Ninety colleges and other post-graduate programs were represented at the 2025 Westfield High School College Fair on Oct. 21.
Reminder Publishing photo by Amy Porter
WESTFIELD — The Westfield High School guidance counselors put together its 14th annual college fair in the high school gymnasium on Oct. 21.
Over 90 colleges, technical schools and military organizations filled the gym, with juniors and seniors from WHS, Westfield Technical Academy, Gateway Regional and Southwick Regional collecting information from schools and organizations of interest to them.
WHS Counselor Merylina Asselin said the Western Mass. Consortium is assisting with 12 college fairs in Western Mass. throughout the week. Asselin, along with counselors Megan Doughery, Tara Bean and David Breglio were on hand to answer questions from students as well.
Asselin said the farthest college present was the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Also represented were technical schools, including Spa Tech, Porter & Chester and Lincoln Tech, among others.
Representing the armed services were Air National Guard recruiters Kayla Gallagher and Brian Whitman, and Navy Petty Officers Nathan Lopez and Samantha Beavers, joining recruiters from the U.S. Army, Air Force and Marines.
West Point admissions representative David Cordeiro, with Lt. Col. Mike Caney, said it’s an interesting challenge to sell kids on the military and the benefits of any academy. “In a way, we represent all of the military. We’ll get quality applicants from talking to them here,” Cordeiro said, adding that If a student is really interested, he will send them material.
Among those representing four-year private liberal arts colleges were Allen Martin of Ana Maria College in Paxton, and Paul May of Alfred University in New York. May said it was his first visit to Westfield in many years.
WHS Seniors Joseph Krause, Victor Figueroa, Antonio Buoniconti, Owen Moore and Jose Gadaviz were browsing, looking at different options. They said they would get more serious in November and December. “It’s creeping up on us,” said Moore.
Also browsing were Colin White and Andy Liu. “There are a few schools I want to look at,” White said.
Goodness Odunukwe, speaking with Worcester State Associate Director of Admissions Alyson Avoglio, said she was exploring her options.
Admissions representative Kathy Bailey from Johnson & Wales University was speaking to WHS senior Angelina Gelmudinoe and WTA seniors in construction tech Grace McIntire and Bella Potenza. Bailey said Johnson & Wales, while known for culinary, also offers degrees in computer science and business, among other fields. She said they have had many students from WTA from many different shops.
Westfield High School culinary students Arianna Badillo, Jaylese Mason and Dylan Haas manned the table with goodies the department had made for the college fair representatives and teachers.
Also present were WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Asselin said this is the first of several college admissions opportunities for students and their families in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, Oct. 28 at p.m. in the auditorium, Elms College Director of Financial Aid Richard O’Connor will speak to families about the FAFSA federal student aid.
Tuesday through Friday, Nov. 18-21 will be the Massachusetts College Application Celebration, culminating in Instant Decision Day.
