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BCHS SPARK November 2026

Skills Purpose Ambition Readiness Knowledge

BCHS SPARK November 2026 Skills   Purpose   Ambition   Readiness   Knowledge
BCHS SPARKNovember 2026Skills Purpose Ambition Readiness Knowledge

FUEL YOUR FUTURE FUEL YOUR FUTURE

Future Focus: Career Spotlight Future Focus: Career Spotlight

Public Service and Safety

The Public Service & Safety Career Cluster includes careers dedicated to protecting, serving, and supporting communities through government, law, public safety, and national defense. It encompasses roles in local, state, and federal government; legal and justice systems; law enforcement; emergency services; security; and the military. Professionals in this cluster work to promote civic responsibility, uphold laws, protect public safety, and strengthen the security, resilience, and well-being of communities and the nation


Police Officer : High school diploma or GED, completion of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Takes typically about 6-12 months after hiring.

Firefighter : High school diploma or GED, Firefighter I & II certification, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is often required • 6 months-1 year to complete.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / Paramedic : EMT certificate and National Registry EMT certification; Paramedics complete additional training. EMT: 3-6 months; Paramedic: 1-2 years to complete.

Correctional Officer: High school diploma or GED, South Carolina Department of Corrections training academy. 8-12 weeks after hiring to complete.

Emergency Management Specialist: Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Homeland Security, or a related field

Careers in Public Service and Safety | Career Cluster Video Series

Did You Know? Career Edition Did You Know? Career Edition

  • You can earn industry recognized certifications across multiple high demand fields at our Innovation Center such as CNA, CMA, OSHA 10, Welding certifications, Dual enrollment certifications and more!
  • Not every high paying career requires a four year degree.
  • Your hobbies may reveal career interests you haven't considered.

November Senior Survival Guide November Senior Survival Guide

  • Check college application deadlines and application portals.
  • Attend the College Application Day on November 10th in the Media Center.
  • Search for scholarships and verify eligibility and deadlines.
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Update resumes and request references
  • Explore job shadows, military options and job opportunities
  • Try a career inventory such as SCOIS or O'net

College Spotlight: SC State College Spotlight: SC State

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Are you looking for a college with a rich history, strong academics, and a vibrant campus community? SC State University (SC STATE) might be the perfect place to spark your future!


Located in Orangeburg, SC, SC STATE is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) that has been empowering students to achieve their goals since 1896. With a proud tradition of academic excellence, leadership and service, SC STATE offers students the opportunity to grow both inside and outside the classroom.

If you're interested in attending an HBCU, exploring new career possibilities, or finding a college where you can grow academically and personally, add SC State to your college research list!!


Learn more:www.scsu.edu

Empowering you to discover your future and pursue your path!!


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Awesome group of seniors visiting SC State.

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Learning about the school's history!

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Encouragement about their futures from Ms. Doris in their library.

South Carolina State University HBCU College Campus Tour
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Midlands Technical College to Host Visits for High School Seniors Fall 2026 Midlands Technical College to Host Visits for High School Seniors Fall 2026

Friday, November 6, 2026 - 9:30am-1pm: MTC Health Science Day - Click here

  • CNA, EKG, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology

Friday, November 13, 2026 - 9:30am-1pm: MTC Airport Day - Click here

  • Art, Commercial Graphics, Education, Paralegal, Social Sciences

Friday, November 20, 2026 - 9:30am-1pm: MTC Beltline Day - Click here

  • Automotive Technology, Business, Criminal Justice, IT, and Machine Tool Technology

Friday, December 4, 2026 - 9:30am-1pm: MTC Northeast Day - Click here

  • Engineering and Mechatronics

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Curious About Careers? Try Job Shadowing! Curious About Careers? Try Job Shadowing!

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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

Real Life 101: Money Moves Real Life 101: Money Moves

Ever wonder if you can afford the lifestyle you wish to have? Check out the Reality Check assessment on SCOIS. Open your classlink account then go to SCLearns Icon, click there, open SCOIS, go to Self Surveys and click on Reality Check. It is an excellent way to see if the career of your choice will support the lifestyle you like to live.

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Learn about Careers in Public Safety with West Columbia Fire Department.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psAj330ikYY

Scholarship Opportunities Scholarship Opportunities

Seniors be sure and check your emails throughout the month for the scholarship opportunities. You can also reach the scholarship newletter at https://studentscholarships.org/newsletters
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Lisa Call from MEBA visited and spoke on interview skills Lisa Call from MEBA visited and spoke on interview skills

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Learning all about Interview Skills with Ms. Winfield's 3rd block class

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Dressing for Success

Student Success Spotlight Student Success Spotlight

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Senior SPARK Shoutout: Hayden Eargle

Meet Hayden, a senior who is proving that dedication in the classroom, on the field, and in the workplace can open doors to exciting opportunities. Ranked in the top 30% of his graduating class, Hayden has been an honors student throughout high school while balancing athletics, leadership, and college coursework.


Hayden is a three year varsity baseball player (2024-present) and serves as one of the team's captains. His athletic journey will continue after graduation at Carolina University in Winston-Salem, NC, where he plans to play first base and third base for the next 4 years and he earned an impressive 45% athletic scholarship! While pursuing his baseball dreams, Hayden plans to earn a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Education.


Hayden has made the most of his high school experience by working toward his welding certification at L2Ic and earning college credits through our MTC Dual Enrollment program. These accomplishments reflect his commitment to developing valuable skills and earning college credits before graduation saving him $$ in his overall college costs!


Hayden's leadership extends beyond the baseball field. He serves as a youth representative on his church council at Mt. Hermon Lutheran church and was part of the intramural volleyball championship team at BC in 2023.


Over the past 4 years, Hayden has gained valuable work experience through landscaping and car detailing jobs with his friends. He currently works alongside his grandfather on the family farm, growing a variety of vegetables. His experience demonstrates initiative, teamwork, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Qualities that will serve him well in college and beyond.


Hayden's advice to underclassmen; "Enjoy the small moments. Enjoy the unplanned hangouts, enjoy practices you don't want to go to, enjoy little moments with your friends and parents, enjoy Friday Night Lights, and enjoy all the memories you'll make with your friends because that's what you'll miss the most."


Congratulations, Hayden!

Meet the Professional Meet the Professional

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Sgt. Conrad Kerr

What do you wish you knew more in high school? "I wish I had looked into the military before just deciding to enroll in college to try and figure out my life plans."

What skills make someone successful in your field? "Hard work and confidence in your abilities."

What is one way students can get started now? "Take the ASVAB and reach out to a recruiter to have a conversation even if you don't think the military is for you because you may be surprised with the amount of jobs we have to offer."

What's your SPARK? What's your SPARK?

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Meet Sophomore Ivy Epperson

Dream Job: "To Become a NICU or Labor & Delivery Nurse."

Goals: " My goal is to earn my BSN degree, have a family and become a mom. To be a better christian and share the Love of Jesus through everything I do."

Employment: " I babysat during the summer and have volunteered at the hospital and my church."

Future Plans: "To become a Nurse and mom."

Advice to Students: "Always stay organized and never take your body for granted. Give yourself grace and know that you are human and make mistakes."

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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.

https://columbiapd.net/explorer-program/

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Soft Skills: Your Secret weapon for Success! Soft Skills: Your Secret weapon for Success!

Your grades may get you the interview, but your soft skills can help you land the job and build a successful career!


If you think technical skills are all employers care about then you need to think again! Today's employers are looking for more than degrees, certifications, and experience. They want employees who can communicate, solve problems, work as a team, adapt to change, and demonstrate professionalism.


These abilities are known as SOFT SKILLS, and they can make the difference between getting hired, keeping a job, and moving up in your career!


6 Soft skills every employer values:

  • Communication: Can you clearly express your ideas, listen to others, and communicate professionally?
  • Teamwork: Almost every industry requires people to work together. Whether you're on a construction site, in a hospital, office, or working in technology, collaboration helps teams accomplish more.
  • Problem Solving: Employers value people who think critically, take initiative, and look for solutions instead of pointing out problems.
  • Reliability and Time Management: Employers value people who think critically, take initiative, and look for solutions instead of simply pointing out problems.
  • Adaptability: Industries are constantly changing because of new technology, new expectations, and new challenges. Employees who are willing to learn and adjust are valuable team members.
  • Professionalism and Work Ethic: Respect, accountability, a positive attitude, appropriate communication, and a willingness to learn demonstrate that you're ready for the workplace.


Why soft skills matter in industry today:

Technology and artificial intelligence are changing how many jobs are performed, but human skills remain ESSENTIAL. Employers need peope who can communicate with customers, collaborate with coworkers, handle challenges, make thoughtful decisions, and build trust.

Your SPARK Challenge! Your SPARK Challenge!

You don't have to wait until you graduate to develop your soft skills!

  • Participate in a group project and practice teamwork.
  • Arrive to class on time and meet your deadlines.
  • Practice introducing yourself confidently to an adult or industry professional.
  • Accept constructive feedback and use it to improve.
  • Take responsibility for your actions and learn from your mistakes!



Remember: Every classroom, club, sport, volunteer activity, and part-time job is an opportunity to build skills that will prepare you for your future!


Your future is waiting. Make sure your soft skills are ready!

Spark takeaway: Be the person employers can count on not just the person who can do the job!

Thinking about joining the Military? Thinking about joining the Military?

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Joining the military offers career training, education benefits, and a strong start after high school. Students can learn high demand skills in IT, mechanics, aviation, healthcare, engineering, and more all by earning steady pay and gaining leadership experience.


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!

SC Works Hot Jobs in the Midlands (Click here) SC Works Hot Jobs in the Midlands (Click here)

Find your Career in the Arts with Creative Careers Studio Find your Career in the Arts with Creative Careers Studio

Discover creative careers for aspiring artists in South Carolina. Learn form creative professionals, explore a career catalog and dive into resources for students, parents and counselors. Start your path to a fulfilling career in the arts.


https://creativecareers.art/

Counceling Corner Counceling Corner

Trevisha Mickens- Counselor serving students A-D

Michelle Loncon- Counselor serving students E-K

Laura Switzer- Counselor serving L-O School Counseling Director

Kenneth Stokes- Counselor serving students P-Z

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Junior IGP's (Individual Graduation Plan)

Please be on the lookout for a Google invite from your counselor to schedule your meetings beginning December 1st.

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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)

Military Information (Click Here) Military Information (Click Here)

School Recruitement contact information

Army Active & Reserves: SSG Luke Hampton 803-767-7398

SC Army National Guard: SFC Sean Delaney-Gesing 803-394-1162

Marine Corp: SGT Conrad Kerr: 803-513-8113

Navy: AO2 Rayshawn Lewis 803-577-7763

SC Air National Guard: SSGT Tearra Green 803-305-3289

Air Force: SrA Benjamin Forcum 803-608-7298

Job Search & Workplace Skills Discus (Click Here) Job Search & Workplace Skills Discus (Click Here)

Student Scholarships (Click Here) Student Scholarships (Click Here)

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October Trivia Winner

Congrats to our October Trivia Winner Mrs. Rhonda Nicholson our receptionist!

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Be sure and scan the QR code to enter the monthly drawing for reading the newsletter!

November Events November Events

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2nd-6th Seniors who need to take WIN

3rd No School

10th College Application Day Media Center

11th Juniors A-M ASVAB

11th Marines Lunch and Learn

12th Juniors N-Z ASVAB

18th Marines Lunch and Learn

23rd-27th Thanksgiving Break

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Additional Resources

Free Test Prep Sites (ASVAB, ACT, SAT, Ready to Work)

  • uniontestprep.com
  • 4tests.com
  • khanacademy.org/sat
  • SAT Prep
  • ACT Prep
  • ASVAB
  • https://www.winlearning.com/

General Resources

  • Frequently Asked Questions about FAFSA
  • Over 300 Career Videos

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook

  • SC Virtual Library DISCUS

  • Links to Leadership & Public Service Career Cluster Information

  • Mike Rowe Works Foundation

  • Be Pro Be Proud Website

  • Be Something Amazing - Health Care Career

  • South Carolina ~ Colleges and Universities

CTSO - Career & Technology Student Organizations
  • SC SkillsUSA
  • SC DECA
  • SC HOSA Future Health Professionals

College Search Resources

  • College Navigator
  • SC Colleges Symbaloo
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