What’s recently happened?
Clay High School (Clay) recently hosted its final home basketball game ever. For its final home game, Clay played against one of its biggest rivals, New Prairie High School.
In order to pay tribute to the many years that Clay has been open, Clay also hosted an open house for alumni to come back and see their beloved high school once again that same night. Clay’s Student Council led tours around the building to show how the building has changed over the years.
Clay’s gym was full with people coming to support the basketball team. Alumni, going all the way back to the 1960s, came in support of Clay. Everyone was happy seeing their high school once again even if it was for the last time.
The basketball game ended up being a huge success for Clay. Clay’s basketball team managed to secure a victory over New Prairie with a final score of 70 to 39. When the game was over everyone rushed to the court to celebrate Clay’s victory.
What’s coming up?
Clay’s Winter Formal is Saturday, February 24. Students are invited to enjoy A Night in Paris planned by Clay administrators alongside the Student Council. Located in the Clay cafeteria, students will enjoy a Paris-themed night of fun. Food such as wings, cookies, and mocktails will be provided.
Students will dress their best at this dance; many students discussed their outfits for weeks prior to the dance.
The dance will start at 7 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. Students must purchase their tickets prior to February 23. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased during a student’s assigned lunch period. Students must show their ID in order to receive their ticket.
Students are urged to attend the final Winter Formal. A lot of time and effort has been put into the dance. The cafeteria will be decorated with beautiful lights, balloons, and eiffel towers. Students do not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Staff spotlight:
Edmund Sweeney teaches Earth and Space Science and Astronomy/Meteorology at Clay. Sweeney is the oldest staff member at Clay and is often called the grandfather of Clay. Having worked in the SBCSC district for 11 years, Sweeney has worked at a few other schools, but none have compared to Clay.
“The students at Clay enjoy taking my class, and I enjoy teaching them. The bonds I create each and every school year are something I will always remember and cherish,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney is well loved by his students and fellow staff members at Clay. Students often say he would give you the shirt off his back or bend over backwards for the people he cares about. Staff and students always greet him in the hallways, treating him like a celebrity.
Prior to working at Clay, Sweeney worked for Prairie Heights Community School Corporation as a Planetarium Director. He always always loved the sky; stars and the moon phases fascinate him.
“I love teaching about space – it is my passion. I enjoy teaching about the moon phases, the planets, stars, celestial objects, the whole universe.” Sweeney said.
Although Sweeney is 79, he is very active. Sweeney is always walking the halls as well as riding his bike to school in the summer and spring. Staff always offer him rides, but he says he prefers the fresh air.
Student spotlight:
Noah Trost is a junior at Clay High School. Trost plays the trombone and electric guitar in Clay’s band. Recently, Trost participated in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA)’s Solo and Ensemble competition and received gold for his solo performance of “Ordner Seg” by Oystein Baadsvik. On Saturday, February 24, Trost will go on to compete in state for ISSMA. Trost also performed “Ordner Seg” for his solo for Clay’s Winter Concert.
Earlier in the year, Trost was part of Clay’s Boys Soccer team. Even though this was Trost’s first year playing soccer, he quickly rose up to play varsity and became one of the most important players.
“I loved playing soccer. I was nervous at first; I did not have a good experience playing a sport previously. However, this season was truly awesome. I do not regret joining at all,” Trost said.
Trost is a dual credit student, taking classes such as Advanced Placement (AP) United States History. He thoroughly enjoys his history class.
“I was nervous to take this class because of AP. I have taken AP before and have been buried by work, but the teacher is so amazing and the topics interest me intensely,” Trost said.