PCHS Bulletin - Amelia Capellan
Published Date - February 26, 2026
With graduation looming, seniors at Parrish Community High School are reminded of the resources available to them at school. This included recent opportunities to tour local college campuses including State College of Florida, University of South Florida (Sarasota) and Manatee Technical College.
On October 24, students had the opportunity to visit the University of South Florida, Sarasota. The Sarasota campus is waterfront and has recently received the addition of new dorms, which students also were able to tour and experience in addition to the main areas of campus including the student center (which holds the bookstore and dining hall), the hospitality learning lab, the fitness center, and various labs and classrooms.
Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the different programs and courses offered at all three campuses (Sarasota, St. Pete, and Tampa). Including their new STEM Academy currently under construction, which will expand instruction opportunities in chemistry, biology, and physics.
Two dates were then offered to visit Manatee Technical College. Students visited the East Campus on October 29 and the Main Campus on November 12.
Finally, students had the opportunity to tour the State College of Florida’s main campus in Bradenton on January 23. Students were given a tour of multiple departments around the campus including music, art, theatre, medical, and occupational therapy.
The tour also offered a presentation full of information on all the benefits that SCF has to offer. It is close to home, cost-friendly, offers a variety of degree courses, and could serve as a fresh start for students or a good way to transfer to another university later.
These trips served as learning opportunities that allowed students an insight into the next chapter in their educational journey. They were organized by College and Career Advisor Victoria Hedgepeth. All three schools are great options for students looking for a college close to home.
Courtney Lancaster, PCHS English teacher and Bulletin Staff Advisor, created a survey for students that were conducted by senior English teachers titled “Your Next Chapter.” The goal of this survey was to get an idea of students’ plans for after graduation and make sure they understand the resources available to them.
129 seniors responded, and when asked for their plans after graduation, 70% responded to college (community or university), 16% technical school, 2% military service, 3% work force, and 9% undecided or other.
Specifically, 29% of students indicated SCF as their college of choice.
Seniors were also asked to rate how confident they feel in their current pathway on a scale of 1 to 5. The average rating was 4.11, showing many students are confident in their plans and have hopefully used any of the resources provided to them in school.
One of their resources is information on financial aid and scholarships. Seniors have been encouraged all year to join the Schoology group page to receive the latest information from Hedgepeth. She updates this page frequently. This includes information on the FAFSA, an essential component of receiving financial aid in college.
Students are also encouraged to check out “University Drive” in the media center. Media Specialist Mercedes Wildman set up a section of bookshelves dedicated to college and career resources.
No matter their plans after graduation, seniors should continue to use these resources and speak with their guidance counselors to ensure they are ready to walk the graduation stage in May.