On February 2, 2023, the Maggie Walker auditorium was filled with a clamor made by parents and students in anticipation of a momentous occasion: College Kickoff. For many, the two-day event marked the beginning of the end—the very start of a future path outside of Maggie Walker. Organized by senior counselors Ms. Kimberly Forquer and Dr. Rachel Loving, College Kickoff presented its audience with a plethora of information that aimed to aid each student in their search for a future school. The event was attended by college representatives from across the nation, with panel speakers from the University of California-Berkeley, Virginia Commonwealth University, Georgetown University, the University of Virginia, and others, all with the intent to inform the MLWGS student body on the daunting college application process. 

This information was presented to the classes of Maggie Walker in different ways, as each year of students are in different stages of the college process. Each of the three classes were presented with a different experience, but all with the intended purpose to ease students into the college admissions process and alleviate stress. 

Freshmen participated in an interactive passport activity and were given donuts for asking the panel questions, whereas sophomores were presented with a case study and asked to imitate a college admission advisor. Juniors were given a presentation that directly laid out the steps for applying to college, along with invaluable tips from the college representatives. These tips not only addressed the steps for applying to college, but also provided information on financial aid and how to find the right institution for each unique student.

At the conclusion of College Kickoff, both parents and students were left with a clearer path through the college admission process and confidence in the search for a home after Maggie Walker.