April 28, 2026
*SENIOR SPOTLIGHT*
Claire Heinen By Caylie McKee
Claire Lyn Heinen was born on February 5, 2008. She is the daughter of Ron and Chantel Heinen, and a sister to Tyler and Marcus. A little about Claire is that she likes meeting new people and traveling to new places. After she graduates from Centralia High School she plans on attending Washburn University to major in communications, and get a minor in journalism. She hopes to pursue a career as a news anchor.
The clubs that Claire is involved in are KAY’S, FCCLA, and SADD for four years. And the sports that she likes the most are volleyball and softball. Claire has played volleyball and basketball for all four years, softball for two, and track for one. If she had to pick one sport to be her favorite Claire would pick volleyball because she gets to be with all her friends doing the sport that she loves the most. The most influential teacher that Claire had, was Mrs. Lora Whetzal. Even though she retired a couple of years ago, she made an impact on Claire’s education. She made learning, especially English, enjoyable and always had a positive attitude. Mrs. Whetzal’s energy made students enjoy coming to class.
When asked what the best advice would be for the upcoming seniors, Claire said “Live in the moment with your friends and don’t take it for granted because it goes fast.” Her favorite high school memory would have to be from Junior year in Algebra 2. Meleah and Claire would talk and joke around so much that they would get completely off track. Even though they probably should have been paying more attention, those moments made the class unforgettable and full of laughter.
The most challenging part of high school for Claire would be balancing schoolwork, sports, and other extracurriculars. She said there were times where it felt a little overwhelming, but it helped her manage her time well and stay organized. By pushing through those challenges, she said it helped her be more responsible and prepared for the future.
If Claire had to describe high school in one word it would be interesting. One reason she said this is because you meet people that you never thought would meet. Another reason is that one second you are stressed about a project and the next second you are laughing with your friends at the lunch table. She said you never know what is going to happen next.
Claire Heinen’s high school journey has been filled with growth, meaningful experiences, and lasting memories. From her involvement in sports and activities to the relationships she made with friends and teachers, she has made the most of her time at Centralia High School.
Claire Heinen By Caylie McKee
Claire Lyn Heinen was born on February 5, 2008. She is the daughter of Ron and Chantel Heinen, and a sister to Tyler and Marcus. A little about Claire is that she likes meeting new people and traveling to new places. After she graduates from Centralia High School she plans on attending Washburn University to major in communications, and get a minor in journalism. She hopes to pursue a career as a news anchor.
The clubs that Claire is involved in are KAY’S, FCCLA, and SADD for four years. And the sports that she likes the most are volleyball and softball. Claire has played volleyball and basketball for all four years, softball for two, and track for one. If she had to pick one sport to be her favorite Claire would pick volleyball because she gets to be with all her friends doing the sport that she loves the most. The most influential teacher that Claire had, was Mrs. Lora Whetzal. Even though she retired a couple of years ago, she made an impact on Claire’s education. She made learning, especially English, enjoyable and always had a positive attitude. Mrs. Whetzal’s energy made students enjoy coming to class.
When asked what the best advice would be for the upcoming seniors, Claire said “Live in the moment with your friends and don’t take it for granted because it goes fast.” Her favorite high school memory would have to be from Junior year in Algebra 2. Meleah and Claire would talk and joke around so much that they would get completely off track. Even though they probably should have been paying more attention, those moments made the class unforgettable and full of laughter.
The most challenging part of high school for Claire would be balancing schoolwork, sports, and other extracurriculars. She said there were times where it felt a little overwhelming, but it helped her manage her time well and stay organized. By pushing through those challenges, she said it helped her be more responsible and prepared for the future.
If Claire had to describe high school in one word it would be interesting. One reason she said this is because you meet people that you never thought would meet. Another reason is that one second you are stressed about a project and the next second you are laughing with your friends at the lunch table. She said you never know what is going to happen next.
Claire Heinen’s high school journey has been filled with growth, meaningful experiences, and lasting memories. From her involvement in sports and activities to the relationships she made with friends and teachers, she has made the most of her time at Centralia High School.