MSHS Counseling Newsletter
October 9, 2026
Counselor's Corner
NCAA & NAIA Eligibility & CoreCourseGPA Information
Parents/Guardians and Student Athletes, please review the links for full details regarding NCAA and NAIA eligibility standards, transcript requests, and core course calculations. Contact the Millard South Counseling Office with any questions.
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.
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 Date
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.
- 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!
- Northwest Missouri State University: Tuesday, October 20th; 9:05am - 9:35am
- Boston College: Wednesday, October 28th; 9:05am - 9:35am
- Nebraska Wesleyan University: Wednesday, October 28th; 1:08pm - 1:38pm
- Truman State University: Thursday, October 29th; 9:05am - 9:35am
- Hillsdale College: Thursday, October 29th; 11:00am - 11:28am
- St. Olaf College: Thursday, October 29th; 2:45pm - 3:15
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
Smith Scholarship Opportunity
The Smith Scholarship application is now open! The Smith Scholarship supports Nebraska high school students from low-income families who are underrepresented in higher education and are pursuing a college or career education. The application period runs October 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027. There are two 4-year and 2-year options and the award amount is up to $15,000 annually for up to 4 years. Click on this Link For more information and to apply.
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
Creighton University's Mini Medical School Event
Creighton University's Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging has a Mini Medical School event coming up this month. Their mission is to support and mentor students who are historically underrepresented in the medical field, including Native American, rural, first-generation, and allies in diversity and inclusion.
This event runs Saturday, November 14th from 8:00am to 3:30pm at Creighton University. This one-day event is designed to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for careers in medicine through engaging, hands-on experiences. This year's theme is Cardiology and Heart Health, and activities include animal organ dissections, interactive science experiments, and basic physical exam skills training. Parents will also learn about different careers in medicine through student panels and presentations.
If you are interested in this event, see the flyer below for more information and to register. Please note that parents/guardians must call out, transport, and attend with their student!
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.
Job Opportunities
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)