Happy New Year!

Welcome back, seniors! This January, students should be working on college applications, scholarship applications, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is OPEN for the 2025-2026 year. For more information about each of these items, please see the sections below. Feel free to reach out to your school counselor or Ms. Helt, your college & career counselor, with questions about these important steps for senior year!

-The Counseling Department

School attendance is a fundamental pillar of academic success, and our "Attendance Matters" series aims to highlight its significance and provide actionable tips for parents. Regular attendance not only ensures that students keep up with their lessons but also fosters a sense of responsibility and engagement. Missing school can lead to gaps in knowledge, lower grades, and feelings of disconnection from peers and teachers. By staying tuned to our series, you'll discover practical strategies to help your child attend school consistently, such as establishing a morning routine, monitoring health, and addressing any school-related anxieties they may have. Together, we can create a supportive environment that emphasizes the importance of being present and actively participating in the educational journey.

• January 20: NO SCHOOL- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21: Pellissippi & Tusculum classes begin (Dual Enrollment)
• January 23 (12:00-1:30 pm, HHS Library): Mini College Fair
• February 14: Pellissippi field trip! (seniors only)
• March 3: UTK FAFSA priority deadline
• March 28: TCAT Knoxville field trip!
• April 15: FAFSA deadline for TN Promise
• July 1: TN Promise community service due for Fall 2025 (8 hours)

Join us on our visit to Pellissippi State Community College! We will get to hear from admissions and tour the Hardin Valley campus, learning about all of the programs and campus resources. The field trip is free to attend and only open to seniors at this time. Permission forms are due February 7, but we have limited seats that may fill up before this date, so turn in your permission slips to Ms. Helt ASAP!

Reminder: PSTCC is a TN Promise eligible institution, meaning students who meet all TN Promise requirements can attend for 2 years tuition free (that's a free degree)!

Join us as we visit TCAT Knoxville! TCAT is a trade school located about 20-25 minutes from Halls. They offer a wide variety of programs that prepare students for the workforce by offering hands-on and classroom training and certifications that can be transferred to a wide range of companies. Some of their programs include (but not limited to): Welding, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, automotive, collision repair, diesel technology, cosmetology, truck driving, dental assisting, surgical technology, practical nursing, & more! (see full list of programs here)

On the field trip, we will hear a presentation from admissions and have the opportunity to tour the campus and see the classrooms/workshops students study in. Permission forms can be picked up in college & career starting in February.

Reminder: TCAT is a TN Promise eligible institution, meaning students who meet all TN Promise requirements can complete a program tuition free!

Please see the college checklist below or click the "College Checklist" button for a PDF copy to use. Any student who would like a physical copy may come to college & career to pick one up. Note: this is a general checklist and may not cover every single step for every school. Please be mindful of requirements and timeline for school(s) you are applying to. Some schools have additional requirements (e.g. housing application + deposit, Self Reported Academic Record, institutional scholarship applications, etc.)

🍊 University of Tennessee @ Knoxville 🍊

• November 1: UTK Early Action Deadline + competitive scholarship deadline
• November 15: UTK Early Action COMPLETION deadline
• December 16: UTK regular application deadline
• January 17: UTK regular application COMPLETION deadline

🐦 University of Tennessee @ Chattanooga 🐤

• September 1: Scholarship application opens
• December 1: Admission priority deadline (for scholarship consideration!)
• February 1: Scholarship application deadline

💙💛 East Tennessee State University 💙💛

• February 1: Changemakers Scholars Program application deadline
• March 1: ETSU General University Scholarship application deadline

The Toolkit (below) provides resources to assist high school seniors as they complete college applications. There are video tutorials and links to each college's application included. Click the button below to access this document!

CollegeforTN.org has published a guide for senior year, and in it you can find all things related to college and career planning. Go to the link below to download yours, OR stop by the College and Career Center for a hardcopy!

NEXT Guide

We have created a spreadsheet with information about admissions requirements + scholarships for most East Tennessee colleges! Check out the spreadsheet for information about your institution's application deadline, admissions requirements, and scholarship information! Be sure to click on your school's bottom tab for scholarship information.

Already applied to college? The next step is to order your transcript. Your admissions application is not complete until the college(s) you applied to receive your transcript. Please click the button below to go to the Order a Transcript portal.

Follow the steps below!

PLEASE SEE MS. HELT IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND THE MANDATORY TN PROMISE MEETING ON DECEMBER 5, 2024.

TN Promise next steps:

• Create your FSA ID + have a parent create an FSA ID to prepare for the FAFSA opening in December (click for a step by step: english version, spanish version)
• Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA! Be mindful that after you have completed the student portion of the FAFSA, this does not mean your application is complete. In most cases, a parent must contribute to your FAFSA by completing a parent portion using their FSA ID. (For help, go to College for TN website)
• Complete 8 hours of community service and submit hours on TN Achieves website no later than July 1, 2025. See flyer below for more information on community service opportunities!

What is Tennessee Promise? Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program focused on increasing the number of students who attend college in our state. It provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institution offering an associate degree program.

Click the button below for more info on TN Promise!

The Federal Student Aid website provides great information on what the FAFSA is, basic facts about the FAFSA, who should fill one out, and how to fill one out.

The 2025-2026 FAFSA IS OPEN!

Students and parents will have to make your FSA ID (your FAFSA account) BEFORE you complete the FAFSA! Updates to the FAFSA require both student and parent(s) to create an account 3-5 days before beginning the application.
CLICK HERE to create your FSA ID now!

Already have an FSA ID? Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA now!

College for TN offers helpful information about career paths, colleges and college applications, financial aid, and more.
CLICK HERE to access College for TN's Financial Aid page- here you can find information about different types/sources of financial aid, connect with the East Tennessee Outreach team, and find more information under "financial aid resources" including financial aid opportunities specific to Tennessee!

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR SOME OF THE EVENTS BELOW. PLEASE BE SURE YOU CHECK INFORMATION FOR EVENTS BEFORE ARRIVING.

See What ETSU Has to Offer You!

Explore campus with current students as your guides. Hear from faculty and staff about academics, affordability, student services, and campus life. Learn why it’s great to be a Buccaneer!

Open House is a great first step in learning about ETSU and exploring your next steps in higher education. Join us for a full day of activities. This is not a drop-in event.

Link to sign up: https://www.etsu.edu/admissions/openhouse/

• What are creative classes like at Nossi College of Art?
• What careers are out there for creatives like me?
• What does it mean to be a college art student?
• How do you learn about the business of art & creativity?

Have you asked yourself any of these questions? Get answers at the Nossi College Preview Day!

Preview Day Itinerary:

Our event begins at 9:30 AM with a mixer happening during the first half hour. Enjoy some coffee and donuts, tour the campus and meet fellow creative students who are interested in enrolling at Nossi College of Art & Design.

9:30 - 10:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast Snacks and meet fellow creatives

10:15 - 12:00 PM | Project-based Workshops (can only select one workshop)

12:00 - 2:00 PM | Portfolio reviews, admissions one-on-one meetings

During College Preview, you and your family will connect with fellow high school seniors interested in attending Nossi College of Art& Design! Learn from industry professionals (your future Nossi professors!) by registering for a creative project-based workshop.

Space is limited, so we recommend RSVPing before space runs out!

Workshop Details:

We will be offering workshops in the following fields, please reserve your spot.

1. Photography - hands-on demonstrations in Studios A and B!
2. Illustration - Learn to draw figures with our model in the Anatomy Art Studio!
3. Graphic Design - Learn about the design process and see how web design impacts your daily life!
4. Video & Film - Learn in our Green Screen Studio and join in a famous movie scene breakdown!
5. Culinary Arts - Head to the kitchen and learn how to make something delicious!

What's Included:

- Art Supplies needed for the day

- Snacks Bar

- Workshops led by Nossi Instructors and industry professionals

REGISTER HERE: https://nossi.edu/nossi-college-preview-day/

Come see for yourself! Join other prospective undergraduate students on the Milligan campus and learn all about Buff Nation!

Available Dates: October 18, November 9, February 28 (2025)

You will receive a schedule a few days prior to the event, but a few things to look forward to will include:

• Admissions Overview
• Campus Tour
• Student Development & Financial Planning Overview
• Lunch
• Academic & Student Life Fair

To register, go here: https://www.milligan.edu/admissions/visit/

The Kiwanis Club of Northside Knoxville, Inc. and its associated Student Fund announce the availability of the Andy Hutson Service Award. This award is based on an individual’s service to the community and academic success.

The award is available to any Knox County resident who is or is planning on being enrolled in an accredited institute of higher learning in the coming year, and who has not previously received a scholarship, grant or award from any Kiwanis-affiliated organization.

The number and amount(s) of these grants is to be determined solely by the Selection Committee designated by the Northside Student Fund. Generally, multiple awards of $500 to $2000 are made each year.

Notification of selection will be made before the end of the Knox County school year. Applications must be made via e-mail to studentfund@northside-kiwanis.us by March 14, determined by the timestamp on the e-mail. Please do not submit via US Mail.

Three documents are required - the cover sheet below, the required list and narrative, and a letter of reference (which may be submitted separately by the recommender). No acknowledgment will be provided.

Once selected, distribution will be made directly to the recipient upon receipt of proof of registration and after studies have begun. A scan of your student ID is recommended, provided it clearly identifies both you and the school.

Questions may be addressed via e-mail to studentfund@northside-kiwanis.us.

Scholarship application link: https://northside-kiwanis.us/nsapp25.pdf

Requirements: Each student must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for the Chris Newsom Memorial Scholarship:

1. Minimum 2.75 GPA.

2. Provide documentation for 20 hours of community service.

3. Documentation showing participation at Halls Community Park at some point in the student’s life (athletic programs, employment, community service, etc.).

4. Maximum 3-page essay explaining why the student should be considered for the Chris Newsom scholarship. Qualities should include leadership, academic success, extracurricular success, and a desire to help others, all qualities that Chris Newsom showed.

5. Varsity Letterman

6. Research Chris Newsom at www.chrisandchannon.com

*Documentation must be provided on all requirements for the scholarship. Documentation could be as simple as a reference that can verify community service hours or participation at Halls Community Park. The deadline for entry for this scholarship is March 1st, 2025. All material is to be turned in to the guidance office. The amount awarded for the scholarship is $1,000.00. The committee has the right to split the scholarship if more than one student exceptionally meets all requirements or possibly award two scholarships.

Come to college & career for a copy of the scholarship application, or download it below! All applications must be turned in to Ms. Helt prior to March 1, 2025 for consideration.

To be eligible for the Henry Naff Scholarship, students must meet all of the following criteria:

• Plan on attending college starting in the Fall of 2025
• Have a true financial need
• Possess a desire and ability to complete a college degree
• Actively involved in community and school activities
• Have performed well in high school scholastically

If you believe you meet criteria for the Henry Naff Foundation Scholarship, please come see Ms. Helt or your school counselor.

Scholarships awarded by the Rotary Club of Knoxville and funded by the Rotary Foundation of Knoxville are intended for students graduating from Knox County-area schools (public or private) who have:

1. Achieved academic success,

2. Demonstrated commitment to the community, and

3. Established genuine financial needs.

The potential scholarship total is $20,000.00, payable up to eight (8) semesters in equal installments of $2,500.00 per semester, subject to the student making satisfactory academic progress in the estimation of the Rotary Club of Knoxville’s Scholarship Committee. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the college or university, and grades are required from the recipient at the end of each semester.

To be considered, applicants must provide all the information requested in this application. Incomplete or false information will eliminate the applicant from consideration. Finalists will be contacted and may be asked to appear for an interview with members of the Rotary Club of Knoxville’s Scholarship Committee.

The Rotary Club of Knoxville office must receive this Application and all required documents no later than (date TBD). This Application and all required documents must be returned in one of the following ways:

• ONLINE: https://www.knoxvillerotary.org/about-our-club/rotary-foundation-of-knoxville/2025-scholarship-application/

The Evan Richey Memorial Scholarship will award at least two $2,000 scholarships to Knox County high school seniors who will be attending college Fall 2025. The recipient's checks will be deposited directly into the attending college's bursar account in time for Fall 2025 registration. Money will NOT be given directly to the recipient.

By submitting your application, you grant the Evan Richey Memorial Scholarship the right to publish your essay in any medium.

Scholarship winners will be decided upon by the Evan Richey Memorial Scholarship Committee, and decisions of the committee are final. Winners will be announced by April 15, 2025 on the Evan Richey Memorial Scholarship Facebook page and/or presented to the recipient at their respective school’s senior awards day.

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must be a graduating Knox County high school senior in the Class of 2025

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Applicant must be attending college in the Fall of 2025

• Please print or type all application material. Illegible forms will not be considered.

• Include all six (6) of the required forms, letters, transcripts and essay. Failure to include any of these requirements will result in immediate disqualification.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must submit all required materials by March 15, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. Please mail all materials to:

Evan Richey Memorial Scholarship

12141 Couch Mill Road

Knoxville, TN 37932

Please include the following with your application:

• Application form

• Two letters of recommendation (NOT from a relative, preferably from teachers, coaches, Scout leaders, etc.). Reference letters must be sealed in an envelope by the writer and signed across the envelope’s seal.

• Copy of acceptance letter from attending college

• 400 word minimum essay on how cancer how has affected you (Perhaps a relative or friend had cancer--How did this affect you?)

• High school transcript with GPA at end of first semester of senior year

• ACT or SAT scores

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PACKAGES WHICH DO NOT INCLUDE ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE! PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED

Come by College & Career for a copy of the scholarship application!

Arconic Foundation is inviting children of Arconic employees to apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Awards may be used for eligible expenses at an accredited university, community college, or technical school.

Application link

Link to more information

Questions? Call (855) 670-4787

All seniors who plan to use the Tennessee Promise scholarship for 2 free years of education at a qualifying community college or trade school MUST complete 8 hours of community service each semester before the scholarship can be paid out. Seniors may begin logging volunteer hours for TN Promise NOW! CLICK HERE for more information about community service hours and TN Promise!

Below are some places that students in our area commonly go to serve the community. For a full list of volunteer opportunities in the Knox County area, CLICK HERE!

• Knoxville Zoo- https://zooknoxville.org/volunteer/
• East TN Children’s Hospital VolunTeen Program- https://www.etch.com/community/volunteer/volunteen-program/
• Covenant Health Teen Volunteers- https://www.covenanthealth.com/volunteers/
• Young Williams Animal Center- https://www.young-williams.org/volunteer/
• The Love Kitchen- https://thelovekitchen.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-form/
• Second Harvest Food Bank- https://volunteeretn.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=114157

Don't forget that you are allowed 2 college visits during your senior year that will count as excused absences! You must provide documentation upon your return.