Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Clay

By VCS Senior Evangelina Campbell

Ms. Clay is a former graduate of VCS, graduating in 2017. This year she teaches four different classes including leadership, drama, career exploration, and film studies. She is also the volleyball coach and director of the school musical. In her time at VCS so far, she has directed four musicals, Cinderella, Bring It On, Mamma Mia, and this year's musical High School Musical. She has offered her students many great opportunities to grow and show off their talents and abilities, both inside her classroom and outside of it. She has also grown to have a good relationship with most of her students and has provided many of them with a comfortable environment for them to grow and express their creativity.

Here is what she had to say about her time at VCS so far.

Q: Did you have any teachers or experiences in high school that inspired you to become a teacher or director?

A: When it comes to teaching, it kind of found me. I did have many amazing teachers throughout the years that really left an impression. When it comes to directing Miss Pixley gave me the opportunity to block a couple of scenes for the first showing of Bring It On, but then Covid hit. Once we returned to school, I was asked if I was willing to take on the Drama department and the rest is history.  

Q: You teach four different classes this year. Content-wise, which course is your favorite to teach?

A: Leadership is my favorite course to teach because that is the first class that I was assigned to when I started working at VCS, and I have been able to grow in my teaching of that course throughout the years. 

Q: This year's musical will be the fourth VCS musical you have directed. If you had to choose, which musical has been your favorite to direct, and why?

A: Cinderella will always be my favorite because it was my first production here at VCS. 

Q: What is one of your favorite things that you have planned for your students this year?

A: I get to take the drama class to the Fine Arts Festival in Dayton, Ohio. I love that they will get to experience something that I used to be a part of and see other talented students in the state of Ohio using their gifts to glorify the Lord. 

Q: What extracurricular activities do you encourage your students to participate in?

A: Anything that could help you with your leadership skills and roles such as Student Council, NHS, or the musical. 

Q: What is your biggest advice for your students?

A: To treat each other with kindness and speak to those you normally wouldn’t talk to. You never know what impression you will leave on someone when you see them again. 

Q: You teach a few seniors this year, what is one impact you hope to have on them before they graduate?

A: I don't know honestly. There is so much they will experience in life, and I’m not sure how I would like to impact the journey they go on following graduation.