EAG Class of 2021 Senior Newsletter
December 1st
Happy Tuesday you guys!!
Hope you guys have had a great Thanksgiving week!
In this week's newsletter, there is information Diplomas, Community Service for TN Promise, of course more scholarship opportunities and more!!
Don't forget to continue to work on the following:
1. College Applications - there are many merit-based scholarship due dates coming up, so the sooner you get your applications done, the better! I'd hate for you guys to miss out on those! If you have already met with me individually, we wrote those due dates down on your Senior Checklist.
- MTSU Scholarship deadline is December 1st - must have your application in by tonight
- UTK Scholarship- must apply by November 1st then they will send you a separate scholarship link that must be filled out by Dec. 15th
- UTC Scholarships - must be accepted first, then they will send you a scholarship application which must be completed by Dec 15th
- TTU Scholarships - must have your application completed by Dec 15th
- UT Martin Scholarships - must apply by February 1st
2. FAFSA- The FAFSA opened up on October 1st for the 2021-2022 school year. Be sure to find the time to sit down with your parents and get that completed. Information is listed below. If you missed FAFSA Night - no worries!! I have new opportunity for you below.
3. Apply for Scholarships!! There truly is something for everyone. I've got a few new scholarships listed below and don't forget to check the scholarship search engines listed on the EAG website under the Counseling section.
Be sure to come by anytime if you need help with anything! I'm here to help you guys and you guys are what make my job simply fantastical!!
~ Ms. Bryan
December 12th ACT
MTSU Admissions offers ACT On-Campus in November, December, plus extra dates
Students can take the ACT test on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in November, December and January — including this Saturday, Nov. 14 — as part of efforts to increase access to the standardized college admissions test.
And, MTSU will allow scores from tests taken on the National ACT day on Dec. 12 to be attached to the Dec. 1 application deadline that used to award qualified incoming freshmen one of the university’s guaranteed academic scholarships.
The ACT will be delivered at the MTSU campus on these dates:
- Tuesday, Dec. 1.
- Saturday, Dec. 12.
- Tuesday, Jan. 12.
- Tuesday, Jan. 19.
All exams start at 7:30 a.m. and end at noon. Scores are normally reported to the Admissions office within one week of testing.
To register online, visit www.registerblast.com/mtsu.
Community Service Hours needed for TN Promise
Community service is time contributed to a nonprofit or public service organization. The community should be benefitting from the work you do!
Students can also volunteer in their field of interest to gain experience. This means that job shadowing may count toward your community service requirement.
Make sure you are volunteering with an actual organization (not an individual), you are not being paid, you are being supervised by someone who is not a family member and your activity does not include proselytizing (sharing faith)
What counts as community service?
- Tutoring students at a community center
- Doing laundry for residents of a nursing home
- Working with an organization to build homes for people in need
- Participating in an environment clean-up event
- Volunteering to work at a booth for a food drive or charity race
- Volunteering with established student organizations at your college
- Job Shadowing
What does not count as community service?
- Building a deck with your friend
- Babysitting
- Picking up trash during a hike with friends
- Donating cans to a food drive or running a race
- Proselytizing (sharing faith)
All community service hours must be submitted through the community service online form found here. After submitting your community service hours, you will receive a confirmation email.
Virtual Community Service Opportunities
FAFSA Information
Watch “How to Complete a FAFSA“ Videos: These quick videos walk students through each step of completing a FAFSA. Videos can be accessed on YouTube here.
Attend a Live Virtual Workshop: There are two virtual workshops every week where a Tennessee FAFSA expert walks students through completing the FAFSA. Students can register for a workshop here.
Need Help:If students need additional assistance completing the FAFSA, they can reach out to our FAFSA experts at FAFSA.Help@tn.gov. There will be staff standing by to help.
FAFSA Webinar Opportunity
Families must register (see attached) for the webinar via the following link (https://www.tn.gov/thec/covid-19-campus-information/outreach-virtual-presentations.1.html).

New Scholarship Opportunities
DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) - 26 different scholarship opportunities
Criteria: Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America. Applicants must attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university in the U.S.
https://dar.academicworks.com/
Award: varies $1,000 -$5,000
Deadline: Scholarships are accepted from November 1, 2020 - January 31, 2021
TSDAR American History Scholarship
Criteria: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and Tennessee Residents. Attending a 4-year U.S. college or university and will have at least 18 hours in American History/American Government. Please see Ms. Bryan for application.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: January 15, 2021
UTC Students - Marjorie Watson Mathematics Scholarship
Criteria: Applicants must be an incoming Freshman who plans on attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a major in Mathematics.
https://www.utc.edu/mathematics/students/awards.php
Contact Amanda Matthews at amanda-b-matthews@utc.edu if you have any questions
Award: $5,000
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Burger King Scholarship Program-
Criteria: 2.5 GPA, active in their school/community and/or have work experience.
Deadline: December 15, 2020
Cirkled in Scholarship
Criteria: 8-12th grade students. Go to https://www.cirkledin.com/scholarships/ to apply.
Award: $2500.
Deadline: December 31,2020.
Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers
Criteria: Applicant must be pursuing a career in teaching Physics at the high school level. They must also be a U.S. citizen and have been accepted into an accredited two year college, four year college or university. For additional information, click here: https://www.aapt.org/Programs/grants/lotze.cfm
Award: $2000.00
Deadline: December 1, 2020
Lamber-Goodnow Scholarship
Criteria: Several $1000.00 awards are available to students pursuing Nursing, Law School, Medical School, PT/OT and general education who are creative thinkers and problem solvers. Essay is required. For complete information on the scholarships by category and the essay requirements, click here: https://lambergoodnow.com/scholarships/
Award: $1000.00 (several)
Deadline: December 1, 2020
National Space Club Scholarship
Criteria: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and be planning to pursue a career in the STEM fields. For additional information, click here: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/12191/national_space_club_scholarship_scholarship.php
Award: $10,000.00
Deadline: December 2, 2020
Make the U Scholarship
Criteria: Applicant must be a Hispanic or Latino high school senior with plans to attend college in the fall or 2021.
They must be a U.S. Citizen, legal permanent resident or DACA eligible and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
In addition, they must have demonstrated service to the community and have leadership qualities. For additional information, click here: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/12459/make%20the%20u%20scholarship%20scholarship.php
Award: $1000.00 ( 100 awards )
Deadline: December 6, 2020
Health Wise Scholarship
Criteria: Applicant must be planning a course of study which supports a career in the finance industry (finance, business, accounting, mathematics, and other related majors). They must be a U.S. citizen with a minimum 3.5 GPA. A short essay is required. For additional information, click here: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15171/wealth_wise_scholarship_scholarship.php
Award: $1000.00
Deadline: December 31, 2020
Knight Essay Scholarship
Criteria: Applicant must be a high school student (9-12 grade) who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
An 800-1200 word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution is required. For additional information click here: https://www.sar.org/george-s-stella-m-knight-essay-contest/
Award: $5000.00, $2500.00, and $1000.00 ( 3 awards )
Deadline: December 31, 2020 (estimated)
2021 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Criteria: The contest is open to U.S. high school students in grades 9-12. Essay of 700-1000 words is required. Click here for essay topic and additional information: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/eligibility-and-requirements
Award: $10,000 ( 1 ), $3000 ( 1 ), $1000.00 ( 5 ), $100 ( 8 )
Deadline: January 15, 2021
Nashville Predators Jack Diller Award
Criteria: This scholarship is open to student athletes. It takes into account consideration, academic achievement, athletic success, and community involvement.
Award: $2500
Deadline: February 5, 2021
Arthur K & Sylvia S Lee Scholarship Foundation
Criteria: This scholarship is open to students wanting to attend a local community college. http://www.akleefoundation.org/media/8123/arthur_k_lee_scholarship_--_application-local_community_college.pdf. This is the application. For more information go to the website http://www.akleefoundation.org/en/home/application/.
Deadline: February 5, 2021
PB & J Scholarship
Criteria: This scholarship is open to students who have experienced personal challenges that may not have allowed them to perform well academically. (High GPA not required to qualify!) Open to high school seniors who plan on attending an accredited 2 or 4 year school in the U.S. Visit bit.ly/pbjscholarship2021 for more information
Award: $500-$1000
Deadline: May 31, 2020
Be sure to check out the Scholarship page on the EAG website for a complete list of scholarships and scholarship search engines.
Need a Job?



Senate Youth Program
SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM
Application Window Open for 2020-21 United States Senate Youth Program
Audience: Directors of Schools, Principals, Assistant Principals, High School Counselors, High School Teachers
Contact: Charlotte.Woehler@tn.gov
Ms. Charlotte Woehler
Office of Standards and Materials: Coordinator of Student Opportunities
Tennessee Department of Education
Floor 11 Andrew Johnson Towers
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, 37243
(615) 253-4344
Charlotte.Woehler@tn.gov
https://www.tn.gov/education/instruction/opportunities-for-students.html
Applications are now being accepted from 11th and 12th grade students to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program.
During the Senate Youth Program, two Tennessee delegates will participate in the annual Washington Week event, which features a variety of unique sessions that promote a deep understanding of the structure of our national government. This year’s event will take place virtually over the course of 2–4 days, the week of March 15, 2021. The Hearst Foundation also offers selected state finalists a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship. The deadline to apply is December 4, 2020.
Inside the Mind of a Procrastinator
Weekly Brain Teaser

NACAC Virtual College Fair
DON'T LET COVID STOP YOU FROM TOURING THE COLLEGE OF YOUR DREAMS!
Raise Me
You guys should really check on Raise Me! It's a scholarship search engine that is open for students 9-12 and it matches you with mirco-scholarships based on your achievements!
What is a micro-scholarship you ask? A micro-scholarship is an amount of money that students are eligible to earn based on individual achievements throughout 9th-12th grade. They are awarded by colleges and universities who partner with RaiseMe, and each college or university creates their own program of micro-scholarship. The amount earned via RaiseMe represents the minimum amount of institutional aid that the college will award you if you are accepted and enroll in their school.
Colleges decide what achievements they want to award and how much they will award to students who meet their eligibility requirements (which can be found on their College page). For example, one college might offer $50 for an A in Algebra, another might offer $300, and so on.
Be sure to go and check it out!
MTSU Merit-Based Scholarships
Trustee Scholarship - $5,000 a year - must have at least a 3.5 GPA and a 30 on the ACT
Presidential Scholarship - $4,500 a year - must have at least a 3.5 GPA and a 25 on the ACT
True Blue Scholarship - $2,000 a year - must have at least a 3.5 GPA and a 23 on the ACT
To be considered for a Freshman Guaranteed Scholarships, students must be a first-time incoming freshman who plans to enroll at MTSU in the Summer or Fall semester. Students must have ALL of the following on file with the Admissions Office by December 1 to be considered for a scholarship:
- Application for admissions as a new Incoming Freshman
- Admissions Application fee paid
- Qualifying official ACT and/or SAT test score (without the writing subscore)
- Only ACT/SAT scores on file with MTSU as of the Dec 1st deadline will be considered. MTSU will not consider writing test subscores or accept test superscores in regard to scholarship consideration.
- Qualifying official sixth-semester high school transcript with cumulative GPA requirement (transcript must reflect GPA through end of junior year).
- Must be US Citizen or permanent resident
No separate scholarship application is required for guaranteed academic scholarships. Student will receive notification of the scholarship award offer by February.
FAFSA
Some grants are first come first serve, so it's best to get it done early. The student and parent will need to complete the application together and parents will need to access their 2019 tax information. If you do not complete the FAFSA, you will not be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, TN Promise or any other form of federal/state aid. Deadline for completing the FAFSA for the TN Promise is February 1st. | HOPE Scholarship In order to receive the HOPE Scholarship, students must have a 3.0 GPA or a 21 on the ACT. HOPE awards $3,500 per year to 4-year colleges and $3,000 per year to 2-yr colleges in TN. There is also the General Assembly Merit Scholarship for students who have a 3.75 GPA or higher and at least a 29 ACT composite score. To apply for the HOPE Scholarship, students must fill out the FAFSA. | TN Promise The state of Tennessee is offering a program that will provide two years of tuition-free community or technical college. The deadline for student to apply is November 2nd. Apply at tnpromise.gov Students must file their FAFSA by Feb. 1st, attend tow mandatory meetings held at local high schools and complete 8 hours of community service. |
FAFSA
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application for government aid including the HOPE scholarship, TN Promise, grants and any other type of Federal/State financial aid. The application opens up on October 1st.
Some grants are first come first serve, so it's best to get it done early. The student and parent will need to complete the application together and parents will need to access their 2019 tax information.
If you do not complete the FAFSA, you will not be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, TN Promise or any other form of federal/state aid. Deadline for completing the FAFSA for the TN Promise is February 1st.
HOPE Scholarship
HOPE awards $3,500 per year to 4-year colleges and $3,000 per year to 2-yr colleges in TN. There is also the General Assembly Merit Scholarship for students who have a 3.75 GPA or higher and at least a 29 ACT composite score.
To apply for the HOPE Scholarship, students must fill out the FAFSA.
TN Promise
Apply at tnpromise.gov
Students must file their FAFSA by Feb. 1st, attend tow mandatory meetings held at local high schools and complete 8 hours of community service.
Scholarships... Money, Money, Money!
So where do find scholarships? That's an great question!
1. Be sure to check the school that you are applying for. They will have specific scholarships for their school. While most of these are merit-based (based on your GPA, courses taken and test scores) there may be other so be sure to check out their website.
2. Search Engines - these are great because they have millions of dollars worth of scholarships listed. We've complied a list of these on the EAG Counseling webpage.
3. Local Scholarships - Also on the EAG Counseling webpage are a list of scholarships we are notified of. We are constantly updating this so be sure to check it out regularly.
The key is to APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!!
Selective Service It is a requirement for all males to register with the Selective Service when they turn 18. Students may register up to 6 months before their 18th birthday. Register at www.sss.gov *It is optional for females to register | Register to Vote To register to vote in Tennessee, you must:
| Attendance Matters
|
Selective Service
Students may register up to 6 months before their 18th birthday.
Register at www.sss.gov
*It is optional for females to register
Register to Vote
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Tennessee
- be at least 18 years old on or before the next election
Plan to Play Sports in College?
If you are planning to play sports in college you must register for either the NCAA or NAIA.
See Coach McClaran for details.
Valedictorian Requirements for the Class of 2021
| Graduate with Honors Anyone can graduate with honors as long as you meet the following ACT benchmark scores:
| Graduation with Distinction Must have a 3.0 GPA and meet one of the following requirements:
|
Valedictorian Requirements for the Class of 2021
- Maintain a 4.0
- Graduate with Honors
- Graduate with Distinction
- Take at least 12 Honors/AP/Dual Enrollment Courses
Graduate with Honors
- English - 18
- Math - 22
- Reading - 22
- Science - 23
Graduation with Distinction
- Earn an Industry Certification
- Earn 12 hours of Post-Secondary Credit
- Attend Governors School
- Score a 31 or higher on the ACT
- Participate in All-State
- Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
- Score a 3 on at least 2 AP Tests
Graduation Requirements
Math - 4 credits
Science - 3 credits (Biology, Chemistry or Physics, 3rd science)
Social Studies - 3 credits (World History & Geog, US History, Econ/Gov)
Foreign Language - 2 credits
Fine Art - 1 credit
PE - 1.5 credits
Personal Finance - .5 credit
Pathway Elective - 3 credits
Elective - 1
Total 23 credits
*Students must also take the ACT and the US Civics Test.