Senior Information

Dear Parents and Prospective Graduates:

As you begin your processes of applying for college admissions and financial aid, the following information is given to you to help with these processes. Should you or your parents have questions at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me.

When choosing a college, it is important to choose one that meets your academic needs while meeting the costs you can comfortably afford. You will be offered credit cards (payments begin the next month), student loans (payments begin about six months after you graduate or quit college), and your parents will be offered parent loans (payments begin the next month). Keep in mind that if you accept the maximum amount of student loans each year, you will graduate with nearly $20,000 of debt that you - the student - are responsible for paying.

To keep debt to a minimum, it is important to apply for financial aid, scholarships that you qualify for, and plan ahead to minimize your debt. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed in order to qualify for scholarships at the college you choose. This cannot be completed until January 1. Mountain Empire Community College conducts workshops at Lee High School in December to prepare students for the financial aid application process. In January, February, or March, MECC personnel come to Lee High School to help complete the forms and can sometimes give the parent an estimate of what the family is expected to pay based upon their income information. If you miss scheduled workshops, personnel at MECC will assist you at their office. Students do not have to attend MECC to receive help.

In the meantime, you can apply for national and local scholarships. The following list of available scholarships is based upon scholarships offered last year. Other scholarships to keep in mind are scholarships through your parents' employers, national scholarships that are not offered through Lee High, and scholarships you discover through scholarship searches on the internet. Type the words Scholarship Search in any search engine and several sites will be available. The website www.FastWeb.com is most commonly used.

If you are not sure what your major in college will be, that's okay. You can enter college with an undeclared major. You will take core academic classes (math, English, science, speech, etc.) that fit in nearly any field of study. To help you choose some career options based upon your likes and dislikes, search the web to complete career interest inventories. Most are free of charge, and you do not have to complete any inventory that charges a fee. Lee High and Lee Vo-Tech have a career assessment - Kuder - if you would like to take an inventory with assistance from a career coach.

All scholarships are announced at monthly senior meetings. Scholarships are also announced over the intercom, and teachers receive announcements with scholarship postings. Many teachers read these to their homeroom students. Scholarships are also posted on the doors or in the classrooms of teachers who teach required senior classes. Applications and information are available inside the guidance office in a prominent place. Students may help themselves, ask for help, or have a parent come in for applications/information. Deadlines on applications and deadlines to have applications returned to guidance sometimes are different. In those cases, the number of applications from Lee High School is limited and a scholarship committee must be formed to determine which applications are submitted.

Transcripts are needed for applications to colleges and for scholarship applications. A request form for transcripts is available in guidance and the form must be signed by a parent if the student is under the age of 18 years. Each time a transcript is needed, a form must be completed. Due to the large demand in the past on the last day of school before Christmas break begins, guidance will not send any transcripts during the Christmas holidays. Only transcript requests made by December 17, will be sent.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 346.0176 or by e-mail at melisa.rasnic@leecountyschools.net.

Lee High School

Guidance Department

Scholarship Calendar

The following list includes all scholarships announced last year. As new scholarships come to our office, they will be posted on the bulletin board. Deadlines on this paper are not official and are subject to change at the discretion of the awarding agency. If the awarding agency does not have funds to award the scholarship, I sometimes am not notified. Local scholarships will be announced if funds are available and I am authorized by the awarding agency to seek applications. Other scholarships in the area are awarded without going through the Guidance Department. For instance, Lee Regional Hospital awards scholarships by seeking applications through announcements in the local paper. Remember to inquire to see if your parent/guardian’s place of work has scholarships for dependents.

November Scholarships 2019

❖2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Award: Applications are now open to honor students in grades 5-12 for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Students who have volunteered over the past year are encouraged to apply online @spirit.prudential.com or nassp.org/spirit. Deadline: November 6, 2018.

❖ Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Course: VESSS is a FREE program that allows high school juniors and seniors to earn up to five transferable college credits by engaging in a NASA developed course using an Environmental/Earth Science theme. Based on course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an all-expense paid seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center. Apply online @www.vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS . Deadline: November 11, 2018

❖ Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership Program: The HSLP is a two-week residential program that takes place at the University of Virginia. Graduates of the HSLP will earn three college credits from U.VA. Applicants must be at least 16 years old or have completed their sophomore year. Please see Ms. Graham if interested in being nominated. Deadline: 11.13.2018.

❖ Hagan Scholarship: The scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, designed to provide each recipient with the opportunity to graduate college debt free. The intended recipient is a high achieving, self-motivated student who will require financial assistance to attend college. For more information,please visit www.hsfmo.org . Deadline: 11/15/2018 at 5:00 PM CST

❖ Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) Program for 10th graders: Program is for 10th grade students focusing on the missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with a Summer Academy program at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. For more information, visit http://vscs.spacegrant.org/

❖ Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS): Program for 11th or 12th grade students focusing on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to Mars with an online course with a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. Students can earn up to 4 free dual enrollment credits. Visit http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/

❖ Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS): Program for 11th or 12th grade students. VESSS is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The students can earn up to 5 transferrable, free dual enrollment college credits and can also compete to attend a Summer Academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. Visit https://www.vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS

❖ The Gloria Wille Bell and Carlos R. Bell Charitable Trust: The scholarship is intended to provide scholarship support to forward the careers of students pursuing degrees in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or another related field at the University of Michigan. Please visit the trust’s website @ www.bellscholarship.org for detailed information about the scholarship in general, frequently asked questions, and the application process, including essay details.

❖ Jefferson Scholarship @UVA : One student in the senior class who best exemplifies excellence in the Jeffersonian ideals of leadership, scholarship and citizenship will be nominated to represent Lee High School. If you plan to attend UVA and wish to be considered, please contact Ms. Graham or Ms. Fortner as soon as possible. Application Deadline: 12.5.2018

❖ 2019 BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship : Seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA and have integrity are encouraged to apply online @ www.bbbstudentofintegrity.org . Deadline: 1.31.2019

❖ National CO-OP Scholarship Program : Apply online @ www.waceinc.org . Deadline:2/15/2019

❖ #Get College Ready: Wells Fargo provides information on preparing for college at wellsfargo.com/getcollegeready

❖ RaiseMe Scholarships : Students in grades 9 - 12 can earn micro-scholarships directly from colleges and universities for high school accomplishments. Join free at www.raise.me or download the iOS app on the App Store

❖ 2019 Governor’s Summer Residential Programs: The SRGS offer gifted high school students opportunities for intensive study in academics, mentorships, and visual and performing arts.Applications, information , and administrative guides for the 2019 SRGS and GWLA are available electronically through the Virginia Department of Education’s website.

• American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest”- For more information, call 317.630.1249 or e-mail acy@legion.org. Scholarships range from $500 to $18,000 for 1st place. Must have 8-10 minute speech on assigned topic. This is a national contest.
• American Legion Legacy Scholarship – for a student whose parent died in active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Deadline is usually in April.
• American Legion Scholarship—awarded by the local American Legion post; preference to Veteran’s dependent
• Auxiliary to Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital Scholarship – essay required, must pursue a career in health care, and appear for a personal interview. Deadline is usually early May.
• AXA Foundation Achievement Scholarship - www.axa-achievement.com; deadline is usually in December.
• Better Business Bureau Student of Integrity Scholarship Award – essay required; deadline is usually in December.
• Bill Gates Millennium Scholars nomination forms are available in Guidance. To qualify, you must be an African American, Asian Pacific Islander American, American Indian/ Alaskan Native, or Hispanic American. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.3 GPA, have demonstrated leadership qualities, and be nominated by the school. Deadline is in January.
• Blankenship Justice Scholarship Fund - must be a dependent of a coal miner or seeking a degree in a field reasonably related to the promotion of coal mine safety and health; deadline is March (a search online will give you more available scholarships; this is the only scholarship that sends information to Lee High).
• Burger King Scholarship - BK Scholars Program is accepting applications until February 1. Applicants must work at least 10 hours per week, maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need, and be actively involved in community service. Log on at http://www.haveityourwayfoundation.org/burger_king_scholars_program.html. The access key is BKS.
• Cam Matlock Masonic Scholarship - essay required; deadline is in April.
• Cancer Outreach Foundation Scholarship - student who has a parent/guardian or sibling who has/had cancer or have/had cancer themselves; essay required; Deadline is in April.
• Carson-Newman College has a scholarship in memory of Steven Rowlett. The scholarship is for a Lee County resident and has been unused for the past few years. For more information, contact the financial aid office at Carson-Newman College.
• CITE-VA Scholarship – student must be African American; Deadline is usually in April.
• Coca Cola Scholarship - www.coca-colascholars.org or call 1.800.306.2653.
• College Scholarships – every college has its own listing of scholarships available to qualifying students. These are awarded through the college and Lee High is usually not included in this award.
• Communications Disorders Foundation of Virginia Scholarship – student must be hearing impaired; deadline is in May.
• DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Scholarship—awarded and announced through local agency; others are available on the internet; various deadlines.
• Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship—available to a female who plans to enter the education field; Deadline in April; awarded based upon availability of funds.
• East Tennessee State University Roan Scholars Leadership Program – October deadline; essay required.
• East Tennessee State University Scholarship - student must major in engineering; The scholarship is valued at $2,000 the 1st year, $2,500 the 2nd year, $3500 the 3rd year, and $5000 the fourth year; Deadline is in March.
• Eastern Star Scholarship—awarded by the Local agency; applications do not go through guidance Emory and Henry College Greever Crouse Memorial Scholarship – Deadline is usually in May.
• Ella G. Agnew Scholarship—for a student entering a medical profession; due May 1.
• Employer Scholarships—Parent and student employers sometimes have scholarships available. For instance, Food City, Verizon, many of the coal companies, and other employers have scholarships available. ASK!
• Ford C. Quillen Scholarship sponsored by the Chambers of Commerce of Lee, Scott, and Wise Counties – must attend UVA-Wise or MECC; deadline is usually in April.
• Granville P. Meade Scholarship - deadline is usually in March.
• Harry F. Byrd Leadership Award – deadline is usually mid-November; essay required.
• Jack Kent Cook Foundation – awards scholarships to graduates; for more information search the www.jackkentcookefoundation.orgwebsite. No other information comes to Guidance; usually due in May.
• John & Lillian Richmond Scholarship – not awarded every year; dependent upon the availability of funds; deadline is usually in May
• Jonesville Woman’s Club Scholarship - student must reside in the Jonesville area, must not be a family member of a Jonesville Woman’s Club member; Deadline is usually in April.
• Keokee Alumni Association Scholarship – student or parent must have attended Keokee Elementary School; short essay required; deadline usually early May.
• KFC Scholars Program-- Lee County Education Association Scholarship - must enter the education field; usually due in April.
• Lee County Farm Bureau Scholarship - the student (parents/guardian) must have an active membership with Farm Bureau and plan on a career in agriculture; deadline is usually in May.
• Lee County Optimist Club Scholarship - essay required; deadline is in April.
• Lee County Redevelopment & Housing Authority has 3 different scholarships for graduates living in homes served by Public Housing or the Rental Assistance Program; Deadlines are usually in April.
• Lee-Jackson Scholarship – essay required; deadline to have the application to Guidance is usually in January.
• Lee Regional Medical Center Auxiliary—information is available through the Powell Valley News
• Maude E. Wallace Scholarship—any senior going into any field may apply; deadline May 1.
• MECC Scholarships, including AIMS scholars—given for GPA, particular courses taken during high school with no final average below C in those specified courses, and other factors determined by the college; students are considered for scholarships upon acceptance and attendance to the college; R. V. Chadwell Scholarship is available to a Lee County student entering the Criminal Justice program. MECC also has an Americorps program which allows students to work and earn money for tuition.
• Mercedes-Benz Scholarship – student must be a first generation college student (neither of your parents has a four-year degree); Deadline is usually in February.
• Micron Science and Technology Scholars Program Scholarships – minimum combined SAT scores on verbal and Math of 1350, or ACT Composite of 30; must major in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Material Sciences, or Engineering. Deadline is in January.
• National Commission for Cooperative Education Scholarship - www.co-op.edu. Deadline is in February.
• Patrick Molony Scholarship – requires essay; student must be a dependent of Lee Regional Medical Center employee; deadline is in April.
• Pennington Woman’s Club Carol Jane Fouts Scholarship - student must be enrolled in a two-year program at the Lee County Career and Technical Center and have completed his/her first year. Deadline is May 1.
• Pennington Woman’s Club Scholarship – deadline is May 1.
• Robert Byrd Scholarship – deadline varies; usually in March.
• Ron Brown Scholar Program – must be African American, list extracurricular/community involvement; no more than 500 word essay required; November 1 postmark deadline for priority; January 9 final postmark to be considered ONLY for Ron Brown Scholar program. For more information, www.ronbrown.org
• SAE Engineering Scholarships – must intend to earn a degree in engineering or a related science, meet minimum GPA and SAT/ACT requirements, for more information and application, go to www.sae.org/students/engschlr.htm.
• SAMMY Scholarship - www.whymilk.com; applications accepted for specified time; 25 winners in this nationwide campaign.
• Scholarship Program of the Virginia Golf Foundation Scholarships - http://www.vsga.org/article.asp?ID=3925; mailed directly to the scholarship program.
• Sister Anne Christina Trust Fund – essay required; students must enter medical arts field and attend UVA-Wise or Mountain Empire Community College; deadline is in March.
• Slemp Foundation Scholarship – Deadline is usually October 15; Renewable; students may reapply each year while in college even if they are not awarded the scholarship initially; Ms. Parsons must complete a recommendation form for EVERY student; the deadline to have the form to her is one week prior to the Slemp deadline. Application available at www.slempfoundation.org & guidance but must be submitted by postal service. NOW AVAILABLE IN GUIDANCE
• Southwest Virginia Alumni Association for Lincoln Memorial University – essay required; deadline is usually in April.
• St. Charles Alumni Association Scholarship - Applicants must have attended St. Charles Elementary School; deadline is usually in May. (There are two different alumni associations that offer scholarships).
• Steven Rowlett Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Carson-Newman – may be renewable; deadline varies; usually March or April.
• Sun Trust - Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes is now accepting online applications at http://offtocollege.info/. One winner will be chosen every two weeks from October 30 through May 14.
• The College of William & Mary College Scholars program –Deadline is usually November or December; essay required.
• The Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Virginia renewable - application is submitted directly to the state organization and deadline is usually March; essay required.
• The Society of Cincinnati in the State of Virginia History Essay Contest - the deadline is in February.
• The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Scholarships - General Scholarship is February 1; the priority deadline for the Chemistry Scholarship is March 15; the priority deadline for the Miner’s Family Scholarship is April 1, usually.
• Thomas S. Ely American Legion Scholarship - the deadline is in April.
• Toyota Community Scholars Scholarship – deadline is usually mid-November.
• University of Virginia at Charlottesville Jefferson Scholar – deadline is usually mid-October; essay required.
• University of Virginia at Charlottesville Scholarship - information, contact Molly Bass at the following e-mail address: mcb7k@virginia.edu or 434-243-9019; not available until Spring.
• VA Tech Joseph E. Harman Memorial Scholarship – essay required; students must have plans for a career in an agriculture related field; deadline is usually in April.
• Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts Educational Foundation, Inc.– one student is selected to compete at the state level for a $1,000 scholarship. Information disbursed through Jonesville Office (346.1658, Ext. 3) Must have interest in Agriculture and soil conservation.
• Virginia Athletic Trainers Association Scholarship - student must pursue a career in the Allied Health Profession of Athletic Training; deadline is usually April.
• Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association – essay required with bibliography; deadline usually March.
• Virginia Farm Bureau Scholarships – for students in four areas: male athlete, female athlete, academic activity, and courageous achievement; essay required; deadline is in March.
• Virginia Smiles Scholarship – for a student who was born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Deadline is usually in May.
• Virginia Tech Pamplin Leaders Scholarship – deadline varies; usually sometime in April.
• Virginia Tobacco Commission Scholarships – deadline varies; usually May with applications received March/April.
• Vocational Rehabilitation has scholarships available to students with disabilities. Patricia Gibson is our representative and contacts special education students. For more information, call 800.552.5019.
• Wal-Mart Foundation Scholarship - www.walmartfoundation.org; deadline listed on website.
• White-Williams Scholarship is available for a student with a disability who plans to attend MECC. Contact MECC foundation office for more information.
• Willard Brewer Memorial Scholarship –awarded to a student who plans on majoring in education; deadline usually in May.
• Woodway Ruritan Club Scholarship – Recipient does not have to reside in Woodway; deadline is April 1.