By Horatio Glover ’26
Graduating high school is an amazing achievement for most people. It marks your transition into adulthood and huge decisions about your future. However, it also can be challenging getting thrown into the fire like that. Fortunately, many schools like Derby High School offer opportunities to make the transition easier for students.
Planning for life after school starts during junior year for most students. This is when they are introduced to the Common App, an application that allows students to access resources for college, and encouraged them to explore colleges and careers. It is heavily recommended that students spend time researching colleges at this time, because many college and scholarship applications officially open in senior year. Due to each college having their own deadlines and because the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), has strict timelines, students are encouraged to begin their applications as soon as senior year starts. If students are having trouble with the process they can see their guidance counselors.
One of the best resources for students who are looking to go to college or the workforce are their guidance counselors. At DHS, they are Brian Nutcher and Jennifer Ostrosky. They help students with their Common App by setting up their college application. In addition to the counselors, teachers also offer advice and insight when asked, helping students decide which schools or career options might provide the most opportunities.
Derby High School also offers a variety of programs that help students with life after school, like Financial Aid Night, which goes over all financial aid information. Derby High School also holds college and career fairs throughout the school year. The college fair usually happens in October, which features around 30 to 35 colleges from various regions. The career fair happens in May, and is attended by about 30 businesses and organizations representing fields like education, law enforcement, and other industries. For students who are really interested in a college, Derby offers College Institution Days, which allow students to meet one-on-one with college representatives.
For those who are interested in joining the military, Derby regularly brings multiple branches of the military to the school throughout the year. Students who decide they want to go down that path can have a one-on-one conversation with the military representatives. Guidance Administrative Assistant Jennylee Hoffman can schedule those meetings for a private conversation to see what opportunities students are interested in.
The school knows that not all students are looking to go to college, which is why they offer programs like Job Corps, which offer quick certifications and a specific trade training. These programs help students get a job in the workforce. The school also can help students who want to find jobs in different areas if that is the route they want to take.
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