High School Counselor
Counseling Office Summer Hours
If you have business that needs addressed over the summer, please email me to arrange a good time to meet.
smerickel@hardinhouston.org
Friday May 15 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday May 18-Wednesday May 20 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday May 26 and Wednesday May 27 8:00 – 11:00 AM
Thursday May 28 and Friday May 29 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday June 10 and Monday June 29 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Monday July 20-Friday July 24 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Monday-Friday August 3-7 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday-Wednesday August 10-12 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday August 13 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Fee Pay Day)
Friday August 14 8:00 AM -11:00 AM
Upcoming Events
College Credit Plus
All current 8th through 11th grade students hoping to take courses for college credit next school year must consult with Mrs. Merickel to begin the process, deadline April 1.
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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.
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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.
Houston Community Association Scholarship
Deadline for 2027 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