The Weekly SENIOR Update

Happy Friday! What a great game today - Seniors vs. Staff. I was cheering for you all, it was such a close game. You almost won against the staff!

March is here, and here are a few goals you should have for yourself this month:

• Start reviewing your admission decisions and narrowing down you college choices for enrollment
• Evaluate financial aid and scholarship awards
• Attend admitted student days and events
• Track important deadlines for accepted collges (keep checking your college portals!)
• Submit housing and tuition deposits when ready
• Research and apply for local scholarships
• Maintain strong grades and stay out of trouble!

Here are a few standing items I would like to remind you of again this week:

• For those of you still interesting in considering additional college options for next year, if you are unsure of where to attend this coming fall, here is a list of schools still accepting applications: (scan down to see the lists by month) https://blog.prepscholar.com/colleges-with-late-application-deadlines-complete-list

• Each week, universities are continuing to update student's portals with decisions as well as financial aid offers. Students - please make sure you are checking the different university portals regularly for updates. The portal is also where you will find out if the university is missing any documents or other information to complete your application review.

• Students planning to attend NOVA can sign up now for our April 3rd Field Trip to the NOVA Loudoun Campus. Seniors- please fill out this Permission Form by March 22!! https://permission.click/9wEGe/int

• For those of you that are starting to receive acceptances, feel free to go into SchooLinks to update your application status.

• SCHOLARSHIPS! Tis the season to get started on applying for scholarships! Please visit SchooLinks regularly as LCPS Admin add new opportunities daily. Sort lists of scholarships by due date, and start writing:) Also scan down to the bottom of this email, I also add scholarships weekly as I hear of them.

• Note to students - if you were deferred from a college/university, please make sure to check your portal to see if there are any updates needed from you. Some schools are allowing students to add any additional new information you would like them to consider, or some just need you to update the application forms. Some universities will offer you a Waitlist option - make sure if they require you to commit to accepting a spot on the waitlist, you complete all necessary forms to ensure you are on the waitlist.

• FAFSA application has been open since late December! Students and families can login and complete the application. Please make sure students can create a login to FAFSA and create their FSA ID, and enter their parent (s) email information. Both the student and the parent (s) need their own FSA ID login prior to completing the actual FAFSA. (https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch).

Best wishes,

Lisa Wood

College and Career Specialist, Freedom High School

As a reminder: To find more information about Senior Class info (i.e. yearbook ads, senior pictures, graduation details, Senior Yard Sign, etc.) please visit the Class of 2025 Webpage for dates and other senior related information HERE. If you have any questions about graduation information, capstone information, please contact Mrs. Regina Greer, Senior Class Sponsor, at regina.greer@lcps.org)

Each year Freedom hosts a variety of panels for students to attend. This year, each panel will be focusing on different college majors our students are pursuing post-high school. Students, sign up in SchooLinks today to attend and hear from a variety of different professionals in their field. Hear what they studied in college, what types of internships prepared them for their different jobs, learn where they work today and what types of skills they need and use on a daily basis. Plan to attend and ask questions!

Seniors and parents, if you were unable to join us on Wednesday evening to learn more about Financial Aid and applying for FAFSA, here is our Video Recording and Mr. Zegeer's Slide Presentation. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Wood in the Career Center.

Sign Up for the NOVA 4/3/25 Field Trip HERE!!!

Attention Businesses!!

If you are looking to hire students this summer, please visit this page to learn how to sign up and attend as one of the hiring businesses: https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/2025-jobfair/for-businesses

We’re excited to share a unique career opportunity with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Air Traffic Control position.

Students can apply to join the “Best in the World” through March 17! This dynamic, challenging, and rewarding career offers no two days alike. To learn more about a day in the life of a controller, visit the FAA's YouTube channel, or click here.

For more information about job requirements and responsibilities, please visit FAA Air Traffic Control. When ready, students can submit their applications directly HERE!

Student Programs Team

AHR-400
Office of Human Resource Management

Federal Aviation Administration

studentprograms@faa.gov

Students interested in starting and or pursuing a degree at NOVA next fall, here is the Powerpoint presentation that was recently shared by our NOVA representative, Sam Ottenheimer. Students, Ms. Ottenheimer will be returning to Freedom several times in the winter and spring to help enroll students in NOVA, help them understand what classes they need to take and at what level, and also to help you select courses. I will share with you all in the Newsletter and in SchooLinks her upcoming sessions at Freedom!

Here is a calendar listing of scholarships promoted through Scholarships.com. Please visit their website for details! Most scholarships will be due in 2025, but it is not a bad idea to research and understand what opportunities are out there and what is required to apply!

And of course, ALWAYS search in SchooLinks to learn of local scholarship opportunities for LCPS students! Some are due soon, most will become available in January, but it is always a great idea to start looking now!

Scholarships-that-do-NOT-require-US-citizenship-or-Residency-3-25-19.docx

Leroy Collins Memorial Scholarship

For College Applicants

Scholarship Deadline Friday, March 28, 2025

Application turned into the Career Center Specialist at your high school by Friday, March 28, 2025. Finalists will be selected by the Rotary Club of Dulles International Airport Scholarship Review Committee and interviews will be held to make the final selections. Scholarship amounts to be determined based on available funds. Please apply if you meet these criteria:

Applicant Eligibility

• Candidate must be a graduating senior in 2025 and must reside in and attend a high school in the NOVA.

• Candidate must be attending an in-state college or university or community college in the fall 2025

• Candidate must be a legal resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Grade point average must be 3.0 or higher.

• Candidate must provide a statement verifying financial need.

• Scholarship monies awarded must be used in the applicant’s freshman year at college.

Applicant Application

• Application

• Financial Form

• Statement verifying financial need. Copy of FAFSA or SAR.

• Copy of transcript from high school verifying grade point average. Grade point avg must be 3.0 or higher.

• Reference Letters from 2 Teachers and/or Counselors in related field. (see letter recommendation

guideline)

• List of Virginia Colleges where you applied.

• List of Scholarship applied for and those received.

• List of Extracurricular Activities.

• List of Honors received.

• Short essay on why the scholarship is important to you.

• Short Essay How you exemplify the Rotary’s 4 Way Test.

Selection Criteria:

• Financial need. This is Rotary’s most important criteria.

• Strong background in community service & helping others.

• A 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) or better.

• Merits of the college program or curriculum sought.

• Ability and a sincere interest in pursuing a college degree.

• Consideration will be given to a candidate who is first in his/her family to attend college, but this is not mandatory.

• Applicants should show interest in community service and possible interest in Rotary.

• The finalists will be asked to attend an interview for the selection committee

Scholarship Winner Expectations:

• Winner will be asked to attend Rotary Scholarship meeting in the Spring 2025.

• Winners are expected to attend Rotary meetings to inform the membership of their progress.

• Winners will be expected to assist with scholarship fund-raiser.

Questions and Submit

Georgia Graves 571-237-6200 or georgiagraves604@gmail.com

Rich McCary 703-606-0107 or Rmccary2@outlook.com

Are you able to sew and love to create? Will you be pursuing an arts degree or certification? Apply today for the Freedom Only SewJo Studio Scholarship.

Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Freedom High School

• Applicant must plan to become a full-time student at an accredited college or university, trade school, community college or apprenticeship program.

• Applicant must carry at least a 2.5 grade point average

• An essay of no more than 500 words describing your love of creating - whether it be in textile arts, fashion design, costuming, etc. What have you learned along the way, what do you hope to gain from studying/majoring in a field that allows you to continue your passion for creative design?

• Include any photos of creations/designs/sets/vision boards you have worked on during your high school years.

• Due Date: May 2, 2025

• Application Link: Here

The men of Sigma Mu Mu (SMM) Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. appreciate your interest and invite you to participate in the chapter’s scholarship competition. We intend to award seven academic scholarships totaling $10,000 to deserving students. We will award Two $2,000.00 scholarships, two $1,500.00 scholarships, and three $1,000.00 scholarships. This competition is open to all college-bound, Loudoun County, VA, high school seniors except the sons and daughters of Sigma Mu Mu members.

1. Complete the entire application (Failure to do so will result in disqualification from consideration).
2. Sign the certification at the end of the application.
3. Include recommendation letters from three (3) non-relatives, including at least one school faculty member, who can attest to your academic work, community service, and personal character.
4. Include an official or unofficial transcript from your high school.
5. HERE is the application.

The Jeffrey C. Fowler Memorial Scholarship committee will once again be offering a scholarship to a graduating LCPS senior this year. The committee plans to award at least one $4,000 scholarship.

Applicants must complete an online application form, submit two letters of recommendation, and write a 500-word essay around the prompt “How My Passion for Sports Has Influenced My Life.”

The scholarship deadline is March 27, 2025.

As a note, the scholarship is not limited to just student-athletes but rather everyone whose life has been influenced by sports.

To help streamline the process, the entire application is online for both the applicant and recommendation writers: https://jcfmscholarship.com

In support of the continuing education of graduates in our area, we offer scholarships to one graduating senior of each of the Loudoun County Public High Schools.

The eligibility requirements must be met to be considered.

Criteria:

• Must be a graduating senior from a Loudoun County public high school
• Must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better
• Must be attending a two- or four-year accredited college or university
• Attach a copy of FAFSA
• A transcript must be included
• Two letters of recommendation

Incomplete applications will not be considered

Deadline: Complete application package must be emailed by April 30, 2025. Email to FalconsLanding-scholarship-applications@falconslanding.org & mjohnson@falconslanding.org

Application is in SchooLinks, and can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gee63K2cJAmzg487KECUtFJo_xkHpju/view?usp=sharing

The Men of the Beta Alpha Omega chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated (Northern Virginia Alumni) would like to present to you the 2025 Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Karl Roberts Sr. Scholarship.

A minimum of $500 scholarships will be awarded. All applicants must be a male, senior high school student who will be graduating from an Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fredericksburg, Stafford, or Prince William County, VA high school and has been accepted to a 4-year college university for the 2025/2026 school year.

All applicants will need to include the following documents with their completed application:

● HS Transcript

● College acceptance letter(s)

● Documentation of financial need

● Letter of recommendation

● Essay

Applications must be mailed and postmarked by 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 20, 2025 to the address below.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

Beta Alpha Omega – Northern VA Alumni Chapter

Attn: CSM Karl Roberts Sr. Scholarship Program

PO Box 706

Lorton, VA 22079

All applicants will be contacted during the week of May 1st regarding their final application status.

Here are two scholarships added to SchooLinks, search by name of scholarship. Here is link, deadline is April 3, 2025.

What are the Federal Water Quality Association scholarships?

Three scholarships in the amount of $2000* each are awarded in 2025 to encourage young people to prepare for careers in environmental protection by supporting studies leading to a bachelor's degree in applicable sciences or engineering.

Who is eligible to apply?

Graduating seniors from high schools in the metropolitan Washington, DC area and surrounding counties, planning to pursue environmental careers. (You must be accepted prior to receiving the award, into a 4-year bachelor's program in an acceptable field of study by an instituttion of higher learning). Acceptable areas of study: environmental sciences, environmental engineering, civil engineering, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or natural resource planning - other areas of the environment will also be considered.

How are applications judged?

By a judging committee of water professionals, on academic achievement and above all on the applicant's level of commitment to environmental protection (essay must reflect environmentally-related studies and/or service, leadership, and overall presentation including emphasis on science courses, relevance of program of study, and sincerity of commitment).

What MUST you send besides the application?

1. School transcript

2. SAT or ACT scores

3. Reference letter(s), preferably from a science teacher or environmentalist

4. List of extracurricular activities or brief description

5. Copy of letter of acceptance from a 4-year college, and

6. ESSAY (one page preferred) on ONE of the follow topics:

• How your own actions have promoted environmental protection/awareness

• Why you would like to pursue a career in environmental protection/pollution control; what factors led to your decision; and what you hope to accomplish through a career in this field.

• How your choice of extracurricular activities, elective classes, and non-science classes will contribute to your career goals.

Apply HERE or in SchooLinks

Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Freedom High School or John Champe High School

• Have attended Liberty Elementary School for at least 1 academic school year

• Applicant must plan to become a full-time student at an accredited college or university

• Applicant must carry at least a 2.5 grade point average

• Submit official school transcript showing current grades and cumulative high school grade point average

• Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher

• An essay of no more than 500 words describing an influential elementary school teacher, the lasting impact he/she had on you, and how he/she impacted your desire to continue your education.

Deadline: May 2, 2025

Application form: HERE and in SchooLinks

Submit: Liberty Elementary School

C/O Jodi Massack

25491 Riding Center Drive

South Riding, VA 20152

Or email to Jodi.Massack@lcps.org and Amy.Masters@lcps.org

Scholarships Tools for Success

This scholarship is for graduating seniors pursuing careers in trades and industry such as but not limited to auto servicing, auto collision, construction, masonry, welding, and HVAC. Students directly entering the workforce or pursing a trade school/registered apprenticeship program are encouraged to apply. Each award provides up to $1,000 to go toward tools or the cost of training that better positions them to work in the selected industry. (Due: April 9, 2025)

https://lefscholarships.awardspring.com/Home/ScholarshipDetails/372297

The Aldie Ruritan Club offers a scholarship rewarding a Loudoun Senior High School student for their accomplishments throughout their high school years and to encourage further dedication to being a productive, compassionate citizen.

This student is required to complete a questionnaire, request a staff recommendation and counselor recommendation. All documents should be emailed to the student’s Career Center Specialist by Monday, March 31, 2025.

Application can be found HERE.

Marks & Harrison, a law firm serving [Virginia/Washington D.C.], is offering a total of $4,200 in scholarship funds, with a top award of $2,500 for graduating high school seniors. This is an essay-based scholarship, and students have the option to submit either a written or video essay on the following topic:

💡 Essay Topic:
"How can we educate our community about the dangers of distracted driving, and what are some practical ways we can drastically reduce distracted driving-related accidents?"

Key Scholarship Details:

· Scholarship Name: Marks & Harrison 2025 Driver Safety Scholarship Contest

· Total Scholarship Funds Available: $4,200

· Top Award: $2,500

· Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Virginia or Washington D.C.

· Entry Format: Original written or video essay

· Deadline: May 2, 2025

· Application Link: https://www.marksandharrison.com/scholarship/

GOAL

To provide financial assistance to African-American senior high school students seeking to pursue undergraduate degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.

SCHOLARSHIP PURPOSE

The National Society of Black Engineers DC Future Innovators Scholarship Award was established as a means of recognizing and rewarding students who have demonstrated academic excellence as well as outstanding service within their communities. This is a merit-based scholarship awarded to students planning to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Several scholarship awards will be presented to students who NSBE DC feels will demonstrate the greatest promise as future African-American technical professionals.

The candidates that have been selected to receive the NSBE DC Future Innovators Scholarship Award will receive an invitation to the NSBE DC Annual Scholarship Reception in April/May 2025 to receive formal recognition of their accomplishment. Recipients will have the option of inviting family and friends to this occasion.

The NSBE DC scholarship is valid only for the recipient’s first year in college. It is not renewable for

subsequent years.

ELIGIBILITY:

● Applicants must be African-American high school seniors residing in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area (limited to Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Charles, and Anne Arundel counties in Maryland; Alexandria City, Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, and Stafford counties in Northern Virginia).

● At the time of application, scholarship applicants must have applied for admission to an accredited college or university in a degree program in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or applied science.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

If applying, review and follow the instructions carefully. All applicants will need to complete the online form, attach all required documentation, and submit their application before the deadline.

● A completed scholarship application form – answer all fields marked as required

● Attach a double-spaced, typed composition/essay describing the goal(s) one hopes to achieve upon completion of their college education. The essay should not exceed 600 words.

● Attach an official copy of your SAT and/or ACT score(s)

● Attach an official copy of your academic transcripts(s)

● Attach one letter from an adult who is familiar with your background.

• ● Community acquaintance
• ● Employer
• ● Member of a religious institution that you attend
• ● Mentor
• ● School official (i.e., principal, teacher, counselor, coach, etc.)

Applications should be submitted no later than March 29, 2025.

DO NOT ATTEMPT OR SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE (1) ONLINE APPLICATION.

The application can be accessed using the following url: bit.ly/2025futureinnovators Any questions or concerns, contact finance@nsbedc.org.

This foundation will be given to one male and one female student at Freedom High School.

Criteria:

• Applicant must be educated in Loudoun County.
• Applicant must be in the graduating class of 2025.
• Applicant must have played youth sports in Loudoun County. (played sports before high school)
• Applicant must be continuing education beyond high school.
• Deadline to submit: April 30, 2025

Application can be found in SchooLinks or Here.

Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honors organization, fosters and recognizes excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Each year, the D.C. Area Phi Beta Kappa Association (DCPBK) offers awards of $1,000 to deserving recipients living in the Washington, D.C. area. Since 1974, DCPBK has made this award annually to recognize outstanding local students and assist them with college or university tuition.

DCPBK will present an award of $1,000 to 4 students who display interest in the liberal arts and sciences, love of learning, and civic responsibility.

Award Criteria

D.C. PBK will evaluate the following criteria in selecting our award recipients:

1. The student must be a high school senior with a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

2. The student must show a commitment to the values and mission of Phi Beta Kappa, including academic achievement, community involvement, and a dedication to the liberal arts and sciences. 3. Upon selection, the student must provide a letter of acceptance from their chosen college or university.

The student must send their application electronically by 11:59 PM on April 6, 2025. The application can be accessed on our website or through this form. If you are unable to access the electronic application, please email awards@dcpbk.org to receive a Word document version.

Please feel free to reach out to awards@dcpbk.org with any questions.

National CCAA First-Year Scholarship is awarded to 16 randomly selected students from various geographic regions who attend one of our 117 member institutions in fall 2025. The scholarship was established to celebrate and promote Catholic higher education, and the National CCAA Board of Directors is pleased to help support students' transition to college.

The scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 award. This year's application is available here; it is brief and should only take students a few minutes to complete. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 1st. Award recipients will be selected and notified beginning in late April.

Further details regarding the scholarship and application procedures can be found here. We encourage you to spread the word to your students and parents about the National CCAA First-Year Scholarship opportunity.

The Taiwan Culture Center (TCC) of the greater Washington area is proud to sponsor the Taiwanese American Community Scholarship Award (TACSA) in order to enhance the relationship between Taiwanese American and their surrounding communities as well as encouraging and inspiring young Americans to excel in leadership, community services, and academic achievement. TCC Board of Directors (BOD) would like to invite all qualified senior students to apply for this scholarship before the deadline, April 15, 2025. All recipients are required to attend the TCC award ceremony to be held on May 24, 2025 at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Montgomery College (51 Mannakee Street Rockville, MD 20850) and receive the award in person.

The Taiwanese American Community Scholarship Award is open to all qualified students from all ethnic groups.

NUMBER OF AWARDS
There will be up to 10 awards of $1,000 each from:
• (3) Maryland
• (3) Virginia
• (2) D.C.
• (2) Taiwanese-American category

Judging Criteria

• Leadership (30%)
• Academic Achievement (30%)
• Community Activities and Services (30%)
• Essay (10%)

APPLY HERE

The Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA) Northern Virginia Chapter's scholarship application is now available for high school students who plan to attend VSU this Fall 2025. Students must be a resident of Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, or Prince William County to apply. Students can visit the VSUAA NOVA website at www.vsuaanova.org under Scholarship to complete or download the scholarship application. An informative cover letter providing additional details is also available at this website. The application must be typed and postmarked or emailed to us using the guidelines provided in the cover letter by March 31, 2025.

Seniors - check out this site, listing a variety of scholarships that you can apply to! Some are due soon!

Here is the March Newsletter!