The North Carolina Teacher Cadet Program is a teacher recruitment and leadership initiative aimed at cultivating the next generation of educators within the state. Established in 1997, the program offers high school juniors and seniors a curriculum that provides hands-on teaching experiences and leadership development. By engaging students early, the program seeks to create a diverse pipeline of future teachers who are more likely to serve in their local communities. 
The annual Teacher Cadet State Conference is a cornerstone of this initiative. Scheduled for March 7-8, 2025, in Statesville, NC, the conference brings together over 270 aspiring educators for two days of professional development, networking, and exposure to higher education opportunities. Participants engage in workshops, hear from keynote speakers, and interact with representatives from various colleges and universities, all designed to inspire and prepare them for careers in education. 
Implementing “Grow Your Own” programs like the Teacher Cadet initiative is particularly vital for communities with unique cultures and climates. Such programs address teacher shortages by recruiting individuals who are already familiar with local customs, values, and challenges. Educators emerging from these programs often have a deeper connection to their communities, leading to increased teacher retention and student success. By reflecting the demographic makeup of the student population, these educators serve as relatable role models, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. 
In our district, we are proud to have ten students participating in this year’s conference. Their interest in the teaching profession is a testament to the program’s impact. Notably, one of our former teacher cadets, Ms. Arnold, who now serves as a 6th-grade math teacher, accompany them, alongside veteran educators acting as chaperones. This full-circle moment highlights the program’s success in nurturing homegrown talent.
We eagerly anticipate the feedback from our participating scholars and look forward to sharing their experiences and insights from this dynamic leadership event.
WCHS extends a special thank you to Krafty Ky's for donating shirts for our students today. #community-partner #CTE
🚀 A Day of Discovery at UNC!
Today, our Entrepreneurship and 9-12 AVID students visited the UNC Business Schools and toured the entire campus. It was an inspiring experience filled with learning and new perspectives!
#UNCVisit #Entrepreneurship #AVID #CampusTour #CTE
🎨📸 Hands-on Learning at ECSU! 🏀💻
Our Art and Sports Marketing students had an incredible experience at Elizabeth City State University, where they engaged in a hands-on Adobe photo editing workshop! 💡 With guidance from an ECSU professor and college students, they applied the same skills they’ve been developing in class—ensuring the techniques and software weren’t too overwhelming, even for beginners. #VikingPride
After the workshop, students enjoyed lunch on campus 🍽️ and had the opportunity to tour ECSU, getting a first-hand look at college life. Real-world learning, career exploration, and creativity all in one trip! 👏🏾✨
We want to extend a special thank you to Mr. Clarence Goss for his hospitality.
#FutureCreators #HandsOnLearning #AdobeSkills #ECSU #CareerReady
🍽️🔬 Thursdays = Lab Days for Our Foods & Nutrition Scholars! 👨🏾🍳👩🏽🍳
Today the students prepared chicken stir fry that was bursting with flavors and simple to make. Hands-on learning was in full effect today as our students put their skills to the test in the lab! From measuring, cleaning, and mixing to plating and perfecting, they’re gaining real-world experience that will serve them beyond the classroom.
Check them out in action! 📸 #FoodScience #HandsOnLearning #FutureChefs
🚀 Growing Together in Our PLCs! 📚✨
Our educators are diving deep into the power of building connections before teaching content and being intentional with academic monitoring to ensure every student thrives!
Through collaboration, they are also sharing their best bell-to-bell strategies like timers, gallery walks, and focused note-taking to keep engagement high and maximize learning time. 💡💬
Great things happen when we learn and grow together! #PLCInAction #StrongerTogether #StudentSuccess
Join us Friday!
🌱 Growing Together Through Community Collaboration! 🌱
Strong partnerships make strong programs! Washington County local, Mrs. Bowen, has teamed up with our Agriculture teacher to support our new mission—growing our own plants, fruits, and vegetables in our brand-new greenhouse! 🌿🍎🍅
CTE is all about hands-on experiences, and we’re excited to watch our Ag students bring their lessons to life. Stay tuned for updates on our greenhouse production!
We welcome community partnerships—together, we grow! 🌍💪🏽 #CTEWorks #CommunityCollaboration #GrowingOurOwn #AgEducation
🔥 Putting in Work, Even on Early Release! 🔥
Stopped by to check on our Welding students today, and they’re still locked in, making sparks fly! Even with an early release, they’re fully engaged in hands-on learning, perfecting their craft, and staying dedicated to their future careers.
💪🏽🔥 Keep up the hard work—your skills will take you far! #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady #CTE
In response to the pending weather forecast, all Washington County Schools will follow an early release schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Washington County High School and Washington County Early College High School will dismiss at 12:00 noon, while Washington County Elementary School will dismiss at 12:15 p.m.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Exposure Creates Opportunities! Today, a group of our upperclassmen had the opportunity to visit NC State University, gaining firsthand insight into college life, academic programs, and career pathways. Experiences like this are game-changers—they help students envision their futures, set goals, and make informed decisions about their next steps after high school. From touring the campus to engaging with faculty and students, this visit expanded their perspectives and reinforced the importance of higher education. College exposure matters, and we’re committed to providing these valuable experiences for our students! #CollegeBound #FutureLeaders #NCStateVisit
🚨🏀BIG NEWS, PANTHER NATION! 🏀🚨
Our Mighty Panthers, led by Coach Lamont Gilliam, are ON THE MOVE! 🐾🔥 They’ve battled hard and are now advancing to ROUND FOUR of the playoffs!
The energy is high, the momentum is strong, and we’re not done yet! Stay tuned—game details are coming soon!
💙🖤LET’S GO, PANTHERS! 💙🖤
🚨 GAME DAY ALERT! 🚨 tickets will be SOLD AT THE GATE for tonight’s 3rd round varsity basketball matchup! 🎟️🏀 📍 Location: WCHS ⏰ Tip-off: 6 PM 💰 Tickets: $7 Get there early, bring the energy, and let’s pack the gym! Let’s go Panthers 🔥💪 #GameDay #Playoffs
WCECHS! It's opened to all seniors.
Celebrating Our Amazing WCHS School Counselors!
Last week, we took time to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our three dedicated school counselors at WCHS! School counselors play a vital role in our students’ success—providing academic guidance, emotional support, and career planning to help them navigate their educational journey.
From offering a listening ear to ensuring students have the resources they need, our counselors go above and beyond every day. Their commitment, patience, and passion for student success do not go unnoticed!
#WCHSCounselors #ThankYou #StudentSuccess #WCHSFamily
Check out our Panther News!
Order your yearbook now and enjoy the memories for a lifetime!
CHERISH THESE MEMORIES
WITH THE 2025 YEARBOOK
No matter how fast the school year flies by, the Washington County High School yearbook captures every highlight! Order today to guarantee your copy.
ORDER YEARBOOK ›
http://click.e.jostens.com/?qs=e79786b915f2cbfad2f20cb8a01f9f0f0d25a0f13e19682cb97ed92fd4d90b22f5346d24e4516b38b9f448cd7fab7375b7bc5f60fefa501a5b5411c2ed5c93e4
🚀 The Power of CTE & Hands-On Learning 🚀
Career & Technical Education (CTE) is more than just a class—it’s a pathway to real-world success! Through hands-on learning, students develop critical skills, explore careers, and gain industry experience that prepares them for the future. Whether it’s welding, horticulture, early childhood education, digital design, culinary arts, sports marketing, or entrepreneurship, CTE provides opportunities to learn by doing and build a strong foundation for college, careers, and beyond.
When students engage in hands-on learning, they retain knowledge better, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. CTE isn’t just about preparing for the workforce—it’s about preparing for life!
🔥 Skills for Today. Careers for Tomorrow. Success for a Lifetime. 🔥
#CTEWorks #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady
🎉 8th Grade CTE Signing Day 🎉
Today, our 8th graders took a big step toward their future by exploring all of our CTE programs and officially selecting their pathways! 🔥 From hands-on experiences in Manufacturing Welding, Horticulture, Early Childhood, Adobe Academy, Foods & Nutrition, Sports Marketing, and Entrepreneurship, students got a firsthand look at the opportunities that await them.
We’re so proud of these young scholars for making their commitments and investing in their futures. Congratulations, 8th graders, on signing with your CTE pathways! The journey starts now! 🚀✨
#CTESigningDay #FutureReady #CareerSuccess #HandsOnLearning
🎶 Exciting News for WCHS & WCMS Students! 🥁🎺
Are you ready to bring the spirit to Washington County High School? We’re starting a Drumline & Pep Band—and we want YOU to be a part of it!
📅 First Interest Meeting: Monday, March 3
⏰ Time: 3:00-3:30 PM
📍 Location: WCHS Band Room
This is open to all 6th-12th grade students who are interested in playing an instrument, learning percussion, and bringing energy to school events! No experience? No problem! Come see what it’s all about.
Spread the word and tag a friend who should join! 🎶🔥
#WCHSPepBand #WCHSDrumline #AtomicBoom #BringTheSpirit
CTE Spirit Week
