What’s recently happened?
On October 6, Clay High School celebrated its final fall Homecoming. The Clay Colonials competed against John Glenn High School with a 19-16 win. Prior to the game, a pep rally was held to hype the student body for the upcoming game as well as to recognize the Homecoming Court.
Students participated in the pep rally, as each class competed against each other in a match of tug o’ war. Clay High School’s cheerleading team performed their routines, earning screams and cheers from the crowd.
At 7 p.m., the game began and purple-and-gold-dressed students filled the student section. Although the weather was rainy and cold, students, staff, and alumni came to support Clay High School. As the cheerleaders and band performed, Clay High School pride could be seen all the way across the field.
At halftime, the Homecoming Court walked down the field, and four winners were announced. After the game, students went back to the school for an afterparty held in the gym. The student body danced in the purple-and-gold-decorated gym and celebrated the bittersweet night.
What’s coming up?
Clay High School’s MORP dance will take place on November 3. The name MORP originates from prom, the scrambled letters giving a spooky twist to the title. MORP is a Halloween dance, offering students a chance to mingle with their peers and show off their costumes.
Additionally, students will be offered the opportunity to win awards for their costumes. Some awards include Best Couples Costume, Lamest Costume, Best Costume, Scariest Costume, and Funniest Costume. Tickets will be available for purchase during the school day in Migdalia Lopez’s room and the library.
Tickets are $8 and will not be sold at the door. Tickets will be sold from October 23 until the day of the dance. Students are not permitted to wear provocative costumes or facial coverings. Additionally, once you leave the dance, you are not allowed back inside.
Staff spotlight:
Kelly Rock is an English teacher at Clay High School. Rock teaches English 12 and AP English Literature and Composition, and has been teaching in the South Bend Community School Corporation since 2018. She has taught at multiple schools, such as Jefferson Intermediate Center and LaSalle Intermediate Academy.
However, Rock says that Clay High School is special to her. Since the news of the Clay High School’s impending closure, Rock has been an advocate for the “Save Clay” movement.
“Clay is a unique school. I have never seen such a loving and supporting community before. Clay is a second home to so many people. This school has so much to offer, and I wish that it could continue to stay open so future generations could experience Clay,” she said.
This year is Rock’s first year teaching seniors. In her previous years teaching at Clay High School, she has taught freshmen. Although she enjoyed teaching freshmen, she enjoys teaching seniors equally.
“Freshmen and seniors are so different. Freshmen need structure, as they are transitioning from middle school to high school. But seniors? Seniors have been in high school and know what’s expected of them. I feel like my seniors are teaching me sometimes,” she said.
Student spotlight:
Nicolette “Nikki” Rucker is a senior at Clay High School and is involved in the graphic design college technical education program (CTE). Rucker makes posters, advertisements, and arts for Clay High School in her CTE class. Additionally, she is involved in theatre and art classes such as painting.
Rucker is eternally grateful for the opportunities provided to her at Clay High School.
“I am thankful for the opportunities Clay has given me, such as my graphic design CTE,” she said. “If it weren’t for that, I would have never learned how to market and advertise my art for others. Clay High School helped me learn how to build professional relationships and begin a career for myself.”
Rucker moved to Clay High School her sophomore year, transferring from Mishawaka High School. At first, Rucker was nervous to transfer. Although she loved the arts, Rucker missed all of her friends from her old school and struggled to socialize with her new peers. However, Rucker grew to love Clay High School.
“I truly felt like I had a place at the high school,” Rucker said. “Everyone is kind to one another, no matter the background or identity.”
Rucker is enjoying her senior year at Clay High School, although it is bittersweet.
“I try to enjoy my senior year, but I feel almost guilty because I know the underclassmen won’t experience their senior years as a Colonial,” she said. “Even though I sometimes complain about school, who doesn’t? I love Clay High School, and purple and gold will forever have a place in my heart. I wish Clay could be saved, but the best we can do is save the memories we make here.”