April Newsletter

The first week of April will be our final FAFSA push for the year. Reminder that students 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.

Seniors and parents can contact and schedule an appointment with Ms. Abby Lyons during normal hours for assistance with the FAFSA.

This month will be dedicated to helping each of you complete your next steps for college, such as registering you for orientations, housing applications, etc. Each week we will focus on a different college or university. Below is the schedule that we will follow. Please be sure to make arrangements to come to the school on your preferred college week. If your school is not listed below, contact Ms. Abby Lyons.

You will be receiving your award offers through your college student accounts. Review these offers carefully to make sure that you understand your potential out-of-pocket expenses. The financial award offers you receive from every school you have been accepted to will vary.

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:

We are celebrating YOU! This will be a day where we celebrate ALL seniors and your plans after high school. Whether you plan to pursue a college degree, earn a technical career path certificate at a TCAT, join the military or go straight into the workforce, we want to make sure we acknowledge you.

You must submit 8 hours of community service hours by July 1st in order to remain eligible for the TN Promise Scholarship.

Virtual Community Service

Students can complete virtual community service. tnAchieves created over 30 virtual webinars that can be viewed on their website. Each webinar will count as one hour of community service. You do not have to submit the hours for the videos as they will be automatically applied.

Note: You can only complete a maximum of 4 hours of community service using virtual community service webinars. All other hours must be completed in person. For example, you may watch 4 virtual community service webinars and then volunteer at the Shepherd's Corner for 4 hours.

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!

How to Submit Community Service

Before submitting hours, you will need to be sure to get a phone number and email address for the person who oversaw your community service. The form requires this information.

1. Go to https://tnachieves.org/community-service/submit-cs-hours/
2. Enter your name, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security number.
3. Fill out the community service submission form.
4. After submitting your community service hours, you will receive a confirmation email.
5. Submitting these hours is YOUR responsibility. If you need help with this, come by room 316 to see Abby Lyons.

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.

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

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.

Fraternal Excellence Men's College Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: Aapril 1st

This scholarship is available to any male, graduating high school senior who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program in the fall. Must also register for Selective Service.

https://foundationfe.org/highschoolscholarship/

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 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

Guild Giving Scholarship-$1,500 Deadline: April 10th

Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher and planning to attend an accrediated 2 or 4 year college, university or vocational-technical school for the upcoming fall.

https://www.guildgiving.org/scholarship/

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/

10 Words or Less Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: April 15th

Must be planning to attend college in the fall of 2025. Complete the application and in 10 words or less, write why you deserve the scholarship. You will also need to like a Facebook page.

https://studentscholarships.org/easy.php

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/

Redefining Victory Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: April 27th

Any student may apply, whether attending a community college, four-year university, or attending a trade school or certificate program. To apply tell them what success looks like to you and how this opportunity will help you achieve it. Must create a bold.org account.

https://bold.org/scholarships/redefining-victory-scholarship/#ref=best-scholarships

Lift Parts Express Scholarship- $500 Deadline: April 30th

Must be enrolling in college by Fall 2025. Must fill out application and write a short essay on how much you expect to spend to finish college, how you intend to pay for your education, and what you expect your job to be once you are finished.

https://forkliftpartstexas.com/forkliftparts.php

Glenn Yoakham Community Service Scholarship-$500 Deadline: April 28th (Pick up application from Ms. Abby in Room 316)

This scholarship is in honor of Glenn Yoakham, who served 28 years on the Claiborne County School Board, as Claiborne County Judge, who served two years in the Tennessee State Senate. This scholarship requires an essay and two letters of recommendation.

Education Matters Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: April 30th

Applicants must be getting ready to attend an accredited community college, undergraduate, or graduate program and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. A complete application for this scholarship must include: a resume with current contact information, an academic transcript, a 1,000 word essay discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the American education system based on your own experiences.

https://roachlawoffice.com/education-matters-scholarship/

Jeff Woods Memorial Scholarships-$500 Deadline: April 30th

Must be a graduating high school senior planning to enroll in an accreditted university, college, or trade school. You will need to do a short essay on how the scholarship will benefit you and will need a recommendation by a teacher or staff member.

PICK UP APPLICATION FROM MS. ABBY IN ROOM 316

Shawn Carter Scholarship-$2,500 Deadline: April 30th

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further their education. This scholarship can be used to cover tuition expenses and related educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to "give back" by conducting community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter scholars.

https://shawncartersf.com/scholarship/

TN Baptist Foundation College and Medical Scholarship- Amount varies Deadline: April 30th

This is open to members of churches cooperating with the TN Baptist Convention who have been residents of TN for at least 1 year prior to applying. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher. Household income must be less than $100,000 per year (or $125,000 for families with 2 children in college or $150,000 for families with 3 children in college). Selection is based on academic performance, financial need, and involvement in church and Baprist collegiate ministries.

https://tbfoundation.org/college-medical-scholarships/

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

Code WizardsHQ Educational Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: May 1st

Must be a high school senior with a 3.5 GPA or higher and plan to study Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). Must submit a financial aid award letter, a recommendation letter, and a 600 word essay on why you deserve the scholarship.

https://www.codewizardshq.com/scholarship/

LM Scholarship- $500 Deadline: May 1st

Must be enrolled in a degree program (2 year of more). Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit a 1,000 word essay about a situation you have been involved in or someone you know has been involved in where better safety procedures would have prevented an injury.

https://forklifttrainingcalgary.com/apply.php

Odenza Vacations Scholarship- $500 Deadline: May 1st

To be eligible you must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and submit an answer to the question of why do you want to be in college or at a university.

https://odenzavacationsscholarships.com/apply.php

PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships- Various Amounts Deadline: May 1st

This scholarship is open to students who are planning to enroll in a full time certifcate or degree program at a 2 year community college, technical school or trade school, with a major related to the plumbing-heating-cooling (p-h-c) profession. Approved majors are: business management, mechanical CAD design, construction management with a speciality in mechanical construction, and plumbing or HVACR installation, service and repair.

https://www.phccfoundation.org/foundation/scholarship-program/

Got A Spine Scholarship- $500 Deadline: May 2nd

To be eligible you must be attending a college or university in the fall, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit answers to the short essays.

https://arcticchiropracticfairbanks.com/fairbanks_alaska.php

Hancock County Farm Bureau Scholarship-Varies Deadline: May 3rd (Pick up application from Ms. Abby in Room 316)

Student or the student's family must receive insurance from or be a member of Farm Bureau.

HCBOE Scholarship-$1,000 Deadline: May 3rd (Pick up application from Ms. Abby in Room 316)

The Hancock County Board of Education awards one scholarship to graduating seniors each year. You must demonstrate good school attendance and not be considered truant by the school system. You must have applied for TN Promise and met the mandatory requirements for meetings. The scholarship will be awarded on Senior Class Night.

HCTA Scholarship- $500 Deadline: May 3rd (Pick up application from Ms. Abby in Room 316)

The Hancock County Teachers Association is dedicated to providing an opportunity for a continuous study of the challenges facing education. This is a one-time award to be given to a full-time, degree seeking, first year student of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university. Students must have a composite ACT score of 19 or above.

Dakota Blevins Memorial Scholarship- $500 Deadline: May 15th (Pick up application from Ms. Abby in Room 316)

Dakota was a student at Hancock County High School who lost his life in a car accident in 2015. To honor his memory a scholarship fund has been set up by his family to give each year to a Hancock County High School graduate. You must be in good standing with attendance, conduct and grades. You must also have volunteer hours within the community.

Review It Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: May 15th

To be eligible you must be entering a college or university in the fall and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The scholarship will be awarded to the best Movie Review submitted by a student before the scholarship deadline.

https://chiureviewsscholarship.com/reviews.php

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

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.

https://employmentboost.com/scholarship/

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.