Guidance is an integral part of KHS’s total educational program. It is developmental in design, and includes sequential activities organized and implemented by certified school counselors with the support of teachers, administrators, students and parents. Components of the guidance program include:
- – Guidance Curriculum
- – Individual Planning
- – Responsive Services
- – System Support
- – Acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help understand and respect self and others.
- – Make decisions, set goals and take actions to achieve goals.
- – Understand the consequences of and accept responsibility for personal behavior.
- – Complete high school with the academic preparation essential to choose from a wide range of substantial postsecondary options, including college.
- – Understand the relationship of academics to the world of work, and to life at home and in the community.
NOTE | During the summer months some guidance services (such as requests for school record transcripts) may be requested through the high school main office, which is open year round.
American College Test (ACT): KHS Code – 162270; Fee – $69. With writing, the fee is $94. The late registration fee is $38.
– Link to the Official Web Site for the ACT
– Registration packets for the ACT are available from the KHS Guidance Center or students may register online at the official ACT web site (link above).
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): KHS Code – 162270; Fee – $68. The late registration fee is $34.
– Link to the Official Web Site for the SAT
– Registration packets for the SAT are available from the KHS Guidance Center or students may register online at the official SAT web site (link above).
Additional available tests:
– Link to the Official Web Site for the PSAT/NMSQT
– Link to the Official Web Site for the ASVAB
– Link to the Advanced Placement Web Site
Class of 2026 Credits to Graduate
2026 Credits to Graduate: | |
CONTENT AREA | CREDITS REQUIRED |
ENGLISH | 6 Credits |
SOCIAL STUDIES | 6 Credits |
U.S. GOVERNMENT | 1 Credits |
MATHEMATICS | 6 Credits |
SCIENCE | 6 Credits |
PE/HEALTH | 4/1 Credits |
P. FIN./FINE ARTS/CTE | 1 Credit Each |
ELECTIVES | 15 Credits |
Total Credits | 50 Credits |
Note: 1.0 credit is awarded for each semester of any class (required or elective) in which a passing grade is earned. Also, the required credits for the Class of 2027 will be 52.
Class of 2027 and Beyond Credits to Graduate
2027 and Beyond Credits to Graduate: | |
CONTENT AREA | CREDITS REQUIRED |
ENGLISH | 6 Credits |
SOCIAL STUDIES | 6 Credits |
U.S. GOVERNMENT | 1 Credits |
MATHEMATICS | 6 Credits |
SCIENCE | 6 Credits |
PE/HEALTH | 4/1 Credits |
P. FIN./FINE ARTS/CTE | 1 Credit Each |
ELECTIVES | 17 Credits |
Total Credits | 52 Credits |
Note: 1.0 credit is awarded for each semester of any class (required or elective) in which a passing grade is earned.
Early graduation is defined as the completion of all high school requirements in less than 8 semesters. It is possible for students who have special needs or abilities that may be met by such a course of action. To be eligible to participate in spring and/or summer interscholastic activities – boys/girls athletics, music, and speech students must be actively enrolled.
Any student anticipating early graduation must discuss the intention and purpose with the principal and guidance counselor and then complete a written request with the guidance counselor before Nov 1st. Parental involvement is imperative. Any student graduating early (meeting all graduation requirements) will be awarded a diploma at the next regular commencement exercise. The school will provide the student with a letter attesting to fulfillment of requirements as soon as they have been satisfied.
Career Planning and Exploration
- – Acquire the skills to investigate the world of work in relation to knowledge of self and to make informed career decisions.
– Employ strategies to achieve future caeer goals with success and satisfaction.
Looking for a job? Each of these links leads to a site whose primary focus is to provide information about actual employment opportunities:
- Career Builder (national database)
- America’s Job Bank (national database)
- Iowa Jobs: From America Workforce Development (Iowa database)
Resume Writing
The resume is a very important component of the job application process. Often it can make the difference as to whether or not the applicant is offered a face-to-face interview for the position being sought. Here are some links to web sites which contain information pertaining to creating an effective resume:
Miscellaneous
- Career Magazine – an on-line magazine with a wide variety of features pertaining to careers
- Occupational Outlook Handbook – the Occupational Outlook Handbook is a government publication providing information about thousands of jobs
- U. S. Department of Labor – official government site
- National Skill Standards Board – lists skill standards as established by various industries
- Peace Corps – want to delay that high-paying job to help your fellow man for a couple of years? check out the Peace Corps
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
DIVORCE RESOURCES
MISSING CHILDREN RESOURCES
PARENTING
RESOURCE PHONE NUMBERS
- Adolescent Suicide: 1-800-621-4000
- AIDS Information: 1-800-342-2437
- Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services (ADDS): 1-319-524-4397
- Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-319-372-6837
- Al-Anon and Alateen: 1-800-356-9996
- Birthright: 1-319-524-3733
- Child Abuse: 1-800-362-2178 or 1-800-422-4453 or 1-319-524-1052
- Cocaine Hotline: 1-800-262-2463
- Community Action Agency: 1-319-524-6383
- Department of Employment Services: 1-319-524-1862
- Department of Human Services: 1-319-524-1052
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse: 1-800-533-1616
- Food Addiction: 1-800-872-0088
- G.E.D. Testing (Southeastern Community College): 1-319-524-3221
- Great River Area Education Agency #16: 1-319-524-2682
- Homework Hotline: 1-800-728-6450
- Iowa State Juvenile Home (Toledo, IA): 1-515-484-2560
- Iowa State Patrol: 1-800-525-5555
- Iowa Teen Health Line: 1-800-443-8336
- JTPA: 1-319-524-9811
- Keokuk Emergency Shelter (Safe Haven): 1-319-524-4445
- Lee County Public Health Nurse: 1-319-524-4423
- Legalized Abortions (Carthage, IL): 1-217-357-2173
- Mental Health Institute (Independence, IA): 1-319-334-2583
- Missing Person’s Clearinghouse: 1-800-346-5507
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: 1-800-638-2045
- National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-621-4000
- Planned Parenthood: 1-319-524-2759
- Probation Officer (adult): 1-319-524-6591
- Probation Officer (juvenile): 1-319-524-6122
- Salvation Army: 1-319-524-1144 and 1-319-524-6164
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases: 1-800-227-8922
- Suicide Hotline: 1-800-638-4357
- Vocational Rehabilitation: 1-319-753-2231
SCHOLARSHIPS
Do you need information on scholarships and financial aid for post-secondary education? The below lists can help, but are not an all inclusive listing of scholarship opportunities.
Keokuk High School Common Scholarship Application System
The KHS Common Scholarship Application System (CSAS) was developed by counselor Jerry Fine during the 1987-88 school year. Since that time it has simplified the process of applying for locally-sponsored scholarships for hundreds of KHS seniors. The number of participating organizations varies somewhat from year to year, but typically a student can apply for 18-20 different scholarships by completing only one application. CSAS packets are available in the Guidance Center immediately following the winter holiday break each year. The following scholarships are included in CSAS for the current school year:
KHS COMMON SCHOLARSHIP LIST
- ALBERT’S FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP: Applicants must be a first generation college student, active in extracurricular activities, community activities and/or church related activities, have proven leadership skills and carry a minimum 3.0 cum GPA. Applicants must answer this question in 500 words or less, “What does obtaining a college degree mean for you and/or your family?” Amount: $300
- AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY: Applicant must be the son, daughter, brother, sister, wife or grandchild of a veteran of the armed forces, and plan to attend an Iowa school. Criteria for selection: character, Americanism, leadership and scholarship. NOTE: A copy of the veteran’s DD214 form or discharge papers must accompany the application. Applicants must also include a 300 word typewritten essay, on a separate sheet, stating his/her educational goals and explaining financial need. Amount: $500
- NATE BOWDEN MEMORIAL: Scholarship awarded to a senior, involvement in sports. No GPA or financial background necessary. Please include on a separate sheet of paper a paragraph on how being involved in a sport has shaped who you are. Amount: $400
- DR. MIN CHUNG AWARD: Applicants for this award must be able to demonstrate financial need. Special consideration will be given to students who might not be able to attend college without help. May be used at any accredited college. Amount: $600 (estimate)
- JINGST MEMORIAL: Applicants must plan to enroll in the auto mechanics program or a business-related program at Southeastern Community College (either campus). Winners selected on the basis of dedication, honesty, dependability and financial need. Amount: Up to three awards of $500 each. Applicants must prepare a minimum 250 word essay explaining why they chose to pursue their education at SCC.
- KHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS: Applicants must have exemplified good citizenship and school pride; have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan on pursuing a full-time post-secondary education. Athletes must have been in a sport their senior year. NOTE: The applicant must also submit on a separate sheet an essay responding to the following question: “How has being a KHS athlete influenced who you are?” (Maximum 500 words) Amount: 1 male and 1 female of $500 each.
- KEOKUK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION: Applicants must demonstrate an interest in the field of education. A typed response to the following must be included: 1) Describe an educator you admire who inspired you to go into education. 2) What strengths do you possess that would make you an outstanding educator? 3) Typed response must be proofread. Amount: Amount varies.
- KEOKUK STREET FAIR: Several scholarships are awarded annually. May be used at any school, but some scholarships are reserved for use at the Keokuk Campus of Southeastern Community College. NOTE: Applicants must on a separate sheet include a short paragraph detailing how they might be able to serve humanity in their chosen profession. Amount: equal to tuition at SCC
- LEE COUNTY RETIRED SCHOOL PERSONNEL SCHOLARSHIP: Applicants must be pursuing a career in education. A 350 word essay must be written about why you are pursuing an educational career, tell what area you plan to teach and your ultimate goals in education. Applications are taken from all three public schools in Lee County. Amount: $500.
- DR. ROBERT LOREY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: At least one scholarship (minimum of $1,000 in two payments, directly to the student) will be awarded annually to a graduating senior planning to pursue a career in health care. Preference may be given to students that were delivered by Dr. Lorey. A 2.5 cumulative GPA and an essay between 500-1500 words which answers the following questions are required. Why did you choose to pursue a career in health care? How do you plan to use your skills in your career? What are your long term goals relating to your career in health care?
- MANCOUNTRY GENE SISK SCHOLARSHIP: Applicants must be attending SCC the following year. Applicants must type and submit a 215 word (exactly) essay on what community means to them. Amount : $500
- CURT MASON MEMORIAL: Applicants may be male or female, participate in a sport and have a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Amount varies.
- MEIEROTTO MEMORIAL: Applicants must have a part-time job and a 3.25 high school grade point average. Criteria for selection: financial need, academic achievement, activities and demonstrated work ethic. May be used at any college. Amount: varies, but is traditionally over $2,000.
- LELAND M. ROBINSON MEMORIAL: Applicants must pursue some level of education after high school. Mr Robinson was a lifelong lover of blues music and applicants should prepare a maximum 500 word essay describing the most significant adversity you have encountered and how you overcame that obstacle. Amount varies according to donations received.
- ROTARY MEMORIAL: Applicants must plan to attend the Keokuk Campus of Southeastern Community College. Criteria for selection: academic performance and financial need. Amount: $750
- SCIENCE AWARDS (W.P.N. ERICKSON SCIENCE AWARD): Applicant may attend any college and plan any major. Achievement in KHS science classes is a major criterion for selection. Amounts: Between $50-$200 each.
- SEARS MEMORIAL: May be used at any college or voc/tech school, but preference is given to SCC (K) applicants. Criteria: academic record, financial need and work ethic. Amount: $200
- BILL TRIMBLE MEMORIAL: Bill Trimble was a dedicated car enthusiast who enjoyed helping others, and loved his family dearly. At least 2 scholarships (min $1000) will be awarded. Preference may be given to a student planning a career in an automotive field, but any student who has overcome adversity to graduate will also be considered. Applicants must prepare a 500 word essay on how their challenges have shaped them. The winners will be chosen based strictly on their essay which will be judged anonymously. Do not include any identifying information in the body of your essay. Your name will be removed and you will be assigned a number for judging purposes.
NOTE | The button will be ACTIVE and remain open until the application deadline each Spring. Students will be able to apply in their StudentSquare account and parents can review the application in their ParentSquare account during the active period.
ADDITONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
– AFL-CIO: May be used at any school. Applicants must submit a typed essay relating to the history of the labor movement in the United States. Amount: three area awards totaling $500; three state-wide awards totaling $3000. Deadline: mid Feb.
– American Legion Auxiliary: Sponsors a variety of scholarships. All require that applicants be related to a military veteran or be a veteran themself. Amounts vary. Deadlines for the various awards run from late March to early June. Note: These awards are separate from the scholarship which is included within the KHS Common Scholarship Application System.
– Beaird/Loeffler Memorial D.A.R.E. Scholarship: One KHS graduate will receive a $250 award; applicants must be a former D.A.R.E. student; writing an essay is part of the application process; may be used at any college.
– Clyde James Memorial: Essentially a four-year, full-ride scholarship for use at the University of Iowa. Preference is given to graduates of Keokuk High School and Southeastern Community College. Recipients will have graduated in the top 20% of their class and demonstrate financial need. No formal application is necessary, but it is important that students make early application for admission to the University and file a FAFSA form early and insure that a copy be made available to the University’s Financial Aid Office.
– Donald Webb Scholarship: One annual award given to a male KHS graduate. Criteria includes financial need, motivation to learn, evidence of work commitment and contribution to the community. Amount: $1500. Deadline: mid May.
– Doris and Bill Heller Music Award: Awarded to a graduate of KHS based upon past and future involvement in the study of music and participation in music ministry. Students need not apply – candidates nominated by the heads of the instrumental and vocal music departments at KHS. Amount: $200.
ELKS
– Elks Club: May be used at any school. Amount: two local awards of $500 each, local winners considered for state and national awards. Deadline: early Dec.
– Elks Club Legacy Award: Applicants must be the son or daughter of an Elks Club member. Amount is $1000; may be used at any school. Deadline: early Nov.
– Elks Club Vocational Grant: Twelve $500 awards statewide for students planning voc/tech training of two years or less. Deadline: late March.
– Great River Medical Center: At least one $300 scholarship to an area graduate who plans to train for a health-related occupation. Criteria include financial need and academic achievement. An essay is part of the application. Deadline: late March.
– Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Commission: May be used at any school. Criteria: academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. Amount: one Lee county award of $250, three state-wide awards totaling $2250. Deadline: mid Feb.
– Keokuk Humane Society: May be used at any school. Applicants must submit a typed essay on a subject relating to the care or treatment of animals (subject varies from year to year). Amount: $250. Deadline: early May.
– Keokuk School Foundation: One award to a KHS graduate based upon financial need, motivation to learn, evidence of work commitment and contribution to the community. Amount: $1500. Deadline: early May.
– Laura K. Hull Memorial (Great River Players): Applicants must plan to major in the performing arts or a related field. The primary criterion for selection is demonstrated talent in a performing art. Amount: $500. Deadline: early May.
– Lee County Farm Bureau: Applicants must be a member of a Farm Bureau family and have a grade point average of at least 3.0. Amount: $1000. Deadline: late March.
– Marilyn Pohorsky Memorial: May be used at any school. Applicants must have an ACT composite score of at least 19 and a grade point average of at least 2.5. Amount: $500. Deadline: mid Apr.
– Masonic Lodge: May be used at any school. Amount: two local awards of $500 each; 50-60 statewide awards of $2000 each. Deadline: state=early Feb.; local=early Apr.
– NAPM-Illiamo: May be used at any school. Applicants must major in supply management, logistics, purchasing, materials management or a related business area. Amount: several area awards of $500 each. Deadline: mid Apr.
– Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships: Highly competitive national awards for use at any school. Financial need is NOT a factor. Amount: contingent upon congressional funding. Deadline: mid Apr.
– Southeastern Community College Foundation: For use at Southeastern Community College only. A wide variety of awards of varying amounts. Deadline: for most, mid Apr.
– Southeast Iowa Builders Association: Applicants must plan to enter a program leading to an eventual career in the construction industry. $1000 awards are available for those entering a construction management/construction technology program. Deadline: early Apr.
– Walmart: The Keokuk Walmart store awards a $1000 scholarship to an area graduate. May be used at any school. Applications are available at the Keokuk Walmart store. Deadline: late Jan. A wealth of information relating to scholarships/financial aid exists on the internet. The following site contains many links to other sites, including a number of FREE scholarship search services.
– Iowa College Student Aid Commission: The Iowa College Student Aid Commission administers a number of programs designed to provide financial assistance to graduates of Iowa high schools who desire to further their education within the state of Iowa. Here is a link to their website: https://educate.iowa.gov/
– High School STEM Scholarship for Aspiring Commercial Drone Pilots: The High School STEM Scholarship for Aspiring Commercial Drone Pilots was created to support high school students ages 16 and up who are serious about learning how to fly drones commercially, and to support the use of drones to further the interest of high school students in STEM subjects. Scholarship recipients receive free access to Drone Pilot Ground School (usual cost is $299), an in-depth test prep course for the FAA’s “Part 107” certification exam to be a commercial drone pilot. The first 100 recipients will have their FAA exam fee of $150 covered, for a total value of approximately $450.