Once a Pioneer, Always a Pioneer

My first elected office was Home Room Representative in 8th grade at Clark Middle School.

When I learned that George Rogers Clark School was closing for good, it was a weird feeling. I went there for grades 6-12, the formative years. No matter if you loved, hated or were Indifferent to the experience, that is still a large part of you that will be gone.

I was far from the most popular kid in school, I felt like a square peg most of the time. That being said most of my memories are fond ones. Loved performing in the theatre department under the amazing direction of one of my early mentors Debbie Wozniak. Making flowers out of napkins at float parties for the homecoming parade. Going to football games and convoys of friends going out for pizza or cruising the 119 afterwards. The dances, and getting excited when making a home movie was an assignment option. Stressing about tests, homework, and grades. The relief or disappointment that came at report card time. The crushes, the heartbreaks. It’s amazing we were still able to learn, lol. The bittersweet moment when you tossed your hat up in the air.

We will still have the photos, yearbooks, social media groups, and memories. GRC lives on in the legacy that our alumni have built, molded by our teachers, staff, coaches, club sponsors, and directors.

We are all part of GRC’s legacy. What a legacy it is. The physical school itself may be closing but the spirit and impact will live on forever.

“Once a Pioneer, Always a Pioneer”.

—Eric Sera c/o ‘99

Drama/Theatre 9-12, Spanish Club 9-10, German Club 10-12, Student Council 10, Class Parliamentarian 9-10, Class Treasurer 11, Class Secretary 12