Claire Smith ’15 Selected to Write for Reality
Posted September 24, 2012
Claire Smith ’15 is one of the newest in a crop of teen contributors to Reality, an award-winning section of The Intelligencer newspaper. Her first article appeared in the September 20th issue. The Hun School of Princeton sophomore was selected in mid-August to submit regularly for publication.
Claire’s interest in reporting was noticed at The Hun School in the first week of her freshman year. She gravitated to the School’s student newspaper, The Mall, writing an op-ed piece about her experience transitioning to a new school and what it is like to be a freshman in 2011. Her contributions continued throughout the year.
Allayna Garrett, advisor to The Mall said, “Claire is extremely dedicated to the program and a real go-getter. She brings great story ideas to every meeting and is always growing as a writer. I know that I will rely on her as a leader with our School publication.”
As a teen author for Reality, Claire hopes to bring forward the lighter issues that teenagers and students face today. Her first submission, “A letter to NBC: Save ‘The Office’ and ’30 Rock’,” addressed her disappointment with the announcement that two of her favorite television programs will see their final seasons this year.
“The section is written by teens about issues that affect us. I want to use my voice to relate what I am experiencing as a teen to others, and I want my writing to be entertaining.” Claire said. “This section is a vehicle for teens to be heard, not just by other teens, but by adults, too. The articles and columns are a way for adults to better relate to younger people.”
Claire is excited about her Monday deadlines, Thursday publications, and the feedback that readers are able to offer.
“I hope the readers of Reality enjoy my writing. I’m looking forward to writing much more,” said Claire.
