Guidance
Mission of the Guidance Office
The Guidance Office will provide a comprehensive developmental school counseling program addressing the academic, career and personal/social development of all students. Mrs. White, as part of the Lexington High School learning community, will facilitate the support system so all students have access to the tools enabling them to become responsible and productive citizens, who can effectively manage future challenges and who can progress confidently into an ever-changing society.
Academic Opportunities at LHS
Course Descriptions (Under Construction) Please stop by again to check out this section.
Heartland Community College ACE- Juniors and seniors at Lexington High School have the opportunity to take classes through Heartland Community College. The course offerings vary by grade and year. The courses that are offered currently include psychology and history. http://www.heartland.edu/
Mrs. White has College Prep Course Information offered at Heartland College
Bloomington Area Career Center (BACC) The mission of the Bloomington Area Career Center is to help educate students to acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to become healthy, happy, and productive adults in their chosen career; become enthusiastic life long learners who are able to manage change; and perpetuate and improve the democratic process which have an impact on their communities, their country and their world.
Sophomores and juniors interested in attending the Bloomington Area Career Center are encouraged to visit the center with their parents. Only students planning on attending a 2 year program (both their junior and senior years) are eligible.
Students can apply for BACC programs through the guidance office. Enrollment in a BACC program will be based on various factors including, but not limited to: the student’s credit status, availability of slots in the program, and flexibility in the student’s schedule. Transportation will be provided by the school district. Students will board the bus after 1st hour and return during the lunch period. http://www.bloomingtonavc.org/
Personal/Social Development
Mrs. White is available to assist with any concerns students or parents may have in regards to students’ personal or social development. All students face challenges, either big or small, throughout their high school experience. Mrs. White would be more than willing to discuss those challenges in order to allow for students to find different solutions to concerns they may face.
Career Information
CareerCruising.com Career Cruising offers a suite of online career guidance and planning tools designed for people of all ages.
Careerpath.com- A subsidiary of Career Builder.com. It is a career resource center that will assist you in making the right career decisions. Assistance is provided with career tests, advice and resources.
Testing
Students in various grades take tests in order to help make academic decisions and plan for post high school opportunities. Below are tests for each grade level with a brief explanation of the purpose for each test.
EXPLORE- This test is given to all freshman, usually late in the fall semester. It is designed to help 9th graders explore a broad range of options for their future. EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post–high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student's future academic and career success.
PLAN- This test is given to all sophomores in the fall semester. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career-training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.
PSAT/NMSQT- This test is given to juniors who are interested in taking it. The test is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
ACT- This test is usually given to juniors; however it can be given to both juniors and seniors. It is America’s most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
PSAE- This is given to all juniors. It is the state achievement test for grade 11 public high school students. It tests three academic subjects: reading, mathematics, and science. That PSAE assesses the progress of both high schools and individual students in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards.
College Information
CollegeZone.com is a website containing a wide variety of college related information for students and parents. This site has been created by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. You can find out answers to many Illinois college related questions. I highly recommend this for college bound students and their parents! You will want to bookmark this. A new addition to this website is IllinoisMentor. This feature offers students and their families an easier way to explore careers, choose a college, apply for admission, and find ways to finance their college education. THIS IS GREAT!!! EVERY COLLEGE BOUND STUDENT AND THEIR PARENTS SHOULD CHECK OUT THIS SITE!!!
Twenty Questions to Ask During a College Visit (Plus Nine Annoying Questions Your Parents Should Ask)
Five Questions To Ask the Admissions Counselor
1. What services are available to help students make a successful transition to college life?
2. Are most freshman classes taught by professors or by graduate students? How many students are likely to be in my first-year and introductory classes?
3. What kind of financial aid do most students receive? What scholarship, work-study, and grant programs am I eligible for?
4. What makes this college different from [a similar or competing college]?
5. Do most of the college’s students get good jobs after graduation? Do many apply to graduate school? Do they have a high acceptance rate?
Five Questions to Ask Your Tour Guide or Other Students
1. What do students do on the weekends? Do most students go home, or are there lots of activities to participate in?
2. Do you feel that your professors really care about you and the other students? Can you get help when you need it?
3. Where else did you look when you were applying to colleges, and what made you choose this one?
4. Is there anything you don’t like about this school? What do you like best?
5. What are the top three issues that concern students here?
Five Questions to Ask a Professor
1. What is a typical workload of homework, papers, and tests in your classes?
2. How accessible are you to students? Are you only available during office hours, or do you interact with students outside of class?
3. What are the main differences I can expect between a high school and a college class?
4. Do students have the opportunity to assist with faculty research? Are students encouraged to pursue their own research?
5. What do you like most about teaching here? Why did you decide to teach at this school?
Five Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Will I fit in with the students I’ve seen and met during my visit?
2. Will the academic programs challenge me and prepare me for a career?
3. Are there clubs, activities, and organizations that interest me?
4. Did I feel welcomed by the staff and students? Can I picture myself living here for four or more years?
Nine Annoying Questions Your Parents Should Ask
1. What is college campus safety like? Can students request escorts to their dorms late at night? Are there emergency call boxes throughout campus? What kind of training do campus security personnel receive?
2. What security measures are in place in the dormitories? How is access to the dorms controlled?
3. Can students have overnight guests? Are there rules about visitation by members of the opposite sex? Are there any single-sex dorms? How about substance-free dorms?
4. What academic and emotional support systems are available to students? Do you have a counseling center? Is there tutoring help available?
5. What medical services are available on campus? Where is the nearest hospital? How are students billed for medical services? Is student health insurance available?
6. Is there much partying on campus? Are there certain activities that are grounds for expulsion? Will I be informed if my child does something illegal?
7. How are roommates chosen? What is the process for handling conflicts or incompatibility between roommates?
8. What is the return rate for second-year students? What are some of the reasons students leave or transfer?
9. What is a typical financial aid package like? Do most students receive financial aid? Can you help us with the financial paperwork? Under what conditions might my child lose financial aid?
State University Websites
Eastern Illinois University-www.eiu.edu
Illinois State University-www.IllinoisState.edu/admissions
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale-www.siu.edu/oar
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign-www.uiuc.edu
Western Illinois University-www.wiu.edu
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Parents of high school juniors are encouraged to check out the new FAFSA4caster, a new Web tool designed to assist high school juniors and their families plan for education beyond high school. Students can receive an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by entering their information into FAFSA4caster, a simplified version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In other words, this will tell you how much money you will have to come up with "out of pocket" for your son or daughter to go to various colleges. Check it out!
Scholarship searches- Here are 2 sites to investigate to find many scholarship opportunities for free: wiredscholar.com and fastweb.com. These sites match students to scholarships which they may be eligible to apply for. You may then download applications. Remember-NEVER pay a scholarship service to find scholarships for you. These sites do the same thing for you for free!
| Scholarship | Description | Criteria | Web Site (Click on Link) | Deadlines |
| Quest | 34 full scholarships | Academic Excellence, Financial Need, Intellectual Curiosity and Dedication | www.questbridge.org | Varies |
| Acorn Equality Fund Scholarship | $500 - $2500 | Senior: Essay, GLBT or allies/children of GLBT parents | www.acornequalityfund.com/scholarships.html | 10/1/2010 |
| Wendy's High School Heisman Award | Up to $10000 for your school | Senior: athletic participation |
www.wendysheisman.com/
click on Student/Parents |
10/3/2010 |
| United States Senate Youth Program | $5000 | Junior or Senior: Class officer, student council | www.isbe.net/sos/htmls/hearst.htm | 10/6/2010 |
| AES Engineers Scholarship | $500 | Senior: Essay | www.aesengineers.com | 10/8/2010 |
| Indiana State University Gongaware Scholarship | $30000 plus laptop and $3000 professional development account | Seniors entering the area of financial services | www.indstate.edu | 12/1/2010 |
| Horatio Alger Association | $1000 - $10000 | critical financial need, co-curricular and community activities; minimum GPA of 2.0 | www.horatioalger.org/ | 10/30/2010 |
| Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation | 50 - $20000 scholarships, plus others | Leadership, Community, Academics, Employment | www.coca-colascholars.org/ | 10/31/2010 |
| Prudential Spirit of Community Awards | Certificate of recognition, State/National Honorees $1,000 - $5,000 | Community service activity or leadership during the previous year, submitted by a school principal or the head of an officially designated organization | www.prudential.com/ | 11/2/2010 |
| First Freedom Student Competition | $750 - $3000 | 9th - 12th grade, essay on religious freedom | firstfreedomcenter.org | 11/15-27/2010 |
| Golden Apple | $2500 per year for 4 years plus $2000 each summer for attending program | 2010 High School Graduate interested in a teaching career |
or see Guidance |
11/1/2010 |
| Illinois Conservation Foundation Youth Achievement Scholarship | $1000 | Junior or Senior with dedication to local efforts at enhancing natural habitats | http://dnr.state.il.us | 12/1/2010 |
| Michigan Tech Air Force ROTC | Tuition, books, stipend (first 12 also receive housing) at Michigan Tech | Senior | www.afrotc.com | 12/1/2010 |
| IEA/NEA Scholarship | One-year, One-time award | Children of educators going into education, Economic need, Academic achievement, Extra-curricular activities, Essay | www.ieanea.org | 12/3/2010 |
| AXA Achievement Scholarship | $1000 - $25000 | Senior: outstanding achievement in non-academic activity or project | www.axa-achievement.com | 12/15/2009 |
| Parkland Trustees Scholarship | Full Tuition for 2 years | Senior: top 10 % of class planning to attend Parkland College | Guidance Office | Semester 1 |
| EIEC Thomas H Moore Memorial Scholarships | $1250 | Senior: son or daughter of Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative member, employee, or director | www.eiec.coop | 1/1/2010 |
| Freedom of Speech Poster Contest | Up to $1000 |
Grade
9-12: Create a poster portraying "Freedom of Speech" |
illinoisfirstamendmentcenter.com | 1/3/2010 |
| Christopher Columbus Essay Contest | Up to $1200 in addition to paid lodging and transportation to Washington D.C. for the winner and one parent/guardian | 9th - 12th grade, essay 800-1200 words | Page 1 | To Guidance Office by 1/8/2010 |
| John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay | $500 - $3000 | Write an original essay of no more than 1,000 words on one of the topics found on the Web site provided | www.jfklibrary.org | 1/9/2010 |
| WWII Illinois Veterans Scholarship | $2000 | Senior: direct descendant of a WWII Illinois Veteran, 4.0 GPA or valedictorian/salutatorian | Application must be submitted to the Guidance Office by Thursday, Jan 28 | 1/28/2010 |
| ACT National High School Poster Contest | Up to $5000 | Junior or Senior: Create a poster | actstudent.org/postercontest/ | 1/30/2010 |
| Beta Sigma Psi Lutheran Scholarship | $1000 | Senior: Planning to attend the University of Illinois, Lutheran, academics, activities, pastor recommendation, essay | For information: bsp_scholarship@yahoo.com | 2/1/2010 |
| Illinois American Legion Scholarships | Varies |
American Essay Contest
Boy Scouts Eagle Scouts Oratorical Scholarship Poster Contest Other |
illegion.org/scholarship | Varies |
| CBAI Community Banking Scholarship | $1000 for up to 4 years | Essay | Community Bankers Association of Illinois | To Bank of Gibson City by noon 2/8/2010 |
| KFC Colonel's Scholars | Up to $5000 per year for four years | Senior: financial need | www.kfcscholars.org | 12/1/2009-2/10/2010 |
| World Class Mediacom Scholarship | $1000 | Senior: essay on leadership | mediacomworldclass.com | 2/10/2010 |
| Farmers-Merchants National Bank | $2000 annually for 4 years | 3.0 GPA, leadership, essay | Application | 2/11/2010 |
| State Farm IT Student Intern Program | Summer paid position | Varies | Contact John Schirpke at john.schirpke.lf6t@statefarm.com | Varies |
| Michelle's M2 Prom and Special Occasions Scholarship Giveaway | $500 | Senior Female: Register for drawing between 1/2 and 5/1 | www.michellesbridalshoppe.com | Register at Michelle's before 2/13/2010 |
| Best Buy Scholarship | $1000 | Senior: GPA, volunteer community or work experience | Application | 2/15/2010 |
| Illinois PTA Lillian E. Glover Scholarship | Up to $2500 | Senior: education-related field, top 33% of class, student statement, scholastics, leadership, activities | illinoispta.org | 2/15/2010 |
| Illinois Future Teachers Corp Tuition Waiver Program | Up to $10000 |
Regular Education
Special Education
|
collegezone.com | 3/1/2010 |
| University of Illinois Children of Veterans Tuition Waiver | Tuition waiver for 4 years | Child/step-child or ward of Illinois veteran of US conflicts | Application | 3/1/2010 |
| Legion Auxiliary Children and Youth Scholarships | Varies |
Children and Youth
Veteran Child or Grandchild Business/Trade School Other |
Sheehe Scholarship 1 2 3 4 | Varies |
| National Defense Transportation Association Awards | Up to $4000 | Senior: Priority given to students enrolling in business, transportation logistics, or physical distribution | Application | 3/1/2010 |
| Enrique S Camarena Drug Abuse Education Scholarship | $1000 | Outstanding personal and educational lifestyles | camarenafoundation.org | 3/1/2010 |
| Illinois AMVETS Scholarships | Up to $1000 | Senior: Areas include nursing, trade school, service or ROTC. | ilamvets.org | 3/1/2010 |
| Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program | Up to $5000 | Minority students planning on teaching in Illinois | collegezone.com | 3/1/2010 |
| Illinois Odd Fellow-Rebekah Scholarship | Up to $1500 | Senior: 150 word essay, C average | www.ioof-il.org | 3/1/2010 |
| Illinois Special Education Tuition Waiver Program | Full tuition waiver | Plan to becoming a special education teacher in Illinois | collegezone.com | 3/1/2010 |
| Illinois Laborers and Contractors Apprenticeship | Employment Benefits | Varies | www.illaborers.org |
Applications available
beginning
3/10/2010 |
| Kohl's Kids Who Care Recognition Program | Varies | Ages 6 - 18, Community service | www.kohlskids.com | 3/15/2010 |
| Illinois Sons of Confederate Veterans | $1000 | Senior: descendant of confederate serviceman | Information | 3/15/2010 |
| Junior Duck Stamp | Varies | Art & conservation message contest | www.fws.gov/duckstamps | 3/15/2010 |
| Ayn Rand Anthem Essay | Up to $2000 | 8th - 10th grade: essay 600-1200 words | www.aynrandnovels.com | 3/20/2010 |
| Charles W Christie RAPP Foundation Health Care Scholarship | $500 per year | Plan to study in an approved health care curriculum | Application Form | 3/31/2010 |
| Janie M Wilken Memorial 4-H/FFA Scholarship | $750 | Senior: active member of a Ford-Iroquois 4H Club and/or member of a Section 10 FFA Chapter | Criteria | 4/1/2010 |
| Minority High School Scholars Actuarial Academy | Seminar tuition and $175 stipend | Sophomores and Junior are the target audience | katie.cob.ilstu.edu | 4/1/2010 |
| Dr Wilbur W Sauer History Scholarship | Varies | Senior: one-page essay, 2 years of history courses by deadline | Page 1 | 4/1/2010 |
| AASR Scholarships | Varies | Varies | www.aasrbloomington.org | Varies |
| Midwest Equipment Foundation Scholarship | $750 | Seniors: planning to attend a community college in retail agricultural equipment | Application | 4/1/2010 |
| Carle Foundation Hospital Auxiliary Awards | $1000 | Senior: Approved health care student | www.carle.org | 4/1/2010 |
| CAIR Athletic Injury | $1000 | Senior: Athletic training, nursing, pre-med, PT, sports psychology, others | www.carle.org | 4/1/2010 |
| Ameren Illinois Minority Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Minority Senior: 2.667 GPA, engineering major | www.ameren.com | 4/9/2010 |
| Illinois Sheriffs' Association Scholarshhip | $500 | Senior: essay | ilsheriff.org | 4/12/2010 |
| U of I Employees Credit Union Scholarships | Up to $1000 | Senior: UIECU family member, 3.0 GPA, essay | www.uiecu.org | 4/15/2010 |
| University of Illinois Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship | Varies | Senior Male: planning on attending UIUC, scholarship, leadership, athletics | www.illinoissigeps.com | 4/23/2010 |
| Ayn Rand The Fountainhead Essay | Up to $10000 | 11th - 12th grade: essay 800-1600 words | www.aynrandnovels.com | 4/26/2010 |
| Parkland Academic Opportunity Scholarship | Full tuition and fees for 2 years | Senior: 3.0 GPA, from under represented group or major | Page 1 | 5/1/2010 |
| Michelle's M2 Prom and Special Occasions Scholarship Giveaway | $500 | Senior Female: Register for drawing between 1/2 and 5/1 | www.michellesbridalshoppe.com | Register at Michelle's before 5/1/2010 |
| McLean County Pork Producers | Varies | Senior: Raised/shown hogs for 5 years, Active member of McLean County Pork Producers | Information | 5/7/2010 |
| University of Illinois Omicron Alumni Association | Up to $1750 | Senior Male: planning on attending UIUC, moral, intellectual and social excellence | www.illinipsiu.com | 9/20/2010 |
NCAA/NAIA College Bound Student Athletes
You can find NCAA eligibility information or NAIA eligibility information for those students planning on being involved in athletics during college. If you are interested in being involved in athletics in college please be sure to check this out.