Each week, we’re proud to showcase one of our students who’s building their future through Work-Based Learning. See how this student is gaining valuable experience and exploring career goals!

Our Career & Technical Education programs are where learning meets doing. Each week, we’ll highlight one program that is opening doors for students through hands-on training and industry connections.
See this week’s CTE spotlight in the flyer below, and discover how our students are preparing for the future—right now.
See this week’s CTE spotlight in the flyer below, and discover how our students are preparing for the future—right now.

Career Coaches help bridge the gap between academics and the real world. Classroom conversations focus on how skills developed in school translate directly to workplace and postsecondary success.

📌 Each week, our Career Coaches connect students with real-world career experiences. Check out this week’s highlight in the flyer below!

Our Student Workshops series delivers focused, real-world guidance that equips students with the knowledge and perspective needed to plan their next steps with confidence. These sessions connect classroom learning to workforce expectations and reinforce informed decision-making for life after high school.

🚨 Weather Day, Career Playbook 🚨
School may be out due to winter weather and ice, but career exploration doesn’t have to slow down. In fact, this week’s conditions put a spotlight on careers that keep communities running when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
From utility crews and emergency services to transportation, healthcare, and public safety—these are the careers you’ve been seeing all over social media, and they matter.
📌 Your next move:
Log in to Naviance through Clever to:
Explore high-demand career pathways essential during winter weather
Watch real interviews with industry professionals
Take career interest surveys to see where you align
A weather day is still an opportunity to build awareness, make connections, and start thinking strategically about your future. ❄️➡️🎯
#WorkforceReady #CarerExploration #WeatherDayWin #essentialcareers
School may be out due to winter weather and ice, but career exploration doesn’t have to slow down. In fact, this week’s conditions put a spotlight on careers that keep communities running when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
From utility crews and emergency services to transportation, healthcare, and public safety—these are the careers you’ve been seeing all over social media, and they matter.
📌 Your next move:
Log in to Naviance through Clever to:
Explore high-demand career pathways essential during winter weather
Watch real interviews with industry professionals
Take career interest surveys to see where you align
A weather day is still an opportunity to build awareness, make connections, and start thinking strategically about your future. ❄️➡️🎯
#WorkforceReady #CarerExploration #WeatherDayWin #essentialcareers

Calling all Juniors!
College Fair – Save the Date
DeSoto County School District is hosting a College Fair for all juniors on March 3, 2026, at the Landers Center. This event is an opportunity for students to engage directly with colleges and universities, explore postsecondary options, and begin making informed decisions about their next steps after graduation.
A wide range of institutions will be on site to provide insight into admissions, academic programs, and campus life. This experience is a critical touchpoint in aligning student interests with future education and workforce pathways.
📌 Important Note for Families:
Specific event times, student schedules, and parent information will be communicated directly by each high school.
We look forward to supporting our juniors as they plan for what’s next and continue building a strong foundation for their future success.
College Fair – Save the Date
DeSoto County School District is hosting a College Fair for all juniors on March 3, 2026, at the Landers Center. This event is an opportunity for students to engage directly with colleges and universities, explore postsecondary options, and begin making informed decisions about their next steps after graduation.
A wide range of institutions will be on site to provide insight into admissions, academic programs, and campus life. This experience is a critical touchpoint in aligning student interests with future education and workforce pathways.
📌 Important Note for Families:
Specific event times, student schedules, and parent information will be communicated directly by each high school.
We look forward to supporting our juniors as they plan for what’s next and continue building a strong foundation for their future success.

Each week, we’re proud to showcase one of our students who’s building their future through Work-Based Learning. See how this student is gaining valuable experience and exploring career goals!

Addyson Lyles, a senior at Hernando High School, attended the HYPE (Hernando Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs) Lunch & Learn on Thursday, January 22, hosted at Principal Toyota of Hernando. The session, Sharpening the Saw, featured keynote speaker Garrett McDonald, General Manager of Principal Toyota, who shared leadership insights grounded in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, with a focus on the Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence.
The event emphasized collaboration across businesses, professional growth, and intentional leadership. Addyson, who plans to attend Ole Miss and major in Business Management, gained valuable exposure to real-world business leadership and professional expectations. We are grateful to HYPE and event sponsors—Principal Toyota of Hernando, AERC, and Community Bank—for creating meaningful opportunities that connect students to the local business community and future workforce pathways.
The event emphasized collaboration across businesses, professional growth, and intentional leadership. Addyson, who plans to attend Ole Miss and major in Business Management, gained valuable exposure to real-world business leadership and professional expectations. We are grateful to HYPE and event sponsors—Principal Toyota of Hernando, AERC, and Community Bank—for creating meaningful opportunities that connect students to the local business community and future workforce pathways.

Each week, we’re proud to showcase one of our students who’s building their future through Work-Based Learning. See how this student is gaining valuable experience and exploring career goals!

Each week, we highlight a unique opportunity for our students to connect classroom learning with real-world career pathways. Our Career Coaches work directly with local industries, community partners, and educators to create hands-on experiences that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Check out this week’s connection in the flyer below!
Check out this week’s connection in the flyer below!

Join us Thursday, January 15, 2026 to learn more about the Project SEARCH program; information will be provided regarding participation and the application process.

Each week, we’re proud to showcase one of our students who’s building their future through Work-Based Learning. See how this student is gaining valuable experience and exploring career goals!

DeSoto County Schools Teacher Career Fair
at the Landers Center in
Southaven, MS
February 24th, 2026
from 2-4 pm
URL to register:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4PrgwCLoSkibGvvVcj4kCpHjjQjnunxFn3hoN3BeIMlUMVBLTlRKVElVWTZHMzBUSDhEVlQ1V05QQy4u&origin=QRCode
at the Landers Center in
Southaven, MS
February 24th, 2026
from 2-4 pm
URL to register:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4PrgwCLoSkibGvvVcj4kCpHjjQjnunxFn3hoN3BeIMlUMVBLTlRKVElVWTZHMzBUSDhEVlQ1V05QQy4u&origin=QRCode
At DeSoto County Schools, we’re growing the local workforce of tomorrow—one student at a time. This week’s Work-Based Learning Spotlight features a student making strides in their chosen career path!

Gator Grind is a high-energy marketplace event where LCHS student entrepreneurs showcase their businesses and ideas to local business leaders. Students gain real-world insight, encouragement, and connections from entrepreneurs who know what it takes to build something from the ground up.
We’re looking for local entrepreneurs and industry leaders willing to spend a couple of hours visiting booths, talking with students, and sharing practical advice. No formal judging—just encouragement, interaction, and inspiration. Recognition shout-outs will celebrate student potential and growth.
If you’re interested in participating or can recommend someone who would be a great fit, please reach out to Career Coach, Shana Blakely at sblakely@trpdd.com.
We’re looking for local entrepreneurs and industry leaders willing to spend a couple of hours visiting booths, talking with students, and sharing practical advice. No formal judging—just encouragement, interaction, and inspiration. Recognition shout-outs will celebrate student potential and growth.
If you’re interested in participating or can recommend someone who would be a great fit, please reach out to Career Coach, Shana Blakely at sblakely@trpdd.com.

Our Work Based Learning teacher also help our students through the college-going process — from applications to scholarships and everything in between. Check out this week’s college access highlight in the flyer below!

Thank you to Baptist Memorial Hospital DeSoto for providing high-quality clinical experiences for our health science students. This partnership reflects a strong industry commitment and a meaningful investment in the future healthcare workforce. Opportunities like these give students real-world exposure, reinforce classroom learning, and set clear expectations for professional excellence. We value and appreciate industry partners who consistently step up, support our programs, and help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Building the Bridge from School to Career
Our Career Coaches work hard each week to connect students with meaningful career experiences and industry leaders. These partnerships provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
See this week’s connection in the flyer below!
Our Career Coaches work hard each week to connect students with meaningful career experiences and industry leaders. These partnerships provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
See this week’s connection in the flyer below!


