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March Newsletter
Hancock County High School
Still Need to Complete Your FAFSA?
Seniors are required to complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by 11:59 PM on May 15th in order to remain eligible for TN Promise.
Seniors and parents can contact and schedule an appointment with Ms. Abby Lyons during normal hours for assistance with the FAFSA. There will also be two more FAFSA Frenzy Workshops where there will be help available until 6pm.
FAFSA is the key to unlocking free federal financial aid to help pay for your education beyond high school. The application is also required for various types of state financial aid including the HOPE Scholarship and TN Promise. Students and parents can attend any of the FAFSA Frenzy events (listed below) or make an appointment with Abby Lyons for assistance filing the FAFSA.
I Completed My FAFSA, Now What?
Additionally, these estimates only take into account federal aid and not outside scholarships or state and institutional financial asistance you may also be eligible for.
Your Student Aid Index (SAI) will be used by colleges to determine Pell Grant eligibility and your financial need. Each school will do its best to meet your financial need. Some schools may meeet 100% of your financial need, and other schools may only meet 10%- it just depends on the school and the financial aid they have available. You will need to complete the FAFSA annually because there are many factors that can change from year to year.
Your FAFSA should be processed by mid-March and will be sent to your schools by early April. Once your school receives your FAFSA, you should be receiving your aid offers.
Financial Aid Award Offers
Ms. Abby Lyons can help you understand your financial aid offers. It is also important that your parent(s) review the awards to help you make this important decision, especially since your potential out-of-pocket cost may be an important factor in deciding which school to attend.
After you decide which school to attend, carefully respond to that school's financial aid offer; you will need to "accept" or "decline" each component of your aid package. You can accept some offers, but decline others if you don't need it. Always accept FREE money first- like scholarships, grants and work-study. Think carefully, and review the terms closely, before you accept any loans offered, as these must be repaid with interest.
An example of what these award offers will look like can be found below:
I Wasn't Able to Attend the Mandatory TN Promise Meeting, Now What?
If you were not able to attend the mandatory TN Promise meeting last month, you must have submitted an excuse form found here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5012496
- They will only accept the form if you have one of the following excuses: participating in a school-sanctioned event (athletic event/practice), death in the immediate family, personal illness, conflict with post-secondary class schedule, conflict with religious observance, personal or immediate family emergency, conflict with work schedule, or lack of transportation.
Failure to do this, has officially resulted in you losing your TN Promise scholarship.
If you did submit your excuse form, you should have received an email from TNAchieves. If your excuse is accepted, you will be required to view a mandatory webinar. You will need to watch this webinar by April 15th.
TN Promise Next Steps
What Counts as Community Service?
Community service is time contributed to a nonprofit or public service organization. The community should be benefiting from the work you do! You can also volunteer in your field of interest to gain experience. This means that job shadowing may count toward your community service requirement.
Virtual Hours
You can complete a maximum of four hours of community service using virtual community service webinars. tnAchieves created over 30 virtual community service webinars. Each webinar counts as an hour of community service. Once you watch the videos, you do not have to submit anything extra, as your hours will be automatically applied.
To view these webinars, follow the link below and click "To View Any Of The Community Service Webinars Below, Click Here!"
https://tnachieves.org/community-service/webinars/
In Person Hours
All other hours (4 more hours) must be completed in person. For example, you may view 4 virtual community service webinars and then volunteer at the animal shelter for the reamining 4 hours. Or you can spend 6 hours volunteering for Shephards Center and view 2 virtual community service webinars to bring your total to 8. You have options!
What Does Not Count As Community Service?
- Tasks in which you are paid. This includes working at your job off the clock
- Volunteering for an individual (helping a neighbor with yardwork)
- Listing a family member as your supervisor
- Sharing your faith
How Do I Submit My Community Service Hours?
All community service hours must be submitted through the community service online form. After submitting your community service hours, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep in mind, it is YOUR responsibility to submit your hours. Your supervisor is not responsible for submitting your community service hours.
Community Service Opportunity
Upcoming Events
March 5th & 12th
On March 5th, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors will be taking the ASVAB.
Juniors will be taking the ACT on March 12th. This day would be a wonderful chance to tour some colleges or get those community service hours done!
March 14th
March 18-22
March Scholarships
Connex Foundation Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: March 10th
The Connex Foundation will award $5,000 to individuals pursuing a career in the skilled trades (electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC, carpentry) , construction, and/or facility management industry. Must plan to enroll as a full time student in the fall. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and have a history of active involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, or work experience.
https://www.connexfoundation.org/scholarship-opportunities/
Microsoft disAbility Scholarship- $20,000 Deadline: March 13th
Must be a current high school senior living with a disability as defined by WHO including visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, and/or speech disabilities or other disability. Must plan to enroll in a trade, 2 year or 4 year university in the fall. Must be majoring in one of the following areas: engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or related field. Demonstrate a passion for technology and leadership at school and the community. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Will need to submit an essay (2,000 words max) and have a letter of recommendation.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarship.aspx
FEEA Scholarships- $5,000 Deadline: March 14th
To be eligible you must be the child, step-child or have legal guardians of full or part-time permanent federal civilian or postal workers employed with the federal government for more than three years.
https://feea.org/our-programs/scholarships/
9/11 Promise Scholarship- $15,000 Deadline: March 15th
Must be a child of a fallen first responder or military service member, OR a child of a first responder or military service member certified as not being able to work. Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and two letters of recommendations. One letter must be from an educator, employer or member of the community familiar with you and your goals. There will also be two essay prompts.
https://the911promise.org/scholarships/
American Society of Mechanical Engineers- $5,000 Deadline: March 15th
Available for high school seniors interested in pursuing engineering. This will be for first year only (non-renewable).
https://asme.org/asme-programs/students-and-faculty/scholarships/available-high-school-scholarships
Horatio Alger Scholarship-up to $25,000 Deadline: March 15th
As one of the nation's largest need-based college scholarship programs in the country, the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs help high school students who have faced and overcame great obstacles in their lives. The Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need. It is a 2 part application. The application is not complete unless you submit the first and second part of the application.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled full time as a high school student in the United States; be progressing normally toward graduation with plans to enter college in the United States
- Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited public or private college in the United States (students may start their studies at a 2 year institution and then transfer to a 4 year institution)
- Demonstrate critical financial need ($65,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
- Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
- Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/93417-Horatio-Alger-Association
Morristown Hamblen Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship- $750 Deadline: March 28th
JBC Hospitality Center and Auxiliary at Morristown Hamblen Healthcare System will present $750.00 Scholarships to two deserving students in the Lakeway Region who are planning a career in the healthcare field.
PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316
Niche Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 31st
All high school and college students can enter to win. No essay required! Will need to create a Niche account to apply.
University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 31st
Full-time sudents who plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university or an ASE/NATEF certified post-secondary automotive, heavy duty, or collision repair school. No GPA requirement. Will need to submit a one-page essay about your career goals or you can post an optional short video on Youtube. You will need one letter of recommendation.
https://automotivescholarships.com/apply-online
Chief Petty Officer Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: April 1st
Must be a dependent child (natural or adopted), step-child, of a US Navy Active Duty, Retired, Honorably Discharged, Reserve or deceased Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Note: Students selected to schools under full scholarship will not be eligible for this scholarship. Students selected to attend military service academies including Merchant Marines or enlisted in the Reserves or on Active Duty are not eligible.
https://www.cposf.org/scholarship.
VMDAEC Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: April 1st
Your primary residence must receive its power from Powell Valley. A comination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks.
https://vmdaec.com/scholarship/
Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship- $1,500 Deadline: April 5th
This scholarship is awarded annually to graduating seniors who are wanting to attend college, university, or trade school. This will be applied to tutiton, fees, books and on-campus housing charges. A local selection committee of three to five people consisting of high school official and leaders of the buisness and/or professional community will consider applicants' scholastic achievement, participation and leadership in school and community activities, citizenship, moral character, educational goals, and financial need.
PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316
The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: April 13th
A $5,000 scholarship awarded over two years ($2,500 each year) to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with disabilities in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD). Students who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a LD, are encouraged to apply.
https://www.ncld.org/scholarships-awards/
The Anne Ford Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: April 13th
A $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year over four years) granted to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a full-time bachelor's degree program in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD). Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who also have a learning disability, are encouraged to apply.
https://www.ncld.org/scholarships-awards/
TN Baptist Foundation College/Medical Scholarship- Need Based Deadline: April 15th
Must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Must be a member in good standing of a church cooperating with the TN Baptist Mission Board. Must be going to be a full time student majoring in medical, dental or pharmacy. Household income must not exceed a certain limit and they will need a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report (when available). Will need to submit a one page testimony and a reference letter from a pastor or church leader.
https://tbfoundation.org/college-medical-scholarships/
Joshua Mabe Memorial Scholarship- Varies Deadline: April 29th
This scholarship was establised to help perpetuate the qualities of Josh Mabe, a hard-working, funny and caring father, husband, son, brother, friend and colleague. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Hancock County High School graduating senior. Funding for the scholarship is available by donations generated at an event hosted each year by Overhome Riders. Applicants must a have record of volunteerism in the community in non-school sponsord activities. Must have a 3.2 or higher GPA and plan to attend a 2- or 4- year college or technical school. You must not be considered truant. There is a 250-500 word essay.
PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316
Citizens Bank Scholarship- Varies
Fill out the form and submit. Your entry will carry over month to month, but if you want to increase your chances of winning during the sweepstakes period, you can enter up to once a month.
https://www.citizensbank.com/student-loans/scholarship.aspx?authuser=0
https://tengelaw.com/scholarship/
Employment BOOST College Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Basis
Must have a 3.6 GPA or higher. Must include a college acceptance letter, one letter of reference, and submit a short essay. Essay topic is dependent on type of major you plan on pursuing.
Helpful Websites
College for TN: https://www.collegefortn.org/
College for TN is a free one-stop resource for college and career information in the state of Tennessee.
Big Future: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
Big Future is a free online resource that can help you plan for college, scholarships, and explore careers. Plus, when you complete steps, you can earn the chance to win $40,000 scholarships.
Bold: https://bold.org
Bold allows you to search for scholarships
Cappax: www.cappax.com/scholarships
Cappax allows you to search for scholarships and more.
Fastweb: https://www.fastweb.com/
Fastweb allows you to search for scholarships, internships, and more.
UNIGO: https://www.unigo.com/
UNIGO has multiple ways to search for scholarships and explore various colleges.
Become: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/
Interactive guide that helps you learn about career paths associated with various careers and understand what it takes to get the career by picking the college/classes to climbing the company ladder.