Wake County board approves naming Fuquay Varina football field for coach Graham Myrick

The Wake County Board of Education on Aug. 19 approved a request to name the football field at Fuquay Varina High School "Graham Myrick Field at Bengal Stadium." The board adopted the naming by voice vote after a presentation by the school and a motion from board member Amy Mahaffey.

Principal Mike James told the board that the request comes as Fuquay Varina High School marks the 50th anniversary of its current campus at 201 Bridal Boulevard. James said the proposal comes from the Fuquay Varina High School Athletic Boosters Club and honors Graham Myrick, who began teaching and coaching in 1964 and served as the school's physical education teacher, athletic director and coach for decades. "I would hope that I'm remembered as a hardworking teacher and coach who loved the community and the students," coach Myrick said during the meeting.

James confirmed that the request meets Wake County Public School System Board policy 9300 for naming facilities and said the booster club will work with WCPSS facilities staff so any fiscal implications are covered by private donations and the boosters. "At this time, we are requesting the board's approval to name the football field, Graham Myrick Field at Bengal Stadium," James said.

Board member Amy Mahaffey moved to accept the naming request; another member seconded. Board members spoke in favor, noting the school's milestone anniversary and Myrick's multi-decade service. An oral vote was taken and the motion passed.

The board recessed briefly after the vote to allow school representatives and Coach Myrick to commemorate the moment.

The action was recorded as an item on the board's action agenda and will be reflected in district records under the school facility naming policy.