MSHS Counseling Newsletter
September 18, 2026
Counselor's Corner
2026 ASVAB Test
Juniors & Seniors, The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test that helps students identify which types of jobs would be best for them. The ASVAB is a great career planning tool. Your ASVAB score can qualify you for certain jobs and training in the Armed Forces. You can use your score for military enlistment including the Reserves or National Guard. Taking the ASVAB does not obligate you to consider a military career or meet with a military recruiter.
This year's ASVAB test is scheduled for October 14th at 12:15pm at Millard WEST High School. For more information and to register for this exam, please review the flyer below. Reach out to Lisa Olsen at lcolsen@mpsomaha.org with any questions.
EducationQuest's FREE Virtual College-Prep Events
Seniors & Parents/Guardians, EducationQuest is is offering FREE virtual college prep events to help you learn more about available financial aid programs and complete the FAFSA completion. See the flyer below for event dates and to register.
Seniors! It's not too early to start thinking about your preparation and plans for graduation in May. Click on this link to view key dates such as yearbook photo deadlines, cap & gown distribution day, and other important information.
Save The Dates
The Counseling Department has great events coming up for you this year. Below is a list of event dates to review, add to your calendar if they apply to you, and get ready for a great year! Stay tuned for more information on each of these events as they get closer. Reach out to your counselor with any questions.
- Apply2College: October 1st, 8:00am-11:00am
- Cap & Gown Distribution: April 27th, 8:00am - 3:15pm
- College Decision Day: May 1st, 8:00am - 10:00am
College Planning
College Rep Visits Coming Up!
- Vanderbilt University: Monday, September 28th: 9:45am - 10:12am
- Drake University: Tuesday, September 29th; 11:00am - 11:28am
- Nebraska Wesleyan University: Wednesday, September 30th; 11:00am - 11:28am
- Grinnell College: Thursday, October 1st; 10:15am - 10:45am
- Wayne State College: Friday, October 9th; 1:08pm - 1:38pm
- Northwest Missouri State University: Tuesday, October 20th; 9:05am - 9:35am
- Boston College: Wednesday, October 28th; 9:05am - 9:35am
- University of Arkansas: Wednesday, October 28th; 11:00am - 11:28am
- Nebraska Wesleyan University: Wednesday, October 28th; 1:08pm - 1:38pm
- Truman State University: Thursday, October 29th; 9:05am - 9:35am
- St. Olaf College: Thursday, October 29th; 11:00am - 11:28am
Students can sign up to attend these visits via SchooLinks. Please reach out to your counselor or visit the Counseling Center if you have any questions about how to sign up.
Scholarships
Hastings College Scott Scholars Program
The deadline is almost here for the Hastings College Scott Scholars Program, a $200,000+ full-ride scholarship for students pursuing business and STEM fields! It’s one of Nebraska's premier merit-based scholarship opportunities. To become a Scott Scholar, students participate in the Community Leadership Challenge. See dates below. To apply and learn more, visit hastings.edu/clc.
October 9-11 (application deadline: September 20)
December 11-13
Omaha Stormchasers Scholarship Opportunity
Graduating Student-Athletes, the Chasers Charities Jackie Robinson Athletic Scholarship Program provides two $1,250 scholarships, one each to a male and female student athlete, to help support their first semester at an accredited postsecondary institution. To be eligible, students must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Reside in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Lancaster, Mills, Pottawattamie, Sarpy, or Washington County
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Be a Black high school student participating in athletics
- Be a high school senior or graduate planning to enroll full-time at an accredited postsecondary institution
Applicants will be asked to submit a current transcript, a letter of support from a principal, coach, or guidance counselor, a statement about the importance of sports in their life, and an essay answering: Which athlete has inspired you and why? Click on this LINK for more information and to apply. The application deadline is March 5, 2027.
2026-2027 Scholarship Database
Begin your search for scholarships by clicking on this LINK. Create your EducationQuest account today, and search over 2,000 scholarships available in Nebraska!
Career Planning
McCarthy STEMstruction Event
Students, are you interested in a career in the Construction industry? McCarthy Building Companies is offering a STEMstruction event on Saturday, October 17th from 8:00am - 12:00pm. This is a hands-on learning event where students will develop a better understanding of the industry and learn about the various career paths available. See the flyer below for more information and to register.
Omaha Police Department Cadet Program
Students, are you interested in a career in Law Enforcement? The Omaha Police Department's Cadet Program may be for you! Cadets will experience hands-on training, participate in age-appropriate physical fitness drills, and more. The program runs September 22nd - May 18th. For more information and to register, see the flyer below.
Career Rep Visits
Career Rep visits will be happening again this year in the Counseling Center! Check future newsletters for dates and details.
Boys & Girls Club Up Next Program Employment Opportunity
The Up Next Program with the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands is looking for a Junior Staff member to join their work force. See the flyer below for more information and click on this link to view the employment application. Reach out to the Boys & Girls Club directly at 402-342-1600 with any questions.
Volunteer Opportunities with the Munroe-Meyer Institute
UNMC's Monroe-Meyer Institute is looking for volunteers! They create adapted recreation and leisure opportunities for children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. They have programs year-round, and are currently looking for student volunteers, ages 13+, to support their upcoming Fall programs Volunteers will have the chance to work 1:1 with their participants encouraging socialization, sensory exploration, and overall, just have a good time! All are trained on the best practices for working in the IDD population, and staff are there at all times to make sure both participants and volunteers are set up for success. If you are interested in this role, see the flyer below for more information, or click here to get started.
Log in to SchooLinks and visit the Opportunity Board to explore a variety of employment and volunteer opportunities!
Our Staff
Counselors:
A-Can: Kacy Thurman - kdthurman@mpsomaha.org
Cap-Fe: Liz Dickson - edickson@mpsomaha.org
Fi-Hl: Pam Cornett - pmcornett@mpsomaha.org
Ho-Loo: Michaela Sievers - mesievers@mpsomaha.org
Lop-Oj: Lisa Olsen - lcolsen@mpsomaha.org
Ok-Sca: Emily Townsend - emtownsend@mpsomaha.org
Sch-Wal: Jessica Hamzhie - jmhamzhie@mpsomaha.org
Wan-Z: Emma Wiegert (Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays) - ecwiegert@mpsomaha.org
Mrs. Wiegert is available on Mondays and Wednesdays (all day), and Fridays (mornings).
Social Workers:
A-L: Kristine Townsend - katownsend@mpsomaha.org
M-Z: Rachel Vacek - rhvacek@mpsomaha.org
Psychologists:
A-L: Courney Lohrenz - calohrenz@mpsomaha.org
M-Z: Eva Stalling - emstalling@mpsomaha.org
Administrative Support:
Kathy Slader - kmslader@mpsomaha.org (Registrar/Enrollment/Records, Scholarships)
Rose Moore - rmmoore@mpsomaha.org (College & Career Rep Visits, College Transcripts)