High School Counseling

Navigating Pathways to the Future

High school counselors help students  navigate academic, peer, and parental pressures as they face high-stakes testing, the challenges of college admissions, the scholarship and financial aid application process, and entrance into a competitive job market.

graduated students celebrating

Central High School 2023 Graduation (photo credit: Rapid City Journal)

High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. High school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. High school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. High school counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize their full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.

(American School Counselor Association)

 Our Focuses

  • Meeting with every student to create four-year plans of rigorous coursework to meet graduation requirements and prepare for post-secondary success

  • Assisting both students and parents in navigating the complex process of preparing for college, career, and life readiness

  • Responding to the mental health needs of students, creating plans for success, and referring to community resources, when needed

SDMyLife

my dream. my plan. my future quote

SDMyLife is an online program assisting students with navigating the career development process. To find a good match, students take interest and ability assessments. They can explore by career cluster, keyword, or school subject. Students can also research postsecondary education and training options, build a portfolio, study with Method Test Prep, and find out about scholarships opportunities.

Key High School Activities in SDMyLife:

  • Ability Profiler – Career Aptitude Assessement

  • Personal Learning Plan – Mapping 4 Years of High School Courses

Scholarships

Current Students: Request a Transcript

Our High School Counseling Team

Central High School

433 Mt. Rushmore Road
Rapid City, SD 57701
P. (605) 394-4023
F. (605) 355-3041

Visit Central High School Cobbler Career Center

Anthony Raaphorst

Anthony Raaphorst

Deanna Stammer

Deanna Stammer

Rani Mitchell

Rani Mitchell

RCAS Secondary Lead Counselor

Grades 10-12

Last names starting A-G

Email Rani Mitchell

Laura Lloyd-Smith

Laura Lloyd-Smith

Grades 10-12

Last names starting H-Pa

Email Laura Lloyd-Smith

Katie Baskerville

Katie Baskerville

Grades 10-12

Last names starting Pi-Z

Email Katie Baskerville

Stevens High School

4215 Raider Road
Rapid City, SD 57702
P. (605) 394-4051
F. (605) 394-1820

Visit Stevens High School Student Services Center

Gerald Johnson

Gerald Johnson

Last names starting O-U

Email Gerald Johnson

Roxann Engel

Roxann Engel

Last names starting D-J

Email Roxann Engel

Tracy Freidel

Tracy Freidel

Last names starting K-N

Email Tracy Freidel

Sonja Gab

Sonja Gab

Last names starting A-C & V-Z

Email Sonja Gab

Rapid City Alternative Academy

601 Columbus Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
P. (605) 394-4048
F. (605) 394-6941

Visit Rapid City Alternative Academy Counseling Page

Blake Addison