SOUTH REGION

FIRST PLACE
JAMES D.
HOPKINS
Countryside High School,
Clearwater, Florida

When you’re a teenager, planning for the future can be a daunting task. But students at Countryside have an advantage with the Cougar Career Center and James, one of its volunteers. For more than 20 hours per week, James shares his knowledge with students and prepares them for what may lie ahead—be it college, work, vocational or technical school, or the military. James arranges military recruiter visits, coordinates job shadowing opportunities, and solicits part-time jobs from local merchants. When students inquire about work, James assists with interview preparation and applications. His fluency in Spanish and his world travels help him relate to minority students and makes them feel comfortable speaking with him. Additionally, James markets the Career Center at after-school events, encourages students to volunteer in areas they’re interested in, and has secured funding to improve school presentations. He also organized a widely successful College and Career Fair. “Parents and teachers say that Mr. Hopkins provides students with insight to possibilities,” said his nominator, Jane Hussar, “and he makes them think for themselves.”