Monterey High School hosts a college and career tailgate on Friday before the Homecoming Football Game.
School Counselor Marsha Milligan said the event is designed to connect students to college representatives. Milligan said connecting students to representatives will help students and their families begin preparations for college. Milligan said the high school wants to celebrate the opportunity that juniors and seniors have been given.
“That’s why we’re calling it shoot for the stars tonight,” Milligan said. “We just want to get as many students in front of and aware of post secondary opportunities that are available to them.”
Milligan said the event is targeted students and parents college resources as the 2026-2027 FAFSA opens this week. Milligan said she hopes students will ask questions and parents will learn about applying for college and financial assistance.
“I think that sometimes as a high school student sometimes you feel very insulated and comfortable and secure,” Milligan said. “And the thought about moving forward sometimes that’s really scary and so when you’re able to meet somebody from a post secondary institution on your own turf and in your own town I think it makes it a little easier to think about what kinds of questions to ask.”
Milligan said a contributor at the center of this event was the high school Advise TN College Advisor Elizabeth Black who is serving under an Advise TN grant for the next five years.
“I hope that even if a handful of students make some real connections with the people here from TN Tech or Vol State or from the military,” Milligan said. “If they can make some connections hopefully that will help them start making decisions about their future.”
FAFSA 2026-2027 application is now open and Milligan said it’s important that parents fill out the application so applicants can access the TN Promise, the Hope Scholarship, and other financial aid awards and see requirements. Milligan said the application opens early.
The tailgate is from 5pm to 7pm before the High School Homecoming Game.