Parents play a large role in the lives of their children. Besides just making sure they have food, shelter, and clothes on their backs, being involved in their everyday life is just as important. Michelle Graves says that her kid’s activities are more like family time.

“My kids’ activities are a definite priority for our family,” Graves said. “Being part of a team teaches so many valuable life skills that will help them in the future. I never miss a game, match, or performance.”

Graves has three kids, one daughter, Ashleigh, and twin sons Blake and Caleb. Ashleigh is a sophomore and plays junior varsity and varsity volleyball at Southmoore High School. She also plays club volleyball. Blake is a sixth-grader and is a wrestler. He placed at state his first year. He also runs track and plays soccer. Caleb, who is also a sixth-grader, performs musical theatre for ArtWorks Academy and Lyric Theater. 

When she was in high school, Michelle was a member of the Plano High School drill team. She was also a member of the community semi-professional dance team. Formally a teacher, Graves is now a stay-at-home mom. When she is not attending one of her children’s events, she enjoys hunting for treasures at thrift stores, reading, and trying new restaurants. 

Though she is at all of her kid’s events, Michelle does more than just watch the games. She is a big help behind the scenes as well. 

“I am a member of the Southmoore Volleyball Booster club’s board,” she said. “I am responsible for the concession stand which includes making the purchases, stocking it, scheduling shifts, and working during games. I also take photos on my professional camera of each of the players during the games that I post on the club’s Facebook page. I’m fortunate to be able to attend each game, but I know that not every parent has that luxury. So I try to get several action shots of each player that their families can see. I spend at least an hour editing the photos after every game, but the players love the pics, so it’s worth it.”