Welcome to March Madness and Happy St. Patrick's Day week!!

All this warmer weather means we are only 9 days from spring break and 11 more weeks of second semester?!?!? But who's counting :)

Take spring break week to pause, rejuvenate, spend time with family or friends, make up missing work to get caught up in your classes, maybe even take a drive for a college visit or pop into a virtual college tour. Make the most of your week off!

Lots of great events, workshops, college visits, college fairs, and deadlines approaching, so check all these out below!

JUNIORS:

• Spring break is an excellent opportunity to see a variety of campuses (small, medium, large, college town, suburban, rural, urban, etc...). If you have the chance, schedule a few visits with the college's admissions office to gauge which type of institutions you like best. Scroll down to see our upcoming visits coming to the CCC. Full schedule is in SchooLinks under Events.

• Reminder...April 10th is our state ACT test at WTHS. All junior students are automatically registered by our District to take the state assessment and is considered an official ACT for college admission purposes. For preparation tips visit ACT’s website or on our WTHS website for additional test prep suggestions.
• Upcoming Practice ACT or SAT tests:
• FREE-3/15: Grayslake Public Library, 9am
• Anytime with Compass Educational Group

SENIORS:

WTHS Senior Scholarship Applications

Hopefully the luck of the Irish will help our Seniors land scholarship dollars with their application submissions last Friday (3/7) and send you all sailing into spring break smoothly next week!

Notifications of scholarship and award invitations will be emailed to student WTHS email accounts by the middle to end of April. Those who submitted an application, save the date for now for our annual Senior Scholarship and Awards Night on 5/1 in the O'Plaine Auditorium at 7pm.

Financial Aid Award Letter Workshop

• Once colleges receive your FAFSA data, your student should expect to receive their financial aid award letters anytime between February-April.
• As always, it is recommended to pay close attention to the communication from the colleges you have been admitted for additional action steps or necessary documentation to process your financial aid.
• On Tuesday, March 18th during lunch periods, Seniors are welcome to attend a workshop to help interpret your financial aid award letter and learn about next steps towards enrolling at college.

Ready to Declare your Destination?

• Check out these Next Step suggestions and how to complete your Senior Exit Activity in SchooLinks.
• As Seniors make their decisions about their plans for next year, we want to celebrate you!
• Send a DM to @bluedevilseniors with your first and last name, a photo of yourself, your intended college & major or career plan or other plans for after high school you have.
• No Instagram? No problem! Just email that information and a photo of yourself to Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net). We will post your information to Instagram and create a slideshow to highlight your plans!
• We look forward to celebrating you on May 1st!

College of Lake County

Scholarship Workshop

• Planning to enroll full-time at CLC after high school? You will want to learn about the thousands of dollars CLC provides to students by attending Ms. Meadowcroft's CLC Scholarships Workshop on Thursday, April 3rd during the "A" portion of your lunch period. Bring your Chromebook and CLC username & password to the College and Career Center

Open House

• Join CLC at their annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12th from 9am-1pm! See their flier for additional information below!

For BOTH Juniors and Seniors:

College Visits at WTHS

• We have begun hosting college admission representatives in the Almond Campus College and Career Center to meet with interested juniors or senior students! Log into SchooLinks and click on Events to view our upcoming visits to the College and Career Center. Students are able to attend 3 college visits (miss 3 academic classes) per semester in the CCC to meet with college reps. Students who attend will sign-in and be excused from class.

Looking for a Job?

• See the Opportunities Board (under Careers) in SchooLinks or check our previous Job Board.

We are here to help answer your questions, so students, please check your email often, follow us on Instagram or Facebook (@wthsccc), watch for text reminders or reach out to your counselor, Ms. Hartley or myself if you have any questions. We are glad to help! Here is the contact information for Student Services.

Have a great few weeks and enjoy your Spring Break!

Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor

If you would like to make an appointment to meet with your Almond Campus Counselor please email them or stop down to Student Services in the main office to submit a request form. If you would like to meet with Mrs. McGahan, please scan the QR code to the right or click HERE. Book an appointment during your free period.

If you're planning to attend college and neither of your parents completed Bachelor's degree in college, then YOU are considered First-Generation or First-Gen! Did you know many of our Warren teachers are first-gen? Nationwide, about half of all college students are first-gen.

All first-gen Almond students are invited to attend our next I'm First Workshop on 3/10 during 5th period in the Almond PE Classroom. Email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net) if you are first-gen and would like more college/career info, including our upcoming meetings!

We are starting to receive regular scholarship opportunities in our inbox each week. To access the growing list, log onto SchooLinks. Under Finances --> Scholarship Matching --> District Posted. The list will continue to grow throughout this semester, so check often!

If you need to request a transcript for a scholarship, please complete this FORM. You may pick-up transcripts from Mrs. Maggiore in Student Services in the main office.

College Reps are continuing to meet with our students this semester! All reps for general college visits will be meeting in-person with our O'Plaine students in the spring semester and we will livestream to Almond simultaneously. Meeting with these reps is an excellent way to gather information about your college of interest, answer questions you may have and make that personal connection. Juniors and Seniors are welcome to attend in the College and Career Center!

Students can view the upcoming college visits in SchooLinks --> Events.

Students are expected to sign-up in SchooLinks for the visit by clicking on the events --> Register for the Event.

**Students are allowed to attend 3 college visits per semester if they are missing an academic class. Students attending during a lunch or study hall period will not count towards the 3 visits. If you are not able to attend, but would like the information from the institution, please email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net).

Tuesday, March 11th

• Period 5: Augustana College

Thursday, March 13th

• Period 7: DePaul University

Tuesday, April 1st

• Period 3: UW-Milwaukee & UW-Lacross
• Period 4: University of Missouri (Mizzou), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Utah & Missouri State University
• Period 5: Eastern Illinois University

Thursday, April 3rd

• Periods 1 or 2: Admitted Seniors with Marquette University
• Periods 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6: Admitted Seniors with DePaul University

Tuesday, April 8th

• Period 3: Bradley University
• Period 6: UW-Whitewater

Tuesday, April 15th

• Period 7: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Thursday, April 17th

• Period 4: Elmhurst College

7-8pm

Baxter Innovation Lab - T120
Grayslake Campus

Information sessions are for students/parents interested in the Engineering and Computer Science Transfer program at CLC. Each session will provide an overview of the Engineering program, including academics, extracurricular activities like the Engineering, Computer, and Math Clubs as well as scholarship opportunities. A tour of the Baxter Innovation Lab, CLC's makerspace/fablab, which serves as a home for Engineering (and other) students is also included. Information on guaranteed admission programs such as University of Illinois Engineering Pathways program (application deadline - April 5), UIC TAG, and the NIU GAP program will be presented. Additional information sessions on Apr 1 and May 8.

Consumers Credit Union (CCU) is now accepting applications for our Apprenticeship Program. This unique opportunity offers paid work experience while fully covering the cost of earning an associate degree. It’s the perfect way to start your professional career, earn a paycheck, and graduate debt-free!

Learn more about the program firsthand by meeting current Branch Apprentices, Branch Leaders, and Recruiters at our upcoming Open House event:

Thursday, March 13
Drop in anytime between 4 - 7 PM
CCU Corporate Office: 300 N. Field Drive, Lake Forest, IL

Program begins July 2025.

Reserve your spot by adding your name to the guest list. This opportunity is open to graduating high school seniors, their parents/guardians, and early career individuals looking for a new path with an educational advantage.

WTHS is fortunate to have Ms. Quinnlyn Meadowcroft, our CLC College Career Navigator, housed in the Almond College and Career Center to assist all students. Whether you are exploring your options, thinking of taking one class or enroll full-time at CLC after high school, Ms. Meadowcroft will be your point-person every step of the way.

**Friday, March 14th: CLC Math Placement Test (for invited students who have submitted an enrollment application and require a placement test)

• Click HERE for the English Placement tutorial
• Click HERE for the Math Placement tutorial

Feel free to contact Ms. Meadowcroft should you have any questions about CLC or how to enroll (qmeadowcroft1@clcillinois.edu). Or schedule an appointment with her HERE.

As seniors receive their college acceptances, many students look for means to help narrow their list. Here are a few suggestions to help! Especially if your family is not able to visit the campus this winter. As always, contact your counselor or a post-secondary counselor for assistance!

Seniors! We need your help to honor you for our National Declaration Day festivities on May 1st! When you are ready to commit or finalize your plans for after high school, send a DM @bluedevilseniors or email Mrs. McGahan cmcgahan@wths.net with your first & last name, photo, intended college & major or career plan, or other plans you have after high school. We look forward to celebrating you! Click HERE for the growing list of declarations!

High school and middle school students are invited to an upcoming Admissions Forum; a unique opportunity to learn more about the U.S. Naval Academy and Navy ROTC program. Attendees will meet their Regional Director of Admissions, Admission Counselor, Blue & Gold Officers, Congressional Staff members, and Midshipmen.

Chicago, IL Admissions Forum

Saturday, March 15, 2025

10 AM - 12 PM

Carver Military Academy - Auditorium

13100 S. Doty Ave, Chicago, IL 60827

RSVP: https://forms.gle/paX6jsmzegU4WWAD7

For students interested in learning more about the U.S. Military, representatives from the following branches will be located at the front of the Almond Cafeteria. Stop by their table to receive additional information!

Air Force -- 4th Thursday of the month

Army Reserve – 3rd Tuesday of the month

Army National Guard -- 1st Tuesday of the month

Army – 2nd Tuesday of the month

Navy – 4th Tuesday of the month

Marines – 3rd Thursday of the month

Seniors! Need help understanding the information on your college financial aid award letters or want to learn about the process and terminology? Plan to attend our workshop on Tuesday, March 18th to learn more and answer your questions. Please attend during the “A” portion of your lunch period in the College and Career Center.

Join the University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering for Women in Engineering (WiE) Day! During WiE Day, high school students will meet alumni, faculty, staff and current students as they explore UK Engineering. Attend to learn about the process of applying to UK, discover what it takes to be a successful engineering student, meet UK Engineering staff and faculty, and engage with current student leaders in the UK Society of Women Engineers, Phi Sigma Rho Sorority, and Association for Computing Machinery for Women. Parents and guardians will also learn how they can help their students pursue a career in engineering during a special parent/guardian workshop.

This event is free and open to anyone who would like to register: https://engr.uky.edu/events/women-engineering-wie-day

The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) is proud to offer the Illinois National College Fair (INCF)! The South Suburbs will host a college fair that brings in 200+ colleges and universities from across the globe to meet with our students.

When: April 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Moraine Valley Community College

FREE!

Register at www.strivefair.com and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of two $500 scholarships!

Sign up for a SWENext UIUC Engineering Competition open to all female and non-binary high schoolers! This is an especially exciting event for incoming students looking for a collaborative and hands-on engineering experience!

Lunch will be provided! Prizes are available for the winners!

Where📍: The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign - Newark Civil Engineering Laboratory 1310
When📆: April 12th, 2025 10:00am to 3:00pm CST
What⚙️: Students will be placed into groups and presented with an engineering challenge. Throughout the day you will brainstorm ideas, design solutions, and bring your concepts to life! Students will get the chance to develop their ideas through a design thinking process that engineers use every day. Utilizing everyday materials, you will construct a prototype and showcase your innovations science-fair style! Prizes are available for the winners!

REGISTER HERE

If you have any questions about this upcoming event please don't hesitate to email swenext@illinois.edu or DM the Instagram: @swenextillinois.

Explore the five Lake County locations from 9am-1pm and learn about degree and career certificate programs. Meet faculty, staff and students and get your questions answered. Join and be welcomed by the Lancer community!

As well, you can participate in free financial workshops, attend the Maker Faire showcase, and tour the new Prairie Restaurant at Brae Loch, run by CLC's talented hospitality and culinary students.

For more information and to register, click HERE.

Then plan to register and attend College Knowledge this summer, 2025!

• This comprehensive, 2 day, 2 1/2 hour workshop in the Almond Campus College and Career Center will walk you through the entire process and you will leave feel relieved about how simplistic the process is!
• A binder of information will be distributed to each student including information about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, college search, SchooLinks, Common App and more!
• We will host Illinois State University to complete a live application to see what the applications are all about.
• An English teacher will provide an introduction to the Common App essay prompts and essay writing in general.
• A college-student panel of WTHS alumni will return to share their insight about the process and college life.
• All for FREE!
• Sign-up for one of our 4 sessions starting on 1/27 to lock in your spot!
• Session 1: June 9-10...9:45-12:15
• Session 2: June 9-10...12:45-3:15
• Session 3: June 11-12...9:45-12:15
• Session 4: June 11-12...12:45-3:15

http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS/index.php

The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar, often referred to as NASS, program offers the opportunity for approximately 2,550 rising high school seniors to visit the Naval Academy for one week during the month of June. Summer Seminar introduces students to life at the Academy, where they will experience first-class academic, athletic, and professional training at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country.

This program is highly recommended for any student who may be thinking about attending the Naval Academy.

• Session 1 (Saturday - Thursday) May 31 - June 5
• Session 2 (Saturday - Thursday) June 7 - June 12
• Session 3 (Saturday - Thursday) June 14 - June 19

https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM.php#fndtn-panel1-Attending

The Summer STEM Program offers the opportunity for rising 9th through 11th grade students to participate in a week long program focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Campers will create, build, and explore in world-class lab facilities and experience real-life applications.

• Rising 9TH Graders (Monday - Saturday) June 2 - 7
• Rising 10TH Graders (Monday - Saturday) June 9 - 14
• Rising 11TH Graders (Monday - Friday) June 16 – 20

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a police officer? Now’s your chance to find out! 👮‍👮‍

Join the Gurnee Police Department for an action-packed week at the Youth Police Academy!

📅 Date: June 23-28, 2025

⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

📍 Location: Gurnee Police Department

👥 Who: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, or recent grads—interested in learning about policing!

Get hands-on experience in crime scene investigations, traffic stops, use-of-force training, K9 unit demonstrations, drone instruction, and so much more! 🚓🐾

Don’t wait—spots are limited! Register now to reserve your place and learn alongside the Gurnee Police Department’s finest! 🚔

*Students must be able to pass a background check

*Students must have reliable transportation

🔗 Sign up today—this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! 🔗

https://www.cognitoforms.com/GurneePoliceDepartment/_2025GurneeYouthPoliceAcademy

Click below for additional information and learn more about this all expenses paid conference sponsored by the Gurnee Rotary Club!

Brochure

Application

Agenda and page 2

The Golden Apple Scholarship Application is now open! High school students graduating in 2025 or first- and second-year college students can apply to become a Scholar by clicking here. Final deadline is April 1, 2025. See flier for more information.

This program is open to any 14 to 21-year-old interested in learning more about law enforcement careers. Students will help the community as well as learn about careers in law enforcement and learn foundational policing skills. For additional information see their website.

Click HERE to access and explore 170+ careers with videos and information. By participating, you will gain a better understanding of the variety of industries and positions. Some employers may also have possible internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and/or employment opportunities for our students! For those of you who may not know what you want to do, there’s a career assessment included that will help you narrow down a career cluster to further research. At the end, please complete the exit survey to reflect and provide feedback so we can continue to assist you with your post-high school plans.

WTHS has in-person Study Tables on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20-3:00 p.m. in the Almond Campus Library for English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Students who need bus transportation home are able to take the shuttle from Almond to O'Plaine and take the O'Plaine busses home.

To date, www.fairtest.org as published over 1,800 colleges and universities which are allowing Fall 2025 applicants to apply test-optional. Many institutions are stating students are at no disadvantage of applying test-optional. But it is good diligence on your part to verify the institution will still distribute merit, academic scholarships, be considered for direct-entry, competitive majors and Honors College consideration.

Almond Post-Secondary Counselor

Instagram @wthsccc

(847) 548-6709

Email: cmcgahan@wths.net
Website: https://www.d121.org/Page/313
Phone: (847) 548-6709
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wthsccc