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Stephanie Kirk
“When I was a kid, my dad worked in the facilities department at my high school, and he would always tell me that the most important people at a school are the support staff at facilities, and to always respect them. I always carried that with me. Now that I’m support staff, I find that it’s true, we’re the ones who keep the school running. I have always emphasized being very respectful to my fellow support staff members, and also to the people who work in facilities, the maintenance, and everyone else. I find that it’s gotten me very far. If you’re nice to everyone, they’re nice to you.”
-Stephanie Kirk, librarian
-Stephanie Kirk, librarian
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![“[I am passionate about] running and being part of a new community. Running is hard, but there’s so many things you can do to make it a lot more enjoyable. Everyone [on the team] is really nice and supportive. If you are feeling down they always lift you up and you can talk to them about anything. I always look forward to the end of the day and it gives me something fun to do with my people. My dad always tells me how pain is always temporary, and I always remember that while I'm running. [I apply this] not only to running, but also if I’m sad, it's not going to last forever and I'll get through it. I feel like I’m really dedicated to the things I do, and I feel good about where I’m at with extracurriculars. Mr. Holmes always tells me to make sure I’m managing my time well, and I feel like that is something I need to work on.”
-Izzy Cuddihee, 10](https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image1-8-e1762116214299-1200x736.jpg)
HUMANS OF CLAYTONIzzy Cuddihee -
![“I've been spending a lot of time with [Nick’s] family. It's good to not act like it didn't happen [and] to talk about it. I talk about him a lot with my friends, his family, and my family sometimes. It makes it a lot easier because when you feel like you can discuss it without it being weird, rather than focus on it through a sad lens, which, of course, is important. You can also focus on how amazing it is that this incredible person was able to lead an incredible life.”
- Sam Thompson, 12](https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-11-at-8.45.07-AM-960x1200.png)
HUMANS OF CLAYTONSam Thompson -
!["The best piece of advice I have been given is to never give up. If you have your heart set on something, don't let anyone tell you not to follow it. Taste your dreams. During my tennis career, there's been moments that I've wanted to give up on matches if I'm down 1-5 and I persevere. I win the set somehow. [It] shows you never give up, even if people tell you that you're gonna lose."
-Ryan Deaver, 9](https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image2-4-e1757531299145-1200x950.jpg)
HUMANS OF CLAYTONRyan Deaver -
HUMANS OF CLAYTONJustin Zhou -
![“[For dealing with academic stress,] I think just I figured [it] out myself, because I feel like everyone has a different way of dealing with their stress, so this is just the way that worked for me.” -June Wiens, 9](https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image2-2-1200x900.jpg)
HUMANS OF CLAYTONJune Wiens -
![“[One thing that helped me stay grounded whilst moving from Colorado to Missouri] was the people around me, [especially] my family. I have two dogs, Zara and Maisie. Zara is a Border Collie, Australian Shepherd mix and Maisie is an Australian Shepherd puppy. My dogs really [helped me], because whenever I felt sad, I'd just go play with them and they'd make me [instantly] feel better. I started taking them on walks [which helped clear my head]. I still continue to do that [which continues to] brighten my day.” - Julia Wood, 9](https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_2899-e1757531364258-1200x900.jpg)
HUMANS OF CLAYTONJulia Wood -
HUMANS OF CLAYTONMaggie Zeng -
HUMANS OF CLAYTONJaney Lin -
!["[Practicing is the best thing you can do.] Right now I'm trying out for the mock trial team. Last year, I practiced my mock trial skills, and now I'm gonna be able to use them because I practiced them. [It also helps because] I play violin. [This applies to] Everywhere. Music, school, everything." -Emilio Lowder, 9](https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-07-10.29.23-AM.png)
HUMANS OF CLAYTONEmilio Lowder -
![“Sometimes when I didn't perform up to my own personal standards [at volleyball], I would be really, really hard on myself, which was difficult. Something that [helped me get out of this negative mindset was that] I remembered bad days come so that you can have your good days. I always think of it as you have to get the bad stuff out of your system so your great days can come. I used this advice a lot to help me refocus myself and get my mood up.” - Claire Booth, 9](https://www.chsglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_2915.jpg)
HUMANS OF CLAYTONClaire Booth
About the Contributor
Sia Girivaru, Reporter
Pronouns: she/her
Grade: 10
Years on staff: 1
What’s a small thing that instantly makes your day better? When I hear about different successes happening around the world.
What are some of your favorite hobbies? Running, reading, and playing music.
What’s your favorite part of being on the newspaper staff? Meeting new people and getting to interpret their stories and thoughts in a way that many people can make a connection to.