Counselor's Corner

Happy New Year! 🎉

January brings important reminders, upcoming deadlines, and helpful college and career planning resources to kick off the spring semester strong.

Seniors and families—local scholarship information is coming soon, so be on the lookout. As always, the counseling team is here to support you every step of the way so don't hesitate to reach out.

Graduation planning doesn’t have to be confusing. The TEA Graduation Toolkit is a simple, easy-to-read guide that helps parents and students understand graduation requirements, endorsements, and options after high school. It’s a great resource to review together and use as a roadmap for staying on track from now through graduation.

Caregiver Empowerment Group

• Looking for support, practical parenting tips, and a welcoming space to connect?

• Join us to learn new strategies, share encouragement, and build community.

• Food provided and activities for kids included.

📅 When (5:30-6:30 p.m.):

• Jan. 13

• Feb. 10

• March 17

• April 7

• May 5

📍 Where: Junior High Library

Interested in hands-on, high-demand careers? Breckenridge EDC is offering 10 FULL scholarships for the CNC Machining Training Program starting Feb. 23.

This program provides practical skills that lead to strong career opportunities in manufacturing. Spots are limited — students interested in applying should use the links below for application details or stop by the counselor's office.

Thinking about starting college, returning to school, or exploring a career change? TSTC Discovery Night is a great opportunity for students, parents, and community members to see if Texas State Technical College is the right fit.

What to expect:

🏫 Campus & lab tours
👩‍🏫 Meet faculty and staff
📋 Learn about programs, admissions, and next steps
🍿 Complimentary snacks
⏰ Come-and-go format — attend when it works for you

Event Details:

📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026
🕟 4:30-7:30 p.m.
📍 415 N. Breckenridge Avenue - TSTC Breckenridge Campus

⚠️ Important: Each student and parent must RSVP individually.

👉 Learn more & RSVP here using the link below.

If you’re thinking about a hands-on, high-demand career, check out the career opportunities at Comanche Electric Cooperative Association (CECA).

Lineman careers offer great pay, valuable skills, and the chance to work outdoors while keeping communities connected.

💼 Explore current openings and learn more here:
👉 http://ceca.coop/job-opportunities

OR contact Rachel Ford at 800-915-2533 or rford@ceca.coop for more information.

This is not a BHS-sponsored opportunity, but it’s a great option for students interested in technical or trade careers.

Are you a sophomore or junior interested in history, government, or leadership? 🇺🇸

CECA is offering a FREE trip to Washington, D.C. this summer through their Government-in-Action Youth Tour. It’s not a BHS-sponsored event, but it’s an amazing opportunity for sophomores and juniors to explore our nation’s capital and meet other student leaders.

🗓️ Applications are due Jan. 30, 2026, by 11:59 p.m., so don’t wait!

Check it out at ceca.coop/government-action-youth-tour!

2026–27 FAFSA® Form Now Available

The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available to everyone. For priority consideration, submit your application by Jan. 15, 2026. Private and two-year institutions may have different deadlines. Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend.

Start a 2026–27 FAFSA® Form

FAFSA forms submitted online will typically be processed in one to three days. Once your form is processed, you’ll be able to review your FAFSA Submission Summary, and your FAFSA information will be made available to your selected schools. You also can make updates or corrections (such as adding a school or a missing signature) to your FAFSA form.

• ASVAB Study Guide App & Resources
• Military.com
• ASVABprogram.com
• MyFuture.com/joining-the-military

SFC Anthony Cantu
US Army Recruiting

4365 S 1st St, Abilene, Tx 79605
Email: anthony.m.cantu.mil@army.mil
Phone: 972-785-7243

Melinda L. Fontanez, TSgt, USAF

344th Recruiting Squadron, EA Recruiter

4365 S 1st Street, Abilene, TX 79602

Email: melinda.fontanez@us.af.mil

SSG Aaron Burgess

Texas Army National Guard Recruiting

Team Crusader RRNCO

7705 Wagner Road, Mineral Wells, TX 76067

Email: Aaron.a.burgess.mil@army.mil

Aidan Wiscombe

US Navy

Email: aidan.j.wiscombe.mil@us.navy.mil

SSgt Maria Aleman

US Marines

Email:Maria.Aleman@marines.usmc.mil

Seniors + college students: apply for $1,000–$2,000 scholarships from CECA! Must be a dependent of an active CECA (Comanche Electric Cooperative Association) member.

🗓️ Deadline: April 3, 2026
👉 Apply here: https://ceca.coop/scholarships

ACET offers $1000 student scholarships for high school seniors across the state of Texas. Plus, the top scoring student in the state will receive the prestigious Wade & Sandy Burroughs Scholarship, also worth $500.

🗓️ Deadline: Feb. 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT
👉 Apply here: https://bit.ly/ACETScholarship

• Jan. 14: Counselors out of office for a training
• Jan. 15: Picture Retakes
• Jan. 15: FAFSA Priority Deadline
• Jan. 23: Staff Development Day
• Jan. 27: It's Your Money (Program for seniors only)

*We will offer the SAT, ACT, TSI, and ASVAB in April/May, dates are TBD.