by Siyona Singhal and Fuyu Banno
Humor and Graphics Editors
Junior Max Clarke has started the year strong, armed with his love for all things history, his dedication to football, and his knack for a good argument.
For his junior year, Clarke is taking on a heavy course load, including four AP classes: AP Calculus AB, AP US History, AP English Language and Composition, and AP Physics 1. He is also taking Graphic Design and Spanish 3. Of these classes, Clarke enjoys AP US History the most, commenting, “I really like history. It’s always been something that I’m passionate about. I think the stuff that’s gonna be the most fun to learn about is the stuff I don’t know yet.”
Clarke’s love for knowledge transcends the boundaries of the classroom and manifests itself onto the football field. As a safety (a defensive position for football) for the LGHS Varsity Football team, Clarke’s contact with the game began when his parents took him to a game at Candlestick Park at four years old. Although Clarke does not remember much of what occurred, he mentioned how the 2019 Superbowl was what really got him interested in the sport. From there, his interest in football continued to grow, leading him wanting to know more about the gameplay. Clarke connects football back to his interest in history, as he explained, “I kind of realized where everything ties into history in some way, like tying it back to football. I’ve learned a bunch because I wanted to know more about the history of football.” When he entered high school, Clarke realized he could be more than just a mere spectator and became part of the sport that he deeply admired. Now, Clarke has become an important asset to the varsity football team.
Not only can you find Clarke on the field, you can also spot him in the courtroom. Clarke joined the LGHS Mock Trial Club in his sophomore year after a friend recommended it to him. He reminisced about last year’s season: “I had a lot of fun, and it was really cool to compete. Even though our season ended a little sooner than it should have, it was still a really rewarding experience, and I’m excited to be back this year doing it again.” Clarke’s favorite part of mock trial is the costumes, despite how he described dressing up as kind of surface-level. “Anytime there’s an opportunity to dress nice and go somewhere with a bunch of friends, it’s a good time.”
In the future, Clarke hopes to become an engineer, specifically in aerospace. His grandfather, who was an engineer as well, sparked Clarke’s love for the career: “As a kid, he would take me into his office and teach me all sorts of things about math.” His dream college is the University of Washington in Seattle because, as he explained, “I have visited the campus and the city. It’s been one of my favorite places I’ve ever been to.” As he’s thinking about graduating, Clarke’s parting words of wisdom are to “explore your options and be open to new things. High school is when so many opportunities open up to you, and you can really find out what you’re passionate about.”
Whether he’s on the football field, in the history classroom, or in the courtroom, Clarke puts his full effort and passion into whatever he does. His determination and commitment make him a strong presence in high school and beyond.