Clare Doss

This collection of profiles would not be complete without a visit with someone who will come of age in the new millennium.

Clare Doss has lived her entire young life south of Berryville. At 12 years of age, she is still very much a kid, but she has already demonstrated a real talent for writing. She made it to the national finals last year in an essay contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

"As soon as I could write, I was writing," she said.

Clare put her writing skills to good use in her current 4-H Record Book, which includes an enjoyable chronicle of her study of moths and butterflies.

She has a sophisticated collection of carefully prepared specimens. She has exchanged emails with an entomologist at the University of Arkansas, and she will meet with him soon to get some guidance about the field.

"I'm not sure I want to study bugs the rest of my life," she said, but she thinks she'll pursue some field of science. "I'm working on that," she promised.

Like many girls her age, she loves horses. "I like being up there high and in the wind," she said. Clare spoke very highly of the support and encouragement she has received from Reba Potee, who has worked with her for several years. She even showed a horse at the fair.

When Clare got interested in swimming, paddling around the pool just wasn't enough. She started lap swimming, and added some advanced strokes. "The butterfly was very difficult at first, until I found a rhythm," she admitted. "I've spent my life learning in my own way." Besides, the swimming helps stretch and strengthen the muscles she needs for horseback riding.

This young lady knows she is fortunate to have so many opportunities in life, and she looks for ways to help others less fortunate. She brings home dolls donated to St. Vincent's Thrift Shop, and cleans and repairs them for sale.

"I like knowing that some little kid will be able to afford a nice doll," Clare said. She rejuvenates a lot of Barbies, and baby dolls, too.

She also helps with St. Vincent's annual Christmas drive, which provides needy children with gifts of new clothes and a toy.

"We spend two or three days wrapping," Clare said, "but I know all those kids are getting something nice." 

Somehow Clare still finds time for other activities, like counted cross-stitch, contra dancing, or playing the piano.

Clare knows she will live in a world with fewer limitations than ever for women. And that's good, because she has very little patience with limitations. She was born with one leg several inches shorter than the other. Her right arm is also shorter than her left, with just a couple of fingers.

"I don't let my arm and leg limit me," Clare said in an understatement.

Clare has been a member of the North Polo Pioneers 4-H for three years, and has been home-schooled since first grade. Her parents are Barry and Connie Doss.