Our WHS Alumni Spotlight is on Brian Carey, Class of 2009!  During his high school career, Brian was active in baseball, basketball, golf, and National Honor Society.

Brian shared that his favorite memories from his time at WHS would have to be the memories he made in athletics and with the entire class of 2009. He specifically remembers the great times in golf with Coach Tim Martin, joking around with Coach Dave (Big Dog) Allen, and having one of the best student sections around cheering on the Hurricane.

After graduation from Wilmington High School in 2009, Brian attended Morehead State University, where he earned a degree in Middle School Mathematics and Special Education Moderate to Severe Disabilities in 2013. From his sophomore through senior year, he worked for the Kentucky Department of Forestry as a wildland firefighter and began coaching baseball at Rowan County High School. These positions led him down two very different paths that he followed after graduation from Morehead State University. Upon graduation, he took a position with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife before a tree falling accident led him back into the classroom. In fall of 2014, he began teaching special education at Shelby County High School in KY, where he taught for 2 years before moving back to Ohio. He then took a position at East Clinton Middle School as an 8th grade mathematics teacher. Brian went on to earn a masters degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education in 2019. After coaching for 10 years and teaching for 7 years, he is now working as the Athletic Director and HS/MS Assistant Principal at East Clinton. 

Brian began his advice to current and future WHS students with a wonderful quote from Henry David Thoreau - “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined”.  Brian encourages students to remember that no matter your circumstance, no matter your past, you can be successful if you put your heart and mind to it. Never let anyone else decide your fate for you. If someone tells you that you cannot do something, prove to them you can. Use the doubt as motivation to succeed. Be the best version of yourself and always leave it better than you found it. 

Brian married his wife Tessa (who is now a teacher at Denver Place Elementary) in 2015 and they now have 3 little boys - Jace (6), Easton (4) and Brantley (1). Free time is spent with his family at sporting events or the campgrounds, in the woods hunting, or on the golf course.  

We are #HurricaneProud of his accomplishments and wish all the best for Brian and his family.