High School Counselor

Stephanie Merickel

Upcoming Events

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.

Ninja Skills Challenge

Thursday December 12

All Houston 8th graders will participate in this annual event held by the Shelby County Workforce Partnership.  Students will have a friendly competition around activities in the skilled/construction trades.  The top 3 boys and the top 3 girls will move on to the county-wide championship (date TBA).

Required College Credit Plus Meeting

Thursday February 13

6:00 PM-new CCP students; 6:45 PM-returning CCP students

All incoming 9th-12th grade students interested in earning college credits while in high school must attend this meeting.  This is the first and most important step in this process.

ACT Test for Juniors

Tuesday February 25 @ 8:00 AM

Juniors will take the ACT on this date at HHS.  This includes students who may not normally be in the Houston building (UVCC, Edison, Opportunity School).   The 2025 test is optional.  

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. 

Pioneer Electric Trade/Technical Scholarships

Deadline December 20, 2024

This is a new scholarship that is specifically for students entering a trade or technical school or program.  Please find more information and the application on their website.

Wright State Lake Campus Scholarship Application

Deadline February 1, 2025

Please see flyer for QR code to access the scholarship application.

Midmark Scholarship

Deadline February 7, 2025

This scholarship is for a student entering the fields of either Engineering or IT.  Please find the application here.

Shelby County Community Foundation

Application opens on December 12.

Regular Deadline February 13, 2025

Skills Deadline March 13, 2025

Their website offers a number of scholarships by filling out one online application.  There are multiple scholarships available for Houston students only.

Ohio State University Alumni Scholarships

Deadline February 15, 2025

Utilize ScholarshipUniverse to apply.

Edison State Community College Scholarship Application

Deadline March 1, 2025

Complete this one application to be considered for 40+ scholarships that Edison offers.

Masonic Scholarship

Deadline March 1, 2025

Application 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.

Houston Community Association Scholarship

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

Ohio Means Jobs Website

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

ACT site

SAT site