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Clay Commencement Ceremonies 2019
The Clay Local School District's 79th Commencement Exercises occurred at 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 26, 2019. The following 58 seniors participated in the ceremony:
Skylar Cade Arits +*, Sophia Grace Balestra +#*, Aericah Sydney-Kaytelynn Barney +#*, Annabelle Juanita Bare, Jonathon Garret Beegan, Ryanna Paige Bobst +#*, Danny Ray Borders, Jr., Ashtyn Naomi-Noelle Brown +#*, Lila Mackenna Brown +#*, Elisa Marie Collins +#*, Jared Grayson Conkel, Chase Steven Conley, LaCyra June Craig, Abigail Elizabeth Deel, Kevin Gerald Deel, Cameron Nicole DeLotell +#*, Thomas Michael Earl Fleenor, Brandon James Fletcher, MaKayla Christine Fletcher, Zachary Garrett Fuller, Darby Jo Garrett +#*, Brandon Michael Gemperline, Calvin Woodrow Gerard #*, Delanie Hope Gilliland +#*, Ian Matthew Grimm, Christopher Aspen Hall ^, Austin Lee Hill, Jonathon Tyler Hobbs, Brandon Chase Hudson +, Chelsea Dianne Kleinman, Taylor Lee Lewis, Seth Allen Little, Julia Marie Lundy, Alexis Leann Martin **, Brookelyn Paige Martin, Hunter Matthew Mathias, Christopher Bradley McCleese, Kristin Marie Meadows, Isaiah Mullen, Alexandrya Musser +#*, Mason James Newton, Madison Aleix-Quinby Nigh ~+#*, Hannah Sue Oliver #, Hannah Elaine Pauley +, Haylynn Sue Pauley, Tyler James Phillips +#*, Christopher Allen Price-Hardy, Nicholas David Anthony Redden +, Garry Allen Reese III, Shaelyn Lee Robinson, Madison Helene Rogers, Zachary Steven Swayne, Gaven Nathaniel Traylor **#, Shaelyn Arin Vassar +#*, Abogale Rose Ware #, Jensen Mackenzie Warnock ~+#*, Cassidy Leigh Wells +#*, and Sarah Caroline Widdowson +#*
* CHS National Honor Society
** SCCTC National Honor Society
# Honors Diploma
+ Red Cross Leadership
~ Girl Scout Gold Award
^ 4-H Award
This graduating class has been offered approximately $600,000 in scholarship money. The Clay Legacy Fund/Clay Alumni Association awareded $1,000 scholarships to 29 of the seniors. Over the last 17 years, $6+ million has been offered to Clay High School graduates.
Saying Goodbye...
Mark Robinson, Patty Clark, and Adam Betten
Mark Robinson retires after 38 years (19 with Clay and 19 with New Boston). Robinson was a social studies teacher within both districts.
Patty Clark is retiring after 30 years as a custodian at Clay. She started as the night custodian working at both Rosemount and Rubyville Elementary schools.
While Adam Betten is not retiring, we say goodbye to him as he is moving on after 12 years at Clay. He will be the high school basketball coach and a teacher at Vandalia Butler High School.
Planting of Tree in Mrs. White's Memory
Thanks to the Clay Elementary PTC for purchasing a Weeping Cherry Tree in memory of Mrs. White. The fourth grade students were present for the dedication of the tree.
Visually Literate High School Art Show 2019
OHSAA, NFHS, & NIAAA Awards 2019
OHSAA Scholar Athlete
Cameron DeLotell, Shaelynn Vassar, & Jensen Warnock
NIAAA Three Sport/Season Athlete Award
Seniors - Jared Conkel, Tyler Hobbs, Chase Hudson, Alex Musser, & Jensen Warnock
Juniors - Caden Cline, Dakota Dodds, Caleb McNutt, Tanner Richards, Bryce Toomire, Reece Whitley, & Evan Woods
Sophomores - Clay Cottle, Ethan Jones, Mekenzie Loper, Shaley Munion, & Tabitha Whitt
Freshmen - Liam Garrison & Landon Thomas
NIAAA Multi-Sport Scholar-Athlete Recognition
Seniors - Skylar Artis, Garret Beegan, Ryanna Bobst, Lila Brown, Jared Conkel, Cameron DeLotell, Calvin Gerard, Aspen Hall, Tyler Hobbs, Chase Hudson, Alex Musser, Hunter Mathias, Bradley McCleese, Madison Night, Zach Swayne, Shaelynn Vassar, Abigail Ware, & Jensen Warnock
Juniors - Caden Cline, Dakota Dodds, Bryce Toomire, & Jaelyn Warnock
Sophomores - Megan Bazler, Dylan Collett, Clay Cottle, Chasten Davis, Jaden Jessee, Ethan Jones, Mekenzie Loper, Shaley Munion, Evan Woods, & Noah Wright
Freshmen - Gavin Cayton, Liam Garrison, Mitchell King, Preslee Lutz, & Kyleigh Oliver
NFHS National Award of Excellence
High School - Sophia Balestra & Lila Brown
Junior High - Chloe Betten & Evan Balestra
OHSAA Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award
High School - Chase Hudson & Abigail Ware
Junior High - Maggie Swayne & Ashton Whaley
OHSAA Courageous Student Award
Zach Swayne
Order your 2018-19 Yearbook
Have you ordered your 2018-19 Clay yearbook?
For questions or the need for other information pertaining to the yearbook, please contact our yearbook advisor, Ms. Armes ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).
https://www.jostens.com/apps/
Desco Credit Union 4 Reality Financial Education Program
On Friday, April 12, 2019, the Clay High School senior class participated in the Desco CU 4 Reality Financial Education Program, which is a hands-on learning experience with budgeting and spending.
The seniors had to select their career and calculate their monthly salary for that career. They went from table to table selecting items they could fit into their budget. They had to calculate into their budget such items as housing, transportation, food, and student loan payments.
Volunteers from Desco Federal Credit Union, Donna Wolery (Farmers Insurance Agency), and Arrick’s Propane helped with the event.
Mrs. Geralyn White (1962-2019)
Geralyn White "was a wonderful and loving teacher, co-worker, wife, mother, and grandmother, and she was a friend to so many. She touched the lives of hundreds of students over her career at Clay and will always be in their hearts. Geralyn will be greatly missed, but her wonderful smile, laugh, and memories will be with us forever."
ROSEMOUNT — Geralyn F. White, 56, of Rosemount, died April 10, 2019. OBITUARY
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Monday, April 15, 2019, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth while the funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at 10:00 am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church (Market Street).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Geralyn White Memorial Scholarship. Donations will be accepted at any Atomic Credit Union location.
Open Enrollment Application, 2019-20
Clay Local School District - Open Enrollment Application and Procedures 2019-20 School Year.
CMS Honors Assembly - Third Grading Period (2019)
Clay Middle School conducted an assembly for students to recognize their achievements during the third grading period on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.
Those students obtaining perfect attendance, B average, A average, and All-A average received recognition during the assembly.
Teachers also awarded the "Getting Better" award for the grading period. This coveted award acknowledges students who work hard and strive to improve every day.
Great job! We are proud of your efforts.
Hannah Oliver Signs LOI to Play Softball at SSU
Hannah Oliver, a Clay senior, signed her letter of intent to play softball at Shawnee State University. The Bears are members of the Mid-South Conference and the NAIA.
2018
Team Record: 24-6/13-1, SOC Champions (2018), Sectional Champions (2018), District Champions (2018), OHSFSCA - Scholar Athlete (2018), Team Competition Award (2018), Co-Pitching Award (2018), SOC - First Team (2018), District - Second Team (2018)
2017
SOC Champions [28-2, 14-0], Sectional Champions (2017), District Champions (2017), Pirching Award (2017), SOC - First Team (2017), SOC, Pitcher of the Year Award (2017), District - First Team (2017),
2016
SOC Champions [25-5, 14-0] (2016), Sectional Champions (2016), District Runners-up (2016), Pitching Award (2016), SOC - First Team (2016);
Portsmouth Daily Times article
Miss Clay 2019, Laiken Skinner
Miss Clay 2019, Laiken Skinner, wants to spread awareness to the needs of veterans returning home from combat/war.
Laiken is asking for donations of daily necessities and supplies (e.g., toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant). Donated items will be given to Post23 who will then give the supplies to hospitalized veterans and veterans who are less fortunate.
Blackburn/CLSD Receive Auditor's Award 2019
Brandi Blackburn, CLSD Treasurer, and the Clay Local School District received the Auditor of State Award for excellent record keeping and a clean audit report.
The Auditor of the State Award is presented to local governments and school districts upon completion of a financial audit.
Entities that receive the award meet the following criteria of a "clean" audit report: timely filing of financial reports; does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, etc.; & entities management letter contains no comments related to ethics references, questioned costs, lack of timely submissions, reconciliation, public meetings records, etc. ARTICLE
Clay Alumni/Legacy Scholarship Application
The Clay Alumni/Legacy Scholarship Information.
Any Clay High School senior (enrolled in the Clay Local School District the past two years) may apply for one of the Clay Legacy Scholarships to be awarded at graduation. To apply for the scholarship, use the below link. The application process is open from February 14 to April 1, 2019.
Music Department Highlights 2018-19
The band's first performance of the year was on August 7, 2018, at the Scioto County Fair.
The parade band performed in a number of parades and festivals, including the River Days' Parade, Wellston Coal Festival, Oak Hill Band Festival, Jackson Apple Festival, and the Circleville Pumpkin Show.
On September 21, 2018, our band traveled to Oak Hill to join the marching Oaks in a football game. It was a wonderful evening of music making, fellowship, developing friendships and having fun.
On November 3, 2018, members of the Clay Pep Band played Christmas Carols for a large crowd at the Alumni Association's annual Christmas Craft Bazaar. That afternoon, jr. high and high school students attended the annual Acappellooza collegiate a cappella festival on the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH.
On November 12, 2018, the Combined Band (grades 7-12) and the high school Mixed Chorus performed for the K-12 student body and members of the public for our annual Veterans' Day Assembly.
Between November 15-17, 2018, Ian Grimm and Madison Nigh, both four-year participants in the Honor Band (a rare honor) along with Trinity Ketchell, Gaven Cayton, and Justess Henry traveled to Wilmore, Kentucky, to perform with the Asbury University's Honor Band Festival. Our students were among only 98 students from five states that were selected to participate in this Honor Band.
On December 2, 2018, Emily Clausing, soprano, and Corvan Clark, tenor, both members of the High School Mixed Chorus, performed as members of the Portsmouth Civic Chorale, under the direction of Mr. Wiget, for its annual Christmas concert at All Saints' Church, Portsmouth.
Our annual Christmas Concert was held on December 9, 2018. Performing groups included the Junior High Band, Junior High Choir, High School Band and High School Choir. A large crowd was treated to sounds of the season and a sense of the Christmas spirit was felt by all.
On December 18, 2018, the High School Mixed Chorus was invited to sing for patients and staff of the inpatient physical rehabilitation unit at Southern Ohio Medical Center. After that, the chorus sang concert repertoire for and Christmas carols with the folks at the Scioto County Senior Center. Before lunch at All Saints' Church, the chorus sang it's concert repertoire for county commissioners, courthouse staff, and the public at the Scioto County Courthouse. Following our performances, Mr. Rhea arranged for the Friends of Portsmouth to open the Winterfest skating rink for our students to skate before returning to school. Thank you, Mr. Rhea, for making that happen for us!
On January 11, 2019, the Oak Hill Pep Band joined our pep band for another wonderful evening of music making, fellowship, developing friendships and having fun.
Taylor Entler was selected for the Ohio State University High School Honor Band. She was one of 360 students chosen from over 730 applicants. The students chosen represented five states. In addition, Ian Grimm, Nicholas Redden, Trinity Ketchell, Gavin Cayton and Justess Henry were selected as alternates. The Honor Band Festival included three concert bands at increasing ability levels. Taylor earned the honor to be in the Gray Symphonic Band, which was the middle-grade band. Rehearsals were held on January 17-18, 2019 with the performance on January 18, 2019.
January 22, 2019, brought the Middle School Band students to join the High School Pep Band for a fun evening and an opportunity to see what Pep Band is all about.
Friday, February 8, 2019, was a celebration of seniors. Five members of the Pep Band were recognized for their contributions to the band program. They are Ian Grimm, Alex Musser, Madison Nigh, Nicholas Redden, and Gaven Traylor
On Saturday, February 9, 2019, four High School band students participated in the Ohio Music Education Association Solo and Ensemble Competition. Trinity Ketchell received a rating of Good, Ian Grimm received a rating of Excellent and receiving a Superior rating, which is the highest possible rating, were Gavin Cayton and Justess Henry.
Darian Carter has been selected to represent Clay Middle School in the Ohio State University Middle School Honor Band. She is one of 396 students chosen from over 900 applicants representing approximately 7 states. The performance will be held on February 16, 2019, on the campus of The Ohio State University.
The Scioto County Honors Music Festival auditions were held recently and the following students were selected to represent Clay:
High School Honor Band: Ian Grimm, Trinity Ketchell, Justess Henry, Taylor Entler, and Gavin Cayton
Junior High Honor Band: Tyra Rawlins, Delaney Bowen, and Darian Carter
High School Honor Choir: Dylan Collett, Dakota Dodds, Caleb McNutt, Noah Wright, Corvin Clark, Emily Clausing, Ryanna Bobst, and Jacob Bobst
The Scioto County Honors Music Festival public performance will be held on March 12, 2019, at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, on the campus of Shawnee State University. The public is invited to attend. You may purchase tickets now at the McKinley Box Office at the VRCFA.
Justess Henry has been selected to represent Clay High School in the OMEA District 17 Honor Band comprised of students from 20 schools from seven counties in Southern Ohio. The performance will be held on March 16, 2019, at Ohio University, Athens.
We would like to extend our congratulations to the following students for their outstanding performances at the OMEA Junior High Solo & Ensemble Contest held this past Saturday, March 30, 2019: Band--Delaney Bowen received an Excellent rating. Receiving a Superior rating, the highest rating possible, were Mallory Cassidy, Elli Downs, Noah Steele, Darian Carter, and Tyra Rawlins. Vocal--Justess Henry received an Excellent rating. Receiving a Superior rating, the highest rating possible, were Ava Coburn and Tyra Rawlins.
CMS Students at Scioto County Science Day
On Friday, February 8, 2019, the Clay Local Middle School students participated in the Scioto County Science Day. This event was held at the SOMC Friends Community Center in Portsmouth. The Clay participants did an outstanding job representing their school and showcasing their scientific investigations, experimentation, and research. Below is a list of the students that qualified for the county science fair, as well as their overall scores (ratings) from the event.
Warnock Earned Girl Scout's Gold Award
VIDEO
Jensen Warnock, a senior at Clay High School and Ambassador Girl Scout in Troop 1190, recently earned her Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious achievement within Girls Scouts and it is the equivalent to the Eagle Scout Award. It is the most difficult Girl Scout Award to earn – only 5% of eligible Girls Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award.
Girls identify a need in their community and resolve to make a plan to take action to address it. Jensen’s project was entitled “Set to Win.”
Clay Winter Sports Highlights 2018-19
~Sectional/District Tournament Bracket
CMS Honors Assembly - Second Grading Period (2018-19)
The Clay Middle School Awards Assembly for the second grading period was held on February 6, 2019.
Students were acknowledged for perfect attendance and for being on the B average, A average, and all A honor rolls. Students earning white, blue, and gold cards were also honored. Teachers also selected students for the "Getting Better" award. This award recognizes students that are performing at maximum potential or have improved dramatically over the grading period.
Pictured are students acknowledged for perfect attendance, earning white, blue, and gold cards, and recipients of the "Getting Better" award.
Great job, kids! We are proud of your efforts.