The weather is slowly becoming cooler as fall finds its way here. The kids have gone back to school. I’m starting to spot Christmas decorations in the stores (gasp! I know!). With the changing of the seasons brings a change in what we do here at the studio. Senior portraits are winding down as  yearbook deadlines are fast approaching. But before we completely switch gears we’d like to introduce you to one more high school senior. Meet Clara S, a senior from Woodstock Academy. She’s an amazing young woman with big plans for her future. We’ve been photographing her and her family for many years so it’s been fun to watch them all grow so much…

My name is Clara A. S. I grew up in both Killingly and Pomfret Connecticut with my mom Rachel, my dad Christian, and my siblings Emma and John. I am an active softball and volleyball player and I compete at the varsity level for both sports at Woodstock Academy. I am the Vice President of the Student Council at WA, along as a member of the Science Olympiad team. I am the  librarian for Chorale and a member of Tri-M, the music honor society. I am also a member of the math national honor society, the Spanish national honor society, and the national honor society.

I hope to become an engineer with a focus in genetics. I plan on getting my doctorate in engineering and working for a major research company focusing in finding and curing genetic diseases.

Woodstock Academy is a magical place. The staff, students, and atmosphere there are all welcoming and kind. The open campus is a blessing, and the freedom that comes with it is unique to our school. The administration is always looking to better the school to fit the students rather than trying to change the students to fit the school, which is something that does not happen in many schools. My confidence, self image, and  leadership skills have all grown immensely since my freshmen year thanks to the help of all who have helped me in my time at WA. In my final year at the Academy, I hope to be able to pass along some of that encouragement to the underclassmen.

I have known Charleen since before I could talk, so it was a no brainier to ask her to do my senior portraits. I love the beach and the surrounding landscape, and when I asked if there was a possibility for my senior pictures to be taken there, I was delighted to hear that Charleen not only could, but had a perfect beach already picked out for the session. My sister and I arrived early to scope out the area and were amazed at how perfect the lighting and different natural backgrounds were. My shoot was like a dream come true. I felt like a model for Vogue. Charleen’s choice of poses was carried, which made the whole experience even more exciting and fun.

We wish you the best of luck Clara in making all your dreams come true!