J.C. Draughn High School

10/12/2026

What if your next career is in a school?

When you think about working in education, you probably think of only teachers. But schools need teachers plus all kinds of other workers to help students learn, grow and succeed.

Join us for the Education Career Expo on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Patton High School and discover what a career in education could look like for you or your student.

Middle and high school students: Get a look at career paths that could start now and continue through college.

College students: Learn about pathways into teaching and other careers in schools.

Adults: Explore meaningful career opportunities, including current job openings, whether you’re considering a career change or looking for a way to make a difference in your community.

You’ll hear from leaders in education, learn about different pathways into the field and have the chance to talk one-on-one with people who can help you figure out where you might fit.

🍔 Free cheeseburger meal starts at 4:30 p.m.

🎤 Keynote speaker: Charles Williams, principal of Draughn High School, at 5:30 p.m.

Then, explore information booths featuring specific education career opportunities, programs and current job openings.

📅 Thursday, Oct. 29
📍 Patton High School
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
📝 RSVP by Oct. 13: https://bit.ly/3ToetKP

Have questions? Call 828-439-4323.

Come curious. You might leave with a whole new idea about what your future could look like.

10/12/2026

Draughn is the host school for the Western Piedmont Athletic Conference! See below for information regarding tickets.

10/09/2026

Sharing for our friends at Burke County Rec:
2026–27 Burke County Youth Basketball Signups

Signup contacts:

Salem: Kristen Carter, 828-430-1285.
Salem: Ashley Jones, 828-695-3579.
Mull: Cody Reid, 828-493-5193.
Mull: Josh Carswell, 828-244-8032.
Oak Hill: Brian Mize, 828-455-6629.
W.A. Young: Forest Duckworth, 828-292-3651.
Glen Alpine: Duran Clark, 828-855-7702.
Glen Alpine: Sandy Clark, 828-855-7715.
Drexel: Lisa Butler, 828-430-1051.
Mountain View: Chelsea Beam, 828-409-1932.
Forest Hill: Nikki Costello, 828-502-9235.
Ray Childers: Mark Stilwell, 828-514-0072.
Ray Childers: Ashley Bryant, 901-530-7526.
George Hildebrand: Rose Cook, 828-244-3511.
George Hildebrand: Josh Watts, 828-764-7501.
Hillcrest: Marquiese Sudduth, 828-334-0758.
East Burke: Eric Eckard, 828-723-0770.
East Burke: Melissa Barnes, 828-723-0770.
Valdese: Jonathan Carter, 828-874-6736.

Key dates:

Friday, November 6 through Monday, November 9: Dick’s Sporting Goods Discount Weekend.
Monday, November 16: Practice can start.
Saturday, December 5: Regular season opener.
Friday, December 11: Last day to add players.
Coaches meeting: Date and time to be determined.

Eligibility and contact information:

Players must live in Burke County or attend school in Burke County. Contact the signup coordinators for registration as soon as possible. For other questions, text or call Wesley at Burke County Parks and Recreation at 828-796-4806.

Age groups:

Ages 5–6: Must turn 5 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 7 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 7–8: Must turn 7 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 9 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 9–10: Must turn 9 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 11 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 11–12: Must turn 11 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 13 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 13–15: Must turn 13 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 16 before August 31, 2026.

10/08/2026

Wildcat Families – Important Reminder!

The deadline to complete the Annual Online Registration (OLR)/Student Update has been extended to November 4th!

All families are asked to complete this important annual update to ensure:

✅ Emergency contact information is accurate and up to date.

✅ Technology Responsible Use Policy is acknowledged.

✅ Media Release permissions are updated.

✅ Annual FERPA notification is acknowledged.

How do I complete the update?

Parents must have a Parent Portal account to complete the Annual Student Update. Parent Portal is also a great way to stay connected to your student's grades and attendance!

📲 Need help accessing Parent Portal or completing the update? Follow the instructions here:

https://www.burke.k12.nc.us/parents/enrollment/parent-portal-self-service

📅 Deadline: November 4, 2026

If you haven't completed your student's update for the 2026–2027 school year, please take a few minutes to do so!

Thank you for helping us keep our student information current and accurate!

10/08/2026

Congratulations to our students, staff, and entire Wildcat community!

Draughn High School is proud to celebrate meeting academic growth, earning a B School Performance Grade, and achieving a 93% graduation rate!

These accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students and staff, along with the continued support of our families and community.

Proud to be a Wildcat! 🐾🖤💛

09/27/2026

🏈🐾 HOCO 2026! 🖤💛

What an incredible Homecoming Week at Jimmy C. Draughn High School! From our Homecoming Dance and parade to Spirit Week, an amazing pep rally, and Friday night under the lights, HOCO 2026 was truly a community celebration!

A special congratulations to Miss Ava Kurtz, our 2026 Maid of Honor, and Miss Kiley Corpening, our 2026 Homecoming Queen!

We are also incredibly proud of every member of our Homecoming Court for representing Draughn with such pride throughout the week.

One of the best parts of Homecoming is seeing our students, families, alumni, feeder schools, staff, and community come together to celebrate the traditions and spirit of Jimmy C. Draughn High School.

Thank you to everyone who helped make HOCO 2026 such a memorable week. There is nothing quite like seeing our entire Wildcat community come together!

09/27/2026

Congrats to our Wildcat Marching Band!

09/25/2026

Check out our digital HOCO 2026 Football program for this evenings game!

2026 Homecoming Booklet (5.5 8.5 : simplebooklet.com

09/25/2026

Celebrate the Wildcats this evening at HOCO 2026!