
Berea Athletics schedule for the week of September 29 - October 3.
Lots of great action home and away. Good luck to all our teams and coaches. Go Pirates!!
- Congratulations to our HS Volleyball team on winning their Berea Blockade this past weekend. The Varsity team went 5-0 with 2 wins over Pineville, 2 wins over Burgin and 1 win over Model. Our student body will have the chance to see our girls in action at 1:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon as the girls take on Pineville in our school day event. More details to come.
- Our HS Boys Soccer team played their senior night game this past Saturday and honored 4 seniors (Olin Perry, Luke Campbell, Kyndon Goodwin and Conrad Jawor).
- On Thursday, Oct. 1 our HS Girls Soccer team will take on Hazard at 6:30 p.m. and honor 4 seniors (Yarely Ramos, Mary Francisco, Kayden Lawson and Story Nunn-Bonta).
- Our MS Girls Basketball 8th grade team finished up the season this weekend in the KBC State Tournament. The girls finish 25-2 on the season with a 24-0 regular season.
- Our MS Girl Soccer team will have 8th grade night on Monday (9/28) as they take on Sayre. We will be honoring 8th graders Lila McCay and Story Lockwood.
- The MS Boys Soccer team 8th grade night game will be on Wednesday (9/30) at 5:30 p.m. vs Sayre. We have 6 8th graders to honor (Daniel Ponce, Enrique Sanchez, Gio Gonzalez-Garcia, Graham Ramsay, Levi Stakelin and Cristobal Trinidad-Gonzalez).
Lots of great action home and away. Good luck to all our teams and coaches. Go Pirates!!
- Congratulations to our HS Volleyball team on winning their Berea Blockade this past weekend. The Varsity team went 5-0 with 2 wins over Pineville, 2 wins over Burgin and 1 win over Model. Our student body will have the chance to see our girls in action at 1:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon as the girls take on Pineville in our school day event. More details to come.
- Our HS Boys Soccer team played their senior night game this past Saturday and honored 4 seniors (Olin Perry, Luke Campbell, Kyndon Goodwin and Conrad Jawor).
- On Thursday, Oct. 1 our HS Girls Soccer team will take on Hazard at 6:30 p.m. and honor 4 seniors (Yarely Ramos, Mary Francisco, Kayden Lawson and Story Nunn-Bonta).
- Our MS Girls Basketball 8th grade team finished up the season this weekend in the KBC State Tournament. The girls finish 25-2 on the season with a 24-0 regular season.
- Our MS Girl Soccer team will have 8th grade night on Monday (9/28) as they take on Sayre. We will be honoring 8th graders Lila McCay and Story Lockwood.
- The MS Boys Soccer team 8th grade night game will be on Wednesday (9/30) at 5:30 p.m. vs Sayre. We have 6 8th graders to honor (Daniel Ponce, Enrique Sanchez, Gio Gonzalez-Garcia, Graham Ramsay, Levi Stakelin and Cristobal Trinidad-Gonzalez).


Anthony Rodriguez and Taylor McHone were crowned our 2026 Homecoming King & Queen at Friday's big game!
Congratulations to our entire Homecoming Court for representing Berea and making our 2026 Homecoming Week one to remember!
Everyone had a blast coming together to watch the game, spend time with friends and family, and show some school spirit cheering on our Pirates. We couldn't be more proud of our student athletes, and all our faculty and staff who made the night so special.
📸 Photos by student-photographer Dallas Connor.
It's a great day to be a Pirate!
Congratulations to our entire Homecoming Court for representing Berea and making our 2026 Homecoming Week one to remember!
Everyone had a blast coming together to watch the game, spend time with friends and family, and show some school spirit cheering on our Pirates. We couldn't be more proud of our student athletes, and all our faculty and staff who made the night so special.
📸 Photos by student-photographer Dallas Connor.
It's a great day to be a Pirate!










Our Homecoming Bonfire brought everyone together Thursday night for a cozy evening on the school's front lawn.
What a special time of year! The bonfire tradition runs deep in the history of Berea Community Schools, and we’re sure many alumni have fond memories of gathering with friends before Homecoming games for bonfires of their own.
We're absolutely thrilled that, under the supervision of Mr. Billings and the Berea Fire Department, we've been able to revive this tradition for a new generation of Berea students and make some new memories under the firelight.
Everyone had a blast spreading out on the school's front lawn to spend time with friends, watch the fire, and wind down after a busy Homecoming week. It was a night to remember, and a perfect way to cap off the summer season as we welcome those cooler fall evenings.
Shoutout to student-photographer Dallas Connor for helping us capture the event!
Thanks to everyone who came out and made the night so memorable. We’re already looking forward to gathering around the fire again next year!
What a special time of year! The bonfire tradition runs deep in the history of Berea Community Schools, and we’re sure many alumni have fond memories of gathering with friends before Homecoming games for bonfires of their own.
We're absolutely thrilled that, under the supervision of Mr. Billings and the Berea Fire Department, we've been able to revive this tradition for a new generation of Berea students and make some new memories under the firelight.
Everyone had a blast spreading out on the school's front lawn to spend time with friends, watch the fire, and wind down after a busy Homecoming week. It was a night to remember, and a perfect way to cap off the summer season as we welcome those cooler fall evenings.
Shoutout to student-photographer Dallas Connor for helping us capture the event!
Thanks to everyone who came out and made the night so memorable. We’re already looking forward to gathering around the fire again next year!










Let's give it up for our Lady Pirates Volleyball for claiming the championship of the Berea Blockade this weekend!
With an incredible performance, losing only one set, the Lady Pirates claimed their second ever first place trophy this Saturday at the Berea Blockade Championship in Singleton Gym.
Come on out to see our champions take on Danville at home tonight at 6 PM!
With an incredible performance, losing only one set, the Lady Pirates claimed their second ever first place trophy this Saturday at the Berea Blockade Championship in Singleton Gym.
Come on out to see our champions take on Danville at home tonight at 6 PM!





Homecoming Parade 2026!
Everyone had a blast at yesterday's Homecoming Parade. Whether we were finishing up final touches on the floats, posing for photos, or lining up to collect candy, the whole community came out in full-force to show some Pirate Pride and cheer on our students and teachers as they rode through town.
We'd like to send a huge thanks to the City of Berea, Berea Fire Department, Berea Police Department, and to everyone who supplied and helped drive the vehicles in the parade. Thank you all for your time, donations, and support.
The fun's not over yet! Join us tonight for our Homecoming Bonfire from 7-9 PM, and don't forget to come out for the big game tomorrow night! Our Homecoming Court Crowning will take place at 7:00 PM before the game.
We'll see you there Pirates!
Everyone had a blast at yesterday's Homecoming Parade. Whether we were finishing up final touches on the floats, posing for photos, or lining up to collect candy, the whole community came out in full-force to show some Pirate Pride and cheer on our students and teachers as they rode through town.
We'd like to send a huge thanks to the City of Berea, Berea Fire Department, Berea Police Department, and to everyone who supplied and helped drive the vehicles in the parade. Thank you all for your time, donations, and support.
The fun's not over yet! Join us tonight for our Homecoming Bonfire from 7-9 PM, and don't forget to come out for the big game tomorrow night! Our Homecoming Court Crowning will take place at 7:00 PM before the game.
We'll see you there Pirates!










Who knew we had some celebrities visiting BCHS today?
Having a blast wrapping up our Homecoming Spirit Week with "Dress like a Celebrity" day today! Don't forget to join in on the fun and dress for "School Spirit" day tomorrow!
Happy Homecoming Pirates!
Having a blast wrapping up our Homecoming Spirit Week with "Dress like a Celebrity" day today! Don't forget to join in on the fun and dress for "School Spirit" day tomorrow!
Happy Homecoming Pirates!

Our Pirates are gearing up for a Homecoming Parade to remember tomorrow!
Leading up to the big parade, the after-school student parking lot has been home to BCHS students hard at work designing and building their class floats all week long. With this year’s Great Gatsby theme, there have been plenty of gold frills and Art Deco patterns to go around. Students have spent their evenings painting, crafting, and gluing their designs together, and it looks like we’re in for a flashy parade without a doubt!
Be sure to come watch the parade roll through town at 6:00 PM tomorrow!
A huge thank-you to all of our class sponsors and community members who have volunteered their trailers and helped watch over our students throughout the week.
Who do you think will come out with the most eye-catching float by tomorrow’s parade?
Leading up to the big parade, the after-school student parking lot has been home to BCHS students hard at work designing and building their class floats all week long. With this year’s Great Gatsby theme, there have been plenty of gold frills and Art Deco patterns to go around. Students have spent their evenings painting, crafting, and gluing their designs together, and it looks like we’re in for a flashy parade without a doubt!
Be sure to come watch the parade roll through town at 6:00 PM tomorrow!
A huge thank-you to all of our class sponsors and community members who have volunteered their trailers and helped watch over our students throughout the week.
Who do you think will come out with the most eye-catching float by tomorrow’s parade?










Congratulations to our Anchor of Excellence recipients! ⚓
Each month, the Anchor of Excellence recognition will honor a small selection of employees and community members, highlighting the outstanding work happening across our district and celebrating staff members who consistently go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and our school community.
This month, our first recognition goes out to Melissa Davis, who joined Berea Community Schools this year as our new library media specialist, and in a remarkably short time, she has already made tremendous impacts. She has transformed the library into a place where students are excited to visit to explore, create, and learn. She has also stepped beyond the traditional role of library media specialist by finding creative ways to continue providing STEAM opportunities for our students after the loss of our dedicated STEAM position. Melissa has also become an incredible resource for our staff, taking initiative to identify problems, find solutions, and help wherever she is needed. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout our entire school. Melissa, thank you for bringing such energy, creativity, and genuine spirit of service to our district. Your willingness to step up and make things better for our students is exactly the kind of everyday excellence we are proud to celebrate with this award.
Our next recognition goes to Mr. Bernie Harris. Bernie's connection to Berea Community Schools runs deep as a graduate, a parent, coach, and now head football coach at BCHS. Bernie has spent decades investing his time and energy into our students. His service extends well beyond the playing field. He has coached baseball and golf, serves on the Berea Community Athletics Hall of Fame Committee, and leads our youth basketball league. Through his trophy-making business, he also generously supported our school by creating awards, trophies, signage, and displays that celebrate our students and preserve our athletic history. From the Hall of Fame plaques outside Conkin Gym to his work commemorating the Bill Smallwood Classic Scholarship, Bernie continues to find ways to honor the people and traditions that make our school special. Bernie, thank you for giving so much of your time, talent, and heart to Berea Community Schools. You truly exemplify what it means to be an anchor of our community.
Our final recipient is Debbie Holbrook. Debbie devoted more than 28 years to the Berea Independent School District, serving in accounts payable, payroll, and ultimately as our district finance officer. But her service to our district did not end when she retired in 2017. Debbie has continued to be a trusted mentor, a calming presence, and an invaluable resource, especially during some of the most challenging financial times in our district's history. But perhaps what makes Debbie so special is that her care for our school family goes far beyond her professional expertise. She continues to show up for people with encouragement, handmade gifts, baked goods, thoughtful gestures during both celebrations and difficult times. Debbie, your willingness to continue serving simply because you care speaks volumes about who you are. Thank you for being a steady source of wisdom, kindness, and support for our school family.
Congratulations to all of our Anchor of Excellence recipients, we couldn't be more grateful for everything you invest in our schools and communities.
Each month, the Anchor of Excellence recognition will honor a small selection of employees and community members, highlighting the outstanding work happening across our district and celebrating staff members who consistently go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and our school community.
This month, our first recognition goes out to Melissa Davis, who joined Berea Community Schools this year as our new library media specialist, and in a remarkably short time, she has already made tremendous impacts. She has transformed the library into a place where students are excited to visit to explore, create, and learn. She has also stepped beyond the traditional role of library media specialist by finding creative ways to continue providing STEAM opportunities for our students after the loss of our dedicated STEAM position. Melissa has also become an incredible resource for our staff, taking initiative to identify problems, find solutions, and help wherever she is needed. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout our entire school. Melissa, thank you for bringing such energy, creativity, and genuine spirit of service to our district. Your willingness to step up and make things better for our students is exactly the kind of everyday excellence we are proud to celebrate with this award.
Our next recognition goes to Mr. Bernie Harris. Bernie's connection to Berea Community Schools runs deep as a graduate, a parent, coach, and now head football coach at BCHS. Bernie has spent decades investing his time and energy into our students. His service extends well beyond the playing field. He has coached baseball and golf, serves on the Berea Community Athletics Hall of Fame Committee, and leads our youth basketball league. Through his trophy-making business, he also generously supported our school by creating awards, trophies, signage, and displays that celebrate our students and preserve our athletic history. From the Hall of Fame plaques outside Conkin Gym to his work commemorating the Bill Smallwood Classic Scholarship, Bernie continues to find ways to honor the people and traditions that make our school special. Bernie, thank you for giving so much of your time, talent, and heart to Berea Community Schools. You truly exemplify what it means to be an anchor of our community.
Our final recipient is Debbie Holbrook. Debbie devoted more than 28 years to the Berea Independent School District, serving in accounts payable, payroll, and ultimately as our district finance officer. But her service to our district did not end when she retired in 2017. Debbie has continued to be a trusted mentor, a calming presence, and an invaluable resource, especially during some of the most challenging financial times in our district's history. But perhaps what makes Debbie so special is that her care for our school family goes far beyond her professional expertise. She continues to show up for people with encouragement, handmade gifts, baked goods, thoughtful gestures during both celebrations and difficult times. Debbie, your willingness to continue serving simply because you care speaks volumes about who you are. Thank you for being a steady source of wisdom, kindness, and support for our school family.
Congratulations to all of our Anchor of Excellence recipients, we couldn't be more grateful for everything you invest in our schools and communities.



Our Christmas Assistance form is now open!
We know it may seem early to start thinking about Christmas, but the holiday season will be here before we know it! Starting early helps us make sure our families receive the support they need for a joyful and stress-free holiday season.
Our FRYSC team is already working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the months ahead and connect our families with generous community partners and sponsors.
If your family would like to be considered for Christmas Assistance, please email natasha.johnson@berea.kyschools.us to receive the link to complete the form.
Thank you to our amazing community partners and sponsors who help make the holidays a little brighter for our students and families!
We know it may seem early to start thinking about Christmas, but the holiday season will be here before we know it! Starting early helps us make sure our families receive the support they need for a joyful and stress-free holiday season.
Our FRYSC team is already working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the months ahead and connect our families with generous community partners and sponsors.
If your family would like to be considered for Christmas Assistance, please email natasha.johnson@berea.kyschools.us to receive the link to complete the form.
Thank you to our amazing community partners and sponsors who help make the holidays a little brighter for our students and families!

Introducing your 2026 Homecoming Court Candidates!
It's Homecoming Week, and that means it's a busy week for these Pirates!
On Wednesday, they'll be gathering for our Candidate Assembly in Singleton Gym at 10:45, before we all watch them ride in the big parade at 6:00. Student balloting will take place on Thursday, and our Crowning will take place on Friday at our Homecoming Football game against Trimble County.
Let's give it up for this year's Homecoming Candidates!
It's Homecoming Week, and that means it's a busy week for these Pirates!
On Wednesday, they'll be gathering for our Candidate Assembly in Singleton Gym at 10:45, before we all watch them ride in the big parade at 6:00. Student balloting will take place on Thursday, and our Crowning will take place on Friday at our Homecoming Football game against Trimble County.
Let's give it up for this year's Homecoming Candidates!

Berea Athletics schedule for the week of September 21-26.
Lots of great action home and away. Good luck to all our teams and coaches. Go Pirates!!
Lots of great action home and away. Good luck to all our teams and coaches. Go Pirates!!


Green Dot Volleyball Game Tonight!
Come out tonight at 6 PM and cheer on our Lady Pirates Volleyball team as they take on Frankfort at our Green Dot Volleyball Game!
Green Dot is a Kentucky nonprofit dedicated to building the skills, confidence, and connections needed to help prevent violence in our schools and communities. Their mission is simple: small actions can make a big difference in creating a safer community for everyone.
We’re proud to collaborate with the amazing team at Green Dot to raise awareness and host events like tonight’s match. Their support gives our students valuable tools and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Let's fill those stands tonight Pirates! We'll see you there!
Come out tonight at 6 PM and cheer on our Lady Pirates Volleyball team as they take on Frankfort at our Green Dot Volleyball Game!
Green Dot is a Kentucky nonprofit dedicated to building the skills, confidence, and connections needed to help prevent violence in our schools and communities. Their mission is simple: small actions can make a big difference in creating a safer community for everyone.
We’re proud to collaborate with the amazing team at Green Dot to raise awareness and host events like tonight’s match. Their support gives our students valuable tools and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Let's fill those stands tonight Pirates! We'll see you there!

Enrollment for Italy is now open!
A big thank-you to everyone who attended our meeting about the upcoming trip to Italy in Summer 2027! Enrollment is now open!
Spots are limited, and you can lock in your spot with $95. Plus, enroll by September 25 and you’ll receive a $250 discount. First 10 Students will receive an additional $100 off! As a reminder, EF also offers risk-free enrollment, which gives you the flexibility to cancel within 7 days for a full refund, just in case your plans change.
Enroll now and check out the trip details here: www.eftours.com/3053590HB
Have additional questions? Email me directly, check out EF’s website, or contact EF’s Traveler Support Team:
Live chat: https://www.eftours.com/contact-us
Call: 800-665-5364
If your student has friends who are interested but haven’t signed up yet, feel free to pass this message along to their families.
Looking forward to an incredible trip!
Best,
Roger Trussell
roger.trussell@berea.kyschools.us
A big thank-you to everyone who attended our meeting about the upcoming trip to Italy in Summer 2027! Enrollment is now open!
Spots are limited, and you can lock in your spot with $95. Plus, enroll by September 25 and you’ll receive a $250 discount. First 10 Students will receive an additional $100 off! As a reminder, EF also offers risk-free enrollment, which gives you the flexibility to cancel within 7 days for a full refund, just in case your plans change.
Enroll now and check out the trip details here: www.eftours.com/3053590HB
Have additional questions? Email me directly, check out EF’s website, or contact EF’s Traveler Support Team:
Live chat: https://www.eftours.com/contact-us
Call: 800-665-5364
If your student has friends who are interested but haven’t signed up yet, feel free to pass this message along to their families.
Looking forward to an incredible trip!
Best,
Roger Trussell
roger.trussell@berea.kyschools.us

Homecoming T-Shirt Sale!
This week, JAG is holding a Homecoming T-Shirt sale fundraiser to support their program. Shirts will be sold at the school through the week for $10 each.
Contact mary.harris@berea.kyschools.us for more information.
This week, JAG is holding a Homecoming T-Shirt sale fundraiser to support their program. Shirts will be sold at the school through the week for $10 each.
Contact mary.harris@berea.kyschools.us for more information.

Last night's Grandparent's Day Hoedown Dance was a huge success!
Yesterday evening, the doors to Conkin Gym opened up after hours to welcome BCES students and their families for our Grandparent's Day Hoedown event! All evening we had dancing, snacks, photo ops, and most importantly, we made some invaluable family memories at BCES.
A huge thank-you to our Elementary staff, and the crew from FRYSC who helped to organize and welcome families into the event. We couldn't be more appreciative of our amazing team for making the night so special!
Yesterday evening, the doors to Conkin Gym opened up after hours to welcome BCES students and their families for our Grandparent's Day Hoedown event! All evening we had dancing, snacks, photo ops, and most importantly, we made some invaluable family memories at BCES.
A huge thank-you to our Elementary staff, and the crew from FRYSC who helped to organize and welcome families into the event. We couldn't be more appreciative of our amazing team for making the night so special!










🌟 Senior Spotlight 🌟
This week, we're celebrating senior Ivan Le!
Ivan has been a Berea student for 5 years, and in his time here, one of his favorite teachers has been Ms. Deaton, "because she's chill and taught me how to do a Rubix cube."
After graduation, Ivan plans to pursue higher education and continue working towards future goals.
Let's all wish Ivan the best of luck in his final year at BCHS and for his future beyond graduation, we can't wait to see all the great things he accomplishes!
This week, we're celebrating senior Ivan Le!
Ivan has been a Berea student for 5 years, and in his time here, one of his favorite teachers has been Ms. Deaton, "because she's chill and taught me how to do a Rubix cube."
After graduation, Ivan plans to pursue higher education and continue working towards future goals.
Let's all wish Ivan the best of luck in his final year at BCHS and for his future beyond graduation, we can't wait to see all the great things he accomplishes!

At BCES, last week's High Attendance Day started off with a warm welcome as students made their way into school in the morning!
Waiting near the entrance was a group of EKU Beach Volleyball, Softball, and Cheer student-athletes, who were there to welcome our students and cheer them on as they headed into the building. What a fantastic way to start the school day, and a great reminder that coming to school is something worth looking forward to.
When you come to school, you’re not just in the classroom, you’re part of the experiences, connections, and moments that make each school day special. It's true you know, if you miss school, you miss out!
A huge THANK YOU to our friends from EKU for bringing a little extra energy and magic to our morning and celebrating High Attendance Day with us.
Waiting near the entrance was a group of EKU Beach Volleyball, Softball, and Cheer student-athletes, who were there to welcome our students and cheer them on as they headed into the building. What a fantastic way to start the school day, and a great reminder that coming to school is something worth looking forward to.
When you come to school, you’re not just in the classroom, you’re part of the experiences, connections, and moments that make each school day special. It's true you know, if you miss school, you miss out!
A huge THANK YOU to our friends from EKU for bringing a little extra energy and magic to our morning and celebrating High Attendance Day with us.



Our Homecoming Parade is next week Pirates!
We’re looking for Jeeps and convertibles to help carry our Homecoming candidates through town on Wednesday, September 23, at 6:00 PM.
If you or anyone you know has a Jeep Wrangler or convertible, join the festivities by reaching out to Mr. Joseph Caudill at joseph.caudill@berea.kyschools.us.
Let’s make the 2026 Homecoming Parade one to remember!
We’re looking for Jeeps and convertibles to help carry our Homecoming candidates through town on Wednesday, September 23, at 6:00 PM.
If you or anyone you know has a Jeep Wrangler or convertible, join the festivities by reaching out to Mr. Joseph Caudill at joseph.caudill@berea.kyschools.us.
Let’s make the 2026 Homecoming Parade one to remember!

This month's Board of Education Meeting will take place on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7 PM, in Kennedy Theater.
The meeting will be live-streamed on our district YouTube channel.
The meeting will be live-streamed on our district YouTube channel.

Today, we’re taking a moment to spotlight our amazing Lady Pirates Volleyball team and celebrate their outstanding accomplishments this month!
On Sept. 5 these Lady Pirates participated in the 11th Region All A tournament, and senior Taylor McHone was named to the All Tournament team.
Then, on Sept 12 the team traveled to Estill County to participate in the Estill County Invitational. The girls finished 3rd place out of 8 teams. Senior Story Nunn-Bonta was named Player of the Game for Berea.
Let’s give it up for this incredible group of student-athletes! We couldn't wish for a better group to represent our school.
Let's go, Pirates!
On Sept. 5 these Lady Pirates participated in the 11th Region All A tournament, and senior Taylor McHone was named to the All Tournament team.
Then, on Sept 12 the team traveled to Estill County to participate in the Estill County Invitational. The girls finished 3rd place out of 8 teams. Senior Story Nunn-Bonta was named Player of the Game for Berea.
Let’s give it up for this incredible group of student-athletes! We couldn't wish for a better group to represent our school.
Let's go, Pirates!

