Friday, October 16, 2026

FHS Hilti Certifications

Mr. Cockerham’s Electrical Trades and Carpentry students were certified for 5 HILTI powder actuated nail guns.  This will allow them to use these tools on a job site if they decide to work in the construction field. 

Students were able to put on the exoskeleton that helps them lift heavy tools above their heads to work and not tire out so fast also.  It is always a fun time having Shane Kerr from HILTI to bring his truck of tools for students to use and they get to use the new models as well. 


















Forbush High School DECA Students Honor Local Veterans Through Community Service

Forbush High School DECA students continue to make a difference in their community through their ongoing Support Our Troops community service initiative. This year, students partnered once again with Golden Years, a community-supported program dedicated to enhancing the emotional, social, and physical well-being of senior adults in the East Bend and Boonville areas of Yadkin County.

This partnership builds on an earlier collaboration in which Forbush High School Sport and Event Marketing II students designed the Golden Years logo and developed branded merchandise concepts for the organization. Building on that experience, FHS DECA students took on a new project this year to recognize and honor local veterans.

Golden Years partners with the East Bend Senior Center to host monthly Veterans' Coffee events, providing local veterans with a welcoming place to connect, share experiences, enjoy fellowship, and learn about available resources.

As part of this current project, DECA students designed an original logo for the veterans' group and created custom zippered gift pouches filled with thoughtfully selected items for the recipients. Students applied their marketing knowledge to develop a meaningful gift that reflected the interests and needs of the intended audience while demonstrating the importance of thoughtful branding and product selection.

On September 16, representatives from FHS DECA attended the Veterans' Coffee event, hosted by Cross Technology, Inc., in East Bend, North Carolina. Students greeted attendees, distributed the specially designed gift pouches, and introduced themselves before personally thanking the veterans for their service to our country. Our student representatives were even given seats of honor in the front row!

Although our students attended the event with the goal of honoring local veterans, they left feeling equally honored by the warm welcome and fellowship they received. The experience provided a meaningful opportunity for students to build connections within our community, practice professional communication skills, and see firsthand how thoughtful service can make a difference.

Through FHS DECA's Support Our Troops initiative, our students continue to demonstrate that leadership is about more than holding a position or earning recognition. It is about serving others, building relationships, and showing appreciation through meaningful action.

We are grateful to Golden Years, Cross Technology, Inc., and the veterans who welcomed our students and allowed them to be part of this special event. This partnership demonstrates the value of Career and Technical Education (CTE) by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences that develop marketing skills, strengthen professional relationships, and foster a lasting commitment to community service.













Friday, October 9, 2026

Forbush Agriculture Students Visit the JC Raulston Arboretum

This past Wednesday, several of our students traveled to Raleigh to participate in Green Collar Career Day at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Students had the opportunity to explore a variety of careers in horticulture by connecting with professionals in arboriculture, landscaping, and plant science at NC State University.

They also toured the beautiful arboretum and learned some fascinating facts, including the surprising similarities between Madagascar hissing cockroaches and cattle! The day also featured an engaging presentation from Bryce Lane, who brings 45 years of experience as a horticulture instructor at NC State.

Before heading home, we wrapped up the day with a sweet treat at NC State's Howling Cow Creamery! Students learned how the university's dairy farm supplies milk used to make the creamery's delicious, in-house ice cream.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore career pathways, connect with industry professionals, and experience the many ways agriculture and horticulture impact our everyday lives! – Sarah Bridges, FHS Agriculture/FFA Advisor


















Thursday, October 8, 2026

SHS SkillsUSA Members Attend Leadership Camp

Eight members of SkillsUSA from Starmount High School, along with their advisor, Sandy Martin, attended Leadership Camp at Camp Dixie October 4th – 6th.

Mr. Martin stated that he was very proud of these students.  He said it was amazing to see how much they accomplished and how well they represented Starmount.

Congratulations to these students! Awards and accomplishments are listed below.


Jose Bautista  

  • Elected to be the President for NW Region 7
  • 2nd Place in SkillsUSA Opening Ceremony
  • 3rd Place in SkillsUSA Quiz bowl
  • Earned his State Leadership Award and pen
  • Jose's Group won the Dixie Cup Trophy

Addison Wooten 

  • Elected to be the Treasurer for NW Region 7
  • 4th place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
  • Earned her State Leadership Award and pen

Nathan Cox

  • Elected to be the Reporter for NW Region 7
  • 2nd place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
  • Earned his State Leadership Award and pen

Gavin Darnell

  • 2nd place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
  • 2nd Place in SkillsUSA Quiz bowl
  • Earned his State Leadership Award and pen

EmmaKate Shields

  • 4th place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
  • Earned her State Leadership Award and pen

Isabella Burchette

  • 4th Place in Prepared Speech
  • 2nd Place in SkillsUSA Quiz bowl
  • Earned her State Leadership Award and pen

Mikaela Peak

  • 2nd place in SkillsUSA Poster Contest
  • Earned her State Leadership Award and pen
  • Mikaela's Group won the Dixie Cup Trophy

Hunter Renegar 

  • 3rd place in SkillsUSA Public Service Announcement Video
  • Earned his State Leadership Award and pen
  • Hunter's Group won the Dixie Cup Trophy






























Monday, October 5, 2026

Mrs. Matthews’ Health Science Students Learn Basic Life Support

Health Science II students at Starmount High School are learning healthcare provider basic life support and can become BLS certified through the American Heart Association.

Another example of real-life skills CTE offers! 







Friday, October 2, 2026

Agriculture Mechanics I at Starmount High

Students in Mr. Allen’s Ag Mech I class have been learning to use the OxyAcetylene cutting torch.

Another example of hands-on learning in CTE at Starmount High!




















FHS Hilti Certifications

Mr. Cockerham’s Electrical Trades and Carpentry students were certified for 5 HILTI powder actuated nail guns.  This will allow them to use ...