Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Clay High School will mark its 100th anniversary with a daylong centennial celebration on Friday, Sept. 4, bringing together students, staff, alumni and community members for a memorable tribute to its history, traditions and Eagle pride.
The school bell first rang at Clay High School on Sept. 13, 1926. A century later, Oregon City Schools will honor the people, traditions and memories that have shaped the school over the past century with the community celebration culminating in a special centennial football game under the Friday night lights.
A day of celebration
The celebration will begin with a 9 a.m. with an invitation-only Centennial Breakfast, which will bring together alumni, former principals, Clay retirees, Hall of Fame members and distinguished guests. Attendees will receive commemorative keepsakes, including a Centennial program, lapel pin and CHS pennant marking the occasion. The breakfast will also feature historical displays that showcase photographs, documents, athletic memorabilia and other artifacts that tell the story of Clay High School through the decades.
Breakfast guests will be among the first to experience a special commemorative film created to celebrate 100 years of Clay High School.
The centennial festivities will continue with a Community Festival from 3-6 p.m., providing an opportunity for alumni, families and community members to gather on campus, enjoy food and music, and celebrate Eagle Pride. Food trucks, music and historical displays will be part of the afternoon festivities.
A Historical Display and Walking Tour in the Potter Fieldhouse will offer a look back at Clay High School's history through photographs, documents, athletic memorabilia and other artifacts collected throughout the years.
The self-guided experience will connect today’s Eagles with the generations who came before them, giving alumni and community members an opportunity to revisit familiar spaces while discovering stories and pieces of Clay's history.
Celebration at the stadium
The celebration will subsequently0 move to Clay Memorial Stadium, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. for the home football game.
A special 100-Year Commemorative Program will be available for purchase, along with a 100-Year Lanyard Credential marking the anniversary.
The Clay Alumni Association will host a table featuring a special signing station where alumni and guests can add their names to a 3-by-6-foot Legacy Banner commemorating CHS’s 100th anniversary.
Fans are encouraged to join the celebration by wearing green and gold spirit wear, including vintage Clay apparel, as the community comes together to show its Eagle Pride.
One of the evening's signature moments will be the Centennial Decade Wave, recognizing Clay alumni by decade and celebrating the many generations who have worn the green and gold. Alumni from the youngest graduating classes will be recognized first, followed by each succeeding decade, creating a visual representation of the century of students who have called CHS home.
The football game will feature a special 100-Year Commemorative Game Ball. The ball will be presented at midfield before the game and used for the ceremonial coin toss.
Following the game, the commemorative ball will be preserved for permanent display as a piece of Clay history.
Following the presentation of the commemorative game ball, the celebration will continue at halftime with a performance by the Fighting Eagle Marching Band. Created specifically for CHS’s centennial celebration, the performance will feature nine songs representing decades of Clay's history, taking the audience on a musical journey through the generations. As the music moves from decade to decade, the Fighting Eagle Marching Band will pay tribute to the students, staff, alumni and community members who have been part of the Clay story for the past 100 years.
A Century of Eagles event highlights at a glance include:
Friday, Sept. 4:
- Centennial Decade Wave — Recognition of alumni by graduating decade.
- 100-Year Commemorative Game Ball — Ceremonial midfield presentation and coin toss.
- Halftime —Fighting Eagle Marching Band Centennial Performance.
Saturday, Sept. 5:
