Dr. Valery Lang Lowe |
| Having been very active in business and career classes during her time at South, Dr. Valery Lowe is now helping students throughout Forsyth County Schools discover their passions for engineering, marketing, culinary arts, veterinary science, and more. As the Director of College & Career Development, she oversees the direction of the entire CTAE programs at all of the high schools in Forsyth County. What did you study after leaving high school? I stayed in the realm of business and workforce education. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Business Education from the University of Georgia. I continued on to graduate school, receiving both my M.Ed. and my Ed.D. in Workforce Education from UGA. What is your current job now, and how did your experiences at South help prepare you for that? I am currently the Director of College and Career Development for all of Forsyth County Schools. |  Dr. Valery Lowe '97 Director of College & Career Development, Forsyth County Schools |
Dr. Lowe, speaking to the GA House of Representatives' Rural Development Commission. In that position, having an understanding of the community and school system is paramount to my daily duties and involvement with business and industry. It also helps when having conversations with students, in that I can relate to where they are and what they hope to do next.
How does the College and Career Development program serve Forsyth County students?
FCS College & Career Development seeks to provide an on-going partnership between education and business/industry to prepare the students of Forsyth County with the skills necessary to meet world-class standards, successfully continue life-long learning, and enter the marketplace as productive citizens. Career pathway options within the program offer curriculum and instruction linked to industry standards in labs featuring the latest technology and equipment replicating simulated work environments. The district also supports internship and mentorship opportunities for students. After graduating high school, students who complete career pathways enter the workforce and military, continue post-secondary education at specialty schools, technical colleges, community colleges, and major universities across the country.
What about high school best prepared you for life?
The teachers and administrators at South have always truly cared about us being prepared for our next step in life, no matter what that looked like. For me, I left South with a love of business, which led me down a path of working with family entities, and also in the realm of secondary and post-secondary education. I had the confidence leaving school to know I had the tools necessary to do anything I wanted to do!
What are some of your best high school memories?
I think the relationships formed with adults in the building and lifelong friends I still have. Most of my former teachers and administrators are still involved in my life, including folks like Richard Gill and Kim Head, who continue to invest in our daily work with the school system. I also try to stay in touch with former teachers, like Jennifer Hauck, who I met a few months ago at her barn in St. Simons. My father is also a part of the Hall of Fame. While no longer with us, I treasure the time he spent investing in the school and be being a part of that at an early age. I have a lot of great memories with Mike Weaver and my brother and parents doing all kinds of things to help the school open in 1989!
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently? What would you tell current South students about their time in school?
I don’t think anyone imagines how quickly it goes by, but I would have taken the time to develop more adult relationships and tried harder to be at more events and activities. I would encourage students to get involved, stay involved, and give back! You are blessed to be in a community like South that supports education. Don’t take a single day there for granted and remember to return the thanks when you are a contributing member of society!
How does the College and Career Development program serve Forsyth County students?
FCS College & Career Development seeks to provide an on-going partnership between education and business/industry to prepare the students of Forsyth County with the skills necessary to meet world-class standards, successfully continue life-long learning, and enter the marketplace as productive citizens. Career pathway options within the program offer curriculum and instruction linked to industry standards in labs featuring the latest technology and equipment replicating simulated work environments. The district also supports internship and mentorship opportunities for students. After graduating high school, students who complete career pathways enter the workforce and military, continue post-secondary education at specialty schools, technical colleges, community colleges, and major universities across the country.
What about high school best prepared you for life?
The teachers and administrators at South have always truly cared about us being prepared for our next step in life, no matter what that looked like. For me, I left South with a love of business, which led me down a path of working with family entities, and also in the realm of secondary and post-secondary education. I had the confidence leaving school to know I had the tools necessary to do anything I wanted to do!
What are some of your best high school memories?
I think the relationships formed with adults in the building and lifelong friends I still have. Most of my former teachers and administrators are still involved in my life, including folks like Richard Gill and Kim Head, who continue to invest in our daily work with the school system. I also try to stay in touch with former teachers, like Jennifer Hauck, who I met a few months ago at her barn in St. Simons. My father is also a part of the Hall of Fame. While no longer with us, I treasure the time he spent investing in the school and be being a part of that at an early age. I have a lot of great memories with Mike Weaver and my brother and parents doing all kinds of things to help the school open in 1989!
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently? What would you tell current South students about their time in school?
I don’t think anyone imagines how quickly it goes by, but I would have taken the time to develop more adult relationships and tried harder to be at more events and activities. I would encourage students to get involved, stay involved, and give back! You are blessed to be in a community like South that supports education. Don’t take a single day there for granted and remember to return the thanks when you are a contributing member of society!
Dr. Lowe, in school known as Valery Lang, was a member of NTHS, NHS and Beta Club, as well as a softball player and a member of FCA. She graduated with honors in 1997.
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