High School Counselor
Upcoming Events
Career Exploration Academy
Thursday September 26
This event is held annually by the Shelby County Workforce Partnership. Schools from the entire county attend, providing an opportunity for students to see a variety of employment and career opportunities in our community. Houston Sophomores will attend.
–
College Rep Visits
Nearby colleges send admissions representatives out to high schools to recruit and share information about their institutions. To attend a college rep presentation, please click on the link and fill out the appropriate Google Form.
Monday September 30, 1:00 PM: Wright State University
Thursday October 3, 9:30 AM: Defiance College
Thursday October 3, 10:15 AM: Bluffton University
Monday October 28, 9:15 AM: University of Cincinnati
–
College Application Day
Wednesday October 9
Seniors will have extended time in the computer lab to make progress in their college application/acceptance/financial aid process.
–
Fall Campus Visit
Wednesday October 30
This year’s college tour takes us to Wright State University! Juniors and Seniors may attend, though spaces are limited. You must bring your own lunch or money ($15) for lunch.
–
Explore Careers Day
Wednesday December 4
Sophomores will select two career programs to visit at the Upper Valley Career Center. This day is to help students decide if the UVCC is a good fit for them and what program to pursue.
–
UVCC Open House
Thursday December 5 6:00-7:30 PM
Students and parents come to tour the UVCC. This is the first opportunity Sophomores will have to apply for their chosen program.
–
Saturday ACT Testing
The ACT is being offered to any high school student who would like to take/re-take the test. Ensure you are meeting your college’s deadline to submit scores. Register online at act.org. If you need a fee waiver for the ACT, you can get one by stopping by the office.
Each year in February or March the ACT is offered free of charge to all Houston Juniors. More details are available annually for those students as the date approaches.
ACT Prep Workshops
A pair of Ft. Loramie teachers who have been offering this class for many years. They have workshops available at various times throughout the year. Consult their website here for more information.
Graduation Requirements
Please find graduation requirements here.
The classes of 2023 and on will utilize the Graduation Audit and Career Planning Sheet to track all graduation requirements. Part of that is earning two graduation seals. Electronic versions of each document are below.
Graduation Audit and Career Planning Sheet
Houston High School Graduation Seals
You can find more information on at the Ohio Department of Education’s website on Grad Requirements here.
Scholarships Available Now
Local scholarship applications, of which the office is made aware, are posted here. Students are encouraged to check this information periodically through the Winter and Spring months to find updates and new applications.
–
Houston Community Association Scholarship
The deadline for 2024 has passed.
Starting with the Class of 2025, to be eligible, students must have worked a minimum of one 4-hour shift during the Shelby County Fair at the HCA’s food booth.
Other opportunities to volunteer include the Lake Loramie Fall Festival and the HCA’s Pizza Nights. The 2025 application will be part of the Houston Scholarship Packet, so please look for the application in January 2025.
College and Occupation Search
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing is typically one of the most important things a student can do to help them decide what path to pursue after high school.
9th through 12th grade students at Houston High School are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and shadow someone who works in a job or profession of interest. Any student who wishes to take part in a Job Shadow experience may do so by talking with Mrs. Merickel. There is a brief application form, but the process is easy and fun!
Current Employment Opportunities
Hometown Opportunity website – local job postings and resources
Honda – Anna Engine Plant is hiring. They hire through Kelly Services. Must be 18. See flyer.
Bachelor’s Degree Seekers (4 years):
Detailed information on Ohio’s Public Colleges and Universities
List of Ohio’s Private Colleges and Universities
***Click on “Ohio’s Private Colleges,” then click on “View Ohio’s Private Colleges.” This will allow you to look at a great fact sheet on any chosen college, as well as take you directly to the school’s website.
Nearby Branch colleges:
The Ohio State University, Lima Campus
Wright State University, Lake Campus Celina
Certificate/Associate’s Degree (2 years or less):
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs at Edison Community College, Piqua
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs at Rhodes State College, Lima
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs at the University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs at Sinclair Community College, Dayton
Certificate Programs in the Adult Division of the UVCC
ACT/SAT links