Applying to college is no easy feat. While online programs like the Common App have been developed to help streamline the process for students, the application can still be very stressful for students, and nonetheless time consuming as almost every detail about the applicant is logged in the portal. One of the most valuable resources for students applying to college is their class guidance counselor. Mr. Joe Wargo, MHS’s newly appointed senior class counselor, has been working with his pupils to all but guarantee their success after high school. “There’s no 13th grade, this is it,” explained Wargo, “It’s all or nothing. We need to finalize seals, test scores, [and] grades to make sure everyone graduates.” As a member of the MHS 2018 graduating class, he understands the process for seniors. as it’s fresh in his mind from his high school days.

Students applying to college can get easily overwhelmed by all of the intricacies of the process. “It’s a lot,” noted MHS senior Ryan Nemeth, “I’m making it by, but it’s not been an easy process. Lots of information and even more writing.” With the Common App 650-word personal essay, along with supplemental essays for nearly every college, it can be a lot of work for students applying to a wide variety of schools. “Take it one step at a time. Don’t start one essay before another is finished, and make sure you have enough time to review and revise each one,” explained Nemeth when asked about tips for the application process. 

Wargo highlighted how fortunate seniors are to pursue a successful career in the trades, without the need for a college degree to earn a decent wage. College is not the path for everyone, and people with the handiwork skills to work in the trades should grasp their gift and run with it.

Mr. Wargo loves his job for the variability of it. He loves to be able to help students out with whatever they need–from someone to talk to, to someone for college help, to a familiar face when something bad happens at home, Mr. Wargo is always there for his students. He enjoys taking time out of his day to head to the lunchroom during the senior lunch to meet and talk to the seniors, making sure he’s the best counselor he can be for everyone.