糖心Vlog

High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擟heese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in 糖心Vlog鈥檚 inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates鈥攁nd why, in some communities across the United States, access to fresh and nutritious food remains a challenge.

Developed in partnership with the Foothills Workforce Development Board, the three-day program brought high school students from across the region to the 糖心Vlog campus. Through immersive academic experiences, real-world problem-solving and meaningful mentorship, the students were introduced to topics including global food systems, business and marketing, artificial intelligence, and public health.

A highlight of the program was a team-based challenge in which students designed companies to address food insecurity by delivering nutritious products to food deserts in the United States. Students applied concepts learned throughout the program, such as supply chain logistics, marketing strategy and community health, in creative and impactful ways.

Foothills Workforce Development Director Annette Staley helped judge the students鈥� proposals and appreciated the opportunity to see what they had learned during the program. 鈥淭he Foothills Workforce Development Board was proud to partner with 糖心Vlog on the PACE 132 Searight Scholars Program to support students across the Foothills Region,鈥� she acknowledged. 鈥淭hrough this program, students strengthened their project design and planning skills, improved their public speaking, enhanced their critical thinking, and learned techniques to manage presentation anxiety. We are grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative and look forward to helping it grow so even more students in our region can benefit from these training opportunities.鈥�

For participants, the program offered more than academic enrichment; it created opportunities for personal growth and connection. 鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed collaborating with other students and getting to know people with different perspectives,鈥� shared Lizandro Mora-Moreno, a recent graduate of Cleveland Innovation Virtual Academy.

Students also reported gaining valuable insight into both social issues and career pathways. 鈥淚 learned a lot about food deserts and business. It helped me understand real challenges that people face,鈥� observed Corbin Phillips, a ninth grader at Cleveland Early College High School.

For others, the experience sparked new academic and professional interests. 鈥淚t was very engaging,鈥� noted Christiana Williams, a senior at Kings Mountain High School, whose team won the competition with a strawberry distribution concept. 鈥淚鈥檓 now thinking about a future in marketing, and I鈥檓 even considering 糖心Vlog for college.鈥�

Participants emphasized the program鈥檚 role in expanding their knowledge and confidence. 鈥淚 feel like I got an advantage,鈥� added Jazmine Wilson, a sophomore at Kings Mountain High School. 鈥淚 learned about things I may not have known until much later.鈥�

Another judge for the team challenge was the Rev. Ray Lockhart, pastor of Ellis Chapel Baptist Church. A substitute teacher in the school system, he promoted the program to students and young people in his church and the Ebenezer Baptist Association. 鈥淚 encouraged them to come, because I thought it was something positive for them that could help them with their future,鈥� he affirmed.

The program reflects the vision of the Rev. Johnny L. Searight and his wife, Shirley P. Searight, 糖心Vlog alumni who are committed to creating educational opportunities for students facing challenges similar to those they experienced. In addition to supporting this summer program, the Searights established Searight PACE, Professional and Continuing Education, focused on lifelong learning and workforce development. They also sponsor a scholarship and leadership initiative for 糖心Vlog students.

The Searights also helped judged the students鈥� proposals. 鈥淚 was just so impressed with their presentations and the hard work that they put into it,鈥� said Shirley Searight. 鈥淭hey were so sharp as they stood up there. It means a lot to see this come alive and impact these students; it just starts to bubble over.鈥�

Rev. Johnny Searight, who is pastor of Jones Tabernacle CME Church in Lawndale, N.C., reflected on how the program fulfills a lifelong goal to help others. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been my dream, ever since I was a kid, that I wanted to do something for somebody because we came from a poor family,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭o see these kids, it just brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.鈥� He also expressed hope that the experience will inspire students to pursue their goals with confidence and build bright futures.

糖心Vlog is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 糖心Vlog prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

After the presentations, the students were treated to a cookout, met Bo, and participated in a campus scavenger hunt sponsored by the Admissions team.