Mary Clayton

At LFHS, there are many students who can be described as “the model student.” However, it is much harder to find a student who not only exceeds the requirements and stakes of what a model student is, but also maintains a humble and kindhearted disposition.

Junior Mary Clayton takes on some of the most rigorous courses, where she excels due to her drive and determination to go above and beyond. Clayton does the work for her classes because of the personal satisfaction she gains from it, not because of competition among her peers.

Clayton also has a group of friends that adore her for her kindhearted nature and her maturity.

“If you can picture the mom friend in a group, Mary takes that role to another level. She is the kindest, most thoughtful person I’ve ever met; she is so wise beyond her years,” said junior Callan Shanahan.

Her maturity not only shines in her social circles, but in the classroom as well. Clayton takes on a leadership role in many of her classes, including AP Psychology, a class full of seniors where Clayton stands out as one of the only juniors.

“In a class with a ton of really big senior personalities, a junior may tend to be really intimidated and quiet. Not Mary, she has matched the energy, intellect, and motivation of the group and has become a leader among the students she sits with during class,” says Clayton’s AP Psychology teacher Brian Boruszak.

On top of her rigorous academic schedule, Clayton also balances her passion for the fine arts by participating in the honors program in the Foresters choir, along with performing in the holiday choral group, Madrigals. In years past, Clayton has been apart of the spring musicals, and many of her peers anticipate her participation in this years show as well.

“Mary has always been an honors kid, but when it comes to her art, she serves as an example for the rest. She is constantly working on new music, willing to learn foreign languages for songs and able to make time for in and out of school rehearsals. She gives it her all in every possible way, and I admire her for her work ethic and commitment to her craft,” says junior Kailey Albus.

Clayton embodies a well rounded student and a kindhearted friend due to her love for her friends and to help others. Clayton stays true to herself, and others around her adore her for it.

“She’s unapologetically herself. She has always been that way and it’s helped me become more comfortable with myself,” Albus said.

Meeting a rarity of a person that is Clayton is almost impossible to come by, but next time you visit Tala Coffee Roasters, look out for this lively leader sipping her coffee and preparing for a bright future ahead of her .