Southeastern Community College continued its yearly tradition of Senior Day on Sept. 18, when area high school seniors toured campus, explored career paths, competed in fun games and bonded as a community with music and food. With the help of high school principals, counselors, teachers, SCC faculty, instructors and staff, more than 400 seniors got a taste of life as an engineering, nursing, university transfer, MLT, public safety, agribusiness and automotive student. 

“SCC Senior Day is one of my favorite events at the college,” said Dr. Sylvia Cox, SCC Executive Vice President. “It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate high school seniors and let them see, what I call, their home college. Everyone in Columbus County comes to SCC at some point in their life.” 

Cox explained that she wants seniors to get experience with everything the college offers and to stretch their minds in career exploration. With some high school seniors still undecided on their future, Cox wants SCC’s programs, facilities, labs and classroom spaces to “spark something within them” that they may not have known before. 

“When I was in high school, Senior Day was one of my favorite memories,” Cox said. “It’s a full circle for me to come back and be a part of providing that to today’s seniors. It really takes a team to make this work and see all the happy faces and excitement around this event.” 

Last year, a new Senior Day tradition started with East Columbus Jr./Sr. High School winning the newly created Senior Day trophy. SCC Dean of Student Services Colene Faulk said that South Columbus High School won the Senior Day trophy this year with earning the most points in rubber band shooting and ball tossing “minute to win it” games in the SCC auditorium.  

“So, they have bragging rights and will be taking the trophy to the south end of the county,” Faulk said. “We look forward to having this day of fun, and I was so excited to have our student athletes come out and talk to the seniors. We’re so excited to bless the class of 2025.” 

SCC Student Engagement Coordinator Katie Floyd said that in addition to helping plan the Senior Day event, she was a tour guide for a group of seniors. She said her favorite part of the day was the newly created mascot race. Seniors dressed up in their high school’s mascot attire and raced through an obstacle course. West Columbus High School won the race in front of A-building. 

“Senior Day is all about recognizing and celebrating our seniors from around Columbus County,” Floyd said. “It’s lets them know that we’re here for them and support them.” 

SCC Career Coach Allison Gibson said she loves how Senior Day fosters connections, not just between students and faculty, but among peers from other high schools. She said it was rewarding to witness the students engaging, learning and imagining the possibilities ahead of them. Senior Day serves as a platform for students to gain valuable insights, ask questions and envision their next steps after graduation. 

“My favorite part of Senior Day is seeing the excitement and curiosity on the students’ faces as they explore programs related to what they want to do after high school,” Gibson said. “It’s a unique opportunity for them to envision their future paths and discover new interests.” 

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