By Melissa Wentarmini
Associate Editor
A combination of curiosity, humor and academic dedication has earned Superior Central High School senior Clay Horne recognition through the regional Excellence in Education scholarship program.
The program, organized by Grow & Lead Community Youth Development, recognizes students in Marquette and Alger counties who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership and commitment to their communities. A distinctive part of the program allows students to nominate a teacher who made a meaningful impact on their education.
For Horne, the recognition came as a surprise.
“I was pleasantly surprised to receive the scholarship,” he said. “It was unexpected but very much welcomed.”
During his time at Superior Central, Horne said some of his most meaningful experiences came through athletics and involvement in school activities.
“My time spent in cross country, especially in my younger years, helped me greatly to incorporate into the school community,” he said.
Outside the classroom, Horne has also been active in other school sports and Boy Scouts, and he credits those experiences, along with Advanced Placement U.S. History, as shaping who he is today.
Education has long been central to his goals, he said, and that focus helped guide him toward his plans after graduation. Horne intends to attend Michigan Technological University this fall to study management of information systems, with hopes of eventually working in technology and artificial intelligence.
“I hope to make an impact in tech and AI development one day,” he said.
As part of the Excellence in Education program, Horne selected Superior Central teacher Nathan Sherman as the educator who most influenced his academic journey.
“Mr. Sherman is an excellent mentor and teacher who manages to connect candidly with his students,” Horne said. “He incorporates life experience and advice into lessons and conversations with students.”
One piece of advice in particular has stayed with him: “Mr. Sherman once said something along the lines of always seeking out ways to improve oneself.”
Sherman, who teaches English at the middle and high school, said he first noticed Horne’s unique qualities in an 11th grade class.
“Clay demonstrated interest, subject mastery, humor and wonderful creativity,” Sherman said.
That humor, Sherman said, became one of Horne’s defining traits in the classroom.
“Clay is brilliant — but he is also deeply funny,” Sherman said. “His sense of timing is fantastic, and he has a remarkably quick wit, without being too much of a classroom distraction.”
Sherman recalled one classroom moment that captured Horne’s personality. During a senior seminar class focused on practical life skills, Horne discovered an old typewriter in the room and began documenting the class in what Sherman jokingly dubbed “The Chronicler.”
“Clay would spend 15 or so minutes of each class typing out a stream of consciousness recounting of the events of the class/day,” Sherman said. “The chronicles were evocative, urgent and often hilarious.”
Beyond humor, Sherman said Horne stands out because he is comfortable being himself.
“He clearly understands social hierarchies, but has no interest in allowing them to impact his life,” Sherman said. “He is unabashed in his pursuits.”
Superior Central Superintendent Bill Valima said Horne is part of a group of students who have challenged themselves academically throughout high school.
“Clay, along with the other Excellence in Education recipients from Superior Central, has taken a strenuous academic load including Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment classes through Bay College,” Valima said. “They have all built a great legacy during their time here.”
Looking ahead, Sherman said he has little doubt Horne will succeed.
“His social prowess combined with a genius intellect will make him succeed in whatever field he pursues,” Sherman said.
For younger students at Superior Central, Horne offered simple advice: “Keep your options open. Your interests and goals will surely change with time.”
Outside of school, Horne spends part of his summers working on a trail crew with the National Park Service. In his free time, he enjoys reading and snowboarding on occasion.