Dinwiddie High students showcase clubs, CTE programs and awards at school board meeting

Dinwiddie High School students and staff presented club, career-and-technical-education and arts highlights to the Dinwiddie County School Board during the recognitions portion of the board’s meeting.

The presentations outlined recent student achievements, competitions and workforce readiness activities and included a recognition of culinary program accreditation.

Why it matters: The school’s presentations illustrated the district’s work to expand career pathways and extracurricular opportunities that board members said support student engagement and post‑graduation options.

Students and advisors from multiple programs described competitions, community service and industry connections. Imani McLaughlin, a senior and student representative, opened the presentation and told the board, “I may be a little biased, but I definitely will say that this is my favorite presentation,” and emphasized the breadth of student activity at the high school. Student speakers described work in choir, competitive clubs, robotics, DECA and FBLA; student leaders said the activities helped with leadership, networking and practical skills.

Teachers and CTE staff detailed hands‑on programs. A CTE staff member who led the presentation highlighted a recent accreditation of the high school culinary program by the American Culinary Federation, calling it “a tremendous honor” and “a true game changer for our students,” and noted that several seniors plan to pursue culinary training after graduation. The CTE presentation also reviewed industry day attendance (41 business partners) and work‑based learning experiences, including one youth registered apprenticeship with Wayne Cook Electric and senior placements from a reverse career fair.

Students and club leaders noted competitive and service accomplishments: DECA and FBLA members reported regional and state placements and fundraising/service projects; the drama club and forensics teams described regional and state competition placements; choir and athletic teams described performances and postseason finishes.

Board members praised the students and staff. Board Chair Mary M. Benjamin thanked staff and students and several trustees said the presentations were a monthly reminder of positive student outcomes amid the board’s broader business agenda.

The recognitions concluded with student photos and a request that attendees remain for group pictures.

Provenance: The presentation and recognitions appear in the public agenda’s recognitions section and runs from the board’s introduction of Dinwiddie High School through the closing of that segment at the meeting.