MASON HS: A Forward-Thinking School That Cares About Your Future

Lillian (CWRU '27) and Peyton (Indiana '27) are both proud alums of Mason High School in Mason, OH

Forward-thinking school districts care about more than just high school graduation. They're focused on setting their graduates up for success in whatever comes next.

For many, that next chapter is college.

College is hard, and that assessment applies well beyond the academics.

In fact, even in exceptional public school districts like the one in Mason, OH, the faculty and students realize how much work needs to be done to set their college-bound students up for success in college ... and in life.

Alignment in our stated mission

We felt right from the start that GROWING GREATNESS TOGETHER with Mason High School extended well beyond the graduation day. In fact, the incredible connection between current students and recent alums speaks volumes about the powerful connection that this community has with their high school -- even after they have graduated and moved on to their next chapter.

Our mission is to provide the best experience here that will lead you to achieve your future goals.

Mason High School Mission Statement

Thus began the making of an exceptional partnership between the GapWell Guide and the Mason High School community. Located 22 miles north of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mason is considered "anything but boring" and the biggest city in "Ohio's largest playground." One of the top places for families to live, Mason High School sets the bar high on all measures of student success.

How did Mason High School & the GapWell Guide meet?

University of Indiana sophomore Peyton Gronholm graduated from Mason HS nearly two years ago and went on to enroll in the highly esteemed Kelley School of Business. Peyton brings a level of determination to all that he does. It wasn't easy for Peyton to adjust to college life, but he did so by pushing himself outside his comfort zone and recognizing that success isn't always easy to achieve.

So when he learned about the GapWell Guide from his friend, college classmate and GapWell Guide content contributor Max Simanek, he was determined to get involved as he felt the team was seeking to address a challenge that he realized firsthand is not easy to overcome.

To say Peyton was relentless in his pursuit of a role with the GapWell Guide would be an understatement. His dogged determination got our attention, but it was his thoughtful reasoning that was too good to pass up.

A few notable excerpts worth sharing about experiences that sent Peyton on this mission to help younger students:

GIVING BACK

I know that thousands of students every year miss out on opportunities because of a lack of guidance and proper research. Because of this, I would love to give back since I’ve seen how much it helped me.

HARD WORK

I came to school knowing 0 people and having 0 friends. Along with this, I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing academically. Today, I can confidently say that I have made a group of lifelong friends. I am involved in a fraternity that offers an amazing alumni network that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Through these connections, I have been able to map out my academic plan and figure out what clubs and programs I should join. Now, these clubs and programs are my main source of resources for job recruitment and career planning. I have gone from knowing nothing to establishing a life in Bloomington that I am proud of.

PATIENCE

Everything has a timeline, but I do wish someone would have explained some of these concepts to me earlier. I believe I can be that bridge that students need in order to make the right choice and succeed. I have mentored younger family members as well as other friends on their search as well. I love IU and giving back to younger students

How has the GapWell Guide landed with college-bound seniors and recent alums at Mason High School?

First impressions are everything, but not a replacement for thoughtful diligence.

Faculty and student leadership realized that even a remarkable school like Mason is always capable of doing more.

While Mason does an excellent job helping their students get into college, they saw the GapWell Guide as a critical ingredient for long term student success.

One thoughtful college-bound high school senior summed up the opportunity perfectly:

It was absolutely amazing seeing people so invested in improving students' lives. I would love to see GapWell and Mason work together, I think it could create something incredible.

The most remarkable thing about Mason is how quickly they move from idea to action. In this case, the community identified a need (ensuring college readiness), evaluated the opportunity via the GapWell Guide, and then rolled out an actionable plan.

Mason develops leaders who others follow for all the right reasons.