To the Editor:

The week of October 16th - 20th, Massena Central High School participated in the New York State College Application Week. This statewide initiative is meant to promote higher education, bring awareness to different college majors and programs and to support seniors who are looking to apply to college.

We are ecstatic to report that we had one hundred and five seniors participate in college application week, with 120 college applications completed. Many other applications are close to completion and some students were able to start or complete their financial aid applications, as well.

This event exceeded all of our expectations and we are so proud of all of our seniors, who conducted themselves professionally, asked questions, worked hard and took advantage of the services provided during the week.

We feel that this event would not have been as successful as it was if we did not have the support staff on hand to help us. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the following groups and individuals, who were quick to say “yes” when we asked for help, who gave up their time and who worked with students who are not in their programs without any hesitation, all in the name of helping those who needed help.

We would like to thank: Rod Cook and Joni Cole of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Education Division, Samantha Phillips of the Johnson O’Malley program for supplying food and water, Matt Hosmer and Ryan Ransom of NCSTEP for donating raffle items, Chelsea Chase and Kerrie Cooper of SUNY Canton Admissions and Financial Aid, Rebecca Smoke of SUNY Potsdam, Christina Wilson of Liberty Partnership Program, and all of the MCS administration, faculty and staff who supported our efforts.

It is our intention to continue participating in this event in the years to come, and it is a great relief to us knowing that we have such selfless, knowledgeable and caring individuals working in the education service programs within our school and surrounding area.

We cannot thank you enough and we hope you know how much we value you and enjoy working with you.

The Massena Central High School Guidance Department