While at Malibu High School, Claire Thomsen’s need to help others extended globally. Thomsen traveled around the world for one year, creating a charitable project with help from partner READ Global that raised $50,000 to build a library in rural Bhutan. When she returned, she performed a TEDx talk about her experience. Thomsen said, “My experience in fundraising for three years on my own as a young teen taught me so much about humility, perseverance, hard work and the joy of helping others.” When not traveling to help the global community, Thomsen is also a local leader, taking on the role of co-president of the MHS Gay/Straight Alliance Club and co-directing the MHS Masque Talent Show for two years.