Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER
re·new·al
Remember how you started your senior fresh with a great sense of anticipation and excitement? Sometimes that can get buried under stress, decisions, responsibilities, etc.
With each new year brings a sense of renewal. For each of us, it is an opportunity to decide what we can do to be a better version of ourselves in the coming days, months and year.
To renew something is to make it new, fresh or strong again. I want you each to take a moment to reflect on what it is that you want for your senior year. What is it that you want to take out of this experience? Remember what those hopes and wishes were at the the start of the school year. If you haven't done what you had planned for this year or have not taken time to enjoy it, now is the time to do that.
Sometimes we are all too quick
to count down the days (to graduation),
that we forget
to make the days count.
Tutoring Opportunity
KEEP THOSE ACCEPTANCE LETTERS ROLLING ON IT!
Calhoun Community College Honors Program
Calhoun Community College is excited to announce a new Honors Program, beginning Fall 2017. For our initial class, we are looking for incoming freshmen with a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT Composite Score of 24 or higher. This program will be especially attractive to students who are interested in learning and want to develop leadership skills. Some of the benefits of participating in the program will be top-tier Calhoun scholarships, dedicated study/lounge space, smaller class sizes, priority registration, dedicated advising, and Honors distinction on the Diploma and at Commencement.
Honors students will learn both inside and outside of the classroom with opportunities for mentoring by college and community leaders, service learning and community projects, job shadowing, travel, and conference presentations. We plan for plenty of fun activities as well: social and recreational events, lecture series, field trips, and attendance at cultural events.
Information is available on our website (www.calhoun.edu/honors) regarding benefits and the application process. Please feel free to contact Calhoun directly with any questions you may have or come by and see me!
John Baylor Prep
If you haven't already heard, you probably haven't been listening. Athens High School has purchased John Baylor Prep for all students grades 9-12. The mission of JBP is to help schools and families create college graduates with minimal debt. Jumping scores helps, but study skills, general test taking skills, and skilled college counseling do as well.
Dr. Schrimsher will once again be facilitating a 12 day class to prepare for the February 11th ACT test. Contracts along with more information are available in the main office.
Available at anytime are ACT Prep, ACT Fundamentals Course, SAT/PSAT Prep, and ASPIRE Early High School Prep.
You can access it now by going to www.johnbaylorprep.com.
Login: your school email address
Password: eagles
**IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES**
John Baylor Prep Sessions for February Test
Monday, Jan 23, 2017, 06:30 AM
Athens High School, U.S. 31, Athens, AL, United States
Senior Meeting/Balfour Order
<<Class of 2017>>
We will be having a brief meeting during homeroom to discuss diplomas and a few other pieces of business. Balfour will also be there collecting orders for the last time.
Wednesday, Feb 1, 2017, 09:30 AM
AHS Lunchroom
ACT Workkeys
Tuesday, Feb 7, 2017, 08:00 AM
Athens High School, U.S. 31, Athens, AL, United States
FAFSA Assistance Meetings
Only TWO more chances this year to meet with Karlton Stephens from the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence. He will be available to meet with parents and/or students to assist them in filling out the FAFSA. Meetings will take place every thirty minutes. Please try and get both the student and parent FSA ID prior to meeting with him. Directions to do that are listed below. You will need a copy of the student (if they have one) and parent(s) 2015 taxes and W2. If you have any specific questions prior to meeting, please call the NACEE office at 256-350-6478.
DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY!
Please click here to reserve your time.
Tuesday, Jan 24, 2017, 01:00 PM
AHS Guidance Department
NCAA & NAIA
Interested in playing sports at the collegiate level? Make sure that you have signed up with NCAA or NAIA. If you have an questions, please see Mr. Cliff Smith.
Sign up for the ACT at www.actstudent.org today!
- February 11, 2017
- April 8, 2017
- June 10, 2017
Buy your Senior Yearbook
The Aquila is for sale online at Balfour.com or in Room 204. Students can see a publications member for more information.
**FEATURED WEBSITES**
www.achievealabama.org
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) and the Rotaract Club of Birmingham have partnered to launch the first state-specific scholarship database - AchieveAlabama.org.
The site is cost-free and is available to all high school students in the state. It houses thousands of university-specific and private scholarships. The site also focuses specifically on local scholarship dollars that are awarded each year by Alabama businesses and private foundations.
Registration for the site is free and voluntary, and all student data is secure and protected in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. No student information is ever provided to any third parties unless a student opts in to share information with colleges.
For more information about Achieve Alabama or to access scholarship information, please visit www.achievealabama.org.
JUNIORS- Come sign up outside of my office if you are interested in....
- Are you an African american 11th grader who has a 3.25 GPA or higher and a 20-30 on the ACT? Are you interested in attending Berea College where no student pays tuition? Come sign up to get nominated for the Carter G. Woodson Legacy Award.
- Alabama Governor's School offers academically strong Alabama high school juniors an opportunity to participate in a short residential program of stimulating academic and extra-curricular activities. It will be held June 18-30, 2017 at Samford University. If interested and would like more information, sign up outside my office ASAP.
- American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are the premier programs for teaching how government works while developing leadership skills & an appreciation for your rights as a citizen. As a participant in the program you, will run for office, learn public speaking, create and enforce laws and actively participate in all phases of creating and running a working government in this exciting and fun summer program. You’ll meet other students from across your state who will become friends for life. You’ll develop confidence and leadership skills that will shape your future. Both Boys and Girls State will take place on the University of Alabama's campus during the summer of 2017- dates have not been released. Please sign up outside of my office ASAP if you are interested in representing AHS at either Boys or Girls State.
^^THE SCHOLARSHIP BINDER^^ WITHIN THE SCHOLARSHIP BINDER YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS PRINTED IN THIS NEWSLETTER AS WELL AS COPIES OF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS. YOU CAN ACCESS IT IN THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT AT ANY TIME. CHECK IT ON A REGULAR BASIS FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.
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.
- Huntsville Hospital Athlete of the Year Scholarship Program is taking applications. From September to April, a panel of judges selects one Athlete of the Week. Applicants must be a high school senior, have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and display a history of athletic and academic accomplishments, as well as community/civic involvement. All weekly winners are invited to a banquet held in their honor in May, and two students are selected as Athletes of the Year. The two Athletes of the Year each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Go to http://www.huntsvillehospital.org/aoy to apply today.
- The National Beta Scholarship Program will award over $300,000 in scholarships with awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 to outstanding 12th grade Beta members. Applications can be found at www.betaclub.org/scholarship. Click Apply Now for details. Deadline is January 26, 2017.
- 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 Mass. Lowell, U of Toledo, Wentworth IT. You must have a 3.5 GPA and apply to one of the schools above. Awards range from $24,000 to $26,000 over 4 years. Applications available at www.waceinc.org. Deadlines vary from November 1- February 15 depending on the school.
- The Alabama School Public Relations Association offers financial support to students who plan to seek a degree in communication, public relations or a related field. Seniors AND juniors may apply who have 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is February 10, 2017.
- The University of Alabama's Department of Art and Art History offer scholarships in both studio art and art history to incoming freshmen. Awards are based on the quality of the student's work. More information and applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is February 13, 2017.
- Through its Mentoring and Leadership Development Program, The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $28,000 over 4 years to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice. Must be a senior with a minimum composite of a 21 on the ACT. Applications are available at http://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=9786&culture=en. Deadline is February 15, 2017.
- The Alabama Fire College Foundation extends an invitation to apply for a Recruit School Scholarship. Only students who have successfully completed the fire service course of study and received provisional certification can apply. The scholarship will cover tuition and equipment rental. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is February 28, 2017.
- Redstone Federal Credit Union's Scholarship Program is designated for students attending their partners colleges- Alabama A&M, Drake, UAH, MTSU, Oakwood, Calhoun and Athens State. At-Large scholarships to other accredited colleges or universities are also available. Go to www.redfcu.org/scholarship for more information and to apply. Deadline is February 28, 2017.
- The College Counts Scholarship's award amount is $4,000 for students enrolled in 4-year colleges and $2,000 for students enrolled in 2-year colleges for the Fall of 2017. Applications and more info are available at www.collegecounts.com. Deadline is March 1, 2017.
- The University of Alabama Rural Minority Scholarship Program will provide 10 incoming freshmen from rural backgrounds that have an interest in the health care profession a head start in the college preparation they will need for admission to professional programs. Seniors must have a minimum 21 on the ACT to apply. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 1, 2017.
- 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 $1,000 scholarship. Senior girls planning on starting college in the fall of 2017 are eligible (except daughters of Athena League members past and present). Deadline is March 1, 2017. Applications are available in the Guidance Department.
- The 100 Black Men of Greater Huntsville, Inc. are sponsoring the 2017 Scholarship Program. Seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA who will be entering a 2 or 4 year college in fall 2017 are eligible. Awards will be based upon demonstrated academic excellence and community service. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 1, 2017.
- The University of North Alabama’s Department of Chemistry and Industrial Hygiene awarded over $32,000 for the 2016-2017 school year. Application for their endowed scholarships are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 1, 2017.
- The Alabama Office of State Treasury is sponsoring The CollegeCounts Scholarship to help more Alabama high school students pay for an education in a 2 or 4-year Alabama school. Informational postcards are available on the table outside of Mrs. Smith's office or at www.treasury.alabama.gov/collegecounts-scholarship. Deadline is March 1, 2017.
- The Alabama Conservation District Employees Association is awarding six $500 scholarships. One scholarship will be awarded for each of the Association's six districts. Seniors who are US Citizens living in Alabama are eligible to apply. Applicants must be active in student affairs and/or show leadership abilities and must show financial need. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 3, 2017.
- The Alabama Home Builders Association awards scholarships to students who want to pursue a career in the core trades of the home building industry, whether through trade school, junior college or four year colleges. Examples of these trades but are not limited to: carpentry and cabinetry, masonry, HVAC/HVACR, plumbing, drafting, electrical engineering and electrical work. Scholarship applications are available in the Guidance Department or online at www.ahbfoundation.org. Deadline is March 15, 2017.
- The F.A.I.T.H. Initiative invites seniors to apply for the Bobby Bodiford Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Constance Dees Memorial Scholarship. Two or more undergraduate scholarships are available annually. Criteria to apply is a 3.0 GPA, evidence of volunteering, reside in North Alabama, accepted into a college, university or tech school and have a demonstrated financial hardship. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 18, 2017.
- Family Security Credit Union's scholarship program is available to graduates of 2017. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to aide with college expenses. Applications will include a 750 word essay regarding the importance of establishing and maintaining good financial habits. Information cards are available in the Guidance Office or go to www.myfscu.com for more info and applications. Deadline is March 28, 2017.
- The Athens-Limestone Education Retirees Association is soliciting applications from high school seniors intending on pursuing a bachelor's degree. They will award two $1,000 scholarships to Athens City and Limestone County Schools. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith is April 15, 2017.
- Enter the Suntrust Off To College Scholarship Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 30 $500 scholarships. You can enter once each drawing period from September 12- May 12, 2017. Enter to win at www.suntrusteducation.com/scholarshipsweepstakes
If you attending Calhoun Community College the Fall of 2017 and want to be considered for one of two scholarships, please sign up outside of my office by Friday, February 10, 2017.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES for 9th -12th GRADES
- Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen Pageant will take place March 3-5, 2017. Contestants must be 13-17 years old, and up to a junior in high school. Winners and participants are eligible for a lot of cash scholarship monies. Go to the website www.missalabamaot.com for the necessary paperwork.
- Auburn University's Engineering Day is scheduled for Friday, February 24th from 8 am-1 pm. Seventh through twelfth graders considering a career in engineering will have opportunities to chat one-on-one with students and faculty, experience interactive exhibits, and visit classes and labs, including the new Shelby Center for Engineering Technology. They can also tour the beautiful Auburn campus, and learn about admissions, scholarships, financial aid and residence life. Register online to attend at www.eng.auburn.edu/eday.
- The Princeton Prize in Race Relations is an awards program for students grades 9-12 who are committed to the cause of advancing race relations within their communities. Winners receive a prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to Princeton University to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race. More information and the application are available at www.princeton.edu/PPrize. Deadline is January 31, 2017.
- The Dr. Donald Zacharias Leadership Conference for high school juniors and seniors will be held Friday, February 17- Sunday, February 19, 2017 on the campus of Mississippi State University. The conference will include insensitive leadership sessions, messages from various community and campus leaders and in-depth advocacy training. Applications are available at http://www.sa.msstate.edu/involvement/applications/. Deadline is February 1, 2017.
- The North Alabama Community of Character Summit will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Columbia High School. Students from k-12 can enter the Character Summit Contest in two art categories or four character divisions. You can enter into up to two categories. Cash prizes and scholarship money will be awarded to winners in the 9-12 grade. Applications and entry requirements are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to enter is February 10.
- The Athens Ladies Civitan Club and Alabama District North Civitan are sponsoring the 2017 School Essay Contest. 9th- 12th grade students are eligible to enter. Cash prizes from $25-$100 will be awarded to the top three winners. 1st place will be entered into the district competition for more cash prizes. Contest rules and information are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is February 15, 2017.
- The University of Alabama’s Rural Health Scholar’s 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 in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 15, 2017.
The Emperor Science Award initiative is a unique mentoring opportunity designed to engage 10th and 11th grade high schools students curious about exploring careers in science, specifically around cancer research and care. Winning students will be awarded the opportunity to work with esteemed scientists on a rewarding, multi-week cancer research as well as a Google Chromebook and $1,500 for expenses. Entries will be accepted from January 10 through March 17, 2017. Visit the Guidance Department for more information.
- Have you ever dreamed of becoming a scientist? Make that dream a reality this summer at Duke Summer College. Whether you want to study black holes or the human genome, we have a course for you. For a full list of the classes we are offering this summer, click here.
- The University of Notre Dome Summer Scholars Program will be held on campus June 24- July 8, 2017. 300 Rising high school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to explore one of 20 diverse fields of study. To find out more information, visit the website at www.precollege.nd.edu.
- The Federal Service Language Academy will take place this summer at the University of North Georgia. Students have a choice of learning Arabic, Chinese, Russian, German, Korean, French, Japanese or Portuguese. You will also learn about federal service careers where knowing a critical foreign language and culture is important. This opportunity is available to rising 10th, 11th & 12th grade students. More info is available at http:///ung.edu/global-engagement/fsla/index.php. Deadline is April 1, 2017.
NEED A TRANSCRIPT?
All schools that you apply to will require that you send an official transcript which must be sent directly from Athens High School. Most scholarships will require a transcript as well. The Transcript Request Form is located in the Guidance Department or on the AHS Website. Turn the form into Mrs. LL Smith (outside the door) or Ms. Ramona Malone.
Please allow ample time for the transcript to be processed.
NEED A RECOMMENDATION?
- Look at the recommendation criteria. It will be specific in who the recommendation can come from.
- 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.
- Give them ample time to write the recommendation. A month before the deadline is preferable.
Mrs. Laura Lou Smith
Email: LauraLou.Smith@acs-k12.org
Website: www.athenhighschool.org
Location: 100 U.S. 31, Athens, AL, United States
Phone: 256-233-6613