Claire Faith, Student of the Year

It is with humility and honor that I, Claire Faith, accept the Student of the Year award. But if I may, I will point out, that I am by far not the most studious nor active senior at Fillmore High School. I say with full belief that it is my attitude and perspective, above skills and commitment, that lead me to success.

I cannot pinpoint one moment that lit a spark in me, but I can say that it was sometime in mid ninth grade. I had always been a “good student”, if you will, but simply because schoolwork wasn't too difficult for me.

Up until that point in ninth grade, I admit I was embarrassed by my background and reputation. That is, I didn't necessarily have pride in my family and I took to wearing black and listening to screaming music. In other words, I was a “wanna-be punk.” Over the course of a month or so during freshman year, my memory assumes, I was intrigued to wear a colored sweater as opposed to my everyday black. As a few weeks went by, I had started arranging odd outfits, following with homemade jewelry. Before I knew it, I was wearing mismatched socks, bottle cap accessories, and what most would call funny hats. More importantly than my outward transformation, my mind was renewed. I suddenly realized that my family was absolutely amazing, and that there were so many fun and active things I could be doing to replace my sourpuss attitude.

The Fillmore music program has been significantly important to me. I participated in winter drum line my freshman and sophomore years, which was demanding, but rewarding. For the past four year, I have committed to concert, marching, and jazz band. I have served as Drum Major all four years (and to clear up any confusion, a drum major leads the band in parades, sports games, and competitions). I have worked in Band Club for the last two years as Treasurer. I believe the music program here at the high school is the most versatile and rewarding program we have to offer. Here, I have not only made the greatest friends and had the most fun of my life, but obtained a strong sense of discipline and commitment. That is, I know that saying you're going to be somewhere means you will, and one must communicate otherwise. In band, there are no bench warmers, for everyone has a part to play, and the music program welcomes and helps along anyone even slightly interested in joining the band wagon. Not to mention, I have enjoyed the wonders of playing, reading, studying, and writing music. These are all skills I will cherish for the rest of my life. I encourage Fillmore as a community to fully embrace and support our local music program.

I was also involved in a number of other school and community activities. I participated in Freshman Orientation last year, a day devoted to welcome and help the new students at the school. I've attended Prayer club for the past three years, and act as student leader this year. Similarly, I've participated in Flashes Go Green for the past three years and serve as President this year. Flashes Go Green cleans up the school every month, cleans out the lockers at the end of the year, and much more. I was lucky enough to go to Rotary International's RYLA youth leadership camp, and received a certificate of completion. I now serve as InterAct Club President. The FHS Ambassador Club hosts several college fairs for the school, award nights for the seniors and more. I have been in the club for two years and serve as President this year. Incidentally, we are hosting a Higher Education Event at the high school on March 1 at 6:30 pm for all interested to learn more about southern, as well as northern Californian colleges and career opportunities. Family of students, as well as Santa Paula students and family are invited. I was a member of Poetry Club sophomore year, Secretary last year, and am now President. We share poetry weekly and we plan on a group performance at the high school art show. This year I am Secretary of Drama Club, and have also had the privilege of being in Drama Class, as well as now being involved in Totally Rad: a joint production of Fillmore High School Drama and Sespe Players. The show will be put on at the Sespe Auditorium in early April. Last year, I had the honor of researching the schools history for the centennial edition of the Copa de Oro. Finally, I have participated in the “S” club sophomore, junior and senior years. During my junior year, I was Chairman of the Peace Pole Project and helped the Soroptomists fund raise and create awareness for the Peace Pole now resting in front of City Hall. I've participate in the Soroptomist bike path clean up, as well as other “S” club and Soroptomists projects, such as the presentation of the Annual Soroptomist Fashion Show. Miraculously, I've upheld my GPA to 4.5!

I graciously thank the Chamber of Commerce for this award, but on a grander scale, I thank the wonderful people of Fillmore. I would like to say once more that it was my attitude that brought me thus far, and I encourage students as well as our community to cherish our schools and all the opportunities they bring. Go Flashes!