
Stone Gate’s Claire Garcon Earns Over $500K in Scholarships and Heads to Fordham to Become a Neurologist
Graduation season brings a flood of emotions—pride, nostalgia, excitement—but for Stone Gate resident Claire Garcon, it also brings a launchpad to something extraordinary.
The Cypress Ranch High School senior, known for her quiet strength and magnetic leadership, is trading the familiar sidewalks of her neighborhood for the bustling streets of New York City. This fall, she’ll begin her college journey at Fordham University, taking the first step toward her dream of becoming a neurologist.
“I plan to major in Neuroscience and go to Medical School to become a Neurologist,” Claire shared. Her ambition isn’t just a career plan—it’s a calling.
Roots in the Community, Wings for the Future
Claire’s story began right here in the Cypress area. She walked the halls of Birkes Elementary, matured through the classrooms of Spillane Middle School, and bloomed on the courts and in the labs of Cypress Ranch High. With deep ties to her community and a résumé that reads like a scholar’s dream, Claire has earned more than $500,000 in college scholarships. But those who know her will tell you—she’s so much more than her accolades.
A National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society, Claire has always held herself to the highest academic standards. Her place on the Distinguished Honor Roll was as consistent as her character: quiet, focused, and deeply kind.

A Champion On and Off the Court
Though she might come off as serious, Claire’s teammates know the truth—she’s got a quick wit and a love for inside jokes. “I look serious but I like to joke around,” she said.
Tennis has been her other great love. Claire played varsity all four years of high school, co-captained the team in 2024, and led as captain her senior year. Under her leadership, the Cypress Ranch tennis team clinched district championships back-to-back. Claire herself earned second place in girls’ doubles in 2024 and girls’ singles in 2025. She also received Academic All-State First Team honors for team tennis—a nod to her incredible balance of athletics and academics.
The lessons from the court—resilience, focus, teamwork—mirror the qualities she’ll carry with her to Fordham and, one day, into operating rooms and neurology clinics.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
In the middle of her rigorous academic schedule and demanding practices, Claire never lost sight of what mattered most: connection. Her favorite high school memories aren’t just tied to awards or wins—they’re the casual hangouts, the spontaneous laughter, and the joy of discovering new restaurants with friends.
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That simple pleasure of “trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends” became her way to stay grounded and present, even while preparing for a future filled with ambition.
A Bright Light from Stone Gate
Claire represents what’s best about the Cypress community—a blend of discipline, warmth, intellect, and quiet determination. As she heads to Fordham University this fall, she carries with her not just the hopes of a supportive family and neighborhood, but a sense of purpose that feels larger than life.
Her journey from Stone Gate to the Bronx is just beginning. The next time you hear her name, it might be followed by “Dr. Garcon”—and it wouldn’t surprise anyone who’s had the honor of watching her grow.
For now, we celebrate a remarkable young woman stepping confidently into her future. Congratulations, Claire. Cypress is cheering for you—every step of the way.
