BY SABREYA WILLIAMSON, MIA FIELDS AND LARISSA HALE

Hello, Martin County Cardinals! The Bird’s Eye View is back and better than ever for the 2026-27 school year. We’re excited to share what’s happening at Martin County High School this year.

MCHS has seen several changes since last school year. First, the Cardinals have a new way to help protect students and staff online through a system called Rapid Identity. The program is designed to help protect student and staff accounts throughout the school district.

Students Knox Maynard, Liam Fields and Ryan Buskirk have also had the opportunity to participate in an internship that allows them to help with technology issues and learn more about the many aspects of technology support.

We also want to recognize the new teachers joining the Martin County High School family. The school has welcomed six new teachers this year.

Zach Donaldson is the new ninth grade English teacher and cross-country coach. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this is Donaldson’s first year teaching in a public school. He said he is excited to get involved with his students and become more familiar with the community.

MCHS also welcomed three alumni back to the school as teachers: Allicen Grayson, Anika Marcum and Haleigh Hayes.

Grayson is teaching Algebra I and Geometry in her first year at MCHS. She graduated from Martin County High School in 2022 and said she is excited to see her students grow and make a difference in their school year.

Marcum is also an MCHS alumna and is teaching special education. This is her first year teaching, and she said she is excited to watch her students learn and grow at their own pace.

Hayes is currently on maternity leave after recently welcoming a baby boy. Students are looking forward to her return and getting to know their new teacher in the meantime.

MCHS also welcomed ninth grade science teacher Mrs. Blair. Originally from Richmond, Kentucky, Blair is beginning her first year of teaching. She said she is excited to become part of the Cardinal family and get to know her students.

Last, but certainly not least, MCHS has a new band teacher, Mr. Zornes. Students and staff are excited to see what he brings to the program and how his students will express themselves through music.

We can’t forget about our two new foreign exchange students, Marnix and Irma. Marnix is 17 and from Norway. He is living with his host family, Samantha and BJ Slone, and said he loves his host family and is excited to be in Kentucky, make new friends and experience a new culture. He plans to join the wrestling team with his host brother, Easton Slone.

Irma is 16 and from Sweden. She lives with her host family, Robin and Jeff Walker, and plans to play girls basketball. She is excited to learn about American culture and make new friends and memories during her time at MCHS.

One of the biggest announcements from MCHS this year is that the Cardinal Broadcasting Network will be expanding to cover all sports. The network will broadcast football, baseball, volleyball, softball and, of course, basketball.

Be sure to tune in and support the Cardinal Broadcasting team. We want to thank the school district for giving students this opportunity to showcase their talents throughout Martin County.

None of this would be possible without our journalism and broadcasting teachers, Samantha Maynard and Lance Tackett, who have helped guide students as they develop their skills in journalism, broadcasting and media production.

That’s all from MCHS this week. Be sure to check next week’s Mountain Citizen for the latest MCHS news in The Bird’s Eye View with Rex Ward and Kendal Mullins.