College spirt week is an event created by Apply Florida and the American College Application Campaign (ACAC) to assist students with their college applications. During the last week in October, workshops were held before and after school at the Ranch to help seniors complete their college applications.

The goal of the workshops are to teach students about post-high school career paths and programs available for study.

During this week, the Wiregrass library was known as “Application Central”. Computers were available for all college-bound students to start or complete their applications, explore admissions pages of specific colleges or universities, or apply to programs.

The school also hosted virtual college webinars to help students, and even parents, de-stress about topics like admissions and financial aid.

Senior Malcolm Lewis attended one of the workshops about financing during college.

“This was a really great use of time for me,” Lewis stated. “It was actually interesting, because I want to major in financing, so it was cool to learn how it would apply to me.”

Wiregrass dual enrollment teacher, Kimberly Krook, was also in the media this week helping students write their college entrance essays. Senior Liam Pido attended one of these sessions.

“I was struggling to find a topic to write about, but once I did, Ms. Krook helped me structure it and checked my grammar once I was finished,” Pido said.

Friday was College Spirit Day. Students and faculty members dressed up in college apparel to support various Universities. AP Biology teacher Jessica Diepholz showed her support for the University of Florida by wearing orange and blue from head-to-toe.

“I think this day is the best for college spirit week,” Diepholz said. “Students can see where their teachers went and know where to go if they have any questions.”

Wiregrass also held an alumni panel on Friday featuring former Wiregrass students sharing their experience after high school and various pathways to success. Returning alumni included: Caiti Howe, Hope Belisle, Chris Madden, Joanna Morata, Noah Ravenna, Adam Weiss, and Stef Alastre.

Caiti Howe, Wiregrass Class of 2017 graduate, is in her final semester at Pasco Hernando State College and will be transferring to USF for digital design and photography or teaching.

“I wanted to let other students know that it’s okay to go to a community college first before going to a University; it saves money and helps you get more prepared,” PHSC student Caiti Howe explained.