At Shadow Ridge High School, preparing students for life after graduation is more than just a goal, it’s a mission. Through personalized counseling, workshops, and hands-on experiences, Shadow Ridge is guiding students toward futures that align with their passions and ambitions, whether that be college, trade school, or military service.
A central place for these efforts is “The Corner,” where students can meet with college representatives, learn about career programs, and explore diverse post secondary options. From local colleges like UNLV and Nevada State University to out of state universities, The Corner brings countless opportunities directly to the students.
“We want students to leave here feeling like they have multiple pathways ahead of them,” said Cassie Murray, Shadow Ridge counselor. “Whether they’re aiming for Ivy League schools, trade apprenticeship, or community college, we’re here to support them every step of the way.”
Throughout the year, colleges from across the country visit Shadow Ridge to meet with interested students. In addition to in-state schools, representatives from University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Oregon State University, and University of Utah frequently visit. Schools on the East Coast and Midwest, such as the University of Michigan, Baylor University and NYU also make appearances, giving students exposure to a wide range of possibilities.
Murray stressed the importance of starting the college search early. “We encourage juniors to begin researching schools and attending presentations. By senior year, they should have a list of potential colleges and be ready to apply as soon as applications open.”
For students who want to stay closer to home, the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) offers discounted tuition at participating schools in neighboring states. However Murray notes that Shadow Ridge encourages students to think above and beyond the WUE.
“The WUE is fantastic, but we also want students to dream big. If they want to apply to Stanford or UCLA, we’ll help them make it happen,” said Ms. Murray
In addition to college visits, The Corner provides resources for trade and technical careers. Helix Electric, Southwest Carpenters and Lincoln Technical Institute are among the many organizations that host sessions, introducing students to apprenticeships and certificate programs that lead to high paying in demand careers.
Shadow Ridge also recognizes the importance of financial aid and scholarships. The counseling team actively promotes local and national scholarships and offers financial aid applications. As students at Shadow Ridge look toward the future, they know they have a strong support system behind them.
“One or the biggest barriers to college is cost, so we work hard to connect students with scholarships opportunities,” Murray explained. “The Public Education Foundation offers hundreds of scholarships, and we make sure students are aware of these resources.”
For students interested in military service, Shadow Ridge invites all branches of the armed forces to campus throughout the year. Recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard meet with students to discuss enlistment, career training and educational benefits.
SMSgt Johnson highlighted the value of these interactions. The military offers incredible benefits, from tuition assistance to job training. For students who are unsure about their next step, it can be a great option to consider.”
“Our job is to make sure every student has the resources they need to succeed after high school,” Ms. Kannon explained. “No matter what path they choose, we want them to feel prepared and excited for what’s ahead.”
With a blend of academic preparation, career exploration and real world experiences, Shadow Ridge is ensuring that students graduate not just with a diploma, but with the confidence and tools to thrive in college and beyond.
