Claire Rydberg

Name: Claire Rydberg

Hometown: Pierre, South Dakota

Local SDFRW Club: Cen-Kota

Birthplace: I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Occupation: After graduating from Pierre T.F. Riggs High School in 2020, I started pursuing my college degree in History/Government Education and Political Science by taking classes at home in Pierre through Capital University Center, while working as a waitress at Red Rossa Italian Grille. I plan on attending SDSU on campus in Brookings this fall. 

Tell us about your family:  I have two brothers. My stepbrother Chase (who graduated in 2020 with me), is attending SDSU and my younger brother Josh is a Junior in High School. My mom, Penny, is the SDFRW State President and owns her own biotech consulting business. My dad, Chad served in the South Dakota Air National Guard for 26 1/2 years. My stepdad, Rich, is the current South Dakota State Auditor and served in the United States Army for 18 plus years. 

Tell us why you belong to SDFRW and feel free to share any special activities and/or committees you have been involved with: I have belonged to SDFRW for about 8 months officially. However, I have been tagging along and attending meetings with my mom since 2016. I am currently serving as the Vice-President of Cen-Kota and am also a member of the SDFRW Board of Directors. This year our Cen-Kota club made gift baskets for residents of the Edgewood Assisted Living Center. I had the opportunity to lead and organize this fun project! We were all honored to be a part of it!

Hobbies/other: I was active in Teenage Republicans for 7 years and served numerous positions on their executive board including: President, Vice President, Secretary, and District Representative. I was also active in Basketball, Track, and was the President of my church youth group while in high school. 

List a few fun or interesting things about yourself: I worked for the South Dakota GOP during the 2020 legislative session as their Legislative Communications Director. I love to sew, hunt, and fish! 

Who is your favorite Republican? My favorite Republican is Abraham Lincoln. I have admired him since I was in Kindergarten when my teacher first taught us about presidents.  Shortly after, I remember walking down to our school library and checking out a book on the United States Presidents and made my mom and dad read it to me. I have been hooked on the history of the Presidents ever since. 

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”