June 2026

Maxi Alvarez is a first-generation college student whose journey reflects determination, growth, and leadership. After graduating high school with a 2.48 GPA, Maxi was unsure of what college experience would look like for him. Hearing about Southside Virginia Community College from Melissa Colbert, Career Coach, helped him make the decision to attend SVCC as an affordable pathway toward his future goals. What began as a simple plan to complete two years of college quickly became a life-changing experience that allowed him to discover his leadership abilities and passion for helping others.

During his time at SVCC, Maxi became one of the college’s most involved students. He currently serves as President of the Student Government Association and has participated in numerous clubs and organizations, including Student Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa, the Science Club, Transfer Club, and the Strategic Planning Committee. He has attended leadership retreats, conferences, and community events while also leading service projects such as a campus blood drive. Maxi also proudly served as Johnny Paws, the SVCC mascot, during the 2025–2026 academic year, helping promote school spirit and student engagement across campus.

Outside of campus, Maxi has dedicated his time to serving his community and supporting others. As the child of immigrant parents, he often acts as a translator and resource for family and community members, helping people navigate technology, businesses, and everyday needs. Alongside multiple jobs and work-study positions, he earned certifications in Career Readiness, Culinary Arts, and Microsoft technology skills while achieving both President’s List and Vice President’s List honors. Maxi’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact on those around him.

By Tammy Wiley, Career Coach

Mrs. Benn, the Jobs for VA Graduates teacher at Randolph-Henry High School, is a strong supporter of SVCC and its many programs. A few years ago, she partnered with R-HHS Career Coach Tammy Wiley to establish an annual field trip to the Keysville campus to see the Dual Enrollment (DE) programs in action.

Mrs. Benn brought R-HHS seniors to the John H. Daniel Campus. During their visit, students toured the Automotive, HVAC, Nursing, Teacher Academy, and Welding DE programs and learned about available Workforce Programs. They also visited the clothes closet, ate some snacks, hung out in the club room, and enjoyed a special activity with a caricature artist. The students thoroughly enjoyed their experience.

This field trip provides students with an up-close look at the John H. Daniel Campus, allowing them to see Dual Enrollment programs firsthand and observe fellow students working in real classroom and lab settings. For many, this is a game-changer. We have seen firsthand how this experience helps undecided students make the choice to attend SVCC -a true win-win for everyone.

When asked why this trip means so much to her, Mrs. Benn shared, “That trip is a true determinant for a few kids who were on the fence about SVCC or had no real plans at all for post-secondary education or training. By exposing students to real college pathways and hands-on learning opportunities, our community college field trip powerfully reinforces the Jobs for Virginia Graduates mission to empower young people with the skills and support they need to succeed in education, careers, and life.”

Meet Tavaree Vaughan, a senior at Mecklenburg County High School, who has stayed actively involved throughout his high school career by participating in Teachers for Tomorrow and Photojournalism, where he helps create the school yearbook.

In addition to these activities, Tavaree has also developed an interest in Culinary Arts, enjoying opportunities to learn hands-on skills and explore different career pathways. Through his classes and extracurricular experiences, he has gained valuable knowledge, creativity, and teamwork skills that will benefit him in the future.

After graduation, Tavaree plans to attend Southside Virginia Community College to study in the HVAC program and earn his certification. He is excited about pursuing a career in a field that offers both stability and opportunities for growth.

By Bernadine Johnson, Career Coach

Mecklenburg County High School senior Demetri Chavis is an involved and hardworking student who has spent his high school years exploring both academic and extracurricular opportunities. As a member of the Spanish Club and culinary courses, Demetri has enjoyed developing new skills, working with others, and expanding his knowledge in different areas of interest. Through these experiences, he has learned the value of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, all of which have helped prepare him for his future goals after graduation.

Following graduation, Demetri plans to attend Southside Virginia Community College, where he hopes to continue building toward a successful career in technology. He is especially interested in the Microsoft Data Center Program and plans to study Information Systems as he pursues opportunities in the growing technology field.

Each year, as our career coaches step into their high schools, many tasks and responsibilities await them at the door. The main task of our career coaches is to work with high school seniors to make sure each student has a career plan for what they want to pursue after graduation. The coach then guides the student throughout the year with the goal of completing that plan. Whether it is completing a college application, a financial aid form, or a resume, our coaches are ready and willing to assist their students.

Career coaches work hand in hand with the high school counseling departments. Prince Edward County High School’s counseling center hosted a financial aid workshop. Students and parents were given the opportunity to ask questions and complete their financial aid form by the end of the session. As our coaches often do, Prince Edward’s Career Coach, Rhonda Adams, offered to help with the event. Mrs. Adams has coached for almost 20 years. With a background in financial aid before working as a career coach, Mrs. Adams brings a wealth of knowledge to the task of helping seniors with financial aid. Finding financial assistance is a critical part in determining whether or not some seniors are able to attend college. Fortunately, our coaches are there in the high schools ready to assist with financial aid forms and scholarship applications.  

All of our career coaches are called upon daily to assist with duties that may not necessarily be in a job description. However, it is quite evident that whatever the task seems to be, our high school coaches exceed the expectations of coaching. 

Career coaches are a network of community college employees who are based in high schools across Southside Virginia. They help high school students define their career aspirations and recognize community college and other postsecondary programs, including apprenticeships and workforce training that can help students achieve their educational and financial goals.

The fundamental objective of the SVCC High School Career Coach Program is to empower students to make informed decisions about their career and educational plans and to prepare students for success in postsecondary education and training. The career coaches bring college to high schools!

From August through December 2025, Southside Virginia Community College Career Coaches served 1,585 students, establishing career plans, assisting with dual enrollment, financial aid, post-secondary plans, parent outreach, and more.