Middletown High School's College and Career Center highlighted; staff, students describe services

Board members used a Spotlight on Excellence segment Thursday to recognize the Middletown High School College and Career Center and hear directly from staff about services the center provides.

Acting Superintendent Adoma introduced the center and thanked staff for what she called a program that helps students turn "goals and aspirations into concrete plans of action." Center staff members said the space offers one-on-one counseling, assistance with college applications and financial aid, connections to trade schools and military recruiters, monthly events and frequent college visits. "We provide a lot of different services... If it comes to college, we help with applications, letters of recommendation, requesting transcripts, essays," one counselor said.

Everton Brown, identified in the presentation as the center's financial aid and workplace adviser, told the board the team has expanded its reach and now meets with an estimated 70—0% of students in some recent outreach, up from a smaller percentage previously. "We're reaching these students too that have the opportunity to go to college and maybe never thought about going to college," he said.

Student board representatives also praised the center and described it as welcoming and helpful to peers. Board members commended the staff and encouraged continued outreach: several trustees urged student leaders to help increase participation further and to connect the center to athletics and younger grades.

The presentation included a short video featuring center staff who said they run college fairs, workshops and trips, and provide FAFSA and scholarship guidance. Board members including Mister Freddie Williams and Mister Moore noted the center's visible impact when students return from visits and said the board would support its work.