Cary Jordan, Pioneer Academy Counselor Pioneer High School’s Senior spotlight, Claire Callister, embodies the meaning of a welcoming personality. Described by her teachers, Claire is bubbly, sparkling, energetic and always welcoming others with a smile. Often asked to show new students around the campus, Claire has a personality to make people feel at home and welcome. Transferring to Pioneer in Carson City mid-way through her Junior year helped reshape her goals and gave her a new perspective and direction for her future. Surrounded by a culture of being accepted for who she is, Claire has thrived and found new success, improving academically and embracing a personality of joy and gratitude. Claire has viewed her high school experience like a coming-of-age movie with scenes full of drama, relationship ups and downs, successes and failures, but changing the setting to Pioneer helped to focus her direction. Realizing she was trying to be someone she wasn’t, Claire used the opportunity to be herself and found her self-worth and began to feel confident in who she is and where she is headed. After transferring, Claire was appreciative of the positive teaching environment at Pioneer and how the teachers show they care for her and help her achieve her goals. “Mrs. Tarado (Science and Leadership teacher) is an amazing woman who never fails to make me feel heard, seen, and cared for. She embraces all the parts of myself that make me unique. I honestly have no idea where I would be if I didn't make the change. I went from failing classes and never showing up to school, to graduating early, and it's all thanks to them," she said. "The teachers at Pioneer have made me feel special, like I could be a part of something larger than myself. They changed my perspective of what success is and what it looks like.” With this new perspective, Claire has challenged herself with goals she didn’t think were possible and is motivated by a new mantra: if you want to play hard, you are going to have to work even harder. Claire says she plans to continue to enjoy the opportunity to rock climb, go to the gym with friends, ski and hike while she completes her Senior requirements by the end of first semester. Claire then has been accepted to start college this spring at the University of Nevada, Reno to earn a degree in Nutrition and eventually work toward earning a master’s degree. — All students named as a weekly Senior Spotlight are featured at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Carson City. The Rotary Club of Carson City is a vibrant and dedicated group of professionals and community leaders committed to making a positive impact. The club welcomes individuals who are passionate about service and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking and fellowship.