photo by: Shelley Hanson

John Marshall High School student Wyatt Jefferson talks to school counselor Chelsea Eikleberry about his college plans after graduation. The school recently received the Champions for College Access and Success award from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

GLEN DALE — John Marshall High School and its counselors recently received the Champions for College Access and Success award for their efforts to help students determine their college or career paths after graduation.

The award was presented to Marshall County Schools Student Services Director Casey Storm, John Marshall High School Counselor Chelsea Eikleberry and John Marshall High School Principal Jason Marling by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

The school garnered the award by participating in three initiatives last school year: College Application and Exploration Week, meeting specific FAFSA completion goals and College Decision Day events.

John Marshall was one of 71 schools across the state to receive the honor.

Eikleberry said the school has a good mix of students who plan to attend four-year or two-year colleges, those who plan to enter the trades or another technical career and still others who aim to join the military.

“When it comes to school, I think price is a big thing,” she said. “So many students have the question of, ‘I don’t know if I can afford it or I don’t know if my family can make ends meet?’ So we use that as a way to build a relationship with that student and go over all of the different financial aid, scholarships and grants that a student can qualify for.”

She noted West Virginia has many programs that allow students to gain a higher education for free or little cost. Eikleberry encourages students and parents to ask counselors any questions they might have about higher education and financial aid.

Eikleberry said she is grateful for John Marshall’s counselors and their work to help students.

“I think all five of us do such a great job working with our students, and meeting them where they’re at. We would never push college on somebody who wouldn’t want to go, but we would definitely like to share different options for them,” she said.

“All the counselors here work extremely hard with their students to make sure that they get the knowledge they need and prepare them for what that next step is. Because ultimately that’s what our goal is; to prepare our students to be successful when they leave our building.”