I am the oldest daughter of Lt. Colonel George Carpenter, and Lance Corporal, Linda Carpenter (yes, both of my parents were US Marines). I moved to LaGrange in 1997 to attend LaGrange College. I am in my 23rd year of teaching for TCSS, and I absolutely love my job!
About Serenity Graham
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Matthew Graham, a 1997 graduate of Troup High School. I have a daughter, Gracie Graham (age 21). Gracie works at Ethel Kight Elementary as a para and is pursuing a teaching degree. My son, Walker Graham is a recent Troup High Graduate. My youngest daughter, Piper attends Long Cane Middle School, and is a cheerleader.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have always wanted to be a teacher! When I was in elementary school, I won a speech contest about why I wanted to be a teacher. I truly love what I do! The best part of my job is seeing former students accomplishing goals they would once tell me all about. I also just love the kids! My job is not easy, I wear many hats, but the kids make everyday worth it.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The one piece of advice I always give is to find something you genuinely love to do. I also live by the quote, Colossians 3:23 “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart!” Any kid that’s ever been in my room can quote that verse.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I used to think 30 years was so far away when I began teaching, but it has flown by! I have 7 years left before I can retire. I plan to stay right where I am, and continue to invest in the kids that God puts in my classroom. I know when I hit my 30 year mark, it will be hard to walk away. However, I plan to be on the beach!
Serenity Graham & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My family loves Karvelas! The atmosphere is fun, and we always have a good meal. We also love Venucci! The entire menu is so good, and we love to go!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to LaGrange in 1997. I loved the small town feel, and quickly got involved. I started teaching gymnastics with Angela Anderson at the original Tumbletown, and started volunteering in elementary schools.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One of the most interesting, and influential people I have ever met is Micki Wallace. She was my first principal, and impacted me in so many ways. She was a go getter, went after big goals, and built a true family among the staff at Unity Elementary. She was the best, and I love people that give 110% in anything they do!!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
This answer is easy! The Army Store! I bought my first LaGrange High School jersey from there when I started coaching in 2001. Over the years, they’ve put my son’s last name in his Rec football jersey. I love that they are in the same building they have always been in, and they continue to serve our town!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how our community pulls together anytime there is a need. This town is special, and the love that pours out when someone is hurting, or needs something is always so impressive to me. I’m proud to raise my kids here, and I hope as they grow older, they carry that attribute of helping others into their adulthood
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge Nelly fan! 😂 i would totally have lunch with Nelly, and we’d probably hit up Karvelas!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My most favorite movie ever is Top Gun! I remember watching this and thinking I was gonna be a flight instructor, but God had other plans. You just can’t beat Top Gun, or the soundtrack! As for TV shows, I love Parenthood! If you’ve never seen it, go watch it. You will laugh, cry, and feel like you are right there living the show!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love popcorn cooked on a stove! It’s the only way to eat it, and it’s something that takes me back to being a kid. My dad always made it. I also tried out for the Atlanta Falcon Cheerleaders in my younger days!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would rate sleep a 10/10! 😂 I feel like we never stop, so the very few days that I get to sleep in is literally amazing!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
That is a tough question. There have been a lot of different influences in my life over the years. I think this really depends on what walk of life I’m in. This may sound crazy, but right now I’m loving everything that Coach Sanders is putting out there! I love his class, what he stands for, and that he holds his players to a high standard. Being a coach myself at the high school level, I try to really teach GRIT, perseverance, and belief that we can do anything!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My husband, our family, a soft blanket with no where to go!
