What’s recently happened?
Although fall has just begun, the same cannot be said about Clay High School’s fall sports. In recent weeks, some of Clay’s fall sports have been celebrating their senior nights. Girls and Boys Soccer celebrated their senior night on September 12. Girls Soccer seniors Abby Demler (captain), Cora Bagarus (captain), Sarah Abdelrahman, Alizé Cortez, Lissette Molina-Vargas, Leslie Flores, and Carla Rivera Navarro were accompanied by a person of choice down the Clay track. Each person carried balloons or flowers in their hand as they walked alongside their soccer teammates with pride.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better season and teammates. These past four years have been amazing, and I wouldn’t change a single score, play, or team,” Demler said.
Boys Soccer seniors Christian David, Erick Esparza, Antonio Montoya (captain), and Johnathan Cherrone also celebrated their senior night on September 12. Surrounded by their families, the boys walked beside the soccer field and proudly smiled for pictures. From the sidelines, teammates, coaches, family and friends cheered in support as each player was announced.
What’s coming up?
Clay can barely contain its excitement as the fall Homecoming football game quickly approaches. On October 6, the Clay Colonials will host John Glenn High School at home at 7 p.m. Students are encouraged to come support their football team and fill the student section.
Clay will announce its Homecoming Royalty during halftime. Although traditionally, there is only one court designated for seniors, this year, there will be two separate courts. Juniors will be given a court alongside their senior peers. Juniors may only vote for their classmates, and the same for seniors.
The court contains 12 people, each maintaining good grades and attendance. Furthermore, students will campaign for the title of Homecoming Royalty. Clay is holding Spirit Week prior to Homecoming, with themes such as Adam Sandler Day and Throwback Day. The day of the football game, a pep rally will be held. The pep rally will include games, a walk around featuring fall athletes, and a walk around featuring the Homecoming courts.
After the game, an informal Homecoming “after dark” dance will be thrown in the auxiliary gym. The gym will be decorated heavily with purple and gold decorations, and students will get to celebrate the final Homecoming of Clay’s history.
Staff spotlight:
Leonard Cockman is an art teacher at Clay. Although he has only taught at Clay for two years, he has received praise and admiration from many students. Cockman teaches the “hands-on” art classes, such as Sculpture and Ceramics. Cockman is a student favorite and always has students visiting his classroom during passing periods.
In addition to teaching ceramics, Cockman is a potter outside of school. He runs his own pottery business, Len Cockman Pottery. Cockman sells his pottery on Etsy under the username LenCockmanPotteryUs and on Facebook under the username Len Cockman Pottery.
Cockman is passionate about his profession. He believes that you should have fun while creating your art projects.
“You aren’t graded based on the quality of your work,” he said. “You are graded for making the art. You are graded for learning and having fun. Art should not stress you out or frustrate you but be fun and give you something to look forward to.”
Student spotlight:
Micah Huerta is a senior at Clay. Huerta is a member of the National Honors Society, senior class vice-president, captain of the tennis team, and a restorative justice circle leader. Huerta is involved in multiple academic programs, such as the music magnet and Advanced Placement (AP) capstone.
Some of Huerta’s hobbies include playing the clarinet and bass, drawing, reading, ceramics, and building lego sets. Huerta enjoys reading fantasy novels, such as the “Harry Potter” series and the “Percy Jackson” series. He also enjoys cooking and even holds the title of pizza chef as an occupation. Huerta enjoys learning about his Mexican heritage and has a marigold tattoo on his collarbone in homage to his culture.
Huerta is actively involved in the Clay community. As the senior class vice-president, he is always participating in school activities and lending a helping hand in the planning and execution of such activities.
“I have been in the Student Council for two years. By far, my favorite activities to plan are dances. I loved planning winter formal and prom last year and can’t wait to plan them as a senior this year.” Huerta said.
Huerta’s favorite part about Clay is the community.
“It’s a close-knit community,” he said, “I love it. Our school community, despite its small size, is powerful. Everybody supports each other and no one feels left out. The community has never failed to show up and support each other.”