At Centralia High School (CHS), the journey from high school to college or trade school has never been smoother. Thanks to the leadership of the school’s dedicated counselors, Becky Brooks and Marianne Russell, students can now earn college credits while still in high school. Whether through the Dual Credit Program or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, these opportunities give CHS students a significant head start on their postsecondary education.

A SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO COLLEGE
The Dual Credit Program at CHS is designed to allow students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, and it’s making waves. “We offer over 50 dual credit courses, totaling nearly 150 credit hours,” Marianne explains proudly. What makes this program truly special is its accessibility. “It’s 100% free for students,” Becky adds. “In many districts, students have to pay a registration fee for dual credit, but not at CHS. We’re committed to removing financial barriers.”

The dual credit courses are taught by CHS teachers, but the curriculum aligns with Kaskaskia College, CHS’s local partner. “Our students do the work here, and it counts for both their high school diploma and their college transcript,” Marianne adds. This seamless transition is invaluable for students looking to save time and money, with many CHS graduates entering college with enough credits to finish their degrees early.

A RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES
The program’s scope is impressive, offering courses in fields as varied as welding, nursing, criminal justice, and more. “We have students graduating with their introductory welding certificates,” Marianne says. “By the time they leave CHS, they’re already halfway through their career training.”

This hands-on approach gives students a glimpse into the real-world opportunities awaiting them, but it also allows for something equally important—career refinement. “Sometimes students take a class and realize, ‘This isn’t for me,’” Becky says. “And that’s a valuable lesson too. It helps them narrow their focus before they commit to a specific path.”

In addition to career-specific courses, CHS offers core academic classes for dual credit, such as English 101, public speaking, and statistics. “Whether a student plans to enter the workforce or continue on to a four-year college, these courses are designed to give them a strong foundation,” Becky explains.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT: AIMING HIGH
For students seeking even more academic rigor, CHS offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, where high performance on the College Board exams can translate directly into college credits. “The AP program challenges students to perform at a higher level, and for those who rise to the challenge, the rewards are significant,” Marianne says. From subjects like biology to calculus, AP courses at CHS are giving students the chance to skip ahead in college while still developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Becky and Marianne emphasize that while dual credit and AP programs may differ in approach, they share a common goal: helping students find their best path. “Whether a student is college-bound or looking at vocational programs, we’re here to make sure they’re prepared,” Becky says.

GUIDING STUDENTS TO SUCCESS
Both counselors agree that their role goes far beyond scheduling classes or managing transcripts. “We’re not just guiding students academically—we’re guiding them emotionally,” Marianne says. “High school can be overwhelming, especially when students start thinking about their future. We help them navigate that process.”

CHS counselors meet with students individually every year to review their academic progress and postsecondary plans. “For seniors, it’s the big meeting,” Becky explains. “We check graduation credits, talk about college options, trade programs, and ensure they’re on track to succeed. It’s an exciting time for them, but it’s also when the reality of what comes next starts to sink in.”

MAKING IT POSSIBLE
Financial concerns often loom large for students and their families when thinking about college, but Becky and Marianne are there to help. “One of the biggest hurdles we see is fear of the unknown, especially when it comes to finances,” Marianne says. “But there’s so much support available. We walk students through FAFSA applications and help them identify scholarships, grants, and other resources.”

The results speak for themselves. CHS students save an estimated $300,000 annually through dual credit programs, and many graduates enter college with just a semester or two left to complete their associate’s degree.

LOOKING AHEAD
With counselors like Becky Brooks and Marianne Russell leading the way, CHS students are better prepared for life beyond high school. Whether they’re bound for college, trade school, or directly entering the workforce, students at CHS are given the tools they need to succeed. As Becky puts it, “Our goal is simple: we want our students to be happy and successful, whatever path they choose.”