Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Alright. Here we go. Changes at Henry Clay.... Well, let me start out with one thing I would never ever change. The amazing junior academy english teacher!! Am I right, or am I right?

Anyways... Three things I wish would change at Henry Clay are:

• The huuuuuuge population of students. I mean, really. 2,500 students in one building of less than 100 classrooms. I literally fear for my safety when trying to commute from first to second hour. The intersections where the hallways meet are completely ruthless. Pushing, shoving, yelling, cussing, books torn out of student's hands, feet stepped on, and people going off on each other because of an accidental collision. I'd rather run across a highway during rush hour. Henry Clay could easily be split into two good sized schools, but adding another high school to Lexington's five large public high schools would be a huge project, what with the redistricting, hiring of new teachers, and funding. But really. Funnel some students to other schools!
• Weed. Crack. Dope. Forget specifics, our school has it all. In the bathrooms, outside, under the bleachers, heck, even in some classrooms! This needs to stop. I have discussed this issue with some of my fellow students, and they agree. We wonder, "why haven't the teachers done anything to 'crack' down on this problem, yet?" We all see it. We all smell it. We all know who does it and where, and when (upstairs orange hallway bathroom between second and third hour). Why hasn't it stopped? Do they not care? Or can they simply not control their students? I wish it would stop. The smell makes my skin crawl, and it clings to me if I walk by the bathrooms. Also if I bump into anybody because of the OVERCROWDING in the school (see previous point).
• Henry Clay is well known for its academics and athletics. We all know about the academy, and the football and basketball teams, but what about the arts? Band, orchestra, painting, photography, chorus, film-making, authors, percussion. The unsung heroes of our society. We all know about the big game weeks before it takes place, but who knows about the band concerts? The art contests? The orchestra recitals? The creative writing magazine? These events are happening all the time, throughout the entire school year and summer, and no one ever cares to mention them. The stands will fill with blue and gold at a football game, but only band parents attend the marching band competitions. No cheering fans. No school-wide support. People say artists are unsuccessful. How are we supposed to succeed when no one cares? If our school could be more aware of its art programs, maybe mention them on the announcements or give a shout-out to an all-STATE musician instead of the star of a single football game. Best in state versus best in game. I wonder which is more significant....

So these are my opinions. Henry Clay is a good school, but it could be great. It could be special. If only they'd listen to those who know it most. Those who patrol its hallways daily. Those who see the secret crimes committed out of sight of teachers. Those who understand what students need to be successful and happy in their high school. Those who care. Those who are really affected by any administration decided by the board. The board isn't a part of our community. It takes a student to understand a student. If only they'd listen to us.