By: Lilah B. in Grade 4
USA Today reporter Clare Mulroy visited Mrs.Black’s and Mrs. Natale’s classes on April 14, 2026. Clare had Mrs. Black for a fourth grade teacher, during Clare’s early days of her career as a reader and writer. She has loved writing since she was in elementary school and she wrote TONS of stories and books when she was young. She told us about how she wrote a newspaper in fourth grade called “Rabid Monkey Times,” just for fun! Her Mom recently found the newspaper and we were even able to see it.
Clare chose to write for USA Today because of the huge audience. She writes articles, and is writing a fiction book…she writes in tons of genres! She admitted that she has been criticized by people who read her writing, but that she doesn’t let it bother her. Clare has interviewed many famous people. She interviewed the actress Rachel Zegler, who played Snow White in the live action movie from 2025! She also communicated with an author who had a pen name. The author told Clare her real name and Clare was able to break the story first!
As a kid, she read Series Of Unfortunate Events and she also liked the Magic Tree House series! In her role as a reporter, she interviews authors, actors, and directors. She shared some inspiration when she told us, “Never stop writing!” Clare also gave us some advice for writing, by saying: “It’s always helpful to know your reader.” She explained that we should know our audience so that we know how to phrase things and what specific words to choose.
Clare has always been a great writer, but did you know that she used to want to be an actor, too? In her elementary and high school years, she acted with Knights Theater Company as well as DramaFun, which is owned by Courtenay Harrington-Bailey.
Clare gave us advice on writing, reading, and she told us not to give up. She told us her backstory, her role as a reporter, and how much she loves her job. We are so excited that Clare is coming back to have lunch with some students later this year. We look forward to hearing about her next assignment and getting more advice. We were so lucky to have Clare visit us!
