Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER & OPPORTUNITY BULLETIN
Around the world, but now we are HOME!
Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.
- Oliver Goldsmith
What a journey we have all been on this year! I cannot say enough about how well you all have conducted yourselves throughout the uncertainty and changes that we experienced during the first half of the school year. Now that we are {finally} in our new home, there should be nothing holding you back from reaching your full potential. Being in a shiny new school 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.
Where IS the Guidance Department now?
Haven't ordered your cap & gown? Here's how....
By now, you need to have ordered your cap & gown. If you have not, you will have to order online. 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 $43.60 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.
Calhoun's Principal's Choice Award
Are you planning on attending Calhoun in the Fall of 2019? Do you need money to attend?
If the answer to these two questions is YES, come sign up in the Guidance Office. Two seniors will be selected for the Principal's Choice Award to receive a one-year $1,500 scholarship.
You must sign up by Friday, February 22rd to be considered for the scholarship.
Cool things are happening at Calhoun...
Alabama FAME
The Alabama F.A.M.E. (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program (AMT) includes a two-year technical Associate degree that combines cutting-edge curriculum that supports advanced manufacturing technology, paid working experience, along with learning highly sought after business principles and best practices of a world class manufacturer. Students make around $13.55 per hour and many are hired by the company upon graduation.
FAME Information Sessions – January 31
Calhoun Preview Night
Wondering how to afford college? Let Calhoun help! Attend one of their Preview Nights to find out more about paying for ANY college, preview Calhoun’s programs of study, and meet the faculty and staff. Dinner will be provided too! Find out more and sign up to attend Preview Night by visiting Calhoun's website - www.calhoun.edu/previewnight.
EPIC
The Excellence in Process Industrial Controls (EPIC) program at Calhoun Community College combines an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Technology with two years of paid, related co-op work experience with a sponsor company. Students accepted in this competitive program typically attend class at Calhoun Community College two days per week and work on-site with a local employer three days per week. There is a high demand for process technicians. Alabama ranks fourth in the nation for the highest concentration of chemical plants and system operators with an average salary of $67,930 with the 90th percentile in the $90,000 range not including overtime or benefits, which also comes in at fourth in the nation.
EPIC Information Sessions – February 5 and 7
A new way to order transcripts... PARCHMENT
Athens High School has now partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcripts securely. You received an email in December 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
Need a transcript? Request online through Parchment, linked below.
FAFSA Assistance Meetings
The priority deadline to complete the FAFSA at most schools is March 1st. Only ONE 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) 2017 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, Feb 12, 2019, 08:30 AM
Athens High School, U.S. 31, Athens, AL, USA
$120 BILLION in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds are awarded annually to more than 13 million students? Click below to find out how to get in on that money!
Filled out the FAFSA, what next? Check out the info below...
Been Accepted to School? Please email me your picture with the acceptance letter or bring by your acceptance letter and I will take your picture. I want to see YOUR face on the Acceptance Wall in the new school!
Look out for college & military recruiters
College & military recruiters will be visiting throughout the year. They will be setting up tables during lunch in the lunchroom. Make a point to go speak to the recruiters. Get your questions answered while you can!
COMING SOON…
OLE MISS- THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI- Thursday, February 7th
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE- Friday, February 15th
Spring PREVIEW DAYS
Spring 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.
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
Monday, February 18th
Monday, March 25th
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
Saturday, February 23rd
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN BIRMINGHAM
Saturday, February 23rd
BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE
Friday, April 26th
UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA
Saturday, March 16th
Saturday, April 6th
SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Saturday, February 16th
TROY UNIVERSITY
Saturday, March 23rd
NCAA & NAIA
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 actstudent.org
- April 13, 2019
- June 8, 2019
- July 13, 2019
Register at www.actstudent.org
Don't miss registration deadlines!
**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.
- Interested in attending Alabama State University? If you have a 2.75-3.0 GPA and an 18 or higher on the ACT, you could be eligible for a scholarship to ASU. Come see Mrs. Smith in the Guidance Department for more information.
- The ALFA Foundation Scholarship Program will award 100 scholarship worth $1,000 to students studying at an Alabama college, university or tech school. Applicants must be Alabama Farmers Federation members. Visit www.alfainsurance.com and click on the scholarship program button. Deadline is January 31, 2019.
- Through the AFAF Scholarship Program, one student per county may be awarded a $1,750 scholarship/ To apply, a student must be seeking an agriculture or forestry-related degree from Auburn University or Alabama A&M University. Applicants must have a Federation membership or be a dependent of a Federation member. Visit www.alfafarmers.org and click on the scholarship banner for more information. Deadline is January 31, 2019.
- Tennessee Tech School of Music offers scholarships to both music and non-music majors. Scholarship audition dates are February 8th & 22nd and March 15, 2019. You must call or email to schedule a visit. For more information, visit www.tntech.edu/music.
- The Johnston Scholarship is given in memory of James Elwyn Johnston and in honor of Mary Stagg Johnston. Seniors with a 3.9 GPA are eligible to apply. The scholarship will be for $500 per semester for a possible of 4 semesters for a total of $2,000. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is February 15, 2019.
- Mediacom Communication's World Class Scholarship Program is offering 55 $1,000 nonrenewable scholarships in the 21 states that it provides service. You are not required to be a customer to apply. Applications are available at www.mediacomworldclass.com. Deadline is February 15, 2019.
- 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 $6,000 to $30,000 over 4 years. Applications available at www.waceinc.org. Deadline is February 15, 2019.
- The Limestone County Farmers Federation is sponsoring a $1,000 college scholarship for one senior this year with the option of renewal for up to 4 years. Applicant must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and either parent, student or guardian must be a member. Full requirements and applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is February 15, 2019.
- The Redstone Federal Credit Union's 2019 General Membership Scholarship application is now available. Students must be a member with plans to pursue a degree from an accredited college or university starting in Fall 2019. 14 scholarships will be awarded. For more information and to apply, visit redfu.org/scholarship. Deadline to apply is February 28, 2019.
- In honor of Black History Month, Regions Bank is offering 30 Regions Riding Forward Scholarships through a competitive essay contest about inspirational African-Americans. Fifteen $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors. To enter the contest and for more information, full eligibility requirements and official rules, visit www.regions.com/ridingforward. Deadline is February 28, 2019.
- 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 2019. 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 1, 2019.
- Lockheed Martin has launched a new scholarship program to provide opportunities to students who want to build their talents and change the world! Students must be a US citizen, have a 3.5 GPA or higher, plan on attending a 4 year college or university to major in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Math, Physics, Information Systems/Management Information Systems or Information Assurance. The scholarship is worth $10,000 per year. More information and requirements can be found at https://lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/communities/stem-education/lm-scholarship-program.html. Deadline is March 12, 2019.
- 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 2019 are eligible (except daughters of Athena League members past and present). Applications are available in the Guidance Department.Deadline is March 15, 2019.
- 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 15, 2019.
- The F.A.I.T.H. Initiative invites seniors to apply for the Bobby Bodiford Memorial Scholarship & the Dr. Constance Dees Memorial Scholarship. These $1,000 scholarships honor two dedicated and outstanding educators from the Tennessee Valley. One application can be completed to apply for both scholarships. They are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 18, 2019.
- Cops' Kids has announced their essay contest for seniors planning on attending a college or university in the Fall of 2019. Students must be the son or daughter of an active duty sworn police officer employed by any of the following law enforcement offices: Athens, Huntsville, Madison and Decatur City Police Departments and Madison and Morgan County Sheriff's Departments. More information is available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 31, 2019.
- The Athens Rotary Club Scholarship was established to encourage, assist and promote deserving students to pursue and excel in his/her field. The scholarship will be awarded to an Athens and/or Limestone County resident senior in the amount of $4,000. Scholarship selection will be made on the basis of merit, character, community service, leadership qualities and potential for future professional growth. Applications are in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 31, 2019.
- The 2019 John Wade Keys DAR Scholarship will be awarding 2 scholarships in the amount of $500 to seniors in Athens/Limestone County with a minimum 3.2 GPA. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 1, 2019.
- The 2019 Stonewall Jackson Memorial Fund Repayable Scholarship functions as a repayable no-interest loan. One year after college graduation, recipients will be contacted to schedule repayment. Three essays will be selected as winners. Application information is available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 1, 2019.
- Dawn Corine Allrey Scholarship- Specifically for seniors attending UNA. Scholarships available in the Guidance Department. Applications due to the Guidance Department by Friday, April 12, 2019.
- 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 12, 2019.
- The 2019 Student-View Scholarship Program is offering $11,000 worth of scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college, community /junior college or career school. No minimum ACT or GPA or essay. Applications are available at www.student-view.com. Deadline is April 22, 2019.
- Enter the Suntrust Off To College Scholarship Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 30 $500 scholarships. Two $500 scholarship winners will be randomly chosen every two weeks. You can enter once each drawing period from September 10, 2018- May 13, 2019. Enter to win at www.suntrust.com/offtocollege.
- MG Law Office is offering a great scholarship opportunity that we want to be sure that your students are aware of and have the opportunity to apply for. The scholarship is available for high school seniors. To enter, you must create a 45-60 second video advertisement on the dangers of drunk driving. The winning ad will be selected based on quality, usability, effectiveness, creativity, and helpfulness to warn people about the dangers of drunk driving. The application can be found at https://www.mg4law.com/nationwide-scholarship/. Deadline is July 1, 2019.
Hey JUNIORS, come sign up in Guidance if you are interested in....
- 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 16-28, 2019 at Samford University. If interested and would like more information, sign up in the Guidance Department by Thursday, February 14, 2019.
- 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 2019- dates have not been released. Please sign up in the Guidance Department by February 14, 2019 if you are interested in representing AHS at either Boys or Girls State.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS
- The National Student Leadership Conference 2019 Summer Conferences offer 21 programs for different interests. Participates get to experience life on a college campus, hands-on simulations, leadership training, exclusive guest speakers, behind the scenes tours and a chance to earn college credit. Program scholarships are available. Open to current 9th-11th graders. If interested in being nominated to attend, see your counselor in the Guidance Department.
- Auburn University College of Engineering will host E-Day on February 22, 2019. 7th-12th graders as well as family and friends are encouraged to attend this free event. For more information and to sign up, visit eng.auburn.edu/eday.
- The University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine is offering VetCamp. It is an opportunity for 52 10th-12th grade students interested in veterinary medicine to attend a week-long camp on their campus. For more information, please visit http://vet.uga.edu/academic/vetcamp. Deadline is January 25, 2019.
- Applications to Auburn University's Engineering Summer Camps 2019 is now open. Rising 10th-12th grade males & 9th-12th grade females are welcome to apply. For more information, visit www.eng.auburn.edu/summercamps.
- The Princeton Prize in Race Relations offers scholarships to students who are leaders in a club or project that is focused on improving race relations. Apply for a chance to win $1,000 and a trip to Princeton to meet other winners from across the country. Visit https://pprize.princeton.edu/apply to apply. Deadline is January 31, 2019.
- The University of Alabama's Rural Minority Health Program is taking applications from current high school seniors for summer 2019. The purpose of the program is to give ten students from rural backgrounds that have an interest in the healthcare profession a head start in the college preparation they will need for admissions to professional programs. Tuition, room expenses and a $500 meal ticket are provided to each person selected. Applications and more information is available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 1, 2019.
- The Athens Ladies Civitan Club & Alabama District North Civitan announce the 2019 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 1, 2019.
- Reach Your Potential Scholarships are available to 9th-12th grade students. There are 3 scholarships available. The $1,000 National Scholarship is deadline is March 4, 2019. Sign up at www.reachyourpotentialscholarship.com.
- Troy University’s GeoDay will be March 11th. Students interested in technical fields can come find out more about what the Geospatial Informatics department has to offer. Please see the link below for more information. https://nwjh26.wixsite.com/geoday2019.
- 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, 2019.
- Get a "dose" of the pharmacy world at the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy's Rebel Camp (apply by May 1) or the Ole Miss Pharmacy Summer College Pre-Pharmacy Program (apply by June 1) For more information, visit pharmacy.olemiss.edu/summer-programs.
- The Army Educational Outreach Program offers the STEM Apprenticeship Opportunities for High School Students. The flyer below offers information or visit www.usaeop.com.
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.
Mrs. Laura Lou Smith
Athens High School
Email: LauraLou.Smith@acs-k12.org
Website: www.athenhighschool.org
Phone: 256-233-6613