Contributed
Principal Jason Goodwin presents the Chrome book to senior Jessica Itter.

The Alabama College Application Week Campaign was in full swing the first week of October, and Russellville City Schools had a slate full of activities – not the least of which was to have 100 percent of high school seniors fill out at least one college application.

Photos by Alison James
Students at Russellville High, Russellville Elementary and West Elementary dressed in their favorite college apparel Wednesday as part of the college application week campaign.

RHS seniors were assisted in filling out and submitting at least one college application over the course of the week. Registrar Tracey Malone said the school had 100 percent participation, with the help of admissions recruiters from Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama.

Photos by Alison James
Students at Russellville High, Russellville Elementary and West Elementary dressed in their favorite college apparel Wednesday as part of the college application week campaign.

This was RHS’ third year to participate and the second year to observe the campaign system-wide – involving students in every grade. Elementary students got in on the fun by talking with their teachers about higher education and participating in the designated dress-up days. “We try to start at the lower elementary grades and get students to start thinking about where they might want to go to college one day,” RES vice principal Paula Young said.

Photos by Alison James
Students at Russellville High, Russellville Elementary and West Elementary dressed in their favorite college apparel Wednesday as part of the college application week campaign.

Counselor Alissa Moore said encouraging application to college is a crucial part of helping students look to their futures. “A lot of students really don’t know what they want to do. By applying to college, at least they know they have a goal and a plan,” she said. “They are taking ownership in their education.

RHS students observed Crazy Socks Day Monday for “Kick Off to College,” dressed in favorite college apparel Wednesday, “Dressed for Success” on Thursday in professional attire and celebrated “RHS Success” with school colors apparel Friday. The college application week also coincided with Made in Franklin, at which students got to explore local industries and career and educational opportunities.

Door and bulletin board decorations were also a key part of the week, with prizes being awarded for the best designs.

All students who applied to college were entered into a drawing for a Chromebook, sponsored by CB&S Bank – a donation for which Moore expressed her gratitude. The winning student was Jessica Itter.