Volunteering with Wolfpack Sports Properties (November 15)

Trying to stay warm before the game starts

We again had an awesome opportunity for several of our academy freshmen and sophomores to help out at an NC State football game this past weekend. Jim Moran of Wolfpack Sports Properties tasked us with distributing hand warmers, provided by game sponsor Kangaroo Express, to fans as they entered the gates. They were definitely appreciated on such a chilly day!

Mr. Moran shared with us some more insight on careers in the sports marketing field, including the likely necessity of working your way up from an internship position and the importance of making sure to get everything right in a game-day situation, where you typically only have one shot to execute a promotion.

Fortunately, the results on the field were much better as the Wolfpack won 42-13, and we also got to see a great halftime show for Military Appreciation Day, which featured a field-size American flag and NC State Pipe and Drums joining the marching band.

Volunteering with Wolfpack Sports Properties (November 8)

Some of the group enjoying the game after their work was done

Several members of our freshman and sophomore classes had a great opportunity to volunteer before the NC State football homecoming game at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday. Our host (and academy advisory board member) Jim Moran, an account executive at Wolfpack Sports Properties, arranged for us to help at the gates with the distribution of free chapstick, provided by game sponsor Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Besides learning that people really like free chapstick, we got a great overview of from Mr. Moran and sponsorship coordinator Kristin Hoenig on their responsibilities and the sharing of inventory between the university, the Wolfpack Club, and Wolfpack Sports Properties.

Getting an awesome look at the field-level action

Not a bad spot to watch the game

After completing our duties just before kickoff, we were able to settle in and watch the game. We also got some insight from Mr. Moran into what goes on behind the scenes of their in-game promotional activities, like the Digging for Diamonds game. Later on, Mr. Moran was able to take us down near the field before halftime to get a better look at all the moving parts involved in the game day operations. We even ran into both Chancellor Woodson and Tuffy!

High-fiving the players as they head in for halftime

Tuffy, NC State's live mascot

Although the scoreboard didn't work out in the Pack's favor, this was still a very exciting experience that sometimes made it hard to focus on all the knowledge that was being shared with us.  Thanks again to Mr. Moran and Mrs. Hoenig for answering all of our questions and giving us such a fantastic opportunity!

Class of 2018 WCPSS Great Xplorations Career Fair (October 23)

The closest we could get to a serious group shot after Bojangles

Broughton's career academy freshmen attended Wake County Public School System's Great Xplorations career fair at NC State University's McKimmon Center on Thursday, October 23. This event included a variety of sessions that involved learning about a variety of career pathways, participating in leadership activities, and networking with representatives from many different industries.

Aiken, Nick, Foster, Phillip, and Parrish during a session

More of the guys listening to a presenter

During "Guess My Gig," we heard from a fashion designer, a flying instructor, a landscape technician, and a WCPSS senior administrator, who discussed their backgrounds, the challenges and rewards of their careers, and the skills, experience, and education needed to succeed in each field.

Pulling together to master the blanket challenge

Kobe & Mathis directing their teams

Aiken attempting to interpret his team's hand signals

Lining up for another activity

Supposedly this was team building, too

We then participated in team building games, led by volunteers from the YMCA and members of the military.The activities were fun, but still emphasized leadership and teamwork. As you can see, this was also a good time for photo opportunities.

Erin 

John Staton, JT & Clay

Nick, Parrish, & Sasha

Jackson & Drew chatting with WRAL's Ken Smith

During the networking session, students quickly rotated through random small groups where they introduced themselves to many different business professionals. It may have been outside the comfort zone for some, but they all seemed to gain valuable career advice and were able to practice their professionalism. The final session allowed students to explore the many career and technical student organizations offered at Wake County schools while also mingling with peers at other high schools that they'd met during the networking session and throughout the day. Of course, we had to walk over to Bojangles for lunch before heading back to school. Keep scrolling for even more pictures from the day!