Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER
SENIOR SURVEY
Now that we are officially in the swing of things, I'd like to hear from you. Please fill out the survey below. It will help me to better serve you as a counselor.
It should take you very little time to complete.
Thank you! Mrs. Smith
WHAT'S NEW IN THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT??
CHECK IT OUT
The AHS NEWSFEED is located right inside the Guidance Department. You can pick up information ranging from the FAFSA worksheet to ACT registration. Anything that you need to sign up for in the Guidance Department is located on the table directly beneath the board.
DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP
Sign up to see me- whether for academic, career or personal reasons.
I want to get to know each of you. If I am not available at the time that you come by, I will send for you out of an elective class.
COMPLETED TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Please return your Transcript Release Forms right outside of my door. If you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent signature.
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.
SENIORS- If you will need a recommendation from Mrs. Smith, take a moment to fill out the Student Brag Sheet below.
PARENTS- You can fill out a Brag Sheet for your child as well by completing the form below.
Senior Portrait makes ups and retakes will be October 6th during 3rd block. There will be a $25 sitting fee (for up to 3 outfits) if you want more than just the yearbook print.
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR COLLEGE & MILITARY RECRUITERS
College & military recruiters will be visiting throughout the year. They will be setting up tables in the lunchroom. Make a point to go speak to the recruiters. Help them to put a face to an application. It can greatly benefit you in the application and scholarship process.
COMING SOON…
NAVY- Thursday, September 8th
ARMY- Wednesday, September 21st
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY- Friday, September 23rd
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 the appropriate form so that absence does not affect your attendance.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Oct 7, 2016
Oct 24, 2016
Nov 7, 2016
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Oct 3, 2016
Oct 17, 2016
Nov 14, 2016
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE
Oct 29, 2016
Nov 19, 2016
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
Oct 15, 2016
Nov 5, 2016
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA
Nov 5, 2016
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN BIRMINGHAM
Oct 29, 2016
JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
Oct 15, 2016
Nov 5, 2016
UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO
Oct 8, 2016
Oct 29, 2016
Stay informed by signing up for REMIND today
Sign up for Mrs. LL Smith's REMIND by texting
TO: 81010
MESSAGE: @mrslls
Sign up for the ACT at www.actstudent.org today!
- September 10, 2016
- October 22, 2016
- December 10, 2016** (last chance for many scholarship deadlines)
- February 11, 2017
- April 8, 2017
- June 10, 2017
Interested in retaking the ASVAB?
If you are a senior who would like to retake the
ASVAB this fall,
sign up in the Guidance Department.
Deadline to sign up is the end of September.
**FEATURED WEBSITES**
**IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES**
NACAC COLLEGE FAIR
Sunday, Sep 11, 2016, 01:00 PM
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Richard Arrington Junior Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL, United States
SENIOR MEETING
Monday, Sep 12, 2016, 08:00 AM
AHS Lunchroom
JUNIOR MEETING
Tuesday, Sep 13, 2016, 08:00 AM
AHS Lunchroom
JUNIOR/SENIOR PARENT MEETING
Tuesday, Sep 13, 2016, 06:00 PM
AHS Lunchroom
COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR
Friday, Sep 16, 2016, 08:00 AM
Athens State University Ballroom, Pryor Street East, Athens, AL, United States
BALFOUR MEETING
Thursday, Oct 6, 2016, 09:30 AM
AHS Lunchroom
^^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.
- If you are interested in attending Berea College and excel in either science, music or service, you would be eligible for the Berea College Pinnacle Scholar Awards of Excellence program. Please see Mrs. Smith in the Guidance Department if you are interested. Deadline is September 20, 2016.
- The United States Senate Youth Program was developed to provide talented young people with demonstrated leadership abilities an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of America's political processes. Juniors and Seniors who have been elected or appointed to positions in organizations that relate to government, public affairs, history or community service in the 2016-2017 school year are eligible to apply. Ten students from each state will be selected for interviews. Two students from each state will then be chosen to attend the program in Washington, D.C from March 4-11, 2017. Each student representing Alabama will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Please see Mrs. Smith in the Guidance Department if you are interested. Deadline is September 23, 2016
- Better Business Bureau of North Alabama is sponsoring the 2016 Torch Awards Scholarship. 11th & 12th grade students are eligible to enter. An application and 400 word or less essay are required to apply. The online entry form is located at www.bbb.org/northern-alabama/torch-scholarship-application-2016/. Deadline is September 23, 2016.
- Direct Auto & Life Insurance Hispanic Heritage scholarship will award up to $1,000 to outstanding students. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, extracurricular involvement and leadership qualities. Anyone interested in being nominated must see Mrs. Smith in the Guidance Department. Deadline is September 30, 2016.
- The 2016 Youth Awards will provide educational grants to Latino seniors who have excelled in the classroom and community. To apply, visit www.hispanicheritage.org/programs/youth-awards/. Deadline is October 2, 2016.
- This year, 100 scholarships ranging from $1,000 all the way up to $10,000 will be given away though the Wendy's Heisman Scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded to top performing scholar-athletes. Apply today at www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com. Deadline is October 3, 2016.
- The Horatio Alger Association awards scholarships to students who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Awards range from $7,000 to $25,000. Students can apply at www.scholars.horatioalger.org. Deadline is October 25, 2016.
- The Prudential Spirit of Community awards program celebrates volunteerism and recognizes students grades 9-12 who have distinguished themselves through community service. If you have participated in community service activities, fill out an online application at http://spirit.prudential.com. You could be eligible to win an award of $1,000 or more. Deadline is November 8, 2016.
- The Smith Scholarship Foundation is an Accountability Scholarship Program providing assistance to high school seniors who have "given back" to their community through volunteering or care of family while overcoming financial and personal challenges. The SSF Program provides up to $15,000 a year in financial assistance in addition to many other opportunities. Please visit their website at www.smithscholarships.com for additional information. Deadline for application is December 1, 2016. Letters of Recommendation are due January 15, 2016.
- The FBLA-PBL Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to one paid, senior member of each Alabama district for FBLA students. Deadline is December 15, 2016. Applications are available in the Guidance Department.
- The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invite all 9th-12th grade students to participate in the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. Each students 5-6 minute speech will be judges based on its composition, delivery, significance and historical accuracy and relevance. Cash prizes range from $150- $4,000. Deadline is December 20, 2016. Applications are available in the Guidance Department.
- The Linley Heflin Scholarship grants four-year scholarships of $4,000/year to Alabama women with significant economic need and sound academic record. Requirements are a minimum composite ACT of 23, Alabama resident and US citizen, financial need, academic proficiency and must be attending a four-year Alabama SACS accredited college. Applications can be downloaded at www.linleyheflin.org. Deadline is January 9, 2017.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
- Auburn University Pre-Professional Day for students interested in going on to professional programs (like Pharmacy, Medical School or Veterinarian School) will be on October 28th. Register online early as space is limited.
- An evening information program with the admission representatives of Dartmouth College, Northwestern University, Princeton University, University of California- Berkeley and Vanderbilt University will take place on Thursday, September 29th at 7-9 p.m. at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.
- An admissions information session with Washington University in St. Louis will take place Sunday October 2, 2016 from 2-3 p.m. at the Birmingham Marriott.
- The University of Virginia will host an information session at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on August 30th at 6 p.m. or at Hillsboro High School in Nashville, TN on September 1st at 6 p.m.
FAFSA- Know The Changes
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?
You can start completing the FAFSA in OCTOBER using your parents 2015 taxes. This is a significant change for the better. You will have more time to complete the FAFSA. Most colleges & universities have a preferred deadline of March 1.
Want FREE help in filling out the FAFSA? Contact The North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence at 256-233-1220.
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