Counseling and Career Center
DHS COUNSELING STAFF
Mr. Kobe Bistline School Counselor (Last Names A-Go) kobe.bistline@donegalsd.org (717) 492-1207
Mrs. Devon Springer School Counselor (Last Names Gr-M) devon.springer@donegalsd.org (717) 492-1208
Mr. William Rosengrant School Counselor (Last Names N-Z) william.rosengrant@donegalsd.org (717) 492-1204
Ms. Tatiana Dueno
School Social Worker
(717) 492-1213 tatiana.dueno@donegalsd.org
Mrs. Tracy Donnelly Counseling Department Secretary tracy.donnelly@donegalsd.org (717) 492-1205
Mr. Parker Niles
College Adviser
(717) 492-1228
DONEGAL HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING & CAREER CENTER
DHS Zen Den
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
8 months ago
Graduation Requirements
Beginning with the class of 2022 and beyond, to receive a Donegal High School diploma, a student must successfully complete a minimum number of courses during grades 9,10,11,12 as outlined below:
SUBJECT AREAS CREDITS
English* 4.0
Mathematics* 4.0
Science* 3.0
Social Studies* 4.0
Fitness 1.5
Wellness 10 & 11 1.0
Informational Literacy** 0.5
Personal Finance ** 1.0
Arts & Humanities and Electives*** 5.0
TOTAL 24
Graduation requirements are modified for students attending full year CTC programs during their 12th grade year.
* Must include required courses per items above and check department course descriptions.
** Informational Literary is required to be taken in 9th grade and Personal Finance is required to be taken in 11th grade
***Courses that satisfy the Arts and Humanities 2 credit requirements may be selected from the following areas:
English (beyond the four required units)
Social Studies (beyond the four required units)
Art
Music
World Language
*** All courses beyond the required courses are considered electives.
CAREER INFORMATION
8 months ago
There are many informative resources to help students with their career preparation and planning. Some of these resources are online, and some can be found in the Counseling Office.
Xello is an online assessment and exploration tool which will assist students in determining which careers match up with their interests, skills and values. The site provides students with information about almost every career available to them! Job descriptions, working conditions, earnings, and job outlook are among some of the information given. There are also interviews with professionals who describe what it's like to work in their particular career.
There are other excellent resources which can be found online.
The Counseling Department also has hundreds of books and various other resources in the Counseling Office that will assist students in learning about the various careers available to them. If students would like one-on-one assistance in developing career goals, they should make an appointment to see their counselor.
COLLEGE INFORMATION & PLANNING
8 months ago
Obtaining Applications
Where do I get an application?
Colleges and universities maintain internet websites that allow users to request, download, or print information and applications. Most institutions offer online applications, and many prefer that students apply directly through the website, with application fees charged to major credit cards. For most schools, you may also opt to submit a paper application.
Do I need to send my transcript?
Official transcripts and other supporting documents, as described in the Submitting Applications section below, are required and usually must be forwarded by regular mail to the college or university. Because we do not know when you apply online, please make sure to visit the Counseling Office after you have submitted your application online and request that your transcript be mailed.
How can I get more information from a college?
Admissions offices accept email and telephone requests for information and materials, and many provide toll-free numbers.
What are College Fairs?
College fairs provide good opportunities to obtain applications and other information directly from representatives. Please contact the DHS Counseling Office for information about any local college fairs.
What is the Common Application?
This term refers to a universal, or "Common Application", used by many colleges and universities across the country. This application only needs to be completed once and can then be submitted to multiple colleges/universities. Not all colleges and universities participate in the "Common Application", so confirm a school's acceptance of the "Common Application" before submitting it. Visit http://www.commonapp.org for a list of schools that accept this application.
Submitting Applications
Who should complete the college application?
Students ( not parents) should complete applications and double-check the accuracy of all application information with parents before either bringing paper applications to the Counseling Office or submitting applications online. In general, paper application forms do not need to be typed, but neatness always counts! Print neatly, in black ink (unless otherwise specified), and don't forget to sign and date each application; a parent usually must also sign if the applicant is not yet 18 years of age.
After I complete the application, what do I do next?
If you complete a paper application, please bring the application directly to the Counseling Office and give it to one of the counselors or to the secretary. If you are submitting your application online, please come to the Counseling Office and request that your transcript be sent through the mail.
What else should I bring to the Counseling Office with my paper application?
All attachments, including application fee checks, should be submitted with the paper application so the application and supporting materials may be mailed as a packet and arrive together at the intended college. Be sure to alert the counselor or secretary to each school's deadline for receiving applications!
What is on my transcript?
Transcripts mailed with applications are official (that is, imprinted with the school seal) and include: SAT scores received by DHS to date, the most recent class rank and grade point average, final course grades and credits earned since entering ninth grade, and high school activities reported by the student in previous years. Official transcripts cannot be hand-carried or hand-delivered by students or parents to intended recipients .
What about letters of recommendation? Do I need them?
Letters of recommendation should be brought to the Counseling Office if you want them to be mailed with applications. If you are seeking recommendations from teachers, advisors, coaches, counselors, or administrators, be sure to give them plenty of advance notice when asking for the letters. Some colleges require letters of recommendation and some only recommend them, so be sure to read the application carefully.
Do I have to write an essay?
Personal essays or autobiographical statements are required on some college applications and are optional on others. Even when optional, they represent important opportunities to favorably impress an admissions committee, especially if an interview has not been possible. If you include supplemental or separate pages, be certain they are neat, clean, and legible, and that each extra attachment contains your name; it is also helpful to clearly label the content or purpose of such extra pages.
Can I submit my application late?
Adhere to application deadlines and submit materials early ! Applications should never be brought to the Counseling Office on the day they are due. Submit all materials well in advance of postmark deadlines and inform the counselor or secretary of deadline dates at submission!
How will I know if the college has received my application and other materials?
A record is maintained in the Counseling Office of transcript mailings for each student, including the name and address of the intended recipient, date the transcript was sent, and the date of acceptance (when applicable). A stamped and pre-addressed confirmation postcard is mailed with transcripts/applications for return to Donegal High School by the college upon receipt of the transcript and accompanying materials.
Now that I've applied, I can relax and take it easy for the rest of my senior year, right?
No, keep those grades up! Many colleges request mid-year grades. When colleges inform students that their mid-year grades are needed, students should notify the Counseling Office immediately so this important information can be sent as soon as it is available. After the final grades are posted for the Fall Semester, the cumulative GPA and Class Rank are re-calculated for each grade level. As soon as the revised mid-year GPA and Class Rank are available, they are recorded as the official rank and average on student applications, transcripts, and supporting documents.
College Visits
The Office should be informed of all college visitations (tours and/or interviews) prior to each college visit. This is the procedure that should be followed :
- Prior to a scheduled visitation , you must complete a "Request For College Visitation" form. Copies can be obtained from the Main Office, the Attendance Secretary or the Counseling Office. This form must be completed, signed by a parent, and returned to the office to be approved by the principal or assistant principal.
- You must have a parent accompany you on the college visitation.
- While on the visit, you will have a college representative sign a form indicating that you visited on that particular day.
- When you return to school, the form signed by the college representative must be returned to the Attendance Secretary so that the absence is considered "excused".
- Students are permitted to be excused up to three (3) days during their junior year and three (3) days during their senior year for college visitations.
College Admissions Testing
How do I know which tests I need to take?
As you consider potential colleges, you should determine which admissions tests are required by those schools. Tests should be taken at least six weeks prior to the application deadline of a school requiring the score.
Do I need to take both the SAT and the ACT?
Most schools in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States prefer the College Board's SAT in evaluating a student's potential for success in college. Many schools in the Western U.S. prefer the ACT (American College Testing) program. Some colleges require one test over the other. On-line registration is preferred for these tests and may be accessed through each testing organization's web address:
What are the SAT Subject Tests?
A number of schools also require the College Board's SAT Subject Tests (formerly called the SAT II). Results from these tests may be used in making admissions decisions, but generally are used in placing accepted students at appropriate levels in the school's curriculum. Pay special attention to testing requirements of each school you consider!
How do I register for the SAT?
SAT test dates and registration deadlines are listed on the College Board's website. The test is offered on a Saturday at local high schools. Donegal High School also participates in SAT School Day, which allows students to take the SAT during the regular school day.
What is Donegal's CEEB code?
Students must include Donegal High School 's CEEB Code Number (392795) when they register for the SAT in order for their scores to be reported to us and posted on their transcripts.
Acceptances
What should I do when I have been accepted by a college?
Students should notify the Counseling Office when they have been informed of admissions decisions by the colleges to which they have applied. We share your excitement about acceptances, want to lobby for you when your application is put on hold or if a decision is deferred, and certainly want to support you if you are not admitted. When you decide which offer of admission to accept, your commitment to that college should be reported to the Counseling Office so your final transcript can be mailed in June.
Should I notify all of the colleges I applied to if I have accepted admission somewhere else?
As a courtesy to the other colleges where applications have been sent (and to the candidates who may be on waiting lists for those colleges!), you should notify each school of your intentions when a commitment has been made to another school.
Financial Aid
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There are 3 types of aid available; free money, borrowed money, and earned money. Free money is based on need and does not need to be paid back. Borrowed money must be repaid with interest. Earned money is aid that is obtained through working a job which is coordinated by the college or university.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
To be eligible for financial aid students must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, must have a high school diploma or equivalent, must not be in default on any other education loans, and males between the ages of 18-25 applying for FAFSA must register for selective service.
When is the deadline for financial aid applications?
Students can begin to apply for financial aid for the upcoming award year on October 1st during their senior year of high school. Colleges and universities have varying deadlines to apply by. Check the financial aid website of your prospective schools for those deadlines.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Visit studentaid.gov to begin your application.
What documents do I need to apply for financial aid?
If students are not filing as independent, they will need the following information from their parents as well.
1. Social Security Number
2. Driver’s License (student only and optional)
3. Alien Registration Number or Permanent Resident Card (for non-U.S. citizens)
4. Federal Income Tax Returns and schedules, W-2 Forms from all employers
5. Current Bank Statements (checking and savings)
6. Current Business and Farm Records (if applicable)
7. Records of Any Stocks, Bonds, or Other Investments Including 529 Accounts for All Students
8. Additional Untaxed Income Records
9. Federal Student Aid Account
NCAA INFORMATION
8 months ago
Students who want to play a sport at any NCAA Division I or II university as a freshman must register and be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
All student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center prior to making any official school visits or receiving a written offer of athletically related financial aid. It is recommended that students register at the beginning of their junior year of high school.
There is a fee to register, and fee waivers are available to those who qualify.
Click here to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
After your NCAA Eligibility Center account is created, STUDENTS can send their SAT or ACT scores directly to the NCAA from their College Board or ACT account using code: 9999.
Please contact Mr. Rosengrant with any questions regarding NCAA Eligibility at (717) 492-1204.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL RESOURCES
8 months ago
Donegal High School's student assistance program is called CARES.
CARES is an acronym that stands for Committee to Assist and Refer Students. CARES is a multi-disciplinary team composed of school personnel (teachers, staff, administrators, nurses, and counselors). This team has been trained to understand and identify students who are having problems in school because of chemical use/abuse, depression/anxiety, grief, or other related factors that affect the student's ability to learn or succeed in the classroom. CARES serves as an intervention and referral program to aid students in overcoming these barriers. The team does not diagnose or treat mental health or drug/alcohol disorders.
Students may be referred to CARES by:
1. Self referral
2. Peer referral
3. Faculty/staff referral
4. Parent referral
All referrals are kept confidential. For more information about this committee, please see your school counselor.
TESTING INFORMATION
8 months ago
SAT
The SAT is the most widely used college admissions test in the United States. If you are a student planning to apply to college, you may want to take the SAT. Most colleges are now test-optional but some may require SAT scores. It is recommended that students take the SAT in their junior year. Some students will take the test again at the beginning of their senior year.
There are two options: SAT School Day or the standard SAT administration given on a Saturday. Donegal High School offers the SAT School Day option two times a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Although Donegal High School is not a Saturday testing center, there are several local schools that do offer the test. To find test dates, locations, and test fees, or to register for a Saturday test, visit the The College Board's website. https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/dates-deadlines
SAT score results are sent directly to students.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT is sometimes known as a "Practice SAT". Students who are in 11th grade and are planning to take the SAT are encouraged to take the PSAT. The test is offered at Donegal High School in October and there is a small fee to take the test. Information about the test, as well as registration forms, are given to students in school (usually at the beginning of September). Registration is done through the Counseling & Career Center (not the College Board website). Students who take the PSAT in 10th grade may take the test again in 11th grade. The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is the official route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship program. PSAT score report results are available on the student's College Board Account about a month after the test.
PSAT 10
PSAT 10 is an option offered to all sophomore students at Donegal High School every spring. Students are not required to take this test. Students must register by the deadline, and there is no cost to the student. Students are notified by College Board when their test results are available on their College Board Account.
ACT
The ACT is another college admissions test similar to the SAT. Although the test may not be as widely used as the SAT, it is recognized by most college admissions departments. Test dates and locations, as well as registration and fee information, can be found on ACT's website. https://www.act.org/
AP
**Students who wish to take an AP exam for which DHS does not offer an AP course should see their counselor.
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
7 months ago
Current students, please request a DHS transcript electronically, from your Chromebook on the Student Portal page.
*** If you graduated from Donegal prior to 2021, we request a $2.00 transcript fee to assist in defraying the postage and handling fee. Please make checks payable to "Donegal High School" and mailed to: "DHS Career Resource Center, 1025 Koser Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552." Upon receipt of your request and/or fee, we will promptly expedite your request.
Donegal High School graduates can request transcripts by phone or fax. For telephone requests, contact Mrs. Tracy Donnelly at 717-492-1205 or email your request to tracy.donnelly@donegalsd.org. ***Please leave your name, year of graduation, date of birth and the school email address that you would like your transcript emailed to. Please email your telephone number where you can be reached (just in case we have any questions). You may also fax your request to (717) 492-1242.
WORKING PERMITS
8 months ago
Please see Donegal High Schools homepage: On the right hand side is a box that reads "Work Permit Information"
Please check out on line for more information and Child Labor Law:
SCHOLARSHIPS
a month ago
Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PHEAA)
When students receive funding from PHEAA, they may also be considered for the PATH program, which provides supplemental grant funding to students demonstrating need.
APPLY HERE
Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools - William and Debrah Pettigrew Scholarship
The criteria for submissions are as follows:
· Student must have a cumulative high school 2.5 GPA or better
· Submission of a merit essay describing academic and professional goals including why those goals were chosen and what has been done thus far to prepare for postsecondary education (300-900 words; 2-4 pages)
· Express a clear intent to pursue a career in teaching.
· Student must be accepted for enrollment to a four-year institution for teacher preparation
The chosen essay will be presented to the individual with a check and certificate during the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools Conference at the Wyndham Hotel in Boalsburg, Pa., May 1, 2025 at 6:00PM.
Deadline: February 1, 2025
The American Legion Department of PA
Scholarship and Endowment
Joseph P. Gavenonis
Application Information
Children or Grandchildren of PA Legion members who are deceased, ICU or has a Parent or Grandparent who has been in the military or is the military member in good standing in The American Legion are eligible to apply.
The PA Department of The American Legion must receive all requirements by
The American Legion Department of PA
Scholarship and Endowment
Robert W. Valemont
Application Information
Children or Grandchildren of PA Legion members who are deceased, ICU or has a Parent or Grandparent who has been in the military or is the military member in good standing in The American Legion are eligible to apply.
The PA Department of The American Legion must receive all requirements by
Feakins Foundation Scholarship
The Feakins Foundation Scholarship is a need-based scholarship for students of Lancaster County who are undocumented, DACA recipients, or have TPS status.
***The Scholarships below are closed
for the 2024 School Year***
The following group of scholarship application deadlines will be April 19 @ 3:00 pm unless noted otherwise.
* Walter Ickes Memorial School Citizenship Award
Amount of Scholarship: $200 (Cash) to one student
Description of Scholarship: Presented to a Donegal senior and Marietta resident who has exhibited outstanding qualities of citizenship through service to the school.
This award is a $200 cash award.
*Americanism Award
Description & Amount of Scholarship: This award is presented to a graduating senior boy and senior girl who received the highest total percentage based on the following
qualifications: honor, scholarship, service, Americanism, leadership, and
courage. The award is a certificate, medal and $100 cash.
https://forms.gle/8Ko1yY4US933HDJK9
*William Brenner American Legion Post #466 Marietta Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $1,000 cash for first year & certificate and $1,000 cash possible for second year with certificate.
Description of Scholarship: Available to a Donegal High School graduating senior, (resident of Marietta or Maytown.) Applicants must be attending an accredited institution of higher learning, (i.e., college, nursing school, trade or technical school, military academy, etc.) Scholarship does not apply to correspondence school. School and community involvement. GPA above 3.0.
https://forms.gle/xbFTeMCbcxRkEVVB8
*Nichole E. Styer Elementary Education Memorial Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $500 (cash)
Description of Scholarship: GPA score of 3.0 or higher, Involved in community service, Involved in activities, DHS female senior entering a 4-year accredited post-secondary institution majoring in the elementary education field.
https://forms.gle/EFd82mGHPw4U3Lby9
*Dr. Thomas W. & Mrs. Mary Ellen O’Connor Memorial
Amount of Scholarship: $500 each (2 recipients)
Description of Scholarship: The O’Connor Memorial Scholarship pays tribute to Dr. Thomas W. O’Connor Sr., a Mount Joy physician who served the Donegal School District and its residents during his nearly 40 years of active practice, and his
wife, Mrs. Mary Ellen O’Connor. Dr. and Mrs. O'Connor were devoted to their family and the many friends whose lives they touched through their extensive community service activities. Lifelong advocates of learning and education, they especially sought to inspire and support young people in their pursuit of knowledge and service to humanity. The scholarships bearing their names are to be awarded annually to two graduating seniors from Donegal High School who have demonstrated interest in health services and who plan to pursue post-secondary education in preparation for entering a health services field or Profession. DHS seniors who have demonstrated interest in health services and who plan to pursue post-secondary education in preparation for entering a health services field or profession.
https://forms.gle/mAaDM9ZhLdBLLCXg8
*Senate of Pennsylvania Good Citizenship Award
Amount of Scholarship: Certificate
Description of Scholarship: The winners of this award have demonstrated qualities of good citizenship through display of character, leadership, scholarship, and
acceptance of responsibility and should be recognized as an exemplary citizen.
Senator Ryan Aument hereby does recognize your outstanding conduct,
congratulates you on your selection and extends his best wishes for your
continued success in the future.
https://forms.gle/3a9gQ5whwPYGaxLQ6
*Abby Rebecca Winters Memorial Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $1,000 per year is available for either a 2-year or 4-year period based on the degree pursued.
Description of Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship award is to provide scholarships for students, regardless of race, color or creed who are graduating from Donegal High School. The undersigned applicant acknowledges that the information given in this application will be relied upon by the Winters’ Charitable Fund in
determining the applicant’s eligibility to receive and use scholarship monies.
Having acknowledged the foregoing, the applicant hereby applies for the award
and in support of such application, supplies the following information with
respect to himself or herself. The award will be made based on character, scholastic achievement and commitment to school and community.
https://forms.gle/J6f12nPTHHFTfxg4A
*East Donegal Township Board of Supervisors Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $1,000
Description of Scholarship: The East Donegal Township Board of Supervisors is awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior currently attending Donegal High School, and a resident of East Donegal Township, that plans to further their education as a full-time student at an accredited junior college, college, university, or vocational school. Award money is for one year only and for the purposes of tuition, books, and fees only.
Application Deadline:
*see attached application* There are more details on the scholarship.
* Columbia Healthcare Foundation Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $500 (check)
Description of Scholarship: $500 to a senior pursuing post-secondary education in the healthcare
industry.
https://forms.gle/hnDvpFgqjLfmssHz7
*Northwest EMS Healthcare Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $1,000
Description of Scholarship: $1,000 check to a student who will be pursuing a post-secondary degree or career path in the medical/healthcare industry.
https://forms.gle/Y8vDQDbUMnXeMpydA
*Lausch Family Workforce Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $100 cash
Description of Scholarship: This scholarship is for any graduating senior who will be entering the workforce with a need to purchase tools, equipment, supplies, uniforms, etc. for his/her profession.
https://forms.gle/vGXgyEPwUWgTSuby8
*Seth Andrew Nornhold Memorial Scholarship
Amount of Scholarship: $2,500 certificate
Description of Scholarship: The Seth Andrew Nornhold Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor the life of Seth Nornhold, who died of injuries sustained in a tragic vehicle accident in July 2020. Seth was 16 years old. Seth had a passion for music and was a talented drummer. His interests extended into music recording and technology. Seth was a devoted member of the Donegal High School Marching Band, Jazz Band and Concert Band. Outside of school Seth pursued his passions by playing and recording with several garage bands and his church’s worship team. Seth lived his life with enthusiasm, hard work, determination and a fierce love for his family and friends.
Each year a $2500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who participated in any of the music programs at Donegal High School. The scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing higher education to assist with the costs of attending the institution of their choice.
To be considered for this scholarship the student must be a resident of Donegal School District and have been a registered student in the district during their high school years.
The student should have participated in any one or more of the music programs of Donegal High School. This may include marching, concert or jazz band, chorus, Rhythm Singers, string orchestra, color guard or other program within the Donegal Music Association.
In order to be considered for the Seth Andrew Nornhold Memorial Scholarship, several criteria are required: the student will complete an application form; they must show a letter of acceptance and proof of enrollment in the higher level institution to which they will be attending. The student will also submit a short musical performance video. A final requirement is an essay in which they share a story about themselves. The only guidelines for the essay are that it be a true story about themselves and reflect an experience that impacts who they are today.
The complete application, including all attachments, can be submitted electronically through https://forms.gle/EQ2WDhyhBEYTbcHcA. If emailing the documents, the complete name of the scholarship, The Seth Andrew Nornhold Memorial Scholarship, should be in the Subject line of your email. Deadline for submitting is
Thank you for your consideration in applying to the Seth Andrew Nornhold Memorial Scholarship.
Walter S. Ebersole Post 185 American Legion Mount Joy Scholarship Award
Description of Scholarship: To qualify, the boy or girl must be a son or daughter of a veteran who has served honorably in any branch of the armed forces. Applicants must be a graduating senior from your local high school and to have been accepted to a college in the State of Pennsylvania.
Amount of Scholarship: $500 Certificate & Medal