Amongst the many faculty changes this year, there is one familiar face taking on a new role. Jody Rodriguez is now the Middle School and ninth grade college counselor.

   In addition to the college counselors for the junior and senior class, the freshman and middle schoolers now have extra support for preparing for college.

   While Rodriguez has served in the college counseling office before, her new role will provide a foundation for the underclassmen and their parents looking to get a jump on the college hunt.

   “A lot of parents, not as many students, had been asking lots of questions. In regards about timelines and the process,” Rodriguez said. “Even seventh and eighth grade parents.”

   For the freshman class, Rodriguez has specific goals in mind that can help them prepare for their junior and senior year, when the college process is a lot more grueling.

   “My main goal for ninth grade specifically is for them to know who I am and know where our office is, so if they do have questions they can come to us and don’t have to wait until their sophomore year,” she said.

   It is no secret that the fight for college admission is getting tougher and Rodriguez hopes that by starting the process a little early, it will give Prep students the upper hand in the long run.

   If a Middle School or ninth grade student has any questions regarding college counseling, they can meet with Rodriguez in her office on the third floor.