1994 Claire Fulkes

Claire was not a jock. Claire was not showy. Claire was not a cheerleader. Claire was not the “in” high school crowd.

She was the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was wonderfully comfortable with herself. She was one of the most watched teenagers at North Cobb. She was one of the most popular.

Claire did not drink. Claire did not wear shoes unless the administrators made her. Claire was a “Jeep-High Country gal”, free spirited and ski slope pretty. Claire didn’t date.

She constantly served others – even before FCA. She would have happily given her shoes to someone who needed them. She was unpretentious, sincere and dedicated to whatever task to which God called her. She had tons of friends and many secret admirers.

Claire only got emotionally mad once that we ever saw – at herself for blowing a tennis game at school (it was more talked about as “You can’t believe this…” than any huge piece of gossip – no one could believe it, young or old). Claire was passionate about her causes and people.

She was a kid. She was a teacher. She was a leader. Even those who did not agree and lived another life would never let anyone talk bad about Claire. Incredible – gifted – a real life changer. She brought hope. She took others where she was because they wanted to be like Claire even if secretly they found great conviction. She was truly content even when challenged. She was not preachy but rather was alive.

Was she really a teenager or was she more of a Christian woman – a woman devoted to God – than we have ever seen? God through Claire showed us that it could be done. Not only that a young person could get the message and fullness of Christ but that anyone could.

Ready? She is now grown and still gives back to people. She still visits the weak, old and pours her life into others. She carried her mom through illness and then to the throne of God. She is a teacher. She is a leader. People still want to be like Claire. We still hear great stories second and third hand. She still loves Him and serves Him and is still incredibly happy.

It can happen – just see God in Claire. Better yet, find her and she will tell you that she’s not special – it can happen to you too.