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February Newsletter
Hancock County High School
It's FAFSA Time!!!
Seniors are required to complete the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by 11:59 PM on April 15th in order to remain eligible for TN Promise.
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.
Who is my FAFSA Contributor?
Contributors include: biological parents, step-parents, or adoptive parents. (Step-parent must be legally married to your biological or adoptive parent.)
Not a Contributor: Aunts/uncles, grandparents, someone who has custody of you that isn't a parent, etc.
Note: What is your contributor(s) did NOT file 2023 taxes? Your contributor(s) will need to create an FSA ID and give consent on the FAFSA form to confirm they are a non-filer.
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 will receive follow-up communication from tnAchieves via email. This communication will let you know whether your excuse has been approved and will outline the next steps. If your excuse is accepted, you will be required to view a mandatory webinar. This webinar will be sent to you via email on February 11th and you will be required to view the webinar by March 15th.
Upcoming Events
February 5th
FAFSA Frenzy (12PM - 6PM) & TN Promise Mandatory Meeting (3:30PM)
February 14th
February 17th
Guide for East Tennessee Foundation Scholarship Application
February Scholarships
East Tennessee Foundation Scholarships- Multiple Scholarships/Amounts Varies
Opens: December 15th Deadline: March15th
The scholarship application must be completed and submitted online. Attached above is a copy of the online applicant tutorial. This application may ask for Letters of Recommendation. The letters are uploaded directly from the recommender. Most students will also need to upload a Student Aid Report (SAR). A Student Aid Report (SAR) is an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information you reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
https://easttennesseefoundation.org/students/apply-for-scholarships/
Austin Peay State University Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 1ST
All students who have been accepted to Austin Peay are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.
https://www.apsu.edu/scholarships/
Carson Newman University Bonner Scholars- Amount Varies
Students admitted to the Bonner Scholars program at CNU receive a scholarship package in return for participating in an intensive program of community service and servant leadership development. Participants are called "Bonners" for short. They receive the following financial awards:
- $3,000 in service-based scholarship funds each year
- A need based grant for 100% of unmet financial need each year
- $3,000 living stipend at the beginning of each summers of service (this is awarded twice)
- $1,500 service awards at the end of each summer of service (this is awarded twice)
- $500 in professional development funds, awarded during senior year
Bonners also have access to the Community Fund Grant Program, a program that provides grants for student-led projects at non-profits. These grants have provided story books to children with learning disabilities, shelves for food banks, speech therapy tools for public schools, and furniture restoration supplies for non-profit thrift stores.
https://admissions.cn.edu/register/bonner2025
ETSU Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: MARCH 1ST
All students who have been accepted to ETSU are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.
https://www.etsu.edu/university_scholarships/application/
MTSU Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 15TH
All students who have been accepted to MTSU are encourged to apply. You must create your account first.
https://mtsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=1276
Northeast State Community College Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: MARCH 1ST
All students who have been accepted to Northeast State Community College are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.
https://lewis.northeaststate.edu/apply/scholarships/
Pellissippi State Community College Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies
All students who have been accepted to Pellissippi are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.
https://pstcc.academicworks.com/users/sign_in
University of TN Chattanooga Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 1ST
All students who have been accepted to UT Chattanooga are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.
University of TN Martin Institutional Scholarships- Amount Varies Deadline: FEBRUARY 1ST
All students who have been accepted to UT Martin are encouraged to apply. You must create your account first.
https://utm.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=1212
Walters State Community College Scholarship- Amount Varies
All students are encouraged to apply after being admitted. Use your MYWS log in to apply.
https://ws.edu/cost-aid/types/scholarships/ws-scholarships/index.aspx
Society of Manufactoring Engineers Scholarship- Awards Vary Deadline: Feburary 1st
Must be a senior with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Must be pursuing a degree in manufactoring, engineering, or something related.
https://www.smeef.org/sme-education-foundation-scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/
Modern Woodman Scholarship- Amount Varies Deadline: February 3rd
Must be a Modern Woodman member, covered by Modern Woodman life insurance or an annuity of of at least one year. Must have 40 hours of volunteer experience in the previous 2 years. Have a minimum of 3.5 GPA (Track 1) or 2.5 GPA (Track 2) and plan to attend an accredited two or four year college/university or a trade/vocational/technical school for the upcoming fall.
https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/modernwoodmenscholarship/
Modern Woodman Continuing Education Grant- $2,500 Deadline: February 3rd
High school graduates of all ages can apply for a $2,500 grant to help with their education cost. Up to 50 grants are awarded to qualified members on a first come, first served basis. The grant is open to all high school graduates - no matter their age- who want to continue their education including: current college students, those who took a gap year (or more) after high school, and adults wanting to go back to school, obtain a master's degree or earn a designation.
https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/modernwoodmengrant/
Jimmy Rayne Foundation Scholarship-$5,000 Deadline: February 7th
Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Foundation seeks scholars who demonstrate not only acaedmic strength but also leadership, community involvement, and a strong desire to overcome challenges. Successful applicants will show how they plan to use their education to achieve significant goals and contribute positively to their communities.
https://www.jimmyranefoundation.org/scholarship-about
Community Leaders Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: February 10th
Must be from a household with an annual family income of $100,000 or less and have demonstrated interest in service to their community, with history of volunteer work or other forms of community involvement. Must be planning to enter programs in the field of criminal justice or law enforcement.
https://www.aspencerlaw.com/scholarship
POET Never Satisfied Scholarship-$5,000 Deadline: February 14th
Open to students who plan to enroll in any accredited two or four year post-secondary institution. Available to students who are determined to go beyond "good enough" and align with POET's mission to create a brighter future. No specific major or GPA requirement.
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest- $6,000 Deadline: February 15th
Students must submit an original 800 to 1, 200 word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student's essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
https://www.sar.org/george-s-stella-m-knight-essay-contest/
UT- Chattanooga Westbrook Scholarship Program- $14,000 Deadline: February 16th
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announces this scholarship program which will award $14,000 (over 4 years) to as many as 7 entering freshmen majoring in Chemistry or Physics. Once awarded these scholarships they are automatically renewed provided that the student meets specific academic requirements. Student must have completed a course in high school chemistry or physics with an A or B, must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and must declare chemistry or physics as their major. A separate "Application for Admission" to the university must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions at UTC by February 1st. The completed Westbrook application (submitted online) and 2 letters of recommendation (emailed) are due by February 16th. Announcement of the awards will be made in middle to late April.
KFC Foundation Scholarships- $20,000 Deadline: February 17th
You must be an employee at a KFC restaurant participating in the scholarship donation program. Must be enrolling in an accredited trade school or college in Fall 2025. If applying for the $2,500 or $5,000 scholarship, you must have a 2.5 GPA or higher. If applying for the $10,000 or $20,000 scholarship, you must have a 3.5 GPA or higher.
https://kfcfoundation.org/scholarships/
Farm Kids for College Scholarships- $1,000-$2,500 Deadline: February 18th
Must be a senior who is planning to attend college for agribusiness, dairy science, animal science, farm business or any other agriculture related field.
https://www.nationalfarmers.com/scholarships/
Gordan A. Rich Memorial Scholarship-$50,000 Deadline: February 20th
Must be a graduating senior who plans to enroll as a full time student to pursuit a four year bachelor's degree at an accredited college/university. Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and rank in the top 20% of the class.
http://www.gordonrich.org/html/apply.html
Mission of Hope Scholarship Program- $3,000 Deadline: February 24th (PICK UP IN 316)
To become a Mission of Hope Scholar you must, complete the application and include a handwritten letter. Details of items needed in the letter is listed on the application. Must include 2 Letters of Recommendation from the Principal, Guidance Counselor and/or teacher. Include high school transcripts and ACT scores.
SEE MS. ABBY LYONS FOR THE APPLICATION
Optimist International Essay Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: February 25th
Open to all students under the age of 19. To be considered, you must submit a 700-800 word essay on the following topic, "Optimism: How It Connects Us". Students will need to create a FastWeb account.
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/5249-optimist-international-essay-contest
Owl Scholarship- $50,000 Deadline: February 28th
Complete your Scholarship Owl profile up to 100% to be entered in the scholarship.
American Welding Society National Scholarships- $7,000 Deadline: March 1st
You must be planning to pursue a bachelor's or associate degree in welding or a related skill.
https://www.aws.org/Career-Resources/Students/Scholarships/
Children of Warriors National Presidents Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: March 1st
Candidates for this scholarship must be a direct desecendant of veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Being a member of the American Legion is not required. Applicants must also complete 50 hours of volunteer service.
https://www.legion-aux.org/Scholarships/Children-of-Warriors
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Scholarship- $40,000 Deadline: March 1st
You must be a child or stepchild of one of the following: Active duty, Reserve, or veteran U.S. Marine. Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Price Legacy Scholarship- $2,000 Deadline: March 1st
This scholarship provides $2,000 for low-income, high-achieving high school seniors entering their first year of post-secondary education. Must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and come from an economically disadvantaged household.
https://www.bbpricelegacy.org/apply/price-legacy
Create a Greeting Card Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 3rd
The Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest is open to students who are 14 years of age and older. To enter you must submit an original design for a Christmas card, holiday card, birthday card, or all- occassion greeting card. All designs or photographs must be the original work of the applicant. You will need to create a FastWeb account.
Connex Foundation Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: March 10th
The Connex Foundation awards scholarship to individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades (electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC, carpentry), construction and/or facility management industry. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and have a history of active involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, or work experience.
https://www.connexfoundation.org/scholarship-opportunities/
Mission of Hope Trade Scholarship-$3,000 Deadline: March 10th
Must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and plan to attend a technical school for one of the following programs: Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Welding, Construction, Automotive, Industrial Machinery (Operation and Maintanence), Computer Aided/Information Technology, or Truck Driving. Student must apply online. The password is TRADEapp25.
https://missionofhope.org/trade-scholarship-application/
FEEA Scholarships- $5,000 Deadline: March 13th
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/
ASME Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: March 15th
Available to high school seniors who are interested in pursuing engineering degreees. Must be enrolled full-time in an mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology program.
Hagan Scholarship- $15,000 Deadline: March 15th
Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and plan to enter a 4 year university (online will not be eligible). You must have 240 hours of employment from January 1, 2025 to September 1, 2025 (employment can be full-time or part-time). Your family's adjusted gross income for 2023 must not exceed $100,000. Award recipients will receive $2,000 to purchase essential items for college. Award recipients will also receive up to $7,500 each semester. TN Universities that are eligible for this scholarship: Austin Peay, Belmont, Bethel, Bryan, ETSU, Freed-Hardeman, Johnson, Lee, LMU, Lipscomb, Maryville, MTSU, Milligan, South-Nashville, TN Tech University, University of TN-Southern, University of TN-Knoxville, University of TN-Chattanooga, University of TN-Martin, Union, and Vanderbilt.
https://haganscholarships.org/application/
Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship- $1,500 Deadline: March 15th
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 Marjorie Watson Mathematics Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 15th
This scholarship is intended for an incoming freshman attending the University of TN- Chattanooga who majors in mathematics. You will need 2 letters of recommendation affirming your mathematic ability (one must be from a math teacher). Must also submit an essay discussing your interest in a math degree.
https://utk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_555xuMFAGjBPvAG
University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: March 31st
Full-time students who plan to go into automotive, heavy-duty, or collison repair school.
https://automotivescholarships.com/apply-online
Heavy Equiptment Parts Express Scholarship- $500 Deadline: April 1st
Must fill out the application and submit an answer to the essay question, which can be found on the application page.
https://excavatorpartscalifornia.com/dozer
VMDAEC Scholarship-$1,000 Opens: February 3rd 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/
Appalachian Fair Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: April 10th
You must have been a participant in the Appalachian Fair within the past 2 years. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and submit 3 letters of references. You must also write a 200-250 word essay.
PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316
4-H Scholarships- Varies Deadline: May 1st
These scholarships are open to all 4-H members. The email provided when registering will be used to contact scholarship recipents. All required documetns are due no later than May 1st. Scholarships will be awarded on January 1st following the successful completion of one quarter or semester of college or schoolwork. Successful completion is defined as a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
https://4hscholarship.tennessee.edu/About
Judy Barton Tourism Memorial Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: March 31st
Must complete the application and submit a speech about why tourism is the fastest growing industry in the Cumberland Gap region and what does the region have to offer to the typical tourist family. You must present the speech before judges and parent on Thursday, April 10th.
PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316
The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: Varies
Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to an education student who exemplifies dedication to Right to Work priciples. High school students must have declared education as their declared major. Requires a 500-700 word essay, an acceptance letter or transcript, and a completed online application.
https://nilrr.org/resources/applegate-teacher-scholarship-application/
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.