Watauga High School from a distance
Watauga students have a huge variety of classes to choose from. Ranging from five AP art classes to business classes at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) to Teacher Cadets, Watauga’s course catalog is an expansive one. Sometimes, knowing what to register for when there are so many options can be stressful. Seniors fill us in on what some of their favorite classes have been throughout high school.
Lauren Patterson, a senior who is committed to the University of Kentucky, followed the medical careers track as a Watauga Innovation Academy (WIA) student. She even had an internship at Watauga Medical Center this year so that she’ll be able to enter the medical field as soon as possible.
“My favorite class I took was probably Health Science 2, taught by Ms. Miller,” said Patterson. “This class teaches students so much about health science and the human body. There were lots of hands-on opportunities to learn.”
Anyone can sign up for the health science electives. In Health Science I, students learn about the essential systems of the human body, the history of healthcare, and essential terminology and practice the basics of learning hands-on.
“I had some friends that were taking it, but ultimately, I wanted to take it myself,” said Patterson. “I want to go into the medical field, so this class was a great start.”
Another unique way to spend the school day is to find an internship, gaining experience in the field you’re looking into. Internships benefit both WIA and WHS students.
“I have a few favorite classes I took throughout high school. I loved taking French, Chinese, and Holocaust and Genocide,” said Dagan Newsome, senior.
Newsome took many levels of French throughout high school and is now the President of the French Honors Society.
“I’m in AP French right now. I love being taught by Madame Tedder. She’s super supportive and helpful,” said Newsome.
AP French is the fifth French class out of six in total Watauga offers. Madame Tedder is a student favorite at the high school.
“I took Chinese through North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), and I loved it because I love languages,” Newsome said. “I’ve always wanted to learn Chinese because my Grandma speaks it.”
In addition to CCC&TI, NCVPS is another great institution through which to take online classes. Newsome took this class for standard credit, so it’s an option to take online classes without the rigor of a college course. There are many world language courses available through NCVPS, but they also have AP courses and other academics available. Counselors recommend that some disciplined students utilize NCVPS when a course is not offered in-person at Watauga.
“I also loved Holocaust and Genocide, which was taught by Ms. Boone. Despite it being hard to learn about, I think it’s super interesting,” said Newsome. “It’s really important to understand. I always knew about it, but I didn’t in the way I do now.”
Holocaust and Genocide is another popular course at Watauga. Ms. Boone has led a trip around Europe in the summer to look at Holocaust sites.
“My favorite [classes] would have to be Economics and Personal Finance, which was taught by Mr. Combs, and French with Madame Tedder,” said Alyssa Everett, senior.
Economics and Personal Finance is a course required for graduation and must be completed at the high school. Students learn about the elements of an economy, how to file taxes, and other personal financial matters.
“These teachers made these classes very intriguing and they got to know you on a personal level,” said Everett.
Everett is in her fourth year of French and will receive a seal of biliteracy on her high school diploma, like any student who completes four world languages classes.
As far as CCC&TI classes, Everett recommended Intro to Psychology, Intro to Sociology, Communications classes, and Art Appreciation. CCC&TI offers academics and electives for students who need the right course for their schedule or simply want to pursue an interest.
Everyone’s high school journey is different, and students completing the registration process should remember to choose classes that suit their interests and needs. Teachers and counselors are happy to make recommendations based on their experience, but often, peers can provide the best guidance of all.
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