What’s recently happened?
Clay High School’s Season of Service has come to an end, with the student council raising over $1,300 for food to benefit the less fortunate members of the community. During the month of December, members of the Clay community were able to donate non-perishable food items to the main office to be packaged and sent to families in need.
“We are grateful for the kindness the community shows us, and we want to be able to give back,” Sophomore Class Sponsor Taylor Newport said.
On December 16, Clay hosted a canned food drive drop-off where people could drive and drop off canned goods or monetary donations. Members of the student council held signs up on the street and danced to Christmas songs.
Members of the community, as well as passersby, stopped and donated non-perishable foods. Many alumni came, talking to current Clay students about their experiences and fond memories. Soup, juices, mashed potatoes, and cake mixes were donated throughout the day.
On December 21, the student council went to Walmart and purchased groceries to package into boxes. These boxes were packaged and will be delivered to families for the holiday break.
“Season of Service is a great concept. It benefits so many of Clay’s families. Organizing the events regarding the Season of Service was so much fun, and knowing that it will help families made it all worth it,” Senior Class Vice President Micah Huerta said.
What’s coming up?
The “Save Clay High School” movement is continuing to grow larger as the final year is halfway complete. Parents, alumni, teachers, and members of the community continue to support and advocate for the school.
Recently, the Career Academy Network (Career) took a major step in its development and met with local elected officials in order to discuss its interest in buying the school. The new school would be a charter school called “Clay Academy High School.”
Career currently serves 1,600 students in two elementary, one middle, and two high schools in South Bend. With thoughts of expansion crossing its minds, Clay is the perfect opportunity for expanding its network.
Career believes its schools can work together with South Bend Schools, instead of competing with them. The earliest this school can open is in the fall of 2025, meaning current attending juniors would still have to graduate at another high school.
Currently, the deal is not official, but Indiana state law does prevent South Bend Community School Corporation from declining the deal.
Staff spotlight:
Rose Calhoun is the head of the science department and teaches Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, AP Environmental Science, Earth & Space Science, and Intro. to Agriculture at Clay. Calhoun has taught at Clay since 2010.
Calhoun has won several awards for her teaching, such as the Armstrong Teacher Educator award presented by Indiana University. Prior to teaching, Calhoun worked in and even lived in forests. However, Calhoun wanted to share her love and passion for the environment with young minds, resulting in her career in teaching.
“I want to show students that science is not as boring as it can seem; science is full of mystery and wonder. I want to share my passions and knowledge with the students,” Calhoun said.
Calhoun is a member of the Teacher Leadership Community for Nourish the Future, an organization for science teachers. The program allows Calhoun and other science teachers to deepen leadership abilities, and develop inquiry-based lessons.
Calhoun is an appreciated teacher at Clay, and considered a legendary teacher with her decade of commitment and dedication. Calhoun offers hands-on learning experiences and strives to give students the best opportunities possible.
“I want students to experience science and have fun while doing it,” Calhoun said.
Student spotlight:
Victoria Montgomery is a junior graduating early. Montgomery’s family has been attending Clay for decades, and their family name has not been forgotten. Montgomery is known for her big family and often jokes about how she’s related to everyone in South Bend.
Montgomery is involved in Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), theatre, and is a junior class officer. Montgomery has been in many theatre productions, such as “James and the Giant Peach” and “Radium Girls.”
“I enjoy being in theatre because being in a cast makes me feel happy and accepted. I love performing and being able to compete against other schools. I have made a lot of friends in the theater, all while stepping out of my comfort zone,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery is the junior class co-president. When the election results were announced, everyone was shocked as she tied with one of her peers. Many suggested a tie breaker, however both members agreed to be co-presidents.
Montgomery and her family are avid supporters of the Save Clay movement. She has spoken at several school board meetings and continues to advocate for stopping the closure of Clay.
“I love Clay. The school holds a very special place in mine and my family’s hearts. My family works and attends Clay,” Montgomery said. “Clay is so unique, with so many programs that other schools offer. When I realized there was a chance I would not graduate as a Clay student, I knew that I had to do everything in my power to graduate early.”