Meet Clark Courtney '11, Science Teacher

It is so exciting when an alumna comes back to teach! Science teacher Clark Courtney graduated in the Class of 2011 and got her degree in Career and Technical Education from the University of Kentucky. While at Oldfields, she was our Sugar Plum Fairy, an honor reserved for a quiet student leader. We love it when life comes full circle, and now she is leading another group of young Oldfields girls! Let's learn a bit more about Clark:

Q. Why brought you into the world of education?

The first time I remember wanting to be a teacher I was in first grade. I was so in love with the idea of teaching that my parents created a classroom for me in our basement. When my brother and I would get home from school, I would make him sit in the desks, and I would teach him lessons from the books I had. Throughout my life, I never took my eyes off the goal of being a teacher, and when I got to college I majored Agriculture Education at The University of Kentucky. Through college, I worked along many schools, helping with tutoring, spending time in the classroom observing. During my student teaching, I was offered my job at Oldfields.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy playing board games, doing puzzles, hiking, biking, and backpacking. I am very passionate about the outdoors and environmental science.

Q. What do you love about Oldfields?

Oldfields has been a part of my life since I came here for high school. There are many things I love about this school, but my favorite would have to be the traditions we have here. The traditions bring us together to build a sense of community that travels through generations. Even though we have different experiences while we are here, these traditions allow each of us to truly be an Oldfields Girl. I love how this community is here for each other, and we lift each other up whenever we can. Oldfields creates an atmosphere where you know that your peers, teachers, and staff really care about you and want to help you succeed.

Q. What is your favorite quote?

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt

Q. What advice would you give to the students?

The advice I would give to the students would be that from time to time, remember to try something new; you could be surprised by what you never knew you would like. Also, do at least one thing every day that will help you get one step closer to a larger goal you have in life.

Thanks, Clark! We can't wait to see the path your career will take. We are delighted it led you back to Oldfields.

Clark as the Sugar Plum Fairy in December of 2010