Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) proudly hosted a Signing Day ceremony Friday morning to celebrate a group of exceptional students who have secured prestigious internships and apprenticeships for Summer 2025. The event recognized students from Bethune-Bowman Middle/High School (BBMHS), Branchville High School (BHS), Edisto High School (EHS), and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School (OWHS) as they officially signed with industry partners for career-advancing opportunities.

Three students from the Cope Area Career Center and two students from the Orangeburg Career and Technology Center will intern with Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, with a manufacturing facility in North Charleston. The Boeing interns include:

• Cory Lightfoot – Edisto High School
• Kaliehl McKenzie – Edisto High School
• Will Pendarvis – Branchville High School
• Alexandra Young – Edisto High School
• Jayden Bookard – Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School
• Alexandra De La Cruz – Bethune-Bowman Middle/High School

 These students will gain hands-on experience in engineering, design, and advanced production technologies at Boeing’s state-of-the-art facility. Frank Hatten, Senior Manager of Boeing Global Engagement, congratulated the interns and encouraged them to embrace this moment. “At Boeing, we’re excited to welcome these talented young individuals into an environment where innovation thrives. Their curiosity and drive represent the future of aerospace,” said Hatten.

In addition, five students from Edisto and Branchville High Schools secured summer internships with MUSC Orangeburg, where they will explore careers in patient care, public health, and medical operations. The MUSC interns include:

• Kamara Chavis – Edisto High School
• Alyssa Goodwin – Edisto High School
• Toi Rivers – Edisto High School
• Alana Turner – Edisto High School
• Zamaria Young – Branchville High School

Walter Bennett, CEO of MUSC Orangeburg, praised the students for their commitment to service and learning. “These internships provide meaningful exposure to the many roles that keep a healthcare system running. We are proud to partner with OCSD in preparing the next generation of health professionals,” said Bennett.

Additional honorees included Joseph Morris (EHS), who will intern with the South Carolina Department of Education’s Orangeburg Bus Shop, gaining experience in transportation services and fleet operations; and Bristol Gray (EHS), who will represent OCSD as a SkillsUSA national entrepreneurship competitor.

“These internships and apprenticeships are more than summer experiences—they are gateways to the future,” said Mr. Robert Hemby, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, Early College (OAC) & K-12 School Improvement   “They empower our students with the confidence, skills, and network to step into high-demand industries.”

Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are incredibly proud of our students and deeply grateful to our partners at Boeing, MUSC, the S.C. Department of Education, and SkillsUSA. These opportunities reflect our district’s commitment to innovation, workforce readiness, and expanding pathways that prepare our students for life beyond graduation.”

The 2025 Signing Day ceremony is part of OCSD’s broader initiative to enhance career and technical education through strong partnerships and real-world learning.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Erica S. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Business and Community Partnerships, at erica.taylor@ocsdsc.org or 839-356-4040.