Academies of Theodore High School

On October 3, 2024, student leaders from our Career and Technical Education (CTE)

programs attended the annual Joint Leadership Development Conference (JLDC), a premier gathering for CTE student organizations across Alabama. JLDC provides students involved in CTE programs like Technology Student Association, JROTC, SkillsUSA, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, DECA, and many more with the opportunity to come together, develop their leadership skills, and connect with like-minded peers from across the state.

This year, the conference was packed with dynamic activities, including workshops, keynote speakers, and leadership-building exercises. Through interactive workshops, participants explored topics such as effective communication, project management, and conflict resolution, arming them with skills they can immediately apply within their CTE organizations and future careers.

This year’s JLDC was a transformative experience, sparking enthusiasm for continued leadership development and growth within the CTE community at Theodore High.

On October 20, Theodore High School seniors joined hundreds of students from across the region at the Gulf Coast Challenge College and Career Fair. Held at the Mobile Civic Center, this event provided students with an invaluable opportunity to explore higher education and career options, connecting them with representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools, and companies from the Gulf Coast area and beyond.

The day was filled with exploration and discovery as seniors engaged with admissions representatives from various institutions. They received information on scholarship opportunities, campus life, and academic programs, helping them make more informed decisions about their next steps after high school. For students interested in entering the workforce or pursuing skilled trades, industry booths showcased a range of career paths in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, logistics, and information technology. Employers and technical training programs provided guidance on apprenticeships, certifications, and job opportunities in high-demand sectors, giving students insight into the many career paths available.

Congratulations to Alandria Richardson for winning a $100 VISA gift card, awarded by SAWDC! Alandria's name was entered into the drawing after she completed the Student Survey for the 2024 Gulf Coast Challenge College & Career Fair. This event offers students a valuable look into college and career opportunities across the Gulf Coast region, and SAWDC rewards those who actively participate and provide feedback. Way to go, Alandria, and thank you for representing our school at the event!

Theodore students joined other students from across Mobile County Public Schools for an engaging experience at the recent BEAM event, jointly hosted by Alabama Power and the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). This event, held at Bishop State Community College, aimed to introduce students to the many career opportunities within the energy sector, connect them with scholarship options, and offer hands-on activities that made learning about energy fun and interactive.

Sebastian Dixon, Alabama Power’s Safety and Health Manager, led the first session on "Energy Careers," offering students insights into the diverse roles available within the energy field. Next, Adrienne Johnson from Community Development introduced “EmPower Your Future,” focusing on career opportunities within Alabama Power and the broader energy industry. This session motivated students to explore pathways that align with their interests and highlighted the impactful work energy professionals do every day. Johnetta Jackson, Customer Service Manager at Alabama Power, then discussed the AABE Scholarship Program, providing valuable information on how students can access financial support for their education as they pursue careers in energy.

Students participated in a series of interactive activities that brought energy concepts to life. They rotated through three hands-on demonstrations:

• Electricity Demonstration led by Field Operations Supervisor Walt Massey, where students learned the basics of electricity flow and its everyday applications.
• Spaghetti Towers led by Engineering Supervisor Greg White, challenging students to build sturdy structures using spaghetti and marshmallows, teaching them about engineering principles like stability and design.
• Magnet Workshop led by Principal Engineer Lam Tran, where students explored magnetism and its role in energy production and storage.

The BEAM event provided students with a unique blend of educational insights and practical experiences, sparking an interest in energy-related careers and guiding them on their paths to success. With newfound knowledge, valuable networking connections, and awareness of scholarship opportunities, these students left the BEAM event equipped and inspired to explore the energy industry.

Over 200 seniors from Theodore High School took an important step toward their futures by participating in a series of mock interviews designed to prepare them for life beyond high school. This invaluable experience was made possible by local business partners who volunteered their time and expertise to help students practice their interview skills and refine their resumes.

During the mock interviews, students had the chance to respond to real-world questions, receive constructive feedback, and discuss their career aspirations with professionals who understand what employers seek. Business partners not only provided insights on how to improve interview responses and resume presentation but also took time to offer personalized advice on setting realistic career goals and mapping out steps to achieve them.

For many students, these conversations opened doors to new possibilities, with some discovering career paths they had never previously considered. The feedback and career suggestions given by the business partners were invaluable, helping students to broaden their outlook and consider the diverse options available to them.

Theodore High School extends a huge thank you to the local business partners who dedicated their time to help make these mock interviews a success. Their guidance and encouragement gave students real-world experience, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose as they approach graduation. We are incredibly proud of our seniors’ hard work and dedication to preparing for the next chapter in their lives, and we can’t wait to see all they will accomplish!

Students in the Health Science Academy recently had a unique opportunity to participate in a round of focused mock interviews with representatives from USA Health. Aimed at those pursuing careers in the medical field, these interviews allowed students to practice answering questions directly related to healthcare, discussing the skills they’ve acquired in their studies, and sharing their future goals within the industry. This focused experience provided students with valuable feedback, helping them develop confidence and polish the communication skills crucial for future careers in healthcare. The event also highlighted the growing partnership between our school and USA Health, offering our students practical insights and preparation for their professional journeys.

Congratulations to Carter Lynch for being selected as the September 2024 Employee of the Month for the Academy of Craft Training. These students are selected by the program instructor and this month it was based on the student that stood out above the rest in the classroom and in the shop. Carter was selected as Employee of the Month of all of our 2nd year returning students across all programs. The instructor had this to say about each of them:

Mr. Simison, Lab instructor/ Returning Students instructor, said this about Carter, "Carter is always willing to learn new things, on time, and never late. He is a hard working young man."

The welding program at Bryant Career Tech Center offers students a unique opportunity to learn practical welding skills, from basic techniques to advanced applications, using state-of-the-art equipment.

The welding program prepares students for industry-recognized certifications, boosting career prospects right out of high school. Whether you’re aiming to enter the workforce after graduation or plan to continue in a trade school, this program provides a strong foundation.

Students interested in the welding program for next year will need to submit a request during course scheduling in the spring semester of this school year. More information will be given throughout the school year, and Bryant Career Tech Center representatives will be on campus next semester to speak to students.

Juniors and seniors, have you completed your Career Plan Survey yet? Mrs. Pippin, our Career Coach, is urging all upperclassmen to participate! This quick survey is a vital tool that helps Mrs. Pippin connect you to valuable career-building opportunities. Whether you're interested in field trips, career mentoring, job shadowing, or internships, your survey responses allow her to understand your interests and goals and match you with relevant experiences.

By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, you’re helping pave the way toward your future career. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities—fill out your Career Plan Survey today!

If you would like to partner with one of our Academies or if you have questions about the Academies of Theodore, contact Mrs. Pippin, the Career Coach at Theodore High School.

Email: dpippin@mcpss.com
Phone: 251-221-3351