Forman Scholar Xantha Cronrath Uniting Passion for Art and Environmental Science

Since childhood, Xantha Cronrath has been fascinated by the environment. She grew up with her feet in the dirt and an imagination that transformed her backyard into the setting of her favorite fairy tales. But over the years, Xantha has watched her beloved home be drastically altered due to the effects of climate change. That is why the Forman Scholar remains passionate about her choice to study the environment at Rutgers University-New Brunswick this fall.

“I grew up in the middle of the forest, and it really did feel magical,” Xantha said. “Between the wildlife and plants I encountered, I felt an innate sense of comfort being so in tune with the environment. But I started noticing changes that while small at first, are quite noticeable today. Where there was once an abundance of animals, such as rare tree frogs, there are now few. The water levels have risen exponentially, and this problem is impacting thousands of people.”

Xantha is prepared to dedicate her career to being an active member of the climate action conversation, and she hopes to work toward a climate change solution. While she hasn’t declared a specific major just yet, she loves to draw and is interested in somehow uniting her dual passions for environmental studies and architecture.

With family close to campus, Xantha was drawn to Rutgers for its spacious campus and dynamic learning environment.

“I love Salem, but I am really looking forward to taking advantage of a new space, meeting new friends and discovering my own voice,” Xantha said. “I am also excited for the little things – whether it be walking to the grocery store or decorating my apartment. I’m excited to grow on my own.”

During her time at Salem High, Xantha made it a point to get involved and take hold of all the opportunities the school offered. She plans to maintain that mindset as a Scarlet Knight.

“I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease during my freshman year,” Xantha said. “That diagnosis, while frightening, motivated me to become more involved and not miss out on the things I was truly interested in.”

Xantha excelled as a member of Salem’s tennis, swim and track teams, in addition to the school’s Interact Club. As one of the organization’s leaders, she spearheaded the design and development of a 30-foot mural painted in one of the school’s classrooms where students go to seek additional guidance and assistance.

“I really wanted to focus the painting on something that would be calming and relaxing,” Xantha said. “I learned all about color theory for this project, and I spent hours upon hours after school working on the mural. While I had the help of a few friends, it still took almost half a year to complete. Looking at it now, I am extremely proud of how it turned out.”

The mountain landscape remains on the walls of Salem High and will continue to serve as a visual reminder of Xantha’s time as a Salem Ram.

While Xantha is a new member of the Forman Acton Foundation’s community, she looks forward to continuing her involvement with the organization in the coming years. She has a passion for discovery and with the help of the Foundation, looks to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself in new ways.

“I feel like this opportunity to be a Forman Scholar is a testament to all of the hard work I’ve put into my high school experience,” Xantha said. “I am extremely appreciative of the resources and support the Foundation provides as a part of this program, and I am honored to continue representing Salem on Rutgers campus.”