every room she walks into by the Speech and Debate team, Claire McFadden is always walking around with a smile. Claire is very funny and has the best comedic timing. She is also well-known for creating a positive environment in her classes.
“She also brings a lot of positive vibes to the classroom while also being on task and passionate about her work,” said Mr. Stanton, Social Studies teacher at Wheeling Park High School.
In the Park Press and her classes, Claire always shares her creative ideas and helps create an effective classroom.
“Also, Claire is awesome because she’s one of the most creative students I’ve ever had. As a teacher, she motivates me and gives me ideas about how to put a new spin on old lessons,” said Stanton.
Claire has made a lasting impact on the Park Press, just as much of an impact as it has made on her.
“I’m definitely going to miss the community and the tight-knit family that the press is. I truly think that…there’s a home here on the press,” said Claire.
Claire is going to attend West Liberty University and major in Biology. After that, she is either going to stay in West Liberty or go to West Virginia University to major in Forensic Biology. She is a prime example of how to spread positivity and make people’s days better, even through the smallest gestures. Personally, she has taught me to always share my smile with others and to break out of my shell. After three great years on the Park Press, she will be moving on to her next journey in life and spreading her joy to the world.
