Clara Altemus, senior, spends her time as a member of Link Crew, International Club and as Co-Photo Editor for the Amplifier, though these are only some things that Altemus contributes her time to.

Starting her freshman year, Altemus began taking photos for the paper. After completing a few memorable photo essays, she was hooked.

"Journalism is a key to connecting the outside world. It's a way of communicating to the students,” Altemus said. “It sounds cliche, but photos really can tell a thousand words. It is ever more important that we get the news to everybody.”

This year, Altemus’ class load is filled with AP Physics , AP Environmental Science, Pre Calculus, Primary Tutor, and English. Looking back, she found her favorite class to be Physics, taught by Julie McDevitt.

“It seems to really click. The concepts and ideas just make sense to me and I enjoy continually learning about things that we encounter daily, plus, it helped to build a foundation for ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair).”

Meeting weekly, Altemus, along with Arianna Hall and Zoe Maxwell, seniors, has engineered a new way of generating energy from rainfall. Their project took them from the small district fair, to a statewide fair and almost to internationals. Recently presenting at an international conference in Portland, Altemus said, “We hope to make it to ISWEEP this year. Our goal is to have  a patentable project by April.”

When her time isn’t spent at work or school, she is continually involved in volunteering. Altemus volunteers regularly at the Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, general surgery unit. She started because she thought it would be a good experience for a possible career path, though her thoughts have changed somewhat. Over the summer Altemus also volunteered at Camp Yakety Yak, a day camp  for children with special needs, for six weeks, a total of 250 hours.

Altemus also enjoys going out to eat with friends and try new places. She loves being outdoors and hiking or rock climbing whenever possible. “When I’m not incredibly busy, I try to get out for a hike. We have so many gorgeous landscapes around us that are perfect for weekend breaks,”  Altemus said.