By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN

dobrien@dailynews.net

It was a career planning information session for parents of juniors and seniors in high school. And they learned a lesson or two along the way.

Kathy Spicer, longtime guidance counselor at Hays High School, greeted parents at her annual College/Tech School Planning 101 mini course by informing them there would be no handouts. Any information they would garner from the meeting would have to be recorded by taking notes.

"In the interest of trying to save paper," Spicer said, as she provided paper and pencils for note taking.

There was a collective sigh of relief as Spicer explained the session also would be broadcast on the Hays school district's television Channel 13, and information from the evening's discussion also would be available on the Hays High website at www.hayshighindians.com.

Spicer's presentation, limited to about 45 minutes so parents could attend the annual HHS open house later that evening, was jam-packed with information.

There were deadlines for signing up for different scholarships and tests and reasons for taking those tests. There was information about what to do if your student is interested in playing sports in college. How to find the school that fits your particular academic needs. And the ins and outs of applying for financial aid, no matter what kind of school you attend.

"You have to look at education as an investment, but obviously it is expensive," Spicer said.

Nonetheless, Spicer said, there are numerous ways for students to get help financially, ranging from grants to loans to scholarships. Thus, the urgency for meeting application and test-taking deadlines.

"Apply early," Spicer said, urging parents to keep that as their motto.