Guidance Newsletter:  March 2008

Additional information is available on most scholarships.

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

 

General News:                                                                                                                                         .

 

1.       Looking for an apartment in Dayton?  I have some information on Woodman Park apartments.

2.       Need counseling? I have lots of information on private counseling services in the area…just ask!

3.       McDonalds in Coldwater is looking for HS students to employ.  Apply at:  www.mcohio.com

4.       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.

5.       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 1^st (you will need tax info.)

·         File your FAFSA online at:  www.fafsa.ed.gov prior to your school’s priority deadline.  (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).  Forms are also in the guidance office.

6.       ACT National Test Dates 2007-2008                                 Registration Deadline

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).

 

7.       Fee Waivers are available for the ACT…check out the details on the website to see if you qualify:  www.actstudent.org

8.       ACT Exam Prep Course:  Classes begin Tuesdays and Thursdays March 11-27 at Edison Community College. Classes are from 4:30-6:30pm or 6:30-8:30pm. The cost of the course is $70.  Students can call to register by calling Shirley Apple-Shoup at 937-778-7864.

9.       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.

10.   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!

11.   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!

12.   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.

13.   Win a trip to Washington D.C.!  See #29 below.

14.   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.

15.   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.

16.   College and Career Fair:  The 2008 Centerville High School College and Career Fair will be held on March 4, 2008 from 7-9 p.m. at Centerville High School. Over 250 Careers, Colleges, and Military will be represented.

17.   REGISTRAION ROCKS: March 17-20 and March 24-27 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Offered on the Toledo- area and Findlay-area Campuses. Make new friends from other schools, meet the faculty and staff, and take the placement test and much MORE!  See poster in the hallway.

18.   Rhodes on the Road:  Bring your family and friends to learn more about Rhodes State College (degree programs and certificated, financial aid, transferability to other schools, etc.)  Rhodes on the Road is on March 31, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. RSVP today by contacting Tara Ryan at 419/995-8109 or ryan.t@RhodesState.edu.

19.   I have a Tech Prep packet available for any Tri-Star students who wish to fill out the college credit articulation applications.

20.   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.

21.   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.)                                                                                                      

 

22.   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.

23.   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.

24.   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.

25.   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.

26.   Ft. Recovery American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship:

·         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 15^th.

27.    “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.

28.   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.

29.    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.

30.   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).

31.   Engineering Majors:  Midmark Corporation is offering one Technical Scholarship to a graduating high school senior from Darke, Miami, Mercer, Auglaize and Shelby county school. The scholarship is worth $16,000 and comes with summer employment opportunities and a full time position after the completion of their degree. There is a three year work obligation after graduation at Midmark. Eligible students must be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following areas: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, or Tool Engineering at an accredited four-year institution. Deadline for scholarship applications is March 21, 2008.

32.   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.

33.   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.

34.   Leitzell Family Foundation Agricultural/ Horticultural Scholarship Award (Grade 12):  It is the intent of this scholarship to provide financial aid to any individual from Mercer County, Ohio who shows continuous interest and enthusiasm in the field of agriculture or horticulture.  Such interests could be manifested through active participation in such programs as 4-H, FFA, Scouts, etc. and must be continued into secondary education in appropriate career-oriented programs.  The initial scholarship will be $2500.  This scholarship may be renewable.  The recipient must maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale for renewal.  Applications must be returned to the FRHS Guidance Office by 8:00 am on March 31, 2008.

35.   Rhodes State Scholarship Opportunities (grade 12):

·         “Rhodes to Success” Achievement Scholarship, available in the guidance office (deadline: April 18, 2008). 

·         “Rhodes State Foundation” Scholarship application can be found at www.rhodesstate.edu/departments/development/scholarships.asp, and is due April 1, 2008.

·         Tech Prep graduates are also eligible for a $1000 Tech Prep Scholarship.

·         NEW THIS YEAR – all tech prep students who complete their first year at Rhodes with a 3.0 cum GPA or higher will have their scholarship renewed for a second year of study.

36.   AAA Ohio Auto Club will again offer high school seniors the opportunity to apply for one of ten $1,000 grants by competing in the AAA School Safety Patrol $1000 Grant Award Program. The program is limited to high school seniors who once served as a member of a AAA School Safety Patrol team. The grant awards are not limited only to students planning to attend a university or college.  Applications can be found online at www.aaaohio.com or pick one up in the Guidance Office and are due April 4, 2008.

37.   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 5^th.

38.   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.

39.   The University of Northwestern Ohio College of Technologies is offering a junior scholarship testing and open house. It will be held on April 11 and 12, from 9 am to 4 pm.  See the poster in the hallway or call 419-998-3120 for more information.  Register online at:  www.unoh.edu.

40.   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.

41.   Nursing Scholarship:  The JTD Hospital Foundation will be offering $1,000 scholarships to local residents studying nursing for the 2008-2009 academic year. To be eligible for the scholarship, the individual must be a high school senior, current college student, or adult returning to school who is a resident of Auglaize of Mercer counties or graduate of a high school in those counties. Joint Township Hospital and Grand Lake Health System employees are not eligible. Final applicants will be chosen and must be available for interview on Saturday, June 14 between 9 AM and 12 NOON. Application may be received by contacting the JTD hospital Foundation at (419)394-3335, ext. 3567. Applications must be completed and returned by April 18, 2008.

42.   The Citi(R) 2008 Scholarship Contest (grades 11-12):  Citibank will award more than $35,000 in college scholarships to 11th and 12th grade students. Teachers of winning students will also receive prizes!  Enter at: http://message.scholastic.com/W0RT013040912EB92391D35EDFED70 Entry deadline: April 18, 2008.

43.   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 21^st.

44.   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.

45.   2008 Mercer County Farm Bureau Scholarship:  for high school seniors entering college in the fall of 2008 majoring in Agriculture. Parents of the applicant must be members of the Mercer Co. Farm Bureau in good standing. A $500.00 scholarship will be given and student must maintain a 2.0 GPA for the quarter/semester. Applications are due by May 1, 2008. 

46.   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 1^st.

47.   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.

48.   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. 

49.   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

50.   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.

51.   The Ohio Board of Regents sponsors several programs for college-bound students:

·         Ohio Academic Scholarship:  given to at least one FRHS student, $2,205 for up to four years of study, students do not fill out an application…recipients are chosen using a formula based on GPA and ACT scores.  The HS guidance counselor submits student information for scoring.

·         Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund:  for children and spouses of peace officers, fire fighters and certain other safety officers who are killed in the line-of-duty.  Applications must me requested from the Ohio Board of Regents.

·         Ohio War Orphans Scholarship:  for children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict, applications available from the Ohio Board of Regents.  Due:  July 1.

·         Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program:  $3,000 for up to four years of study, but must agree to work as a nurse in the state of Ohio for a minimum of five years after graduation, must file the FAFSA, then apply online for the NEALP.  Must apply before July 15.

·         Regents Graduate/Professional Fellowship Program:  Students are nominated by their undergraduate colleges and universities.  Fellowships provide $3,500 each year for two years.

·         Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship: Recipients may receive up to $1,500 each year for undergraduate studies.  Recipients are selected on class rank, GPA, ACT scores, and activities.  Nominations are made by the high school and the scholarship is awarded equally across Ohio’s congressional districts.

·         Additional Questions?  Contact State Grants and Scholarships at 888-833-1133.

52.   First Choice Credit Union in Coldwater offers student loans to students pursuing higher education.  Check out their website at:  www.1stchoicecu.com and click on the student H.E.L.P. loan program link or call 419/678-3335.

53.   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!

54.   If you receive a scholarship, be sure to send a Thank-You note showing your appreciation.

 

Upcoming Events:                                                                                                                   ____

• OGT/Terra Nova testing is the week of March 10-14, 2008