Clay County School Board Honors Football Standouts, Bus Drivers and CTE Students

The Clay County Schools Board of Education recognized student athletes, staff and career-focused students during its regular meeting held Monday, Feb. 23.

The board honored members of the Hayesville High School varsity football team for earning postseason honors in the Smoky Mountain Conference following the 2025 season.

Recognized players included Tre Graves, named SMC All-Conference Back of the Year; Will Brown, SMC All-Conference defensive lineman; and All-SMC Honorable Mention selections Kaden Ledford (running back), Brendon Collins (offensive line), and Ben Bethel (wide receiver and defensive back). Also earning honors but not pictured were Rayland Martinez, SMC All-Conference offensive lineman; E.J. Mapusua, All-SMC Honorable Mention tight end; and Peyton McGaha, All-SMC Honorable Mention quarterback.

Board members also recognized several substitute bus drivers for their service to the district, noting their role in maintaining daily attendance and transportation reliability. Officials said the district has not had to park buses for extended periods in many years because of the availability of substitute drivers.

Those recognized included Kery Morgan, Eli Roberts, Stacey Overlin, Jimmy Moore, Jamie Cross, Barry Woody, Will Penland and Logan Thurmond. Also acknowledged, but not pictured, were Rondall Brown, Colby White and Jill York.

In addition, the board celebrated Career and Technical Education Month by recognizing an outstanding group of Hayesville High School students who have earned industry credentials across multiple CTE pathways. School officials praised the students’ dedication, hands-on learning and mastery of real-world skills, saying the achievements reflect both the rigor of the programs and the students’ commitment to excellence.

Due to the number of students earning credentials, officials said additional CTE student recognitions will continue at the board’s March 23 meeting.