Union County High School is focused on helping students get ready for the next steps of their lives beyond high school. Our goal is to prepare every student for college, technical school, military service, or a career by graduation day. Every decision is made with the idea of moving a student toward their post high school goals. Our forward-looking emphasis was built from the major concepts of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate including "World Class Skills," "World Class Knowledge," and "Life and Career Characteristics." To accomplish this end our students participated in college application day, college fairs, FASFA nights, scholarship nights, etc . . .
The Career and Technology Center had multiple students complete programs as well as serve in co-ops and internships. Some students earned state licenses in various programs. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and Future Farmers of America (FFA) all are active and helping students explore training and career options as well as competing against other high schools. Over 75% of students at Union County High School take at least one career and technology class a year.
In the area of the arts, the drama department performed one play in the Fall and a musical in the Spring. The marching band competed and won several honors as well as performed locally in multiple venues. The chorus, orchestra, and visual art departments were active in performing and displaying student work throughout the county.
The JROTC leadership team competed and won the privilege of representing Union County in Washington D.C. as one of the top 40 programs in the country for the third year in a row. Our JROTC shooting team also competed and placed nationally.
Athletically, the girls softball team captured the region title and the upper-state championship. Our football team captured the region title and played for the upper-state championship. Our girls tennis team won the region championship and played for the upper-state championship. Our wrestling team won the region championship.
Junior Civitan, Interact, the National Honor Society, and the Beta Club are all active service groups working in the school and community.
The staff and community think student involvement in one or more athletic team, musical group, artistic club, career organization, or JROTC is important for connection to the school. So, we encourage students to participate in something that interests them outside of the daily required curriculum.
Our teachers participated in year-long staff development during common subject-area planning using a weekly collaborative data team concept. The teachers would create and use common formative assessments based on key standards and use the data to inform their instructional choices. This allowed them to collaborate with colleagues about teaching strategies while raising student achievement.
The teachers also introduced an incentive committee to reward appropriate student behavior and academic excellence. Our incentive committee found creative ways to build positive relationships and reinforce appropriate behavior. They honor the students and teachers of the month.
Looking ahead to the new school year, the staff of Union County High School will continue to focus on getting students ready for the next phase of their lives. We as a school will attempt to build on the successes of the past and grow in areas that need improvement. The teachers will continue to concentrate on student data as well as instruction.
Our goal is college and career readiness for every student.
