College, Career, & Counseling News
May 19, 2026
Upcoming Activities and Events
- Thursday, May 21 - Guest Speaker in Health & Wellness 1 classes (see letter below)
- Friday, May 22 - Academic Awards Grades 9-11
- Friday, May 22 - Raider Games
- Tuesday, May 26 - Exams for Grades 9 - 11 - periods 4/5 - 9
- Wednesday, May 27 - Last Day of School for Students (Early Release)
- Wednesday, May 27 - Exams for Grades 9 - 11 - periods 1 - 3
Congratulations Class of 2026!
Seniors at LCCC
Members of the Class of 2026 visited LCCC on April 22, to meet with advisors, create schedules, receive their LCCC student ID, and accept their scholarships.
College & Counseling
Seniors:
- Congratulations Class of 2026!
- Transcripts will be sent to colleges once LCCC grades have been received. Please see the email from Miss Neff regarding transcripts.
ALL PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN GRADES 9-11 WILL RECEIVE AN UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT IN THE MAIL IN EARLY JUNE. THIS TRANSCRIPT WILL SHOW GRADUATION SEALS EARNED, TEST SCORES, AND ALL CLASSES TAKEN WITH GRADES & CREDITS EARNED FOR EACH.
Juniors:
- SAT results are in. If you didn't receive a link from College Board, please see Miss Neff.
Sophomores:
- EOC scores are in.
- If you have any questions about LCJVS, please see Miss Neff
- LCJVS decison letters have been mailed home. See Miss Neff with questions.
Freshmen:
- EOC scores are in.
CCP Students
- Please see Miss Neff if you need to make an adjustment to your summer or fall class schedule.
- LCCC first session summer classes begin May 26.
- If you have not met with Miss Neff to schedule Summer and/or Fall classes, please make an appointment.
College Now of Greater Cleveland
- Provides college & financial aid counseling to students and parents
- At CHS on select Thursdays & Fridays
Catholic Charities:
- In-School Therapy Services are available through Catholic Charities
- Please contact Miss Neff for more information
Celebrating Mrs. Hechko's Retirement
After 38 years of dedicated service to Columbia Local Schools and 26 years in the guidance office, Mrs. Kathy Hechko is retiring from her role as guidance secretary at Columbia High School. Throughout her years in the district, Kathy has been a welcoming face, a calming presence, and a trusted support for countless students, families, and staff members. Her kindness, organization, and commitment to helping others have left a lasting impact on our school community.
Mrs. Hechko’s dedication extended far beyond her daily responsibilities. She consistently went above and beyond to support students through important milestones, assist families during challenging times, and help keep the counseling office running smoothly each day. Her warm smile and caring heart made everyone who entered the office feel valued and supported. In addition, we will also miss Pebbles, Mrs. Hechko's therapy dog. Pebbles is a comfort to many students and staff on daily basis.
As she begins this well-deserved next chapter, we thank Mrs. Hechko for nearly four decades of service, compassion, and commitment to Columbia Local Schools. She will be deeply missed, and we wish her many years of happiness, relaxation, and new adventures in retirement. Although, we do expect visits from Mrs. Hechko and Pebbles!
Making the Most of Summer College Visits
Summer is one of the best times for students and families to begin exploring colleges and universities. With fewer school and extracurricular commitments, students can take advantage of the opportunity to visit campuses, learn about academic programs, and begin thinking seriously about life after high school.
College visits help students get a feel for a campus beyond what they see online. Walking through classrooms, residence halls, dining areas, and student centers can help students picture themselves as part of the campus community. Visits also provide a chance to ask questions about majors, admissions requirements, financial aid, student life, and support services.
When planning college visits, students should consider exploring a variety of schools — large and small campuses, public and private institutions, and schools both close to home and farther away. Keeping an open mind can help students discover opportunities they may not have previously considered.
Tips for a Successful College Visit:
- Schedule an official campus tour when possible
- Prepare questions ahead of time
- Take notes and pictures to help compare schools later
- Explore the surrounding community
- Talk with current students about their experiences
Students who are unable to travel can still take advantage of many colleges’ virtual tours and online information sessions.
Summer visits can make the college search process feel more exciting, manageable, and meaningful. The School Counseling Office encourages students in grades 9–11 to use this time to explore future possibilities and begin building a college list that matches their interests and goals.
If you have questions about planning college visits or the college search process, please contact Miss Neff or Mr. Marino.
🌿 Mindful Minute: Finishing Strong
As the school year comes to a close, emotions can run high—excitement, stress, pride, and even uncertainty about what’s next. Take a moment each day to pause, breathe deeply, and recognize something you accomplished this year, no matter how small. Ending the year with gratitude and self-reflection can help build confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset for the summer ahead.
Career
Grafton Correctional Institution
Pulte Construction - Del Webb Hickory Greens
Southwest General Health Center Shadow and Volunteer Opportunities
Everything you need to know about volunteering or career experiences at Southwest General Hospitals!
Students....Are you concerned about your future? Do you want to learn more about yourself? Or, learn more about a particular career? Schedule time time to meet with Mr. Marino!
All students can take advantage of resources, opportunities, and schedule time to meet with me via the Career Ready website below!
Lorain County JVS Corner
Please see information below for Lorain County JVS!
CONGRATS TO ALL SENIORS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THEIR JVS PROGRAMS!
Meet Our Team
Kathy Hechko
Administrative Assistant
khechko@clsdraiders.org
440-236-5003
Matt Marino
Career Readiness Coordinator
mmarino@clsdraiders.org
216-452-9720
Suzie Neff
School Counselor
sneff@clsdraiders.org
440-236-5003
Therapy Dogs
IG: chs_raiders_counseling
Outside Providers at CHS
Elizabeth Hall
In-School Therapist
Catholic Charities
Elizabeth.Hall@ccdocle.org
Jamie Vega Hamilton
College & Financial Aid Advisor
College Now of Greater Cleveland
jvegahamilton@collegenowgc.org

