Madison Lester

Riverside Brookfield High School has taught me many life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am so thankful for this school; however, I am going to wait until graduation to say goodbye. Right now I want to focus on Clarion. Within the past four years, Clarion has contributed tremendously in how my high school experience has affected who I am. In fact, Clarion is so significant in my life that I felt the need to include it within my Common Application. This class literally got me into college.

Here is an excerpt from my Common App essay that sums up what Clarion has meant to me:

“For me, Clarion created the perfect outlet to demonstrate my expression. The class also exposed me to the new ideas and viewpoints of my fellow peers that guided me towards formulating my own beliefs.

“From my initial steps into the Clarion classroom, I was greeted by the teacher who has helped me grow in many walks of life. Communication, writing skills, and ambition are all things I have gained through this class. My sophomore year, I was awarded with an editorial position, which I have maintained the past few years. It is one of my greatest achievements and something I am very proud of. My junior year, I was unable to take the class due to scheduling conflicts; however, I was still able to publish articles and continue my love for journalism. Now in my senior year, I am a managing editor, and I have concluded that journalism has engraved a permanent residency in my heart. It has allowed me the creative freedom to form my thoughts into words-into articles.”

Clarion has meant so much to me the past four years, and I am beyond grateful for all of the memories, opportunities, and experiences I have gained through this class. I have met some of the most outstanding people, and when looking back at my high school years, I will always remember the way Clarion was able to improve my everyday life. I would also like to thank Mr. Helgeson for his daily support and encouragement towards me as both a student and person. While I am ecstatic about the next chapter of my life, the mere thought of never contributing to another article is brutally depressing. I will ALWAYS love CRA.