Senior Updates

Shifting into High Gear: Senior Updates 

By,

Anna Gerike

Counselors Ms. Ashley Johnson and Ms. Hilary Masica shared some key dates for this year's class of 2026, as well as some tips and tricks for navigating through this important school year. 

Key Dates for Seniors:

• Sept. 29th-Financial Aid Night,  College Representative Visits: Takes place in the RAHS Commons from 5:15 P.M. for the College Admissions Representative Visits, and at 6:00 P.M. the Financial Aid Meeting Starts

• Oct. 8th- Senior Class Meeting with Jostens to receive cap and gown order forms. Takes place in the commons from 9:30-10:00 A.M.

• Oct. 10th-Senior photos due for yearbook (optional)

• Nov. 1st- UW Madison application deadline

• Dec. 1st- counselor's recommendations for all college and tech school applications

• After 1st semester, around February, the counselors will be talking about local scholarships

• All Year: Keep an eye out for outside scholarship opportunities.

Time for Action: How to Navigate Post-High School Plans

Johnson and Masica agreed that some things seniors should keep in mind include having good attendance, keeping good grades, and completing community service hours. 

They also noted that seniors  should visit the colleges that they are applying to or have already applied to.

If a senior is not going to college, Johnson and Masica said seniors should be applying for a job. If they are going into the military they must take the ASVAB and meet with a recruiter for the branch they are interested in joining. 

With all the stress of the year, Masica said it is important for all seniors to still,“Schedule time for fun.”

If a senior doesn't plan on going to college, they can start on a resume. 

Johnson said that the program Xello will format a resume for a person if they put in the data that will be needed. They should also start on getting a letter of recommendation from a favorite teacher or supervisor regardless of if they are going to college or not.

Some seniors, like Ada Larson '26, have been thinking a lot about what their future looks like after RAHS.

“I’ve definitely been thinking a lot about where I would be the most successful, with cost, location, majors offered, and where I could meet people,” said Larson, who plans to go into the agricultural industry.

Avoiding Mistakes, Thinking Ahead

Masica and Johnson warned against some common mistakes they see seniors make each year.

“Either we have tunnel vision or right now vision,” Johnson said, meaning that seniors should think ahead.

For example, Johnson said that if a senior wants to drop a particular class, they really need to think it through as it may be something they need for graduation, or they will miss out on learning opportunities that may benefit their future career.

Johnson and Masica also said that seniors need to be checking their emails regularly. The counseling department, Ms Moon specifically, sends out important updates regarding outside scholarships, job opportunities, and upcoming class meetings. 

Johnson and Masica also said that seniors shouldn’t be scared to talk to their counselors; they are here to help and want you to succeed in your last year at RAHS.

“Your counselors at RAHS are here to help you navigate your post-high school plans regardless of what they are and where you currently are in the planning process,” said Masica. “Students are always welcome to meet with us so that we can help with those plans  and answer any questions along the way.”