Coy Hall, welding teacher at GRC for the past 13 years, has accepted the position of principal at the brand new Estill County Area Technology Center.

Smoke Signals asked Mr. Hall to reflect on his years at GRC.

As you move on from GRC, what have you learned that you will take with you?

Relationships matter A LOT. Be willing to volunteer and being seen; i.e ball games, board meetings, after school events. It may seem like that doesn’t matter, but when people remember seeing you out and around, things just seem to come your way. Don’t burn bridges and always base your decisions on what’s best for the students.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being able to design the new shop that we have on our campus. Working my hardest to acquire equipment and different connections/relationships/resources to make it one of the best in the state. We have some things here at Clark County that some of the Community Colleges don’t have; Im really proud of that.  Anytime I was able to help a student get gainful employment was always great as well.

Your craziest moment?

What could be crazier than the last year or so with Covid. I think it’s right up there at the top for everyone.

Your favorite memory?

I’ve had LOTS! Coming from the old GRC to the New. Coming from the Old shop to the New. Being at our last Pep Rally at old GRC to our First Pep Rally at the new GRC. Boy’s/Girl’s Basketball winning regional tournaments and going to Rupp. It just changes the dynamic of school for that week. Grand Opening of the new Football Field. Lunch with the AG Crew. Chaperoning the 2014 Senior Trip. Running Karaoke for Project Grad with Robbie Barnes.

Any words of farewell to GRC?

It’s hard to put into words how much I’ll miss GRC. I know I work for the ATC, but I feel like Im truly a part of GRC as well. The relationships I’ve made over the past 13 years have been relationships I hope to have lifelong. There’s been a lot of people in my corner through experiences that everyone eventually has in life, good and bad. I’ve been very blessed to have that. I’ll truly miss the students, the staff, the admin, and the SROs. All that together is what makes GRC so special.

If you’re new here.. go to the ball games, support the AG greenhouse, participate in Secret Santa, go to the staff Christmas Party, buy a yearbook, help out with Project Grad or Prom, and go mingle outside of your department. It will only make your time here more enjoyable and special like it has mine.

Best of luck to everyone.

From the Smoke Signals staff and GRC, thank you, Mr. Hall, for all you have given GRC, and best wishes in your new adventure!