It Takes a Village: How Terry High School Grew Its FAFSA Completion Efforts

“It takes a village” is how Carmon Kelly, Career Coach at Terry High School, describes the school’s approach to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion efforts. As of May 15, 2026, the latest Federal Student Aid data release, Terry High School has reached an impressive 72.3% FAFSA completion for the Class of 2026. That number is 21.4% higher than this time last year. 

These efforts are years in the making. Terry High School counselor, Stacy Michele, has attended numerous FAFSA trainings with Get2College over the years. She believes ongoing training is essential to staying current on FAFSA changes. Not all staff can leave school during a school day. Terry High School counselors attend these FAFSA trainings so they can share updated information and best practices with the rest of the College and Career Readiness team. 

How Terry High School Built a FAFSA Completion Culture 

• Discuss FAFSA timelines and preparation steps with students early. 

“Talk it up!” Dr. Sheena White, Senior Seminar teacher, said early awareness is key to helping students and parents understand the value of completing the application. 

• Have students complete the FAFSA together in the CCR class.  

• Incentivize FAFSA completion by incorporating it into classroom participation or grades. 

• Educate students and families about financial aid opportunities and address common misconceptions. 

• Walk students through the real cost of college and how financial aid can reduce expenses. 

Michael Mordecai, CCR teacher, uses cost of attendance worksheets to show the cost of college after subtracting possible financial aid opportunities that require FAFSA completion.

• Involve parents by offering follow-up support and FAFSA assistance opportunities. 

Terry High School also uses statewide resources like College Countdown MS, which helps schools build a college-going culture through FAFSA events, college application campaigns, and signing day celebrations. Free membership in College Countdown MS includes event toolkits, monthly training and resource updates, and access to a statewide educator support community. Schools can sign up for College Countdown MS here.  

Collaboration across departments at Terry High School — combined with resources like College Countdown MS and FAFSA training opportunities through Get2College — has helped create a strong support system for seniors and their families throughout the FAFSA process. 

That support matters. The FAFSA is often the first step students take toward accessing financial aid for college or career training programs. Completing the application can open the door to federal aid, Mississippi state aid, institutional scholarships, and other funding opportunities that help make education after high school more affordable. 

At Terry High School, FAFSA completion is not viewed as a one-time event or the responsibility of one person. It is a schoolwide effort built on communication, teamwork, and consistent encouragement for students and families. From counselors and CCR teachers to parent outreach and community partnerships, every piece works together to help students take the next step toward their future. 

Terry High School’s significant increase in FAFSA completion shows what can happen when a school creates a culture where postsecondary planning is supported by an entire village. 

When students see everyone working together to support them, they begin to believe college or career training really is possible for them. Hear directly from Terry High School as they share their strategy for building a strong FAFSA-going culture and hosting successful FAFSA Day events in this YouTube video.