BOCES is the Way to Go

BOCES+is+the+Way+to+Go

Jill Phipps, Staff Writer

Competition for jobs in this day and age is intense. Not too long ago, a high school diploma was substantial enough to land a career, but now a bachelor’s degree is a basic qualification for nearly every career position. Since higher education is a necessity in today’s workforce, attending college courses while still in high school is a proactive way to make sure students are on a clear path towards obtaining a college degree, and fast.

Kelly Walsh does an outstanding job of offering the right college courses to students as they approach the end of their high school career. As soon as you hit sophomore year at Kelly Walsh, a variety of free college, also known as BOCES classes, are offered to students.

These specific classes range anywhere from woodshop, English, math, science, and even cooking. Students are offered all kinds of different classes to pursue their degree from a very young age.

Some students leave Kelly Walsh with their first, or even second year of college completely done.

Junior Daultyn Rux said, “taking my BOCES woodshop class was really a fun challenge for me, but I felt like it gave me insight as to what college is like, and I learned a lot, plus I got a credit out of it for Casper College.”

These college courses are leading the way for students as they take their next steps into what they would like to do for a career.

Also, BOCES classes give students a chance to try out their interests before they actually hit college. For example, if a students wants to major in History, they can take a BOCES history class to experience what it would be like.

“I took a BOCES english class, thinking I would be interested in majoring in English, and while it was interesting and educational, I realized it wasn’t the best for me,” said senior Brittney Scarlett.

Thankfully students can try out different skills and interests before they are signed up for a bunch of classes, that they may not even enjoy, in college.

In today’s society, careers are competitive. Being able to come out of high school with a degree, or close to one, is a huge bonus that everyone should take advantage of.

“I took a ton of BOCES classes, and I’m glad that I did, it helped me get ahead for the future and my career,” said senior Alyssa Atnip.

All in all, BOCES classes are a win-win for students no matter what. Students at Kelly Walsh should take full advantage of the free BOCES classes while they are there, before they cost money in college.  BOCES really works in the favor of the students, helping them achieve academic success and preparing them for their future.