Summers County High School to celebrate college bound students during ‘College Decision Day’

HINTON, W.Va. – Summers County High School (SCHS) will recognize seniors who plan to enroll in some form of education or training beyond high school during the school’s first “College Decision Day” event to be held May 19.

“College Decision Day is inspired by sports events, such as the NCAA national signing day and the NFL draft,” Kari Vicars, vice principal at SCHS said. “We want to make sure we showcase the academic excellence of our students with the same enthusiasm and pride as we devote to sports.”

College Decision Day is coordinated through West Virginia’s “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR UP) effort, a federally funded grant program to help students prepare to enroll and succeed in college.

During the event, SCHS staff, students, and families will join college representatives to recognize each senior who plans to pursue some form of postsecondary education, including certificate programs, two-year degree programs, and four-year degree programs. Additionally, counselors will provide students and families with information to help them prepare for college during the summer.

Judy Kee Smith, a representative from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s (Commission’s) office of financial aid, will offer free consultations with families to discuss their options for paying for college and help them understand financial aid paperwork, such as college aid award packages.

“This time of year, many students are receiving information about the types and amount of financial aid they might receive,” Kee Smith said. “Students will need to start making final decisions about how to pay for college very soon, and it can be helpful to talk to someone about that process and about the various options.”
The College Decision Day ceremony will be held in the SCHS library from 4 to 6 p.m. Students’ family members are welcome and encouraged to attend. College and university representatives, along with GEAR UP staff members, will assist in recognizing each college-going student. The school will host the annual senior scholarship award ceremony immediately after, from 6 to 7 p.m.

The West Virginia GEAR UP program is an initiative of the Commission. The program offers college- and career readiness services and resources to students and families in 14 high schools. SCHS has been part of the GEAR UP program since 2008.

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