District 228 Celebrates College Application Month

October is National College Application Month and District 228 schools have created a variety of activities and opportunities to help guide its students through the college decision and application process. Choosing and applying to colleges can often be a daunting and intimidating task for students, but District 228 staff believes their initiatives are helping students in creative and even fun ways.

At Hillcrest High School, students kicked off the month with a mascot hunt. College and Career Counselor Robin Vela hid 20 college mascots around the building for students to find. Once students found a mascot, they would bring it Vela and identify the school it belonged to. If guessed correctly, the student would pick a prize.

Additionally, Vela has launched Teacher Trivia at the school. Over the morning announcements Vela asks a college trivia question about one of Hillcrest’s educators. For example, which college in Saint Louis did Mrs. Murphy attend? Is it St. Louis Christian College, St. Louis University, Webster University, or University of Missouri? Any student that answers the question correctly will then be put in a raffle to be chosen for a prize.

“It’s my hope that these programs will bring awareness to different colleges and universities while creating dialogue through the building,” says Vela.

At Oak Forest High School and Bremen High School, students and staff are participating in “College Wear Wednesdays” where all students and staff wear their favorite college gear every Wednesday.

Tinley Park High School is encouraging its student to complete college applications by rewarding students with college “swag” when they finish an application. Similarly, Bremen High School recognizes students when they receive their college acceptance letter for the school of their choice with a customized candy bar and t-shirt.

The schools are also offering more traditional opportunities and resources to their students. Including college fairs and visits as well as FAFSA and scholarship assistance. All of the schools encourage students to visit their college and career centers during lunch hours.

“I love College Application Month,” says Oak Forest High School College and Career Counselor, Fred Tapley. “It truly places an emphasis on the importance of having post-secondary plans.”

While District 228 is dedicating the month of October to college. District College and Career Counselors are also available for students who are interested in other post-secondary opportunities such as careers in the trades. In fact, on October 1, District 228 celebrated Manufacturing Day.

The District encourages its students to take advantage of the many resources made available to them and is excited to continue celebrating throughout the month of October.