Fairfield

Name: Claire Epperson

Parents: Mark and Janelle Epperson

GPA: 4.0

Class Rank: 1

Co-curricular activities: FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Cross Country, Track & Field, Student Council, National Honor Society, Jazz Band.

Community activities: Fairfield Municipal Summer Band, Vacation Bible School Volunteer (in the summer)

Future plans and goals: I am going to be attending Drake University in Des Moines to major in psychology and minor in business studies. Someday, I want to be an Industrial Organizational Psychologist and live in Des Moines or another big city.

How will your high school experiences help you in coming years?

At Fairfield, I have learned so many valuable skills and life lessons — too many to even name. Responsibility, confidence, and respect for others are a few of the biggest ones. Possessing and maintaining these attributes will allow me to stand out in the eyes of a potential employer or collaborator, and undoubtedly lead to success down the road.

Fondest memory of high school?

In 2019, our FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club got to travel to San Antonio for a weeklong conference. My best friends and I had SO much fun — walking down the RiverWalk, visiting the Alamo, breaking out of an escape room and just spending time together. The conference itself was a wonderful experience as well. We had the chance to meet other high school kids like us from all over the country!

Which teachers have had the biggest impact on your education and why?

My middle school TAG teacher, Mrs. Edlin taught me the concept of a “growth mindset.” Those with growth mindsets believe they can always learn and improve in all aspects of life. They strive to continually achieve challenging goals rather than simply accepting the cards they were dealt. When I find myself in a tough situation, I remind myself to have a growth mindset. Mrs. Edlin’s advice taught me to never be satisfied, and always challenge myself to be a better student and friend.

Who is your role model and how did they influence you?

I have looked up to my parents in reverence for as long as I can remember. They have always encouraged me to work hard, follow my heart, and take the high road at all times. For example, we recently decided to remodel one of the bathrooms in our house. My mom and dad did the entire project themselves — even though they both work full-time jobs. Every day they teach me that I can do absolutely anything I set my mind to, and I admire their perseverance greatly.

What is special about your high school?

Fairfield High School is full of life from floor to ceiling … literally! Students in Fairfield art classes have the opportunity to paint right on the walls, bringing our hallways to life. There’s a swarm of bumblebees on near the math wing, and an inspirational quote wall right by the cafeteria. In the art room you’ll find a kaleidoscope of butterflies, and a mural of outer space in the science hallway. It’s stunning to walk around and see these beautiful pieces of art, and know that they were done by my friends and peers!

If you could go back to when you were a freshman, what advice would you give yourself?

It’s a little cheesy, but make the most of every single moment. High school goes by so fast! I remember one particular cross-country meet that was miserably rainy. By the end of the night we were soaked to the bone and covered with mud from head to toe. Now that cross-country is done, I would give anything to go back to that meet. And I’d definitely complain a lot less about the rain.