Katie Clay - PHS, Class of 2016

Poteet High School
Class of 2016

What began as a dream of working for a magazine eventually led Katie Clay to a career that allows her to combine creativity, storytelling, and service. She’s currently a Visual Media Associate at Community Life Church in Forney, where she helps bring stories to life through video production and creative media. Although the path led her to a different destination, Clay feels fulfilled in her current role and finds joy in being part of work that’s greater than herself. 

When Purpose Takes Shape

As a student at Poteet High School, Clay was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, participating in both cheerleading and the Pirate Band. It was during that time that she interned for Brides of North Texas magazine, now Wed Society. This experience peaked her interest and inspired her to pursue a degree in Communications & Public Relations at Dallas Baptist University. Like many young adults, Clay entered college with a vision for her future and dreams of working in the magazine industry, however, life had other plans. 

After graduating college, she admits there was a season when she questioned whether she was falling behind due to not immediately solidifying a job.

"I was nervous that I had peaked in high school," says Clay. "I've now learned that your life is only just beginning at that stage."

She ultimately earned an internship with the media team at Community Life Church, which is when her future began to look a lot clearer. What began as an opportunity to gain experience quickly became the beginning of a thriving career. During her internship, Clay developed skills in creativity, technical production, and storytelling while learning the importance of reliability. After a year and a half of hands-on experience and professional growth, she was offered a full-time position on the media team where she has served for the past five years. 

Bringing Stories to Life

In her role as Visual Media Associate, Clay has gained a wealth of knowledge, developing expertise in camera operation, lighting, set design, interviewing, filming and video editing while mastering the technical side of media production. Her work supports ministries across all age groups and helps communicate stories that inspire audiences. For Clay, she hopes to tell stories in a way that encourages, inspires, and creates a positive impact. She also credits time as a cheerleader and band member in Mesquite ISD for helping her prepare for college and her career.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned during my time in Mesquite ISD is how to handle high-intense situations. On the job, I'm able to present myself in a calm, collected manner in front of my team and handle stress head-on without getting overwhelmed,” she says.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Clay considers her family among her greatest accomplishments. Through the church she now serves, she met her husband, and together they are the proud parents of two sons. 

Favorite High School Memory

When reflecting on her time at Poteet High School, one memory rises above the rest. As a member of the Pirate Band, Clay participated in the 2013 All-Area Marching Band Competition and recalls just moments before the band's final performance, dark clouds rolled in overhead.

"The moment we turned around to play our show, the sky fell open and rain poured down hard on us," she adds. Despite the downpour, the band continued with the performance. "It felt like the weather was dancing along with the music," Clay says. "It felt like the greatest performance of our lives."

The band later learned they had advanced to the State Marching Contest, a moment she still remembers more than a decade later.

Advice from Katie to Current Students

Clay encourages students to focus less on having every detail of their future figured out and more on developing the character traits that will carry them through life.

"Be dependable, a team player, hardworking and stay humble," she says. "The best leaders have a servant’s heart."

For students who may feel uncertain about their future, her message is simple: keep moving forward.