Sam Houston State professor says small districts rely on creative strategies like UIL to prepare students
Preparing seniors for what’s next
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — As students across Walker County return to school, Darren Grant of Sam Houston State University says this time of year carries a unique weight for high school seniors — and for the counselors guiding them.
“Being a senior is both a really exciting time and a really scary time,” Grant said. “You have to figure out what’s next, whether that’s college, trade school or something else.”
Grant, a longtime SHSU economics professor, joined Good Morning Huntsville to talk about how schools prepare seniors for graduation and life beyond as part of his quarterly Nooks and Crannies segment.
The role of counselors
Grant said counselors play a pivotal role, particularly in smaller districts where resources are limited. Larger schools such as Huntsville High School have multiple counselors who can specialize in areas like college applications, while smaller districts like New Waverly or Richards may rely on just one counselor to oversee the entire student body.
“They’re the listening ear for an entire school,” Grant said. “In a small district, the counselor may literally know those kids from kindergarten all the way through graduation.”
Big challenges for small schools
Grant noted that New Waverly ISD graduates roughly 100 students in a strong year, while Richards ISD may graduate fewer than 15. Despite their size, these schools have found ways to prepare students for top universities.
In recent years, New Waverly has sent graduates to West Point, the University of Pennsylvania and MIT. Grant credited programs like University Interscholastic League (UIL) academics as key to helping students develop the skills needed to succeed at competitive schools.
“If you’re in a small school district, you don’t have a class designed for those kids who really want to launch to a great school,” Grant said. “But you do have academic UIL. You can pick a subject, drill down, and get to know it really well.”
Local traditions and support
Grant said that in communities like Huntsville and its neighboring districts, schools also lean on traditions such as senior nights, banquets, and community recognition to support students through their final year.
He emphasized that whether students pursue college, a trade, or military service, counselors help ensure they have a plan. “Every one of them, by the time they graduated, they had a direction,” Grant said of Richards ISD.
A crucial transition
As the fall semester begins, Grant said this is when seniors begin preparing applications and considering next steps. While it can be daunting, he said the process is also a time of pride for students, parents and educators.
“It’s a big decision to put on a 17‑year‑old,” Grant said. “But with the guidance of counselors and the support of their schools, these students are finding their way.”
A Note of Gratitude to Our Local School Counselors
As we spotlight this pivotal moment for students, it’s worth recognizing the professional counselors dedicated to supporting them across Huntsville. For instance, Huntsville High School’s Counseling and College & Career Center includes counselors Kelli Vossler (9–12, A–O) and Marsha Stringer (9–12, T–Z). These counselors, like many others across Walker County, help students navigate academic planning, mental health concerns, college and career decisions, and social challenges.
To counselors throughout our community — whether in large or small districts — thank you for being the steady guide for our students as they prepare to step into their futures.