James Kenan High

Career and College Fair

A team of individuals, composed of an Assistant Principal, a Career Development Coordinator, a College Advisor, a Media Coordinator, Counselors, a Guidance Assistant and a STEAMA Coordinator, worked together to provide our students with a STEAMA Career and College fair on February 18, 2022.

Over 50 participants that included all branches of the military, community colleges, universities, local businesses, organizations and individual entrepreneurs were a part of the event, aimed at raising our students’ awareness of post-secondary opportunities.

We are so proud of our students and the level at which they were engaged with the participants. Without prompting, nearly every guest was complimentary of our students as well as the organization of the event. They seemed to be extremely impressed with the questions the students were asking. In an e ort to prepare our students for the event, they all participated in an advisory lesson that was focused on how to get the most out of the fair. “I had great conversations with many JK students that were well prepared and they asked very thoughtful and intelligent questions.” Fayetteville Tech Admissions Rep.

“It was a pleasure to visit James Kenan! You put on a fantastic event! I think every student was able to get something out of the fair.” - Lenoir CC Admissions Rep.

12th grade

Jacqueline Rivera

My mother has taught me hard work, independence, and being kind.

I love the outgoing spirit of my school. The school is always down for everything and anything. We have future in uencers, doctors, space engineers, great athletes, and models! We have very open and supportive sta members. My favorite subject is Math. I enjoy working with numbers. My plans are to go to UNCW and major in premed with a minor in Asian studies. Then I would like to attend Stanford University School of Medicine and become an ER surgeon and volunteer for 5 years while traveling. My mother has taught me hard work, independence, and being kind. Jessica has always shown me that no matter what anyone says you’re the owner of your life! She’s a big in uence on who I am. And Mrs. Lee, she is such an inspiration for me! She’s always on top of things with a great smile on her face! I wish to grow up and be like her, to inspire, help, and guide younger people how she has for me! She’s always stepping up and going the extra mile.

11th grade

Elijah Bostic

The best thing about James Kenan has to be the supportive administration; they truly care about your success. The athletic teams also create a positive environment. I like how school exposes us to new information. Also, as class president, there are a multitude of opportunities to be successful, you just have to do the work. My favorite subject right now is English. I have rediscovered my enjoyment of reading. My English teacher, Olivia Hardison, makes the content interesting and challenges us in a unique way. I want to go to college, but I’m not sure what I want to major in; however, technology is an interest of mine. Schools I’ve thought about attending are Appalachian State and UNC. My role models include my late Grandfather Ronnie Bostic and my Uncles, Kyle and Daniel Bostic. They are successful and I’ll always look up to them.

My role models include my late Grandfather Ronnie Bostic and my Uncles, Kyle and Daniel Bostic. They are successful and I’ll always look up to them.

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

10th grade

Anna Armstrong

One thing that makes James Kenan so special is our teachers. They are working super hard to make sure we all are getting everything we need and they are trying to make everything as comfortable as it can be with all of the covid changes.

Something personally I love about school is playing sports. I’m so grateful for all the friends I have gained through sports. We all become like a big family.

My favorite subject is probably English. I love to read and I’ve always done well in this subject. I just love all the things we learn in that class. My plan for the future is to go to ECU and become a kindergarten teacher. We need more teachers.

My role model is my sister. She has shown me that you have to work for what you want and if you are not nding the success you want, work harder.

My role model is my sister. She has shown me that you have to work for what you want and if you are not finding the success you want, work harder.

9th grade

Siana James

The students make James Kenan special. Each of my classes this school year has been a unique experience because of the di erent people that were there. I also like the school’s athletic program, especially because I enjoy cheering and attending the games.

My favorite subject is Social Studies. Learning about the past can help people to understand what is happening in the present and how it a ects the future. A er I graduate high school, I want to attend an HBCU and pursue a career in either teaching or law.

My role model is my mother. My mother is a full time mom, wife, and business owner. She has inspired me to stand up for what I believe and ght for what I want to achieve.

My role model is my mother. My mother is a full time mom, wife, and business owner. She has inspired me to stand up for what I believe and fight for what I want to achieve.

Twan A. Fields

When I retired from the military, I knew I wanted to work with young adults. When I found out about the JROTC program, I gured I could work with young adults and show them what the military has done for me and my family, if they choose that route. I also believe there is a need for more people that are willing to teach our youth leadership, respect, loyalty and the bene ts of working hard. The Army instilled those qualities in me and I want to instill those same qualities in our students.

Although I spent 27 years in the military and many of those years were spent with young adults just entering the military, this is my rst year teaching in a high school setting. The JK sta is so dedicated and hardworking. Everyone gets along well and enjoys working together. It’s more than a job to the people that work in our school. I love working with the sta here at James Kenan High School. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms from day one of school and everyone is so supportive. The students are great and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them and understand them.

Being a teacher and being part of the military, you must learn to work with individuals from all walks of life. As a teacher, my hope is to instill in our students a respect for all people and the value of a good education.

Duplin County Schools, 315 N. Main St., Kenansville, NC 28349 | 19