COUNSELORS

(423) 232-2184

mcphersonj@jcschools.org

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.

(423) 232-2184

thompsonk@jcschools.org

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.

philbricks@jcschools.org

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.

goinesr@jcschools.org

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!

reavess@jcschools.org

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!

douglass@jcschools.org

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.

pricee@jcschools.org

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 8^th 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!

jarniganj@jcschools.org

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!

plaistedc@jcschools.org

 

Wofford Scholars Program

Attention Juniors:  Are you interested in Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina?  If so, the Wofford Scholars program might be for you.  Qualified candidates are eligible to compete for scholarships ranging from $15,000 per year up to a full scholarship.

Ideal candidates should rank in the top 10% of their class, have a minimum score of 1300 on the PSAT/SAT or a 28 composite on the ACT.  Students should demonstrate qualities of scholarship, leadership, and potential for success.  Students must have an interest in attending Wofford College.

Interested students need to see their counselor for a nomination.  The deadline is September 9, 2024.

Academy Day: Presented by Rep. Diana Harshbarger

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger is pleased to announce that she will be hosting her third annual Military Service Academy Day for students and their families who are interested in learning about the educational opportunities available at the US 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 21, 2024 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  reservations, updates, and seat confirmations at: TN01.Academy@mail.house.gov.

 

Ronald McDonald House Teen Ambassador

Teen Ambassador Charter

The Teen Ambassador Program is a group of determined high school juniors and seniors with the collective goal to empower the mission of the Ronald McDonald House through service. The pillars of the group are Leadership, Advocacy, Fundraising, and Community Awareness. Members are selected to serve as stewards of Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House Charities. Members will gain leadership, fundraising, and personal development experience during their year of service as a Teen Ambassador. Additionally, members will serve as ambassadors in area schools and the community. Upon the successful completion of this program, teens will receive a graduation cord along with a letter of recommendation for college, scholarship, or job opportunities to include with their resumes from a world-renowned children’s charity.

Meeting Structure

The Teen Ambassadors will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 5:00pm-6:00pm, September through May with the exception of holidays, organizational conflicts, and schedule adjustments. In addition to the monthly meetings, Teen Ambassadors will be required to volunteer at our Shamrock Shuffle 5k on March 15^th and one additional in-House volunteer activity outside of regular meeting times. Missing more than 4 meetings will result in dismissal from the program.

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in all meetings.
• Come appropriately dressed and prepared for meetings with all required materials.
• Attend Shamrock Shuffle 5k and chosen service activity.
• Raise funds or host a supply drive fundraiser.
• Embrace opportunities to engage your school and community with the House or educate others about Ronald McDonald House Charities.

If you are interested applications and essay instructions are located outside Mr. Douglas' office. 

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 2024-25. 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.

Applications can be submitted online using the following link: https://johnsoncitytnchamber.com/3d-youth-leadership/

Cap and Gown Orders

Seniors, if you have not ordered your cap and gown yet you need to do that as soon as possible. Click on the following link to order now or contact Liz Swanson at Liz.Swanson@jostons.com.

Science Hill High School 

Updated Topper Tutoring

Click here to see the Topper Tutoring schedule    

Looking For Scholarships?

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! 

TN Promise/FAFSA/College Apps/Career Help

 

What motivates you? In other words, what turns you on, lights your fire to do something you do not want to do?