By Marcia Barnes
Staff Writer
Clay County Schools Board of Education highlighted football athletes, career and technology education students and Hayesville's students who recently received certifications at the Monday, Feb. 23 meeting. Also, recognized for faithful and outstanding service to the schools were substitute bus drivers.
Superintendent Melissa Godfrey thanked each driver for always being available and presented the drivers with a large heart-shaped box of chocolates. Present to receive recognition for their service were Kery Morgan, Eli Roberts, Stacey Overlin, Jimmy Moore, James Cross, Barry Woody, Will Penland and Logan Thurmond. Rondall Brown, Colby White and Jill York who were unable to attend were also recognized.
Head Football Coach Chad McClure led a line-up of outstanding athletes to the podium who had excelled during the fall sports session. McClure thanked the board for inviting them to the Monday night meeting and said that he was very proud of them.
“I had eight guys that were nominated to the All-Conference Teams, which is voted on by other coaches, so that's a big honor,” McClure said.
Athletes present to receive their certificate were Kaden Ledford, Tre Graves, Brendon Collins, Ben Bethel and Will Brown. McClure said that senior Brendon Collins will be missed. He has played offense and defense.
“Ben Bethel was All-Conference in two positions. Will Brown, senior, a two-time All-Conference defensive lineman led the whole team in tackles. He and Ben had a great year for us. Last in attendance here, Tre Graves, he had a phenomenal year, eight games where he rushed over 100 yards, 23 touchdowns, 1,586 yards, he ended up passing my senior year total, but Tre was also selected as the All-Conference back of the year. This is probably the first time in over two decades we've had a player get that recognition. I'm really proud of all these guys and appreciate everybody's support,” McClure said.
Recognition was given to students who have pushed forward in career and technology education classes and internships and already have received certification in varying fields. They were applauded by the board and their teachers for the hard work of working through their studies to certification.
In the healthcare professional pathway, Landon Trout, Ava Shook, Leah Thomas, Skylar Locakaby, Olivia Giddens, Lily Chastain and Anna Gibson have attained a North Carolina Certified Nurse Aide Certification.
In agricultural education and pathway: power, structure, and technical systems, Will Jennings received credentials for an OSHA 10-hour general industry agricultural course. Silas Brown who directs agricultural classes at the high school said that this is a difficult course which Jennings pushed through.
Maddox Rich and Sky Harmon received property management certification through CTE courses and internships.
Reports on the audit and amendments to the budget will be published in the next Clay County Progress, along with changes in the school calendar.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23.