Brianna McClure '13

• Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

• Major: Exercise Science

Brianna McClure, the 2009 Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School "Graduating Class Ideal Graduate," chose Huntingdon for her college home during her campus tour. She was impressed by the friendliness and the sense of home she felt as the tour guide waved or spoke to friends while walking the College pathways.  Now, she says, "Some of my favorite experiences about Huntingdon are being recognized by friends and professors across campus.  No matter where you go on campus, you always know someone there, and you never meet a stranger.

"As an incoming freshman commuter, I was very nervous about getting to know people and getting involved. Little did I know, in a few short weeks I would create so many lasting relationships and get so involved that I was always on campus. Most people don't know that I'm a commuter. There are so many great events and activities on campus that I am almost always on campus, except for when I go home to sleep.

"At Huntingdon, there are endless opportunities to get involved. I have been drawn to join Greek life and am very thankful that I made the choice to go Greek. I also help with student life doing orientation for incoming students. I have participated in cross country for the past two years and will also participate in the upcoming track and field program. Attending Emerge and Chapel worship services has been very uplifting as well and a great way to spend time with fellow students and worship together."  Brianna has already earned two championship rings for her participation on the cross country team, which won the GSAC Conference title in both 2010 and 2011.  She was named to the All-Conference Team both years, garnering the All-Academic Award in 2010, as well.  

A generous student with a giving spirit, Brianna is usually among the first in line to get involved in campus-wide service projects.  After the April 27, 2011, tornadoes devastated Alabama, Brianna joined a team of students who volunteered their time in a center in Eclectic.  While there, she overheard some parents talking about their daughters' upcoming high school proms, indicating that their dresses had been destroyed in the storms.  Brianna rallied her Huntingdon friends— some of whom drove hours to retrieve dresses from home.  She returned to Eclectic the next day with more than 50 prom dresses to distribute.