When Penn Manor alumna Claire Molitoris was 8 years old, she received a sewing machine from her grandmother. After her grandmother passed away, Claire wanted to feel close to her, so she joined a sewing program offered by 4-H, an organization that teaches skills to America's youths. With the help of her mother, Cathy Molitoris, Claire signed up for the Mountville 4-H Community Club and, under the guidance of Karen Fahnestock, Claire learned how to sew. While Claire honed her sewing skills, she discovered she had a passion for theater as well. During her time at Penn Manor High School, she found a way to combine both of her interests into one: theatrical costuming.
Claire was very active in Penn Manor High School's theater department and was chair of the costume crew for the fall plays and spring musicals, where she learned a lot about how to be a costumer. After high school, Claire attended Penn State at the school's main campus and was a theater major with a concentration in costume construction. She spent eight months in the Disney College program, where she worked backstage in costuming on "Festival of the Lion King" and "Finding Nemo: The Musical." She also helped with costumes for EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays.
Claire is currently employed by Celebrity Cruises as a wardrobe stitcher, where she does costume fittings and repairs for shows on the ship. When she first arrived on the ship in April, she and the other crew members had to quarantine for 14 days.
During her time in quarantine, Claire wished she had brought some fabric with her to create clothing. She shared this with her parents, and her father, Marty, told her he recently read an article about a man who made a paper horse and cowboy outfit for himself out of paper delivery bags. "I realized I was getting a lot of paper delivery bags with my meals every day. I figured I could make a dress with my costuming knowledge and the paper bags," Claire stated.
Claire said Penn Manor helped her get to where she is today. "I have found such a perfect career because of how much Penn Manor educators, such as Carole Shellenberger and Missy Mintzer, care about the arts," Claire added.
When Claire was 3 years old, she was diagnosed with selective mutism, which involves difficulty communicating in some situations. Through therapy and hard work, she slowly overcame this challenge. "Although no one would call her extroverted, she is now confident and self-sufficient," said Cathy. "She's not afraid to try new things and she loves a challenge. Marty and I are so proud."
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