What’s recently happened?
Clay High School’s (Clay) rendition of “Urinetown" was performed in the auditorium April 18, 19, and 20. “Urinetown" was the final musical put on by Clay’s theatre group. Although bittersweet, many alumni, students, and staff went to support their school’s theatre production one final time.
“Urinetown,” written by playwright Greg Kotis, is about a town with a terrible water shortage caused by a multiple decade long drought. This drought led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets, causing city inhabitants to pay to pee.
Clay’s theatre members practiced hard and long hours to perform to the best of their ability. The cast had vocal lessons, dance lessons, and practiced their lines repeatedly. The cast had multiple all-day practices, persisting through their fatigue.
“I loved this play. Even though the title may be off-putting, I am glad people came to see the show and to support the fine arts,” Babacar Thiam, a cast member, said.
While it may be the last show for Clay, the play provided lifelong memories for the cast and crew.
“It is sad that this is our final show. I know that the presence of Clay and fine arts will transfer to Riley High School, but this is the final play at our school, on our stage. It’s bittersweet, but I loved the experience. This is my last performance since I am graduating, and I couldn't have asked for a better performance,” Nicolett Rucker, a cast member, said.
Many students have additionally found their home in Clay’s theatre department over the years.
“I found my love for theatre at Clay. I learned how to perform, how to act, read lines, and do everything involved in theatre. I had amazing mentors and cast mates who pushed me to be the best I can be. I will participate in theatre next year, but it will never come close to the performances I participated in at Clay,” Misael Gonzalez, a cast member, said.
What’s coming up?
On April 26, Clay’s final prom, “Masquerade Ball,” will take place at the Blue Heron at Blackthorn. Juniors and seniors are invited to attend this dance from 7-11 p.m. Students may only bring juniors and seniors from other schools or graduates under the age of 20. Underclassmen are not permitted to attend.
The theme was voted for by the Clay senior class. Other options included “Retro,” “Hollywood Glamour,” and “Under the Sea.”
Seniors and early-graduate juniors are also given the opportunity to run for Prom Royalty. Only 12 seniors make it onto the court. These seniors must campaign and win the votes of their peers. Voting begins April 24 and ends April 25. The winners will be announced at prom.
Tickets are being sold in the cafeteria during lunch periods as well as the bookstore. Students bringing guests from other schools will be required to fill out a guest approval form, which needs a signature from either a parent or a principal.
Staff spotlight:
Korbett Koselak teaches Government and United States History at Clay. Koselak in previous years has taught math for middle school students.
Prior to teaching, Koselak attended Riley High School and furthered his education at the University of Missouri, where he studied broadcast journalism.
Although Koselak loves to teach, he enjoys sports just as much. Koselak constantly discusses drafts, players, and teams with his students and other staff. He participated in the staff/alumni vs students basketball game hosted by Clay.
“I think teaching is my calling,” he said. “I like helping students grow and discover who they are. I enjoy history, and teaching it is very important to me. I love all of my students.”
Although this academic year is Koselak’s first at Clay, he immediately felt at home.
“I remember thinking ‘Oh man, I don’t know anyone. What if my students don’t like me?’ The first day really made me realize that I belong here though,” he said
Koselak supports Clay in many ways, such as attending sporting events as well as plays and musicals. He always lets students advertise school events on his whiteboard and never fails to show up.
Student spotlight:
Natalie Alcoser is a junior at Clay. Alcoser is a member of the Student Council and serves as the secretary for juniors. Additionally, she is a member of the Girls Tennis team.
Alcoser enjoys Clay, mostly because of the community she is a part of.
“I like my teachers. You can tell these teachers care about their students. I have made so many life-long friends at Clay,” Alcoser said.
Although she attends Clay, Alcoser is also attending Ivy Tech Community College part time to receive her associates degree by the time she graduates.
“I think Ivy Tech is a great opportunity,” Alcoser said. “A lot of people can not afford college, and I think this is a great opportunity.”
After high school, Alcoser intends on taking a gap year. She wishes to work until she feels financially secure enough to attend college. She is still unsure of what she wishes to pursue college wise.