CCSD Counselors Learn About Career Options For Students

WOODSTOCK, GA — Counselors in the Cherokee County School District recently learned more about career options for students through a collaboration with local businesses and industries.

The Summer Externship program gave the counselors the opportunity earlier this month to visit employers including Arrow Exterminators, Astra Group Construction, Killian Automotive, Northside Hospital Cherokee (Batson Cook Construction), R&D Mechanical Services, Roytech Industries and Universal Alloy Corporation.

Dr. Rouel C. Belleza, supervisor of the district's Student Services department, coordinated the visits with the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, which partnered with CCSD on the program supported by the Georgia Department of Education.

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“The intent of the externship was to further expose industry and skill labor opportunities as viable career fields for the present and future students of Cherokee County,” Dr. Belleza said, noting Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower encouraged the Student Services department to develop such an event.

Presentations and experiences during the site visits, Dr. Belleza said, were designed to assist school counselors in “drawing relevant connections” as they guide students through options such as internships, apprenticeships and career opportunities.

PHOTO: School Counselors participating in the program included, from left to right, front row: Whitney Morberg, Etowah HS; Taran Smith, Etowah HS; Kristie Sikes, Creekview HS; Adina Walker, Dean Rusk MS; back row: Dr. Rouel C. Belleza, Supervisor of CCSD’s Student Services department; Michele Dowd, Etowah HS; Taylor Herman, Dean Rusk MS; Connie Hatcher, Arnold Mill ES; Tracy Tuck, Cherokee HS; Rod Metcalf, Woodstock MS; Kelly Schalliol, Tippens Educational Center; Kelly Brangan, River Ridge HS; and Alina Saavedra, ACE Academy. Credit: CCSD