By Mary O’KEEFE

Clark Magnet High School is unique in many ways from its class on underwater robotics to the way the staff greets the incoming ninth graders with pancakes, sausage and orange juice.

“We are the only school in Glendale that does this,” said Principal Doug Dall as he addressed about 320 incoming freshman at the school’s traditional pancake breakfast on Friday.

As teachers Chris Axelgard and Randy Tiffany flipped pancakes and cooked sausages, Dall told the students what would be expected of them in the coming years.

“We know you are a smart group. We believe in a professional presentation and we believe you should conduct yourself in a professional manner. I have heard from your teachers and we know you are a very smart group,” he said.

Assistant Principal Kristina Provost ran through the rules of the school and welcomed the students as well.

“Look around, see the fellow students that you will be spending the next four years with,” Provost said.

Being prepared for the flu season to begin, this year with the added worry of the H1N1 virus, Provost added, “Remember to wash your hands. If you are not feeling well, don’t come to school.”

It was then time for pancakes. Juniors Ivetta Babdjanian and Hana Bae, both journalist students, recorded the event on film and interviewed students for the school newspaper.

“I love writing and capturing the moment,” Bae said.

Clark Magnet is a charter high school that draws its students from middle schools within Glendale Unified School District.

“Most of my friends were coming here,” Erik Bakhjhi said.

Although Clark is a science based school it offers a variety of classes in other areas as well.

Daniel Allard came from Rosemont Middle School to Clark.

“I’m interested in computer design and art,” he said.

Dall responded by saying his school is set up perfectly for those interests with the latest technology and well trained instructors.

For most freshman interviewed the Clark advantage on Friday had less to do with science and technology and more with pancakes and sweet syrup.