On Tuesday, October 15, Peotone High School recognized and thanked its senior athletes and their families for their dedication to the volleyball program and for their efforts to help make the past four years a successful time.
Our first senior is Autumn Clay, represented by her parents, Natalie and Adam Clay, and her sisters, Ella and Olive. In addition to playing volleyball, Autumn has been actively involved in softball and Student Council. Autumn is not sure where she will attend college, but she is looking for a medium-sized school not too far from home. She will be studying accounting in the fall. In 10 years, Autumn hopes to be living on her own with a good job.
Autumn’s favorite memory in a Blue Devil uniform is just getting to hang out with her friends and play the sports she loves. Her proudest moment is having the opportunity to play every position in volleyball. Yes, she was even a middle hitter for a couple of games.
When asked what advice she would give the underclassmen, Autumn replied, “Enjoy your time in high school, because it goes by fast.” One of her favorite quotes is “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
Autumn says the thing she will miss the most is getting to see her friends every day. She would like to thank her parents and grandparents for coming to support her at all of her games.
Our next senior is Caelan Farmer, who is represented by her parents, Shaun and Kelly Farmer, and her siblings Kiernan, Isabella, and Easton. Caelan also has been actively involved in high school, competing on the softball team, as a member of the National Honor Society, and as an active member of FFA. Caelan still is deciding which college she would like to attend in the fall, but she would like it to be on the West Coast. She plans to major in visual communications. Caelan sees herself 10 years from now working and not living with her parents.
Caelan’s favorite memory in a Blue Devil uniform was beating Manteno in both her junior and senior seasons. Her most embarrassing moment was getting hit in the face, while shagging for other teams. She is most proud of working hard and becoming a better hitter and blocker.
Caelan’s advice to the underclassmen is: “Don’t take your time in high school for granted; it flies by. Be involved, you probably hear it a million times, but your experience truly is better when you stay involved.”
She will miss playing sports with her friends and seeing them every day. Caelan’s favorite quote is by John C. Maxwell – “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
Caelan would like to thank her coaches, family members, teammates, and friends, who have encouraged and supported her through her high school journey as an athlete and student.
Our final senior is Alyssa Lattz, who is represented by her parents, Linda and John Lattz, and her brother Dylan. Alyssa also plays basketball and is involved in the National Honor Society. She wants to attend a big city college in the fall. Although undecided about the school, she most likely will attend Arizona State University and study nursing. In 10 years, Alyssa would like to be a travel nurse anesthetist, and she sees herself being married to someone rich.
Alyssa’s favorite memory in a Blue Devil uniform was beating Manteno both junior and senior years and the back massage Olivia gives her while watching every JV game. Her most embarrassing moment is spraining her ankle twice this season.
When asked about her advice for the underclassman, Alyssa said, “Always say yes to things and don’t take things so seriously.” Her favorite quote is “There is no failure. You either win or you learn.”
Alyssa would like to thank her parents for everything they do and her team for being one of the biggest reasons she loves volleyball.
Coach Kathy Barger had this to say to the seniors, “I am thankful you have been a part of the volleyball program and are part of our volleyball family. I have enjoyed watching you grow into not only awesome players, but awesome young women, as well. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and the impact you will have in the lives of the people around you and your community. I wish you nothing but the very best.”