School Counseling
- Welcome to the Counseling Department! Click on each topic to discover information about our Counseling Department and the resources offered.
- Meet Your Counselor
- Messages from Kevin Kirkley, Counseling Department Chair
- Grade-Specific News
- Other Counseling-Related Topics
- Preparing for Entering the Workforce
- Preparing for Joining the Military
- Preparing and Paying for College
- Family Engagement Specialist
Welcome to the Counseling Department! Click on each topic to discover information about our Counseling Department and the resources offered.
Meet Your Counselor

Click on each tab to view each Counselor's responsibilities and email address.
Kevin Kirkley


Department Chair and Counselor for AP Capstone Students in Grades 11-12.
Contact Kevin Kirkley at Kevin Kirkley
LaToya Reese


Counselor for Students in grades 10-12 with last names beginning with A-G.
Contact LaToya Reese at LaToya Reese
Kimberly Brantley

Counselor for students in grades 10-12 with last names beginning with H-O.
kimberly.brantley@richlandone.org
Contact Kimberly Brantley at Kimberly Brantley
April Finley

Counselor for students in grades 10-12 with last names beginning with P-Z.
Contact April Finley at April Finley
Nicole Hill

Messages from Kevin Kirkley, Counseling Department Chair
- Pre-ACT and PSAT Information for Parents
- Palmetto Fellows
- Choice of Free SAT or ACT for Juniors and Seniors
Pre-ACT and PSAT Information for Parents
From Kevin Kirkley, Counseling Chair:
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I expect that we will receive PreACT score reports in mid-November, and we will distribute to students via mail as soon as we have them.
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PSAT scores will be available for students online beginning on November 6, 2025. Students can access them by logging in to their College Board account (or by creating an account if they don't have one) at https://studentscores.collegeboard.org . Students who provided a mobile telephone number as part of the Digital Readiness Check will also receive an alert that scores are available in the College Board's Big Future app.
Palmetto Fellows

Seniors who have met the early requirements for the Palmetto Fellows scholarship have been identified by the counseling office and have received the required application information.
If you think that you have met the Palmetto Fellows requirements and have not been contacted, please contact Kevin Kirkley at Kevin Kirkley.
Palmetto Fellows requirements can be downloaded here: Palmetto Fellows Requirements
Briefly, Palmetto Fellows must rank in the top 6% of the class at the conclusion of 10th or 11th grade, have a 3.5 or higher GPA, and have a 1200 SAT or 25 ACT. Alternatively, they may qualify by having a 4.0 or higher GPA and earning a 1400 SAT or 31 ACT.
Choice of Free SAT or ACT for Juniors and Seniors
Dear Parent/Guardian,
This year, the South Carolina Department of Education is providing the opportunity for every student in the third or fourth year of high school to take either the ACT or the SAT one time at no cost on a regular school day.
Dreher has mailed a designation sheet to parents of students in the third or fourth year of high school on which parents can designate which test (either the ACT or SAT, or neither) they would like their student to take via this opportunity.
This form must be returned to Kevin Kirkley in the Dreher counseling office no later than November 21, 2025. If the form is not received in the office by the end of the school day on the day of the deadline, the student will not be tested with either assessment. The ACT is a paper-and-pencil exam, while the SAT will be administered online on school laptops.
A copy of the designation form that has been mailed to students is attached to this email along with a cover letter and a chart comparing the features of the ACT and SAT. If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Kevin Kirkley, counselor, at kevin.kirkley@richlandone.org.
Grade-Specific News
Special News for Each Grade - Take Your Pick!
- Seniors: What Counseling Wants You to Know
- Preparing and Paying for College
- Just for Juniors - What Counseling Wants You to Know
- Sophomores - What Counseling Wants You to Know
- Freshmen - What Counseling Wants You to Know
- Rising Ninth Graders - You'll Be Here Soon
Seniors: What Counseling Wants You to Know
- Background Information and an Overview of the College Admissions Process- The Senior Briefing
- Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Your Senior Meeting
- What Your Counselor Needs to Know About You to Write Your Recommendation
- SAT and ACT Dates in 2025-2026
- College Essay Do's and Don'ts
- Columbia College Open House
- Scholarships Popular with Dreher Students
- Horatio Alger Career and Technical Scholarships
- Sending Your AP Scores to Colleges
Background Information and an Overview of the College Admissions Process- The Senior Briefing
Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Your Senior Meeting
What Your Counselor Needs to Know About You to Write Your Recommendation
SAT and ACT Dates in 2025-2026
ACT 2025-2026 National Test Dates Schedule
| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline Late Fee Applies After This Date |
Late Registration Deadline | Photo Upload and Standby Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6, 2025 | August 1 | August 19 | August 29 |
| October 18, 2025 | September 12 | September 30 | October 10 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7 | November 24 | December 5 |
| February 14, 2026 | January 9 | January 23 | February 6 |
| April 11, 2026 | March 6 | March 24 | April 3 |
| June 13, 2026 | May 8 | May 29 | June 5 |
| July 11, 2026* | June 5 | June 24 | July 3 |
*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.
September: Science Optional (online and paper testing)
SAT August 2025–June 2026 Test Dates
These test dates and deadlines apply to all students—U.S. and international—taking the SAT:
| SAT Test Date* | Registration Deadline | Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration** |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 23, 2025 | Aug. 8, 2025 | Aug. 12, 2025 |
| Sept. 13, 2025 | Aug. 29, 2025 | Sept. 2, 2025 |
| Oct. 4, 2025 | Sept. 19, 2025 | Sept. 23, 2025 |
| Nov. 8, 2025 | Oct. 24, 2025 | Oct. 28, 2025 |
| Dec. 6, 2025 | Nov. 21, 2025 | Nov. 25, 2025 |
| March 14, 2026 | Feb. 27, 2026 | March 3, 2026 |
| May 2, 2026 | Apr. 17, 2026 | April 21, 2026 |
| June 6, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
| *Students who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline—at least 30 days before test day. **Late registration is available worldwide. Additional fees apply. |
||
College Essay Do's and Don'ts
Columbia College Open House
Scholarships Popular with Dreher Students
Horatio Alger Career and Technical Scholarships
Sending Your AP Scores to Colleges
Preparing and Paying for College
Preparing for College
Applying to college can be a daunting and time-consuming experience. There are several resources available to help you organize your information and more easily apply to several colleges at one time.
The Coalition for Acces, Affordability and Succes allows you to establish an account called MyCoalition:
MyCoalition is a set of free online college planning tools that helps students learn about, prepare for, and apply to college. With an easy-to-use application, interactive collaboration space, and convenient digital storage locker, MyCoalition empowers students to make smart college choices for success in school—and beyond.
You can establish your account as early as freshman year to accumulate and organize the information you will need to apply to college.
You can use the Common Application to apply to over 700 colleges throughout the country, without having to reenter the same information on each new application.
The Common Black College Application
The Common Black College Application makes your application available to all of the fifty-three HBCU member institutions.
Here's a link to information about Standarized Test Preparation.
Paying for College
Student Loan Information Night
Just for Juniors - What Counseling Wants You to Know
- Junior Briefing - the Complete Picture
- Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Your Counseling Conference
- Course Selection Worksheet
- Scholarships Popular with Dreher Students
- Big Future Opportunity Scholarships
- Coolidge Scholarship - Juniors Apply
- Horatio Alger Undergraduate Scholarship - Juniors Apply
- LEDA Program for Juniors
- QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship for Juniors
- Summer Partners at Lexington Medical Center
- Palmetto Girls State - Summer 2026 - Apply by February 20
Junior Briefing - the Complete Picture
Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Your Counseling Conference
Course Selection Worksheet
Scholarships Popular with Dreher Students
Big Future Opportunity Scholarships
Coolidge Scholarship - Juniors Apply
Horatio Alger Undergraduate Scholarship - Juniors Apply
LEDA Program for Juniors
QuestBridge College Prep Scholarship for Juniors
Summer Partners at Lexington Medical Center

Interested in a career in health care? Lexington Medical Center invites rising seniors to a summer Partners Program of rotations through a variety of clinical areas.
Applications due by February 13.
Palmetto Girls State - Summer 2026 - Apply by February 20

Palmetto Girls State is a summer program for female students who will be entering their senior year next year. This year’s program will be held on the campus of Presbyterian College June 7-13. The program is designed to introduce students to government and citizenship as they participate in mock activities at the municipal, county, and state government levels. Students can read more about the program at www.palmettogirlsstate.net.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the program and makes the determination of which students from Dreher can serve as delegates. Two students from Dreher will be selected, and the cost to students includes a $450 tuition fee, a $100 registration fee, and a $40 refundable key deposit.
If you would like to be considered to attend Girls State as a delegate, please complete the online application at https://boysgirlsstate.com/citizen_application.php?id=179 or use the QR code on the attached flyer. Once you apply, you will receive an email and text prompting you to confirm your information; please complete those processes. Be sure to use a personal email address (not a school address). Once you complete the application, the Palmetto Girls State program will contact you directly if you are selected. The application deadline is February 20.
Sophomores - What Counseling Wants You to Know
Freshmen - What Counseling Wants You to Know
Counseling's Briefing for Freshmen
When you review the PowerPoint briefing below, please note that the current counselor for all members of the freshman class is Nicole Hill (mailto:nicole.hill@richlandone.org).
Course Selection Worksheet
Rising Ninth Graders - You'll Be Here Soon
Information for Rising Ninth Graders
- Information Night for Rising Ninth Graders and Their Parents
- Course Selection Sheet
- Dreher Students Introduce Their Programs to Next Year's Ninth Graders
- Meet Your Ninth Grade Assistant Principals
- High School Graduation Requirements
- Dance Program
- Be a Part of the Band
- Play the Guitar at Dreher
- Theatre at Dreher
- Visual Arts at Dreher
- Links to the Athletics Department
Information Night for Rising Ninth Graders and Their Parents
Course Selection Sheet
Dreher Students Introduce Their Programs to Next Year's Ninth Graders
Meet Your Ninth Grade Assistant Principals
High School Graduation Requirements
Dance Program
Be a Part of the Band
Play the Guitar at Dreher
Theatre at Dreher
Visual Arts at Dreher
Links to the Athletics Department
Other Counseling-Related Topics
- AP and AP Capstone Programs at Dreher
- School Profile 2025-2026
- South Carolina's Ten Point Grading System
- Course Selection Worksheet
- Schedule Change Request
- Want to Play Sports in College?
- Career Clusters
- SCOIS - SC Occupation Information System
- Virtual School
AP and AP Capstone Programs at Dreher


We are honored to be one of our state’s first schools to offer the AP Capstone Diploma, an innovative program that continues Dreher’s proud tradition of academic excellence by expanding access to challenging course work and encouraging the development of analytical skills. The AP Capstone Diploma program complements our longstanding extensive offering of Advanced Placement courses.
School Profile 2025-2026
The 2025-2026 School Profile will be sent by School Counselors to colleges to which our seniors are applying.
You may download the two-page profile here: 2025-2026 School Profile
(Click on the first page to read the entire document)
South Carolina's Ten Point Grading System
Course Selection Worksheet
Schedule Change Request
Want to Play Sports in College?
Career Clusters
SCOIS - SC Occupation Information System
Virtual School
Preparing for Entering the Workforce
Preparing for Joining the Military
Preparing and Paying for College
- Horatio Alger Undergraduate and Career and Technical Education Scholarship - Various Deadlines
- Central Carolina Community Foundation Scholarships - March 5 Deadline
- SC Education Association - Retired Scholarship - March 6 Deadline
- Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Scholarship - March 6 Deadline
- Gamma Nu Omega Scholarship - March 7 Deadline
- 100 Black Men of Columbia Scholarship - March 11 Deadline
- Bobby Chapman Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship - March 12 Deadline
- WWDM Brenda Jones Memorial Urban League Scholarship - March 20 Deadline
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Urban League Scholarship - March 20 Deadline
- Larry Montgomery Scholarship - April 1 Deadline
- Government Finance Officers Association of South Carolina -April 7 Deadline
- Hopkins High School Alumni Foundation Scholarship - May 1 Deadline
- Counseling's List of Other Scholarships
- Opportunities to Learn about Colleges and Universities - Colleges Visiting Our Campus
Horatio Alger Undergraduate and Career and Technical Education Scholarship - Various Deadlines
Juniors and seniors who display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity are invited to apply for Horatio Alger Scholarship . Students must have financial need and a determination to turn adversity into opportunity.
Junior Application Period for Undergraduate Scholarships:
December 1 – March 1
Senior Application Period for Undergraduate Scholarships:
December 1 – February 15
Application Period for Career and Technical Scholarships:
March 15 – June 15

Central Carolina Community Foundation Scholarships - March 5 Deadline
SC Education Association - Retired Scholarship - March 6 Deadline
Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Scholarship - March 6 Deadline
Gamma Nu Omega Scholarship - March 7 Deadline
Download the Gamma Mu Omega Scholarship application here: Gamma Nu Omega
100 Black Men of Columbia Scholarship - March 11 Deadline
Bobby Chapman Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship - March 12 Deadline
Download the application here: Bobby Chapman Junio Golf Foundation
WWDM Brenda Jones Memorial Urban League Scholarship - March 20 Deadline
Download the scholarship application here: WWDM Brenda Jones Memorial Scholarship
Blue Cross Blue Shield Urban League Scholarship - March 20 Deadline
Download the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Urban League Scholarship here: Blue Cross/Blue Shield Urban League Scholarship
Larry Montgomery Scholarship - April 1 Deadline
Government Finance Officers Association of South Carolina -April 7 Deadline
Hopkins High School Alumni Foundation Scholarship - May 1 Deadline
Counseling's List of Other Scholarships
Please take the time to review the Eligibility Requirements before applying. Deadlines vary per scholarship.
Jackie Robinson Scholarship: https://jackierobinson.org/apply/
Ron Brown Scholar Program: https://ronbrown.org/
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship: https://www.regions.com/about-regions/inclusion-belonging-impact/supporting-communities/essay-contest-scholarship
2025 Starfish Scholarship: https://attorneyssc.com/wpf-2025-starfish-scholarship/
St. Pierre Scholarship: https://www.thestpierrealliance.com/the-scholarship
Life Lessons Scholarship: https://lifehappens.org/life-lessons-scholarship-program/
The Pink Rose Foundation, Inc.- This is for students who have lost a parent to Breast Cancer: https://www.pinkrose.org/apply-now.html
Barbar and Clayton Campbell Breast Cancer Scholarship: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/barbara-and-clayton-campbell-breast-cancer-scholarship
Voice of Democracy: https://vfwar.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=79991
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest: https://aynrand.org/students/essay-contests/atlas-shrugged/
Financial Goals Scholarship: https://www.1fbusascholarship.com/
Stamps Scholars: https://www.stampsscholars.org/our-program/how-to-apply/
$10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship: https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/10000-no-essay-scholarship/
Create-A-Greeting Card Contest: https://www.gallerycollection.com/greetingcardscontests.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoqe0PupnfKN3J325tmBoosK7A_1tBduCKX1xqqgLd3xntAVA1N3
Science Ambassador Scholarship: https://www.scienceambassadorscholarship.org/
Fulbright Scholars Program: https://fulbrightscholars.org/
2025 Good Works Scholarship: https://www.virginia-criminallawyer.com/2025-good-works-scholarship/
Opportunities to Learn about Colleges and Universities - Colleges Visiting Our Campus
Family Engagement Specialist
The Richland One Job Shadowing Day is January 30, 2026. This is an opportunity for students to shadow someone in the workplace. Parents/guardians who would like their students to participate are responsible for finding a willing worksite supervisor and for arranging transportation to and from the job shadowing experience. In order to participate, students and parents must complete the following two form packets and submit hard copies of the forms to the Dreher counseling office (no email copies, please) by the designated deadlines. The forms are available on the Dreher website at the following link or can be picked up in the Dreher counseling office.
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The Parent Permission and Business Partner Information Forms (Part 1 packet) are due to the school counseling office by January 15, 2026. These forms specify the location and supervisor for the student's job shadowing experience and grant parental permission to participate. Late forms will not be accepted.
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The Student Observation Form (Part 2 packet) is due to the school counseling office by February 4, 2026. It documents what the student learned during his or her job shadowing experience. If the form is not returned by February 4, the student's absence will be unexcused.
If you have questions, please contact your student's counselor or Kevin Kirkley at kevin.kirkley@richlandone.org.














