CONTACT:  Wendy V. Long, Public Relations

                        (413) 685-1003

College/Career Week Ahead for Gateway Students and Parents

Huntington- The week of Thanksgiving will be packed with college and career planning activities for students at Gateway Regional High School.

A College Financing Seminar will be held on Monday, November 20th at 6:30 p.m. in the Gateway Performing Arts Center. Dawn Lapierre, a representative from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts will discuss various aspects of financial aid and the process parents and students should go through when applying to college.  Topics will include how to fill out financial aid application forms, how financial aid is calculated and awarded, how to compare financial aid award letters, and making alternative financing decisions. This seminar is free of cost, but attendees are asked to r.s.v.p. to Jeanene Iglesias, Guidance Secretary (413) 685-1107 to ensure that enough packets are available for those attending.  You may also call the Guidance Office for further information and directions to the school.

On Tuesday, students will participate in a Career Fair; advisory groups will be visited by guests who will speak with students about aspects of their careers – including training, duties, working conditions, and earnings potential.

College Week will culminate in an event for all students on the half-day before Thanksgiving, as Gateway Alumni return to share their college insight and experiences with current students. When alumni arrive at Gateway High School on November 22nd, they will be grouped by colleges and answer student questions about academic and campus life. Alumni who are attending (or who have graduated) college are invited to participate and are asked to pre-register by calling Ms. Kristy Parzych in the High School Office (685-1103) today!

On Wednesday, faculty, staff and students will also be wearing attire that represents the schools of higher education they attended. Students will earn spirit points for their class by participating in showing ‘college colors’.

The College and Career Awareness week at Gateway is sponsored by the Foundation for Excellent Schools Chapter at the high school, in conjunction with the Guidance Department.