By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department
The BCS Central Office looked extra festive on Friday as career-oriented students sold handmade holiday goods to support their schools.
The BCS
Occupational Course of Study (OCS) Program held a “Christmas Bazaar,” with decorated tables lining one of the meeting rooms at the district headquarters. Students and staff from BCS high schools sold crafts, food, Christmas decorations, and more to school staff and community members.
“We planned everything and tried to get everything in order and calculate how much we were going to need,” said North Buncombe freshman Sayuri Felix.
She, fellow freshman Alexis Michua, and Special Services teacher Ryan Rotundo sold fresh-ground coffee and branded mugs from their
school-based coffee shop, called “Our Coffee Shop.” OCS students run the store – brewing coffee for their NBHS students and teachers, delivering it to classrooms, and learning the nuances of running a business.
“I love making coffee and delivering it and getting to know some students and teachers,” Sayuri said. “I make friends and learn how to work with people.”
Nearby, Charles D. Owen High School OCS students spread Christmas ornaments, lanyards, and keychains across a table. A few BCS employees bought ornaments from freshman Amira Webb, who happily helped them find the perfect one.
“We’re here to sell these ornaments so we can have a good time and make some money for bigger field trips,” she said. “This is so fun, and it helps our school business.”
OCS focuses on preparing students for successful employment and adult living. These students participate in a vocationally-oriented curriculum and in relevant work experiences that help them learn skills necessary to gain employment, be successful on the job, and seek growth opportunities throughout their adult lives.