Claire Munroe is one hardworking high school student. Heading into her senior year at Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS), she already has a resume full of noteworthy accomplishments.
Included in her long list of achievements is president of DECA, a program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. It’s a program that Munroe says has helped her grow as an individual.
“It’s given me a platform to not only learn about business, but also to learn how to express myself and articulate myself more clearly and become a leader.”
For a DECA competition, Munroe generated a report and presentation on how the Denver Botanic Gardens can utilize AI to improve operations.
Munroe is also the vice president of the National Honor Society, and the co-president of both RADD and the PRHS Mentorship Program. She also finds time to play tennis at a high level. Last year, she and her doubles partner finished third at state.
RADD is the Real Alternative to Drugs and Drinking. The organization hosts events at the YMCA on Friday nights to provide a safe alternative for fun and socializing. They often partner with other school organizations to host events like a haunted house for Halloween.
“It’s a fun way to get people to interact with each other in a social setting without the pressure,” Munroe said.
Despite being involved in all these school-based activities, Munroe’s true passions lie elsewhere.
“I’m really interested in Geology. That’s actually what I want to do when I grow up.”
In her spare time, Munroe volunteers at Garden of the Gods, where she provides information to visitors about artifacts and the geology of the area.
Munroe has spent her entire academic career in D38, having attended Prairie Winds Elementary, Lewis-Palmer Middle School and PRHS. It’s a community she says she’s loved growing up in.
“My parents spent a lot of time looking for which school they thought would be the best for me. I opted into Prairie Winds, and I felt like the small community there was so close-knit, and the teachers were so responsive to my personal needs that it really prepared me to go into middle and high school.”
As for plans after high school, Munroe is looking at schools in Colorado and on the west coast. One day she would like to work for the United State Geological Survey, so she can help predict natural disasters and protect people from them.
***This content was first published in “Monument Living” and “Palmer Divide Living” magazines powered by Best Version Media. D38 is proud to partner with these community publications to feature our students and staff members.
