College and Career Readiness. That’s the goal of Buford High School’s career and technical education program. With multiple career paths for students to choose from, there is something for everyone.
BHS Director of CTE Jennifer Wood describes the goal of the CTE department to provide students with “industry-recognized certifications and certifications that focus on important soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world experience. The aim is to provide “leadership opportunities.”
Gia Khang Quach placed first in the nation at the FBLA Computer Problem Solving National Conference. Khang is a senior at BHS. Submitted photo.
BHS students have unique opportunities to participate in a variety of academic programs offered by the CTE Department. The Teaching as a Career (TAP) Pathway, led by Wes Parker and Dr. Lacrecia Smith, allows students to “gain hands-on experience by volunteering in elementary school classrooms during their high school years.” By doing this, we are preparing them for the teaching profession. According to a recent CTE newsletter. This initiative is a win-win for future educators and the young lives they impact.
In the Nutrition and Food Science Pathway, students learn about food choices and nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. With instruction from Jennifer Lopez and Margaret Vesiri, students will learn safety and hygiene skills, basic cooking skills, how to choose and follow recipes, and how to break down nutrients to provide energy to the body to meet its needs. Learn and explore different career opportunities in related fields.
In the computer science pathway, students earn a Unity coding certification and offer coding camps at Buford Academy.
In construction classes, students build mini-houses and learn architectural, plumbing, and electrical skills.
By participating in the Audio, Video, Technology, and Film Pathway, students can earn Adobe certifications during their senior year of high school.
“Students will graduate knowing how to use Adobe Premiere Pro and be able to get a job at a video company and edit professional videos,” Wood says. “Additionally, Nick Beshiri currently teaches graphics, so students can also earn certifications in Adobe Photoshop. These students can use their skills to photograph football games, I run the boards at baseball and softball games and help edit the team’s videos and graphics. These are skills I can transfer to my future career.”
In accounting, students can take three classes in the pathway, take the end-of-pathway assessment, and, if successful, be exempt from Accounting 101 at certain colleges.
The possibilities are endless for Buford students.
During the 2023-2024 school year, the CTE sector achieved many notable successes. Current fourth-year student Gia Khang Quach showcased her outstanding skills and dedication by placing No. 1 in the nation in computer problem solving at the Future Business Leaders of America National Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) member Jack Leland placed in the top 10 at the DECA International Conference last year as a senior. Leland competed in Personal Finance Literacy and also won the Business and Financial Pathway Award before graduating in May. Leland is currently majoring in finance at Brigham Young University. He credits his involvement with the Buford CTE department as the main reason he wanted to explore the field of finance.
Mr. Wood was pleased to share that 11 student interns are gaining valuable work experience at Northeast Georgia Physicians Medical Plaza this school year.
“They practice real skills, such as preparing patients for exams and taking vitals,” Wood said. “We are grateful to NGPG for giving our students such a unique opportunity.”
Additionally, a number of events have already been held this year. On September 16th and 17th, Buford Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) students took an active role in supporting the BCSS blood drive at the Buford City Arena. Students assisted donors by checking in with them and monitoring their health after the donation. They also stuffed 245 envelopes with notes of encouragement to teachers at Apalachee High School.
DECA, along with other CTE programs, will be sponsoring a BHS Trunk-or-Treat on October 29 to benefit the North Gwinnett Cooperative. Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will be collecting Thanksgiving boxes again this year and donating them to co-ops as well.
Last year’s Cookies & Cocoa 5K helped 21 CTE students participate in national competitions and local chapter activities. The 6th Annual Cookies & Cocoa is scheduled for February 1, 2025.
The BHS CTE department strives to give students a competitive edge, and this program is successful in many ways.
“In addition to competing in national competitions, students are learning public speaking, leadership skills, and participating in community service projects,” Wood said. “These are skills that you will need no matter what you plan to do after high school.”
Featured photo: Buford High School sophomores Chandler Perry and Marwa Hamid are among 11 NGPG interns. These students completed the Patient Care Technician Pathway and passed the Certified Patient Care Technician exam offered at BHS. Submitted photo.
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