![]( "Samantha Clarke")
Samantha Clarke
There’s a new reporter at the Clay County Progress, but her face will already be familiar to many people in the community. Samantha Clarke, formerly Samantha Maney, has joined the newspaper staff to replace Ashley Kairis, who will be moving to Raleigh on Thursday, Aug. 1.
While Clarke has not previously worked for a newspaper, she has been writing for years. She is currently writing several books and poems for publication.
“I have always enjoyed writing, which I think likely came from being an avid reader as a child,” she explained, saying her favorite writer is Tolstoy. “Writing has been a wonderful outlet for healing and expression for me personally. Documenting the human experience in the form of storytelling is something I consider invaluable. I’ve recently taken particular interest in bridging the gaps between government, law enforcement and the community. My goal is to make important details easily understandable and accessible to the public. I love people and it is crucial they are receiving truthful information.”
The daughter of Charles and Lisa Maney, Clarke was a lifelong resident of Hayesville until she graduated with honors at the top of Hayesville High School’s Class of 2010. As a matter of fact, she was voted academic standout and was a member of national honor society, as well as organizations like student council and Mu Alpha Theta. After graduation, she moved to Raleigh, to attend North Carolina State University.
She has worked as a residential real estate broker and agent for several years, but she has also spent time traveling extensively. “I love to travel,” she said. “I’ve been to 30 states and more than ten countries so far.” She enjoys doing “local stuff” instead of visiting lots of tourist destinations. Her favorite country is Costa Rica, where she learned some great local spots. When asked where she most wants to visit, she had to think hard because there are so many. “Madagascar,” she finally answered. “I would really like to go to Madagascar.”
She really enjoys the outdoors. “I especially love fishing, hiking and rainy days,” she said. “I don’t watch television often, but I adore children’s films. My cat, Gracie, is my closest friend and faithful companion and I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
Despite having been to so many places, Clarke is glad she is home with family, including her grandparents who all live nearby. “I am glad to be back in our beautiful mountains,” she said, happily. Her father is Clay County’s Department of Transportation supervisor and her mother is retired from legal services work. “My dad is one of those hardworking guys that’s always out in the snow and makes sure the roads are clear and safe,” Clarke said. “My mother is a talented painter. They’ve all been really wonderful and supportive of me. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be close and spend time with my family.”
When Clarke returned home a couple of months ago, she began writing early every morning. She heard about the writing job at the newspaper and felt it was meant to be. “It has always been my dream to do what I love for a living,” she said. “Now I can accurately say I’m ‘living the dream.
“I do plan to continue working primarily as a writer, and I’m excited to see what stories will unfold. I am also currently looking for a church group to join and I’d like to get involved in volunteering,” she said. “I have a special interest in advocacy for victims of crime and helping those in crisis. I am excited to be working at the Progress and I find happiness and purpose in serving my community.”