McCormick High School (MHS) is growing in meeting the demands within the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through incorporating several opportunities for students to mature successfully an ever-changing world. The vision of McCormick High School is to create a learning environment that builds character, promotes critical thinking, and requires staff and students alike to take ownership of his/her learning and behavior.  MHS is supporting its vision by providing students with several opportunities to become college and/or career ready.  Some of these opportunities are listed below.

• The newly hired Career and Technology Education (CTE) director serves as a member of the MHS Administrative Leadership Team.  The placement has allowed CTE staff and students to have direct communication with the director, helping to increase student achievement.
• Co-op student participation increased 20% between 2023 and 2024. 
• Abbeville County Career Center (ACCC) student enrollment grew this year by 10% with 100% of students graduating.
• The CTE Advisory Committee was formulated to build partnerships with area businesses.  The committee connects community and school leaders to share information and concerns in order to prepare students for tomorrow’s global opportunities.
• The Professional Leadership course was enhanced by inviting guest speakers to provide students with information about job opportunities and explain how CTE courses and certifications can help students reach academic and personal goals.
• MHS added an Introduction to Professional Leadership course for 9th grade to increase career support and address student soft-skills early in their high school experience.
• Thirteen students were inducted into the newly formed National Technical Honor Society.
• MHS is continuing to build the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program to support student employability skills and academic success. 
• Through the Transition Coordinator, the MHS Special Services Department is able to provide its students with work-based learning opportunities to develop skills needed in the workplace.  Students are able to complete work-base hours for career readiness certifications.
• Microburst was used to help students be successful using real-world scenarios, teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.  The College and Career Readiness, Introduction to Professional Leadership, Professional Leadership, and JAG courses worked to focus on microburst skills related to the Profile of the SC Graduate.  Ninety-seven students have completed Microburst credential and several have passed the certification to continue to the next level.
• Seven seniors graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Piedmont Technical College Dual Enrollment Program in 2023-2024.

MHS will stay connected with other educational agencies to continue promoting college and/or career readiness opportunities to build school and community success.

Gena K. Wideman, Principal

Asha T. Curry, SIC