College and career readiness. That is the goal of the Buford High School Career and Technical Education program. And with multiple pathways for students to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Jennifer Wood, the CTE director at BHS, describes the goal of the CTE department as providing students “industry-recognized credentials and leadership opportunities with a focus on essential soft skills like teamwork, problem solving and real-world experience.”
Students at BHS have the unique opportunity to partake in a number of different education pathways offered by the CTE department. The Teaching as a Profession (TAP) Pathway, led by Wes Parker and Dr. Lacrecia Smith, prepares students to enter the teaching profession by allowing students to “gain hands-on experience by volunteering in elementary classrooms during their high school class periods,” 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. Taught by Jennifer Lopez and Margaret Beshiri, students learn safety and sanitation skills, basic cooking skills, how to pick out and follow recipes, break down nutrients that fuel the body to meet physical needs and explore various career opportunities within related fields.
In the computer science pathway, students earn Unity coding credentials and offer coding camps at Buford Academy.
Construction classes are building mini houses and learning building, plumbing and electrical skills.
By participating in the Audio, Video, Technology and Film Pathway, students can earn an Adobe certification in their junior year of high school.
“Students leave knowing how to use Adobe Premiere Pro and they can go work for a video company and edit professional videos,” Wood said. “Additionally, Nick Beshiri is teaching graphics now, so students can also get Adobe Photoshop certified. These students are using their skills to help film football games, run the boards at baseball and softball games, and help edit video and graphics for teams as well. These are skills that will transfer to future careers.”
In accounting, students take three classes in the pathway and take an end-of-pathway assessment that, if passed, allows them to exempt Accounting 101 in certain colleges.
The possibilities are endless for Buford students.
During the 2023-24 school year, the CTE department experienced a number of noteworthy successes. Gia Khang Quach, now a senior, showcased his exceptional skills and dedication by placing first 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 when he competed as a senior last year. Leland competed in Personal Finance Literacy and also received the business and financial pathway award before graduating in May. Leland now attends Brigham Young University as a finance major. He credits his involvement in the Buford CTE department as the key reason he wanted to explore the field of finance.
For the current school year, Wood was thrilled to share that there are 11 student interns earning valuable work experience at the Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Medical Plaza.
“They’re doing real skills, like preparing patients for their visit and taking their vitals,” Wood said. “We are grateful to NGPG for this unique opportunity for our students.”
Additionally, a number of events have already been held this school year. On Sept. 16 and 17, Buford’s Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) students played an active role in supporting the BCSS Blood Drive at Buford City Arena. The students assisted by checking in donors and monitoring them post-donation to ensure their well-being. They also stuffed 245 envelopes with notes of encouragement for the faculty of Apalachee High School.
DECA, along with other CTE programs, will sponsor the BHS Trunk or Treat on Oct. 29, to benefit the North Gwinnett Co-Op. The Family, Career, and Community Leader of America (FCCLA) will collect Thanksgiving boxes again this year that will also go to the co-op.
Last year’s Cookies & Cocoa 5K helped support 21 CTE students in attending national competitions and local chapter activities. The sixth annual Cookies & Cocoa is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2025.
The BHS CTE department strives to give students a competitive edge, and the program has been successful in many rights.
“In addition to competing in national competitions, the students are learning to speak in front of people, learning leadership skills, and participating in community service projects,” Wood said. “These are skills they’re going to need no matter what they plan to do after high school.”
FEATURED PHOTO: Chandler Perry and Marwa Hamid, two seniors at Buford High School, 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.
