PHS Counselor Connection #2

We’re here to support you with everything from academics and scheduling to planning for college and beyond. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re here to help!

Lisa Cudd - Lead - A - cuddl@pearlandisd.org

Tara Amaya -B - Com - amayat@pearlandisd.org

Harriet Stewart - Con - Gap - stewarth@pearlandisd.org

Maria Diaz - Gar - Jam - diazm@pearlandisd.org

Yahaira Campble - Jan - Ma -campbley@pearlandisd.org

Tara Viser - MB - Po - visert@pearlandisd.org

Amina Jarvis- Pr -Sp - jarvisa@pearlandisd.org

Debbie Lenamond - Sq - Z - lenamondd@pearlandisd.org

Jermaine Dixon - Student Support Counselor -dixonj@pearlandisd.org

These outstanding Oilers have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists! We’re so proud of their hard work and academic excellence.

PHS Proud! Great job, Sarah and Catherine!

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with representatives from 25+ colleges and universities at the Houston Area Recruiters Network (HARN) College Fair!
📅 October 28
📍 Bullard Commons – During All Lunches

Meet schools like The University of Alabama, UT Dallas, UH Downtown, San Jacinto College, and many more. This is your chance to explore your future and ask questions about admissions, majors, and scholarships!

Khan Academy’s SAT Test Prep delivers personalized practice with thousands of questions, videos, and hints tailored to your strengths and gaps. Work at your own pace, track your progress, and build confidence heading into test day with expert strategies and support.

Both Searcy and Bullard Libraries have a wide selection of test prep books available for checkout — including SAT, ACT, TSI, ASVAB, and several AP exam guides. Students may check out these resources for up to three weeks to help them prepare for upcoming exams.

Students also have access to practice tests and study materials through the Learning Express database. The link can be found on the homepage of the 2025–2026 PHS Libraries Canvas page. Visit the page for step-by-step instructions on how to use Learning Express and start preparing today!

See attachment for a list of upcoming scholarship deadlines, and information on how to apply!

Several prestigious scholarships are currently open for nomination! Opportunities include:

• SCAD Distinguished Scholars Award – $25,000/year for creative and academic excellence.

• Silent Servant Award – Honors students who quietly serve their communities.

• John M. Belk Scholarship (Davidson College) – Full tuition, fees, room, and board plus stipends.

• Rensselaer Medal (RPI) – $160,000 over four years for top math and science students.

• Jefferson Scholars (University of Virginia) – Full cost of attendance with enrichment opportunities.

• DAR Good Citizen Award – Recognizes dependability, service, and patriotism

Students interested in being nominated can complete the form below. See the attachment for more information.

For questions, contact Ms. Harriet Stewart at stewarth@pearlandisd.org.

Attention seniors! The local scholarship packet will be released this December. This is a great opportunity to apply for scholarships from local organizations, businesses, and community members to help fund your college education.

Be on the lookout for more details from the PHS Counseling Department about how to access the packet and submit your applications. Don’t miss your chance to earn valuable scholarships!

It’s never too early to start applying for scholarships! Fastweb has compiled a great list of opportunities specifically for high school juniors—from essay contests to full-tuition awards like the Coolidge Scholarship. Encourage your student to explore and start applying now!

During this statewide initiative, all Texas public colleges and universities will waive their admission application fees for Texas residents who apply to undergraduate programs through ApplyTexas.

Created by Senate Bill 2231, this program helps students save money while taking their next big step toward college.

Seniors — get ready for life after high school! The Post-Secondary Checklist is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your path, whether it’s college, trade school, or the military.
Find links for applications, testing, scholarships, and more — all in one place on the PHS Counselor Website!

Join the Rice Vietnamese Student Association for an inspiring day of college prep and leadership development! Participate in workshops on financial aid, extracurriculars, and admissions, receive personalized essay feedback, and tour the Rice University campus. Attendees will also have the chance to win a $500 scholarship!

📍 Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77056

📅 Thursday, October 30, 2025
🕡 6:45 PM
📍 Houston, TX

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is bringing its Sooner spirit to Houston for one unforgettable evening!

What to Expect:

• Inspiring Keynote – Hear from OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. about the future of OU and the student experience.
• Engaging Conversations – Meet faculty and staff from OU’s top programs and colleges.
• Networking & Fun – Chat with admissions counselors, connect with future Sooners, enjoy refreshments, and snap photos at OU’s fun displays.
• Scholarship Giveaway & Exclusive Merch – Students who attend will have the chance to win an OU scholarship and receive special OU merchandise!

📌 Who Can Attend?
High School Seniors and Transfer Students (Parents/Guardians are welcome, too!)

📝 Registration Deadline: Friday, October 24

This exciting event connects students with representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions. Attendees can learn about college admissions, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities—and some colleges may even offer on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships!

Students can also participate in workshops focused on college readiness, careers, and student success.

When requesting a letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher, coach, or sponsor, please make sure to:

• Make the request in writing and be specific by including:
• Date needed - Allow 1-2 weeks
• Reason for letter (College admission, scholarship, etc)
• Include the name of the name of the college or university and/or scholarship
• Attach the senior profile (click the button below)
• The more information you give us, the better!

The Counseling Office is now taking acceptance pictures! Come by dressed in your college or military shirt, and don’t forget to bring your letter of acceptance or military orders. Your picture will be proudly displayed in the Accepted Case in Bullard Commons, and you'll be signed up for our Senior Acceptance Party in the spring. Let’s celebrate your hard work and achievements—stop by today!

The 2026-2027 FAFSA form is OPEN!!

Planning to take dual credit courses or preparing for college? You’ll need to complete the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment, which measures readiness for college-level work in reading, writing, and math. You can take the TSI right here at PHS!

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) will be offered on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. in the Bullard Cafeteria.
The ASVAB is a career exploration and aptitude test designed to help students identify their strengths and potential career paths. There is no military or financial obligation associated with taking the test.

Students must sign up in advance and bring their school photo ID on test day. Results will be returned to JROTC instructors approximately two weeks after testing.

Interested in earning college credit while in high school? Join Alvin Community College for a Dual Enrollment Information Session to learn about the 2026–2027 program, requirements, and next steps.

📅 Online via Microsoft Teams

• October 23 • 6:00–7:00 PM

• November 6 • 6:00–7:00 PM

• December 4 • 6:00–7:00 PM

🔗 Visit alvincollege.edu/dualenrollment/onboarding.html to join.

Need help completing your Alvin Community College admissions application?
Join ACC Dual Enrollment Advisors on December 2 or December 9 from 5–7 PM at ACC West for hands-on assistance.
Bring your Social Security Number, residency or immigration documentation, and a laptop (if available).

📍 ACC West, 11800 Magnolia Parkway, Manvel, TX 77578
💻 www.alvincollege.edu | ✉️ dualenrollment@alvincollege.edu

If you’ve taken Dual Enrollment courses through Alvin Community College (ACC), here’s what comes next!

• Sending Transcripts: You’ll need to send your official ACC transcript to your future college through Parchment (cost: $7.50). Instructions are available at alvincollege.edu/dualenrollment.

• Attending Another College: Apply as a freshman, complete your FAFSA, and check how your ACC credits transfer using your new school’s transfer guide.

• Staying with ACC: No need to reapply! Just submit your meningitis record, complete orientation, and register for classes.

For help or questions, email dualenrollment@alvincollege.edu

Calling all first-generation college students! Join San Jacinto College for a fun and informative day with workshops on financial aid, majors, and student resources.

📅 Saturday, Nov. 8 | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 North Campus – Grant Fine Arts Center

Enjoy free food, games, giveaways, and meet other first-gen families!
Register at sanjac.edu

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers an 8-week paid internship with the U.S. Navy for rising 10th–12th graders interested in STEM.

💰 $4,000–$4,500 stipend | 🗓️ Apply by Nov. 1 at navalsteminterns.us/seap

Enjoy a kid zone, marketplace, food and backpack giveaways, and free health screenings.
📅 Saturday, October 11 | 11 AM – 2 PM
📍 2620 Cullen Blvd, Ste 216, Pearland, TX 77584
🎟️ Free entry – register for your ticket at www.pursuinghope.org

At Pearland High School, we’re focusing on Responsibility this month — the quality of being dependable, trustworthy, and accountable for our actions. Responsible Oilers take ownership of their choices, meet their commitments, and do what’s right even when no one is watching. Whether it’s staying on top of assignments, showing up for your team, or supporting a friend, responsibility helps build a stronger, more connected Oiler community.

Let’s all do our part to show that Oilers take care of business — with integrity and pride!

Get ready to celebrate Character Counts Week at Pearland High School! Each day will spotlight one of the Six Pillars of Character — from Trustworthiness to Citizenship — with colors to match.