Florence Falcon Launch Program

09/03/2026

WE ARE ACHIEVERS: Harper Thead is completing her LAUNCH placement at Forest Hills Elementary School where she shadows a kindergarten teacher and also works in the after-school program.

She is getting a firsthand look at what it means to be an educator through her LAUNCH career-based learning experience!

Each day, she has the opportunity to connect with students by helping with their schoolwork, assisting with activities, and encouraging and supporting them as they learn and grow. Her favorite part? Getting to work with younger children, learning their personalities, and watching their growth throughout the year!

Harper’s LAUNCH experience has helped solidify her plans after high school. She plans to attend The University of Alabama or the University of North Alabama to major in Elementary Education with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.

We love seeing LAUNCH students turn their passions into purpose and get real-world experience in the careers they hope to pursue!

Harper, we can’t wait to watch you inspire the next generation!

Florence City Schools Florence City Schools Career, Technical, & Specialized Education Florence High School

09/01/2026

WE ARE ACHIEVERS: We’re proud to spotlight Nelson Elliott, one of our LAUNCH students who is gaining valuable hands-on experience at TASUS, where he is exploring the world of automotive manufacturing and advanced technology.

At TASUS, automotive components are manufactured through precision processes that combine plastic materials and advanced machinery. As part of his internship, he works alongside the production team to help ensure that machines and robotic equipment are operating properly and efficiently.

Each day brings a new challenge—and a new opportunity to learn. His responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, identifying problems, and assisting with repairs when machinery goes down. In the photo, he is welding a nut onto a machine to help restore it to proper working condition.

This internship is providing Nelson with real-world experience in mechanical troubleshooting, welding, robotics, manufacturing, and problem-solving while allowing him to see firsthand what it takes to keep a modern automotive production facility running.

We love seeing our LAUNCH students develop valuable technical skills, gain confidence, and discover career possibilities through authentic workplace experiences!

Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep achieving.

Florence City Schools Florence High School

09/01/2026

WE ARE ACHIEVERS: Meet Raynie, who is gaining valuable, hands-on career experience through her LAUNCH Career-Based Learning placement at Killen Drugs Pharmacy!

As part of her placement, Raynie is currently working in the pharmacy drive-thru, developing professional skills and gaining firsthand experience in a pharmacy setting.

She is also working toward earning her Pharmacy Technician license, taking important steps toward her future career in healthcare.

Raynie has big goals for her future! She plans to attend Auburn University, majoring in Biomedical Sciences – Pre-Pharmacy, with plans to continue on to Pharmacy School.

We are proud to see Raynie taking initiative, gaining real-world experience, and building the skills she will need to achieve her career goals! We can’t wait to see where her hard work and dedication take her.

Florence City Schools Florence High School

08/26/2026

Details - Florence City School District

08/11/2026

06/03/2026

WE ARE ACHIEVERS: Congratulations to our Florence High School LAUNCH graduates! As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have prepared you for bright futures ahead.

The LAUNCH team is incredibly proud of all you have achieved and excited to watch you continue to grow, succeed, and thrive in the next chapters of your lives. Keep chasing your dreams—your future is full of endless possibilities!

Wishing all of our students a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer!

| GO FALCONS!
Florence City Schools

05/26/2026

WE ARE ACHIEVERS: Florence High School LAUNCH student Emory Broadfoot recently completed her LAUNCH placement at GeoSource, where she was provided the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a professional, real-world environment.

Throughout her experience, Emory gained valuable insight into workplace expectations while developing skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism. Her eagerness to learn, strong character, and dedication to personal growth have prepared her for continued success as she pursues her future goals beyond high school.

| GO FALCONS!
Florence City Schools

05/25/2026

WE ARE ACHIEVERS: Florence High School LAUNCH student Desteny Martin Jeronimo has successfully completed her LAUNCH placement at PROJECTXYZ, Inc., where she gained valuable hands-on experience in a professional, real-world business environment. Through this opportunity, Desteny developed important workplace and career-readiness skills while learning the value of teamwork, responsibility, communication, and professionalism. Her dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to learn have helped prepare her for future educational and career aspirations, setting a strong foundation for continued success beyond high school.

| GO FALCONS!
Florence City Schools

05/23/2026

WE ARE ACHIEVERS: Florence High School LAUNCH student Kyndal May has successfully completed her LAUNCH placement at Forest Hills Elementary School, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in a professional, real-world educational environment. During her placement, Kyndal developed important workplace and leadership skills while gaining meaningful insight into the field of education and working with young students. Her dedication, positive attitude, and strong work ethic allowed her to make the most of this opportunity and further prepare for future career success beyond high school. Experiences like these continue to help LAUNCH students build confidence, responsibility, and career readiness for the future.

| GO FALCONS!
Florence City Schools