Susan Burkhart, New Century Scholars high school coordinator for Swain County, signs William Houston's (right) ticket admitting him to the NCS College Advantage Conference Thursday, Oct. 12, at Southwestern Community College's Jackson campus. Houston, an 11th grader at Smoky Mountain High School, said the conference helped him focus on narrowing down his options and choices for college. "I learned I need to send out several college applications in case I don't get accepted at my first choice," Houston said as SMHS student Jordan Chapman, seated, looks on. SCC sponsored the conference for 10-12 graders in Swain, Macon and Jackson counties.

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