Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER & OPPORTUNITY BULLETIN
Time keeps on slipping into the future
Time will only speed up from here until graduation. Be informed!
There is a TON of information & important dates for you to keep up with as a senior. I will be keeping all upcoming events, programs, information and more on the senior newsletter. It is the sure fire way to know what is going on. So take a moment to get it all down in your calendar, notebook, watch, phone or what ever you use to keep your life organized. I would hate for anyone to miss out on something important.
A special note from the wise- let your parents/family/guardians in on all of "the happenings" well in advance. It will make your life and theirs a little less chaotic.
There are SOOOOOO many new scholarships available. Keep scrolling....
Important Upcoming Dates
Spring Break
Monday, Mar 18, 2019, 07:00 AM
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Senior Awards Day
Thursday, May 16, 2019, 09:30 AM
AHS Gymnasium
Class of 2019 Graduation
Thursday, May 23, 2019, 06:00 PM
AHS Football Stadium
Calling All Artists
Anyone interested in submitting art to be considered for the program cover for Awards Day and Graduation must do so by April 1, 2019. These programs will be keepsakes for years to come- what a great way to leave your mark at AHS!
Criteria For Design
Must be original artwork (no clip art)
Must be a detailed drawing
Must include the eagle and graduation year
Draw on 1/2 sheet of paper (8 1/2 x 11 folded in half)
Drawing must be appropriate size
Acceptance Wall
Haven't ordered your cap & gown? The fee will go up on March 4th so order yours NOW!
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. The fee will be increased on March 4th, so order it today!
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.
How to order a transcript... 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.
Filled out the FAFSA, what next? Check out the info below...
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…
ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY- Thursday, March 7th
We have a $BANK$ Take advantage of all it has to offer during 3rd block (lunch)
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, 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 9th
Saturday, April 6th
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.
- 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 John Stallworth Foundation Scholarship will be awarded primarily on financial need of applicants who meet scholastic achievement, merit, and provide evidence of leadership. Award amount will be a minimum of $3,500 a year. Seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and are in the top 50th percentile on the ACT are eligible. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 1, 2019.
- The 100 Black Men of Greater Huntsville, Inc. are sponsoring the 2019 Scholarship Program. Seniors may apply with a minimum 2.5 GPA and will be attending a 2 or four year college or technical school. Awards will be based upon demonstrated academic excellence and community service. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 5, 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.
- The US Department of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Robotics Internship Program is a 10 week summer internship program for students majoring in robotics, manufacturing or engineering. Internship includes a weekly, stipend, housing allowance and travel reimbursement. Applicants must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old and a senior in high school. Applications and more information are available at https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/details/EERE-Robotics-2019. Deadline is March 5, 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 Alabama Home Builders Foundation is offering a scholarship for students attending an accredited post-secondary school in Alabama to pursue a degree in a construction -related field. Applications are available in the Guidance Department or online at www.ahbfoundation.org. Deadline 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.
- The Athens Garden Club awards a $1,000 scholarship to a senior who plans to attend college and major in Horticulture, Agriculture or another field. Other considerations will be academic excellence, community service, high school honors and activities. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is March 29, 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 Jessica Michelle Elkins Love, Live, and Laugh Memorial Scholarship is available to graduations seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and also have a need for financial assistance. The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,500. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 31, 2019.
- The James & Wiletta Elmore Scholarship is available to graduations seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and also have a need for financial assistance. The amount of the scholarship is $750. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 31, 2019.
- The Roy Bolton Patton Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund will award a scholarship in the amount of $1,000. It is intended for students who have a financial need and who have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must be attending an accredited institute of high learning in the state of Alabama in Fall 2019. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 31, 2019.
- The Martin Endowed Scholarship is available to students attending one of the following schools in the Fall of 2019: Auburn University, Calhoun Community College, University of North Alabama, University of Alabama- Huntsville, Alabama A&M University. The amount of the scholarship for 2019 will be $3,000 and is available to seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA and distribute financial need. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 31, 2019.
- The Limestone Area Community Foundation Martha Jo Leonard Memorial Scholarship will award a $1,500 scholarship to a deserving Athens High School graduating senior. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required and is intended for students who have a financial need. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance 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 Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame will award three (3) $3,000 scholarships to deserving Athens City & Limestone County graduating seniors. There is no minimum GPA. The scholarship selection will be based upon merit, character, community involvement and/or leadership qualities and the potential for future professional growth. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to turn into Mrs. Smith in Guidance is March 31, 2019.
- The Middle Tennessee State University Department of Biology Freshmen Scholarship is available to incoming freshmen for the Fall of 2019 who will be majoring in Biology. Minimum ACT is a 25 and minimum GPA of a 3.5 is required. Applications are available 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.
- Athens Chapter 214 Order of the Eastern Star has a scholarship available in the amount of $500 available to one Athens City or Limestone County student. Applicants must be attending Calhoun Community College in the Fall 2019, have a minimum 2.5 GPA and a ACT score of a 16 or higher. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 9, 2019.
- Dawn Corine Allfrey 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 District 8 Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals seeks to award a scholarship to a student with notable leadership, service and acceptance to college. Applications are available in the Guidance Office. Deadline is April 14, 2019.
- The Jentzen Caleb Risner Superhero Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Andrew & Lauren Risner’s son, Jentzen Caleb Risner, who lived on this Earth for only 3.5 days. This scholarship exists to honor Jentzen’s memory and to reward students who have fought through life challenges all the while achieving success in high school. Students who have overcome a serious illness or other type of life challenge are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and plan on attending a 2 or 4 year school. Applications are available in the Guidance Department or in Mr. Risner's room. Deadline is April 18, 2019.
- The North Alabama Educators Credit Union is making available two scholarships- one $1,500 and one $750. Students in Madison, Morgan and Limestone County are eligible. Applicant must have an account with NAECU. Applications are in the Guidance Department. Deadline is April 19, 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.
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 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 Auburn University Summer Youth Camps are filling up fast. Most of camps are first-come first-served and we don't want you to miss out. Explore the opportunities by visiting the Auburn Youth Program Website.
- 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.
- At Duke Summer Session, you will have the opportunity to have the authentic college experience of living in Duke University’s dorms and taking credit-bearing classes alongside undergraduate students, but also the opportunity to accompany your college application with a letter of recommendation from a Duke instructor and transcript from Duke University – two substantive indicators that you have what it takes to thrive in an elite academic setting. For more information and to apply visit HERE. The deadline to apply is April 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 University of Alabama's Early College Summer on Campus 2019 is available to students grades 9-12 who have completed the UAEC200 class. It is an opportunity to live on the University of Alabama's campus for one month in June or July and take 2 courses for college credit. More information is available by calling (205) 348-7083 or emailing earlycollege@ua.edu. Deadline to apply is May 11 for the 1st term and June 18 for the second term.
- 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