The deadline is October 31 to apply for a Voice of Democracy scholarship through the Veterans of Foreign Wars. You could win $1,000 to $30,000 for college as well as a trip to Washington DC. This is an audio-essay contest. You will need to submit a written essay along with a 3 minute to 5 minute reading of your essay, on the topic “What Makes America Great.”
Another essay contest has been created by a member of the Florence community, Jenil Nandu. To enter this contest, you will need to write an essay of 1,000 to 2,000 words on the topic of what you want to do with your life. The top two finalists will each receive a new laptop computer. Please see the back side of this newsletter for details.
Beat the Odds is a scholarship opportunity for students in Oregon who have overcome serious obstacles: poverty, homelessness, etc. Sixteen scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded. The application is online at http://stand.org/oregon/beat-the-odds and the deadline is Monday, September 16.
More on the FAFSA (for federal student aid): applications may be submitted beginning on October 1. Our ASPIRE volunteers can be very helpful as you complete the application online. To get started, you will need: your social security number, parent(s) birthdate(s), parents’ date of marriage/separation/divorce if applicable, and your personal financial information (including a tax return for 2018 if you filed one, or your earnings information). You will also need information about a parent’s finances, which we will discuss when we meet with you.
Reminder: The annual SHS Scholarship and Financial Aid Information Night will be on October 7, beginning at 6:30 PM in the commons. Please mark your calendars! We recommend that all college-bound seniors attend this event. This year we have combined two important events into one. You will be able to meet representatives of some local scholarship organizations; get the latest information on FAFSA, Oregon Opportunity Grant and Oregon Promise; learn about financial aid and new programs at Lane Community College, and eat food prepared by our culinary folks.
Interested in applying to be a member of the Rhody Court? Don’t forget that those who are selected will receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Community Colleges don’t need SAT or ACT scores, but before you decide not to take one of them, please keep in mind that some scholarship organizations will want to see your scores from the SAT or ACT. We recommend that all college-bound students have at least one set of scores.
New Essay Contest
for Siuslaw High School Seniors
Name of scholarship: “Path to Your Future”
Sponsor: Jenil Nandu, PT, MsPT
How to Enter: Write an essay
· 1,000 to 2,000 words in your own handwriting
o What do you want to do with your life (professionally, financially, personally, socially, etc.)
o How will you achieve your goals? What steps will you take to reach your goals?
o What barriers might you face to achieve those goals?
o What can you do to overcome those barriers?
· You may receive help from your family members in planning the essay, but it should be your own work in your own words.
· If your handwriting is not legible, you may submit a typewritten copy along with your handwritten version. If you submit only a typewritten version, it will not be accepted.
Purpose of the essay: to encourage you to think carefully and deeply about your future and what you want in life.
Timing: Submit your essay by the last day of February, 2020
Scoring: point system (out of 100):
30 – Organization
40 – Ideas, explanation, creativity
10 – Style and voice
10 – Mechanics and grammar
10 – Appearance
Keep your introduction short but include some background information so the reader can gain some information about what motivates you to pursue your particular career and life goals.
Awards: A new laptop computer will be given to each of the top two finalists at the Siuslaw High School Scholarship Awards Night in May, 2020.
For more information: Contact the ASPIRE or counseling office.