Sunday, November 28, 2010

10 Things for High-School Students to Remember

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Believe it or not, if you're in high school right now, you're at a great point in your life. You have your whole life in front of you. And now is a good time to start thinking about your future, to make some initial plans; just remember that plans can be easily changed. Remember too, that experts predict that the average person will change careers -- not just jobs -- more than five times in his or her lifetime. Now is the time to pursue your dreams!

And as you start thinking about one or more potential educational and career paths, here are 10 things to remember in the days ahead.

1. Take time to think about what you like to do; dream and imagine ideal careers. There are so many opportunities, so many different types of jobs and careers in a wide variety of industries -- and there are also other career paths that are just emerging. Even if you are fairly sure of a career choice, take the time in high school to explore similar (or even vastly different) careers. Explore all your options. Examine your likes and dislikes and take a few career-assessment tests. Answer the question, if you could have any job right now, what would it be -- and why? Don't let any barriers hold you back from finding the perfect career.

Example: Take the time for some career assessment and career exploration to expand your vision of potential majors and career paths.

2. Challenge yourself in high school, but don't overwhelm yourself. Do get the most out of high school as possible. When you can, take the tough and challenging schedule of classes; you'll learn more -- and it will look good to the college admissions staff. Obviously, you need to stay focused on getting good grades, but don't overload your schedule -- or yourself -- so that it makes you sick or burnt out. Be sure to include at least one fun course in your schedule.

Example: If you have a passion for something, such as photography, find a way to schedule a photography course along with your other tougher college-prep courses.

3. Work, volunteer, or otherwise gain some experience. As with your education, the more you are exposed to, the more options will open to you as you search out careers. There are even a growing number of internship opportunities for high-school students. Seek work and volunteer experiences in and out of school. And from a practical standpoint, work experience looks good on college applications -- and on future job applications and resumes. And one other benefit if you are working in a paid position: spending money! Just remember that school and grades have to come first, so only work if you can balance your schedule, manage your time.

Example: If you're interested in a career in journalism, start writing for your school newspaper and look into a part-time job at a local newspaper.

4. Get as much education as you can. We are now a society in which many jobs and careers require additional education or training beyond high school. Some careers even require a graduate degree before you can work in the field. Take advantage of all educational opportunities that come your way, such as summer educational opportunities and educational trips abroad. If financially possible -- and there are many ways to help make it so -- attend college; college graduates make a much higher salary, on average, than high-school graduates.

Example: If you have a passion for science or math, instead of spending a summer goofing around the community pool, consider a summer math enrichment program or a space-agency program.

5. Talk with as many adults as possible about careers and colleges. The best way to find out about different careers is to ask people -- family, neighbors, friends, teachers, counselors -- to tell you about their career and college experiences. If you have not already, begin to build a network of adults who know you and are willing to assist you in your educational and career endeavors. And for careers that truly interest you, consider asking each person if you can shadow him/her at work. You could also consider conducting informational interviews at the same time as the shadowing, or as a less intrusive method of learning more about jobs and careers.

Example: If you have a passion for history and are considering a career as a college history professor, contact a local college and ask one or more of the history professors if you can shadow them or conduct an informational interview.

6. Remember that everyone must follow his or her own path in life. Don't spend too much time worrying what other people in your high school are doing -- or letting their opinions about your dreams and ambitions affect your decision. And don't worry if you leave high school with no clear career path -- that's partly what college is all about, discovering who you are and what you want to do in life. Everyone develops/matures/grows at their own pace, so don't feel the need to rush to make a decision now… but don't use the fact that you have plenty of time to make a decision as an excuse not to at least start learning and researching potential career options.

Example: Many colleges offer special "discovery" programs for entering first-year students who have no real idea of majors and careers. These programs expose you to a wide variety of classes, events, and speakers to help lead you onto a path of career discovery.

7. People change; don't feel locked into any college or career now. It's great to have an ideal plan for your life, but remember that things happen, and your plans may need to change… so keep an open mind -- and keep your options open. Some of your friends -- or perhaps you -- already know, or think you know, what you want to do in life. If so, that's fantastic, but don't become so myopic that you lose sight of other interesting opportunities. There are career paths that have not even started today that may be big in five or more years.

Example: One of my college students, whose parents are both lawyers, is certain his fate is to be a corporate attorney, and his plans currently include law school after his undergraduate education; however, he is also taking a full set of business courses, as well as some interesting electives, in case "things change" by the time he graduates.

8. Don't let anyone control your dreams and ambitions. You will be horribly miserable at best if you let a parent or other family member dictate your major or your career. Students often feel pressure to follow in an adult family member's career path, especially if s/he is footing the bill for college, but the worst thing you can do is choose a career to please someone else.

Example: A former student of mine came from "a family of accountants," and everyone was supposed to join the family CPA firm. The problem, however, was that she had no aptitude for numbers and hated accounting -- yet could not summon the courage to tell her family. When she finally did confess her dislike, the world did not end, and her parents actually encouraged her to follow her passion.

9. It's never too early nor too late to get organized and begin making plans. No matter where you are in high school, now is the time to plan the remainder of your high-school years -- as well as your plans after high school. Research your options for after graduation -- technical schools, community colleges, four-year universities, etc. Start or continue your preparation for the various standardized tests (such as the SAT and ACT). Start thinking about teachers who might be willing to write letters of recommendation for you -- and approach them when the time is near. Finally, make plans to fill any gaps in your plans -- such as striving for better grades, taking tougher courses, gaining experience, or earning community-service hours.

Example: Many teachers get swamped with last-minute requests for letters of recommendation for college admission, so the earlier you approach the teachers who can write the best recommendations for you, the better off you'll be. Read more in our article, Four Steps To Getting Perfect College Recommendations.

10. Never stop learning… read, grow, and expand your mind. Don't pass-up opportunities to learn and experience new things. Many teachers offer or assign summer and supplemental reading lists -- look at these as opportunities for growth rather than a drag on your summer. The more you read, the more you'll know. It's a cliche, but knowledge is power.

Example: One high-school student was sure he wanted to be a teacher, but the more he read about cutbacks in educational spending and the decline in the educational experiences in many parts of the country, he decided he would be better off becoming a political activist for educational reform than as a teacher stuck in what he saw as a decaying system.

Final Thoughts
High school is a real transition time for teens, as you move into adulthood and the more adult issues of work, careers, and college. It should be a time of growth as well as a time of challenge. Have fun, but get the best education you can so that you are positioned to take advantage of further educational opportunities… and no matter where you go after high school, never stop learning and growing.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Competition for Admission to College Will Get Tougher

Today's high school students will need to work hard to get into college as spots at most schools will only get tighter due to several factors.  The economy is forcing Kentucky and other states to cut funding to post-secondary schools (state universities and community/technical colleges) which means they will most likely be limited in the number of students they can admit to their schools.  Add to this mix the high number of workers that are looking to improve their job skills in order to get a better job or have been layed off and the competition to get into colleges will most likely get stiffer.

 According to Jobless seek skills in vain at colleges from The Washington Post:

"All over the United States, community college enrollments have surged with unemployed and underemployed people seeking new skills.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System saw the sharpest growth among the state's public institutions during the 2009-10 school year and the past decade. Enrollment at KCTCS increased 6.1 percent during the past year, to 106,500. Its enrollment jumped 79.2 percent during the past decade.

But just as workers have turned to community colleges, states have cut their budgets, forcing the institutions to turn away legions of students and stymieing the efforts to retrain the work force."

The Lexington Herald-Leader's Kentucky college enrollment hits all-time high article describes the growth seen at Kentucky's public and private schools.

"Enrollment in Kentucky's public and independent colleges and universities hit an all-time high this fall with 271,352 enrolled students, according to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education."

In these times, it will be critically important for the Ryle community to work together to prepare our students for admission to and success in college.

Trinity 28, Ryle 9

The Raiders football season came to an end with a 28-9 loss to Trinity High School in the state semi-finals. It was a tough end to a great season, which includes 12 wins and 2 losses, a regional championship and a district championship.  Congratulations to the young men that proudly wear the black and orange! 

Trinity 28, Ryle 9

Trinity too much for Ryle

Trinity stops run, reaches 6-A final


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Visiting with Mrs. Ryle

Last Thursday, the Senior Class Executive Board visited the Ryle farm in Boone County and visited with Mrs. Alice Ryle, the widow of the late Larry A. Ryle.  Mrs. Ryle and her daughter Sally made a delicious lunch for the seniors students and Mrs. Robyn Bain, Ryle teacher and the senior class sponsor. 


After lunch Mrs. Ryle visited with the students and told stories about Larry A. Ryle.  She entertained everyone by telling how she first met Mr. Ryle, his personality, how the school was named in his memory, and how proud she was of the school and the students for honoring him with their hard work.   "He would be so proud."  

Happy Thanksgiving

We are thankful for everyone in the Ryle community: the students, faculty, staff, parents, and other community members.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving with friends and family and take time to rest and relax on this holiday weekend!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Ryle reloading, eyeing state title

Preview of the upcoming wrestling season in the NKY Enquirer.

Ryle reloading, eyeing state title

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Raiders Advance to State Semi-Finals!

Its time to change your Thanksgiving weekend plans as the Raiders defeated Simon Kenton 35 - 14 to win the regional championship at Borland Stadium last night.  Next Friday at 7:30 p.m. the team takes on Trinity High School in the state championship semi-finals with the winner advancing to the state championship game at WKU.  Go Raiders!

Ryle 35, Simon Kenton 14

6A Football Championship Bracket

Elliott scores 5 TDs as Ryle downs Simon

2010 Kentucky Playoffs: Simon Kenton at Ryle Football - Video - WLWT Cincinnati

Tristate football article





Thursday, November 18, 2010

Friday Night at Ryle

Friday will be a fun and busy night at Ryle as we host the annual PTSA Craft Show from 7-10 p.m. and also the Simon Kenton Pioneers in the regional football championship game at Borland Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

We expect crowds for both events so come early and be patient. Staff will be directing traffic into parking spots.

Football traffic should enter campus at the south entrance at Cool Springs while Craft Show traffic should use the north entrance at Frogtown Road.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Ryle High School Speech and Debate team reaches for fourth state title

UNION, KY (FOX19) -- At Ryle High School the State Championship team doesn't practice on the field...but in the classroom.  Link to Fox 19 video of this story.

With back-to-back-to-back state titles in 2008, 2009, and 2010, the Ryle Speech and Debate team is practicing for a fourth.

"Everything is about enunciation, hand gestures and walking but walking is a lot harder than it sounds," says freshman Davis McNichol. McNichol is practicing his walk and speech up against a wall. He is trying to follow in the footsteps of seniors Renee Wilson and Jake Hart, who have both dedicated four years to speech and debate.

"Speaking is something everybody has to do, you have to take public speaking classes in college so why not get started early," says Wilson who wants to become a pharmacist after graduation.

"Just being able to use the gifts that I have. Though it's not like a sport where I go out every Friday night and play on the football field or go down and play on the gym floor, basketball, but it's something that I'm actually good at and use there," says Hart who wants to major in political science at the University of Kentucky and eventually work in politics.

Leading the team to the state competition in March is Eric Blankenship, known to the students as Mr. B. "He's really shown me a lot about speech in general and how to be a good person to everyone else," says Hart.

Mr. B says these kids work hard and deserve every trophy but going to state is about more than just winning.

"The greatest thing I take away from this is not when we win State as a team...just to watch their face because I know what's getting ready to happen. I know that they're going to see their name on this poster, I know their name is going to be called on stage and just to experience that," says Blankenship.

An experience newcomer McNichol is hoping will happen to him. "I'm trying to add a fourth straight year of championship trophies because well I don't want to disappoint anyone because we take a lot of pride in what we do here."

PLAN Scores are in . . .

The PLAN scores for our sophomore students are in . . . Are you college ready?

Call the school office at 384-5300 to find out more.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Cross Country State Meet

Yesterday, the boys and girls cross country teams ran in the the KHSAA state championship meet at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Overall the girls team finished 9th in the state and the boys 22nd in the state.  Congratulations to both teams on a strong season.

Here's how everyone finished out of 226 runners:
  2nd:  Gabby Gonzales
  34th:  Jensen Bales
  45th:  Jacqueline Jones
  67th:  Sayaka Nakashima
  123rd:  Alli Pratt
  145th:  Emily Gonzales
  163rd:  Samantha McKeough

Here are the boys results out of 228 runners:
  80th:  Alex Bloom
  113th:  Ethan Brennan
  142nd:  Andrew Tursic
  143rd:  Michael Edwards
  157th:  TJ Ruschell
  163rd:  Brandon Longano
  200th:  Trenton Pratt

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Ryle 38, Campbell County 14

Last night the Raiders defeated Campbell Co. to advance to the Regional Championship round of the football playoffs. They will play Simon Kenton next Friday at Borland Stadium.

Ryle 38, Campbell County 14

Ryle bottles up Kremer, Campbell

TV latest challenge for QB

Fox 19 story and video link






Mace pulls out the stops


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day

Ryle High School salutes our veteran members of all branches of the United States military.  Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and patriotism.

To active members of the United State military, thank you for protecting our country and our freedoms.  We hope each of you get home safely.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Abby Jump signs with Wright State University

Ryle senior Abby Jump signed a letter of intent today to play basketball with Wright State University.  She will be receiving a full scholarship that includes her tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Abby is the 1st female basketball player to sign with a NCAA Division I school in the history of Ryle High School.  As she enters her senior year, Abby already holds several basketball records at Ryle including most 3-point shots in a game with 7 and is a two-time team MVP.

Congratulations Abby and good luck on a great senior year!

PLAN Scores are in . . .

Are you college ready?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Cross Country Teams Advance to State Meet

Congratulations go out to the boys and girls cross country teams for qualifying for the state cross country championship meet held on Nov. 13th at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Gabby Gonzales won the 3A race in a time of 19:31, which marks her third straight regional championship.  Jensen Bales finished 3rd with a time of 20:41.  Overall the girls team finished 2nd in the region and qualified for the state meet.

The boys cross country team placed 4th overall in the region and qualified for the state meet.

Congratulations and good luck next week at state!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

Responsible Young Drivers

Approximately 200 students gathered in the Ryle auditorium this afternoon for the Responsible Young Driver program.  The RYD program is held every semester at Ryle for two very important reasons:
  1. to celebrate the 16th birthday of our students (all had recently turned 16 or will turn 16 in the coming months)
  2. to discuss the responsibility inherent in student's earning their driver's license and becoming a driver.
The guest speaker for the students was Brad Fritz, a 26 year old friend of Ryle High School, that has delivered similar messages to Ryle students for many years.

Brad Fritz was a sophomore at Covington Catholic High School when he was involved in a horrible accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury.  In a powerful presentation Brad describes his accident and injuries and the choices that were made leading up to the unfortunate accident.  Brad goes on to discuss his recovery and the physical and psychological struggles with his injuries.



Please be safe when you drive!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

FBLA Spaghetti Dinner / Latest Headlines

Don't forget to attend the annual FBLA Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday night from 5-8:30 p.m. !


A few recent articles from the local media:

Three Boone teams roll into playoffs

Ryle wins football poll title

Ryle H.S. dismissing early