Stroll Sedgefield is excited to shine a light on the young adults in our community, especially as they take on new adventures beyond high school. This month, we caught up with Claire Kluttz to hear about her first year of college and the path she’s carving for herself.

Claire, a freshman at UNC-Wilmington, is wrapping up a busy and fulfilling first year of college. As a Tourism, Recreation, and Sport major with a concentration in Events and Hospitality—and double minoring in Nonprofit Management and Environmental Sustainability—Claire has packed her schedule with both academics and hands-on experience.

“I work for the Town of Leland Parks & Recreation department to facilitate and plan programs at our Cultural Arts Center as well as out of town,” Claire shares. “I’m really proud of the work I get to do. I work alongside the department directors and bring my new perspectives and skills to make our programs better.”

Claire’s commitment to service started long before college. She graduated from Ragsdale High School with a Service Learning Diploma, completing over 200 hours of community service. “I’m proud of that because it reflects the work I put into making a difference,” she says.

Growing up in Sedgefield left Claire with memories she still cherishes. “My favorite memory was going to the pool in the summer with my friends. Me and all of my best friends were on the swim team every summer growing up and then helped junior coach when we got to high school,” Claire says. “We would wake up early for practice in the mornings, then stay all day around the pool until our parents made us leave.” She also recalls neighborhood gatherings fondly. “I remember going to the Memorial Day and Fourth of July parties and having so much fun every year.” A favorite family tradition was Thursday pasta nights with family friends, the Brewers.

When Claire returns home, she makes sure to stop at some local favorites. “I love Guilford & Main, Joy Bar, and Blue Rock,” she says.

At UNC-Wilmington, Claire has found a close-knit community through Tri Sigma sorority. “I have found my best friends, roommates, and sisters in this chapter and am so grateful I joined freshman year!” she says. She’s also continued her connection to Jamestown United Methodist Church, where she’s been involved in service opportunities and youth small groups, describing the people there as some of the “best mentors and people to look up to.”

Looking ahead, Claire is eager for the summer, when she’ll serve as Waterfront Director at Camp Grier, just outside Black Mountain. “Camp Grier is the most beautiful place and has been home to me for the last three summers!” she says. After graduation, Claire hopes to work with sustainability organizations and nonprofits to plan community engagement events—and she plans to continue supporting Camp Grier’s conservation efforts.

Claire’s first year away from home has been one of growth, hard work, and building new communities, all while staying connected to the values and experiences she brings from Sedgefield.