Claire Folkstead

Some people find the transition into high school as a freshman to be rocky and difficult, but senior Claire Folkestead handled her entrance into BSM with ease. She came to BSM as a freshman with her twin sister Rachel from Our Lady of Grace. “Like a third of our grade came from Our Lady of Grace, so it was a pretty easy transition,” Claire said. 

In her time here at BSM, Claire has found a new passion and has approached her high school career with endless positivity and grace. 

One of Claire’s favorite things  about BSM includes the sense of community. Additionally, she has found a lot of joy in the classes and in relationships with teachers. Her favorite teachers include Ms. Kelly Rahn, Ms. Cherie Vroman, and Sister Jeanne Vanderlinde. “History and photography are two of my favorite subjects, and I’ve had really good experiences with those teachers,” Claire said.

Photography is one of Claire’s favorite hobbies. She enjoys walking around outside with her camera and taking pictures of anything she finds interesting. “I started taking photography during my sophomore year, and that was the first time I had ever had my own camera,” Claire said. 

Though Claire has a lot on her plate right now, like any high school senior, she still finds time to do other things she enjoys. “I like to read. I also bike a lot and love naps,” Claire said. 

 Claire believes that the community at BSM has helped her to grow as a person. “I think I’m definitely more confident—coming in as a freshman, I was even more shy than I am now, but I’ve kind of grown into myself a little bit more, as a person,” Claire said. 

Additionally, she has had a lot of fun with the activities at BSM. “I did tennis and table tennis during my freshman year, and I’m currently in RKVC, NHS, and NAHS,” Claire said. 

There have been people in her life that have had a large impact and have helped her to remain positive during school. One of these people is her twin sister Rachel. “We’ve basically gotten through life together,” Claire said.

 A lot of teachers here at BSM have also helped to make her experience in high school a good one. She says that many of the teachers she’s had have been instrumental not only in helping her learn, but also in helping her grow as a person. “Ms. Rahn has always been supportive, in terms of photography and helping me to be creative,” Claire said.

When asked how they might describe her, Claire says that people would probably say that she’s shy and quiet. “I don’t know if that many people think I’m funny, but I think I’m funny,” Claire said. 

Throughout her time at BSM, Claire has handled herself with a quiet confidence that many people would envy, and has been able to find a passion that will stick with her for the rest of her life. When asked how her elementary school self would feel about her current self, she responded, “Pretty good, I’d say.”