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A cancelled flight might derail some groups, but not Abby Lyell and her FFA world travelers! Over spring break, 21f GC students embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Belgium, continuing a tradition that adds the third trip the organization has taken abroad.

Upon their arrival, the group was determined to hit the ground running making up for lost time. During their time in Brussels, adventures included De Volle Dairy, an organic dairy goat operation, the Atomium, the Grand Place, and Mannekan-Pis. In Ghent, the crew tried their hand at tempering Belgian Chocolate at a chocolatiering workshop.

Next up in Luxembourg, those who felt adventurous walked the Bock Promontory, the 1st walking suspension bridge in Europe. Other sights included the Grand Ducal Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Golden Lady and Luxembourg City Central Park. On to the Netherlands…where the “city of peace” or the Hague is found. This establishment housed the Dutch Parliament and is where international justice is tried. Perhaps one of the most visited attractions was The World Horticulture Center. Over 40,000 people from 80 countries visit each year learning that the Netherlands is a Delta region that receives a lot of water from other countries. However, the water is contaminated and must be processed.

Moving on to Amsterdam, and you will understand what I mean when you see the pictures, where the most beautiful tulips are grown. Lisse, known as the “city of tulips”, is home to Munster Flowers. The intricate detailed flowers are exquisite and definitely a sight to see. Twenty thousand bulbs are produced per acre, however tulips can only be grown in the same field once every 6 years. The largest flower auction in the world takes place in the Netherlands. Wrapping up the journey, the crew visited Rembrandt Hoeve, a dairy, cheese and clog factory as well as a garlic farm.

While these excursions were born from a brainstorming session that included lofty goals more than 6 years ago, Lyell has now taken GC agriculture students to Ireland, Italy and Belgium. The groups continue to grow, and the experience and opportunities continue to get better and better. These experiences create lasting memories as students explore the global landscape of agriculture. Along the way, passions are ignited and curiosity takes root as the world unfolds before their very eyes.

Take a look at the beautiful photos courtesy of FFA Supervisor, Ms. Abby Lyell.

#GDTBAE #PurusingExcellenceTogether

“Handle Hard Better.”

A simple phrase, yet a powerful life motto…one that resonates far beyond the game. It’s a standard that new Lady Eagles Head Basketball Coach, Valerie Waller, is ready to instill in the young ladies who represent her team, both on and off the court.

A Calloway County High School graduate, Waller continued her education at Murray State University where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Math/Science. After completing her Masters at Western Kentucky University, she began what her heart has always led her to do…teach.  However, the passion for something more has always been in the back of her mind. 

“I am an educator at heart, but basketball is something that has always been an important part of my life.  I want to be able to help not only develop players’ basketball skills, but also help them grow as young ladies and develop characteristics that will help them in life.”

With over 28 years of coaching experience, Waller began her career coaching middle school boys basketball at North Oldham Middle School.  In addition, she has served as Head Coach for the softball team at Spencer County High School, as well as the Head Coach for the Lady Lakers basketball team at Calloway County High School where she was named All-Purchase Coach of the Year and KABC Coach of the Year in 2017. During her tenure with the Lady Lakers, the team won the 2A Regional Title in 2020.  Waller also had the pleasure of being an assistant coach at Marshall Co during the 2024-25 season where she had the opportunity to be a part of a Regional Championship. And, most recently, she served as assistant coach for the Lady Eagle Basketball program.  

With an impressive résumé, Waller brings a wealth of experience and a vision for the program that prioritizes developing student-athletes who will succeed not only on the hardwood, but in life as well.

“My goal as head coach is to lead a Lady Eagle team that will display grit, perseverance, and toughness on the hardwood.  I want the community of Graves County to love watching them play. Through that process, I’m also determined to foster a culture of developing a competitive, positive team-family atmosphere with high expectations, contributing to championship successes that will build player development and character on and off the court.”

The games, the last second shots, rushing the court…they are all moments that a coach remembers for a lifetime.  However, Waller insists that while those memories certainly are often marked as some of the greatest times in a coach's career…they are not the best ones.

“When former players keep in touch as they venture through life and you begin to receive wedding invitations and you see them thriving…those are the real wins.”

Congratulations and welcome Coach Valerie Waller!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

 

Oftentimes, we hear the saying that children grow up to become their parents as they begin carving out lives of their own. For Mrs. Tiffany Williams, that sentiment rings especially true. Rocked in the hallways of Cuba for many years, where both her mother and grandfather dedicated their lives to education, Williams felt that same calling placed on her heart at a very early age.

Throughout her time at GC, Williams served in several different capacities. Beginning her career in the classroom, she transitioned to Assistant Principal at GCMS, Principal at Central Elementary, and eventually to her final role as Federal Grants Coordinator.

What began as a childhood surrounded by educators quickly grew into a lifelong passion for serving students, building relationships, and shaping futures. Now, 27 years later, she closes a chapter that has been defined by dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education. While she may be stepping away, the impact she has made on students and co-workers will undoubtedly continue.

For Williams, education was never just a career. It was a lifelong passion shaped by those who came before her. It was her purpose.

"Education is hard work because education is heart work."

- - Tiffany Williams, Graves County Schools

Congratulations, Mrs. Tiffany Williams! We wish you the very best in this next chapter of life!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

On Tuesday, March 24th, at Graves County’s opening meet, junior Guervenson Binfield Smith ran his first track race as an Eagle, and made it one to remember. With a 50.16 finish, Binfield broke the GC school record in the 400m.

Let that sink in.  It was the FIRST meet. It was his FIRST track race. It was his FIRST record!

The previous record, set by Martin Carrillo in 2012, had stood for over a decade. Many have tried to crack the top five since then, but Guervenson’s performance moves him straight to the top, knocking Brian Ramsey’s 1997 mark of 53.45 off the all-time list.

While the record-breaking moment was a true display of athleticism, Coach Kayla Wilson reflects on something even greater...the character that defines Guervenson Binifield.

"What makes this accomplishment even more meaningful is the effort behind it. Guervenson is known for his humility and unmatched work ethic. His father, Kevin Binfield-Smith, who helps coach the team, brings invaluable knowledge and guidance that has been a huge part of Guervenson’s development. They are a family who quietly work hard and lead by example, on and off the track."

This is just the beginning of his season, and we are excited to see how he continues to grow as an athlete and a leader.

Top 5 All Time 400m at Graves County

Guervenson Binfield Smith 50.16 2026

Martin Carrillo 52.14 Class of 2015

Joey Marshall 52.19 Class of 2012

Austin Patterson 52.81 Class of 1997

Michael Wilford 53.44 Class of 2000

Congratulations, Guervenson!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether