Claire Essley, student artist, received the Silver Key Award in the Scholastic Art Exhibit, 2002, and her Windows on Irondequoit work applies her sensitive ability to combine color and create feeling in portraits and nature themes. A tenth grader at Irondequoit High, Claire plans to pursue a degree in Art Education although her fascination for history and success in science may entice her to dual majors. She was chosen by her fellow eighth graders at Dake Junior High as outstanding class artist (2001) where she produced several large educational murals for classrooms. She served as an intern art-teacher in Dake Junior High for credit this year and enjoyed helping others learn to see and express themselves in art. She has developed her skills taking as many art courses as possible, and her skill in portraits of animals and children are widely appreciated.