Career Exploration Series: Utility Line Worker – Session 2
Today, DeSoto County School District students received valuable hands-on experience at the Northcentral Electric Cooperative training facility as part of our Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series.
Students participated in safety training and rotated through multiple stations where they practiced using industry equipment and learned directly from skilled professionals in the field. Experiences like these provide real-world exposure and help students better understand the skills, responsibilities, and career opportunities within the utility industry.
We are grateful for our continued partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative and their ongoing investment in developing the future workforce. Strategic partnerships like this create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the talent pipeline for our community.
Thank you to our local business and industry partners for helping prepare the next generation for success.
Today, DeSoto County School District students received valuable hands-on experience at the Northcentral Electric Cooperative training facility as part of our Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series.
Students participated in safety training and rotated through multiple stations where they practiced using industry equipment and learned directly from skilled professionals in the field. Experiences like these provide real-world exposure and help students better understand the skills, responsibilities, and career opportunities within the utility industry.
We are grateful for our continued partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative and their ongoing investment in developing the future workforce. Strategic partnerships like this create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the talent pipeline for our community.
Thank you to our local business and industry partners for helping prepare the next generation for success.
The Bridge Academy had an outstanding Session 2 at the Landers Center in Southaven!
A special thank you to Debbie Mendenhall, Executive Director, for kicking off our visit with an engaging overview of the many career paths and leadership opportunities within the Landers Center, along with updates on current construction. We also appreciate Greg Presley (Director of Food & Beverage), Joel Crews (General Manager/COO), and Allison Mitchell (Director of Tourism, DeSoto County Convention Center) for sharing insights into their roles and career journeys.
Thank you to Stan Mendenhall, Head of Security, for guiding us on a behind-the-scenes tour where students explored the kitchen, suites, executive offices, locker rooms, arena floor, and new construction.
We are grateful to Debbie Mendenhall and Greg Presley for providing a delicious lunch for our students—those cookies were a favorite!
The day concluded with an informative session on AI from Aaron Cozort (Wisdom Integrators) and Kayce Orr (Director of AI & Digital Engagement, Brown Missionary Baptist), equipping our students with valuable knowledge for the future.
Thank you to everyone who made this meaningful, real-world learning experience possible!
A special thank you to Debbie Mendenhall, Executive Director, for kicking off our visit with an engaging overview of the many career paths and leadership opportunities within the Landers Center, along with updates on current construction. We also appreciate Greg Presley (Director of Food & Beverage), Joel Crews (General Manager/COO), and Allison Mitchell (Director of Tourism, DeSoto County Convention Center) for sharing insights into their roles and career journeys.
Thank you to Stan Mendenhall, Head of Security, for guiding us on a behind-the-scenes tour where students explored the kitchen, suites, executive offices, locker rooms, arena floor, and new construction.
We are grateful to Debbie Mendenhall and Greg Presley for providing a delicious lunch for our students—those cookies were a favorite!
The day concluded with an informative session on AI from Aaron Cozort (Wisdom Integrators) and Kayce Orr (Director of AI & Digital Engagement, Brown Missionary Baptist), equipping our students with valuable knowledge for the future.
Thank you to everyone who made this meaningful, real-world learning experience possible!
We are excited for a final short term training course for our graduating seniors. The Intro to Welding short course offered by Northwest MS Community College Workforce Solutions is starting soon!
Interested students may contact their Career Coach or Work Based Learning teacher at their high school for more information.
Interested students may contact their Career Coach or Work Based Learning teacher at their high school for more information.
DeSoto County School District Aviation Cohort students recently completed Session #3 of their ongoing Career Exploration Series with a full day of industry experiences.
Students began at Olive Branch Airport with a tour arranged by Derrick Hill and Dave Taylor, including a special visit with retired FedEx pilot Steve, who showcased his historic 1940 UPF-7 aircraft.
The group then visited Luke Weathers Flight Academy for a presentation by Greyson Coleman, coordinated by Dartenya Davis. Students also toured Air Venture Flight Center, where Jessie Sawyer hosted the group, led tours of the school and aircraft, and generously provided lunch.
The final stop was Northwest Mississippi Community College Aviation Maintenance, where Calvin Cooper and David Lindsey shared valuable insight into careers in aircraft maintenance and Kelsey Baker provided information on the application and selection process.
We appreciate all of our business and education partners for helping students explore high-demand aviation careers and future opportunities.
This week, we are proud to recognize a group of students who are gaining valuable real-world experience through our Work-Based Learning program. Their dedication and growth are building strong futures.
Career exploration looks different for every student. Through individual meetings, our Career Coaches help students explore options, ask the right questions, and gain clarity on postsecondary and career opportunities that align with their goals.
Southaven High School Career Coaches and Work Base Learning coordinator are excited to host a collaborative event titled Chargers Hire Ready; a three-week Hiring Lab designed for our senior students.
The purpose of this event is to prepare students for the workforce following graduation. During the Hiring Lab, students will participate in sessions focused on résumé writing, professional introductions, interview preparation, mock interviews, and effective follow-up strategies. Each session is designed to provide students with real-world skills and confidence.
Session Schedule:
• April 16, 2026 –Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Building a Strong Résumé
• April 23, 2026 – Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Making a Great First Impression
✔️ Interview Preparation
✔️ Follow-Ups That Get Responses
• April 30, 2026 – Southaven High School Library
✔️ Practicing in a Real-World Mock Interview
The purpose of this event is to prepare students for the workforce following graduation. During the Hiring Lab, students will participate in sessions focused on résumé writing, professional introductions, interview preparation, mock interviews, and effective follow-up strategies. Each session is designed to provide students with real-world skills and confidence.
Session Schedule:
• April 16, 2026 –Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Building a Strong Résumé
• April 23, 2026 – Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Making a Great First Impression
✔️ Interview Preparation
✔️ Follow-Ups That Get Responses
• April 30, 2026 – Southaven High School Library
✔️ Practicing in a Real-World Mock Interview
Career Coach Highlight: La’Mya O’Bryant
Southaven High School is proud to nominate La’Mya O’Bryant for the SkillsUSA Signing Bonus, recognizing outstanding seniors who are stepping boldly into the skilled trades workforce after graduation.
La’Mya represents the very best of what it means to be focused, driven, and future-ready. With strong academic performance, exceptional time management, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom, she has set herself apart as a true leader among her peers.
As a young woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, La’Mya is not only chasing her goals—she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow. Her determination, work ethic, and confidence speak volumes about the impact she is destined to make in the construction industry.
La’Mya plans to continue her journey at the University of Arkansas, majoring in Construction Engineering, where she will further develop the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand field.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate La’Mya’s accomplishments and her commitment to building a strong future through the skilled trades.
Southaven High School is proud to nominate La’Mya O’Bryant for the SkillsUSA Signing Bonus, recognizing outstanding seniors who are stepping boldly into the skilled trades workforce after graduation.
La’Mya represents the very best of what it means to be focused, driven, and future-ready. With strong academic performance, exceptional time management, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom, she has set herself apart as a true leader among her peers.
As a young woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, La’Mya is not only chasing her goals—she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow. Her determination, work ethic, and confidence speak volumes about the impact she is destined to make in the construction industry.
La’Mya plans to continue her journey at the University of Arkansas, majoring in Construction Engineering, where she will further develop the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand field.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate La’Mya’s accomplishments and her commitment to building a strong future through the skilled trades.
Each week, our Career Coaches connect students with real-world career experiences. Check out this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
From the classroom to the career field—our Career Coaches open doors for students each week. See this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
Southaven Middle School invites community partners, professionals, and organizations to participate in our 8th Grade Career Fair on May 14 from 8:45–10:45 AM. This event provides an opportunity to inspire students as they begin exploring future career pathways and opportunities.
Participants are encouraged to engage students through interactive booths, short presentations, or hands-on demonstrations that showcase their career field or industry.
Location: Southaven Middle School
Date: May 14
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:45 AM
For additional information or to participate, please contact:
Latoya.White@dcsms.org
Johnthan.Eison@dcsms.org
Cheryl.Thomas@dcsms.org
Alexandra.Whitfield@dcsms.org
Participants are encouraged to engage students through interactive booths, short presentations, or hands-on demonstrations that showcase their career field or industry.
Location: Southaven Middle School
Date: May 14
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:45 AM
For additional information or to participate, please contact:
Latoya.White@dcsms.org
Johnthan.Eison@dcsms.org
Cheryl.Thomas@dcsms.org
Alexandra.Whitfield@dcsms.org
Our Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) students recently had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into industry with an exclusive tour of HYOSUNG HICO in Memphis.
During the visit, students:
Explored advanced manufacturing operations firsthand
Learned about transformer production and global energy infrastructure
Engaged with industry professionals about career pathways and workforce expectations
Gained insight into the skills needed to succeed in high-demand manufacturing careers
This experience provided a direct connection between the CMfgA training curriculum and real-world application.
We appreciate our partners at HYOSUNG HICO for investing in our students and helping us build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
During the visit, students:
Explored advanced manufacturing operations firsthand
Learned about transformer production and global energy infrastructure
Engaged with industry professionals about career pathways and workforce expectations
Gained insight into the skills needed to succeed in high-demand manufacturing careers
This experience provided a direct connection between the CMfgA training curriculum and real-world application.
We appreciate our partners at HYOSUNG HICO for investing in our students and helping us build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
Each week, we’re proud to showcase one of our students who’s building their future through Work-Based Learning. See how this student is gaining valuable experience and exploring career goals!
We are in the developmental stages of a new part time program to train seniors for our new Utility Line Worker program. Interested applicants to teach the program should contact Beth Turner for more information beth.turner@dcsms.org
DeSoto County Schools is proud to launch our Career Exploration Series for Utility Line Workers, creating a direct pipeline between student interest and high-demand workforce opportunities.
Today marked the first session with 15 seniors from across the district who are intentionally exploring this career pathway. Through strategic partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative, students engaged in an immersive, industry-aligned experience led by their safety team.
Participants were introduced to the cooperative business model and gained foundational knowledge of the utility line worker role with an emphasis on safety. Students also explored how utility line work and fiber splicing intersect to support critical infrastructure, culminating in an experience with the demonstration trailer.
This series reflects our continued commitment to aligning classroom experiences with real-world career pathways and providing students with meaningful exposure to essential industries that power our communities. Follow along for session 2 and 3 in April and May.
Today marked the first session with 15 seniors from across the district who are intentionally exploring this career pathway. Through strategic partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative, students engaged in an immersive, industry-aligned experience led by their safety team.
Participants were introduced to the cooperative business model and gained foundational knowledge of the utility line worker role with an emphasis on safety. Students also explored how utility line work and fiber splicing intersect to support critical infrastructure, culminating in an experience with the demonstration trailer.
This series reflects our continued commitment to aligning classroom experiences with real-world career pathways and providing students with meaningful exposure to essential industries that power our communities. Follow along for session 2 and 3 in April and May.
Session Two of our Aviation Career Exploration Series took students behind the scenes at FedEx for a firsthand look at aviation careers in action.
Students connected with pilots, instructors, and aviation mechanics while exploring the wide range of opportunities within the industry. They also rotated through a flight simulator, toured the emergency equipment room to learn about safety protocols, and walked through the hangar and maintenance areas to see daily operations up close.
These real-world experiences continue to play a critical role in preparing our students for high-demand careers and helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Students connected with pilots, instructors, and aviation mechanics while exploring the wide range of opportunities within the industry. They also rotated through a flight simulator, toured the emergency equipment room to learn about safety protocols, and walked through the hangar and maintenance areas to see daily operations up close.
These real-world experiences continue to play a critical role in preparing our students for high-demand careers and helping them make informed decisions about their future.
SkillsUSA: Building a Skilled, Workforce-Ready Generation
SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades, technical fields, and leadership roles. Through hands-on training, competitive events, and industry engagement, students gain real-world experience aligned with workforce expectations.
Members participate in leadership conferences, community service, and skill-based competitions across areas such as construction, healthcare, IT, and public speaking. These experiences strengthen technical ability, communication, and professionalism—while also opening doors to scholarships, career connections, and postsecondary opportunities. Competitions are offered at regional, state, and national levels, providing a clear pathway for student advancement.
At DeSoto County Schools’ CTC East Campus, SkillsUSA serves high school students in programs including Law & Public Safety, Fire Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Student Services. Students collaborate with instructors and industry partners to gain exposure beyond the classroom.
This year, students engaged in leadership conferences, community service initiatives, and regional competitions at Northwest Mississippi Community College—earning multiple top-three finishes and advancing more than 20 students to state competition.
Bottom line: SkillsUSA is not an extracurricular—it is a workforce development pipeline delivering measurable outcomes in student readiness, industry alignment, and career success.
SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades, technical fields, and leadership roles. Through hands-on training, competitive events, and industry engagement, students gain real-world experience aligned with workforce expectations.
Members participate in leadership conferences, community service, and skill-based competitions across areas such as construction, healthcare, IT, and public speaking. These experiences strengthen technical ability, communication, and professionalism—while also opening doors to scholarships, career connections, and postsecondary opportunities. Competitions are offered at regional, state, and national levels, providing a clear pathway for student advancement.
At DeSoto County Schools’ CTC East Campus, SkillsUSA serves high school students in programs including Law & Public Safety, Fire Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Student Services. Students collaborate with instructors and industry partners to gain exposure beyond the classroom.
This year, students engaged in leadership conferences, community service initiatives, and regional competitions at Northwest Mississippi Community College—earning multiple top-three finishes and advancing more than 20 students to state competition.
Bottom line: SkillsUSA is not an extracurricular—it is a workforce development pipeline delivering measurable outcomes in student readiness, industry alignment, and career success.
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Southaven High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Southaven High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Olive Branch High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Olive Branch High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lewisburg High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lewisburg High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
