One Small Step for a Man, One Giant Leap for Watertown: Clive Arlington

Clive Arlington, Class of 1955, Fairhope, Alabama

What are you up to? I'm 80 years old, retired and enjoying the good life on the Eastern shore of Mobile Bay.

How'd you get here? After graduating from WHS, I joined the United States Air Force and received training as an electronic technician. I worked as a technician for 2 years in my 4 year stint. I started as a freshman at the University of Florida in 1961, graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1965. Hired by Boeing to work on the Apollo program at Kennedy Space Center - eventually selected to the launch team for Apollo, SkyLab and Shuttle programs. You likely saw me at the console during those televised launch activities. 

During the Shuttle days I worked for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) and was sent to work on projects in Texas, California, Denver, Colorado and New Orleans, Louisiana - eventually promoted to executive management before taking an early retirement in 1993. I worked for the next 17 years in the IT business with two small companies. Retired (for the fourth) time in 2010.

I'm married. The youngest of my two sons passed away in 1994. Brian lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. His 3 children (my grandchildren) live in Phoenix and Tennessee.

My classmates at WHS will likely recall me as the shortest, most mischievous young man in our class. Having emigrated from England in 1950, I still had a British accent that I used to my advantage.

What are your goals? I knew in my Junior year at WHS that I wanted to be an engineer. When my employers began grooming me for management, I recognized my lack of training in that area and attended graduate school at night finally receiving a Masters in Management Science from TCU in 1971. At the age of 40 or so, reaching a healthy and comfortable retirement was my goal. I am there, although it took longer than I had hoped.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Find the proper combination of humility and self-confidence as you progress in your career. Treat others as you would want to be treated and don't forget where you came from.

This photo was taken after the successful launch of the first Shuttle on April 12, 1981. Immediately behind the guy numbered 25, you can see a man in a dark shirt leaning over behind the console. Directly behind him is Clive. Clive is wearing a white shirt and tie and there is a guy to his right in a white jacket with his right arm held high.

Learning to Fly: 2nd Lt Zach Holmes

Zach Holmes, Class of 2012, Pensacola FL

What are you up to? I'm currently studying to become a Combat Systems Officer in the United States Air Force. It's like the old navigator position, but I could also be responsible for electronic warfare and/or all combat systems, depending on the aircraft I'm in. I'm basically a high-tech version of "Goose" from "Top Gun".

How'd you get here? I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May, 2016 with a B.S. in Physics. I also commissioned as a 2d Lt in the United States Air Force, after going through ROTC.

What are your goals? I'm focused on getting through our rigorous training program first. After that, I'd love to be assigned to either an F-15E, an AC-130, or a B-1. They're really cool aircrafts. I also want to travel (a lot).

Advice for WHS Students? Don't be afraid of failure. Failure is the key to success. If you do poorly at something, take a step back from it, analyze the situation, and take the proper action to make sure you succeed at it the next time around, or learn a lesson from it. The only time failure hurts you is when you decide to ignore it or dwell on it.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?  I would love to go to New Zealand. I've always wanted to hike across it.

A Townie Pirate: Mike Lemay

Mike Lemay, Class of 2009, Fort Lauderdale, FL

What are you up to? I've been living and working as the first mate onboard a private yacht for the past year or so (yes, like the show Below Deck). We basically just go island hopping around the Caribbean, helping the boss and his family on vacation.

How'd you get here? Well, after I graduated from UConn with my Bachelors in Education and a business management minor, I stepped into the "real world" and wasn't sure what I wanted to do. We've all heard the cliché "do what you love and you won't work a day in your life." Well, two of my favorite things to do are boats and beaches, so I packed my truck and drove to Fort Lauderdale. That pretty much brings us up to here.

What are your goals? I actually just started the process for my next two steps. I'm getting my captains license next month, and shortly thereafter I plan to start a yacht management company. Other than that, I've woken up happy every day since I started in this industry, so if I can keep that up, I'll be satisfied.

Advice for WHS Students? I'll have to answer this with the same cliché I've been living my life by:

DO WHAT YOU LOVE!

It doesn't matter if it's cars, art, sports or science. There are far too many people I've met that don't enjoy what they do, and it kills me. It's great to have goals in life, just make sure the juice is worth the squeeze. 

Also, listen to your parents! I never thought my dad knew what I was going through, but it turns out he did. Now I'm asking my dad questions nearly every day.

What is the last movie you saw in the theatre? The Revenant

From College to the NFL: Tom Frenette

Tom Frenette, Class of 2010, Miami, FL

What are you up to? Currently working as a video producer & editor for the Miami Dolphins. My 5th grade Polk School yearbook says I wanted to be a Wide Receiver for the Dolphins when I'm 30. I'm not making the big bucks like those guys, but I get to run out with them during player intros. Close enough right?

How'd you get here? After WHS, I went to SCSU for 4 years. I couldn't have asked for a better place to really grow up. The opportunities it awarded landed me my dream job right out of school!

What are your goals? Just to better myself everyday. It's usually something that relates to learning or trying something new in my profession, but it can also be something as small as being polite or trying to limit my road rage due to the incompetent South Florida drivers.

Advice for WHS Students? Broaden your horizons. WHS isn't the most diverse school, but that just isn't the case in the real world. Go outside your comfort zone, and meet people different than yourself. You'll be much better for it.

What is your greatest weakness? I second guess myself too often.

Creativity and Communications: Amber Spiotti

Amber Spiotti, Class of 2008, Jacksonville, FL

What are you up to? I recently started a new position in the Communications and Advancement Department at a prep-school (think the southern version of Taft School). Essentially I write news articles, manage our social media accounts, serve as a photographer and event coordinator. Now that I'm closer to the ocean, I spend the weekends riding my bike at the beach, planning my next vacation (California road trip) and exploring Jacksonville.

How'd you get here? Since college graduation I worked with NBC and Fox News, within their news and marketing departments. It's an exciting job field. After spending so much time up north, I wanted a change, so I moved down here. I was able to stay within the communications field and put some of my creativity to work.

What are your goals? Transition into PR, travel to Ireland, get my Masters and pick up piano lessons again.

Advice for WHS Students? It's okay if you don't know exactly what it is you want to do with the rest of your life. A lot of us are still figuring it all out. But don't be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone. Embrace change and make the most of your post-high school experience. And travel - always travel!

What is your favorite color? Blue