Clarke Central High School counselors aid the senior class in making post-graduation plans through a three-tiered system. As the tiers progress, information about senior planning is narrowed down to the specific path of each senior. “Every senior is going to have at least one meeting with their counselor to talk about their exit plan and what they’re doing,” CCHS counselor Sam Hicks said. “At that meeting, we make individual plans for that person.” Graphic by Kiki Griffin.
By KIKI GRIFFIN – Broadcast Staffer
The counseling department helps the senior class make post-graduation plans.
CCHS counselors are conducting senior meetings until Thanksgiving break. The meetings consist of three tiers, each designed to help seniors find their path after graduation. The first tier consists of a senior assembly where students are presented with a broad spectrum of opportunities beyond high school.
CCHS counselor Sam Hicks says these opportunities are unfamiliar to some students.
“When students are moving grade level to grade level they’re used to that (transition) process, but students leaving after senior year have some major new steps that they need to take and they don’t know how to do that,” Hicks said.
In the second tier, counselors visit senior English classes and give a more descriptive presentation about college opportunities. This tier allows an open forum for further discussion and questions.
“We like that more intimate setting with 30 or so kids because then they can hear the information,” Hicks said. “They also feed off each others’ questions, so as they ask questions, they’re learning from one another.”
Lastly, counselors conduct individual senior meetings, which can be scheduled by students. Parents are encouraged to attend because specific details are covered, such as financial aid and referrals.
Senior Sofia Lopez is planning on majoring in molecular biology and found the counseling process helpful.
“The (counselors) have helped. One of them scheduled me to meet with a representative from the University of Georgia and I got a lot of information from it,” Lopez said.
