SMHS Student Support Center

The Student Support Center (SSC), formerly the Guidance Office, includes school counselors, the data manager, and academic records. We support students and families, maintain communication with staff and the community, and are here to help students succeed.

This site provides updates and resources from counselors and the academic advisor, including mental health support, scholarships, registration, and test prep. Counselors are assigned by last name (A–K: Stacy Macke, L–Z: Melissa Hill). Academic advisor Traci West supports course planning, progress, and post-graduation goals.

Our team also includes mental health clinicians and support specialists who assist with student needs, behavior, crisis support, and connections to community resources.

Discover Life Center 

The Discover Life Center (DLC) connects students with college and career planning resources to support their goals after high school. The DLC houses the Southwestern Community College (SCC) Liaison, who is on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays to advise and register students for Career and College Promise (CCP) courses. CCP is North Carolina’s dual enrollment program for eligible juniors and seniors (2.8 unweighted GPA and meeting testing requirements), allowing students to earn college credit or begin certificate pathways while still in high school.

The DLC also includes Mallory Hoffman with Advise NC through Appalachian State University, who helps students (grades 9–12) explore college, career, and military options. She provides one-on-one support with applications, FAFSA, scholarships, career exploration, and creating a clear plan after graduation, with additional support for seniors completing their Next Steps Plan.

Additionally, the DLC is home to Jessica Webb, GEAR UP Coordinator, who supports students in preparing for college and career success through academic support, college awareness, and readiness activities, helping ensure students are on track for postsecondary opportunities.