High School Counselor
Upcoming Events
Course Requests
All current 8-11th grade students will complete course requests the week of March 2nd.
–
Required College Credit Plus Meeting
Thursday February 12
New CCP Students: 6:30 PM
Returning CCP Students: 7:00 PM
All current 8th through 11th grade students hoping to take courses for college credit next school year must attend, along with a parent. We will meet in the Commons.
–
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.
–
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 Graduation Audit and Career Planning Sheet will be used 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.
–
Shelby County Community Foundation Scholarships
March 12 deadline for Skills Scholarships.
One online application for a variety of scholarships. Start here.
–
Rotary Club of Sidney Scholarships
Deadline March 3, 2026
Print and fill out a hard copy here, or get one from Mrs. Merickel.
–
Shelby County Beef and Dairy Association Scholarship
Deadline March 6, 2026
Open to any Senior or grad of a Shelby County high school. Preference given to children of members. Find application here.
–
Clarence and Grace Knouff Scholarships
Deadline March 6, 2026
The Clarence Knouff is open to seniors ranked 3rd or lower and attending any college. The Grace Knouff is open to seniors ranked 3rd or lower and attending Edison State after graduation. Applications are on the Troy Foundation’s website, here.
–
Sidney-Shelby County YMCA Scholarships
Deadline March 12, 2026
Two separate scholarships are available, via the same website:
Lee E Schauer Memorial Scholarship and Jim Lantz Memorial Scholarship
–
Bruns Construction Scholarship
Deadline March 14, 2026
For students continuing their education in Construction or Construction Management. Find the flyer with instructions and QR code here.
–
ACME Baseball Scholarship
Deadline March 15, 2026
Must have played a minimum of one year of Varsity ACME. Application available on their website here.
–
Women in Defense STEM Scholarship
Deadline March 15, 2026
Open to women and men planning to work in the defense field (military, government, or civilian). Application link here.
–
Sidney American Legion Scholarships
Deadline March 16, 2026
Houston is one of the schools that is qualified to have students apply for these scholarships, no Legion membership needed. Application must be emailed.
–
Wilson Health Auxiliary Scholarships
Deadline March 20, 2026
Ten scholarships are awarded to students planning to study in the healthcare field. Online application available here.
–
West Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership STEM Scholarship
Deadline 5:00 PM March 31, 2026
Open to students planning to attend a tech school or community college in fields directly related to manufacturing (engineering, robotics, maintenance, electrical, or manufacturing trades). Application
–
Hathaway Agricultural Scholarship
Deadline March 31, 2026
Open to current Shelby County Ag students planning to study Ag in college. Application
–
Barnes Trust Student Loan
Deadline March 31, 2026
This private Shelby County college loan program is a true rarity in its unmatched local one-on-one support and low interest rate. Print, fill, out, and sign the application. You can also get a hard copy from Mrs. Merickel’s office. Each applicant will later interview and will need a completed Budget Worksheet.
–
Shelby County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Deadline March 31, 2026
Members or children of members may apply using this application.
–
Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority Scholarship
Deadline April 1, 2026
Open to Seniors majoring in Education. Application available here.
–
Motes & Assoc. Engineering Scholarship
Deadline April 3, 2026
Local scholarship for students pursuing engineering, surveying, architecture, or a related field. Please see the overview sheet here. Application available here.
–
Workforce Partnership Career Launch Scholarships
Application opens March 5 – Deadline April 5, 2026
Open to students planning to complete a certificate program, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in WP-affiliated fields (see application for list).
–
FOP Scholarship
Deadline April 7, 2026
Any Shelby County Senior may submit this application.
–
Gagermeier Nursing Scholarship
Deadline April 7, 2026
Open to any Seniors majoring in Nursing. Application available here.
–
Workforce Partnership CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Training Scholarship
Deadline ASAP or April 8, 2026
There is limited funding for this opportunity, which would be a good fit for anyone planning to pursue a career in the medical field. Find more information about the CNA Program here. Apply for the scholarship here.
–
Ohio Counties 2026 Scholarship
Deadline May 1, 2026
Seniors with a variety of planned college majors are eligible for this scholarship. See the list on the application.
–
Houston Community Association Scholarship
Deadline for 2026 TBA
You must have volunteer hours with HCA to qualify. These opportunities include the Houston Food Booth at the Shelby County Fair, Lake Loramie Fall Festival, and the HCA’s Pizza Nights and other dinners.
This application is on the HCA’s website.
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