Duplin Early College High

Interest Expo

The Interest Expo is a year-long project designed to provide an opportunity for students to practice real world skills and pursue and learn more about a topic they are interested in. Students developed a proposal and budget during the Fall semester. In the Spring, students “built” their vision. The project culminated in student presentations summarizing the process and showcasing what they learned and what they created.

This project allowed students to explore a career or hobby they may not have otherwise had the support, time, or money to research. Supplies were secured by the school to ensure all students had the materials needed to fully participate.

Every sta member at DECHS worked and conferenced with students to help them develop and re ne their project ideas.

“I think the Interest Expo was a great creative outlet for our students. Unfortunately, we don’t have any art or major CTE courses, so this was a way for students to create or design something of their own choosing, while also connecting it to STEAMA.” -Taylor Morrison, DECHS sta member.

11th grade

Mason Batchelor

DECHS is a School ‘Where Excellence is the Norm.’’

10th grade

Angelica Hernandez

My role model is my family. My mother has always said you will learn from others.

14 | Duplin County Schools | www.duplinschools.net | 2021-2022

DECHS is diverse, inclusive, and supportive of all students. The communication between the sta and students is consistent, and students can easily reach out to any member of sta for support and advice. DECHS provides a stable environment that enables students to concentrate on their projects, assignments, and lectures. It is less chaotic at DECHS, due to the smaller class sizes which allows the formation of many genuine relationships. Math and Science are my favorite subjects because I’m interested and I do well in both subjects. I plan on completing college and medical school in order to become a doctor. I hope to attend UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, or ECU. My role models are my fellow peers and family members because all of them are honorable, trustworthy, and strong. To conclude, DECHS is a school “ WHERE EXCELLENCE IS THE NORM.’’

This school is special in many ways. One would be the opportunities that it could give you in the future. Also, the overall school is full of di erent cultures and we all accept each other. I like how this school is very invested in learning each and every one’s name and getting to know everyone personally.

I think currently my favorite subject is Biology. Mrs. Kane has made the class fun and a learning experience. My future plans consist of becoming a traveling Registered Nurse being able to help others everywhere. I do not know what college I want to attend yet.

My role model is my family. My mother has always said you will learn from others. It’s your mistake if you fall right behind them. So my family has set a standard and it’s my opportunity to surpass it.

9th grade

Genesis M. Galan

My role models are two people instead of just one and those are my parents.

9th grade

Jordan Hooper

My role model is the version I see of myself when I live up to my potential.

What makes my school special is the diversity of people and learning about and accepting each other. At our school it is not only teachers but our own peers who become our biggest motivators and push us to be better and to see each other succeed.

My favorite subject is anything that consists of science. I love lab experiences due to what you can discover from the activities.

My plans for the future are to graduate from DECHS with an Associate’s Degree in Science, leading to attending UNCW for my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and then continuing my studies at either UNC Chapel Hill or NYU for Orthodontics.

My role models are two people instead of just one and those are my parents. My parents are the ones who have taught me to value my education. My parents have made me understand what life is about and how to nd that little ray of happiness in di cult situations. What I am today and what I will become in the future involves the support and a ection of my parents.

Students of all beliefs, races, sexes, genders, and dreams come together and that is what makes DECHS special to me. It is a place where I can strive and have a purpose; somewhere I can achieve and excel in the most amazing ways.

My favorite subjects are History and English, no doubt. I love them so much because of the study of cultures. We get to see old literature and civilizations rise and fall.

I want to attend an Ivy League University where I will get my Master’s degree in Creative Writing and Journalism. Then I will probably try to get a job at the New York Times or a large newspaper company where I’d get enough attention to publish a book.

My role model is the version I see of myself when I live up to my potential. I yearn to be that person and that is what motivates me daily.

Life never goes to plan, but I am so excited to experience my future. Every turn, every day is spontaneous, but I can live my dreams, and it starts here.

I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference and have a meaningful career.

Kristen Kane

This is my 4th year teaching. I received my degree in Biological Education from Illinois State University. I became a teacher because I wanted to make a di erence and have a meaningful career. I believe that all students should be able to have real-world and hands-on learning opportunities. In addition, I want all students to have a better understanding of the world around them.

My school is incredibly special because all students are welcomed and cared about. Students are appreciated and cared for in our building. Due to the small size, we are able to really get to know students. In addition, our sta frequently collaborates and works together to create programs that are designed intentionally for our students.

This year I helped develop, implement, and plan the Interest Expo. This is a year-long project designed to provide an opportunity for students to practice real world skills and pursue and learn more about a topic they are interested in. Read more in our school highlight section.

Duplin County Schools, 315 N. Main St., Kenansville, NC 28349 | 15