OCHS Counseling
- Our Team
- Counseling Center
- Scholarship Links
- College Prep
- Workforce Resources
- Post-Secondary Opportunities
Our Team
Melissa Innamorato
Registrar
serving grades
9-12
Contact:
minnamorato@ocss-va.org
Karmen Byrd
Counselor serving: 10th-12th Grade
Contact:
kbyrd@ocss-va.org
Rob Feathers
Counselor serving:
9th grade
Contact:
rfeathers@ocss-va.org
Kasey Rabe
Counselor serving:
10th-12th grade
Contact:
krabe@ocss-va.org
Alyssa Trapani
Counselor serving:
10th-12th grade
Contact:
atrapani@ocss-va.org
Teaira White
Counselor serving:
10th-12th grade
Contact:
twhite1@ocss-va.org
Elliot Robinson
Long-Term Counselor Subtstitute
Contact:
erobinson@ocss-va.org
Emily Kelten
Germanna Advisor
Contact:
ekelten@ocss-va.org
Hillary Morris
Student Support Coach
Contact:
hmorris@ocss-va.org
Lisa Erb
Administrative Assistant
Contact:
lerb@ocss-va.org
Counseling Center Phone: 540-661-4292 | Fax: 540-661-4299
Orange County High School CEEB Code: 471660
OCPS PowerSchool District Code: BCQL
Counseling Center
- Program of Studies
- Graduation Requirements
- PowerSchool Portal
- Exchange Student Information
- Transcript Request
- Forms for Student Athletes
- Special Education Transition Services
- NCAA Eligibility Information
Program of Studies
If you would like a PDF version of the Program of Studies, please contact Melissa Innamorato, Registrar at minnamorato@ocss-va.org
Graduation Requirements
PowerSchool Portal
To access the Student Portal, you will need your username and the password that you created when you first logged in. If you get locked out of your student account or forget your username/password, you should fill out the form linked below.
To access the Parent Portal, you will need your child's Access ID and Passcode. This can be obtained by contacting the Counseling Center. Once you have your child's information, you can create a new account or add your child to an existing account. A helpful instructional guide is linked below.
Exchange Student Information
Transcript Request
Current OCHS Students- Online Request
Graduated Students Online Request
FEE: $3.50 per transcript | Transcripts will be mailed after payment has been received
Have questions? Contact Melissa Innamorato at minnamorato@ocss-va.org
Forms for Student Athletes
Special Education Transition Services
NCAA Eligibility Information
Scholarship Links
- Local Scholarship Information
- National Scholarships
- Scholarship Information
- Application Organizers
- FAQs
Local Scholarship Information
The OCHS Local Scholarship Application is a common application that is utilized by multiple community organizations. Any student who is interested in continuing his or her education is eligible to apply, whether interested in a trade or vocational school, community college, or a 4-year university.
Local Scholarship Details
(only accessible by ochs students)
class of 2026 - local scholarship application
(for ochs students only)
National Scholarships
The catch to these scholarships is that they are very competitive and often have early deadlines, so start early and ask for help when you need it!
Scholarships.org
Students can regularly check this website for national scholarship opportunities. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to receive regular updates as new scholarships are added!
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) Scholarship
To apply, students must be actively pursuing post-secondary education and be eligible for McKinney-Vento assistance or have experienced homelessness while in school within the past 6 years.
SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership Scholarship
To apply, students must be entering college for the first time in the 2023 - 2024 school year. The SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program provides scholarships to youth who have experienced homelessness to ensure their completion of a post-secondary education program.
Yearly National Scholarships - Various Deadlines
Questbridge - National College Match:
To apply, students must be high-achieving and able to be admitted to one of Questbridge's partner institutions. Household income is usually $60,000 or less.
Live Mas Scholarship:
To apply, students must submit a video (2 minutes or less) that tells the story of his/her life's passion. There are no essays, no test scroes, no right or wrong answers.
The Gates Scholarship:
To apply, students must be a high school senior; from one of the following ethnicities: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and or Hispanic American, Pell Eligible and in good academic standing. The student must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited US college or university.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships:
This scholarship is for high-achieving high school seniors planning to attend the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarships:
These scholarships are intended for minority students who show leadership potential and financial need. The scholarships are up to $30,000 over four years.
The Ron Brown Scholarship:
A National scholarship program for high-achieving, African American seniors with financial need, social commitment, and leadership potential.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship:
"The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities."
Elks National Foundation Scholarship Program:
The Most Valuable Student Scholarship contest is open to high school seniors. Winners will be chosen on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Scholarship Program:
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes are awarded $20,000 over 4 years on the basis of excellent academic ability and leadership in sports, the school, and the community. Students must be currently on a sports team and have an unweighted cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0.
Horatio Alger Scholarship:
106 scholarships at $25,000 each. As one of the nation’s largest college financial aid programs in the country, the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships:
The College Board is investing $5 million per year into their opportunity scholarships, beginning with the class of 2020. Students are eligible to earn scholarships by taking a few actions during certain windows in their junior and senior years.
The more effort you put in, the more opportunities you have to earn a scholarship. Complete all six, and you’re eligible to earn $40,000. Scholarships will be awarded through monthly drawings to students who complete each action. These do not have to be completed in order, only within the given time window. Click here
1. Build Your College List: $500
Get started by exploring colleges you're interested in. Learn More
2. Practice for the SAT: $1,000
Use Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy® to get ready for test day. Learn More
3. Improve Your Score: $2,000
Show how practice pays off by improving your SAT score. Learn More
4. Strengthen Your College List: $500
Make sure your college list has a mix of academic safety, match, and reach schools. Learn More
5. Complete the FAFSA: $1,000
Fill out the free government form to apply for financial aid. Learn More
6. Apply to Colleges: $1,000
Apply to the schools you want to attend. Learn More
Complete Your Journey: $40,000
Complete all six scholarship steps to be eligible for a $40,000 scholarship. Learn More
National DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Scholarships:
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a women's non-profit organization that awards scholarships to students dedicated to pursuing higher education in the fields of history, law, political science, economics, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English.
Hagan Scholarship Foundation:
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help its recipients graduate from college debt free. The scholarship provides up to $6,000 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters ($12,000 per year for 4 years). To be eligible, students must have achieved a 3.75 or higher cumulative GPA, a score of 24 or higher on the ACT, or an 1150 or higher on the SAT.
Student-View Scholarship Program:
Student Insights ia a market research company of higher education. This scholarship is designed for all high school seniors and is offering $13,000 worth of scholarships to students who plan to attend a four-year college, community/junior college or career school. Scholarship amounts include $5,000, $1,000, or $500. To be eligible, students must complete a 15-20 minute application survey about colleges in your area.
https://www.student-view.com/
American Fire Sprinkler Association:
The American Fire Sprinkler Association created the college scholarship program to assist the educational and training pursuits of students. In addition, they hope to educate the public about the life-saving properties of automatic fire sprinklers. Eligibility is NOT based on GPA, financial need, or demographic. Any senior planning to pursue a college degree or trade school education should apply!
USDA 1890 and 1994 Scholars Program
The USDA created these scholarships for students seeking a bachelors degree at an eligible 1890 or 1994 Land-Grant University in the field of agriculture, food, natural resource sciences or other related areas of study. High school and current college students are eligible to apply.
Scholarship Information
More Search Tools
The following link will take you to scholarships.com's search tool to search for national scholarships. There are scholarships that are available all year to all grade levels. This site too provides helpful information about the scholarship process.
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarship-search
Here are some additional resources for national scholarship searches:
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships
https://www.collegegreenlight.com/
https://lendedu.com/blog/scholarships/
Scholarship Essays
Most scholarship organizations and donors will require students to submit a 500 to 1000- word essay in addition to their applications. Having your essays pre-written will save you time and hopefully allow you the opportunity to apply for MANY scholarships. Below are 6 essay topics that are most frequently asked on applications. Do yourself a favor and write these essays now! Have a teacher or mentor look them over, and be sure to SAVE them for easy access.
1. Describe your career objectives and reasons for your interest in this particular career.
2. Why are you seeking education after high school, and why do you need scholarship funds?
3. Describe your present financial situation and your plans for financing your education.
4. Describe your biggest personal challenge and the efforts to overcome it. Why have you been successful, and what are your plans for the future?
5. Why should you be considered for a scholarship?
6. What are your short and long-term goals, and how will you give back to your community?
While this list will prepare you for most scholarships, it will not prepare you for all of them. For example, applications for a historical society may require that you write an essay about an historical figure. Applications for a particular trade or area of expertise may require that you write an essay specific to the field. Don't stress about this portion of your application. Simply organize your thoughts and explain yourself well. Your essay should be easy to follow, grammatically correct, and well-thought.
Application Organizers
FAQs
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial aid award (grant or payment) towards a student's education that is earned for academic achievements or other notable achievements. These awards are usually a one-time payment, but can be renewable. Scholarships do not need to be paid back.
How do I get a scholarship?
There are multiple colleges and organizations that offer scholarships to students. Use search tools to find the right scholarship for you, based on your needs, and apply.
What are the requirements for getting a scholarship?
Each scholarship is going to come with it's own list of requirements. Also known as "criteria". Be sure to read all of the criteria required for each scholarship before taking the time to apply. Not sure if you meet the criteria? Schedule a meeting with your counselor for clarification.
How do you apply for a scholarship?
Scholarships will come available at various times throughout the year. That information will be shared as best as possible through this website, through emails sent directly to your ocss account, and through announcements. There are millions of scholarships available, so you will need to do some research on your own to see what's right for you. See the "Helpful Resources" page on this site for more information.
Do I have to be a straight A student to receive a scholarship?
No. There are scholarships out there for everyone regardless of GPA, family income, race, gender, or disability.
Does community service increase my chances of winning a scholarship?
Community service can be beneficial if it is directly related to the scholarship that you are applying for. It is a great way to show that you can balance school and a role within the community. Community service is also a great learning opportunity for students. Don't be discouraged if you have not done any community service, it does not automatically exclude you from a scholarship opportunity.
Who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation and do I really need one?
You will need at least one letter of recommendation to submit. Most schools require that that letter come from your school counselor. If you don't submit a letter of recommendation your application can be viewed as incomplete. In order for your counselor to provide a well thought letter, you should give them your request no less than 2 weeks in advance. Check out the Helpful Resources page on this website for a recommendation letter request.
What are my chances of winning a scholarship?
Your chances of winning are based on the number of students that apply for the individual scholarship. Your chances of winning a local scholarship may be higher due to fewer students applying (only students in your local/immediate area applying). Your chances of winning a national scholarship may be lower due to more students applying (students from across the county applying), but this does not mean that you can't win and shouldn't apply.
What information will I need to know to apply?
All scholarship applications require the same general information. Some may ask that you include work or community service experience. The typical required information is listed below. Each application will require an essay on a topic of their choice, so be prepared. Occasionally topics for scholarships are the same, so the same essay can be used for multiple scholarship applications, so always save your work!
-Full Name
-Address
-Parent's Names
-GPA
-Extra-Curricular Activities
-Family Financial Information or EFC
-Colleges/Universities of Interest
-Desired Major/Course of Study
What is the difference between Need-Based and Merit-Based scholarships?
Scholarships come in two forms. They either come in need-based or merit-based form. A need-based scholarship or financial aid is awarded to low income families. Merit-based scholarships or financial aid is given to students who excel in a specific area of interest. Know the difference so you know which type of scholarship to apply for.
Will any money I receive affect my eligibility for financial aid?
In most cases your scholarships will not affect the financial aid awarded by a college. However, if the aid your receive from outside scholarships, financial aid from your college, and government grants, ends up being more than $300 above your calculated need, the federal government requires your college to reduce the amount of need-based financial aid it awards you. If you need help with this or have concerns, please see your school counselor or college advisor.
College Prep
Workforce Resources
Online Youth Employment Certificates (Work Permits)
Permission to Employ Form (Future Employee under 18)
Intent to work form (Employer)
Post-Secondary Opportunities
The following resources are provided to assist OCHS students in making informed decisions about their futures and to ensure that they are aware of the costs and benefits of different educational and certificate programs. The resources contain information for students on preparing, applying, and paying for college, as well as information on degrees and labor market career projections.