Alex Du

Beyond the quizzes and the AP tests, the biggest assessment for any high schooler is deciding what comes next. A question many students struggle with, but one of the biggest mistakes made in the post-high school process is grappling with it alone.

Ladue has two college and career counselors, Chad Sisk and Diana Redden. They work with students based on the first letter of their last names, Redden works with A through K, while Sisk works with L through Z. The two counselors collaborate with every student on the best future for them.

“There’s a myth that we’re just college advisors,” Redden said. “We really want to stress we’re post secondary advisors, so for many different pathways we’re open and willing to meet with students.”

90% of Ladue students on average attend college post high school, so Redden and Sisk advise them on financial aid, scholarship opportunities and summer programs. They also help students who want to gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships, trade schools or workforce development programs. They strive to collaborate with the students to create a student specific, post secondary plan. 

 “The more interactions that we have with the students, the easier it is for us to be able to make those personal connections and help them on a level that they need our assistance,” Sisk said. 

While their workloads are demanding, both Redden and Sisk work hard to keep a bond with the students. They have set time in place for juniors and seniors to get a private session where they can communicate with them about their post secondary goals. For freshman and sophomores, walk in appointments are available on Wednesdays.

“We’re always open and willing to talk to other grades,” Redden said. “Wednesday is a great day to do that, because it’s Walk-In Wednesday. You can come in and talk with us and ask us questions without an appointment.” 

Post secondary goals and making plans for one’s future can be extremely stressful for students, so it’s important to have someone looking out for your interests. 

“Understand that we are here as a resource, take advantage of our Walk-In Wednesdays and email if [you] have questions,” Sisk said. “We are here to support you, regardless of what you want to do after you leave Ladue High School.”