In 1834, the first four-room public school was built in Lexington. It was sponsored by a man named William Morton.[6] Seventy years later, the first four-year high school in Lexington opened on the corner of Walnut and Short streets. This school was named Morton High School.[7]
The Henry Clay Speech and Debate team is currently[when?] led by coach Ryan Ray. The Debate team has won the Kentucky State championship 13 times, in 1991, 1992, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.[11][12]
HCHS also offershockey,ultimate Frisbee, boys'volleyball, andlacrosse only as club sports since they are not sanctioned sports with theKentucky High School Athletic Association, and the Blue Devil Marching Band in its own competitive arena. The HCHS Marching Band placed as Grand Champions in the Mid-states Band Association circuit for years 2005–2007, and reserved Grand Champions in 2008.[16] In 2006, the ultimate Frisbee team, Grapes of Wrath, fought their way to a city championship, led by captain and team MVP, Steven Myers. The ultimate Frisbee team is currently enjoying a stellar 2008–2009 season which has included the City Championship and State Championship, as well as a top 10 national ranking by the UPA. Also the lacrosse team made it to the Division 2 State Championship in 2007 with an undefeated, 9–0 record. They lost to the Eastern Eagles in double overtime. In the 2012–2013 season, the Henry Clay men's lacrosse team posted an undefeated 18–0 record, defeatingLexington Catholic High School by a score of 10–4 to capture the Division 2 State Championship.[17] During the 2012–2013 season the Henry Clay men's lacrosse team was ranked in the top ten nationally in goal defense and goal differential, while ranking eleventh nationally in goals scored.[18]
^Beshear, Andy [@andybeshearky] (October 8, 2019)."Andy Beshear on Twitter" (Tweet). RetrievedOctober 8, 2022 – viaTwitter.I'm [...] especially proud to be a Henry Clay High School graduate!
