Last week, Battle Creek Central High School Career Academies celebrated each of its 2022 graduates as they declared their post-secondary plans. Whether their plans included college, trade school, the military, or the workforce, every graduating senior had the opportunity to walk the stage, applauded by the entire student body.

“The goal at the BCCHS Career Academies is to prepare students to be Career, College, and Community Ready,” said BCCHS college advisor Charlotte Pierce, “so the annual Decision Day Celebration is a key moment, for the students as they prepare to take the next steps in their academic and professional careers.”

The event included a keynote address from BCCHS grad and current Howard University student, Sanye Sichinga, a panel discussion with recent graduates currently attending several colleges from throughout Michigan and the country, and even a special processional leading the student body to the event from members of the BCCHS Marching Band.

BCCHS Senior Kylon Wilson followed the business career pathway within the Academy of Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology and said his time in the Career Academies helped him learn about different career paths and set career goals, even though they didn’t necessarily align with his specific pathway. Kylon plans to attend Kellogg Community College’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center (RMTC) after high school and is hoping to pursue a career in engineering and machine work.

“We went on field trips, got first-hand look at all the career fields,” he said. “I learned a lot about business. Everything from marketing, running a business and making sure customers get what they’re looking for.” He said his teacher, Ms. Utting, who taught Business and Marketing, was hugely influential, helping him learn valuable skills that he will be able to apply in any career, adding “all my teachers were great though. Together, they helped me realize that engineering is the career path for me.”

The ceremony also served as an announcement opportunity, as the school revealed that scholarships and financial aid for BCCHS 2022 seniors has already eclipsed the $10 million mark.