Cali Carter
Cali Carter is a 2016 graduate of Sissonville High School and a 2020 graduate of the West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVUIT).
After graduating from WVUIT with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Cali took a position with the WV Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) as an engineer, where she has been working with the clean water state revolving fund program, which funds wastewater projects throughout the state. She is currently licensed as an EIT (engineer in training) through the WV State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and is studying to become a professional engineer.
When asked to share a story about a favorite KCS teacher, Cali said “Mrs. Harper sparked my love for math, which led me to becoming an engineer. Her classes were hard, but they prepared me for college level math classes.”
Cali also recommends that current students do whatever they can to get the most out of their educational opportunities.
Ericka Fields
Ericka Fields is a 2000 graduate of Sissonville High School. She currently works as an Autism Mentor at Ruffner Elementary and is the owner of Perfect Click Photography LLC, which she started in 2021.
After graduating from Sissonville High School, Ericka received post-secondary education in Health Occupations and Medical Assisting. Additionally, she received her Autism Mentor training from Marshall University in 2019.
When asked about her favorite KCS teachers, Ericka said, “I had many favorite teachers throughout my years in KCS but the one that stands out the most is Robert Settle (Gunner) ROTC at Sissonville High School. He always gave tough love and taught the lessons that were not in textbooks.” She also encourages current students to enjoy every moment!
Tadd Haynes
Tadd Haynes is a 1995 graduate of Sissonville High School. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Charleston and a Masters of Public Health from West Virginia University. Tadd currently serves as the President and CEO of UniCare Health Plan of WV, Inc. He has three children, one of which is a KCS graduate, and two who are currently enrolled.
When asked to share how KCS prepared him for life after graduation, Tadd said “Attending Sissonville area schools (Wallace Heights, Sissonville Junior and Sissonville High) taught me early on the importance of working hard and taking care of the people around you. I watched the teachers and staff of all the schools I attended do that every day. Those are values that have always stuck with me and I now try to instill in the people I have the privilege to lead."
Tadd also recommends that current students take advantage of every opportunity they are given as time goes by quickly.
Madison Jones
Madison Jones is a 2017 graduate of Sissonville High School and a 2020 graduate of West Virginia State University.
After graduating from WVSU with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Madison took a position with Kanawha County Schools as a kindergarten teacher at Richmond Elementary. In her spare time, she also works as a photographer!
When asked to share a story about a favorite KCS teacher, Madison said “My favorite teacher in high school was Mrs. Murphy. I had her for Civics my senior year. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know what I would be doing right now. She helped me decide on college and my career choice. She also helped me with my anxiety when it came to testing. She would spend her planning period talking to me when I needed a shoulder to lean on! I also enjoyed Mr. Throck. He helped me prepare for what college classes were like.”
Madison also offered some great advice for current students. “Always try your best and never give up! Take college classes whenever you are given the opportunity. I was able to graduate a semester early by doing this.”
James Shafer
James Shafer is a 2015 graduate of Sissonville High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in National Security and Intelligence and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management from Fairmont State University, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2019. James currently serves as a Reporting Analyst for Pratt and Whitney.
When asked to share how KCS prepared him for life after graduation, James said “The kindness that SHS teachers gave to me, and the knowledge they endowed me with, some of my favorite memories were with Mrs. White and Mrs. Murphy with both the Geography Bowl and Model UN.”
James would also like to share the following advice with current students “Apply yourself to whatever you do. And take dual enrollment courses!”