51����

Claire June Laux, Chloe M. Niesz Kutsch and Melaina Grace Mattingly Uhrig graduated together, with honors, in 51����’s Spring Class of 2025. They met in preschool and have remained close friends for more than 19 years. They attended the same preschool (51����’s Child Development Center), grade school (Holden Elementary), middle school (Stanton Middle School), high school (Theodore Roosevelt High School) and university (51����).

Laux studied neuroscience and violin performance at 51���� and graduated with two degrees, Kutsch’s major was international studies and Uhrig was in the university’s music education program. The trio spoke with 51���� Today just a few days before commencement. 

Friends From the Start

Carolyn Galizio was a teacher at the 51���� Child Development Center when these three young people were there. She shared her memory of how they came into the center. On a student’s first day, parents would bring the children in one at a time so that they can meet each other and get to know the classroom. 

Laux entered first, quiet and observant. “Taking in everything around her,” Galizio said. “She didn’t talk to me right away, but as soon as another child came in, she talked to her new friend. Two of those new friends were Chloe and Melaina!”

Watching Their Personalities Emerge

The students enjoyed the time playing happily outdoors. Out on the playground, Galizio said, Kutsch “could do great somersaults and all kinds of dance moves. Melaina sang all the time and Claire joined in with them but also sort of led them both.”

“Chloe was unafraid and loved outdoor adventures. She would say ‘C’mon, let’s go!’ to her friends. Claire loved to stop and study insects or flowers and would sketch what she found,” she said. 

“Melaina always cared for anyone who was hurting or sad,” Galizio said. “She would end up carrying things for other children, just like I did. I would always tell her that she didn’t have to, but she would say, ‘I want to help.’”

Friendships Grown From A Strong Foundation

A key ingredient in the longevity of their friendship is proximity. All three friends grew up in Kent, living just two blocks from each other. Their parents are friends with one another and are 51���� faculty. Every Friday, the families would come together for potluck dinners. 
 

“That was something we just always knew: that we would be together every Friday,” Laux said. “So even if we were not as close, maybe in middle school or high school, we knew that we would always have a dedicated time to be with each other.”

“I think the community we were able to have from such a young age is also special,” Uhrig said. “And especially having that community here in Kent and having that carry with us through preschool, through elementary school, through middle school and all the way through college is so special to me. To have the same people cheering me on at my concerts and recitals that were cheering me on when I was in elementary school – that is so special.”

‘I Didn’t Realize How Special It Was. It Was Just Who We Were’

“I probably haven’t thought enough about the fact that it is special or that everybody might not have this kind of friendship or community,” Laux said. “But now, especially when I’m graduating, I’m looking back on the past 19 years and I’m realizing that what we have is really cool and it is really special.”

“It’s just unreal to me, honestly,” Kutsch said. “I do think it is something that I probably took for granted growing up. These were just Claire and Melaina. I didn’t realize how special it was. It was just who we were. It was Chloe, Claire and Melaina. But now that I’m growing older and I’m looking into the future and moving away from Kent, I realize more and more how lucky I am.”

‘No Matter Where We Go, We’re Always Going to Have Each Other In Some Way’

The three friends have different plans after graduation and realize that they may not be as geographically close or see each other as often as they always have. 

Laux will begin a master’s program in biology at 51���� in the fall and then plans to look at doctoral programs at other universities. Uhrig is looking to stay in the area and is seeking a position teaching general music at an elementary school. Kutsch will be moving to Portland, Maine, to pursue a graduate certificate in documentary studies at the Salt Institute at the Maine College of Art and Design.

“Getting our ‘big girl jobs’ and doing master’s programs and things like that will make us a lot busier,” Uhrig said. “But I think if our friendship has stood the test of time for this long, that we won’t have trouble staying in contact beyond that.”

“I am honestly not worried about it,” Laux said. “I think it will be disappointing when we’re not as close to reach. But I think that no matter where we go, we’re always going to have each other in some way. And since our families are still in Kent, we’ll always have that connection to bring us back.”

Kutsch said, “It scares me a little bit. Having lived in the place for almost 22 years. I don’t know exactly how I’m going to react, but I am very grateful for, as cliché as it is, for the phones and social media because I know that my family and friends are one text away, one call away. So, I know wherever I end up, Maine or beyond that, the connections, they’re going to be just as strong.”

“No matter how long we haven’t seen each other, we’re always going to come back and feel the same,” Laux said. 

Uhrig added, “I think just knowing that no matter where life takes us, we will always have these friendships to fall back on.”

‘Look At These Young Women Now!’

“I honestly can’t remember a time when these girls didn’t love each other,” Galizio said. “They were then, as they are now, very different from one another, but always kind and loyal friends. I have always felt honored to know them and their wonderful families. I’ve been so lucky that we have kept in touch over the years. I was one lucky, lucky teacher for sure.

“And look at these young women now! I am thrilled that they will lead the future for us.”