Weekly Honoree: Claire Kraemer, Class of 26

In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, Holy Cross College is home to a vibrant community of students, each with their unique passions and stories. Among them is Claire Kraemer, a fourth-year Anthropology major from Bedford, New Hampshire, class of 2026.

Claire's academic journey at Holy Cross has been marked by a love for learning, as evidenced by her favourite class, "My Montserrat: Civil Rights Consensus Memory and Vietnam War Through Film." This course, no doubt, has provided her with a deeper understanding of history and its impact on society.

Outside the classroom, Claire's interests are as diverse as they are colourful. Green is her favourite colour, reflecting her connection with nature, and she cherishes her favourite spot on campus - a secret fire escape by O'Kane.

When it comes to food, Claire's taste buds lean towards the exotic. Her favourite Kimball meal is Taco Tuesday, while off-campus, she enjoys the flavours at Red Pepper. For a cool and refreshing beverage, she reaches for Matcha with oat milk and light ice from Cool Beans.

Claire's love for music is as varied as her taste in food. The Beatles hold a special place in her heart, but when she wants to let loose, she turns to "Va Va Voom" by Nicki Minaj. In her downtime, she enjoys dancing along to Just Dance on YouTube, a guilt-free pleasure after a long day of classes.

Sports are another passion for Claire. The Celtics are her favourite team, and she cheers them on with fervour. However, she also dreams of renovating the Easy Street dorms on campus to improve the living conditions for future students.

Claire's fondest memories at Holy Cross include making Hanselman Common Room her friends' and her Hanselhome during freshman year. These shared moments of laughter and camaraderie have made her college experience truly special.

One unforgettable moment, however, was an embarrassing one. In a moment of forgetfulness, she accidentally called her professor 'Mom.' Although it was a mortifying experience, it's now a story she tells with a laugh.

As for her post-graduation plans, Claire plans to face her fears and learn how to do taxes from her parents. With her academic achievements and resilience, there's no doubt she'll handle this new challenge with grace.

Claire's future professional path remains undetermined, but one thing is certain - she has big dreams. Among them is the item on her Holy Cross bucket list: to be able to apply to work at the bookstore with her cousin, Caroline.

Claire's words to live by are "We ball," a phrase that encapsulates her spirit and zest for life. As she prepares to graduate and embark on new adventures, we wish her the very best and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her.