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“The comeback is always stronger than the setback.” - Brian Tracy

Everybody loves a comeback.  The underdog who overcomes adversity to find themselves where everyone wants to be…the top.  But, it takes a special person to accomplish such ambitious goals…someone like Riley Nolin.  This week, Nolin became familiar with being deemed the “Comeback Queen” if you will when she set the new school record for the 1600 Meter Run. 

With an unbelievable 5:39 finish time, Nolin affirmed that she would never allow injury to define who she would be as an athlete.  Sports or no sports, determination is truly a quality that will make or break your outcome.

“After having surgery, I always knew that I wanted to come back stronger than ever.  My injuries were not a reason for me to fall behind, and I wanted to prove to my teammates and family that I could get back to where I started,” explained Nolin.

Seeing her name on the record board has always been a dream.  A dream not that is Riley’s reality.  However, the path to get there was long and winding and truly  it took a village to accomplish this type of success.

“I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this goal without my amazing coaches. Coach Kayla has been coaching me in cross country since 6th grade, and without her training plans and encouragement I wouldn’t be able to compete to the best of my ability.  Coach Dara was my former cross country coach and she always lets me know that she is there for me and cheering me on. I will miss both of them as my running career has come to an end.”

Oftentimes, athletes walk away from their sport with memories that they truly wouldn’t trade for anything.  Nolin affirmed that her time as a GC athlete was much sweeter due to the bonds and relationships that derived from it.

“The distance girls are a family and without my friends, track wouldn’t feel the same. Every race I can always count on hearing them cheer me on all the way to the finish line.  I can’t imagine life without them.”

And…of course in the background…are the tried and true that have stood with you before you could even think of taking even a step much less a run.  

“My Mom and Dad have always been my biggest supporters throughout my career.  No matter how I perform that day, they are just proud I gave it my best effort.”

With graduation right around the corner, Nolin is looking towards the future.  In a few short months, at Murray State University, Riley will begin a new race…a race to complete a nursing degree and ultimately become a nurse practitioner.  Until that time, she faces this race with a mentality that she attributes to the words her dad texted her before every single race.

“Rest at the end, not in the middle.”

Congratulations, Riley Nolin!  We are proud of you!

 

Sedalia Elementary is proud to announce Ms. Nicki Thompson as the new Assistant Principal. Thompson will transition to the new role on July 1.

“I am truly honored and blessed to be selected as the Assistant Principal of Sedalia Elementary. It’s an exciting opportunity to continue my growth mindset and serve our students, families, staff and community.  I am eager to collaborate with the amazing staff to foster an environment of growth, learning and support of all,” expressed Thompson.

A 2003 Graves County graduate, Thompson furthered her education at Murray State University by completing a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Education, and finally, a Rank 1 in Educational Leadership-Principal.  Fast forward to 2025, Thompson has served 16 years in education …most of which have been as an EAGLE. Currently, she spends her days teaching 6th grade math at Wingo Elementary.

Education is a tough profession.  The day to day can bring about many obstacles and challenges that educators must overcome.  In the classroom, you find that your teaching techniques and strategies must pivot to meet the needs of every student.  Thompson refers to a personal experience that really served as the driving force behind her choice to serve in the classroom.

“My inspiration to become an educator comes from one of my younger brothers.  I watched his struggle each year and the dedication of each teacher he had. They were determined to help him, and from that I decided I wanted to be someone who could help others who were in similar situations to his.”

Along the way, there have been highs and lows…the song really for every educator.  However, the highs truly always outweigh the lows…and that one success story fills your cup and motivates you to keep going.  And, honestly, the success rarely comes from the grade on the paper…it comes from a place much more personal.

“My favorite memory from my career is building strong relationships with my students and their families.  I take pride in getting to know them and then watching them in activities outside of school.  Their faces tell the story of why I do this job each time they see me at one of their events.”

While Thompson is dedicated to her students, her greatest passion in life is her family.  Married to her husband, Jarrod, they share two children, Jaelyn who attends Mississippi State University and Brody, a 5th grade Sedalia Lion student.  They spend most of their free time at sporting events!

“If you are comfortable, then you aren’t growing. Everything is hard before it is easy.”  

A motto that Thompson aligns her life with each day as she herself professes to be a lifelong learner.  While there may be a lot to learn, Thompson’s goals are clear as she transitions to the new position. 

“I believe in each student and will work diligently to create an inclusive, engaging, and meaningful learning environment.”

Congratulations, Ms. Nicki Thompson!  

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

Our students are only as successful as our educators.  Without them, our district simply could not produce success stories. We firmly believe that our classrooms are led by some of the most outstanding individuals.  However, there is nothing better than when those instructors catch the eye of outsiders and are awarded for their hard work.  We are pleased to announce that Ms. Katie Bodine has been selected as Outstanding Middle School Educator from the College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University.

“Teaching is a roller coaster of emotions.  Some days you feel on top of the world and others you question if your students have learned anything.  This award affirms that the good outweighs the bad and that the hard days are worth it,” expressed Bodine.

Bodine holds a bachelor of arts degree in Middle School Education and a masters in Teacher Leadership.  However, when she began her post high school education, you might be surprised to know that the first degree she pursued was a Bachelors of Fine Art in Interior Design.  

“My original degree is in Fine Art and, after college, I worked in interior design.  After a few years, I chose to return to school to become an educator. I chose to teach math because, as an interior designer, I used math everyday…even the Pythagorean Theorem!”

Teaching for 7 years, Bodine is thankful that all of those years have been spent at GCMS.  Being an educator is no easy task, and some days can in fact be challenging.  It’s on those days that it is so important to have a support system in your administration that serve as cheerleaders so to speak.

“My first year of teaching, I survived thanks to the support from our building administrators…shout out to Jonathan Miller!  I was encouraged to reflect, try new things, and fail forward. Each year since has brought new challenges and new opportunities to grow.”

This year has proven to be a monumental year for Bodine in and out of the classroom.  It seems that while this award will definitely be a special memory…it’s a little boy that made it all the much sweeter.

“I’m a new mom! In March I gave birth to a perfect little boy, so my hobby over the last month has been spending time with him.”

Successful educators grow successful students…and we simply cannot overlook that fact.  I will leave you with what Ms. Katie Bodine believes to be at the root of her growth as well as her students.

“First: love your students. Then: reflect every day, acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, try new things to improve both, and be willing to listen and learn from others.”

Congratulations, Ms. Katie Bodine!  We are so proud of you!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

“Do what is best for kids, always.”

Words that every educator, especially those in leadership roles, should keep in the forefront of their mind each day. They are the sole purpose educator’s choose their profession.  Some would even say it’s a calling. Wingo Elementary Principal, Scott Bradley, believes it to be and will continue with that mindset as he assumes the position of Director of Pupil Personnel on July 1.

“As a graduate of GC, teacher in GC, assistant principal in GC, principal in GC and having my own personal students and family in GC…it means so much to me to be trusted to serve this amazing district and its community.”

Mr. Bradley graduated from Murray State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts.  He continued his education and completed a master’s degree along with an Education Specialist certificate in School Administration.

An educator since 2002, Bradley has served in many different capacities throughout his career.  A history buff at heart, Social Studies, US History, Political Science, Human Geography, AP European are just a few of the classrooms Bradley has lent his historical wealth of knowledge to. He has also served in several different leadership roles throughout his career such as Freshman Academy Principal and Department Chair to name a couple. While Bradley embarked on a journey of historical content, surprisingly, that was not his initial interest. 

“Professor Barry Craig at WKCTC inspired me to become an educator.  His passion for history education was infectious.  I immediately changed from computer science to history.”

Each stepping stone prepared him for future leadership roles. As Bradley transitions, he is looking forward to supporting students, and helping them reach their highest potential. 

“My goal is to help all Graves County Schools meet the needs of our students.  We already do a great job and Mr. Braden, my predecessor, has done an exceptional job. I plan to build on the groundwork he has laid and move GC forward.”

Graves County is blessed to have elementary schools placed in communities with a strong bond, and they endlessly support the mission of each of those schools.  While Bradley is excited to dig in and get started…his home for the last 10 years will always be a time that he holds near and dear to him.  

“To my Wingo family, thank you so much for 10 amazing years.  Students, staff, parents and the community are family, and I will forever be thankful for the memories.”

Mr. Bradley is married to his wife of 23 years, Penny, and they share two daughters.  Lydia is a senior at GC, and Palin is a freshman.  When he is not in the classroom, he enjoys playing and singing music.  

As another school year is coming to a close, the beginning of a new year will be knocking on the door very soon.  And…at the core of that beginning, Bradley’s motto, ‘Do what’s best for kids, always,’ will still serve as his guide. 

“I want nothing more than to see your students be successful not only in school, but also wherever life takes them.”

Congratulations Mr. Scott Bradley!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

Behind the scenes work by Graves County Administrators landed the school district a $1.5 million Comprehensive Literacy Grant from the Department of Education. 

High-quality instruction in our classrooms has been and remains to be a top priority within the district.  Our students and educators deserve the classroom to be engaging, invigorating, and one that elicits excellence.  Plans for implementing HQIR within our district have been in motion, but the Comprehensive Literacy Grant will allow for a more cohesive and seamless experience for the GC kiddo beginning from preschool through their senior year of high school.  The district will have the necessary tools and resources to improve oral language, increase readiness for school by partnering with our daycares, strengthen transitions between school levels, improve reading and writing instruction, and improve student literacy outcomes.  One of our main goals at GC is to ensure that our educators have been given the proper training and curriculums to be successful in their endeavors.  The funds from this grant will allow for training that targets the improvement of reading and writing in our buildings, and therefore completes the district-wide vision of high quality instruction being implemented at every single grade level.  

“Reading and writing lay the foundation for a student’s success.  We are very excited and honored to be awarded the Comprehensive Literacy Grant because it allows for our students to receive a high quality education that will equip them with the literacy skills they need to one day graduate as college or career ready.  At the end of the day, that is the big picture goal…to produce students that when they cross that stage and receive their diploma like a group in a couple of weeks will do, we have given them all that they need to thrive,” explains Director of Elementary Education Amanda Henson.

“Our team that took on the challenge of writing this grant consisted of a group of people that all play different roles in our district. However, we all shared a commonality…we want the absolute best for our students.  We knew that this grant had the ability to enhance student learning and their overall future success.  I’m proud to say that we are receiving it and we are looking forward to putting it all into action,” stated Director of Secondary Education Allyssa Binkley.

In the state of Kentucky, only 39 school districts were awarded the highly competitive grant.  Graves County Schools continues to be dedicated to seeking any funding opportunity that would be beneficial for our number one focus…the students.

 

“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” - Fred Rogers

Influential words from one who serves as a role model to Miss Lucy Baldwin, a National Merit Scholarship Finalist!  Amongst other things, Lucy has adopted those words in her life and she attributes much of that mindset to the success she experiences.

“I always look for ways I can serve other people and do work that needs doing.” 

The National Merit Scholarship program recognizes the most esteemed and brilliant individuals in senior classes across the country.  Specifically, those who receive this honor have scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT test.  In addition, they demonstrate academic excellence and exemplify a tremendous amount of potential.  After the initial test was complete, Baldwin submitted an application including extra-curricular activities, career goals, and an essay detailing her experience at the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program…and it sealed the deal!  

Learning has always been thrilling for Baldwin.  A quality that runs within her family, Baldwin possesses a strong work ethic and a hunger for knowledge that she considers to be culprits for her achievement.  She celebrates that her hard work is paying off, and that she is continuing in the footsteps of those who have been the most inspiring on her journey.

“Being named a National Merit Finalist feels very validating.  I’ve worked hard on academics all my life, so it is satisfying to be honored beyond my local community.  I love to learn for its own sake, but it is nice to be recognized once in a while. My mom and dad were valedictorian and salutatorian of their class, and my dad was a National Merit Scholar before me, so this award is also sort of a way for me to carry on a family tradition.”

Along the way, Lucy has built relationships with educators that have served as motivation, encouragement, and provided a high quality learning environment.  

“The best teacher transcends the trappings of classroom settings to reach their students as whole people.  My favorite teachers create their own worlds within their classrooms choosing relationships and storytelling over the traditional teaching methods.  The best memories I have are of times our class diverged from regular instruction into something more special.  I remember Ms. Lane dressed up as John Rolfe in fifth grade to reveal the lies we’d been told about Pochahontas.  Ms. Roberts kept order in the court in our AP Government mock trial, and Ms. Musgraves taught us how to summarize with the most cursed parody of “What Does the Fox Say.”

As Baldwin prepares for her future, she is excited to embark on a new adventure.  After graduation, she will be attending Washington University in St.Louis in the fall where she plans to major in biology with an ecology focus and minor in art.  Upon completing her undergraduate degree, she has her sights set on obtaining a master’s degree in wildlife biology while completing internships in wildlife conservation that will provide opportunities for travel and research. 

Reflecting on her time at GC she alludes to, in her words, the “renowned sage Winnie the Pooh.”

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Congratulations, Lucy!  Wherever you go in life, we know that excellence awaits you!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

Technology is ever changing and a catalyst for the success for so many industries across the country.  It’s important that our students are knowledgeable and well versed in the possibilities technology offers.  Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) provides an outlet for students to be creative, innovative, and advance in the world of technology.

On April 23, five teams from Graves County Schools took their talents on the road to Lexington, KY for the annual STLP State Championship.  Five teams from different schools across the district competed and challenged other teams in Level 2.  Symsonia, Wingo, Fancy Farm, Farmington and Central Elementary Schools were all recognized with Best in Group honors, which advanced them to Level 3.  Fancy Farm represented the elementary level while Symsonia moved forward in the middle school category.

The accolades didn’t stop there! Symsonia Elementary managed to make the top 75.  That includes all grade levels across the state!  In addition, Fancy Farm Elementary landed on the “Terrific 20” list distinguishing themselves as one of the the top 20 projects out of more than 600 entries from across the Commonwealth!

Graves County High School also made a name for themselves with 2 Creative Digital Arts (CDA) entries making it to the final round of the competition.  With an impressive 2nd place statewide finish in Feature Video and Podcast, our GCHS students once again proved to be remarkable and highly skilled on a grand stage full of talent. 

The success at STLP State is a true testament to our students and educators.  It proves that high quality instruction is taking place in classrooms across our district, and that our students, in turn, are absorbing the information and putting those skills into motion with events such as STLP.  Congratulations to all our student innovators and their dedicated supervisors for being outstanding representatives of Graves County Schools. 

 

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether