Malik Roberts, an admissions counselor and 2021 graduate of Towson University, speaks to Kent County High School students in the Tom McHugh Black Box Theater Tuesday, Oct. 4 as part of Maryland College Application Week.
WORTON — Representatives from colleges and universities throughout the state paid a visit to Kent County High School earlier this month to talk to students.
The visits were part of the school's celebration of Maryland College Application Week, Oct. 3-7. The week featured a variety of activities mostly geared toward seniors with an emphasis on financial aid.
Seventeen colleges and universities were on the schedule throughout the week, including Chesapeake College, Johns Hopkins University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Washington College and the University of Maryland.
The college representatives held information sessions in the high school's Tom McHugh Black Box Theater. They spoke about the college experience and offered a glimpse of what campus life is like at their school.
Aundra Anderson, senior coordinator of the Next Generation Scholars program at the high school, helped organize the weeklong event.
"I loved the energy and enthusiasm from students; they asked exceptional questions and many of the reps commented how engaged KCHS students were versus sessions at other high schools," Anderson said.
The week kicked off Monday, Oct. 3 with College Shirt Day. Teachers and staff — and some students, too — wore shirts from a wide variety of colleges and universities.
On Tuesday evening, Oct. 4, a "Money for College Night" was offered for juniors and seniors through a partnership with Laura Shahan, assistant director of financial aid at Chesapeake College Office.
About 20 families attended, learning tips and tricks about the financial aid process.
Looking ahead, on Friday, Oct. 28, the high school is hosting a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Completion Day. Families will have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one appointments to fill out the application with Shahan.
Another "Money for College Night" is being planned for later in the school year.
The Maryland College Application Week activities were not limited to the high school's campus.
On Thursday, Oct. 6, a group of students traveled to University of Maryland Baltimore County for a tour.
"It's all about connections," Anderson said of the Maryland College Application Week events. "I love being able to connect students with admissions reps from various Maryland colleges and universities. This gives students a direct line to the individual responsible for reviewing their applications and materials."
Next Generation Scholars Senior Coordinator Aundra Anderson, left and Nona Carroll, chief strategy officer for the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, celebrate Maryland College Application Week at Kent County High School.
From left, Tilise Brown, counseling secretary, and counselors Devon Jenkins and Jessica Bennett show off their school pride at Kent County High School on College Shirt Day Monday, Oct. 3.