SC High School Seniors Parade Around Statehouse on College and Career Day

COLUMBIA, SC – Thousands of high school seniors from across the state gathered at the statehouse today to celebrate College and Career Day.

Part of the South Carolina College and Career Decision Day, students proudly represented their future schools as they prepared for the next chapter in their academic journey. With 60 colleges and universities in South Carolina, the decision-making process can be a challenging one for many seniors.

Choosing the Right Path

Caroline Suggs, a student from Mayo High School, shared her excitement about choosing Charleston Southern University. “I fell in love with the campus environment, the students, and the professors I met during my tour,” she said.

For Jayden Wilson of Sandhills School, USC Beaufort stood out as the perfect fit after thorough research. “It had everything I was looking for, and I can’t wait to spend the next four years there,” Wilson expressed.

Josh Head from Gaffney High School opted for Newberry College for its exceptional music education program and welcoming community. “The music department and marching band at Newberry are top-notch, and I’m excited to immerse myself in that environment,” Head shared.

Looking Ahead

More than 2,000 seniors from 50 high schools participated in the celebration at the statehouse, each with their own reasons for choosing a particular institution. Many students cited smaller class sizes and personalized attention from professors as key factors in their decision-making process.

While nervous about the challenges that college may bring, these seniors are also eagerly anticipating the new experiences and opportunities that await them. From hands-on learning to meeting new friends and exploring different cities, the upcoming fall semester holds a wealth of possibilities for these graduating seniors.

Embracing the College Experience

For those heading to larger universities like Coastal Carolina or USC, the prospect of attending athletic events adds an extra layer of excitement to their college journey. “I can’t wait to see the football games at Coastal with their unique blue or green field,” said Delbonnie Boyd from Fairfield Central.

Advice for Future Seniors

As these seniors gear up for their next chapter, one piece of advice stands out among them: avoid procrastination. “Don’t procrastinate like I did. It only makes things harder in the end,” Wilson advised. “Stay focused and push through because the rewards are well worth it.”