Art Fahrner-Edward Jones AHS Remarkable Redbird of the Month: Claire Delehanty Recognized for Compassion, Inclusion and Service
Known for making classmates feel welcome, Claire Delehanty is receiving recognition for everyday kindness that has become a meaningful part of life at Alton High School.
ALTON – While academic success and athletic accomplishments often earn recognition, it is character and compassion that truly define Alton High School junior Claire Delehanty.
She is an Art Fahrner-Edward Jones AHS Remarkable Redbird of the Month.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
Known for her positive attitude, willingness to help others and ability to make those around her feel welcome, Claire has become a source of encouragement for many students at Alton High School. Her commitment to supporting others, particularly within the school's special education program, has not only impacted the students she works with but has also helped shape her future aspirations.
What began as a visit during study hall to a special education classroom taught by Mrs. Bottens quickly evolved into one of the most meaningful parts of Claire's school day. Since then, she has taken on an informal peer mentor role, assisting students with classroom activities, helping reinforce lessons and building relationships that extend well beyond academics.
Over time, Claire has formed close connections with more than 10 students in the classroom, many of whom she now considers friends.
The experience has taught her valuable lessons in patience, communication and understanding. She has learned the importance of allowing students time to process and respond, recognizing that meaningful interactions often come from simply being present and listening.
Her support doesn't stop when the school bell rings. As a talented basketball player, Claire frequently spends time with students outside the classroom, including playing basketball with friends Cooper, Brantley and Taylor during physical education periods. Whether helping with a lesson, offering encouragement during a difficult moment or simply sharing time, Claire focuses on making others feel included and valued.
That compassion is rooted in personal experience. When Claire was seven years old, she lost a cousin to brain cancer. During her cousin's illness, which eventually resulted in blindness, Claire naturally stepped into a helping role, assisting her cousin with daily tasks and helping her navigate from place to place.
The experience left a lasting impression and helped shape her desire to support others. Today, Claire has also developed a close friendship with fellow Redbird Jackson, who is blind, further reflecting her commitment to building meaningful connections with those around her.
In the classroom, she is often willing to help students work through challenging situations, offering reassurance when they become frustrated and helping guide appropriate classroom interactions in a way that is supportive and respectful. Through these everyday acts of kindness, Claire helps create an environment where students feel comfortable, accepted, and understood.
Her dedication to others is matched by her achievements in the classroom and on the court. Claire has earned Honor Roll recognition during each semester of her high school career and currently maintains an impressive 4.5 GPA.
Athletically, she competes with the Mid Pro South club basketball program and is preparing for her third season as a key contributor to the Alton High School girls basketball team.
Looking ahead, Claire hopes to pursue a degree in Special Education while continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level. She plans to attend a smaller college where she can develop strong relationships with professors and remain focused on both her academic and professional goals.
For Claire, helping others has become more than a daily act of service. It has become a passion and a potential career path. Her ability to lead with empathy, build meaningful relationships and make a positive impact on those around her embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Remarkable Redbird. In fact, Claire has previously received this recognition for her accomplishments in academics and athletics, making this latest honor a reflection of the character and compassion she demonstrates every day.
Click here for Art Fahrner-Edward Jones' Facebook page.
More like this:
- Most Popular
- Top Stories
- Most Recent
