High School Counselor
Upcoming Events
College Credit Plus
A student and parent should have attended the February 13th required meeting to become eligible for CCP courses for the 25-26 school year. Contact Mrs. Merickel ASAP if you did not attend the meeting.
Presentation for New CCP Students
Presentation for Returning CCP Students
–
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 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.
Nidec Minster Scholarship for Electrical Engineering
Deadline March 21, 2025
This application is open to a Senior planning to pursue Electrical Engineering at a 4-year college. Please see details on the flyer.
–
Wilson Health Auxiliary Scholarships
Deadline March 28, 2025
Open to Shelby County seniors pursuing college in a medical field. There are 8 scholarships being awarded this year. Application available here.
–
Shelby County Coin Club Scholarship
Deadline March 28, 2025
Open to any graduating senior. Information available here.
–
Barnes Trust Student Loan
Deadline March 31, 2025
This is a loan, not a scholarship, but it has a low interest rate and provides a locally-run alternative or supplement to the loans students can get from the federal government. Application is available for download here, or you can pick up a hard copy from Mrs. Merickel. Find more information about the Barnes Trust on their website.
–
WCOMP Scholarship
Deadline March 31, 2025
These scholarships are awarded to students planning to pursue continuing education in the following fields: manufacturing, electronics, engineering, maintenance, robotics, or automation. Please find the application here.
–
Win on the Wabash Scholarships
Deadline March 31, 2025
Twenty scholarships will be given to area grads who excel in the area of community service. Information and links to the application form are available here.
–
Shelby County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Deadline March 31, 2025
Seniors who have a parent who is a member of the Shelby County Farm Bureau may apply. Information and application available here.
–
Shelby County Workforce Partnership Career Launch Scholarships
Deadline April 1, 2025
Students going into specific in-demand career areas should apply (see list on the application). Application link here. Also, here is the link to the promotional flyer.
–
Fraternal Order of Police Scholarship
Deadline April 1, 2025
This scholarship is open to any Shelby County Senior. Application available here.
–
Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship
Deadline April 1, 2025
This scholarship is for graduating seniors who are going into the field of Education. Application available here.
–
Press Pros Athletic Scholarships
Deadline April 15, 2025
Press Pros Magazine is offering two different scholarships. One is geared toward a top-tier Senior athlete. The other is for an athlete going into Nursing as a major. If you are applying for the Nursing scholarship, be sure to write “Nursing” on the application under Intended Major. Find the application here.
–
Houston Community Association Scholarship
Deadline May 7, 2025
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 included in the Houston Scholarship Packet (available above), and is also 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