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Calloway County Middle School's Academic Team won the District Governor's Cup tournament on January 17th at North Marshall Middle School. This is the 18th consecutive district championship for the CCMS Academic Team.
The Lakers totaled 75 team points, followed by Murray Middle with 37 team points.
Three Calloway County students have been selected for the KMEA All-State Choir.
CCHS students Sam Cecil and Annalyn Norsworthy were selected for the high school choir, and CCMS student Peyton Hixson was selected for the junior high choir.
They will join other elite singers at the KMEA Conference in Louisville this February, where they will rehearse under nationally recognized conductors and perform in a showcase concert.
Selection for this prestigious ensemble is highly competitive. Students prepare and perform a rigorous audition that includes scales, sight-reading, and a prepared piece.
Calloway County Middle School's Academic Team finished as overall team champions in the mid-season tournament hosted by the West Kentucky Academic Association in Paducah on December 15h. The tournament included 16 middle school teams from all around Region One of Kentucky.
Calloway County Middle School's Speech Team delivered an impressive performance on December 13th at the Daviess County Jingle Jam Speech Tournament, earning an overall second-place finish among seven competing schools. The tournament featured strong competition, with SCAPA (The School for Creative and Performing Arts) taking first place overall, but the CCMS Lakers showcased depth, talent, and consistency across a wide range of events.
Leading the way for Calloway County was Andrew Dunnaway, who once again claimed first place in Humorous Interpretation, continuing his streak of standout performances this season. Numerous Lakers also reached the awards stage in individual and partnered events. Noelle Raspberry placed fourth in Broadcasting, while Zoree Whitley earned third place in Dramatic Interpretation, fourth in Poetry, and fourth in Improvisational Duo alongside partner Lilah Hill. Eden Howland secured a strong second-place finish in Dramatic Interpretation, and Madelyn Tudor placed fourth in Dramatic Interpretation and third in Prose.
Additional top finishes included Lilah Hill, who placed third in Extemporaneous Speaking and third in Impromptu; Preston Crawford, who earned sixth in Humorous Interpretation; Beau Keene with a fifth-place finish in Oratory; and Payton Hixson, who placed third in Oratory. Willow Howland had an outstanding day as well, finishing fifth in Poetry and second in Storytelling, while Eliza Hall placed sixth in Storytelling. In duo events, Ethan Pervine and Madison Purdy placed sixth in Improvisational Duo, and the Duo Acting team of Madison Purdy and Eliza Hill earned a fourth-place finish.
Several Lakers narrowly missed finals but still earned recognition for their efforts, with Emma Hixson, Beau Keene, and Ethan Pervine each named “next out” in their respective events. The strong showing at the Jingle Jam Tournament highlights the dedication and hard work of the Calloway County Middle School Speech Team, as well as the continued success of its talented student performers.
Calloway County Middle School's Sixth Grade Academic Team brought home their 18th championship in the past 19 years at the KAAC Sixth Grade Showcase held on December 6th at Calloway County Middle School.
The Lakers posted a team score of 103 points, while Murray Middle finished as runners-up with a total of 31 points. South Livingston finished in third place.
The Lakers earned hardware in every written assessment. In Mathematics, Ryder Wallace placed first, with Tristan Gomez and James Wade tying for second. Social Studies medalists were Colt Hance (2nd), Jesse Childress (3rd), and Olivia Hughes (5th). Fine Arts saw Blakelyn Gilbert win first, Isla Gupton second, and Cooper Wheatley third. In Language Arts, James Wade took first and Maya Hughes third. Science champions included Kinley Brown (1st), Laurel Gray (4th), and Isla Gupton (5th). In Composition, Dallas Tripp and Freyja Beatty tied for first, while Olivia Hughes placed fourth. The Quick Recall team went undefeated to claim the championship, featuring Kinley Brown, Blakelyn Gilbert, Tristan Gomez, Olivia Hughes, Orlando Leon, JR Wade, Ryder Wallace, and Cooper Wheatley. Additional competitors were Silas Bouland, Kensly Greer, Reese McNeely, and Meredith Riley.
Two Lakers earned special state recognition from the competition. Kinley Brown’s science score was the fifth highest score in Kentucky, while Blakelyn Gilbert’s Fine Arts score came in as tenth highest in the state.
Calloway County Middle School's Speech Team were overall champions at the speech tournament held at Graves County High School on November 22nd, earning first place overall among six competing middle schools.
Several Lakers were crowned tournament champions in their events, including Noelle Raspberry in broadcasting, Andrew Dunnaway in humorous interpretation, Beau Keene in oratory, and the duo of Ethan Pervine and Madison Purdy in improvisational duo.
In addition to the tournament champions, numerous CCMS competitors advanced to final rounds. In broadcasting, Raspberry earned first place, followed by Kali Hurt in second and Andrew Dunnaway in third. In declamation, Joelle Arietta placed second and Raspberry finished fourth. Dramatic interpretation featured strong showings with Madelyn Tudor taking second, Zoree Whitley third, and Zoey Theel sixth.
The duo of Olivia Catlin and Molly Falwell placed second in duo acting. In extemporaneous speaking, Emma Hixson finished third, Catlin placed fourth, and Ryder Robbins took fifth. Improvisational duo finalists included the second-place team of Preston Crawford and Dunnaway, as well as Hixson and Whitley, who placed fourth.
Humorous interpretation saw another strong finish from Crawford, who placed second. In impromptu speaking, Hixson placed fourth, Cooper Wheatley fifth, and Kenlee Watkins sixth. Oratory featured a championship performance by Keene, followed by Payton Hixson in second and Falwell in fourth. In prose, Madison Purdy placed second, Tudor earned third, and Parker Hafford finished fourth. The team also celebrated a finalist in storytelling, with Pervine earning second place.
Calloway County Middle School is proud to celebrate 17 students selected for the 2025 KMEA First District Honor Choir. Students auditioned in class this fall, and after weeks of hard work during class and after school rehearsals with CCMS choir director Leslie McManus, they joined singers from 38 schools for a beautiful concert at Murray State University’s historic Lovett Auditorium on November 13th.
The 5th–6th Grade Honor Choir, which also consisted of participants from all three Calloway elementary schools, opened the event with five songs. Two of our 6th graders, Emma Suiter and Lennon Smallwood, were chosen by recorded audition by their guest conductor to be part of a special small solo group for Al Shlosha D’Varim.
The 7th–8th Grade Honor Choir performed four additional pieces with their guest conductor. The concert ended with all 398 singers combining for Be the Change, a song composed to celebrate World Kindness Day. 8th grader Daisy Parrish was selected during in-person auditions as a member of the small solo group for the joint piece. This marks the fourth year in a row that CCMS students have been chosen for Honor Choir solo groups.
6th grade Honor Choir Members: Lennon Smallwood, Layla Phillips, Meredith Riley, Maya Hughes, Lily Carstens, Sadie Van Dyke, & Emma Suiter
7th & 8th grade Honor Choir Members: Anya Fielders, Isabel Islas, Jennison Haven, Haylee Reed, Lillyahna Burrall, Gus Russell, Kayden Cortez, Rylee Hixson, Payton Hixson, & Daisy Parrish
Calloway County Schools are excited to announce state accountability results and school ratings from the 2024-25 school year.
All five Calloway County schools received “blue” or “green” ratings, placing them among the top schools in Kentucky. The ratings are based on a five color scale, including the lowest level red, then orange, yellow, green, and the highest level, blue.
Southwest Calloway Elementary School and North Calloway Elementary School both earned “Blue” overall ratings for the 24-25 school year, the highest possible rating. East Calloway Elementary School, Calloway County Middle School, and Calloway County High School all received “Green” ratings, the second highest rating.
“I am extremely proud of our student achievement and our accountability results,” said Superintendent Tres Settle. “Our faculty and staff work incredibly hard to provide all of our students with opportunities to succeed. We are always looking for ways to improve our schools and will continue to do so, but it is exciting to see that work is paying off for our students and their families.”
The ratings are assigned by the Kentucky Department of Education based on a variety of accountability measures in a weighted formula. Students are tested in reading, math, science, social studies, and combined writing. The achievement formula also includes change from the prior year data. A “Quality of School Climate and Safety” survey is included for school accountability, and English Learner Progress is included in the calculation for schools with a minimum of thirty EL students. Postsecondary readiness and graduation rates are a part of high school level accountability.
All five schools saw increases in student achievement from 2024 to 2025 and have achievement data well ahead of the state averages in Kentucky.
Calloway County High School freshman Ava Bogard finished fifth in the National Civics Bee National Championship held in Washington, D.C. on November 11th.
Bogard represented Kentucky in the national bee after winning the state championship as an eighth grader in the spring.
During her speech at the National Civics Bee finals, Bogard addressed the issue of criminal voter disenfranchisement, arguing that restoring voting rights to former felons strengthens both democracy and society.
Photo credit to Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce
Five Calloway County teachers were recognized as graduates of the Leadership Initiative for Teachers by the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. Teachers were recognized as part for the Chamber's annual salute to education during the November Business at Lunch event.
LIFT teachers explore community resources during Chamber led training beginning in July. Teachers learn about non-profits, community resources, and business opportunities during the training with the goal that teachers will communicate what they've learned to students and colleagues.
Pictured are 2025 LIFT graduates Kayla Luker (Southwest), Julia Garland (East), Emily Hearn (CCMS), Laken Falwell (North), and Jacob Falwell (CCHS).
Calloway County Middle School's Speech Team brought won a championship title on November 8th, earning first place in the middle school division at the Racer Classic Speech Tournament held on the campus of Murray State University.
The team delivered an outstanding performance across multiple categories, securing six individual first-place finishes. Top honors went to:
· Madelyn Tudor – Dramatic Interpretation
· Madison Purdy – Prose Interpretation
· Payton Hixson – Oratory
· Willow Howland and Andrew Dunnaway – Improvisational Duo
· Andrew Dunnaway – Humorous Interpretation
· Andrew Dunnaway – Broadcasting
In addition to these championship performances, many team members earned top-six placements in their events, contributing to the overall team success.
Broadcasting
· 2nd – Kali Hurt
Declamation
· 2nd – Joel Arrieta
· 4th – Noelle Raspberry
· 5th – Sophie Soto
Dramatic Interpretation
· 2nd – Eden Howland
Duo Acting
· 2nd – Cooper Wheatley & Maya Hughes
· 3rd – Madison Purdy & Eliza Hall
Extemporaneous Speaking
· 2nd – Olivia Catlin
· 4th – Emma Hixson
Improvisational Duo
· 2nd – Madison Purdy & Ethan Pervine
Impromptu Speaking
· 2nd – Kenlee Watkins
· 4th – Emma Hixson
Oratory
· 2nd – Beau Keene
· 3rd – Molly Falwell
Storytelling
· 2nd – Ethan Pervine
· 5th – Willow Howland
The program also recognized the contributions of additional team members whose hard work and effort helped secure the school’s strong finish: Brooklyn Powell, Jackson Dugger, Rylan Murphy, and Zoey Theel.
Calloway County Middle School's Speech Team placed first of seven middle schools competing at the at the Krider Invitational Speech Tournament at Henry County High School in Paris, TN on November 1st.
Two Lakers were named tournament champion in their events: Lilah Hill in impromptu speaking and Eden Howland in dramatic interpretation.
Several additional students also placed in individual events at the tournament. In dramatic interpretation, Zoree Whitley placed second, Madelyn Tudor placed third and Parker Hafford placed fifth. The duo acting team of Maya Hughes and Cooper Wheatley placed second. In improvisational duo, the team of Madison Purdy and Ethan Pervine placed second while Willow Howland and Zoree Whitley placed fourth. In extemporaneous speaking, Emma Hixson placed third, Lilah Hill placed fourth and Olivia Catlin placed fifth. In humorous interpretation, Andrew Dunnaway placed third and Preston Crawford placed fifth. In impromptu speaking, Emma Hixson placed sixth and Kenlee Watkins placed seventh. In oratory, Payton Hixson placed second and Molly Falwell placed fourth. In poetry, Zoree Whitley placed fourth and in prose Madison Purdy placed third. In radio broadcasting, Noelle Raspberry placed second, Andrew Dunnaway placed third and Kali Hurt placed fourth. In storytelling, Willow Howland placed second, Ethan Pervine placed third and Eliza Hill placed sixth. In declamation, Noelle Raspberry also placed fourth.
The CCMS Speech Team will compete this coming weekend at the Racer Invitational on the campus of Murray State University.
Calloway County High School's Laker Band has qualified for the KMEA State Semifinals after earning a "Distinguished" rating during the Class AAAA quarterfinals in Hopkinsville on October 18th.
The Laker Band now moves on to compete in the Class AAAA state semifinals at Daviess County High School on October 25th. They will perform at 12:45pm.
The Lakers hope to qualify for the state finals held at Western Kentucky University, held during the evening of October 25th.
By John Wright - Murray Ledger and Times
Calloway County High School’s trap shooting program — the Clay Crushers — have had some very strong accomplishments over the years.
However, what was revealed earlier this week tops them. This program can now say that it has produced not one, but two, All-Americans.
That is what the Amateur Trapshooting Association decided was the case when it unveiled its list of 2026 All-Americans, based on this year’s performances. On that list were sophomore Andie Veazey and Calloway County Middle eighth grader Maverick McClure.
“This is big,” said Calloway coach Vernon Anderson, who founded the program in 2015, earlier this week. “I mean, this is a really big deal for our program.”
Veazey was named to the Lady Second Team of the ATA list, while McClure earned First Team distinction for Sub-Juniors.
This is actually away from high school arena, which ends in June. The results that yielded the All-American honors were from non-high-school events and, in many cases, pitted the Clay Crusher shooters against much older and experienced competitors.
However, as Anderson indicated, the Clay Crushers name is still attached, giving the program added prowess. Calloway is now about three months removed from having finished fourth in the state shoot at Berea ... after having the lead after the first round.
For McClure and Veazey, this comes after a long road of competitions in multiple states, where both earned several championship buckles. However, while championships at state events are very nice, to earn All-American status, it takes performing on the biggest stage.
That stage was the annual Grand American at the gigantic World Shooting and Recreational Complex in the southern Illinois town of Sparta (about halfway between Carbondale and St. Louis).
All McClure did was win the Champion of Champion Sub Junior title by hitting all 100 of his targets, His ticket to even compete in this event was punched with a win in the Kentucky state singles shoot.
“I just shoot like I’m shooting the first bird,” McClure said, describing his approach to hitting the last few targets in a pressure-packed environment such as what exists in Sparta. This is where the best of the best in not only the United States, but the entire world, come to show their skills. “There are times (he gets fatigued, from holding a 12-gauge shotgun that weighs about 8 pounds, but can feel much heavier after several rounds). It did get tiring at The Grand when I went two extra rounds.”
Veazey, who won the state high school championship as a seventh grader, also performed at a high level when the chips were on the table in Sparta. She was third in both Trap and Field Handicap and RIO Handicap.
She also was third overall for ladies performers at the Indiana State Shoot in Fishers and the overall runner-up in the Kentucky state shoot at Berea. McClure was the overall non-resident champion in both Georgia and singles champion at the Great Lake Grand in Michigan, where he duplicated his trailblazing feat of hitting 100 straight targets in a round from the state high school event.
Veazey is the younger sister of former Clay Crushers standout Riley Veazey.
“Mmm ... lots of practice and shoot every Sunday,” Andie said in her typical quick-and-to-the-point style in explaining the recipe to her success. “In Sparta? I did OK.” Andie said she has learned a very valuable lesson from the first time she pulled the trigger on a shotgun.
“The first time I picked up a gun, it hurt ... real bad,” she remembered of the fierce recoil this weapon can produce, especially for someone at a very young age who is not physically mature. “So I learned that’s going to happen if you didn’t get it into your shoulder.”
“And she’s learned how to control that,” Anderson said. “She’s learned what works.”
The Sparta competition, as well as all of the events out of state, produce a unique opportunity for competitors.
“Meeting new people ... that’s really cool about all of this,” McClure said of meeting people from other nations.”
What Anderson finds “cool”about this activity is its long-lasting appeal. He said this is something that can carry into the very late ages for shooters like Veazey and McClure. And he is living proof.
“Look! I’m still competing at 80 and these young people can compete until 80 or 90 if they want to,” he said. “Most people can’t play basketball or baseball or soccer or volleyball past 20, much less 25, anyway. It’s something that gives you that mental exercise that you need and I can tell the difference in my own mentality since I’ve been in involved in trap shooting.
“I might’ve been a vegetable in a rocking chair by now if I hadn’t been involved in trap shooting.”
Calloway County Middle School 8th graders visited SPARK, the career exploration event held at the CFSB Center by the Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce on September 17th.
Students learned about different opportunities available locally to "spark" an interest for their future career. Over 50 local vendors attended the event to meet with students.
Calloway County Middle School teacher Scott Pile was named the 2025 Educator of the Year by the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce.
Pile, pictured with his wife Whitney, is a science teacher and Academic Team coach at the school. Under his guidance, the CCMS Academic Team has placed in the top 5 of the state Governor's Cup competition each of the last five seasons.
Pile received his award at the annual Chamber awards banquet on July 17th.
Calloway/Murray FRYSC Back to School Block Party
July 17th, 4-7pm at CFSB Center at Murray State
Games for kids, School Supplies Assistance, School Physicals, Health Care Resources, Community Resources, Refreshments
First Day of School for K-12 Students: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Calloway County Preschool
July 14 - Packet Pickup - 8am-4:30pm
July 31 - Open House - 5-7pm
East Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Registration - 2:30-6:30pm
July 29 - Back to School Night K-2 - 5-6:30pm
July 31 - Back to School Night 3-5 - 5-6:30pm
North Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Fee Day - 8am-6pm
July 28 - Back to School Night - 3rd grade at 5pm, 4th grade at 6pm, 5th grade at 7pm
July 29 - Back to School Night - 1st grade at 5pm, 2nd grade at 6pm
July 31 - Back to School Night - Kindergarten at 5:30pm
Southwest Calloway Elementary School
July 22 - Fee Day - 8am-6pm
July 28 - Back to School Night - K-2 - 5pm
July 29 - Back to School Night - 3-5 - 5pm
Calloway County Middle School
July 28 - Registration Day - Grades 7-8 - 4-7pm
August 1 - Smooth Sailing Day Camp - 6th Grade - 8am-1pm
August 1 - Registration Day - 6th Grade - 1-3pm
Calloway County High School
July 14 - New Student Registration - 8am-3pm
July 22 - Freshman and Senior Schedule Pickup - 11am-6pm
July 23 - Sophomore and Junior Schedule Pickup - 11am-6pm
July 24 - New Student Schedule Pickup - 8-11am, 12-2pm
July 29 - New Student Registration - 8am-3pm
July 31 - Freshman Orientation - 6-7:30pm
Calloway County Schools director of transportation Matt Turner was recognized as the 2025 Rookie Transportation Director of the Year by the Student Transportation Association of Kentucky at their annual conference in Louisville on June 26th.
Turner was nominated by the district's bus driver trainers for outstanding dedication, service, and leadership in the district's transportation department.
Pictured left to right from the Calloway County Schools transportation department are Richard Burkeen, Amanda Morgan, Turner, and Ryan Rogers.
Calloway County Schools have hired Tiffany Brown as the district’s new Director of Special Education for the 25-26 school year. Brown replaces Lynsey Smith, who moved to an assistant principal position at Calloway County High School.
Brown brings a wealth of experience to the district in her new position. She has served Paducah Public Schools as the Early Childhood Disability Coordinator since 2008. Before her administrative role, she was a preschool teacher for six years in Graves County. Brown has two Master’s degrees and a Bachelor’s degree, all from Murray State University.
“We are excited to add Ms. Brown to our administrative team,” Superintendent Tres Settle said. “She has an incredible amount of experience, and she has been highly recommended by her former colleagues. I am confident she will be a great fit for our school community.”
“I’m honored to join the Laker family alongside other great educators and leaders to prepare kids for a bright future,” Brown said. “This is more than a job to me; it’s a higher calling to advocate for exceptional students, be a resource for families, and support staff in this important work. I’m excited to get to know the students and faculty and together find innovative ways to meet the unique needs of all learners to create an environment where they can not only maximize their potential but thrive.”
Brown grew up in Graves County and now lives in Cunningham with her husband Casey. She has two adult children, Chaney and Chayton, and an infant grandson. She will begin her new position officially on July 1st.
Calloway County Middle School students took the top two spots in the Kentucky Business Education Association's statewide keyboarding contest in the middle school division.
Eighth grader Kye Wilson (right) took first place with 80 words per minute and received a $50 Amazon gift card.
Eighth grader Porter Melton (left) took second place with 78 words per minute and earning a $25 Amazon gift card.
In the school competition, Brooklynn Powell was the 6th grade winner and Ma'liyah Cowan was the 7th grade winner.
Congrats to our Calloway teachers chosen for the Chamber's 2025 LIFT program!
The Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Institute for Teachers provides professional learning aimed to bridge the gap between education and workforce through experiential learning.
Calloway teachers participating in 2025 are:
Emily Hearn, CCMS
Kayla Luker, Southwest
Julia Garland, East
Laken Falwell, North
Jacob Falwell, CCHS
Calloway County Middle School's science bowl team finished 17th in the nation in the National Science Bowl competition in Washington, D.C., April 24th-28th.
The Lakers represented the state of Kentucky against 46 other teams from around the United States. They achieved this honor after winning the US Department of Energy Regional Science Bowl earlier in February. They competed in multi-day events that included a quick recall style competition and a cyber computer challenge. In the quick recall competition, the CCMS team played through the pool play round and qualified for the double elimination portion of the tournament.
The Lakers also had the opportunity to spend a day in the National Mall, where they visited Smithsonian Museums, The Library of Congress, and various monuments. The team consisted of (L to R) Kyler Myers, Ava Bogard, Abby Rekow, Theodore Perlow, Collin Naber, and Coach Scott Pile.
Calloway County Middle School students Ava Bogard and Collin Naber have advanced to the State Civics Bee after taking the top two spots at the regional Civics Bee competition held April 19th at The Carson Center in Paducah, hosted by the Paducah Chamber of Commerce.
Bogard was the overall champion and won $750. Naber placed as runner-up and received $500. Both students will compete at the State Civics Bee, held at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville in August. CCMS students Madelyn Tudor and Naomi Dean also represented CCMS in the competition. All students received a free digital tablet for participating.
Students qualified for the event after submitting an essay that addressed current issues in the community and how it can be solved using civic virtues. Once selected, students competed in two rounds of jeopardy style questions on national civics. The top five from that round then advanced to the interview section, where they were asked questions by community leaders about their essay topic.
Calloway County Middle School eighth grader Kyler McKeel has qualified for the National Geography Bee and National History Bee held this May in Orlando, FL.
McKeel qualified for nationals by competing in regional competitions in Nashville, TN on April 6th. He finished as the regional runner-up in the Geography Bee and finished third in the History Bee, qualifying him in both areas for nationals.
Calloway County Middle School's concert band received a "Distinguished" rating during the KMEA First District Concert Band Assessment on March 25th in Paducah. This is the second straight year the CCMS concert band has received this highest possible rating at the event.
The band is composed of seventh and eighth graders and is directed by CCMS teacher Kevin Suiter.