COLLEGE COUNSELING

The mission of the St. Thomas High School Counseling Department is to provide comprehensive services that support the academic achievement, collegial aspirations and mental wellness of the men of St. Thomas and foster the STH qualities of Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.

The Counseling staff takes a collaborative, student-centered approach to providing individual and group guidance. Because we are a college preparatory school, the Counseling staff specializes in guiding students through the college planning process. The goal of the Counseling staff is to advocate for our students and provide them with the tools necessary to reach their academic and personal goals.

 

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
  • Work with counselor to identify and employ effective strategies for peak academic performance
  • Take the PSAT
  • Introduction to Naviance: Learning Styles, Resume, and Goal Setting
  • Explore colleges through our College Visits

 

  • Track your continued academic growth using your GPA
  • Take the PSAT
  • Explore career options using different assessment inventories like YouScience
  • Expand your college knowledge and build your college list
  • Take the PSAT for National Merit Scholarship Qualification
  • Take the PSAT, Prepare for and take the SAT and ACT
  • Work with your counselor to develop a college application plan and finalize your college list based on match/fit factors
  • Request letters of recommendation from your teachers
  • Ensure your GPA, SAT and/or ACT are college ready
  • Apply to college with the support of your counselor using groundwork from  previous years
  • Receive support on scholarships and financial aid applications
  • Ensure that all matriculation tasks are completed for a smooth transition to college

Chelette Stephenson (B.A. Political Science, Texas A&M University; M.Ed. Counseling, Lamar University) has over 12 years of experience leading a college counseling program. For the past 6 years, she has served as the Director of College Counseling & Alumni Programs at Yes Prep-North Central where she developed a robust counseling department leading the district in college readiness scores through innovative programming, fostering college and community partnerships and supporting directors of college counseling in YES Prep district. Before YES, Chelette created and managed the college and career programs for Magnolia ISD for 6 years. Chelette is a member of NACAC and speaks at the annual conferences about the development of comprehensive counseling program with a focus on college counseling. In addition, she has been awarded the Hobsons Naviance Innovative Award for her work and has shared best practices at the annual national conference since 2008. Outside of counseling, Chelette enjoys lake life with her husband and two children, Jaden and Charleigh. Want to  meet with Mrs. Stephenson? Schedule here.

Regina Dunford (B.A. History and Theology, Marquette University; M.Ed. in Catholic School Teaching, University of St. Thomas) joins St. Thomas from Incarnate Word Academy where she served as Academic Dean. Gina has had prior experience serving as Campus Minister and Leadership Instructor, where she coached students through distinguished leader projects and assisted students in applying for summer formal enrichment opportunities. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Catholic Educational Leadership through Saint Louis University. Want to  meet with Mrs. Dunford? Schedule here.

Kristine Meier (B.A. Political Science and Communication, Purdue University; M.Ed. Counseling, University of St. Thomas) comes to us after 10 years with YES Prep Public Schools where she served as a teacher, Grade Level Chair, Intervention Specialist, and has spent the last 5 years as Director of College Counseling. Kristine attended Duchesne Academy and in her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and loves to run and work out. Want to  meet with Mrs. Meier? Schedule here.

Kim Shipman (B.A. Human Development and Psychology, Virginia Tech; M.Ed. Higher Education Administration, North Carolina State University) comes to St. Thomas from Rice University where she served as the Assistant Director for the Center for Career Development. Kim has spent time in career services working with undergraduate students as they prepare for professional lives after college. She has also worked in career services at Barton College in North Carolina and at Duke University as a public policy career services graduate assistant. She has also obtained certifications in the Myer’s-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. Want to  meet with Mrs. Shipman? Schedule here.

Crystal Hayward (B.A. Mass Communication and Broadcast Journalism, Sam Houston State University; M.S. Administrative Leadership in Higher Education Administration, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) joins St. Thomas High School from YES Prep Public Schools where she served as a College Counselor and Seminar Instructor.  Prior to her time at YES Prep she was Adjunct Faculty at Lone Star College and assisted students in their first year experience.  She also spent several years as an Academic Advisor for the University of Houston. Her vast experience will be an asset to our team. Want to met with Ms. Hayward?  Schedule here.

Danielle Cannady (B.A English and English Literature, University of Georgia; M.Ed Counseling Clemson University) joins St. Thomas High School from YES Prep Public Schools where she served as a founding Director of College Counseling & Alumni Programming for three years. She is entering her 10th year of experience in Education and Counseling. Prior to her time at YES Prep she has worked for public and private institutions, collegiate recruitment programs, charter schools, and in the nonprofit sector. She is an active member in national college counseling organizations and served as a Texas Association for College Admissions (TACAC) fellow for 2022-2023. Want to  meet with Ms. Cannady? Schedule here.

Alpha Division C/O 2024 Alpha Division C/O 2025 and 2026 Alpha Division C/O 2027
Shipman A-De A-De A-Ch
Dunford Di-I Di-I Cl-G
Cannady J-Mi J-M H-Ma
Hayward Mo-R N-Ss Mc-Se
Stephenson S-Z St-Z Sh-Z
The Counseling Newsletter is sent out on Friday afternoons. Parents, check your email to find it.
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College Resources:

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College Visit Form:

The best way to know if a college is right for you is to visit campus. Reach out to the Office of Admissions and schedule a visit (this is also a great way to show DEMONSTRATED INTEREST). Try to find weekend visits! Those are the best times so that you don’t have to miss any school. In the event that there is no other option other than to miss school for the visit you must complete the steps below at least 5 DAYS BEFORE the visit:

  • Complete this form and obtain needed signatures.
  • Return form to the Dean of Students office for approval no late than 5 days before scheduled visit.
  • After approval, email your teachers and copy your counselor and the Dean of Students Office on the email about the visit.
  • Bring form or letter from the visited college showing date of visit to the Dean’s office following the visit.

Career Resources:

Pre-College Programs and Summer Opportunities:

  • Part of a strong college application is developing a well-rounded high school student experience. To that end the Counseling Team is always updating this resource with different opportunities. Not seeing something you like? Reach out to one of our counselors for help finding and applying to a program.
If you are an alum who would like a transcript sent please go to store.sths.org/transcripts-official for instructions and next steps.

FOR COLLEGE VISITS ON SCHOOL DAYS TO BE CONSIDERED AN EXCUSED ABSENCE:

  1. Complete the form and obtain needed signatures.
  2. Return the completed form to the Dean of Students Office for approval no later than 5 school days before the scheduled visit or the absence will be unexcused.
  3. After approval, complete all instructions listed on the form.

Naviance is a college and career readiness platform that helps connect St. Thomas students’ academic achievement with their post-secondary goals. Its comprehensive college and career planning solutions optimizes student success, maximizes counselor effectiveness, and tracks results for St. Thomas High School students.

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