By: Nic Benke

The English language began around the fifth century AD. Approximately 1,600 years later,  Rockbridge County native Valerie Clay is the newest addition to the English department, teaching English 12, English 9, and directing a writing lab.

After graduating from Virginia Tech, Clay started teaching at Staunton City Schools. Clay, now a veteran teacher, worked seven years in middle and high school.

While she may be a new face to her students, Clay is no stranger to the high school, or the county.  Having graduated from RCHS in 1994, Clay can still remember her time in the high school.

“It’s coming home,” said Clay. “Having grown up here has been great, and returning as a teacher has been even better.”

Clay plans on staying at the high school and in the area for a good while, with her husband and three cats.