Located deep in the southwestern corner of the state, Baker County School is home to approximately 300 K-12 students all on one campus. Jeff Henderson serves as the principal of the school with responsibilities for all teachers and students.
As students progress from their elementary and middle school years into grades 9-12 of high school, Henderson said the focus changes significantly as he and the school’s staff prepare students for life after they graduate.
Guiding Seniors Through GEORGIA MATCH and the College Application Process
“We believe in preparing our students to be the best that they can be in order to be successful after graduation,” Henderson said.
To do that, Henderson said his school has worked toward developing options for students to help them achieve whatever path they choose to take upon graduation.
GEORGIA MATCH is a primary option for Baker County students, according to Henderson.
“We utilize GEORGIA MATCH to help our seniors explore postsecondary opportunities and make informed decisions about their futures,” Henderson said.
He said the school’s guidance counselor works closely with the high school students to help kick-start the process when they are juniors and into their senior year.
“Through GEORGIA MATCH, our students are able to identify colleges and universities where they meet admission requirements, and then it helps them recognize realistic options and encourages them to take the next step in the college application process,” Henderson said.
He said the school’s guidance counselor, Lawana Lofton, works closely with students to use GEORGIA MATCH to help identify potential fits for colleges, universities, or technical colleges.
New Agricultural Education Center Expands Career-Focused Opportunities
Henderson also spoke about the new Agricultural Education Center that the school opened earlier this school year.
“We have also expanded our career-focused opportunities with the opening of our new Agricultural Center in this school year,” he said. “The center allows students to pursue agricultural mechanics and metal fabrications as a career pathway while gaining valuable hands-on skills and experience.
“Additionally, through our partnership with Southern Regional Technical College, students can participate in welding through our dual enrollment program. A Southern Regional Technical College instructor teaches the course on campus, allowing students to earn college credit and develop industry-ready skills without having to leave Baker County High School.
“Some of our students have had opportunities to work for local industries or go to postsecondary schools to gain more knowledge to better serve our community based on the works of our CTAE program.”
Henderson said he wants to appeal to whatever Baker County students look forward to once their high school days are over.
“We believe that GEORGIA MATCH and our new Agricultural Education Center are part of the process to help us and our students and the school reach their goals,” Henderson said.
