School counselors have access to information about your classes, your grades and, often, your extracurricular activities. That means they can help you see the big picture when it comes to planning for your future. Counselors meet with students individually and in small groups to ensure they understand the college selection process. Additionally, counselors serve students who are not college bound and are seeking full-time employment, enlistment in the military and other unique options for life after high school.
Make an appointment to see a school counselor for the first time during freshman year. Try to build a relationship with him or her during your four years of high school and be sure to talk about your interests and goals when you meet. The more the school counselor knows about you, the more he or she can help you. There will be times you will meet with your counselor in large group, small group and pre-planned individual settings, however we encourage students to seek us out more often than this.
South Western High School is unique in that we have a Career Center staffed by our Career Counselor, Mrs. Berkebile. Her office is located off the hallway by the Auditorium Lobby. Mrs. Berkebile served as a school counselor for many years prior to assuming her position as the high school career counselor. Her experience is vast and her connections with staff and community members are strong. Students are encouraged to schedule appointments with Mrs. Berkebile just as they would with their school counselor and to pay attention to announcements that come from the Career Center. Mrs. Berkebile can provide another layer of support and counseling in addition to a student's school counselor. Students may gain help with identifying possible college majors, learning about job openings, gaining information regarding admission to York County School of Technology, learn how to sing up for YCAL Career Exploration Programs, better understand ASVAB testing, and get support with completing Xello Career Artifact lessons. Additionally, Mrs. Berkebile completes classroom lessons on topics such as email ettiquette, scholarship essay writing tips and other special topics. Students who are looking for unique Career Exploration opportunities can sign up for the YCAL (York County Alliance for Learning) Programs. Visit the website https://ycal.us/students/mentoring-program/ to sign up for the programs.
There are currently programs in; Accounting, Agriculture, Construction, Creative Careers (Arts), Criminal Justice & Forensics, Education, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality Management, Human Services, Information Technology, Insurance, Law, Manufacturing Careers, Marketing, Mechatronics, Media Careers, Medical Assisting, Music Industry, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Skilled Trades, Sports Management, Transportation & Logistics, and Water & Environmental Technology. All programs are free and most times transportation will be provided through Mrs. Dennis. In addition, she oversees the Senior Programs such as Early Grad, Academic Shadowing, Pre-Apprenticeships, and Nurse Aide Training. For help in determining your individual career path and plan to schedule an appointment, through the Counseling Office, with Mrs. Berkebile. See this list with unique opportunities for SWHS students.