High School Counselor
Upcoming Events
Annual Mandatory College Credit Plus Meeting
If you missed the required CCP Meeting, please stop by Mrs. Merickel’s office to discuss your options and obtain the required documents.
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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.
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Shelby County Community Foundation Scholarships
Deadline for the Senior Scholarships and the Skills Scholarship are all March 14, 2024
The Community Foundation has an online application portal that allows the student to apply for multiple local scholarships with one application. Here is the link to their website.
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Shelby County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Deadline March 15, 2024
Open to any student who is a Farm Bureau member, or is the child of a Farm Bureau member. Find application information here.
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Shelby County Coin Club
Deadline March 29, 2024
Any Senior may apply for this scholarship.
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Barnes Trust Student Loan
Deadline March 31, 2024
This is a locally-run college loan opportunity for all Shelby County grads (all Houston students are able to apply). If you think you might need to borrow some money to help pay for college, this should be your first choice. Their website has information and the application.
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Women in Defense STEM Scholarship
Deadline March 31, 2024
Scholarships for women interested in a STEM field and have aspirations to work in the Defense Industry. Application is available here.
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Workforce Partnership Scholarships
Deadline April 1, 2024
Multiple scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing technical studies or a bachelors degree in areas that align with the Workforce Partnership’s businesses (see application for list).
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US Army Woodfill Chapter Scholarships
Deadline April 1, 2024
For students whose parents are active US Army or honorably discharged veterans. Find the application here.
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Access Engineering Scholarship
Deadline April 1, 2024
This scholarship is specific to a student planning to study Civil Engineering or Surveying. Find the informational flyer here and the application here.
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Nidec Electrical Engineering Scholarship
Deadline April 5, 2024
Pursuing Electrical Engineering in college? This scholarship is for you. See the informational flyer to apply.
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Wilson Health Auxiliary Scholarship
Deadline April 5, 2024
Open to students pursuing college in any medical field. Application available on their website.
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Lantz and Schauer Scholarships
Deadline April 5, 2024
Both of these scholarships are administered by the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA. Please see their website for further details.
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Mote & Associates Scholarship
Deadline April 5, 2024
Scholarships available to students pursuing a degree in engineering, surveying, or a related field. Apply via their website.
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West Central Ohio Manufacturing Scholarships
Deadline April 15, 2024
Must be pursuing a certificate, Associates, or Bachelors degree in an area linked to manufacturing. This includes a wide variety of STEM studies, engineering, welding, CNC machining, etc. Application information available here.
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Callie’s Giving Heart Foundation
Due May 1, 2024
This non-profit awards two $1,000 scholarships for students planning to go into the medical field. More information and application available here.
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
Ohio Means Jobs Website
Hometown Opportunity website – local job postings and resources
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