At Pell City High School in Alabama, college access is about more than completing applications; it's about helping students envision their futures and empowering them to pursue their goals with confidence. For its outstanding commitment to supporting students through the college application process, Pell City High School has been recognized as a 2025–26 ACAC School of Excellence through ACT’s American College Application Campaign.
Led by Pell City High School College and Career Counselor Jacqueline Gaines, alongside colleagues Brittany Gibson, Mary Jane McCullars, and Shelley Kaler, the school's college application completion efforts have become a meaningful opportunity for students to explore their options and take tangible steps toward life after high school.
Turning Anxiety into Opportunity
For many students, the college admissions process can feel a bit daunting. Pell City High School intentionally works to change that narrative by creating a welcoming and encouraging environment during its college application completion events.
"The college admissions process can feel overwhelming and intimidating for many students," Gaines explains. "By intentionally creating an atmosphere of excitement, encouragement, and celebration throughout the week, we can help ease some of that anxiety and transform the application process into a moment of possibility."
The initiative is designed to ensure students understand that postsecondary education is within reach. By providing resources, support, and guidance packaged in a fun and unique event, the school helps students consider pathways they may never have previously imagined.
"Creating an enthusiastic and positive atmosphere during college application events is an important part of the American College Application Campaign model,” says Lisa Sommer King, senior program director for ACT’s Center for Impact and Learning. “For more than 10 years, Pell City High School has done this by selecting a theme and creating a welcoming environment that celebrates students while putting them at ease as they complete their college applications."
Expanding Postsecondary Options
At the heart of Pell City High School's campaign is a simple but powerful message: applying to college creates more pathways to opportunities.
"The college application campaign provides students with an additional option to consider as they plan for life after high school," says Gaines. "At its core, the initiative is about equipping students with valuable resources and guidance as they pursue a postsecondary path — ultimately empowering them to build the lifestyle and future they envision for themselves."
Through conversations about majors, careers, and educational pathways, students gain a clearer understanding of the possibilities available to them after graduation.
Celebrating Student Engagement
One of the highlights of Pell City High School's college application events has been the enthusiasm students bring to the process.
"One of the most rewarding parts was hearing students talk openly about college majors, career paths, and their dreams for the future," Gaines says. "Those conversations spark confidence and remind us why this work matters."
Students arrived prepared with questions, actively participated in application completion sessions, and often submitted applications and required documents during or shortly after the events. This level of engagement reflects the supportive culture the school has worked hard to build.
The celebrations surrounding application completion also play an important role. Students who completed applications were entered into prize drawings and participated in special activities, creating an exciting atmosphere that felt gratifying and motivating.
"That extra layer of excitement created positive energy, encouraged follow-through, and made the completion process feel both rewarding and celebratory," Gaines says.
The Power of Community Support
Pell City High School's success is strengthened by the contributions of community partners and dedicated staff members who rally around students throughout the campaign.
"Events like this are only possible because of the incredible support of our community partners and dedicated school staff," Gaines notes. "From volunteering their time to donating snacks, swag items, gift cards, and messages of encouragement, their generosity creates an environment where students feel valued, supported, and celebrated as they take this important step toward their future."
The collaborative effort demonstrates how schools and communities can work together to help students successfully navigate the transition from high school to higher education and beyond.
Dr. Monica Mack, educational specialist in Instructional Services for the Alabama State Department of Education, is retiring this year but has been very instrumental in supporting the ACAC School of Excellence award from the beginning. “It has been a privilege to coordinate our state's American College Application Campaign, says Mack. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with schools like Pell City High School, whose commitment reflects the dedication of their students, counselors, teachers, and community partners. Their collective efforts help students take the next step toward college and career success.”
Advice for Other Schools
For educators interested in launching their own college application completion events, Gaines encourages thoughtful planning and a clear vision.
"If you're thinking about starting your own College Application Week, start with the end in mind," she advises. "What do you want the outcome to be? Having a clear, measurable objective will guide every other decision you make."
She also emphasizes the importance of identifying key stakeholders early, including administrators, counselors, teachers, community partners, and volunteers. Careful attention to scheduling, logistics, funding, and volunteer preparation can help ensure the event runs smoothly and effectively. For example:
- Be strategic about timing so classroom instruction or other events aren’t impacted.
- Reach out to community partners, local businesses, and the PTO to help manage event funding.
- Train volunteers ahead of time to ensure they are prepared to assist students effectively.
"With thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a clear vision, College Application Week can become a powerful opportunity to expand possibilities and empower students to take their next step," Gaines says.
Looking Ahead
Pell City High School's recognition as an ACAC School of Excellence reflects its unwavering commitment to helping students explore opportunities, overcome barriers, and confidently pursue their futures. By transforming the college application process into a celebration of possibility, the school is helping students discover that their aspirations are within reach and that their next chapter can begin with a single application.
