Senior NEWS!!!!

SENIOR NEWS
March 2009

***Let us know about any and all scholarship offers you receive – we would like to recognize you at our annual Scholarship Night on May 4.  Scholarship sponsors do not always advise us of their offers to students, and we don’t want to overlook anyone.***

SAT Prep is offered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 3:15 – 4:30 in room 245
                                                           
BALFOUR ORDER INFORMATION – Caps and Gowns   
Senior Fee - $65.00 will help cover the cost of your Cap & Gown, Tassel, Diploma, Diploma Cover, etc.  Order online at www.hrcampussupply.com.  Fee went up March 1 and will go up again in April.  Don’t wait any longer!

Graduation Announcements:  If you ordered announcements through Balfour, Mr. Smith will be here on March 19 at lunch to distribute these.  You must have paid your order in full by that day to receive them.

HOPE
To be HOPE-eligible you must have a 3.0 GPA for the College Prep Diploma or 3.2 GPA for the Tech Prep Diploma at the end of the senior year.  All core courses are averaged together to determine HOPE eligibility.  You must apply for HOPE.  You can use the FAFSA or the simple HOPE form on the gacollege411.org website.

MEN:  By law, you must register with the Selective Service up to 30 days before or 30 days after your 18th birthday.  Register online at www.sss.gov or pick up a registration form at the local post office.  More information is available on the wall in the hallway outside the counseling office.

EVERYONE:  Register to vote as soon as you turn 18!!  Forms available at the public library or county administration office.

SAT REASONING TEST DATES & DEADLINES – Register online at www.collegeboard.com
May 2 (offered at Calhoun and Cartersville High School) – Registration deadline is March 11
June 6 (offered at Fannin Co. High School in Blue Ridge) – Registration deadline is May 5
PHS school code = 111695                                 Test fee:  $45.00

ACT TEST DATES & DEADLINES – Register online at www.actstudent.org
June 13 (Calhoun H.S. is a test site) – Register by May 8, 2009
Note:  Some colleges may require or recommend the writing portion as well.
PHS school code = 111695                 Test fee: $31.00        Optional writing test: $15.00

COLLEGE VISIT DAYS – You are allowed 2 days in which you are NOT counted absent to visit colleges.
Forms are on wall in hallway outside the guidance office.  Questions?  See someone in the counseling office.

COLLEGE INFORMATION
Application deadlines vary depending on the college.  Some have deadlines that are already past.  Colleges are filling up fast, especially for housing!  For colleges in Georgia, go to www.GACollege411.org.
For colleges outside Georgia, go to the individual college(s) websites.
                                                 
Kennesaw State University:  Application deadline for Fall 2009 is May 15.  If you’re interested in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, contact them directly at 678-797-2025. 

Georgia Southwestern State University (Americus, GA):  Preview Day is March 21.  Must reserve a place if interested.  Call 800-338-0082 or 229-928-1273.

Appalachian Technical College -  Ms. Kim Ellis will be here on March 11 to administer the Compass test for those who are interested in attending Appalachian Technical College.  You must have completed an Appalachian Tech application to take the Compass Test. 

Dalton State College -  Senior Day at Dalton State on March 20 (Please RSVP- contact Mr. Matthew Queener at 706-272-2469 Ms. Sandy Ott will be here on March 26 to administer the Compass test for those who are interested in attending Dalton State College.  You must have completed a Dalton State application to take the Compass Test. 

Other colleges: Check the colleges’ websites to see if/when they have open house or other special visitation days.  This is a great opportunity to see a campus and determine if it’s a good fit for you.

Visits from College Representatives (updated frequently – see Mrs. Pickering in the guidance office)

 

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
March 3 – STAR Student Banquet
March 12 – End of 3rd 9 weeks
March 13 – Teacher inservice – no school for students
March 17 – Big Canoe applicant interviews (8:00-11:00) at PHS – dress nicely (no t-shirts, etc.)
March 20 – Senior Day at Dalton State (RSVP – contact Mr. Matthew Queener @706-272-2469)
March 21 – Prom Night  / Parent interviews for Big Canoe Scholarships – at Big Canoe
March 24 – Students receive report cards
March 26 – Noon dismissal – parent conferences
April 6- April 10 – Spring Break
April 11 – Parent Interviews for Big Canoe Scholarships – at Big Canoe
April 14 – Partners and ETC Scholarship Applications due
April 18 – Deadline to have acceptance letter to Big Canoe for scholarship applications
April 21 – Caps/Gowns delivered during morning break
April 28 – Cap and gown pictures made
April 29 – Awards/Honors Day
May 4 – Scholarship Night – 6:30 p.m. PHS auditorium
May 1 – NIGHT SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT DEADLINE
May 7, 8 – End of Course Test for Seniors  
May 23 – Graduation Day

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
The best source of financial aid is the Office of Student Financial Aid at the college you plan to attend.  Financial aid info. is available on the college websites.  Go to the Financial Aid office when you visit a college.

*Financial Aid websites:  www.gacollege411.org,  www.fafsa.ed.gov, www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com. There are other sites, but beware of scholarship search scams – scholarship information should be free.  Here’s a new one that may be worth a look:  www.college-scholarships.com   

***File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible.  Online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  We have guideline brochures in the counseling office – this may be helpful.

 SCHOLARSHIPS(see the PHS website or the counseling office for our complete list of available scholarships)  Check the counseling office often for new scholarships.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund – several scholarships available.  Must be of Hispanic heritage, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, minimum 3.00 GPA.  General scholarship deadline is March 15.  Must have completed FAFSA so you have an EFC number.  Apply online at www.hsf.net.   A list of scholarships is available in the counseling office. 

Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program – Open to students ages 6-18 who have provided exemplary community service efforts.  Students must be nominated by adult who is 21 years or older.  All nominations must be completed online.   Three levels of awards:  Store winners, regional winners, and national winners.  Nominations due no later than March 15.
See website www.kohlskidswhocare.com for official rules and other details. 

Gainesville State College Science, Engineering, and Technology Scholarship – Must be majoring in some aspect of science.  Merit-based.  Must have B average in math and science courses.  Application form available in counseling office.  Requires letter of recommendation from math or science teacher and transcript.  All documents must be received at Gainesville College no later than March 21. 

Beta Eta Scholarship – For female residents of Pickens County.  Must seek a degree in education at an accredited college or university.  Requires application form, autobiographical sketch, three reference letters (one from a teacher), transcript,  and attendance record.  Get application in counseling office.  Return all documents to Mr. Cain by March 27.

2009 League of Women Voters Writing Competition:  Open to all students in grades 9-12.  $250 cash prize.  You can get information /application from the following people: Mr. Cheatham, Mr. Nix or the counseling office.  Essays must be submitted to the League of Women Voters no later than April 1,.

Pickens County Board of Realtors Scholarship – Two $500 scholarships awarded to students in Pickens County to attend any college or university in Georgia.  Minimum GPA C+ or equivalent.  Application form available in counseling office or downloaded from www.pickensrealtors.com.    Other required documents include transcript, current photo, three written references (only one can be from a teacher), copy of college acceptance letter, and essay.  Recipients must agree to complete 20 hours of approved community service work.  The four finalists will be interviewed at school on April 16.  Completed application packets due to Mr. Cain in the counseling office no later than April 3.

The Community Foundation of Atlanta (TCF) Scholarships – Variety of scholarships and competitive grants.  Awards range from $500 to $5,000.  Some are based on financial need, while others depend on college program in which you’re enrolling.  GPA range from 2.0 to 4.0.  Visit www.atlcf.org for complete information, including application forms.  Most applications have a deadline of April 13, 2009. 

United Community Bank – two scholarships to be awarded to Pickens High seniors.  Application form available in counseling office.  Must include transcript; copy of acceptance letter from college; list of extracurricular activities, honors, and other significant accomplishments; three written personal references, two from school officials and one from an adult outside the school system; essay of 500 words or less detailing your reasons for pursuing this scholarship and your future career objectives.  All documents due to Mr. Cain no later than April 14. 

ETC Scholarship – Requires application form (available in counseling office), list of other scholarships you are receiving, statement describing your future ambitions and why you are applying for the scholarship, college acceptance letter, list of extracurricular activities, and transcript.   Return all documents to Mr. Cain no later than April 14.

Bethel Scholarships – Two scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to qualified young men entering Georgia Tech. in Fall 2008.  Get application form in counseling office.  Include official transcript.  Must be mailed to the address on the application and must be postmarked no later than April 15.

Pickens County Retired Educators Scholarship – $500 Scholarship for students planning to enter the teaching profession.  Must submit and application form, at least two reference letters from teachers, counselors, supervisors, or clergy on their appropriate letterhead in a sealed envelope, Written profile of yourself stressing factors relevant to your occupational choice and goals- stress your personal qualifications for pursuing education as a profession, Official proof of acceptance from the college will attend, Official high school transcript-including SAT/ACT scores.  Submit all documents to Mr. Cain no later than April 20.

Partners Scholarship – Requires application form (available in counseling office), typed statement setting forth your career objectives, transcript, SAT scores, college acceptance letter if you already have it, and list of extracurricular activities.  Return all documents to Mr. Cain no later than April 20. 

BETA Club Scholarship – Application form is in counseling office.  Include statement explaining why you need and/or deserve the scholarship, transcript, and three references.  All documents due to Mr. Cain no later than April 22. 

Atlanta Braves High School Scholarship – Presented by Publix Super Markets.  Six $2000 scholarships will be awarded.  Requires strong community service involvement as well as strong academic performance.  Minimum 3.0 GPA.  Application forms available in counseling office and on the website http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/community/education_programs.jsp.  Other required documents include transcript, letter of recommendation from a school official, list of extracurricular activities, list of community involvement activities, essay, and copy of college acceptance letter.  Completed application packets must be received at the Atlanta Braves office by March 31, 2009. 

Student-View 2009 Scholarship Program – Quick and easy to apply.  Log on to www.student-view.com and complete a 15 to 20 minute application survey about colleges in your area.  To be awarded:  One $3,000 scholarship; two $1,000 scholarships; six $500 scholarships.  Scholarships awarded via a random drawing from all completed applications.  Deadline is April 22.

 

Lyda Walden Fletcher Scholarship – Sponsored by The Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia. $1,000 per year for four years.   Must have resided in Pickens County at least 24 months prior to graduation from Pickens High School.  Minimum GPA 3.5.   Must be planning to pursue a four-year degree.  Considers academic achievement, leadership potential, well-defined goals and aspirations, balanced extracurricular activities, and financial need.  Application forms available in counseling office.  Include essay, counselor endorsement letter, two additional recommendation letters, copy of FAFSA, and copy of college acceptance letter.  All documents due to Mr. Cain no later than April 22. 

G.D. Mosley Automotive Scholarship – At Appalachian Tech.  For a graduating senior from Gilmer or Pickens High School who plans to enroll full-time in the Automotive Technology program or a full-time App. Tech student pursuing a career in the automotive technology field.  Three $500 scholarships to be awarded.  Application forms available in counseling office.   Other documents required include transcript, 2-page essay, and letter of recommendation from teacher.  Criteria:  Completed application packet, character, financial need, recipients’ goals and objectives, and availability of funds.  Send application directly to Financial Aid office at App. Tech.  Deadline to apply:  April 30.

Cleo Ingram Nursing Scholarship and Helen E. Roper Nursing Scholarship – both at Appalachian Tech.  $500 scholarships.  Available to Pickens High graduating seniors planning to enroll full-time in the practical nursing program at App. Tech. or full-time App. Tech students pursuing a career in the practical nursing field.  Application forms available in counseling office.  Other documents required include transcript, 2-page essay, and letter of recommendation from teacher.  Criteria:  Completed application packet, character, financial need, recipients’ goals and objectives, and availability of funds.  Send application directly to Financial Aid Office at App. Tech.  Deadline to apply:  April 30.

B.E.S.T. Scholarship – At Appalachian Tech.  For a graduating senior from Fannin, Gilmer, or Pickens High School who plans to enroll full-time in a diploma or associate degree program at Appalachian Tech.   Two $500 scholarships to be awarded.  Application forms available in counseling office.  Other documents required include transcript, 2-page essay, and letter of recommendation from teacher.  Criteria:  Completed application packet, character, financial need, recipients’ goals and objectives, and availability of funds.  Send application directly to Financial Aid Office at App. Tech.  Deadline to apply:  April 30.

 

The following scholarships are on their way to the counseling office.  Please check in with us in the next few days. 

 

Appalachian Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship

Scholarship for Triumph – sponsored by the Pickens County Lawyers of the Appalachian Bar Association.

Sam Whitfield Leadership Scholarship – female students only this year.  Next year will be for male students. 

Pickens Star Lodge Scholarship

Garland Whitfield and Lt. Jack Robinson Memorial Scholarships – sponsored by the Pickens County Sportsman’s Club

 

There are other scholarships in the works – keep checking the counseling office for updates.