Counseling / College & Career

The Counseling / College & Career Department supports students' academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary planning throughout their high school experience. The department provides guidance, resources, and individualized support to help students prepare for college, careers, and future opportunities.

High School Counseling

Personnel are available to parents/guardians and students including school counselors, school psychologists, student assistance counselors, nurses, special education teachers and paraprofessionals, speech and language pathologists, reading consultants, and administrators. Math and Reading remediation are offered to students based on state and district assessments.

More Information on Counseling Services

Counseling Team

Marian Boyns

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Courtney Campbell

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Lynn Cocco

Titles: College & Career Counselor

Email:

Contact

Gerilyn Ferguson

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Patricia Kosh

Titles: Administrative Assistant

Email:

Contact

Gary Lindgren

Titles: Student Assistance Counselor

Email:

Contact

John Mezzo

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Ashley Mozealous

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Lindsay Ryan

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Alison Staak

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Paula Vallie

Titles: Administrative Assistant

Email:

Contact

Caitlyn Walker

Titles: Administrative Assistant

Email:

Contact

Karen Waterman

Titles: HS Counselor

Email:

Contact

Students Only: Counselor Appointments

College & Career Center (C&C)

The College & Career Center helps students prepare for their lives after high school in several areas:

College and trade school options
Military careers
GAP year programs
Career planning
Testing information (SAT, ACT, PSAT, PreACT, ASVAB)
Part-time jobs and community service opportunities
Annual events, including college visits, alumni panels (for 11th and 12th graders), Trades Week, and career fairs (for 10th graders)

College & Career of the Week

It's a Wrap for the 2024-2025 College & Careers Of the Week!

Jun 1 2025

Previous College & Career of the Week

College & Career of the Week: September 4, 2026

College & Career of the Week: May 29, 2026

College & Career of the Week: May 22, 2026

College & Career of the Week: May 15, 2026

Connect with the C&C on Social Media

Contact the College & Career Center

CONTACT THE C&C CENTER

Phone: (203) 397 - 4836 | Fax: (203) 392 - 2078

Lynn Cocco

Titles: College & Career Counselor

Email:

Contact

Paula Vallie

Titles: Administrative Assistant

Email:

Contact

Upcoming C&C Events

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please view more College & Career Center events in the calendar below.

Toggle Alternate Calendar View

Sep 14 2026

College Visit: University of Bridgeport

Sep 14 2026

College Visit: Mount Holyoke College

Sep 14 2026

College Visit: Hofstra University

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Resources and support to help students stay on track, strengthen skills, and reach academic goals.

Advanced Placement & Partnership Programs

Advanced Placement (AP)

A program of college-level courses and examinations are available to qualified students in grades 11 and 12. More than 90% of the nation's colleges and universities offer advanced placement standing to students whose AP exam grades are considered acceptable. Success on four or more exams may result in one year of college credit.

For more information on Advanced Placement please visit:

www.collegeboard.com

College & High School Partnership Programs

Juniors and seniors who are in good academic and attendance standing may apply to take a course in partnership with Yale, Gateway, and Southern. Information about these programs is sent out by the counseling department.

Independent Study

Peer Tutoring

Unpaid Experiential Learning Program

Unpaid Experiential Learning Program (UELP)

The Unpaid Experiential Learning Program (also known as the internship program) allows seniors in good standing to go to work at a job site daily instead of coming to school. Job sites must be outside of Amity Regional High School. Participating seniors begin the UELP planning process in January and complete all academic work before the program begins in mid-May.

UELP Timeline

UELP Senior Parent Night

Unpaid Experiential Learning Program (UELP) Senior parent night was held virtually on 1/15. All seniors are required to participate in the program which runs from May 12-June 2^nd as part of their graduation requirement.

CAREER RESOURCES

Resources, opportunities, and tools to help students explore careers and prepare for the future.

Alternate Career Pathways

Please note that the Amity Regional School District #5 has not conducted any review or background checks of these programs. Students should consult with their parents/guardians before deciding to enroll in any of these schools.

Alternative Pathways

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The ASVAB is a standardized test that reveals areas of strength and ability in science, math, language and vocational skills. Taking the test is one of the first steps when considering a military career (enlisting in the military). However, many high school students take the ASVAB to learn about their own strengths and skills, and to assist with career exploration. Taking this test does NOT obligate you to enlist!

Amity Regional High School offers the ASVAB twice per school year - once in the fall and once in the spring. Military personnel and/or civilian testing staff visit our school to administer the test. This online test usually lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.

NOTE - 9th-grade students are NOT eligible to take this test

Stop by the Career Center to pick up a FREE booklet with more information.

Learn More about the ASVAB Program

ASVAB Preparation & Practice Tests

Career Search Resources

Career One Stop

Career videos organized by 16 career clusters. SIte is sponsored by the US Department of Labor

CT Career Resource Network

My Next Move

Apprenticeship Finder

Information about learning career skills through apprenticeship programs.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

O*Net Online

Career exploration tool sponsored by the US Department of Labor

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Career Readiness Benchmarks

Specific job info separated into the 16 career clusters.

CT State Colleges & Universities

(excluding UCONN) - Search engine that determines which CT public colleges and universities have the programs you’re looking for. Includes the 12 CT Community Colleges and Charter Oak College (online).

Career Day Videos

Please take the time to watch a few of the videos listed below. While our featured alumnis' careers may be different, they all share a passion for their chosen professions. We hope that as you explore career options, their stories will inspire and assist you in finding your career path.

Thank you to the following students who volunteered to interview our alumni:

Samantha Hass, '21
Ben Martin, '21
Jacob Silbert, '21
Nicole Grosso, '22
Ryan Lima, '22
Del Lee, '22
Audrey Marin, '22

Additional thanks to Paula Vallie, Shaun DeRosa, and ALL of our interviewees for making the time for this project!

Lynn Cocco,
College & Career Counselor

Eric Burns - Airline Pilot - Friend of Amity HS

Jessica Ayala - Attorney - Class of 2004

Ali Kramer - Business Development/Sales - Class of 2012

Amber DeGoursey - CRNA Nurse Anesthetist - Class of 2009

Cara Slugaski - Dental Student - Class of 2012

Joseph Greenspun, PhD. - Bioelectronic Engineer - Class of 2008

Adam Hill - Executive Chef - Class of 2006

Brian Earley - Firefighter - Class of 2018

Michael Bhatt - Gameplay Programmer - Class of 2009

Rob Rosner - High School Teacher - Class of 2012

Kevin Russell - HVAC Technician - Class of 2012

Emma Platoff - Journalist/Political Reporter - Class of 2013

Ray Veronneau - Medical Science Liaison/Sr. Pharmacist - Class of 2012

Lauren Sasso - Middle School Teacher - Class of 2007

Nick Platoff - Musician/Trombonist - Class of 2010

Mary Kate Cornell - Paralegal/Food Marketing - Class of 2009

Dakota Kelly - Physical Therapist - Class of 2014

Katie Yanagisawa - Pediatrician - Class of 2007

Alex MacNamara - Police Officer - Class of 2014

Rebekah Stein, PhD. - Postdoctoral Researcher/Earth Science - Class of 2010

Ian Dardik - Sr. Software Engineer - Class of 2010

Noah Safian - Investment Logic Engineer - Class of 2013

Jessica Malinconico - Sports Marketing Coordinator/ESPN - Class of 2012

Ryan Laemel - Team Leader/EVs & Alternative Energy - Class of 2010

Andrew Teitelman - Video - Film Editor/ESPN - Class of 2012

COLLEGE RESOURCES

Resources to help students research colleges, navigate the application process, and prepare for life after high school.

Acceptance Days & Representative Visits

Admissions & AP Testing

AP Registration Information

Registration is open until March 6, 2026 (Late fee Applied).
Late Fee: Registration will reopen but will have a $40 extra late fee (as set by CollegeBoard, not ARHS)
Cancellation Fee: If you cancel by March 6, 2026, $40 of your registration fee will go to CollegeBoard and the remaining will be refunded. Any cancellations after this date will not be refunded.

Financial Aid, Planning & Scholarships

Financial Aid

Amity - Financial Aid Night Resources

Post - Secondary Planning Night Resources

Scholarships

Below is a list of local scholarships that were offered last year. As these become available we will change the due dates for this upcoming year. If you need assistance with the application process, please see Mrs. Vallie or Mrs. Cocco in the Career Center.

Students are also encouraged to contact local civic organizations, religious affiliations and libraries for possible scholarship opportunities. Contact your state department of education for information regarding state scholarships and grants.

The NEW scholarships will become available in December. through April, so please check back!

Senior Scholarship Opportunities

Gap Year

Please note that the Amity Regional School District #5 has not conducted any review or background checks of these programs/opportunities. Students should consult with their parents/guardians before deciding to pursue any of these options.

General Gap Year Resources

Universities that support gap years:

Gap Year Association University Resource

Gap Year Scholarships:

Fast Web Scholarship Resource

Gap Year Fairs & Programs

Go Over Seas Resource

Gap Year Ideas

Peacecorps - US government-sponsored organization that sends volunteers to developing countries. Must be a US citizen, age 18 or older.

Americorps - Similar to the Peace Corps except that volunteers work within the USA. The organization has many different volunteer programs that focus on different service areas.

City Year - Education nonprofit organization (affiliated with Americorps) dedicated to helping students and schools succeed. Volunteers serve in schools all day, assisting students with learning the social, emotional and academic skills to succeed in school and in life.

Operation HomePort (OHP) - Provides opportunities to gain invaluable hands-on experience working with children and youth participating in Navy Children & Youth Programs (CYP) Child Development Centers (CDC), School Age Care (SAC), and Teen programs. OHP interns engage in planning and leading developmentally appropriate activities, facilitate and participate in planned activities, supervise and account for the whereabouts of children and youth, and support and facilitate positive, respectful relationships between children, youth, parents, and CYP professionals.

National Outdoor Leadership School - Various wilderness programs that teach survival and leadership skills. Programs run for one week or up to one year with many others in between.

Semester at Sea - Gap year program where students reside on a ship while learning various skills. Some college credits may be earned through a partnership with the Colorado State University.

Verto Education - Offers students semester abroad programs and may earn college credits while participating. Verto also partners with a select group of colleges/universities to create alternative pathways to admission.

Go WWOOFing! - travel the world, earn housing while living on an organic farm. According to their website, “WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community.” As a volunteer, participants will live alongside their hosts while helping with daily tasks and experiencing life as a farmer.

The Blackbird Academy - Professional School of Audio, Nashville, TN.- A unique 6-month program in Live Audio Engineering and Studio Engineering. This program is a mentor-driven, experience-based education. Professional engineers and award-winning guest mentors teach the Blackbird Academy programs.

Gap Year at SOAR - Designed for young adults with ADHS/LDs that have graduated from High School or have a GED. SOAR strives to empower their participants through travel, college classes, and volunteering. Learn to pursue new and existing interests and strengths, develop social skills, increase life skills, and practice independent living.

Parent Night Presentation Recordings

Introduction

Alternatives to 4 Year Colleges

Building Resiliency

Demystifying the College Process

Dual / Concurrent Enrollment

Building a Culture of Attendance

Graduation Requirements

Making Healthy Choices

School Resources & Support

Standardized Testing

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

The greater Amity community offers part-time job, community service and volunteer opportunities for students throughout the school year.

Community Service & Volunteering

Amity High School offers a community service incentive for all students. Students who complete and document 100 hours of community service hours over their 4 years at Amity High School will receive a diploma of distinction and an honor cord on the day of their graduation.

Copies of blank community service forms are available online and also in the Career Center. For questions, please email Paula Vallie.

Working Papers & Employment

Employment Opportunities

For community members who wish to post local part-time job opportunities, please contact Paula Vallie at 203-397-4836 or email the information to paula.vallie@amityregion5.org.

Working Papers

Students who are 16 or 17 years old are eligible. In order to receive working papers, students must bring a completed Promise of Employment Letter (supplied by the employer) signed and filled out by the employer and one form of identification. Valid forms of identification include only, a driver’s license/permit, a passport or birth certificate.

Working papers can be issued through the College and Career Center, Monday-Friday from 7-2:30pm. During summer months, working papers are available in the Counseling Office between 7:30am and 2:00pm. Please contact 203-397-4830, extension 3301.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Vallie at 203-397-4836 or paula.vallie@amityregion5.org

CT State Department of Education Employment Requirements

Working Paper Letter from Dr. Byars

View Opportunities

Please note that the Amity Regional School District #5 has not conducted any review or background checks of these employment opportunities. Students should consult with their parents/guardians before deciding to pursue any of these opportunities.

Woodbridge Residents Only: Woodbridge Job Bank

May 18 2026

Woodbridge Walking Trails

May 3 2026

EnergizeCT Green STEP Program Enrollment

Apr 24 2026

Yale High School Ethics Fellowship Opportunity - Apps Due 4/12!

Apr 8 2026

Fall Volunteer Listings

Oct 1 2025

COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER CALENDAR

This calendar includes College & Career Center events, college representative visits, and other related activities. For all other school events, please refer to the school calendar.

September 2026

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun

Monday, August 31

Tuesday, September 1

Wednesday, September 2

Thursday, September 3

Friday, September 4

Saturday, September 5

Sunday, September 6

Monday, September 7

Tuesday, September 8

Wednesday, September 9

Thursday, September 10

Friday, September 11

Saturday, September 12

Sunday, September 13

Monday, September 14

College Visits College Visit: University of Bridgeport

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Mount Holyoke College

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Hofstra University

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Johnson & Wales University-Providence

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: University of South Carolina-Columbia

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Franklin Pierce University

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: Brown University

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

College Visits College Visit: College of the Holy Cross

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Tuesday, September 15

College Visits College Visit: Bryant University

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Wagner College

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: University of Massachusetts-Lowell

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: University of Southern Maine

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Bentley University

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Dickinson College

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Suffolk University

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: University of Massachusetts-Amherst

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

College Visits College Visit: University of Maryland-College Park

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Wednesday, September 16

College Visits College Visit: University of Vermont

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Wesleyan University

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Connecticut College

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Post University

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Fitchburg State University

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

College Visits College Visit: Lafayette College

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: St Lawrence University

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Thursday, September 17

Friday, September 18

College Visits College Visit: Wentworth Institute of Technology

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Rivier University

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Boston College

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Saturday, September 19

Sunday, September 20

Monday, September 21

Tuesday, September 22

College Visits College Visit: Monmouth University

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Springfield College

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Towson University

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Dartmouth College

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Moravian University

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Wednesday, September 23

College Visits College Visit: Colby College

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Dean College

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Endicott College

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: Keene State College

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

College Visits College Visit: Coastal Carolina University

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: Salve Regina University

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Thursday, September 24

College Visits College Visit: Albertus Magnus College

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Merrimack College

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Quinnipiac University

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Johns Hopkins University

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: SUNY at Binghamton

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: University of Connecticut - Storrs

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Fairfield University

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: Iona University

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

College Visits College Visit: Florida Southern College

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: Marywood University

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Friday, September 25

College Visits College Visit: Seton Hall University

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Lynn University

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: University of Scranton

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

College Visits College Visit: Saint Anselm College

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Saturday, September 26

Sunday, September 27

Monday, September 28

Tuesday, September 29

College Visits College Visit: High Point University

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Rhode Island School of Design

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: University of New Haven

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Wednesday, September 30

College Visits College Visit: University of Miami

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

College Visits College Visit: Western Connecticut State University

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

College Visits College Visit: Trinity College

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Thursday, October 1

College Visits College Visit: Amherst College

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

College Visits College Visit: Tufts University

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

College Visits College Visit: Miami University-Oxford

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Friday, October 2

College Visits College Visit: Saint Joseph's University

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Saturday, October 3

Sunday, October 4

Calendar & Category Legend:

ARHS - College & Career Center ARHS - College & Career Center
College Visits College Visits

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Connect with the College & Career Center on Facebook for updates, announcements, and important information about upcoming opportunities and events.

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