Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER
Set Small Goals
It is amazing how times flies. When you feel like you are constantly behind and the workload and decisions keep piling up, it is hard to enjoy the ride. STOP. Take a moment to prioritize and set small goals.
Some examples...
- Study 1 hour a night for the October ACT- focus on one section per week
- Complete one essay question a week for your college application
- Complete one college application by the end of October
- Apply for 2 scholarships per month
- Finish your resume to submit to those doing your recommendations
Don't try to do it all at once. You will overwhelm yourself and do more harm than good.
I will be happy to help you set small, appropriate goals. Come by see me!
**IMPORTANT FAFSA "Fas-fah" INFORMATION** WHAT you need to know for October 1st
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? There will be 2 opportunities in October for FAFSA Assistance at the Athens High School campus with The North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence. Please see below for more information.
FAFSA Assistance Meetings
Karlton Stephens from the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence 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.
Please click here to reserve your time.
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016, 08:30 AM
AHS Guidance Department
FAFSA Assistance Meetings
Karlton Stephens from the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence 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.
Please click here to reserve your time.
Wednesday, Oct 26, 2016, 08:30 AM
AHS Guidance Department
ATTENTION SENIORS as you have apply to a school and receive an acceptance letter, please come by my office so that I can get a copy. We are working on a special project and want you to be recognized!
FALL PREVIEW DAYS
Don't forget to sign up for Fall Preview Days. They 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 pick up a form in the attendance office to get it approved. Use your 2 FREE college visit days!
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
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
Oct 1, 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
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…
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY- Friday, September 23rd
AUBURN UNIVERSITY IN MONTGOMERY- Friday October 7th
**IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES**
BALFOUR MEETING
Wednesday, Oct 5, 2016, 09:30 AM
AHS Lunchroom
SENIOR PORTRAIT MAKE-UPS
Thursday, Oct 6, 2016, 11:30 AM
AHS Library
ACT PREP for 7th-12th grade!
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.
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!
- 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?
**LAST CALL**
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**
^^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.
- 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 Omega Psi Pi Fraternity will be sponsoring an International High School Essay Contest. Four scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $1,000 will be awarded. The contest is open to all college-bound seniors. Information and applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline is October 21, 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.
- P.O.E. will be sponsoring the 2017 Alabama Chapter Z Scholarship. You must be a female with a 3.0 GPA actively involved in community, extracurricular and/or work activities. The minimum award amount will be $500. Deadline is December 1, 2016. Applications are available in the Guidance Department.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
- The vision of the Athens Mayor's Youth Commission is to empower caring youth dedicated to personal and professional development in government, education & servant leadership. They are now taking applications for previous and new members. Applicants must be in the 10-12 grade. Applications are available in the Guidance Department. Deadline to apply is September 30, 2016.
- US Congressman Mo Brooks will be hosting an Academy Day for high school student's in Alabama's 5th congressional district who are interested in a US Service Academy Appointment. Representatives will be available from all 5 service academies. Make plans to attend at the Madison Academy Cafeteria on Sunday October 23, 2016 from 2-4 pm.
- The University of Alabama College of Engineering will be hosting an open house on Thursday October 6, 2016. from 8:15 am - 1 pm. Register to attend by Sept 30th at www.eng.ua.edu/e-day. Lunch will be provided.
- The University of Alabama Department of Theater and Dance invite any student interested in pursuing a degree in Theater to attend auditions for departmental scholarships. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. Audition days will take place on November 5, 2016 and January 28, 2017. Information and applications are available in the Guidance Department.
- 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.
- 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.
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