By Ellie Goldstein and Emma Moulton
If you attend Clay Middle School, you have most likely heard the voice of eighth grade student Griffin Gonzalez. Gonzalez speaks daily for the morning announcements, during lunches, and anytime in between.
He has promoted the eighth grade creative club Styles with Giles, he also pumped up the crowd during the eighth grade Walk of Greatness dance. During the eighth grade lunches, he often has dance-offs and sing-offs with fellow students to advertise upcoming events.
Gonzalez just got into announcing this year.
At the beginning of football season, Coach Josh Cole gave him his first football announcement. He could have been quiet when he read it over the P.A., but Gonzalez decided to have fun with it and do his own ESPN voice. The voice was a big hit, and ever since he has done at least one announcement each week.
When asked about his confidence speaking in front of so many people, Gonzalez said, “It’s just fun, and I don’t think about people watching me. I’m really comfortable doing it now.”
Next year at Carmel High School, Gonzalez hopes to become part of their Senate and their radio team. As for after high school, his dream job would be to work for ESPN announcing, specifically college basketball.
Gonzalez recently has gotten in touch with a college graduate who has taken all four years of announcing at Cincinnati and Indiana University. Gonzalez said, “He is going to give me tips to help me become the best I can be and entertain people really well.”
Announcing has also given Gonzalez a chance to meet new teachers and interact with the students. Through out this year, Gonzalez has found that announcing is what he is best at. He said, “I just feel happy that I have so much fun doing something that I love.”