The halls of PHS have recently been without math teacher Alicia Clark. With Clark on maternity leave, many students and staff members are missing their teacher and friend.

“I can’t wait until she comes back,” said senior Noah Weiss.

Clark ended up having to start her leave three weeks earlier than expected when her son, Maverick Anthony Clark, was born January 10, 2018 at 2:49 p.m.

Maverick was 5 pounds, 9 ounces and 20 inches long. This is Clark’s first child, and becoming a mom has changed her life tremendously.

“The best part of being a mom so far is feeling like I have a new purpose. This little life depends fully on you to teach him everything, and it really makes you put things into perspective. Things you thought were important before aren’t even an afterthought now,” said Clark.

Even though she is enjoying her time off with her new son, she does miss her job and her students.

“I miss doing things for the students. I hated that I missed homecoming and our holiday ball. I’ve missed supporting the students and watching them outside of the classroom,” said Clark.

PHS students and staff are eagerly awaiting her return and more baby pictures to be posted.

Story by Kennedy Embry