From left to right, Joe McPherson, Kim Thompson, Dr. Stacey Philbrick, Ryan Goines, Suzanne Reaves, Seth Douglas, Eva Price, Josh Jarnigan and Corbin (Therapy Dog)
I am Joe McPherson. I have lived in Johnson City my entire life. I graduated from University High School and ETSU. I am married to my beautiful wife Paula who teaches at Science Hill in the Health Sciences department. I am the proud father of 3 Science Hill graduates Marissa, Corey, and Tucker, and my most rewarding role these days is grandfather to 3 amazing little ones - Aspyn, Ellis , and Turner. I enjoy exercising with my wife. She even convinced me to do yoga with her. I enjoy golf, fishing, and most other sports. Our military men and women and their families have a special place in my heart. I am very blessed to come to a job that I enjoy each day. I enjoy helping our students with important decisions about life after high school.
Hello, Toppers! I am Kimberly Thompson. I am not originally from this area. I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before I moved to Corbin, Kentucky where I graduated from Corbin High School. I am also a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and Milligan University. I moved to East Tennessee when I married my wonderful husband Brad. We have two children Taylor and Tye. We also have 5, yes 5, fur babies: Judas, Maya, Wrigley, Bentley, and Pepper. I love spending time with my family, friends, crocheting, reading, antique shopping and being a beach bum when at all possible. I come from a long line of educators and I have always known that I wanted to help students in some form. I have been in education now for the last 21 years in different capacities but the one I have loved the most has been counseling. I became a School Counselor to make a difference in young minds and guide them on their journey of not only finding their career path, but achieving their academic, emotional and social goals. Being a counselor to me is not just a position in the school setting; it is my calling and passion and I am honored to be a counselor here at Science Hill High School.
Hi everyone! My name is Stacey Philbrick. I am a graduate of Bluefield University, Appalachian State, ETSU, and Milligan. I love learning and would be a professional student if I could. I have lived in the area since 2009 with my husband, Clint, who teaches in the Health Science Department in Science Hill’s CTE program. We have three kids, Jake, Addy, and Ruby. I have been working in education for the past 15 years, first as an academic counselor at ETSU and most recently as a school counselor at LBMS. I am excited to continue working with the students and families I have come to know through my time at LBMS and meeting new students and families as well. I look forward to supporting our students as they navigate high school and pursue their future plans and goals.
Hello, I am Ryan Goines. I am a graduate from both ETSU and Milligan University. I have lived in the Tri-Cities area since 2011. My wife and I love doing anything outdoors whether that's hiking, volleyball, or just going for a walk. I have a passion for helping students grow into healthier versions of themselves, whether that is emotionally, socially, or academically. I cannot wait for this school year to begin and to get to know everyone!
Hello, SHHS students and parents! My name is Suzanne Reaves, and I have lived in Johnson City for the last 25 years. I graduated from Tennessee High School, and worked as a counselor there for seven years. I am excited to be in my 6th year with JCS. All three of my children are Science Hill graduates and so is my husband. In my spare time, I like to read, walk, and my husband and I love to go to the movies. I have a passion for all kids at SHHS and Topper Academy, and they hold a special place in my heart. I am excited for this year and I hope to meet with you and your student face to face very soon!
Hello, folks! I am Seth Douglas. I was born and raised in this area, Elizabethton to be exact. I am a graduate of Happy Valley High School, Arizona State University and Milligan University. I spent a few years in the United States Air Force. My time in the armed service really helped mold me into who I am today. I am happily married to my beautiful wife Megan, who has the hardest job in the house…staying home with our 3 young kids. Two boys named Lincoln and Nolan and a little girl named Lucy. I love to play and watch sports. Golf is my favorite. I became a school counselor because I wanted to give back to my community and continue to serve, and what better way to serve than to help today's youth strive and achieve great things while in school and life after school.
Hello, Science Hill families! I am originally from Corryton, TN and graduated from ETSU. I was most recently a school counselor at Unicoi County High School but have also been an elementary school counselor and worked in children's ministry. I currently live in Johnson City with my husband who is a teacher at University School. I have 3 kids, Bryson, a sophomore at ETSU, Annalee, a sophomore at Science Hill, and Elliott, an 8th grader at University School. The family wouldn't be complete without our two dogs, Franklin and Loki. My favorite thing about being a school counselor is getting to know the students and supporting them throughout their academic, emotional, and personal growth. I am excited to join the wonderful Topper counseling staff and look forward to meeting you soon!
Hello, students and parents! I am very happy to be on the staff at SHHS for my 15th year. During my time as an educator, I have served as a World Geography teacher, In School Suspension teacher, middle school counselor, and high school counselor. I graduated from Morristown East High School and then from ETSU and Lincoln Memorial University. I love to travel, hike, read, watch various sports, and work on projects around the house. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Stephani, for 19 years and have two children, Carlisle and Jansen. I am excited to help our students with their academic, career, and personal goals and look forward to an excellent school year!
Interested in attending King University? Join them at their Open House on October 7, 2023. Prospective students will explore life as a King University student.
Attention rising sophomores and juniors: Mercer University is accepting applications for their Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence (CASE) program. This program seeks to identify and recognize students who embody Mercer’s commitment to research and service. Eligible applicants must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and be nominated by a counselor. Scholars will be awarded the Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence along with a $500 scholarship, contingent upon their acceptance and matriculation to Mercer University. The deadline to apply is January 15. Please see your counselor for more information.
Rep. Harshbarger To Host Third Annual Military Academy Day
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) announced that she will be hosting her third annual Military Service Academy Day for students and their families in Tennessee's First Congressional District who are interested in learning about the educational opportunities available at the United States Service Academies.
Students will have an opportunity to speak with representatives about course selections, extracurricular activities, and more.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, located at 300 W. Market Street in Kingsport, TN. Registration begins at 9:00 AM.
RSVPs are required for attendance. Attendees are encouraged to contact Congresswoman Harshbarger's office for updates and seat confirmations at: TN01.Academy@mail.house.gov.
Representatives from the following Military Academies will be in attendance:
· U.S. Air Force Academy
· U.S. Coast Guard Academy
· U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
· U.S. Naval Academy
· U.S. Military Academy - West Point
Fly Fishing Team at Milligan University
Are you familiar with fly fishing? I hear you need a REALLY tiny hook to catch one...if you have and you're interested in attending Milligan University you could be a member of their new fly fishing team! Milligan is looking for students who are looking to attend Milligan and do not have any commitments to a sports team already. Students who have never fly fished before and would be willing to try the sport are welcomed. Stephanie Nave, he head coach, would love the opportunity to meet and speak to those students and inform them of the opportunity of fly fishing at Milligan and what that entails. You can reach Coach Nave at SANave@milligan.edu
3D Youth Leadership
Interested in participating in a youth leadership program with the JC Chamber of Commerce? 3D Youth Leadership, a leadership development program for rising sophomore, junior and senior high school students, is accepting applicants for the Class of 2023-24. The 3D Youth Leadership program is an effective tool for educating, training, and inspiring our community and business leaders of tomorrow. The program meets one Saturday a month, September through April. The program ends in April with graduation. Tuition for the program is $100.00.
Click our Scholarship dropdown menu on our Financial Aid/Scholarship page.
Senior year Guide
Attention Seniors! If you would like a step by step guide to help you through senior year, then look no further! CollegeforTN.org has created a in depth guide that will walk you through prepare for life after high school. Click here for more details!
Furthermore, Big Futures is a great resource for many families and the website contains resources for students of all ages!
College Application and Exploration Month
September is College Application Month. The list below are colleges and universities whose application will be free the whole month of September or a week or so during the month.
We also wanted to highlight some resources that may be useful to anyone that might need a little help starting this process. Click here to get started!
TN Promise/FAFSA/College Apps/Career Help
If you are needing help with any of these topics then we have a resource for you! Holly Frye and Jackie Bauer are our Niswonger Care Reps and they are a guru with all of these topics. If you would like to setup an appointment with them (students or parents) then scan the QR Code below to get connected Holly or Jackie.
Dates To Know:
August 1st: TN Promise opens online
August 31st: College Fair at Freedom Hall 6-8 pm
September 7th: College and Career Night at SHHS 5:30-8 pm
October 18th: Free ACT for Seniors
November 1st: Deadline to apply for TN Promise
December 6th: Attend mandatory TN Promise meeting at 5pm
February 7th: ASVAB offered at SHHS at 8 am in Library
May 25th: Graduation
July 1st: Community Service deadline for those using TN Promise in Fall 2024
Our Mission
Emphasizing creativity, inquiry, personal responsibility, and cultural awareness, the Science Hill High School counseling department will graduate students who are prepared to pursue their academic, personal, and professional goals while helping students solve real-world problems through teamwork in order for our graduates to compete successfully in the global marketplace.
Our Vision
By developing a rigorous and relevant counseling program and creating an expectation of success for all students, Science Hill High School counselors will facilitate a learning environment that enables students to use up to date information regarding college admissions, financial aid, and career assessment data to adapt to a competitive and changing global society on an academic, personal, and professional level.
