Counseling Center

     

Staff

Ms. Megan Erway
Counselor
Students with Last Names A to F
merway@smhlancers.org

Ms. Saima Horab
Counselor
Students with Last Names G to M
shorab@smhlancers.org

Mrs. Wendy Kimpel
Counselor
Students with Last Names N to Z
wkimpel@smhlancers.org

Mr. Keith Kidder
Assistant
kkidder@smhlancers.org

 

Profile

 

CEEB Code

For SAT/ACT/AP:
332770

 

Links

SMHS Course Catalog
SMHS Graduation Requirements
SAT
ACT
FAFSA
NCAA
Fastweb.com
Selective Service

 

Transcript Requests

To request your transcript, email Mr. Kidder at kkidder@smhlancers.org.  Include your name when attending St. Mary's, year of graduation, and where the transcript is to be sent.  There is no charge for your transcript.

 

Working Papers

St. Mary's High School does not issue NY State Working Papers; they are only available through the student's Public School District.  Click HERE for more information and the Working Papers Application.

 

Contact Information

Phone: (716) 683-2349
Fax: (716) 683-4958

Welcome to the
Counseling Center

The members of the St. Mary's Counseling Center work closely with students throughout their four years to help them with selecting courses, career planning, the college search and application process, and scholarships and financial aid.

Counselors will be working with students to:

  • Assess strengths and weaknesses
  • Develop good decision-making skills, positive attitudes, and good study habits
  • Solve personal problems with family, friends, or teachers
  • Plan high school and post-high school education

Events

The Counseling Center coordinates the following events to assist students in their college search process:

  • College Representative Visits (one-on-one visits) - throughout the Fall and Spring
  • College Consortium (area colleges send representatives whom students may visit) - Every October
  • Bus to Bona (trip to St. Bonaventure University) - Every October
  • College 101 (recent graduates share their college experience) - Every January
  • National College Fair (Juniors go to Convention Center to meet with college representatives) - Every March
  • College Tour (student and counselors visit out-of-town colleges) - Every Fall/Spring

For more information on any of these events, contact Mr. Kidder at kkidder@smhlancers.org.

Yearly Goals

The Counseling Team works closely together to support each student through a multi-tiered approach, focusing on elements that contribute to academic success, social and emotional well-being, and college and career readiness for each student's unique needs.

  • 9th Grade - The goal for incoming Freshmen is to support their transition to high school.  Counselors meet with the Freshmen early on to touch base, get to know them, and discuss all of the opportunities for involvement at St. Mary's.  The classroom push-in this year focuses on matching personality with prospective careers.
  • 10th Grade - Counselors work with Sophomores to ensure that they feel supported and confident as they enter their second year of high school and to find new ways to get involved and excel in their studies.  The counselors will help them with finding more career opportunities while starting their college search.
  • 11th Grade - A big year full of opportunities!  Juniors will be meeting individually with their counselor to go over their unique post-graduate plans.  Juniors will have access to the Digital Library of College Resources.  Classroom push-ins include lessons on Application and College Search Engines.  Juniors will also attend the College Consortium at St. Mary's, the College Fair at the Convention Center, and other off-campus college visits and events.
  • 12th Grade - The Counselors help seniors apply to college, track diploma requirements, and assist the students as they take their next steps into their future.  The counselors also offer individual meetings, after-school assistance with college applications, continued college rep visits, and a Financial Aid Night.

Junior Parent Night

Did you miss Junior Parent Night on March 5, 2024?  Click HERE to view the PowerPoint (with notes).

FAFSA Help

Did you miss the Presentation on the New FAFSA, which took place on November 8, 2023?  Click HERE to view the PowerPoint (with notes).

Scholarship Opportunities

The Counseling Center has received information regarding the following scholarships:

  • Association of Italian American Women
    • Deadline - March 31, 2024
    • Application available in the Counseling Center
  • Federated Garden Clubs of NY State, 8th District
  • Zonta Scholarship for Young Women
    • Deadline - March 31, 2024
    • Application available in the Counseling Center
  • Southtowns Walleye Association of WNY
    • Deadline - April 1, 2024
    • Application available in the Counseling Center
  • Erie County Federation on Sportsman's Clubs
  • Erie County Agricultural Society
  • Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen
    • $800 and $150 awards
    • Deadline - April 15, 2024
    • Scholarship Link - www.swavf.com
  • Michael J. Kogutek American Legion Scholarship
    • Two $1,500 awards
    • Deadline - May 3, 2024
    • Application available in the Counseling Center
  • Erie County Committee of the American Legion Scholarship
    • At least four $500 awards
    • Deadline - May 6, 2024
    • Contact the Counseling Center for an application
  • Erie County Fire District Officers Association Scholarship
    • Three $1,000 awards
    • Deadline - May 17, 2024
    • Contact the Counseling Center for an application

School-Specific Scholarships

  • University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship - Contact the Counseling Center if interested

 

Even More Scholarships

Please check back for more scholarship opportunities!

Important Phone Numbers for Urgent Matters

Crisis Services - (716) 834-3131

Kids Helpline - (716) 834-1144

National Parent Hotline - 1(800) 427-2736 (M-F 1-10pm)

Spectrum Cares - (716) 882-4357

Miscellaneous Service Needs - 211