Multi-generational valedictorians

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Today's Catholic) -- Have you ever done something so reminiscent of one of your parents that your first thought was, "I've become my mother"?

Well, that's not such a bad thing for 18-year-old Claire Ensley, who is following in her mother Susan's footsteps as Bishop Dwenger's valedictorian this year. Susan held that honor when she graduated from Dwenger in 1981. But the intelligence gene goes even further back to Claire's grandmother,Mary (Stout) Carroll, who graduated top in her class in 1947 from Elmhurst High School. The family resemblance is evident when the three are together, but a closer look shows they share similarities that go much deeper. Mary Carroll was born the oldest of three children to Ray and Dorothy Stout in 1929. The members of her family were all avid readers, she recalls. "I loved to read Nancy Drew and imagined myself as a detective." English was her favorite class in high school where she graduated with top honors in her class of 99 students. She smiles when reporting that there were many valedictorians on her father's side. Her great grandmother, Lusettie Stout was valedictorian of her eighth grade class and there are several cousins who have earned the honor through the years as well. Following graduation, Carroll studied languages at Ball State University until she met her husband, Robert, and in 1951, they were married. That same year, Carroll converted to the Catholic faith. "I've been a Catholic for 54 years. To know the church is to love it," she says proudly. She was a full-time stay-at-home-mom after their children were born. Susan was born in 1963 and is the youngest of the three Carroll children. She admits she was not a very interested student in her early years. But she recalls one event that changed her life. "I remember one Christmas when I was about 12 years old. I got 16 books as gifts, all individually wrapped. I read them all." Susan reports that she learns best by reading books rather than studying formally. Upon entering high school at Bishop Dwenger she had earned an all-A grade card and thought "it was fun." Susan shared her mother's love for English and she participated in band as well. Her continuing academic excellence earned her co-valedictorian status in 1981 along with classmate and friend, Peggy Bass. Though her grades were evidence of her academic savvy, Susan was surprised that she was named top in her class. Following graduation, Susan attended the University of Saint Francis, earning a degree in elementary education. "Catholic education was big in our family. My mom is the best Catholic there is," she says with pride. Susan married Stan Ensley in 1985 and taught first grade at St. Vincent School for four years while earning her graduate degree in reading and special education. As their three children came along, Susan became a full-time stay-at-home-mom because she wanted to provide for her children as her mother had done for her. And for the past seven years she has held the first grade teaching position at St. Charles School, where she and her family are members. Claire, born in spring of 1988, is the oldest of the three Ensley children. She has attended St. Charles School and Bishop Dwenger High School. Her earliest memories are of her mom teaching her to read. "We had preschool at home with friends and cousins," Claire says. That language-enriched nurturing at home set the stage for a fruitful academic career for this young intellect. "I've always enjoyed school. My favorite is French," reports Claire, who adds that she participated in an honors exchange program where she visited France as her mother Susan had done over two decades earlier. Claire is listed as second in the nation on the National French Test. She participates in band as did her mother, French and calculus clubs and National Honors Society, as well. On being named valedictorian for 2006 at a special Mass in January, Ensley says she was not surprised. "With on-line grade postings, you can keep up with where you are." And she feels she's done her best. "I worked hard because I wouldn't have been happy with myself if I wasn't reaching my potential." Though this young valedictorian was awarded a full scholarship to Ball State University to study telecommunications, she has opted to pursue the study of theology at Marian College in Indianapolis. "I enjoy film-making," Claire says, "but we had good religion classes at Dwenger. I think it will be interesting to study." Her dream in life is "to please God." Ensley's grandmother and mother are both very proud of the family's newest valedictorian. But intelligence isn't the only thing passed down through the generations in this family. These three women share a quiet strength and spirit that comes from a place other than text books. It's evident that their shared faith is very important to the trio, when they say it's just a way of life for them. "Religion is very important to me. It's much more important than grades. It's so much bigger than school," says Claire. Her mother Susan agrees, saying, "Doing for others is more important to us than making money." The future looks bright for the modest Claire Ensley. Her grandmother is thrilled that she is valedictorian and "always knew she was awfully smart." Mom Susan can't wait to see what exciting options for the future will be open to her daughter. With Claire, the legacy lives on. - - - Kay Cozad is a staff writer for Today's Catholic.

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This story was made available to Catholic Online by permission of Today’s Catholic (www.diocesefwsb.org), official newspaper of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind.