Freshman Catherine Cleary sits in Mike Parker’s fourth hour history class during her second week at FHN. The class is abuzz with small talk until someone mentions Catherine’s unusual talent: being able to imitate animals.

Recently a new student at North, Catherine found making the transition from a small school to a larger school easier because she could break the ice with her talent. Catherine smiles to herself, imagining the reactions of her fellow classmates. She hesitates, but then cups her mouth and lets out a surprisingly realistic dog noise. The class is stunned. Some smile, some laugh, and others nod their heads in confusion.

“The first time I heard Catherine make an animal noise I didn’t realize it was her,” junior Jeremy Noble said. “I thought it was an actual animal or an electronic device.”

Catherine switched from Churchill School in St. Louis to North at the beginning of third quarter.

“Because she came from a small school, Catherine wasn’t surrounded by extra curricular opportunities that much,” mother Claudia Cleary said. “North has given Catherine a chance to shine as herself and be around kids of different talents and backgrounds.”

Catherine has been able to imitate animal noises since she was a few years old when she scared a few car burglars away by imitating a dog. The noises are made by using tactics, such as forming her mouth, vocal cords, or diaphragm certain ways. Catherine, an only child, found companionship and inspiration in any pets such as cats, birds, and a horse. After many years of practice, research, and being surrounded by a variety of pets, Catherine’s list of noises has grown to include over 15 imitations, including bears, mountain lions, and chickens.

“It’s a chance for me to be able to make people laugh and share my passion for animals with them,” Catherine said. “It’s funny to watch people’s reactions.”

In the future, Catherine hopes to work with either animals or pursue a voice-over acting career. She believes that her talent will make her stand out from the crowd and is something different she can bring to the career tables.

“When I was little I thought everyone could do it, but then I realized that I have a special talent that not a lot of people have,” Catherine said. “It’s just another thing that makes me unique.”