The New York Tri-State Chapter of the Bishops’ High School (BHS) Alumni Association is set to host its fourth annual Student Conference at the school’s Carmichael Street campus from October 13 to 17, 2025. Titled “Navigating Your Future – Beyond High School,” the four-day event aims to equip students with insights into higher education, career pathways, and vocational opportunities.
Chapter President Sharon Thomas highlighted the expanded scope of this year’s conference, noting the introduction of mentoring sessions for senior students and an emphasis on emerging technology and employable skills. “We wanted to not only spark students’ curiosity in areas like AI, innovation, and professional development, but also create spaces for meaningful conversations that inspire and empower them to shape their future,” Thomas said.
The conference will feature a hybrid approach with a virtual component, enabling participation from presenters unable to travel to Georgetown. Students will also engage in a Career Fair and four sports clinics. This year, students from Christ Church Secondary School, a sister school, are invited to join the Career Fair, offering wider exposure to career possibilities. Thomas explained, “Organizations will showcase their businesses, engage with students, and show the students what career opportunities might be available to them as they leave high school.”
Headmistress Ms. Shandrina Welcome-Lee expressed optimism that the conference would provide a meaningful platform for students and teachers to learn from alumni and former educators. “Through these enriching interactions, may they be inspired to cultivate their own talents and potential, and, in turn, become beacons of inspiration themselves. In this way, the proud and enduring legacy of The Bishops’ High School will continue to flourish, passed from generation to generation,” she said.
The programme will kick off on Tuesday, October 14, with a Welcome Assembly and student registration. Day one will feature virtual sessions in the morning and the Career Fair in the afternoon. General sessions on Wednesday and Thursday will include over 60 presenters offering workshops and presentations across a wide array of fields, including Career Development and Employment Skills, STEM, Sports and Athletics, Business, Arts and Humanities, Personal Development and Life Skills, and Health and Medicine.
Co-Chairs of the Conference Planning Committee, Jo-Ann Davis-Valz and Janis Davis-Street, emphasized the opportunity for students to interact directly with presenters and benefit from new mentoring sessions. “We hope that the Conference will open the students’ eyes to the broad spectrum of opportunities available to them, and that they take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the presenters,” Davis-Valz said.
The conference will conclude with teambuilding activities to reinforce communication and soft skills, alongside speed mentoring sessions for senior students to gain insights into specific career paths.
