January 2019
January 2019
** It is recommended that Seniors apply to all colleges that they are interested in as soon as possible! Check each college website for Scholarship and Financial Aid deadlines!
ACT TEST DATES
You will need to register for the ACT at www.act.org. Be sure to pick up an ACT practice packet in the Guidance Office. Testing dates are as follows:
TEST Deadline to Register Late Fee Required
February 9, 2019 January 4, 2019 January 5-18, 2019
April 13, 2019 March 8, 2019 March 9-22, 2019
June 8, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 4-17, 2019
July 13, 2019 June 14, 2019 June 15-21, 2019
Do NOT wait until the last minute to register as it takes about two hours to complete the first time! It is recommended that juniors who are planning to go to college take the test for the first time no later than the December administration. Seniors who are taking it for the first time should take it as soon as possible! The ACT is the test score that colleges in this area want to see.
When you are completing the ACT Registration Form, you will need to list the colleges that you want your score sent to. Make sure you are including your most likely choices in this list. Larger colleges like Ohio State, Univ. of Miami, and Univ. of Cincinnati are now requiring that they receive your scores directly from the ACT company as well as from your high school.
- You should take the Writing portion of the ACT at least one time. Several major colleges in Ohio are requiring it as part of your admissions package, and some use it for English placement. If you have questions about a specific college, see Mrs. Meyer.
SAT TEST DATES
If you wish to take the SAT, register at www.collegeboard.org. Testing dates are as follows:
TEST Deadline to Register Late Registration Closes
March 9, 2019 February 8, 2019 February 27, 2019
May 4, 2019 April 5, 2019 April 24, 2019
June 1, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 22, 2019
ACT Prep Workshop Available!
Fort Loramie High School is offering an ACT Prep class on Sundays starting on January 27, 2019 and finishing on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Time for the classes will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Deadline to register for classes is
January 15, 2019. The cost for the workshops will be $20 per session or $80 for all four sessions. Registration forms and information are available in the Guidance office.
ACT Prep Websites available!
www.March2Success.com (free)
This site is sponsored by the U.S. Army (if you do not want to be
contacted by a recruiter, just check “no” when registering—no obligations for
just using the site). Several students who needed to raise their scores for scholarships purposes have found it helpful in the past.
www.actstudent.org/academy (free)
Visit the official ACT student website and view video lessons, interactive practice questions, full-length practice tests, educational games, and other materials targeted to a student’s academic/testing needs. ACT Academy provides learners with a personalized study plan based on pervious scores from the ACT test, Pre-ACT, and official ACT practice tests.
www.number2.com/exams/act (free)
You can register at this site to take free Practice Tests and get other test- taking tips!
www.infohio.org (free)
Go to the Learning Express Library. Register as a student, and here you will find free on-line prep courses and free down-loadable prep books to help study for the ACT!
- There are also various resources available at a cost. Copies of some of these preparation books can also be found at local libraries or can be found on-line.
NEW! The Guidance Office has 2 new ACT Prep Guide Books and 2 CDs to loan out for your preparation! See Mrs. Meyer or Ms. Tennant if you are interested!
College/Scholarship Searches and Financial Aid Help
For good info about college searches and scholarship notification, you will want to check out the following websites:
www.EducationPlanner.com www.CollegeAnswer.com, www.KnowHow2GoOhio.org www.meritaid.com
www.admissions.com www.studentedge.com
www.CollegeBoard.com. www.anycollege.com
www.salliemae.com (free Education Investment Calculator)
www.bgsu.edu/offices/sfa (BG website offers short videos on financial aid topics)
www.christianconnector.com (request information & automatically be entered in $2,500.00 scholarship drawing)
Free Scholarship Searches! Register at www.Scholarships.com and www.fastweb.com.
Take On-line Campus Tours! Go to www.eCampusTours.com.
Ten scholarship programs that are available to Ohio seniors for the 2016-2017 school year can be found at www.studentscholarships.org/newsletter.php. More than 1 million dollars will be given out to students this year.
The “Need A Lift” book sponsored by the American Legion is available in the Guidance Office. It contains extensive information on scholarships for veteran’s dependents.
Playing Athletics in College?
Juniors and Seniors: If you are interested in playing athletics in college, you must register with the governing body of the athletic league to which the college you are playing in belongs. It is preferable to do this at the end of your Junior year in high school. If you are looking into playing at a Division I or II school, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter).
When taking your ACT or SAT, designate the NCAA as one of your “College Choices” by entering the code “9999”. The NCAA must receive your score directly from the company; they will not accept it from your high school transcript.
If you are looking into playing at an NAIA school, you must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center (www.playnaia.org). If you register with either one of these centers, please let Mrs. Meyer know so that she can forward more information to the sites when asked for it. Complete lists of schools and their affiliations can be found at each website. You are urged to keep in close contact with college coaches you may be working with to ensure a smooth transition from the high school to college arena.
2018-2019 National Service Academy Nomination Program
Regional Service Academy Information Night – March 12, 2019 the U.S. service academy coordinators for Senator Sherrod Brown and Senator Rob Portman will be sharing information regarding the application process for students interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Spring, Colorado and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This is a free event and open to students and parents. For more information please contact Suzanne Cox at Suanne_Cox@portman.sentae.gov or call (614) 469-6774. Further information is also available at https://www.portman.senate.gov.
Apprenticeships, and Other Job Opportunities
Sollman Electric – There are growing careers in the Electrical Field, and Sollman Electric has hired on average 2-3 students per year from the programs at Upper Valley Career Center and/or the Miami Valley Career Technology Center. If you are interested in pursuing a career in electrical construction field or questions regarding these programs, please contact Jeff Bertke at the Upper Valley Career Center at 937-778-1980, Robert Ewry at the Miami Valley CTC at 937-854-6237, Dennis Sollmann at 937-492-0346, or speak with Mrs. Meyer in the Guidance office about the programs offered.
Ohio Department of Transportation have possible job opportunities available. Applicants may apply online at http://careers.ohio.gov/. For additional information about the Ohio Department of Transportation visit http://www.dot.state.oh.us, or call 937-492-1141 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
College Fair and Job Shadow
Columbus National College Fair – This free event will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center located at 400 N. High St, Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, March 24, 2019 from 1-4 p.m. For more information email info@nacacnet.org or call 703-299-6851.
Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center Job Shadow – High school students interested in Healthcare fields have an opportunity to job shadow at St. Rita’s Medical Center. If interested in participating in this program, contact Laurie Nicholas at LJNicklaus@mercy.com, call 419-226-9461, or pick-up an application in the Guidance office.
College Open House Days
Colleges set aside days to feature or “spotlight” certain majors—kind of like an “open house”. To schedule college visits, go to the college’s website for information and registration. Listed below are some colleges that we have received special announcements about. Check college websites to find out about others.
Bowling Green State University –President’s Day Preview Day Open House will be held on February 18, 2019 28, 2018. For more information call 419-372-0107 or visit the website at www.bgsu.edu.
University of Findlay will be offering high school students that are interested in a career in pharmacy an opportunity to attend the V.I.P. days of learning at the campus on March 29, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. If interested in attending and/or receiving more information, see Mrs. Meyer in the Guidance office. Deadline to register is March 26, 2019.
Additional College Information
For descriptions of Private Colleges in Ohio, go to www.OhioPrivateColleges.com to download info
Common Application - There are over 300 colleges who will accept “The Common Application” to apply to their university. See the map in the Guidance Office to find out which colleges accept this.
Ohio State Lima Campus – Apply to the Lima Campus only using the Regional Campus application at www.lima.osu.edu. Deadline to apply of February 1, 2019; FAFSA is available after October 1, 2018, for the 2019-2020 school year. Need 30 semester hours and a 2.0 GPA to transfer to main campus after freshman year.
University of Dayton - If you are applying, they encourage that you attach a separate page listing your extra-curricular and service activities. Their admissions process is becoming more competitive, so providing information about yourself beyond the regular application may help your chances of begin accepted.
Bowling Green State University – BGSU has joined the Common Application. Students may complete the BGSU application or the Common Application. Students may apply for admission online at http://choose.bgsu.edu/apply/online. Freshman scholarship levels may be viewed by going to the Scholarship Calculator at http://choose.bgsu.edu/aid/scholarships. Application and credential deadline for freshmen scholarship consideration as well as FAFSA Priority deadline is January 15, 2019.
- Those students interested in the Honors College at BGSU may apply online at https://www.bgsu.edu/honors-college.html.
University of Cincinnati – Early action deadline for applications is December 1, 2019. Students interested in UC scholarships and the University Honors Program, must meet this deadline to be considered. The rolling deadline for applications is March 1, 2019.
University of Findlay – The University of Findlay will be offering their Very Important Potential Pharmacists program for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy. Students need to be dedicated to academics, have an aptitude for Math and Science, or are considering a career in healthcare. This program will be offered on Friday, March 29th. Please see the Guidance office for more information and registration directions if interested.
**Ever consider being a Court Reporter? Visit www.CIAmerica.org for information on the Court Reporting Institute of America.
Hauss – Helms Foundation
The Hauss-Helms Foundation was established to aid worthy students that live in the Auglaize/Allen Counties of Ohio area to continue their education past high school. The application is available on the website
www.hauss-helmsfoundation.org or in the Guidance office. The application must be filed no later than
March 15, 2019.
RAEBURN E. BARNES TRUST LOAN PROGRAM
The Barnes Trust is a low-interest college loan program open to any student living in a Shelby County school district. Students are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible, as their funds do run out. The last possible date to apply is March 31, 2019. Please stop in the Guidance Office for an information packet.
2019 RIGHT TO LIFE ORATORY CONTEST
All high school juniors and seniors who are residents of Shelby County or attend a Shelby County high school are eligible to participate in the Shelby County Right to Life Oratory Contest. Prizes for 1st through 3rd places are $300, $150, and $100 respectively. The winner will continue to the state contest in Columbus on Saturday, April 27, 2019 with the chance of winning a trip to the national competition on July 6, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina. The local Shelby County contest will be held on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sidney. To register or for more information contact Anne Schmiesing at
937-492-5584 or director@shelbycountyyrtl.org. Deadline to register is February 14, 2019.
2019 AMERICAN LEGION ORATORY CONTEST
All high school students are eligible to compete in this contest. The oration must be on some aspect of the constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government. Information regarding the contest is available online at www.legion.org/oratorical. For a copy of the assigned topic is available in the Guidance office. The county winner will compete at the district level for a chance to win a monetary award.
Scholarships
Shelby County Community Foundation Scholarship Opportunities – Approximately 175 scholarships totaling more than $200,000 will be awarded by the Foundation for 2019. The application is now available and is to be completed online at www.commfound.com. The deadline to apply will be February 14, 2019. Scholarships are available for Botkins Local high school seniors, with some being county-wide or multiple school scholarships. Directions are available online.
**Bowling Green State University - Freshman scholarship levels may be viewed by going to the Scholarship Calculator at http://choose.bgsu.edu/aid/scholarships. Application and credential deadline for top scholarships is December 4, 2017, and application and credential deadline for freshmen scholarship consideration as well as FAFSA Priority deadline will be January 15, 2019.
**Bowling Green State University Science and Math Education in Action Scholarships offers recipients $4,000 the first year with increases each year up to more than $5,000 the fourth year. High school seniors considering teaching either secondary science or math, or middle childhood science and math may be eligible for this scholarship program. To apply for these scholarships, go to www.bgsu.edu/action. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2019.
**Wright State University Lake Campus WOEF Scholarships – These scholarships are available to students that have applied and been accepted to the Wright State University Lake Campus. The Western Ohio Educational Foundation Scholarship application covers a wide variety and vast scholarship offering of over $200,000. Students are to apply at www.wright.edu/apply no later than January 8, 2019. Students may view the list of available scholarships and further information in the Guidance office.
**Wittenberg University Supplemental Music Scholarships – Supplemental music scholarships are available to students regardless of major. Students may apply for admission and sign-up for one of the 4 audition days: Saturday, January 19, Friday, January 25, Friday, February 8, or Monday, February 18. Admission application deadline is January 21, 2019 and Scholarship Audition request deadline is January 21, 2019. For more information, go to www.wittenberg.edu/academics/music/music-scholarship-audition.
Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation Albert Egbert Scholarship – Again this year all applications must be done by going online at the website www.wapakacf.org and filling out the common application found in the scholarship section. Answers given in the common application will automatically indicate to students’ what scholarships they may be eligible to apply for this year. The online application process will begin January 2, 2019 and applications must be received by March 31, 2019.
Pioneer Electric Cooperative Scholarship – This year’s scholarship will be awarded in four different increments to eight chosen students; one $2,000, one $1,500, one $1,000, and five $500 scholarships. Applicants must have a current GPA of 3.8 or better, will be attending a 2 or 4-year college/university, and whose parents are Pioneer Electric customers. Applications are available online at www.pioneerec.com or in the Guidance office. The application forms must be typed and submitted to Pioneer Electric by 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
January 25, 2019 and must be typed. Any applications received after this date, will not be accepted. After the deadline, applicants will be notified through their schools of their interview time.
B. Davis Scholarship - The creators of “Student Award Search Aid” are offering this $1,000 scholarship. Application and information are available at the website, http://www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm, and must be submitted online. Deadline for this scholarship is May 24, 2019.
VFW Auxiliary Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest – This contest is open to students in grades 9-12 and includes home-schooled students. In addition to local and state prizes, students ware competing for a $10,000 National Scholarship. For official application, rules and information, go to www.vfwauxiliary.org. Deadline is March 31, 2019.
Ohio Living Dorothy Love VolunTeen Scholarship – This $500 scholarship will be awarded to a Shelby County graduating senior that plans on enrolling in a 2 or 4-year college, and that volunteers at Dorothy Love and completes a minimum of 32 volunteer hours. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2019. For more information contact Betsy Naseman at (937) 497-6529.
WACE National Co-Op Scholarship Program – To qualify for this scholarship, students must have a CUM GPA of 3.5 or better, apply to one of the 9 universities that partner with this scholarship, and meet merit scholarship criteria at those institutions. The colleges participating are Johnson & Wales University, University of Cincinnati, The University of Toledo, Clarkson University, Drexel University, Merrimack College, RIT, State University of New York OSWEGO, and Wentworth Institute of Technology. Deadline to apply is February 19, 2019. To complete an application, go to www.waceinc.org. Early applications are encouraged.
Mercy Health St Rita’s Medical Center Scholarship – This scholarship is for those students interested in a career in the medical field. Ten $1,500 scholarships will be awarded. Application and directions are available in the Guidance office and the deadline to apply is February 22, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
Acme Baseball Scholarship – Students applying for this scholarship must have played at least one year of Varsity Acme Baseball and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applications are available in the Guidance office and must be returned to the Guidance office by January 28, 2019.
Ohio JCI Senate Charitable and Education Foundation Scholarship – This scholarship has two categories to choose from for applying. The first is an Academic Based Scholarship and will award two $1,000 scholarships. The second category is a Need Based Scholarship and three winners will be selected, with all three recipients receiving $1,000. The deadline to apply is January 11, 2019 and the application is available online at http://www.usjcisenate.org/programs/scholarship, or in the Guidance office.
Shelby County Ohio State University Alumni Scholarship – This scholarship is offered to students that have applied and been accepted to The Ohio State University, in the top 10% of their graduating class, have a record of performance in activities in both school and in the community, and recommended by the principal, counselor, or teacher(s) based on scholastic ability and character. Application is available in the Guidance office and deadline is January 25, 2019.
Austin E. Knowlton Scholarship/Denison University – Students that apply and are accepted to Denison University, will automatically be considered for this scholarship. First preference is given to students from Ohio and majoring in mathematics or the sciences. An award up to $5,000 is available, regardless of financial need. All Knowlton Scholarships are renewable annually.
BigSun Scholarship – The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits and offer a $500 award. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating. To apply, please go to www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply. Application deadline is June 19, 2019.
Monsanto America’s Farmer’s Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship – The Monsanto Fund is offering more than $500,000 in scholarships to students in rural communities who are looking to continue their education in an ag-related field of study and become the next generation of ag leaders. Go to AmericasFarmers.com for more information and official rules. To apply go to FFA.org/scholarships. The application will be available until February 6, 2019.
Midwest Electric, Inc. Scholarships –
Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship – Midwest Electric will award $2,000 to one high school senior for the Touchstone Scholarship. The minimum Cumulative GPA is 2.75. Students are judged on their essay, how well their activities reflect the Touchstone Energy core values of accountability, integrity, innovation and commitment to community, as well as their drive and dedication to achieving a college education despite personal obstacles or special challenges they’ve faced. The top applicants for the Touchstone Energy Scholarship will be interviewed at Midwest Electric office in St. Mary’s office on February 7, 2019.
General Scholarship – Midwest Electric will award $9,000 in scholarships to high school seniors whose parents are customers of the cooperative. The top eligible students, with a minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.50, will receive an interview at the Midwest Electric office on February 7, 2019. The judging teams will select six finalists – three male and three females. The top first place student will represent Midwest Electric and compete against high school seniors from around the state at the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives scholarship competition April 11, 2019 in Columbus, for a an additional $45,000 in scholarships.
NOTE: Applications, recommendation forms, and rules are available online at www.midwestrec.com, or in the Guidance office. Applications must be returned to the Midwest Electric office by January 15, 2019.
Auglaize Soil and Water Conservation District Agriculture and Natural Resources Scholarship – Students that wish to apply for this $500 scholarship must be pursuing a two or four-year degree in a natural resource or agricultural related program and must have a minimum of a 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average. Applications are available in the Guidance office and applications must be received in the Auglaize SWCD office by
4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2019.
Glen R. Kershner Memorial Scholarship – Students whose parent(s) are a member of the Universal 1 Credit Union and are planning to attend an accredited college or university, may apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Applications are available online at www.ulcu.org or in the Guidance office. Deadline to apply is March 8, 2019.
Access Engineering Solutions, LLC Scholarship – This is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to a high school senior that will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in the field of Civil Engineering, Surveying, or a related field of study. The application can be found at nkt@accessenglic.com or is available in the Guidance office. The deadline to apply is March 29,2019.
The Ray Ford Nurses Scholarship – The Jackson Center American Legion Foundation Inc., in memory of Ray Ford, administers this nursing scholarship program. The scholarships are awarded to those seniors who have demonstrated a scholastic ability with a 3.0 GPA or better, and will be pursuing a nursing career. This is a renewable scholarship and applications will be available in the Guidance office or by contacting Ron Leinger at rleininger@woh.rr.com with the following information: name, school presently attending, address, phone number, and email address where an application may be sent. Deadline to apply is March 15, 2019.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
Raise the Roof for the Arts Youth Volunteer Program – This new program is created to encourage the youth in our community to be engaged with the Historic Sidney Theatre and volunteer in their community. One Saturday a month, youth will gather at the Historic Sidney Theatre from 9-11 a.m. and jobs will range from programming preparation, cleaning, small renovations, and more. Donuts will be provided, and hours spent engaging with this program can go towards needed volunteer hours for National Honor Society or other clubs.
The Youth Volunteer Program will take place on November 17, and December 15. If interested in participating email office@sidneytheatre.com, or call or text (937) 710-5195.
Dorothy Love VolunTeen opportunities are now available for those interested in a career in nursing, social work, dietary, or marketing, this is an excellent way to discover interests. Volunteers will do things like walk, read, play games and visit with residents, to just name a few. Dorothy Love Retirement Community is located at 3003 W. Cisco Road, near Sidney. For further information, please pick-up a brochure and application in the Guidance office, call Betsy Naseman at 937-497-6529 or email her at bnaseman@dorothylover.oprs.org.
Wilson Hospital Teen Volunteer Program – Students interested in a medical field career, may volunteer at Wilson Hospital in Sidney, in different areas of the hospital. If interested, call 937-498-5390.
St. Rita’s Hospital Youth Volunteer Program – Students ages 14-17, interested in pursuing a career in a medical field may participate in the St. Rita’s Youth Volunteer Program. If interested, students need to apply online at www.
.com/about-us/careers/volunteers, choose Lima as hospital choice, or call 419-227-3361 for more information.