Freshman Claire McDaniel satisfies her favorite hobby while treating other Bruins by making cookies.

Every Monday morning, many Bear River students have their day brightened with some homemade cookies from McDaniel. This amazing act of kindness is a crazy commitment, but nevertheless, she always shows up with a batch. 

“I have been baking since I was little, but it really just spiraled this year,” says McDaniel. 

She put into perspective just how many cookies she makes and brings each Monday. 

“It ranges between 100 to 200 cookies per week,” she said. “I bake chocolate chip, m and m, snickerdoodle, peanut butter, and sugar cookies.” 

Spanish teacher Shawn Mason is a regular recipient of cookies. 

“I’ve received a few batches of cookies and they are absolutely delicious,” said Mason. “She has a real talent for baking.” 

Freshman Gabby Gerster is another long-time satisfied recipient.. 

“I’ve been getting Claire’s cookies for a few months now, and it’s probably the highlight of every week. She’s even let me bake them with her a few times,” Gerster said. 

McDaniel takes requests from students each week on the types of cookies she bakes. If someone asks her for a specific flavor, she will bake it and bring it the next Monday. 

Student recipients aren’t the only ones who love the cookies. 

“My favorite is m and m for sure,” said McDaniel. 

Gerster talked about how McDaniel’s character reflects her friendly actions.

“Claire is one of the nicest people and she is so willing to help you out with anything, or do anything extra for people, and her cookies are just one example of that,” Gerster said. 

Mason agreed that McDaniel is an amazing person.. 

“She is a super nice and very involved student and I believe that giving things to other people to make them happy is definitely a reflection of her character,” he said. 

On the weekends, McDaniel could be doing many other things besides baking for people. She explained why she is persistent. 

“It just makes me feel good to see people’s reactions and seeing their faces,” said McDaniel. “It makes people want to come to school; I have heard several people say they like Mondays now.”

Having students like McDaniel spreading kindness has provided hope for more of these stand-up Bruins on campus. 

“I think it’s absolutely amazing,” Gerster said. “Having someone like Claire on campus is just so refreshing, seeing how much effort she puts into bringing light to the people at our school.” 

McDaniel’s intention isn’t just to spread smiles. She also wants to use her baking to make a difference in the campus community. 

“My hope is that over and over, doing this will inspire people,” McDaniel said. “I feel like if you push it on people, it won’t make them want to do it, but if they see it, it might make them want to, without being forced into it. They [will] just do it themselves.” 

McDaniel wants to encourage other Bruins to step up and brighten people’s day through random acts of kindness. Displaying these character traits not only can brighten people’s days, but you can also be recognized. Acting with the Bruin core values can reward you with certain titles and recognition from teachers and staff.