UPDATE 2/13/25: Online registration is now closed. Please contact julie.watts@yorkprepsc.org if you still need to register. Students cannot attend if they are not registered by Thursday, 2/20/25.
York Preparatory Academy High School is thrilled to announce our second annual Futures in Focus Student Conference, taking place on Thursday, March 6, 2025. This event is designed for our 11th and 12th grade students and will feature engaging workshops led by qualified speakers, a catered sit-down lunch, and a keynote presentation by Kacey McCallister.
Who Will Attend: YPA 11th and 12th grade students,
Where: York Prep High School
Conference Schedule: Thursday, March 6th
8:15 am: Registration at Student Union
8:30 am: Welcome Address at the Student Union
8:55 am: Workshop #1 at High School
9:45 am: Workshop #2 at High School
10:35 am: Workshop #3 at High School
11:25 am: Workshop #4 at High School
12:15 pm: Lunch at Student Union
12:55 pm: Keynote Speaker at Student Union
1:45 pm: Dismissal at High School
Workshops: Students will attend workshops of their choice led by captivating speakers and select four workshops based on their interests. All 12th grade students will be enrolled in the workshop titled, "How to Balance and Maximize Your Personal Finances and Budget " presented by Founders.
Identifying and Impressing the Gatekeepers to Your Dream- Interview and Resume Skills: Deana Keever, Director of Human Resources and Sara Richard, Human Resources Project Coordinator, City of Rock Hill
Paying the Price of Admission: Finding Resources to Help Me Pursue My Goals: Nikisha Dawkins-Howze, Director of Financial Aid and Sara St. Pierre, Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, York Technical College
Leading from Within: Self-Care for Future Leaders: Sarah Titman, Professor, Department of Social Work, Winthrop University
Grow Where You’re Planted: Acts of Kindness and Community Service: Jonathan and Crystal Nazeer, Victory Gardens International
Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks: Embracing Change as a Stepping Stone to Future Success: Naomi Kemp, Community Health Coordinator, Clinton College
Looking to Work for Yourself? Keys to Successfully Starting Your Own Business: Craig Craze, co-founded SnapAV, partner at Indigo Rush
Become a Real Influencer: Using Your Voice for Positive Change: John Gettys, Mayor of City of Rock Hill, Partner at Morton & Gettys, Attorneys at Law
How to Balance and Maximize Your Personal Finances and Budget: Stacey Adams and Olivia Willis, Founders Federal Credit Union
Pursuing A Career In Service: How To Meet Your Goals In The Military: Staff Sergeant Justin Richardson, United States Army Recruiter
Why Today Matters: How Your Choices Now Will Affect Access to Your Dreams: Carrie Schmidt, Realtor, Success Coach
How Are You Perceived by Those Around You? Tips for Building Stronger Connections Through Effective Communication: Watts Huckabee, President of Carolinas Insurance and Investment Group, York County Council Member
Sowing the Future: Agriculture, Innovation, and Career Opportunities: Jonathan and Crystal Nazeer, Victory Gardens International
Post High School Q & A- What Comes Next and Other Questions You Were Afraid to Ask: YPA Alumni Panel
Frontline Heroes: Becoming the Next Generation of First Responders: York County Sheriff's Office, Atrium, City of Rock Hill
Adulting Unlocked: Essential Life Skills for the Real World: Celeste Tiller, Vice President of Talent & Workforce Development, York County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Business
Explore Healthcare Careers: From Psychology to Podiatry: Staci Taylor, Market Chief Human Resources Officer, Piedmont Medical Center
Maintaining Relationships with Friends: Co-Workers and Family Members - Setting Healthy Boundaries: Julianne Schrader, Asst. Director of Residence Life for Staff Development, Winthrop University
Navigating the Road to College Admissions: Aubrey Stewart, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, University of South Carolina Lancaster
Lunch: Students will enjoy a free sit-down catered lunch in the Student Union gym.
Keynote Speaker: York Prep is pleased to welcome keynote speaker, Kacey McCallister. Kacey McCallister is a motivational speaker who knows what it’s like to overcome unimaginable things. He is living proof that if he can do it, so can you. For more information, please visit the following LINK.
Questions and Answers:
What should students wear to this event? Because this is a professional conference, students are asked to wear business casual to this event. On your registration form, students will be able to designate if they need assistance acquiring business casual attire.
Are all 11th and 12th grade students required to attend? Yes, all 11th and 12th grade students are required to attend including those in dual enrollment. Attendance will be taken at each workshop. York Technical College is between 8-week semesters and does not have class. Should students have a conflict, please reach out to your student's school counselor or school administrator to discuss.
What are the behavior expectations at this event? York Prep will be welcoming business professionals from throughout our community to offer insight to our students to help prepare them for their future. Students are expected to behave professionally showing respect to the speakers and their classmates. All school behavior and discipline policies will be in affect.
Where will 9th and 10th graders be during this event? York Prep is busy planning a York Tech Discovery Field Trip for our 10th grade students. 9th grade students will participate in a job shadow day. Both grades will also have the option for a virtual day with assignments provided. More details to be announced.
Sponsors: A special thank you to our sponsors, Comporium, Lutz Foundation, Carolina Power Washing, and Plato's Closet for sponsoring this event!