BCHS SPARK September 2026
Skills Purpose Ambition Readiness Knowledge
SPARK Industry Spotlight: Farm Bureau Insurance
Helping you is what they do best!
Think insurance is just paperwork? Think again! Farm Bureau Insurance offers career opportunities in sales, customer service, claims, technology, finance, marketing, and management.
CAREER PATHWAYS
- Insurance Agent
- Claims Representative
- Customer Service Representative
- Underwriter
- IT & Technology
- Marketing & Communications
- Financial Services
- Management & Leadership
WHAT CAN YOU EARN?
Salaries vary by position, experience, and location. In South Carolina, insurance-related careers can range from approximately $35,000–$50,000+ for entry-level/customer service roles, while experienced agents, claims professionals, underwriters, and managers can earn $60,000–$100,000+. Successful insurance agents may earn significantly more through commissions and bonuses.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Many insurance careers do not require a four-year degree!
Possible pathways include:
High School Diploma + employer training- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Insurance licensing/certifications
- Business, Finance, Marketing, Communications, or Risk Management
- Insurance agents generally need to obtain a state insurance license for the products they sell.
SKILLS THAT MATTER
- Communication
- Customer Service
- Problem Solving
- Sales & Persuasion
- Technology
- Organization
- Math & Financial Skills
CAREER CONNECTION
Your future doesn't always start with a four-year degree. Insurance can offer opportunities to start working, gain experience, earn professional credentials, and move into higher-level positions.
SPARK YOUR FUTURE:
Could you see yourself helping people protect their homes, cars, businesses, or financial futures? Insurance might be a career pathway worth exploring!
Explore your future at Columbia College!
With a focus on career readiness, leadership, and hands on learning, Columbia College provides programs designed to help students connect their education to their future careers. Students can explore areas such as business, education, health sciences, psychology, communication and the arts.
They are a private college with a small college environment offering more than 50 undergraduate majors and academic programs.
Learn more information at columbiasc.edu
Curious About Careers? Try Job Shadowing!
Want a sneak peek into a career before committing to it? Job shadowing lets you spend a day with a professional, see what their work really looks like, ask questions about the job, skills needed, and daily life in that field. It's a great way to explore your interests and plan your future career path! Email Mrs. Sizemore for more information. Dsizemore@lex2.org
Lexington Medical Center Job Shadows
Are you interested in the medical field? Lexington Medical Center is hosting High School Shadow Days. This program is for student's 9th-12th grade.
Lexington District Two months are...... October, December, February, March, and April
** See Mrs. Sizemore for more information and a packet. These shadows fill up fast so please don't delay in applying! We can only send two BC students on our assigned months.
Senior SPARK Shoutout: Sameer Fnu
Join us in celebrating Sameer, who is already making an impact both in the classroom and in the business world! His hard work has placed him in the top 15% of his graduating class, and his leadership , entrepreneurial spirit, and determination are setting the stage for an exciting future.
Student Entrepreneur Experience
Sameer works alongside his father at Halal International Grocery in St. Andrews, where he serves across multiple departments. His responsibilites include meat department operations, inventory, sales, register management, new employee training, and closing duties.
His strong leadership skills and love for working with the public have given him valuable real world experience and a strong foundation for his future entrepreneurial goals.
Their store is located at 1601 Broad River Rd. Columbia, SC 29210
Leadership & Involvement
- Supervisor and team leader
- Entrepreneuer mindset
- AB Honor Roll
- Participated in a large scale DHEC marketing project 2025-2026
- Passionate about geography and aviation
Future Goals
After graduation, Sameer plans to continue working alongside his father while pursuing his dream of opening his own wholesale distribution company. He also plans to attend Propel Flight School with the goal of becoming a pilot.
Congratulations, Sameer! Keep dreaming big, leading with purpose, and working hard to reach your goals!
Meet Ella Rollings- Media Specialist
Career Journey:
I began my teaching career at Pageland Elementary, where I taught fourth grade. During my first year of teaching, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Library and Information Science. I was fortunate to begin my career as a school librarian before completing my master’s program. After my first year in the classroom, I transitioned into the role of Media Specialist at Pageland Elementary, where I served for two years."
In 2024, I moved to Columbia, SC, and began my current role as the Media Specialist at Brookland-Cayce High School. During my first year at Brookland-Cayce, I also decided to pursue my interest in esthetics and enrolled in an esthetics program. I completed half of the program before taking some time away to focus on things at home. I hope to return to the program in the future and complete the remainder of my esthetics education.
My journey has allowed me to explore several areas of education and personal growth, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have helped shape me both professionally and personally.
Educational Pathway:
In 2017, I attended Winthrop University, where I pursued a degree in Elementary Education. After earning my Bachelor’s degree, I decided to continue my education at the University of South Carolina. In January 2022, I began my master’s program in Library and Information Science, which allowed me to further develop my passion for education and literacy.
As previously mentioned, I also pursued my esthetics license that I hope to complete in the future. I am also considering furthering my education in Library and Information Science to help advance in my future career endeavors.
What career advice would you give our students?
One piece of advice I would give to students is to never be afraid to try new things. Adulthood can be intimidating, but it also gives you the freedom to pursue your dreams and create the future you want. You get to decide what career path you want to take, and your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s.
Try new things, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every experience, including the ones that don’t go as planned, can teach you something valuable and help you grow. Most importantly, never give up on yourself. Believe in your abilities, follow your passions, and remember that it is never too late to pursue something new.
Career Takeaway:
The biggest lesson I have learned throughout my career is the importance of taking risks and being open to change. It is never too late to change career paths or pursue something new. I always thought I would spend my career as a classroom teacher, but I took a chance and discovered that I truly love being a librarian. I am incredibly grateful that I made the decision to step outside of my comfort zone and transition into my current role.
When I was younger, I believed that once you started a job, you were expected to stay in that position until retirement. As I have grown both personally and professionally, I have learned that it is okay to change careers, explore new opportunities, and try new things. Sometimes, taking a risk and stepping into the unknown can lead you to a career and a path that you never expected—but truly love.
Meet Kearston Braxton Sophomore
Dream Job: "To be a Labor and Delivery Nurse."
Goals: "My goal is to be a CATE Completer in Health Science and obtain my CMA credential by graduation."
Future Plans: "To attend the University of South Carolina and pursue bachelors degree in Nursing."
Advice to students: "Always be kind because you never know what someone is going through."
Columbia Police Department, Explorer Program for Students
The CPD's Explorer Program is dedicated to the success, training, and overall aptitude of the youth within its ranks. The Explorer Program consists of young adults between the ages of 14-20 years old, who are looking to make a career in law enforcement. Please use the following link to learn more.
It's a chance to travel, build confidence, and earn college tuition through programs like the GI Bill. If you are exploring your options after graduation, the military can be a powerful pathway to a successful future. Speak with a school Recruiter and sign up for the ASVAB. These are your first steps to a successful military career!
Meet our New US Marine Recruiter Sgt. Conrad Kerr
Sergeant Kerr was born in Rockville, Maryland on 02 November 1999. Sgt Kerr graduated Chapin High School in Chapin, South Carolina in 2018. Upon graduation he attended two years of college in Clemson, South Carolina. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 20 April 2020 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island where he graduated a Private First Class. Upon graduation he completed Marine Combat Training in September 2020 aboard Camp Giger, North Carolina. Upon completion of Marine Combat Training, Private First Class Kerr reported to Naval Air Technical Training Center, NAS Pensacola, Florida for "A" school training. Once he completed Naval Aircrew-man Candidate School, Private First Class Kerr reported to MCAS New River where he completed initial engine and power plants school at the Center For Naval Aviation Technical Training. Aboard MCAS New River PFC Kerr was promoted to Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Kerr then reported to Heavy Marine Helicopter Training Squadron-302 to complete Aircrew Flight School where he graduated a qualified Crew-Chief on the CH-53E. In July 2021 Lance Corporal Kerr reported to Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, NC after being assigned to Heavy Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron-461 as a Flight line Mechanic and Crew Chief. Shortly after arriving at HMH-461 LCpl Kerr played a vital role in the squadrons transition from CH-53E to CH-53K. LCpl Kerr participated in the first operational flight of the CH-53K and supported HMH-461 on 17 Detachments while acting as a Flight line mechanic and Crew Chief. While stationed at MCAS New River LCpl Kerr was promoted to Corporal in May of 2022. In March of 2024 Cpl Kerr reported to MAWTS-1 as a prospective Weapons and Tactics Instructor. After graduating WTI Class 2-24 Corporal Kerr returned to HMH-461 where he was promoted to Sergeant. In July 2024 Sergeant Kerr reported to Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1). Immediately upon reporting to VMX-1 Sgt Kerr became a NATOPS instructor making him the only CH-53K Crew Chief NATOPS Instructor at VMX-1. In April 2026 Sergeant Kerr reported to Basic Recruiting School in San Diego California. Upon graduation Sergeant Kerr received orders to Recruiting Station Columbia and currently recruits out of Recruiting Sub Station Lexington. His personal awards include an Individual Air Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x1)
SC Army National Guard September 9th Cafeteria During Halftime
Are you curious about what the SC National Guard can offer? Come meet our recruiter, SFC Sean Delaney-Gesing, and learn how the National Guard can help you navigate your future!
Midlands Technical College September 10th Cafeteria During Halftime
Thinking about college, career training, or learning a skill that can lead directly to a career? Come meet our Midlands Technical College Representative, Miranda Bates, and discover the many opportunites MTC has to offer!
Your HEALTH September 17th
Interested in the medical and healthcare industry? Come meet representatives from Your Health Organization and learn more about the many career opportunities available in healthcare.
Your Health provides patient-centered healthcare services. Check them out online at
9th SC National Guard Lunch & Learn
10th Midlands Technical College Lunch & Learn
15th Military Q & A Halftime
17th Your Health Lunch & Learn
21st USC Field Trip
30th ASVAB
Micaela Gregorio-Marquirez
Thanks for reading the Career Newsletter! Congratulations Micaela! Enjoy your BC Swag!!
Accessing a Transcript
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