April Newsletter
Hancock County High School
Senior Survey
Finish the FAFSA Week
The first week of April will be our final FAFSA push for the year. Reminder that students 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 one more FAFSA Frenzy Workshop on April 4th from 12pm - 6pm where there will be help available.
College Ready Week
April 15th - 19th
This week will be dedicated to helping each of you complete your next steps for college, such as registering you for orientations, housing applications, etc. Each day 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 day. If your school is not listed below, contact Ms. Abby Lyons.
FAFSA's Are Being Processed...Finally!
We received word that FAFSA's are now being processed! This means that your schools should be receiving your FAFSA very soon.
Everyone will need to make sure to log in to check your status!!!
Below are some examples of FAFSA statuses. If you see a green check mark that says "Processed". That is great! No further action is needed from you. However, if you see the yellow caution sign that says "Action Required", we will need to make a correction to your form. This will need to be completed before your school can give you a proper financial award letter.
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:
Deadline to Watch Mandatory TN Promise Webinar- April 15th
If you did not attend the mandatory TN Promise meeting in January and you submitted an excuse form, you should have received an email from sunshine@tnachieves.org with a link to a webinar. If you do not see this in your inbox, check your junk box.
You must watch this webinar by April 15th in order to remain eligible for TN Promise.
Join Us For Signing Day
Signing Day- May 14th
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.
TN Promise Checklist
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.
- Go to https://tnachieves.org/community-service/submit-cs-hours/
- Enter your name, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Fill out the community service submission form.
- After submitting your community service hours, you will receive a confirmation email.
- 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
Community Service Opportunity
Upcoming Events
April 1st - 30th
Senior Exit Survey
April 4th
April 15th - 19th
April Scholarships
Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship- $1,500 Deadline: April 5th (Pick up application from Ms. Abby Lyons in 316)
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.
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/
Global Lift Equiptment Scholarship- $500 Deadlines: April 15th
Must be planning on attending a post-secondary institution in the fall and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Must also submit a short story. The instructions can be found on the application page.
https://usedforklifttexas.com/forklifts/9021/hyster_forklifts_texas.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
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.
Joshua Mabe Memorial Scholarship- Varies Deadline: April 29th (Pick up application from Ms. Abby in 316)
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.
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/
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/
Tyler Bell Memorial Scholarship-$500 Deadline: April 30th (Pick up application from Ms. Abby in Room 316)
Tyler Bell graduated in May 2015 from Hancock County High School. Tyler and three of his friends lost their lives in a car accident two years later. To honor Tyler's memory, his family has chosen to award the Tyler Bell Memorial Scholarship to a deserving student. You must demonstrate good school attendance and not be considered truant by the school system. You must have also applied for TN Promise and met the mandatory requirements for meetings.
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
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be expected to enroll in a degree program (2 years or more)
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and submit an essay question
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
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program-$10,000 Deadline: May 2nd
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program provides scholarships to nurse students in exchange for a minimum two-year, full-time service commitment at an eligible healthcare facility with a critical shortage of nurses. The scholarship award includes funds for tuition, required fees, monthly stipend, and other reasonable education costs (books, supplies, uniforms).
https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-scholarship/nurse-corps
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
NAGE Scholarship- $500 Deadline: May 17th
To be eligible you must be planning to attend a two or four-year college or trade/technical school. Your parents or grandparents must also be a member of one of the following: National Association of Goverment Employees (NAGE), International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO), National Association of Government Employees-EMS (NAGE EMS), or International Association of EMT's and Paramedics (IAEP).
ETSU Balanced Man Scholarship- $500-1,000 Deadline: August 16th
The Tennessee Gamma chapter of Sigma Epsilon is offering four one-time scholarships in the amounts of $1,000 and $500 to incoming first-year students for the 2024-2025 academic year who are planning on attending ETSU. To be considered applicants must be enrolled full time at ETSU for the FALL of 2024 semester. Applicants have no obligation to join or affiliate with SigEp to be eligible for the scholarship.
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.