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Guidance Newsletter:  February 2008

Additional information is available on most scholarships.

See the postings outside the guidance office, or contact Mrs. Kaiser: kaisera@fr.noacsc.org.

(2-4-08)

General News:                                                                                                                                         .

 

  1. There will be a Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) meeting for students and parents interested in taking college classes while in high school.  THIS MEETING IS MANDATORY FOR 1 PARENT AND THE STUDENT IF HE/SHE IS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM FOR THE 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR.
  2. The PLAN test results were passes back to all sophomores at the end of January.  The PLAN test is a Pre-ACT, and gives students an estimated ACT score and career inventory.  All students received a detailed report that included their scores, correct answers, and career interests.  Each student also received their original test.
  3. ASVAB Career Inventory Results have been given to all juniors who took the Jan. 10 battery of tests.  These results can be very helpful to students looking for some direction for their future occupation.  Representatives from the military were made available the last week of January to assist students with interpretation of the results.
  4. Students (grades 8-11) will be registering for next year’s classes this month.  Be sure to discuss your student’s schedule with them at home.
  5. McDonalds in Coldwater is looking for HS students to employ.  Apply at:  www.mcohio.com
  6. Practice ACT and AP Exams online at http://www.infohio.org/ER/secure/LearningExpress.asp.  Click on “Learning Express Library”.  You will need to create a user account.  See Mrs. Pottkotter for a username and password to use this at home.
  7. FAFSA:  All seniors planning to attend college this fall should file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):

·         Go online and obtain a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov (2 PIN’s are required:  1 for the parent and 1 for the student)

·         Fill out the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet anytime after January 1st (you will need tax info.)

·         File your FAFSA online at:  www.fafsa.ed.gov prior to February 15.  (If your tax returns are not yet completed, it is okay to estimate on the FAFSA.  You can go back and edit them later via the website.)

·         Paper FAFSA’s (for students without internet access) can be obtained by calling

1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

  1. Need help filling out your FAFSA online?  Attend College Goal Sunday at WSU-Lake Campus on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 2 p.m.  You can get one-on-one assistance and complete the FAFSA that day!
  2. ACT National Test Dates 2007-2008                              Registration Deadline

February 9, 2008                                                January 4, 2008

April 12, 2008                                                    March 7, 2008

June 14, 2008                                                    May 9, 2008

FRHS Code:  362-165

 

            **Students can register via paper packet or online at:  www.actstudent.org

 

**if you are on an IEP/504 Plan and would like special testing accommodations for the ACT, you must see Mrs. Kaiser well in advance of the registration deadline to file your paperwork

 

**Students may take the ACT at any time:  you need not be a junior or senior.  Younger students sometimes take the ACT for the purpose of practicing and studying for future tests.  The following are the times I suggest students take the ACT:  Seniors should take the October (and December?) ACT.  Juniors should take the ACT for the first time in February, April and/or June.

 

**Hints for the ACT:  STUDY FOR IT!  Practice tests are available in the guidance office and online.  Pace yourself, and don’t leave any questions blank (it is to your advantage to guess).

 

  1. Fee Waivers are available for the ACT…check out the details on the website to see if you qualify:  www.actstudent.org
  2. ACT Preparation Courses are again being offered at Edison Community College.  The classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting March 11 and ending March 27.  The cost of the course is $70.  See Mrs. Kaiser for an application or call Shirley Apple-Shoup at 800-922-3722 ext. 7864.
  3. Rhodes State Financial Aid: One-on-one assistance with completing the FAFSA in the Rhodes office is available. Contact Rebecca J. Phillips at 419-995-8033 to discuss available dates or with any other questions and concerns.
  4. Looking for a college or a career that’s right for you?  Check out collegeboard.com or http://ocis.ode.state.oh.us (Ohio Career Information System…username:  ftrecov and password:  ohiocis03).  They are BOTH great websites to help you narrow down your choices!
  5. Catalogs are available in the guidance office that highlight all of Ohio’s Private and Public Colleges.  These books are excellent resources for students to make comparisons between schools….they let you know enrollment, tuition rates, admission policies and fees, locations, and much, much more!
  6. Don’t rule out Private Colleges!  In many cases, you can afford the tuition…apply for the scholarships and grants available to you.  Sometimes, you can attend a private school for the same price as a public one.  The Ohio Student Choice Grant is an automatic award to students opting for private universities, and will be awarded after filing the FAFSA.
  7. Rhodes’ State President’s Day Open House will take place Monday, February 18, 2008 from 3:30-6:00 p.m.  This is a wonderful opportunity to make a college visit without missing any high school class time.  See Mrs. Kaiser for a pamphlet and RSVP information.
  8. Wright State Day Open House:  “Path to Health Professions” will take place Monday, February 18, 2008 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.  More information/registration can be found at:  http://www.wright.edu/cosm/premed/presday.html, or by calling 937-775-4226.
  9. Wright State Day Open House:  “Engineering and Computer Science Day” will take place Monday, February 18, 2008 from 1- 5 p.m.  More information/registration can be found at:  www.engineering.wright.edu/ecsday .
  10. Sinclair Community College Engineers Day (for students interested in engineering careers) will be held Friday, February 22, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Building 13. RSVP by February 1, 2008 to (937)512-3648.
  11. Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Conference:  On February 23, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus Hotel there will be a Pre-Veterinary Medicine Conference. High school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate college level students are invited to register. Registration is online at www.mvcinfo.org and applications are due February 8, 2007.
  12. Rhodes State Open House:  James A. Rhodes State College in Lima is holding a President’s Day Open House on February 18, 2007 from 3:30-6:00 p.m.  Visit and learn more about their 100+ associate degree and certificate programs Call 419/995-8320 or see www.RhodesState.edu
  13. Win a trip to Washington D.C.!  See #63 below.
  14. Wright State ASSESS  Are you interested in studying engineering or computer science in college? Would you like to get a “snapshot” of your pre-engineering skills? If yes, then you should consider taking ASSESS at Wright State. ASSESS can be taken at Wright State on Monday, February 18, 2008 and Friday, June 27, 2008. To register to attend, download a registration form from the website (www.engineering.wright.edu/assess) and return it with a $10 fee at least one week prior to test date.
  15. Xavier Jump Start Program (gr 10-11) Xavier University is offering a special two-week residential program (June 14-28) for students interested in pre-medicine or criminalistics/forensic science. Students can go online to www.xu.edu/jumpstart to apply or to request additional information.
  16. Girls Interested in Engineering:  The University of Dayton is offering a summer camp (July 13-18) for young women interested in engineering.  This week long camp gives you the chance to dabble in engineering through hands-on, learn-by-doing experiences.  UD professors guide conducted experiments, innovate, and take things apart and put them back together again.  For an application or more information see Mrs. Kaiser.
  17. I have a Tech Prep packet available for any Tri-Star students who wish to fill out the college credit articulation applications.
  18. First Choice Credit Union (grade 12):  300 W. Sycamore St., Coldwater offers 2008 grads a “Congratulatory Graduation Package’ of free checks when they open a checking account between 4/1/08-9/30/08.
  19. Pregnant/need help?  Family Life Center of Auglaize County can offer some help.  Phone:  419-394-9756.  They also offer a support group for New Moms and Moms to be…call 419-300-9756 if interested.

 

 

 

 

Scholarships/Grants/Loans:  (Circle ones you have questions about, and come see Mrs. Kaiser.)                                                                                                      

 

  1. Ohio Northern University would like to have the names and addresses of seniors who may qualify for one of their many scholarships and awards.  If you are considering ONU, see Mrs. Kaiser ASAP so scholarship information can be mailed to you.
  2. ROTC (Military) Scholarship Information is available on flyers posted outside the office.  Military recruiters visit FRHS throughout the year, and set up in the Commons area at lunch so students can gather information about the military and ask questions.
  3. American Legion Scholarships:  There is a copy of Need A Lift? In the guidance office.  This 152 page catalog lists scholarships, grants, and loans.  It also contains extensive information on scholarships for veteran’s dependents.  Visit www.needalift.org to view the catalog online.  There is also information on scholarships, grants, and loans based on specific majors at:  www.srnexpress.com.
  4. National High School Oratorical Contest (9-12):  The purpose of the American Legion's National Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students.  Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for the acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship. Local and National Scholarships are available for the winners (up to $18,000).  So, if you like public speaking, and you are interested in the amendments of the constitution, this might be for you.  Check out the pamphlet on the white board outside the office!
  5. 4-H Scholarships  Ohio 4-H offers a variety of scholarships to its members. The application and information is available on the Website at http://www.ohio4h.org. Click on the Youth and Opportunities link and then go to Awards and Scholarships. Completed paperwork and materials is due to the Extension Office by February 1st.
  6. SME Education Foundation Scholarship is providing more than 100 scholarships totaling over 475,000 for educational expenses to students studying manufacturing while seeking degrees in engineering, engineering technology or a closely related field of study. For more information about the scholarships and the online application visit our web site at: http://www.sme.org/foundation.  The application deadline is February 1, 2008.
  7. Ft. Recovery Chamber of Commerce Scholarship ($500) applications are due by February 8th in the guidance office.  This is the first available local scholarship for 2008.
  8. WTLW TV scholarship – WTLW TV is awarding a scholarship to a future communications major.  Any high school senior who plans to attend a post-secondary educational institution and pursue a degree in any type of communications field is eligible.  Areas of study include: broadcast journalism, public relations, graphic design, communication, or any type of mass media.  The application must be received by WTLW on February 14, 2008.
  9. The AXA Achievement Community Scholarship is also available via the website:  www.axa-achievement.com.  Applications for the Community Scholarship are due February 15, 2008.
  10. Imagine America Scholarship (grade 12):  FRHS can select up to three students to receive this $1,000 scholarship.  Only recent high school graduates who are qualified applicants and who meet the following recommended guidelines should apply: Likelihood of successful completion of postsecondary education, High school grade point average of 2.5 or greater, Financial need, and Demonstrated voluntary community service during senior year  High school graduates of 2008 can apply from January 1 - December 31, 2008.  Students must plan to attend a “career college” (such as ITT or Lincoln Tech) to be eligible.  Students should visit the website for more information and may apply online at www.imagine-america.org.
  11. US Bank Scholarships (grade 12):  U.S. Bank will again award up to thirty $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend accredited two- or four- year colleges full-time next fall.  Scholarship award recipients are selected through a random drawing process.  Students can apply online at:  usbank.com/studentbanking now through February 2008.
  12. Burger King Scholars Program: $1,000 scholarships are available to all high school seniors. For a student to qualify he/she must be a high school senior and a U.S. resident that meets the programs criteria.  To obtain information about eligibility criteria, visit www.bk.com/scholars. Last day to submit applications is February 15, 2008.
  13. Charles L. Warren Memorial Heritage Scholarship:  No more than three applicants from one school will be considered for this scholarship. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or better and must also plan to attend and Ohio college or university. To be eligible students must demonstrate financial need (i.e. Free or reduced or lunch or fee waivers). Applications must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2008.

 

  1. Ft. Recovery American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships:

·         National President’s Scholarship:  Candidates must be a child or grandchild of a veteran who has served in a war, and must be a senior in high school.  Applications due Feb. 15th.

·         Department President’s Scholarship:  Candidates must be a child or grandchild of a veteran who has served in a war, and must be a senior in high school.  Applications due March 1st.

·         Past President’s Parley- Nurses Scholarship:  Candidates must be a child or grandchild of a veteran who has served in a war, and must be a senior in high school.  Applicants must plan to study nursing.  Applications due April 15th.

  1. Midwest Electric and OREC Scholarships (up to $2500) are available to Applicants who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be the son/daughter or legal ward of a Midwest Electric member. Deadline for applications and grade transcripts to be received in the Midwest office is February 15, 2008.  Application forms are available at www.midwestrec.com. 
  2. National Co-Op Scholarship:  Students who are accepted at on of the 10 NCCE Partner Colleges and Universities (including Univ. of Cincinnati and Toledo) can apply online at

www.co-op.edu.  Deadline is February 15, 2008, but early submission is encouraged.

  1. 2007 Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship Program: For any seniors who plan to pursue a career in an agricultural related field…$1,500 scholarships will be awarded.  The deadline will be February 15, 2008.  Applications are available at www.monsanto.com or www.ffa.com
  2. BGSU Scholarship:  Bowling Green State University has a scholarship for incoming freshmen majoring in Biology. Three $500 scholarships will be offered. If you have questions you can contact 419-372-2332 or dmclean@bgnet.bgsu.edu. Applications are due February 15, 2008.
  3. OACRAO Leadership and Service Scholarship Ohio Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers is offering six non-renewable $500 Leadership and Service Scholarships for graduating seniors starting college next fall at an OACRAO affiliated Ohio institution. Applications are available at www.ohioaacrao.org. Postmark deadline is February 26, 2008.
  4. University of Saint Francis Scholastic Competition committee requests interested students to write a 1000 word essay OR prepare a 25-40 slide PowerPoint presentation related to their interest in a health care profession. Awards range from $500-$2000. To request the guidelines and an application please contact Vicki Helton at 260-399-7700 (ext. 8501).  Entries must be postmarked no later than February 29, 2008.
  5. Ohio Township Association Scholarship is offering two $1,500 scholarships. Students may apply for both scholarships, but may receive only one. Students must reside in one of the 1,308 townships in Ohio. Applications for 2008 must be received by February 28, 2008.
  6. Farm Credit Service Scholarships:  Farm Credit Services is offering eighteen $2,000 scholarships to children of members in the Farm Credit system. These scholarships will be awarded based on academic record, leadership and community involvement. To apply, go online to www.e-farmcredit.com and click on Community Support to download the application (or call 419-586-4229). Application deadline is February 29, 2008.
  7. Lois Ann Johnson /IAAP Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for individuals working towards a career in disabilities services and is awarded based on professional goals, academic achievement, and financial need. Applicants must either be currently attending an accredited educational institution or technical/vocational school or be a recent graduate who has been accepted by an accredited educational institution for the purpose of pursuing a disabilities services career. Applications can be downloaded at www.iaap-wings.org and are due by February 29, 2008.
  8. Office Professionals/IAAP Scholarship: Applicants must either be currently attending an accredited educational institution or technical /vocational school or be a recent graduate who has been accepted by an accredited educational institution for the purpose of pursuing a professional business office career. Applications can be downloaded at www.iaap-wings.org and is due February 29, 2008.
  9. BP Scholarship (females, grade 12): The Fluorine Chapter Scholarship Committee will be looking for young women with a profound interest in chemistry and those who can convey their commitment to science.  Award recipients will receive an initial $1,000 cash award and a Certificate of Recognition.  An additional $1,000 will be given the second year based on demonstration of continuation as a science major in an Ohio university and maintaining 3.0 or better GPA in the major.  This is a lengthy application, so apply early.  Applicants must have a HS GPA of 3.40 or better to apply.  See Mrs. Kaiser for more details.  Deadline:  March 1, 2008
  10. MED Foundation of Mercer Health Scholarship (grade 12): Mercer Health is offering a one year $1,500 scholarship to graduating seniors pursuing a career in the medical profession.  Applicants must have an ACT score of 23 or higher.  Application forms are available in the guidance office.  This is due by March 1, 2008.
  11. IPFW Scholarships for Excellence Program   Applications are available online at http://www.etcs.ipfw.edu/dean/scholarships/. Admission to IPFW must be accomplished before a scholarship can be awarded. Deadline is March 1, 2008.
  12. Wright State- Lake Campus Scholarship Packets are now available in the guidance office.  There are a multitude of scholarships available!  All application materials must be submitted by March 1, 2008.
  13. Wabash Mutual Telephone Scholarship  Wabash Mutual Telephone will be giving up to $2,000 in Educational Awards to qualifying high school seniors who wish to further their education at any college, vocational, or technical school. Applicants must be a child or legal ward of a Wabash Mutual Telephone Member.

NTCA and FRS 2008 Scholarship Program  National Telecommunications Cooperative Association and the Foundation for Rural Service will award 30 scholarships valued at $2,500. Wabash Mutual Telephone will provide and additional $500 scholarship to any winning students, bringing the total award to $3,000 per student.

(Deadline for both scholarships is March 1, 2008.  For more information on either scholarship, contact Julie Marchal at 419-942-1111 or juliem@wabash.com)

  1. Western Buckeye Chapter of Credit Unions Scholarship will award 8 scholarships in the amount of $500 each. To qualify, the applicant must be at least a senior in high school and plan to participate in post-secondary studies, including professional, vocational, and academic studies that are not limited to colleges and universities. Applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2008.
  2. Ball State Journalism Scholarship:  for incoming freshmen who plan to major in journalism, public relations or advertising. Interested students can download the application at http://www.bsujournalismworkshops.com  Scholarship applications should be postmarked by March 1.
  3. Ohio State (Lima Campus) scholarship applications are now available.  Due:  March 3, 2008.
  4. “Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year” (SAMMY) 2007 Award Program:  This program recognizes outstanding scholar athletes and scholarships are available.  Application will be accepted online at www.bodybymilk.com. Until March 7, 2008.  Visit the website for official rules.
  5. West Central Ohio Safety Council Scholarship:  The West Central Ohio Safety Council is awarding a scholarship to students that demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the field of Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Risk Management or a related field.  The Scholarship is worth $500 or $250. The application must be received by Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
  6.  Darke Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. (grade 10, 11, & 12):  The Darke REC Inc. is awarding $4,900 in scholarship for 2008. 

·         They will sponsor two students (sophomores or juniors) for an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. but your parents must be a member of Darke Rural Electric.  Application must be returned by March 14. 

·         The Darke Rural Electric Scholarship is available to seniors whose parents are members.  Pick up applications in the guidance office (due March 14). 

·         The Touchstone Energy Scholarship will be awarded to a senior that has overcome adversity, obstacles, or personal challenges on their way to excellence.  Applicants’ parents must be members of a Touchstone Energy Ohio Rural Electric Cooperative.  This application can be picked up in the guidance office.   Applications are due March 14.

  1. NAIW Scholarship Essay Competition (grade 12) The Grand Lake Area Insurance Women is sponsoring two scholarships again in 2008. The scholarships are $500 each, and are not restricted to female students. The winners will be determined solely on the basis of a written essay relating to their college education. If a scholarship winner attends Wright State, the university will match the scholarship amount. Winners and their parents will be invited to the Grand lake Area Insurance Women’s Appreciations Dinner on May 13, 2008 to be recognized and to read their winning essays. The deadline for submissions is March 14, 2008. Pick up an application in the guidance office.  Any questions, call Leslie Bergman at 419-586-5181 (x8986).
  2. Legislative Scholarship Program:  The Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools is awarding 186 scholarships to 2008 graduating seniors.  These awards range from $2,000-$12,100.  Applicants must plan to attend one of the specific career-technical colleges on the application to be eligible for these scholarships.  Deadline is March 30, 2008.
  3. IPFW Scholarships:  There is a book of scholarship information in the guidance office for students planning to attend Indiana University/Purdue University-Ft. Wayne.  Deadline to apply is March 31, 2008.
  4. Rhodes State College Foundation Scholarships:  Any high school senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and is planning to attend Rhodes State College in the Fall of 2008 may be eligible for these scholarships. Deadline is April 1, 2008. Applications can be found online at www.rhodesstate.edu.
  5. William D. Squires Scholarships:  The William D. Squires Scholarship is primarily need-based and is only for students from Ohio. (Each applicant must have an EFC (from FAFSA/SAR) of less than $10,000.) A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required. Deadline for this scholarship is April 5th.
  6. Senior Athletes: The Ohio High School Athletic Association is pleased to support the application of one senior female and one senior male student-athlete from our high school for one of the OHSAA Foundation of OHSAA Scholar-Athlete Scholarships.  Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25, plus three varsity letters in one sport or four varsity letters in two sports.  (Note:  recipients of athletic scholarships in NCAA Division I or II are not eligible.)  Applications are due by April 7, 2008
  7. The Winners Club Scholarship:  This scholarship is for students who are pursuing a degree in the field of education. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required. Applications are online at:  http://winnersclubscholarship.visioncomm.net, and must be submitted between February 1 and April 15, 2008.
  8. Lincoln College of Technology Scholarship: Lincoln College of Technology has a 2008 high school select scholarship program that includes a $1,000 guaranteed tuition scholarship to a senior from FRHS. Applications are due to Mrs. Kaiser by April 21st.
  9. Mercer County Sportsman Assn. Scholarship:  This $500 scholarship is available to any Mercer County high school senior with a 2.5 GPA or higher.  The purpose is to encourage students to enter the following courses of study:  Natural Resources, Environmental, Biological, Conservation, or Law Enforcement studies (or other fields related to protection, improvement, or public education concerning wildlife and nature).  Applications due April 30, 2008.
  10. The Mercer County Civic Foundation has a small pool of student loan funds available.  These low-interest $900 college loans are renewable, and the 4% interest rate does not begin to accrue until 6 months after graduation from college, and are interest-free if repaid within that time.  Applications due by June 1st.
  11. BigSun Scholarship:  The BigSun Organization is offering a $500 scholarship to a student athlete.  The successful applicant will be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute and currently involved in some sport at that institution. Visit our website at http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply.  Deadline is June 20, 2008.
  12. Loans for Future Medical Students:  The Medical Educational Foundation Academy of Medicine of Lima and Allen County is offering loans to assist with tuition while students are in medical school.  If interested, see the flyer in hallway or call Susan L. Hubbell, M.D. at (419) 226-9810. 
  13. AES Engineers Scholarship:  Students are NOT required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible.  Students must submit an essay of no more than 1000 words in answer to one of the two questions that are posted on:  http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php  Amount of the award is $500.00 and deadline for entry is September 15, 2008
  14. National Scholarships:  Check out schoolsoup.com, www.big33.org (through Feb.2008), fastweb.com, and cappex.com (through Jan. 31) for scholarship and college information.  There is also a scholarship search feature at:  www.charterone.com/edu/scholarshipsearch (click on “Resources for Students and Families”, select “scholarship search”, and follow the instructions.
  15. Don’t wait too long to complete your applications!  You never know when school will be delayed or cancelled, so ask for letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc., well in advance!

 

 

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