McCracken Seniors: Sam Dobson, Zek Dossett, and Jake Thaggard.
These students were selected by MCHS faculty and have the opportunity to attend the Rotary Club of Paducah meetings during their designated month. This recognition celebrates students who demonstrate strong character, leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom.
Congratulations, Mustangs! We are proud of you and the way you represent MCHS!

Last week, our Mustangs spent time learning what it means to be an informed and engaged citizen.
During Senior HERD, students received important information about voter registration, Selective Service, jury duty, and income taxes. Our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students learned more about the required high school civics exam. Students also took part in a special Constitution Day activity on Thursday, September 17.
Thanks to Senior Grant Seaton, who organized a Voter Registration Drive, students who will be 18 by Kentucky’s November 3 General Election also had the opportunity to register to vote.
A big thank you to Mr. Drake Williams and our Social Studies Department for helping students better understand the responsibilities, opportunities, and importance of being engaged citizens!



9/21 - 9/26

Congrats to Sophomore Callie Jett, Golden Ticket Winner of the Week!
Golden Tickets are given by MCHS faculty and staff to recognize students for making positive choices and representing our Mustang expectations.
🍕 A special thank you to Marco’s Pizza for generously providing gift certificates for our winners!

King Luke Whiteside and Queen Lilly Hamilton
Homecoming Court
Seniors:
Lilly Hamilton, Janaye Reed, Bailey Riley, Sophie Riley, Ella Shelbourne
Jay Martin, Garrett Miller, Martin Thomas, Luke Whiteside, Brock Wilson
Juniors:
Calleigh Eidson, Nora Henderson, Katelyn Waggoner
Sebastian Hernandez, Wilton Houser, Omarii Thomas
Sophomores:
Emma Cranor, Hailey Johnson, Ava Rhodes
Bryan Chaires, Watson Crabtree, Cole Presswood
Freshmen:
Jordyn Conn, Lilly Hayden, Payton McKinnon
Cole Adams, Bronx McDermott, Loye Wood



The new welding program at McCracken County High School is off to a great start! With 14 welding bays, students are gaining valuable hands-on experience while preparing for high-demand careers.
Last week, welding teacher Mr. Tucker and his classes welcomed Fabian Villota and Buz Smith from General Matter to discuss careers in welding and the qualities the company will seek in future employees.
Mr. Villota shared his journey from military service to his current role with General Matter and emphasized the importance of developing good habits now to achieve future success. Students learned about background checks, security clearances, and the technical and soft skills needed in the workplace.
They also had the opportunity to ask questions about General Matter, other industries coming to Paducah, the economic impact these companies will have on our region, and the growing demand for skilled welders.
Thank you to Mr. Villota, Mr. Smith, and General Matter for connecting classroom learning with real-world career opportunities!












Each year, students are assigned a different local nonprofit or community project where they can lend a helping hand. This year, our students spent the day at Noble Park, where they cleaned, sanded, scraped, and painted the park pavilions.
Experiences like this give students an important lesson beyond the classroom—the value of serving others and giving back to the community we call home.
We are proud of our Mustangs for rolling up their sleeves and making a difference!






Last week during HERD time, each Freshman Academy Team attended Freshman Connection!
More than 20 clubs and organizations were on hand, with student representatives sharing what their groups are all about and helping our freshmen discover the many ways they can get involved at MCHS.
From finding a new interest to meeting new people, everyone has a place to connect, get involved, and make the most of their high school experience!










Over the past few weeks, our students have had the opportunity to hear from representatives from Lipscomb University and Centre College about campus life, academic programs, scholarships, and the admissions process.
And the college conversations continue this week! Western Kentucky University will be visiting MCHS to talk with students about all things college and admissions.
We’re excited to give our Mustangs opportunities to explore their options, ask questions, and start planning for what comes next!


Congrats to Sophomore Zoe Montplaisir, Golden Ticket Winner of the Week!
Golden Tickets are given by MCHS faculty and staff to recognize students for making positive choices and representing our Mustang expectations.
🍕 A special thank you to Marco’s Pizza for generously providing gift certificates for our winners!

We loved welcoming former Mustang and Media Arts student Chandler Newsome (Class of 2023) back to MCHS!
Chandler spoke with our Media Arts students about his experience working in the film industry, where he has already earned multiple production credits and is building a bright future working in the electrical department as a gaffer and grip.
He gave students a behind-the-scenes look at what his job entails on set, shared advice on breaking into the industry, and talked about the hard work and persistence it takes to keep landing jobs and building a career.
There’s nothing better than seeing a former Mustang return to share real-world experience with the next generation. We’re proud of you, Chandler, and can’t wait to see where your career takes you!


Students recently worked on poaching eggs while putting their creativity to the test with plating and garnishing. The lesson even brought Academy of Technology, Business, and Hospitality Principal Mrs. Mandy Irvan into the kitchen, where one of our students stepped up to coach her through the process!
It was a great example of students building skills, sharing what they know, and gaining confidence through hands-on experience.
And yes — Mrs. Irvan’s finished plate definitely looked egg-cellent!







A big shoutout to the McCracken County Boys Golf Team for qualifying for the Boys All-State Tournament! The team of Peyton Courtney, Jack Farmery, Brently Gregory, Evan Hack, and Cooper Webb earned an impressive 640 points out of a possible 700 to qualify! Even more impressive — this marks the FOURTH consecutive year the Mustangs have qualified for the All-State Tournament!
Good luck this weekend, Mustangs!

These donations help give our students the opportunity to learn by doing—using real tools and materials to build skills through hands-on experiences in the classroom.
We are also incredibly thankful for Mr. Joel Crider, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom each day as he teaches and prepares our students for the future.
We are grateful for the community partners and educators who continue to invest in our students!
STRONG SCHOOLS. STRONG COMMUNITY. STRONG FUTURE.

As part of their focus on professionalism in the workplace, students have completed a job application, created a résumé and cover letter, and now practiced answering interview questions and making a strong first impression.
These Mustangs are building real-world skills they can take straight into the workplace!





Congrats to Sophomore Ansh Gupta, our first Golden Ticket Winner of the Week!
Golden Tickets are given by MCHS faculty and staff to recognize students for making positive choices and representing our Mustang expectations.
🍕 A special thank you to Marco’s Pizza for generously providing gift certificates for our winners!

🎬 Get prepared for Homecoming Week, Mustangs! 🍿✨ Mustangs at the Movies is coming September 14–18, and we’re ready for a week full of school spirit, dress-up days, and Homecoming fun!
🎥 Lights. Camera. MUSTANGS! ❤️🖤 Start planning those outfits now — we can’t wait to see everyone show up and show out for Homecoming Week! 🐎
Homecoming Football Game = Friday, September 18th.
Homecoming Dance = Saturday, September 19th.
Homecoming Dance Tickets will go on sale in IC on Wednesday, September 9th.

The Mustang of the Month process begins with a Golden Ticket nomination from a faculty or staff member. After standout nominations are narrowed down, the PBIS team makes a blind selection for the monthly winner.
We are proud to recognize students like Kelly who make MCHS a better place through their choices, actions, and example each day!
A special thank you to Marco’s Pizza for generously donating gift certificates for our winners!

High Attendance Day is Wednesday, September 9! ❤️🖤
Regular attendance sets the tone for success! High Attendance Day is recognized across Kentucky as a reminder of just how important it is for students to be in school, on time, and ready to learn every day.
Let’s fill the halls, show up strong, and make September 9 a GREAT day to be a Mustang!

