November 14, 2022
For immediate release
Contact:
Keely Baribeau, PHASD Director of Community Relations, (810) 984-3101, ext. 4021; kbaribeau@phasd.us
BRANDON WARDLOW EARNS MCAN OMBUDSMAN FOR IMPACT AT PHHS
PORT HURON — The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) recently awarded its Ombudsman Award to four school counselors statewide. Brandon Wardlow who is currently a long term substitute math teacher at Holland Woods Middle School, earned this prestigious recognition from his work through AdviseMI at Port Huron High School for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years.
According to MCAN: Michigan College Access Network values the leadership and service of college advisers and coaches serving across the state, and this award honors a member from each Michigan corps—AdviseMI, Michigan State University College Advising Corps, the Michigan College Advising Corps, and College Completion Corps—to recognize their on-the-ground efforts to reach Sixty by 30. The recipients of this award have a passion for college access and success, have persevered over challenges while engaged in their year(s) of service, and have proudly represented AmeriCorps to students, families, and the public.
Through Mr. Wardlow’s efforts, Port Huron High School was recognized by MCAN for being one of the top 10 schools in the state of Michigan to improve its FAFSA Completion rate. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA form is a critical component for students to complete in order to make them eligible for receiving any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college.
In March 2021, Port Huron High School principal Mike Palmer acknowledged that key supporters in this initiative and its success were Brandon Wardlow, Cliff Thomason, Kevin Totty, Marion Stewart and Tyrone Burrell. “We are so proud of our students and the great results we had this year with their FAFSA completion,” said Palmer. “Thanks to our college advisor, the funding from the PHS Endowment Fund and the support of the Athletic Factory and their partnership, this is a great achievement for our school. It sets up our students for success with funding opportunities before they even begin college."
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