Success Stories from District 1

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Stephanie Littles from Grand Canyon University (GCU) delivered an engaging presentation

to Scotland High School juniors and seniors focused on postsecondary planning and career preparation.

She explained the different pathways students can take after high school, such as

community college, four-year universities, and short-term training programs and emphasized

how students can match their interests to realistic education and employment goals.

Using examples from Grand Canyon University, Stephanie highlighted key decision factors students

should research when comparing schools and programs, including cost of attendance, location,

program length, available majors/certifications, campus supports, and career services that assist

with job placement. Stephanie also discussed how students can be successful in college by

using available resources early, especially if they may need additional support.

She reviewed the purpose of student support services and disability services at Grand Canyon

University, explaining that accommodations can help students access learning in ways that fit

their needs. Students were encouraged to practice self-advocacy by asking questions,

touring campuses when possible, and connecting with offices such as Financial Aid, Student Services,

and the Disability Resource Center to better understand expectations and available assistance.

As a gesture of appreciation and to create a welcoming atmosphere, Stephanie

Littles generously provided pizza for the class, which students enjoyed during the session.

This thoughtful contribution helped foster a positive, relaxed environment and

demonstrated her support for student engagement and learning.

Overall, students demonstrated respectful behavior and appropriate engagement throughout

the presentation. Juniors and seniors listened attentively, followed directions, and contributed

by asking questions and responding to prompts. The class showed interest in learning next steps,

including researching postsecondary programs, identifying support services, and working with

school counselors to plan a smooth transition from high school to college or career training.



Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

During the All Pathways Matter Career Exploration Event in Charlotte, NC, students from Anson High School's Pre-ETS program had the unique opportunity to participate in a live “on-air” radio interview.

This experience allowed students to step into a real broadcast setting and share their voices with

a wide audience. The interview provided a fun and engaging platform for students to talk about their experiences in the program while also practicing confidence, communication, and public-speaking skills.

Throughout the interview, students answered a variety of positive and lighthearted questions,

including their favorite foods, teachers, and music, which helped them feel comfortable and

showcase their personalities. They were also asked meaningful questions about their future

goals and the career paths they were interested in exploring.

Their thoughtful responses highlighted the personal growth, leadership development,

and career awareness fostered through their involvement in the Pre-ETS program.

Participating in a live radio interview not only elevated students’ voices but also allowed

them to represent their school and program with pride. This hands-on experience helped

students recognize the value of clear communication, professionalism, and self-expression

which are skills that are essential for their future academic and career journeys.

The event served as an exciting and memorable opportunity for students to share

their stories, celebrate their achievements, and inspire others listening across the community.



Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Students from Anson High School who participate in our Pre-Employment Transition

Services (Pre-ETS) program attended the 6th Annual “All Pathways Matter”

Career Exploration Event at ImaginOn in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The event provided an engaging, hands-on opportunity for students to explore a variety of career pathways, including skilled trades, health sciences, technology, education, and public service.

Throughout the day, students interacted with college representatives, workforce development professionals, and local employers to learn about post-secondary training options,

employment trends, and the skills required for success in diverse industries. They participated

in interactive exhibits that emphasized career readiness, communication, and self-advocacy,

aligning closely with Pre-ETS goals for job exploration and workplace readiness.

The experience encouraged students to envision their own future career paths and gain

confidence in their ability to transition from high school to employment or further education.

The event fostered connections between Anson County Schools, Regional Communities

Services Center, and community partners who share a commitment to preparing

students with disabilities for meaningful employment opportunities.

Davionne Coleman

Scotland County

Scotland High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Davionne faced significant challenges in his pursuit of employment, including the

rejection from several job applications. Initially, these setbacks shook his confidence

and made him question his capabilities. However, instead of giving up,

Davionne decided to use these experiences as motivation to improve his approach.

With the guidance of his career advisor, he revisited his resume, refining it to better

highlight his skills and relevant experiences. He also practiced mock interviews to

enhance his communication skills and to prepare for potential questions he might encounter.

When the opportunity arose to apply for a position at Smithfield's, Davionne took what

he had learned and applied it diligently. He submitted a polished application that

showcased his determination and willingness to work hard. This time, his efforts paid off — he

was called in for an interview. Nervous but prepared, Davionne attended the interview

with newfound confidence. He spoke clearly about his strengths, addressed his previous

employment gaps honestly, and conveyed his eagerness to contribute to the team.

Smithfield's recognized his commitment and positive attitude, ultimately extending a job offer.

Davionne’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of

learning from setbacks. By turning rejection into an opportunity for self-improvement,

he not only secured an interview but also gained a valuable job opportunity

that will help him continue building his career.



Mackenzie Moody

Montgomery County

Montgomery Central High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Mackenzie Moody’s journey is a powerful story of resilience and determination.

As a teenage mother, she faced overwhelming responsibilities while still attending high school.

Balancing schoolwork, parenting, and financial challenges often left her feeling exhausted

and uncertain about her future. Despite these obstacles, Mackenzie remained committed

to her education, driven by the desire to provide a better life for her child.

During her senior year, Mackenzie connected with a career advisor who recognized her

potential and encouraged her to explore post-secondary options. The advisor introduced

her to several community resources, including the Division of Employment and Independence

for People with Disabilities program and WIOA-funded opportunities.

With her advisor’s guidance, Mackenzie enrolled in a local community college,

choosing a program that aligned with her interest to work in the childcare field.

Mackenzie’s determination to rise above her circumstances and her willingness to utilize

community resources will pay off. Not only has she completed her credits to graduate high school,

but she also began the process of becoming a college student with clear career aspirations.

Today, Mackenzie continues to thrive academically and is actively pursuing her goals,

proving that with the right support and unwavering perseverance, even the most

challenging situations can be transformed into stepping stones for success.



Armani Hamilton

Hoke County

Hoke County High School

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Meet Armani, a driven and creative high school Junior with a passion for beauty, style, and self-expression. Through the support of the Regional Communities Services Center Pre-Employment Transition Program, Armani is turning her dream of becoming a professional cosmetologist into a powerful career path.

From a young age, Armani loved experimenting with hairstyles, makeup, and fashion.

She often helped friends and family get ready for special occasions, and her talent for enhancing

natural beauty quickly became her signature. But she wasn’t sure how to turn that passion

into a profession until she joined the Pre-Employment Transition Program.

Through career exploration workshops, hands-on training, and mentorship, Armani gained

clarity and confidence. She learned about the cosmetology field, practiced professional

communication, and built a resume that showcased her creativity and work ethic.

The program also helped her explore post-secondary options, and one school stood out:

North Carolina A&T State University.

Armani now plans to attend A&T to study business and cosmetology, combining her

artistic skills with entrepreneurial ambition. Her goal is to open her own salon and

create a welcoming space where clients feel empowered and inspired.

Sanniyah Brown

Scotland County

Shaw Academy

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

When Sanniyah first joined Pre‑ETS as a Junior at Shaw Academy, she was introverted, shy,

and unsure of her future. Her IEP allowed her to be eligible for enrollment into the Pre-ETS program,

which would help to enhance her career readiness skills and prepare her for life beyond high school.

Through weekly classroom sessions and developmental activities, Sanniyah learned both soft

and technical skills, such as improving her communication, time management, resume building,

and interview techniques. She worked directly with her Career Advisor to identify her passion

for helping others and her love of science, which helped solidify her vocational interest in

nursing and research her options for post-secondary education, and develop career goals.

Sanniyah would continue with the Pre-ETS program for the remainder of high school,

participating in career fairs, college campus tours, and informative interviews with CNA professionals. These experiences provided her real-world exposure to the medical field, helped her learn

the requirements for state certification, and motivated her to improve her grades and behavior.

One of the most powerful transformations was Sanniyah’s growth in self-advocacy.

She learned to confidently request accommodations like extended test time and adaptive equipment.

Today, she communicates her needs clearly to her peers, her teachers, and business professionals.

During her Senior year, Sanniyah’s grades and social skills also blossomed. She moved from avoiding

group activities to actively engaging in classroom discussions, mock interviews, and earned

the honor roll in her Senior year. Her confidence soared so high that, at graduation, she

courageously sang the National Anthem with pride and poise before a crowd of more than 300 people.

Sanniyah’s journey shows how a nurturing, structured program can empower students

with disabilities to realize meaningful career aspirations—going from uncertainty to self-advocacy,

from introversion to public confidence, and from high school to professional and academic readiness.

North Moore High School 

Team Building Activity

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

RCSC Career Advisors, Christopher Capstaff and Vickie Odom, recently engaged Pre-ETS

students in a fun and interactive team-building activity using marshmallows and dry spaghetti.

This classic STEM and collaboration challenge encouraged students to work together

to construct the tallest free-standing tower possible — testing their creativity,

communication, and problem-solving skills along the way.

Through this activity, students from North Moore High School demonstrated impressive

leadership and teamwork skills. Several took initiative by guiding their peers and

offering strategic suggestions on how to design and strengthen their structures.

Activities like this not only build confidence and cooperation but also

highlight the essential skills that support success in both school and future careers.



Rihanna Dowdy

Moore County

North Moore High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Rihanna began the Pre-ETS program at North Moore High School in the Spring of 2025 as a Sophomore. Rihanna was notably shy and quiet, but always responded to questions when called upon in the classroom.  

Her lifelong ambition has been to become a cosmetologist. Career Advisor noted that Rihanna

was very stylish with her hair and nails, so this offered an excellent conversation starter for connecting

with Rihanna and encouraging her to share more about her passion of becoming a cosmetologist.

During class Rihanna continued to show progress with her assignments, going beyond what was required to complete. Through the Pre-ETS program’s curriculum and guidance from the Career Advisor, Rihanna gained more self-confidence and slowly began to come out of her shyness to eagerly participate in discussions with Career Advisor and classmates. She engaged in career exploration, finding the Empire Beauty School in Charlotte as a possible post-secondary training option. She was enthusiastic about participating in class activities with her classmates and took the initiative to lead in some.

Rihanna shared she wants to do something she loves and can be creative.  She finds pleasure in

doing hair and nails but it is also a way to make people feel beautiful inside and out.

Drawing from the knowledge she has gained from the Pre-ETS program, through self-awareness,

leadership skills, team building, employer expectations and goal setting, Rihanna is ready

to continue her education and pursue her dream of having her own business.  

“I will have the opportunity to make more people beautiful by having my own business

doing hair and nails, so everyone can have that special little makeover and it

doesn’t matter what you have, everyone is special in their own way.”

Her confidence has grown throughout the program and she eagerly looks forward to the

next chapter in her life. Rihanna expressed a heart-felt thank you to Career Advisor and

the Pre-ETS program for providing her with a clearer path to achieving her career goals

and continuing to be more self-aware and opening up to people. 

Felipe Mendez

Hoke County

Hoke County High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Felipe Mendez, a graduating senior from the Hoke County High School class of 2023, embarked on his journey with the Pre-ETS program during his junior year in the spring of 2022. Initially, Felipe expressed a strong interest in computer building, but he felt uncertain about how to transform his passion into a viable career that would secure a sustainable future for himself, while also fostering his independence as an individual with a disability. In class, Felipe shared his desire to have a successful career as they do, not only for personal fulfillment, but also as a means of expressing gratitude to his family for their unwavering support and inspiration.

The Pre-ETS program played a pivotal role in nurturing Felipe's natural charisma and strengthening his determination. With the program's curriculum and the guidance of his career advisor’s, Felipe gained increased self-confidence and focus on his aspirations. He actively engaged in career exploration, refined workplace readiness skills such as interviewing and resume creation, and honed his interpersonal abilities by eagerly participating in class activities, emerging as an exemplary student within the program.

Drawing upon the knowledge gained through Pre-ETS, Felipe began studying for the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), AND secured his first job during the spring while still in school. He started working part-time at Burger King as a cook to gain work experience as well as earn money to save for college. Felipe successfully applied the valuable lessons learned in Pre-ETS to his life, including understanding employer expectations, rights and responsibilities, conflict resolution techniques, and budgeting and money management.

Felipe successfully completed a full year of the Pre-ETS program in May of 2023. His dedication and growth throughout the program have given him a newfound sense of direction and confidence. He plans to continue working at Burger King while prepping for the ASVAB and preparing for his next chapter.

In the fall, Felipe eagerly looks forward to enrolling at Fayetteville Tech to pursue a degree in Computer Programming & Development. He envisions serving as an officer in the United States Navy, specializing as an Information Systems Technician.

Felipe expresses deep gratitude to the Pre-ETS program for helping him overcome his hesitations and providing him with a clearer path towards achieving his aspirations.

Alexander Sledge

Richmond County

Richmond Senior High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Alexander Sledge - a freshman attending Richmond Senior High School who participated in the

Pre-Employment Transition Service. He struggled some during class and we worked with him on improving staying focused during class and working on his assignments.

After participating in the Pre-Employment Transition Service Program, Alexander stated he “learned more about how his disability could be used as an advantage to help him during class”. He also stated how he thought his ability to multi-task would help him in the workplace, but he would need to use the skills taught during Pre-ETS on self-regulating his behavior and redirecting his focus.

Throughout the program, he continually participated in each class as well as demonstrated a positive attitude. Alexander was successful in improving his attention and focus in order to complete assignments for school and the Pre-ETS program.             

Ashanti Shields

Moore County

Union Pines High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Ashanti Shields has proven herself to be an exceptional student graduating from Union Pines High School and completing Pre-ETS; Job Exploration, Workplace Readiness, Self-Advocacy, and Post-Secondary Training earning her certificate in her final semester of Union Pines.

Ashanti displayed great dedication to her Pre-ETS course work, set career, and personal goals for herself. Ashanti's career pathway is to become a Chef with hopes of one day owning her own restaurant. Ashanti's educational goal after high school is to attend Sandhills Community College for Culinary Arts.

Ashanti is excited about attending college and has already started her enrollment process with her parents to attend Sandhills Community College. Ashanti is excited about making her family proud of her by attending college and making a better life for herself. She is excited about her future.

Ashanti has proven herself to be a natural leader, dedicated, and committed to learning the job skills needed for her future. Ashanti is well liked by her peers and superiors; always ready to help where she is needed. She would often share her personal experiences with classmates and offer support to less confident classmates in practicing workplace skills.

Sandra Hollmond

Hoke County

Hoke County High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Sandra Hollmond has proven herself to be an exceptional student graduating from Hoke County High School and completing Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services); Job Exploration, Workplace Readiness, Self-Advocacy, and Post -Secondary Training earning her a certificate her final semester at Hoke County High. Sandra has shown great dedication to her Pre-ETS course work, setting career and personal goals for herself. Sandra's career pathway is to become a child care worker with hopes of one day owning her very own daycare center. Sandra's educational goal is to attend Sandhills Community College after High school for early childhood education. She has already started the process of enrollment with her job coach. 

While in the Pre-ETS program Sandra became employed with First Health in Hoke County in the childcare department. Although she only works a couple of hours a week she was ecstatic that she was taking steps towards her future. She was very excited as she went through the interviewing and hiring process and used the skills that she had learned from Pre-ETS program to practice for her interview at First Health. Sandra told the Career Adviser that she is “determined” to reach her career goals. 

Sandra was the first to graduate from High School in her family, She shared with the Career Adviser that she “wants to make a difference in children’s lives”. Sandra has been a light to her classmates always ready to encourage and the first to raise her hand to practice workplace skills. Sandra has learned the art of turning lemons to lemonade. She would arrive to class early often just so that she could talk with the Career Advisors to ask questions when she didn’t know something. Sandra has proven herself to be a success way beyond the classroom. Sandra recently earned a Scholarship from her employer “First Health” to attend Sandhills Community College. Sandra is a real class act, she is determined and focused and has proven that when students work hard it pays off in a great way.

Dewantai Watts

Anson County

Anson High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Dewantai Watts is a senior who attended Anson Senior High School. Throughout the past year, he struggled with maintaining his grades and attending online classes during the pandemic. After participating in the Pre-Employment Transition Service Program in the spring of 2021; he has identified a career path, improved his attendance and is exceeding his expectations academically. He identified and removed barriers that were leading him away from the path of success. Dewantai is currently working as a Volunteer Firefighter and is pursuing his dream of becoming a full-time employee at a local fire department.  His future plan is to attend South Piedmont Community College and obtain his Fire Fighting Training Certification. Dewantai stated he looks forward to achieving his goals he learned to set while participating in the Pre-Employment Transition Services Program. 

Bobby Sinclair

Hoke County

Hoke County High School 

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program

Bobby Sinclair began Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) program with employment and a Senior at Hoke County High School. He was and is currently a Sales Associate at Auto Zone in Hoke County. Bobby has a passion for working on cars. His career goal is to be a mechanic and one day own his own Auto Shop. Bobby has shown nothing less than a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, completing Auto Mechanic 1 and 2 while at Hoke County High and maintain full time employment while enrolled in High School.

He would come to Pre-ETS sessions and go to work afterwards and whenever he could not finish his session work or skills he would make arrangements with Lead Career Advisor to complete his assignments on another day. Bobby's goal for Post-Secondary Training is to attend Sandhills Community College or Universal Technical Institute for Automotive Technician Training, He told the Career Advisor that it was a tough choice because they both have great mechanic programs. His family is a huge support for him, he told Career Adviser that he wants to make them very proud of him. 

Bobby was a big brother to many of his classmates proving himself to be a true leader, team player and builder. He would often share his work experience with his classmates and offer support to less confident classmates in practicing workplace skills.

He has proven himself time and time again in Pre-ETS group sessions that he is not only responsible but has a great sense of self-awareness of who he is and where he wants to be.