Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER
It is peak season for local scholarships here at Athens High School. The scholarship section located at the bottom of the newsletter is longer than it will ever be. Many deadlines fall within March and April.
A few pointers to follow over the next two months:
- Don't count yourself out. You may think you won't or cannot win a scholarship, but you never know until you try. You do not know what the scholarship committee is looking for and that person just may be YOU!
- Don't get overwhelmed. With so many scholarships listed, it can become overwhelming. Look through each one listed and check the requirements. Make a list of those you qualify for and come pick them up from the Guidance Office or go to the online application. Complete them in order of due date.
- Don't reinvent the wheel. If several scholarships ask the same or similar essay question, don't write a different essay for each. Reuse essays or tweek them to fit the criteria.
- Ask for recommendations and order your transcripts early. Do not wait until last minute to request recommendations. The more time they have to write them, the more thoughtful the recommendation will be. If you need a transcript, request it on Parchment UNLESS you have to turn the application in to me. If so, I can add the transcript at that time.
- Use your Spring Break wisely. I know, I know, spending SB2020 filling out scholarship applications is not the ideal way to spend the week. Take ONE day and knock them out. If you spend one day really working hard to complete scholarship applications, then you can spend the rest of the time doing the things you really want or need to do.
Don't delay, scholarships are waiting to be won!
LawLer's Card Fundraiser
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^COLLEGE AWARD LETTERS 101^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By now, you should start receiving financial aid award letters from those schools where you have been accepted. All financial aid letter should go out by April. A letter may include grants, scholarships and work-study programs, along with eligibility for federal student loans.
Award letter templates can vary, so make sure you carefully review each letter as you compare financial aid packages from different schools. Some schools will ask you to accept or reject each source of financial aid you are eligible to receive. If you reject a certain source of aid in your award letter, that does not mean another source of aid will increase.
To determine which financial aid package best meets your needs, you may want to compare the financial aid from each school by using the document linked below.
Calling All Artists
Anyone interested in submitting art to be considered for the program cover for Awards Day and Graduation must do so by April 8, 2020. These programs will be keepsakes for years to come- what a great way to leave your mark at AHS!
Criteria For Design
Must be original artwork (no clip art)
Must be a detailed drawing
Must include the eagle and graduation year
Draw on 1/2 sheet of paper (8 1/2 x 11 folded in half)
Drawing must be appropriate size
How to Order a Cap & Gown
By now, you need to have ordered your cap & gown. If you have not, you will have to order online. Balfour will no longer come to the school to accept orders. If you only would like to order a cap and gown, you can do it HERE (www.balfoursrc.com). Click on "Make a Payment" > click on "Athens High School" > fill out all of the information including height & weight > pay the $103.55 for the cap and gown plus a convenience fee for using a credit or debit card.
If you would like to order OTHER senior stuff (announcements, gear, etc.) plus your cap and gown, you need to click HERE (www.balfour.com). Search "Athens High School" and follow directions from there.If you have any further questions, you can contact our Balfour representatives at (423) 265-2060.
**IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES**
Senior Meeting
Wednesday, Mar 4, 2020, 10:00 AM
AHS APAC
NO SCHOOL for student- PL Day for Teachers
Friday, Mar 13, 2020, 08:15 AM
AHS
Spring Break 2020
Monday, Mar 30, 2020, 08:00 AM
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Senior Panoramic Picture
Thursday, Apr 9, 2020, 11:00 AM
AHS APAC
Pictures Needed
Scrolling on a TV near you
College & Career Info
SPRING PREVIEW DAYS
Fall Preview Days are a great way to see many facets of a college or university. Go to a school's website to sign up online to participate in their preview day. If you cannot make the preview day, then sign up online for a tour of campus. If the preview day or campus visit takes place on a weekday, make sure to fill out a College Visit form in advance so that absence does not affect your attendance. College Visit forms can be picked up in the attendance office.
JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
March 14, 2020
April 18, 2020
UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA
March 14, 2020
MISSISSIPPI STATE
March 23, 2020
Need a Recommendation?
- Look at the recommendation criteria. It will be specific in who the recommendation can come from.
- Don't assume they will write one for you- ask.
- Choose someone with whom you've had a positive relationship.
- Provide them with a resume, what or who the recommendation is for, and when you need it completed.
- Let them know if it is to be returned to you or if they are to mail it. If they are to mail it, please provide them with a stamped, addressed envelope.
- Don't rush in the day before the deadline. Give them ample time to write the recommendation. A month before the deadline is preferable. The more time allow, the more thoughtful your recommendation will be.
Interested in taking the SAT?
John Baylor Prep's On To College
Login information is available in the Guidance Office or by clicking HERE.
Sign up for the ACT at act.org
- April 4, 2020
- June 13, 2020
Register at www.actstudent.org
Don't miss registration deadlines!
FREE ASSISTANCE ON FINANCIAL AID, ACT PREP & MORE FROM N.A.C.E.E.
Need a Transcript?
Athens High School has now partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcripts securely. You should have received an email with a link and code to create an account. You can create an account with or without the code, but registering with the code is much quicker and easier.
You will be able to order a transcript and track the process of your order all online!
Some things you should know:
- For current students, the first 3 orders are free
- After the first three orders, there will be a fee of $5 for each transcript ordered
- Your FINAL transcript upon graduation will be free if ordered by June 30th of your graduation year
- Paper Transcript Requests for current and former students will no longer be accepted
The link to order a transcript is available on the school's main webpage as well as under the Guidance Page> Senior Resources
**FEATURED WEBSITES**
SCHOLARSHIPS
All scholarships and special opportunities will be listed here in chronological order. This section will continue to grow throughout the year. Keep an eye out as new information is listed. If you see a scholarship that you are interested in and need an application, those are available in the scholarship box in the Guidance Office.
- The Tau Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa will award one $500 scholarship to an Athens City or Limestone County senior who plans to major in education. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 4, 2020.
- The Alabama Conservation District Employees Association is now accepting applications for six $500 scholarships to be awarded to students who are residents of Alabama planning on attending college in the summer or fall of 2020. Student requirements are to be active in student affairs or show leadership abilities and show financial need. Applications are in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 5, 2020.
- The Limestone County Farmers Federation is sponsoring a $1000 scholarship for one student within Limestone County. Student, parent, or legal guardian must be a current Farmers Federation member. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. More information and applications available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is March 6, 2020.
- UNA National Army ROTC Scholarship is available to seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have a minimum 22 on the ACT and be active in school, church, scouting or civic organizations. Benefits include tuition and fees, a book stipend and monthly stipend. Go to http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students/four-year-scholarship.html to apply. You must list a minimum of three schools. There are three cycle deadlines in October 2019, January 2020 and March 2020.
- The Athens Garden Club awards a $1,000 scholarship to a senior who plans to attend college and major in Horticulture, Agriculture or another field. Other considerations will be academic excellence, community service, high school honors and activities. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 14, 2020.
- The Margaret J. and Ira Goldberg Memorial Scholarship was created by two AHS alums to support students from Athens High School as they continue their educational journey. Seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, are involved in the local community, wish to attend an Alabama college, university, community college or vocational school and demonstrate a financial need are eligible. Awardees will receive up to $5,000 per year for as many as four years of undergraduate education (for a maximum total; of $20,000)! More details and more information are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to apply is March 16, 2020.
- The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers of Alabama (NAIFA) created the Image Builders Scholarship for seniors who do not have a full tuition scholarship. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be attending an accredited school in the fall. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 16, 2020.
- The F.A.I.T.H. Initiative invites seniors to apply for the Fellowship Advocacy Inspiring Transformation and Hope Initiative Scholarship. There will be 7 winners selected to receive $1,000 scholarships. Applicants must have 3.0 GPA to apply. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 19, 2020.
- The Athena League recognizes the importance of academic achievement, need, extracurricular activities and community involvement, thus establishing the Athena League Trent-Crutcher Scholarship. The award is a one-time $1,500 scholarship. Senior girls planning on starting college in the fall of 2020 are eligible (except daughters of Athena League members past and present). Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 20, 2020.
- The YOUTH Friendship Foundation Scholarship is available to seniors who live in Madison or Limestone Counties. Attention will be given to financial need. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 22, 2020.
- The Athens-Limestone Retirees Association will award two scholarships each consisting of 1,000 to deserving students from Athens City & Limestone County Schools. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. Applications are available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is March 27, 2020.
- Bold.org awards $1,000 scholarships twice a year to high school students who make an impact on social issues by working with non-profits, social impact for-profits, or independently.All GPAs and grade levels are welcomed to apply. Go to https://bold.org/scholarship/high-school-social-leaders-bi-annual-scholarship/ for more information. Next deadline is March 28, 2020.
- The Athens Rotary Club Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $4,000 to one deserving senior. Students must reside in Athens or Limestone County. Selection will be made based upon merit, character, community service, leadership qualities and the potential for future professional growth. Attention will also be given to financial need. Applications are available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is March 31, 2020.
- The Cops' Kids, Inc. Scholarship is available to a senior or current college student who is a son or daughter of an active duty sworn police officer in Huntsville, Madison, Athens & Decatur Police Departments or Madison or Morgan County Sheriff Departments. The scholarship only requires an essay. GPA, ACT and financial status are NOT factors in the selection process. The winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship. More information and applications are available at www.copskids.com. Deadline is March 31, 2020.
- The Jessica Michelle Elkins Love, Live, and Laugh Memorial Scholarship is available to graduations seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and also have a need for financial assistance. The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,500. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 27, 2020.
- The James & Wiletta Elmore Scholarship is available to graduations seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and also have a need for financial assistance. The amount of the scholarship is $750. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 27, 2020.
- The Roy Bolton Patton Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund will award a scholarship in the amount of $1,000. It is intended for students who have a financial need and who have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must be attending an accredited institute of high learning in the state of Alabama in Fall 2020. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 27, 2020.
- The Martin Endowed Scholarship is available to students attending one of the following schools in the Fall of 2020: Auburn University, Calhoun Community College, University of North Alabama, University of Alabama- Huntsville, Alabama A&M University. The amount of the scholarship for 2020 will be $1,500 and is available to seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 27, 2020.
- The Limestone Area Community Foundation Martha Jo Leonard Memorial Scholarship will award a $1,500 scholarship to a deserving Athens High School graduating senior. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required and is intended for students who have a financial need. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 27, 2020.
- The Michael David Goldberg Memorial Band Endowed Scholarship is available to any senior band members. The amount of the scholarship is $500. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 27, 2020.
- The Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship will award $750 in scholarships to high-achieving, high school students who have been affected in some way by the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges. To apply, visit https://calvinrosser.com/scholarships/mental-health-awareness. Deadline is April 1, 2020.
- The Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship will award $500 in scholarships to high-achieving, high school women who aspire to use a career in technology to change the world. To apply, visit https://calvinrosser.com/scholarships/women-in-technology. Deadline is April 1, 2020.
- Athens Chapter 214 Order of the Eastern Star has a scholarship available in the amount of $500 available to one Athens City or Limestone County student. Applicants must be attending Calhoun Community College in the Fall 2020, have a minimum 2.5 GPA and a ACT score of a 16 or higher. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 7, 2020.
- The T.R.A.I.L. Scholarship will be in the amount of $1,000 and is available to all seniors in Athens City & Limestone County schools. Applicants must have a 3.o GPA and 20 ACT or higher and plan to attend a college, trade or tech school in the fall. Special attention will be given to those who have a demonstrated history of involvement in the local community. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 8, 2020.
- Dawn Corine Allfrey Scholarship- Specifically for seniors attending UNA. Scholarships available in the Guidance Department. Applications due to the Guidance Department by Friday, April 10, 2020.
- Margie Rose Looney Endowed Scholarship- Specifically for seniors attending UNA pursuing degrees in the College of Business or College of Nursing. Preference will be given to students with a 2.0 GPA or higher and who may not otherwise qualify for financial assistance based upon scholastic merit. Scholarships available in the Guidance Department. Applications due to the Guidance Department by Friday, April 10, 2020.
- New Beginnings Family Law is offering two $1,000 scholarships to seniors who will be studying one of the following in college: law, criminal justice, social work, counseling, therapy, psychology or paralegal studies. Students must have a 3.0 GPA be planning to enroll full time in a college or university for the 2020-2021 school year and have been impacted by divorce, child custody, foster care or adoption. Application information is available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is April 15, 2020.
- The Will Orman Scholarship is available in the Guidance Department. Applications are due to Mr. Smith by April 15, 2020.
- The Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship Program will award scholarships to students all over the nation who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Must be attending a college or technical program in the Fall of 2020 and be Pell Grant eligible. To apply go to www.application.horatioalger.org. Deadline is April 15, 2020.
- The Alabama Homemakers and Community Leaders of Limestone County Scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000. Applications are av available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is April 17, 2020.
- The North Alabama Educators Credit Union is making available two scholarships- one $1,500 and one $750. Students in Madison, Morgan and Limestone County are eligible. Applicant must have an account with NAECU. Applications are in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 17, 2020.
- The Miles Blackwell Foundation's 4Miles Kindness Scholarship Program will award four graduation seniors from AHS with $750 scholarships. Applicants must be attending a post-secondary institute in Fall 2020 and must demonstrate positive-impact involvement. Applications are in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 30, 2020.
- The PB&J Scholarship is for seniors who have experienced challenges in their life and have the drive to succeed. GPA & test scores will NOT be considered. This $500-$1000 scholarship is for seniors attending a 2 or 4 year school upon graduation. To apply, visit http://bit.ly/pbjscholars2020. Deadline is May 31, 2020.
- The MG Law Scholarship is a $1,000 non-renewal scholarship offered to one student nationwide. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA & submit a 45-60 second video that creates awareness around how to prevent drunk driving. To enter and for more information, visit https://www.mg4law.com/nationwide-scholarship/. Deadline is July 1, 2020.
- The City Property Management HOA Service Scholarship is available to seniors nationwide and will be awarded in the amount of $1,000. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and be pursueing an education that will lead into real estate. Go to http://cityproperty.com/phoenix#scholarship-link to apply. Deadline is July 31, 2020.
Opportunities for All Grade Levels
- Interested in tutoring for the Learn to Read Council after school? Contact Shelia Alsup at 256-274-2366.
- The Athens Ladies Civitan Club & Alabama District North Civitan announce the 2020 School Essay Contest. 9th-12th grade students are eligible to enter with the chance to win cash prizes. More information and guidelines are available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is March 4, 2020.
- The University of Alabama’s Rural Health Scholars Program is available to 25 11th grade students in the state of Alabama. The program pays for all expenses including tuition, housing, books and meal allowance. Requirements are a 21 on the ACT, a resident of rural Alabama for 5 years, currently in the 11th grade with a 3.0 GPA, 2 letters of recommendation and a statement of interest essay. Applications are available online at cchs.ua.edu/rural-programs/high-school/. Deadline is March 15, 2020.
- The Alabama Center for the Arts will host the Project 2020, 2-week summer camp experience open to rising sophomore, junior and senior high school students. Areas of interest can include design, film, acting, music/sound and writing. Applications are available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is April 20, 2020.
- The American College Foundation's Visionary Scholarship Program is open to all students grades 9-12. Multiple winners will be selected to receive scholarships anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 dollars. To apply, visit www.AmericanCollegeFoundation.org. Deadline is May 1, 2020.
- The Nucor Technical Academy is a 3-year schooling and training program hosted by Nucor Tuscaloosa. Selected candidates will attend classes at Shelton State and work at the mill for a combination of 40 hours a week. After the 3 year program, candidate will have earned an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Technology. Must be 18 years old by August 2020, have a GPA of 2.75 or above, positive attitude and a good work ethic. Program covers cost of tuition, books and fees, provides housing and pays hourly for both work and classroom hours. Apply online at jobs.nucor.com and search for the title "NSD Technical Academy".
Mrs. Laura Lou Smith
Athens High School
Email: LauraLou.Smith@acs-k12.org
Website: www.athenhighschool.org
Phone: 256-233-6613