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High Point students honored; business partnerships yield internships and scholarships
Summary
The High Point board honored student representative George Oriana and heard presentations on business/STEM programs. Students showcased marketing projects developed with Crystal Springs Resort and Planet Networks; several winners earned internships and the district reported more than $175,000 in scholarships for students.
The High Point Regional High School Board of Education recognized student representative George Oriana at its May 26 meeting and heard a series of presentations highlighting business and STEM partnerships that produced scholarships, internships and practical learning opportunities.
The board read a formal resolution commending George Oriana for his service as the student representative, noting his contributions to connecting student voice to board decision‑making.
Superintendent and STEM supervisor Brian Drellick introduced marketing and business teachers and students who described partnerships with Crystal Springs Resort and Planet Networks. Drellick said roughly 40% of the graduating seniors earned at least one concurrent‑enrollment credit this year, representing more than 215 classes of college credit earned through district coursework. He also said the district’s scholarship night raised more than $175,000 for students.
Teachers Teresa Emma and Faith Card described a brand‑swap competition at Crystal Springs in which student teams quickly reimagined products and pitched marketing plans; winners received gift cards and public recognition. Planet Networks worked with marketing students through a 30‑second social‑media campaign competition; top finishers were offered internships or cash awards. Student John Turner described taking an internship in sales after winning the competition and credited the experience with providing workplace skills and mentoring.
Board members and administrators praised teachers and the district’s efforts to link classroom learning with local employers; they highlighted industry certification opportunities (Intuit/QuickBooks, Microsoft Technology Associate, CAD) and field trips to local businesses as ways to expand career pathways. Several students who placed in the Planet Networks competition spoke briefly about their work and the opportunities the internships provided.
The board noted upcoming senior events and encouraged continued business partnerships to expand student access to real‑world experiences.
