Opportunities to Grow

Virginia National Bank (VNB) is proud to announce that it is currently taking applications for its 2026 Finance Career and Leadership Academy (FCLA, Academy)! Watch this interview with Gabby Gonzalez, an AHS graduate who is now a full time employee with VNB! Congrats Gabby! Atown Today for Thursday, November 20th 2025

The FCLA is an in-depth and challenging educational program that offers students in high school the training and skills necessary to understand and manage one’s personal finances, obtain employment and excel as a professional, AND potentially lay the groundwork for a free college education and a promising career in the banking and finance industry. The Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors and is free to those that are accepted into the program.

The FCLA is an in-depth and challenging educational program that offers students in high school the training and skills necessary to understand and manage one’s personal finances, obtain employment and excel as a professional, AND potentially lay the groundwork for a promising career in the banking and finance industry. The Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors and is free to those that are accepted into the program.

The 2026 FCLA in-person, evening classes are scheduled for the weeks of January 19 through May 29, 2026 (first class on Tuesday, January 20th), at Virginia National Bank’s Pantops office. The FCLA application deadline is Friday, November 21, 2025. Up to ten students will be accepted into the program. Upon completion of the Academy, high performing FCLA participants become candidates for VNB’s College Program.

For more information regarding the Academy check out their page: www.vnb.com/fcla

FCLA Home Page

Recent FCLA Graduates

Humanities: Literature, Writing, History, Psychology, Civics, Law

Poetry OUT LOUD, National Poetry Recitation Competition at AHS

Poetry out Loud is a national student poetry recitation competition open to grades 9-12. Through this program, high school students across the country participate in a dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence, and teach them about literary history and contemporary life https://www.poetryoutloud.org/search?menu%5Btype%5D=poems

Competition Date: November 24 during 4th period, room 409

Students must be prepared to recite and perform both poems (see the Poetry Out Loud website to select your poems). At least 1 of the poems should be memorized and performed.

Students must pre-register by November 20--Talk to Ms. Newman in Talent Development or Mr. Panarese in 409 pods hnewman@k12albemarle.org/tpanarese@k12albemarle.org (draft yourself Thursdays for Poetry Out Loud)

We the People at AHS-- Team

We the People: The Citizen and The Constitution is a competitive curriculum designed by The Center for Civic Education culminating in a simulated congressional hearing in front of a panel of judges.

Do you like debating real-world issues, speaking your mind, or learning how the Constitution shapes our country? In We the People Club, you’ll prepare for and compete in mock congressional hearings where you get to defend your ideas about democracy, rights, and government in front of judges (kind of like a debate team with a constitutional twist!). Along the way, you’ll sharpen your public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. It’s a fun way to learn how government works while building confidence and leadership. Meets Thursdays after school 4-5:30. Contact aramirez@k12albemarle.org for more information or if you would like to join.

Model UN at AHS--Team

Interested in global issues, public speaking, or solving big problems like climate change or world peace? In Model UN, you take on the role of a country’s ambassador and represent their views in UN-style debates. You’ll research world events, write position papers, and negotiate with other “delegates” to pass resolutions. We travel to conferences where you’ll compete against students from other schools, sharpen your debate and diplomacy skills, and meet people who care about world politics as much as you do. It’s a chance to think globally and make your voice heard. Meets Mondays after school 4-5:30. Contact aramirez@k12albemarle.org for more information or if you would like to join.

National History Day research project--join NHD Club at AHS

Find out more on www.nhd.org (theme) or on the NHD tab. This year's theme is: REVOLUTION, REACTION, REFORM

AHS graduates who did successful NHD projects in high school are attending Brown, Stanford, and Duke as well as attending competitive summer programming at William and Mary and the Oliver Hill Samuel Tucker Pre Law Institute. NHD is a yearlong research project where you BECOME a historian. Do you revel in history? This project is for you!

See the National History Day TAB above, email Ms. Newman and draft yourself for National History Day during Patriot Period on Fridays.

US Naval Academy Essay and Photography Contests

https://www.usni.org/essay-contests

Love Writing and Journalism? Consider Writing for the AHS Revolution (school newspaper)

https://ahsrevolution.org/

Love Creative Writing? Submit to the AHS Lantern (literary magazine)

https://ahslantern.wordpress.com/

There's also a new Creative Writing Club! Contact Ms. Heaps.

Sci/Fi Illustrator Contest

L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience. No entry fee is required and entrants retain all publication rights. Entries in the Illustrators of the Future Contest are judged only by professional artists. Three prizes of $500 (a total of $1500) are awarded each quarter. Ongoing submissions accepted

https://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-the-illustrator-contest/

Smithsonian Magazine

https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/categories/

Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards Grades 9-12

The nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in 28 different categories. Receive scholarships, cash awards, or tuition assistance by participating in the Awards!

https://www.artandwriting.org/

Math/Science/Tech/Nature/Conservation/Health/Medical

Department of Defense SMART Scholars

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is a unique opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students to advance their education and jumpstart their careers. SMART provides merit-based scholarships to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees. SMART scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, summer internships, and after graduation, civilian employment with the Department of Defense. Applications are open annually from August 1 to the first Friday in December. Check your eligibility now to see if you qualify and take the first step toward a successful future in STEM.

https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart

Presidential AI Challenge

The Presidential AI Challenge is a national challenge where K-12 youth, educators, mentors, and community teams come together to solve real-world problems in their communities using AI-powered solutions with an opportunity to showcase their solutions at a national level. Students and educators of all backgrounds and expertise are encouraged to participate and ignite a new spirit of innovation as we celebrate 250 years of independence and look forward to the next 250 years.

https://orise.orau.gov/ai-challenge/

SWENext at AHS (Society of Women Engineers)

SWENext is a high school club for girls who are into STEM. We do fun activities and projects to get more young girls excited about science, technology, and engineering, whether that be in the community or at our school. We collaborate with SWE at UVA and the Tech-Girls organization on events like Girl’s Geek Days, where we do hands-on STEM activities with young girls in the community.. Throughout the year we do various stem activities that everyone can enjoy. It’s all about learning, having fun, and supporting each other in STEM! Contact Ms. Todd for more details. Ms Todd’s email is stwilliams@k12albemarle.org and meetings are in room 257. Instagram: @SWENext_ahs

Robotics Club at AHS

The purpose of Robotics Club is to spread STEM knowledge within our community and to build, code and compete in Robotics competitions. Robotics is a VHSL Activity & we attend competitions around VA, DC, Maryland! Check out this video on our Robotics Club AtownToday for Tuesday October 21st, 2025

Meetings are Monday & Wednesday after school from 4-6pm Room 247,248,255, & 257. Please email Mr. Barlow if you would like to join. Here is the student application: https://bit.ly/AHSRobotRecruit25

There are currently 4 Active Robotics Teams: Vertigo, Paradigm Break, Deep Blue Robotics, and Firefly.

Email Sponsor: tbarlow@k12albemarle.org

AHS Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is a national, nonprofit organization and team-based competition where students compete in various events that test their knowledge and practical skills in diverse fields, such as chemistry, physics, and engineering. The program promotes teamwork, leadership, and resilience, and its tournaments occur at various levels, from invitational to national, with teams advancing through regional and state competitions. AHS’ SciOly team competes in team-based partner STEM competitions throughout the year! Meetings: after school 4:00-5:30--contact Dr. Bricker for more information or to join.

Teacher sponsor: Dr. Bricker (ebricker@k12albemarle.org)

Interest form: https://forms.gle/DxrYWibSmLQvDRMR7

Albemarle Math Club

The Albemarle Math Club is a competitive environment for math enthusiasts to enhance their skills. We participate in competitions like the AMC 10 and 12, which look great on college applications! We also host JAMAC, which is a math competition for middle schoolers around the community, to help engage younger students and bring awareness to the beauty of math.

Wednesday Patriot Periods in room 127

Mr. Woodward: dwoodward@k12albemarle.org

The Conrad Challenge (Texas Space Center)

The Conrad Challenge is a purpose-driven STEM innovation competition that is creating the next generation of entrepreneurs who will change the world.

From August through April, teams will journey through the entrepreneurial process and design an innovation that solves an important problem. There are 5 challenge areas--water, health, energy & environment, aerospace/aviation, and cyber technology/security.

The Challenge - Conrad Challenge

The Coding School/Introduction to Artificial Intelligence/Quantum Computing Courses

$$$$ with Scholarships Available

https://the-cs.org/courses

c4K Clubhouse Charlottesville

Our members can take part either individually or as a group in a wide variety of STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Math activities in our makerspace in the Clubhouse, from virtual reality to audio and visual production. C4K does 1:1 mentoring, group events, and field trips. Check their website for eligibility.

https://c4kclubhouse.org/

Virginia Space Grant Consortium--online engineering and science classes for high school students (for enrichment or community college credit)

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium offers a number of FREE engineering and science online programs/classes for students interested in STEM. Some of the courses can earn you community college credit and they are FREE! There is programming for students in 9th-12th grades. We have had a number of AHS students take these classes it the past--these are a great way to STRETCH your learning in an area of interest and you may be able to pair your work with an Independent Study course (ask Ms. Newman)

Some of high school programs come with a week in summer at NASA's Wallops Island or Langley for TOP performing students. FREE. Programs include:

Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (9th grade) BLAST--Application due Dec 1-Feb 1

Virginia Space Coast Scholars (10th grade) VSCS--Applications Open Aug 15-Oct 26

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (11th grade/12th grade) VASTS-Applications Due Aug 15-Oct 24

Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (11th grade, 12th grade) VESSS--Applications due Aug 15-Oct 26

https://vsgc.odu.edu/

Statistics: William and Mary Gifted Education Saturday Enrichment Classes

Statistics Sanity students will lay a foundation of statistical knowledge through fun experiments involving real world data. Whether it be exploring the probability principles in a hands-on casino or conducting surveys about favorite candy or video games, students will collect, analyze, and draw conclusions in various settings. There will be projects students will create to help build skills in statistics. This is a great course to prepare students for high school or college Statistics.

Eligibility: Gifted Students *If you need your COGAT/test score, see Ms. Newman (see eligibility requirements)

https://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/sep/

Citizen Science--Projects and Ways to Get Involved from NASA

Join the scientific community by collecting data, analyzing results, and helping scientists solve real-world problems.

Citizen Science (nasa.gov)

https://www.nasa.gov/get-involved/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Webinars:

https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/education-at-home/upcoming-and-archived-webinars#live

Cavalier Robotics Team 619

Cavalier Robotics is a non-profit high school robotics team in Charlottesville. We are on the lookout new team members who are passionate about robotics want to be part of a dynamic team.

https://www.carobotics.org/

Subscribe to the NASA Express Newsletter and never miss a Challenge (delivered every Thursday)

https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-express

the ARTS (music, art, theater), Design, and Architecture

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

https://www.house.gov/educators-and-students/congressional-art-competition

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist (Musician) Award

https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/

Lighthouse Studio: Learn the Art of Filmmaking

Throughout the year, we hold workshops and community events that give young people opportunities to build new and lasting skills. In addition to filmmaking and technical abilities our students learn soft skills: collaboration, communication, planning, citizenship, creativity, and empathy. https://lighthousestudio.org/

High School Programs going on NOW: https://lighthousestudio.org/school-year-workshops-2025/#highschool

Be a high school DJ: WTJU Radio in Charlottesville

https://www.wtju.net/highschooldj/

The New York Times Annual Student Contests

Ten challenges that invite teenagers to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/learning/our-2025-26-student-contest-calendar.html

VCU Pre-College Programs in Music

The VCUarts Department of Music regularly hosts workshops, camps and other programs for middle- and high-school students and their families. Programs happen year-round and include offerings for winds, brass, percussion, voice, piano, strings and more!

https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/pre-college-programs/

Sci/Fi Illustrator Contest

https://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-the-illustrator-contest/

Smithsonian Magazine

https://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/categories/

Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards Grades 9-12

Herb Alpert Jazz Composer Award

due Dec 1

https://www.ascapfoundation.org/programs/awards/herb-alpert-composer

Languages and Linguistics

Do you know multiple languages? Are you bilingual?

*You may be eligible to take the STAMP test for the seal of biliteracy and can even earn credit (1-2 years) by exam for achieving a high STAMP test score in a language. The STAMP test given at AHS is FAST approaching--talk to your counselor right away if you think you'd like to take the STAMP test this Spring. The STAMP test is offered in many (but not all) languages...even ones that we do not teach here at AHS.

NSLI-Y Next Summer and Academic Year Abroad Programs

There is a single application for three of the U.S. Department of State’s study abroad programs: NSLI-Y,
Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad, and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad.
Applicants interested in applying for more than one of these programs now only need to prepare one application.

Applicants indicate which programs they wish to apply for. Applicants may apply and potentially be selected
for more than one program but can only accept one scholarship. See flyer at top of page. AHS is proud to send
students to this program annually!

LEADERSHIP

Teen Leaders Club with Piedmont YMCA
https://piedmontymca.org/teen-leaders-club

Charlottesville/Albemarle 4H

The Albemarle/Charlottesville 4-H Teen Leadership Club is now open to new members who are excited about leadership and service!

This opportunity is open to students in grades 9–12.

Meet monthly with peers to develop leadership skills.
Represent our community at Virginia 4-H State Congress (June 16–19 at Virginia Tech).
Meet with local and state legislators to practice civic engagement.
Serve as Teen Leaders at 4-H Camp, mentoring younger youth (July 20–24 at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center).
Lead Grow Serve

Fall Meeting Dates:

September 26*
October 24
November 21
December 16

Registration Link.

If they can’t attend that date but want to learn more, fill out our Member Interest Form.

If you're interested in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Leadership, Science/Technology/Engineering, Communication/Expressive Arts and so much more, 4H might be for you!

https://sites.google.com/view/albemarlecharlottesville-4-h/home

*Mrs. Newman was a 4H-er in high school!

Albemarle/Charlottesville 4-H is currently seeking responsible, positive, and motivated teens to apply to serve as 4-H Camp Counselors for our upcoming summer camp, held July 20–24, 2026 at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox, VA.

Serving as a camp counselor is more than a volunteer position—it is a chance for teens to build confidence, develop independence, and make a real difference in the lives of younger campers. Counselors serve as role models, mentors, and leaders, helping create a safe, fun, and memorable camp experience. In recent years, we have had an increase in boys attending 4-H Camp, which means we need additional male counselors.

Teens who serve as camp counselors gain:

Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
Experience working with children
Confidence and independence
Community service hours
Resume-building experience for jobs, college, and scholarships
Lifelong friendships and unforgettable camp memories

All counselors will receive training and support to ensure they feel confident and prepared for the role.

If your teen enjoys helping others, loves camp, or is looking for a positive leadership role this summer, we strongly encourage them to apply.

Applicants must:

Be in at least 9th grade
Be 14 years old by January 1, 2026

Application Process:

Applicants will provide three adult references (not related to them).
Teens will submit an online application by December 1, 2025. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/2026TeenCampApplication
Interviews will be held on December 16th, or thereabouts, and final selections will be made shortly after.
Teens selected as counselors are strongly encouraged to attend Teen Leadership Club meetings to prepare for the camp season and build leadership skills. Next meeting is at the Extension Office, November 21 – join us! Register here: https://forms.gle/QkU3rvUhaMMmkK9L6

More information about 4-H and the application can be found on our website: bit.ly/Albemarle4H

Agriculture

Charlottesville/Albemarle 4H

https://sites.google.com/view/albemarlecharlottesville-4-h/home

Agriculture, Natural Resources, Leadership, Science/Technology/Engineering, Communication/Expressive Arts and so much more!

*Mrs. Newman was a 4H-er in high school!

Finance and Business

Virginia National Bank: Financial Leaders Program Open now

Virginia National Bank (VNB) is proud to announce that it is currently taking applications for its 2026 Finance Career and Leadership Academy (FCLA, Academy)!

The FCLA is an in-depth and challenging educational program that offers students in high school the training and skills necessary to understand and manage one’s personal finances, obtain employment and excel as a professional, AND potentially lay the groundwork for a promising career in the banking and finance industry. The Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors and is free to those that are accepted into the program.

We will be holding two free informational presentations for interested parents and students. The location, dates, and times for the presentations are listed below.

Charlottesville

November 6th (Th) or 10th (M)

6:30 – 8:00 PM

__________________

Virginia National Bank

404 People Place, Basement Level

Charlottesville, VA 22911

Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited; therefore, an RSVP sent to events@vnb.com from those interested in attending would be greatly appreciated.

For more information regarding the Academy check out their page: www.vnb.com/fcla

FCLA Home Page

Recent FCLA Graduates

Congratulations AHS Graduates Kayden Wright and Gabriella Gonzalez!

Trades

The Trades and Tech Education Foundation of CATEC are offering these three scholarships. Usually only shared with CATEC students, but they are expanding to all ACPS folks.

Leslie Hughes Walton Memorial Scholarship ($2000)
Lance Van de Castle Scholarship ($1000)
Justin Tilghman Culinary Scholarship ($1000)

Here is the information on these 3 scholarships. ***** These applications are available March 2026!

Pre-College Programs (General)

*also see subject-specific pre college programming above

QUESTBRIDGE--Apply to College

National College Match

Dream big and apply for full four-year scholarships to 55 top colleges through QuestBridge.

Eligibility:

High school seniors currently attending high school in the U.S. and planning to attend college the fall after graduation, and U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad
Earning primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered
Demonstrating strong writing skills and intellectual curiosity, plus resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed
Typically from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members).

https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college

Looking to Improve Your SAT score? Schoolhouse/Khan Academy SAT Bootcamp

SAT Bootcamps: 4-week programs in the month leading up to each official SAT date. Run by certified peer tutors who scored 700+. Average score improvement: 40-55 points

Classes at PVCC

Virginia residents have access to an excellent community college system. There are all kinds of classes you can take. PVCC classes are reasonably priced for Virginians. You may even earn college credit. Plus they offer financial aid if cost is an issue. What a cool way to explore an interest you can't explore in our school!

You can start a college transcript.

Note that courses taken at PVCC in the summer do NOT go on an ACPS transcript. But you CAN request a transcript from PVCC to upload and show to colleges/universities! Check with PVCC transfer specialist to see if your credits transfer to college. https://www.pvcc.edu/summer-pvcc

Students interested in attending PVCC after high school or learning more about this option can complete this interest form to be sure they receive information throughout the year. PVCC Admissions representative Ms. Ratliff visits AHS on Mondays (in the counseling office) or on other days by appointment. Ms. Ratliff can help students with exploring PVCC programs and transfer options, applying to PVCC, applying for financial aid, requesting academic accommodations, registering for classes, and more. Email cratliff@pvcc.edu to request an appointment or ask questions!

Why should I bother with activities outside the classroom?
Engaging in enrichment activities will show future employers, mentors, and colleges that YOU are a lifelong learner.
It grows your resume by giving you new experiences!
Most importantly, it might just ignite an academic passion and help you discover a future career or field of study that you LOVE.