Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER
Work Hard for the MONEY
Without a doubt, the number one question I receive each year from parents and students alike is how to pay for college- scholarships? grants? loans? family contributions? While this is not an easy conversation to have, it is necessary in order to make proper plans for the future. Without knowing how to pay for your future plans, there is little you can do to move forward. I wish there was an easy answer to this burning question. A majority of the time, it takes a combination of funding sources to make college plans a reality.
The greatest factor in being successful in securing the means to pay for school is one major thing- effort! Work hard in your studies to align you for merit scholarships. Work hard on the field to align you for athletic or performance scholarships. Work hard volunteering in the school & community to make you eligible for more scholarships. Work hard at your job saving for school. Work hard filling out the scholarship applications to make yourself eligible for more money. It's never too late to start working hard and to give it your best effort.
It's FAFSA time!
Ready or not, the FAFSA opened on October 1, 2019.
What is the FAFSA?
You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you want to apply for federal and state financial aid. Many colleges and universities, especially public institutions, also require the FAFSA. You must submit the FAFSA every year that you want aid.
The FAFSA is available in several formats, including online, PDF and paper versions. The best option is to complete the web-based version of the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov, known as FAFSA on the Web.
What are the changes to the FAFSA?
- The fafsa.gov website has been redesigned so that the site pages will fit the screen size and shape of any device, including desktop or laptop computers and mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.
- The online FAFSA form will provide faster feedback. For example, students will receive error notifications as they complete the form's fields.
- The income threshold for an automatic-zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been increased from $25,000 to $26,000 for the 2019–20 award year.
FAFSA Assistance
College Financial Aid advisors will be available to help you complete and submit the FAFSA. Sign up to save your appointment.
STUDENT Documents/Information Needed: FSA ID, Social Security #/Alien Registration #, 2018 Tax Return & W2s (if applicable) & Asset Info (Current bank statement, investment record)
PARENT Documents/Information Needed: FSA ID, Social Security #/Alien Registration #, month/year of marital status, 2018 Tax return & W2s, Asset Info (current bank statement, investment records, real estate/rental property) & additional financial information (child support paid or received, combat pay, worker's compensation or disability, veteran's non-education benefits)
Click HERE to reserve your time>> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4CAEA62CA7FE3-appointments
Thursday, Nov 7, 2019, 04:00 PM
Athens High School, U.S. 31, Athens, AL, USA
College Application Week
Monday, Nov 4, 2019, 08:15 AM
Alabama, USA
Schools participating in College Application Week
The following schools are participating Alabama's College Application Week, November 4th- 8th, 2019. They will be waiving application fees that week only. Many are participating for the first time. I repeat- FEE WAIVERS- for all school listed below for one week only.
FOUR Year Schools in and around Alabama
Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Alcorn State University
Auburn University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Belmont Abbey College
Berea College
Berry College
Claflin University
Cumberland University
Delta State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Edward Waters College
Florida Southern College
Fort Valley State University
Fortis College
Georgia Southwestern State University
Huntingdon College
Jackson State University
Jacksonville State University
Judson College
Keiser University
Life University
Lipscomb University
Marion Military Institute
Mercer University
Miles College
Mississippi College
Mississippi Valley State University
Northwest Florida State College
Selma University
Spring Hill College
Stillman College
Talladega College
The University of Alabama
Troy University
Tuskegee University
Union University
University of Dayton
University of Mobile
University of Montevallo
University of South Alabama
University of the South (Sewanee)
University of West Alabama
Western Kentucky
William Carey University
Wofford College
Xavier University
Young Harris College
Alabama TWO Year Colleges
Bevill State Community College
Bishop State Community College
John C. Calhoun Community College
Central Alabama Community College
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Coastal Alabama Community College
J.F. Drake Community & Technical College
Enterprise State Community College
Gadsden State Community College
J.F. Ingram State Technical College
Jefferson State Community College
T.A. Lawson State Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College
George C. Wallace Community College
Northwest-Shoals Community College
Reid State Technical College
Shelton State Community College
Snead State Community College
Wallace State Community College
George Corley Wallace State Community College
** SENIOR FUNDRAISERS**
Help pay off fees & raise money for your class by participating in the two fundraisers going on now through Monday, 10/28:
1) Selling bed sheets and/or pillows. Packets were distributed last week in Connect. If students need information, see their Connect teacher, Mrs. Willis, or Mrs. Reynolds
2) Selling wrapping paper. Follow instructions below:
You can also sell wrapping paper by following these instructions:
https://tinyurl.com/2020fundraiser
Our Organization ID is z-16701
#2 Invite your friends & family.
After registering, you'll receive your Share Link. Text it to friends, share on social media and use the online email tool tool to get the word out. Set a goal to send 15 email invitations today!
#3 SHOP!
You can contribute to our success! Shop around and pick out something for yourself to help us reach our goal!
Pictures Needed
Scrolling on a TV near you
College & Career Info
Senior Ads
Senior ads are now available for purchase. All orders for senior ads should be made online at yearbookordercenter.com. Full page ads are $195, half page ads are $125, and quarter page ads are $75. Specifics for design, number of pictures, and words are on the website. Please contact Ms. L. Carter in room A1164 (lesley.carter@acs-k12.org) for any questions.
**IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES**
Balfour Orders
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2019, 11:15 AM
Athens High School Cafeteria
Senior Portrait Make-Up Day
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2019, 08:15 AM
Athens High School, U.S. 31, Athens, AL, USA
FALL 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.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
November 11, 2019
November 18, 2019
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
November 16, 2019
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA
November 2, 2019
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN BIRMINGHAM
February 29, 2020
UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA
October 26, 2019
November 9, 2019
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
November 11, 2019
November 25, 2019
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
November 16, 2019
BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE
November 11, 2019
HUNTINGDON COLLEGE
November 9, 2019
February 17, 2020
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR COLLEGE & MILITARY RECRUITERS
With the launch of the Eagle Empowerment app, we will be implementing NEW College & Military Recruiter small group meetings. You will have to opportunity to sign up to meet in small groups during Eagle Empowerment with representatives from colleges & the military, gain knowledge and ask any questions you may have.
Until the launch of the app, you may see military and college recruiters in the lunchroom. Please take the opportunity to speak with them and ask any questions you may have. It is always beneficial to you if they can put a face with a name.
Monday, October 28th- AIR FORCE NATIONAL GUARD
Tuesday, October 29th- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
CAREER & COLLEGE WORKSHOPS through ATHENS STATE
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?
Upcoming test dates...
November 2, 2019
December 7, 2019
March 14, 2020
May 2, 2020
June 6, 2020
Sign up at www.collegeboard.org
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
- October 26, 2019
- December 14, 2019
- February 8, 2020
- April 4, 2020
- June 13, 2020
Register at www.actstudent.org
Don't miss registration deadlines!
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 Horatio Alger Association awards scholarships to students who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Awards can range from $10,000 to $25,000. Students can apply at www.scholars.horatioalger.org. Deadline is October 25, 2019.
- The AT&T Tech and Sustainability Scholarship requires a 200- 300 word essay or 2 minute video on how to improve the future of technology and sustainability in your state. The award is in the amount of $500. To apply, go to http://www.attsavings.com/availability/al#scholarship. Deadline is November 1, 2019.
- Students who have experienced homelessness in the last six years are eligible to apply for the Schoolhouse Connection Youth Scholarship Program. A minimum of 10 $2,000 scholarships will be awarded. The program also offers assistance with other things from financial aid to mental health awareness and provides a network of people to support you before, during and after college. To apply, visit https://www.schoolhouseconnection.org/youth-leadership/scholarship-program/. Deadline is November 10, 2019.
- Each year, Huggable awards $1,000 in scholarships to high-achieving high school students who are supported by single mothers.More about The Huggable Supermom Scholarship is available at https://huggable.com/pages/scholarships. Deadline is December 31, 2019.
- The 2020 P.O.E. Alabama Chapter Z Scholarship for women is available to female seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and be active in extra-curricular, community service or employment. Applicants must be entering an accredited school in fall 2020. The application is available at https://forms.gle/fL2jMAwX63WsvbMd7. Deadline is December 31, 2019.
- The National Wild Turkey Federation's Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship Program is available to seniors with a GPA of a 3.0 or higher and be active in community and school activities. The applicant must also hold a current NWTF membership and participate in hunting sports and hold a hunting license. Award amounts can range from $250 to $10,000. Applications are available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is January 1, 2020.
- The Smith Scholarship Foundation provides assistance to high school seniors who have "given back" to their community through volunteer activities or care of family while overcoming financial and personal challenges. SSF provide up to $15,000 a year in financial assistance plus opportunities for study abroad, professional training through its Internship Program. Visit their website for an application and additional information at www.smithscholarships.com. Deadline is January 10. 2020.
- The National Co Op Scholarship Program is for students interested in attending one of these 10 schools: Clarkson U, Drexel U, Johnson & Wales U, Merrimack U, Rochester IT, State U of NY Oswego, U of Cincinnati,, U of Toledo, Wentworth IT. You must have a 3.5 GPA and apply to one of the schools above. Awards range from $6,000 to $30,000 over 4 years. Applications available at www.waceinc.org. Deadlines range from November 1, 2019- February 15, 2020.
- Mediacom Communications is offering 55 $1,000 non-renewable scholarships through its World Class Scholarship Program. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.mediacomworldclass.com/. Deadline is February 15, 2019.
- 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 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.
Opportunities for All Grade Levels
- Interested in tutoring for the Learn to Read Council after school? Contact Shelia Alsup at 256-274-2366.
- The VFW's Voice Of Democracy scholarship program is open to all 9th-12th grade students. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. This year's theme is "What Makes America Great" and will require a 3-5 minute audio essay. More information is available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is October 31, 2019.
- Appelley Publishing Student Poetry Contest is offered to students in grades 3-12. Pizes range from $50- $500. For rules and online entry, visit www.appelley.org. Deadline is November 14, 2019.
- Students grades 9-12 can enter the John F. Kennedy 2020 Profile in Courage Essay Contest. Prizes range from $10,000- $100 and an all-expense paid trip to Boston to receive a recognition. To enter, visit www.jfklibrary.org/essaycontest. Deadline is January 17, 2020.
- The Nucor Technical Academy is a 3-year schooling and training program hosted by Nucor Tuscaloosa. Selected candidates o;; 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