BCHS SPARK
Skills Purpose Ambition Readiness Knowledge
Hey Students!
I’m Mrs. Sizemore, your Career Specialist, and I’m here to help you discover your future, chase big goals, and find your SPARK!
Whether you already know exactly what you want to do after high school or you’re still trying to figure it out this is your place to explore careers, learn real-life skills, connect with opportunities, and start building the future YOU want.
Through SPARK — Skills • Purpose • Ambition • Readiness • Knowledge — you’ll get access to:
- Career exploration
- College, trade & military information
- Resume & interview help
- Scholarships & job opportunities
- Fun events, career challenges & giveaways
- Connections with businesses & industry professionals
- Discover careers that match your interests
- Learn how to make money doing what you love
- Get help preparing for jobs, college, or training programs
- Build confidence for your future
- Find opportunities you didn’t even know existed
Your future is bigger than a diploma and it starts NOW. So get involved, stay connected, and let’s find your SPARK together!
Did You Know? The University of South Carolina offers more than 350 academic programs, giving students the opportunity to explore careers in everything from nursing and engineering to business, journalism, education, hospitality, and the arts.
Located in the heart of Columbia, USC combines a vibrant campus experience with hands-on learning through internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, and leadership opportunities. Whether your dream is to become a teacher, engineer, healthcare professional, entrepreneur, or scientist, USC provides pathways to help you get there.
Fun Fact: USC is home to one of the nation's top-ranked International Business programs and is known for its spirited Gamecock tradition!
Explore majors, admissions, and campus life: https://www.sc.edu
SPARK Challenge: Visit USC's website and find one major you've never heard of. Could it be a career path worth exploring?
Senior Braden Gunnells
Join us in celebrating Braden. His hard work has paid off as he is entering his senior year in the top 5% of his graduating class! His hard work, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit are setting him up for an exciting future.
Student Entrepreneur
Braden recently launched his own business, WECO Headlights Restoration!
He specializes in restoring foggy and oxidized headlights, improving clarity, visibility, and safety on the road. If your headlights need a refresh, be sure to reach out for a quote!
Instagram: @weco_headlights
Email: wecoheadlights@gmail.com
Leadership & Involvement
• National Honor Society
• Latin Club Parliamentarian
• Teacher Cadets
• Varsity Tennis (2023–Present)
Future Goals
After high school, Braden plans to attend a South Carolina university to earn his Bachelor's degree in Business. With his drive, leadership, and business savvy, we have no doubt he'll continue to accomplish great things.
Congratulations, Braden! Keep chasing your goals!!
Meet Dr. Tammy Martin
From Classroom Teacher to Educational Leader!
Every career journey begins with a first step! For Dr. Martin, that first step was becoming an Elementary Special Education (LDSC) Teacher at Saluda River Elementary School in 1993. Starting Salary? About $22,000! What mattered most was the opportunity to make a difference and help students learn and grow.
Career Journey:
Dr. Martin's path shows careers can grow and change through new experiences, challenges, and continued learning.
- Special Education Teacher- Elementary and Middle School
- Second Grade Teacher
- Assistant Principal of Instruction
- Special Education Teacher/ Completed Ph.d Fulmer
- Sped teacher at BCHS
- Assistant administrator at BCHS
- Sped teacher/Dept Chair at BCHS
Education Pathway:
Clemson University/ Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education & Special Education
University of SC/ Master's Degree, Master's Plus 30, Phd in Educational Administration
Career Advice for students:
"Don't be afraid to ask for help and ask questions. Find a job that you are passionate about and enjoy."
Teaching is more than just a classroom job. It uses skills that are valuable in almost every career!
- Communication
- Public Speaking
- Organization
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Leadership
- Building Positive Relationships
- Problem Solving
Career Takeaway:
"Your first job does not define your entire future. Be willing to learn, ask questions, and follow a career path that allows you to do something you enjoy while making an impact!"
Meet Madalyn "Maddie" Waddell Sophomore
Dream Job: "To become a Forensic Pathologist"
Goals: "To stay on top of her academics and not lounge around"
Future Plans: "To attend George Mason University for Forensic and achieve my Doctoral degree so I can make more money!"
Advice to students: "Your career choice may change throughout the year, but before your graduate definitely have a plan!"
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 Army Active Duty and Reserves Recruiter SSG Luke Hampton
Staff Sergeant Luke Hampton was born in Winston-Salem, SC on 19 March 1994. He enlisted into the U.S. Army Reserves in July 2014. He completed Basic Training at Ft. Benning, GA and Advanced Individual Training at Ft Leanord Wood, MO. He first served as a Horizontal Construction Engineer at the 702nd Engineer Co in Gray, TN where he contributed to several successful construction missions at Ft. Benning, Ft. McCoy, Ft.
Lee, and Ft, Pickett. Most notably, SSG Hampton facilitated the construction of a tank range in Cincu, Romania during operation Resolute Castle. He then served as a Squad leader with the 358th Engineer Company out of New Cumberland, PA. This unit sent him to Master Fitness Trainer school at Ft. Dix, NJ, where he graduated #1 in his class and received an Iron Soldier Award. Subsequently, SSG Hampton served his unit as the designated Master Fitness Trainer, ensuring events were organized and the unit maintained physical fitness standards. He went on to attend ALC, where he graduated as the Honor Graduate and received an Iron Soldier Award. After ALC, SSG Hampton attended the OC/T course at Rock Island Arsenal, IL. SSG Hampton served as an OC/T with the 3-312th Training BN out of Ft. Meade, MD, where he ensured units within the BN and 174TH BDE were prepared to mobilize and deploy. Staff Sergeant Hampton was accepted onto the AGR program in 2025 and joined the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. He graduated the ARC at the top of his class and also received the Iron Soldier Award. He has been assigned to the Columbia Recruiting Battalion. He is currently performing duties as a recruiter and has excelled in his first year, currently leading the Future Soldier program for his station and performing above mission standards. Staff Sergeant Hampton's Military education includes: Basic Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, OC/T Academy, Army Recruiting Course. His Military Awards include: Army Commendation Medal, The Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iron Soldier Award, and the Army Superior Unit Award. Staff Sergeant Hampton is married to the former BreAnna Hack of Leesburg, Virginia. They have 4 children together: daughter Payton (7), son River (6), son Wade (4), and daughter Ashton (1)
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!
5th First day of school
11th ML Night 6:30
13th Senior Night Cafeteria 6pm
25th ASVAB 8:25 am Auditorium
Accessing a Transcript
Need a transcript sent to a college or university? *For current BCHS students only
How to order transcripts on Parchment
(Click above for Parchment Website)