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Wilson Mill boosters and counselors present 'Pathway' program to Levy County school board
Summary
Community volunteers and school counselors introduced a districtwide 'Pathway' packet and QR resource page to help students (initially athletes) track NCAA eligibility, scholarships and graduation requirements; the program will expand beyond athletics and include twice‑yearly check‑ins and district rollout.
Wilson Mill school boosters and counselors presented a new "Pathway" program to the Levy County School Board, saying the tool aims to close information gaps that keep students — especially first‑generation college applicants and student‑athletes — from completing NCAA, financial aid and graduation requirements.
Jason Richardson, introduced by district staff as the football booster club president and developer of the program, told the board the Pathway is a "road map" that includes a post‑graduation plan, a scholarship and deadline tracker and a schedule of required classes. "I got all these great kids, but they need answers and they need direction," Richardson said, urging coordinated outreach that pairs students, parents and community sponsors.
Amanda Mowery, identified in the meeting as the high school guidance counselor, described the packet the team distributed at a Feb. 19 soft launch and highlighted a QR resource page linking ACT, SAT/CLT and FAFSA resources as well as district graduation and dual‑enrollment information. Mowery said the packet will be used in scheduling for the upcoming school year and promoted districtwide, including at a career and college night and a food‑truck rally planned for April 9.
A presenter who said he is a former college athlete recounted being made academically ineligible early in his college career and told the board that a program like Pathway could have prevented that outcome. The head football coach told the board he will use a planned team session to complete NCAA clearinghouse paperwork and expects a significant portion of his players to finish their clearinghouse steps during that session.
District officials said the initiative will begin with athletes as an entry point but will expand to all students by starting in eighth grade and providing twice‑yearly check‑ins, parent reminders via ParentSquare and student ambassadors to guide underclassmen. The presenters also emphasized community involvement: employers, alumni and the Chamber of Commerce will be asked to help connect students with opportunities.
Board members praised the packet and its QR tools, and several members said the program addresses how families who have not attended college often lack information about testing, enrollment and financial aid. The board did not take a formal action on the program at the meeting; presenters said they will return with success stories and implementation updates.
