Excelsior Springs High SchoolJanuary 2016Guidance & Counseling
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Dear Seniors & Senior Parents,
It seems this year is flying by! Don’t let your opportunities fly by, too. It’s not too late for all college applications, but the final deadlines will be here soon. Also, it is just the right time to work on your FAFSA, the first step in qualifying for grants, loans and work-study. Plan on attending theFinancial Aid Night (January 21st) mentioned in this newsletter for more information, but basically the FAFSA requires information from a student and parents’ 2015 tax forms and cannot be filed until January 1, 2016. You can estimate from your 2014 forms, but you would have to revise later and your aid would likely change. The easiest thing to do, if possible, is to do your taxes early and do the FAFSA early (by the end of Feb.) for your best financial aid opportunities. There is a copy of the FAFSA worksheet attached to this newsletter to help you prepare to complete the application online. If you are attending summer school college classes, you will likely need to file the 2015-16 FAFSA, too.
If you need more help with your FAFSA, we’re offering appointments on Feb. 11th from 1-5 PM. See more information in the Dates to Remember section.
Don’t forget to watch those scholarship deadlines! More and more local scholarships will be announced in the next several months and we must strictly adhere to those deadlines. Local scholarships are great because someone from ESHS is guaranteed to be awarded those scholarships, and scholarships are funds that you don’t have to repay, unless there are specifics mentioned in the announcement. Be sure to use the online applications though! Computer-generating and proofreading your scholarship applications gives you a better chance of being selected.
Graduation Requirements
Remember to keep an eye on your grades in classes needed for graduation. The counselors will be meeting with all seniors on January 15th – 19thto review credits and courses needed for graduation. A letter home will follow shortly after these meetings and will outline forthe students and parents exactly which courses and how many credits each senior needs in order to graduate. Please monitor your progress in these courses and contact the appropriate teacher(s) and counselor at any time with concerns. Please remember that 16 hours of approved community service is a graduation requirement, too. We have the community service forms in our office, but you should see Mrs. Stottlemyre (senior sponsor) with questions.
Dates to Remember
Financial Aid Night will be Thursday,January 21st at 7:00PM in the ESHS Performing Arts Center. This is important for everyone who will attend any kind of post-secondary institution. A financial aid expert will be here to inform students and parents on how to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and to answer any questions about this process. The FAFSA is a requirement for students expecting to access A+ money for school, and it is the gateway to financial aid resources such as grants, loans and work-study.
ESHS Parent/Teacher Conferences
ESHS will be hosting Parent/Teacher conferences on February 11th from 1-7 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to speak with your/your student’s teachers.
FAFSA Help
The ESHS counseling office is organizing FAFSA help for any parents/students who would like to bring in all their paperwork and complete a FAFSA on February 11th from1-5 PM. Please call the counseling office at 630-9210 ext. 2614 or 2615 to sign up for a one 30 minute time slot. Please review the FAFSA worksheet (attached) and make sure you bring all necessary documentation. In addition, if you could do your FSA IDs in advance, that would speed up the process. Try to file your taxes electronically as early as you can in order to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. It will make things much simpler and reduce your chances of verification later.
MCC Mobile Compass Testing
Students in the MCC Mobile Group will take the COMPASS test (if needed) on Feb. 25thduring 2nd – 4th hours. See your counselor if you are not a part of this program and you’d like to join. If you do wish to join, make sure you have applied for admission at . MCC will return again on April 12th for Mobile Enrollment in college classes.
FAFSA Frenzy
February – Various dates/times
Take advantage of this opportunity to get help completing your FAFSA form. All seniors and their parents are invited to FAFSA Frenzy, held at Kearney High School, NWMSU, MO West, and other locations. Check out the following website for specific dates and times:
ACT Prep Classes @ Missouri Western State University
5 Sessions: on Saturdays, February 20th. The fee is $120 which includes materials. For more information or to register, go to .
Need a summer job?
Wonderland Camp is looking for employees for the upcoming summer to work at a residential summer camp at Lake of the Ozarks for children and adults with special needs. For an application or more information, go to .
Lunch Visits
College & Military Recruiters
- January 19th – U.S. Army
- February 3rd – William Jewell
- February 9th – U.S. Air Force
- February 16th – U.S. Army
ACT – UPCOMING TEST DATES
Test DateRegistration Deadline
Feb. 6, 2016Jan. 8, 2016
Late registration for this test until Jan. 15th
April 9, 2016March 4, 2016
June 11, 2016May 6, 2015
If you still need to (re)take the ACT, you can, but hurry and register ASAP! When you register, be sure to have your scores sent directly to the universities/colleges that interest you. You can have your scores sent to up to four schools for free.
Countdown to Graduation!
- Battle of the Sexes – March 17th from 7-10 PM
- Graduation Announcements/Caps/Gowns delivered April 6th during lunch and April 7th before school
- Prom—Saturday, April 23rd at the Montgomery Event Center *you must have 90% attendance to attend Prom
- Community Service hours are due May 2nd
- Career Center Awards Night - May 2nd at 6:30 PM
- A+ tutoring hour logs are due by May 6th
- Senior Finals – May 9th and 10th
- Baccalaureate – May 11th at 7:00 PM
- Senior Breakfast/Slideshow – May 12th at 10:00 AM – *mandatory!
- Graduation Rehearsal – May 12th – after slideshow *mandatory! **tickets are passed out at rehearsal
- Senior Awards Night – May 12th at 7:00 PM – you will be notified if you are receiving an award
- Graduation Ceremony – May 13th at 7:00 PM, but seniors must be there by 5:30 PM
Senior Tidbits
College Applications –Remember to let the guidance office know if you have completed an application online, so that Mrs. Logston will know to mail your transcript. If you do a paper application, bring it in and we will mail it with your transcript for you!
Check out the following websites for scholarship and financial aid information:
- this site has 10 scholarships for MO residents only!
http:
Financial Aid Tips
- Watch deadlines.
- Get help - call your high school counselor, college admissions representative and college financial aid office.
- File a FAFSA early- even if you don’t think you’ll qualify.
- Apply for every scholarship you qualify for.
- Avoid scholarship scams – never pay money for a scholarship search. This information is available for free on the internet.
- Register with free scholarship websites.
- Computer generate scholarship applications! Handwritten applications often look sloppy.
- Have a trusted adult proof-read your applications/essays. Give them time and a copy they can mark on.
Midwest Student Exchange Program
MHEC is a program that enables residents from Missouri to enroll in designated institutions and programs in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin at reduced tuition levels. The goal is to provide more affordable educational opportunities for students to attend out-of-state institutions. Check out the following website for more information:
AMDA College & Conservatory of the Performing Arts will hold auditions for their New York and Los Angeles campuses in Kansas City on Jan. 30th & March 12th. See a counselor for more information.
Missouri Cadet Patrol Academy
Students interested in careers in criminal justice should consider applying for the Missouri Cadet Patrol Academy. This program is from June12th – June17th in Jefferson City. Applicants must be 16-18 years old and must have at least a 2.0 GPA. There is a $450, but our local American Legion can cover this in part. See a counselor for more information. Applications are due to the guidance office by Feb. 10, 2016.
Eagle Scout of the Year
Eagle Scouts should consider applying for the Eagle Scout of the Year award which can result in a $10,000 scholarship. See your Scout Unit Leader asap for deadlines and more information.
Construction Craft Laborers Apprenticeship Program
Applications accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 – 10:00 AM at the Greater Kansas City Laborers Training Center, 8944 Kaw Drive, Kansas City, KS 66111. Call (913) 441-6100 for more information. These are paid apprenticeship programs that can be entered with a high school diploma.
College Visit Days
Many universities still have special days set aside for you to visit their campuses this spring. Take advantage of any scheduled days with no school for ESHS to make any last minute visits. See college websites or call the admissions offices for more information. See your counselor if you need any help.
College/University Scholarships
Many universities offer competitive, academic scholarships for students who apply early. Sometimes these applications are automatic with your admissions application and some require additional applications. Check with the universities that you are interested in for the various scholarships that you may qualify for.
UMKC has a new A+ scholarship. You must apply for admission before January 15th and complete a separate application. Go to go.umkc.edu/scholarships for more information.
Metropolitan Community Colleges offer a number of scholarships. Check the website .
Northwest Missouri State University offers music scholarships through audition days, one of which will be Feb. 20th at Park Hill High School. More information can be found at
Cottey College – several scholarships are offered through P.E.O. International. Visit to find out about their Cottey College scholarships and others.
Park University offers a $3,000 a year scholarship for A+ qualified students who have at least a 3.25 GPA & at least a 21 composite score on the ACT. For more information go to
Missouri Valley Collegehas two 4-year scholarships for English majors. You must first be accepted for admission and scholarship essays are due by Feb. 15, 2016. For more information, please go to .
University of St. Mary has a new STEM Scholars program offering scholarships up to $10,000.
Other Scholarships
These are just some of the available scholarships out there and that have been sent to us. Be proactive and do your own search, too! Also, watch our due dates! Sometimes, for processing and mailing time, we have the scholarships due to us earlier than the dates on the applications. Remember to computer-generate your applications and have someone proofread them for you!
Robert J. Stuckey Essay Contest ($1,500 – 250) NEW!
ESHS can nominate one student for this essay contest, which requires an essay of 1,200 -1,500 words on one or more aspects of books and reading. More information can be found at library.missouri.edu/giving3/friends-of-the-mu-libraries/stuckey-essay-contest/ and submissions must be turned in by January 22, 2016.
Excelsior Springs Optimist Club Essay Contest
This contest is open to students under the age of 18 as of 10/15/15 and requires an essay of 700-800 words. The topic of the essay must be, “Lead by Example: Reality or Fiction.” Essay/application materials are available in the guidance office and are due by Jan. 25, 2016.
John Dennis Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship ($1,000) NEW!
This scholarship is for criminal justice majors who will be attending a Missouri college or university. Applicants must be in good standing with their school, have a good reference from their school counselor, demonstrate financial need, have a 2.0 GPA or greater, and be active in extra-curricular activities. Applications are online at and must be in to the guidance office by January 27th or to MSA by January 31, 2016.
MSPE Western Chapter Scholarship ($1500) NEW!
Seniors interested in engineering should apply for this scholarship. Eligibility requirements include a
minimum 3.0 GPA, minimum ACT subscores of 29 in math and 25 in English, enrollment in an ABET-EAC accredited program. Letters of recommendation and an essay are required. Applications are available at . All materials must be submitted to MSPE by Feb. 1, 2016 or to the guidance office by Jan.28, 2016, if we’re mailing it for you.
Elks Legacy Award ($1,000 X4 yrs renewable)
Any senior who is a child, grandchild, step-child, step-grandchild or legal ward of a living Elk member who joined on or before April 1, 2012 is eligible to apply. You must take the ACT or SAT by Dec. 31st. More information and applications are available at and must be submitted online by January 29, 2016.
Engineer Girl! Food Engineering Essay Contest ($1000 $500) – NEW!
Write an essay of no more than 1500 words on engineering responsibility. Male or female students may enter this contest. Submit your essay online at by February 1, 2016. See a complete list of essay requirements on the website.
James L. & Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship (tuition, books & supplies for 2015-16) NEW!
Missouri seniors planning on attending a four-year university and who have at least a 2.5 GPA and a family
gross income of $50,000 or less should consider applying for this scholarship. For additional information and a link to the application, visit sms.scholarshipamerica.org/westlake Application submission deadline is February 1, 2016.
America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship ($1,500) NEW!
This scholarship is for seniors planning to pursue a degree in an agriculture-related field. To be eligible, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be endorsed by three farmers. For more information and to apply, go to . You must apply online by Feb. 1, 2016.
AXA Achievement Community Scholarship ($2,000) NEW!
This scholarship is designed for seniors who are active in community service and plan to attend a two-year or four-year college. Apply online at by Feb. 1, 2016.
Kindest Kansas Citian Contest ($250 to a major retail store)
Synergy Services is once again proud to announce the Kindest Kansas Citian contest. Students are invited to write an essay or make a video about a non-family member who has made a difference to them personally. Top prize is $250 to a major retail store. Forms are available in the guidance office and must be turned in to us by Feb. 3, 2016.
EWISP Scholarship ($3,500) NEW
ESHS can have one nominee for this scholarship. Any senior with at least a 3.0 GPA can apply. This application must include two letters of reference and an essay. Please pick up an application in the counseling office and return it by Feb. 10, 2016.
Knights of Columbus – NEW!
The Knights of Columbus have several scholarships available for students who have a parent who is a member. Applications are available online at or in the guidance office and are due to us for processing by Feb. 10 or postmarked by February 15, 2016, if you are mailing it yourself.
Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers Scholarship ($1,000) NEW!
Students who are children of Ray-Carroll members or members of Ray-Carroll themselves may apply for this scholarship. Applications, essays and recommendation letters are due to the counseling office by February 10, 2016 or to the RCCGG office by Feb. 16, 2016.
Hy-Vee Foundation Scholarship ($1,000)
Students who are employed by Hy-Vee (or their parents are) are eligible for this scholarship. Go to for the application. Applications are due to the guidance office by Feb. 8, 2016, or to thefoundation by Feb. 10, 2016.
Mediacom World Class Scholarship ($1000)
Mediacom is offering this scholarship to seniors in the North Central Division. The scholarship is based on academic performance, leadership and financial need. Applications are available in the guidance office or online at and are due to the guidance office by February 10,2016, if we’re mailing it for you.
NCCE Partner Colleges- Merit Co-Op Scholarships Application deadline Feb. 15, 2016 – For students attending Clarkson University, Drexel U, Johnson & Wales U, Merrimack College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Oswego, U of Cincinnati, U of Toledo, U of Massachusetts– Lowell, or Wenworth Institute of Technology. Students must have atleast a 3.5 cumulative GPA and complete all required admissions materials at one of the institutions listed above. To complete this scholarship please visit
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative Scholarship ($1,000)
Scholarships will be available to undergraduate students attending school while pursuing a degree in the electric power industry. Requirements include a GPA of 2.5 or higher, two letters of recommendation, a one-page essay and a digital photo and applicant or applicant’s family must be a member of PCEC. Applications are available online at and must be postmarked by February 16, 2016.
Elizabeth Spellman Scholarship ($1,000) REGIONAL! NEW!
Students from Clay, Platte or Clinton counties are eligible to apply for this scholarship for students going into a health-related career. Applications are available on the ESHS website and are due to us by Feb. 17, 2016, if we’re mailing it for you.
Kansas City Associated Equipment Distributors Scholarship ($1,000) – NEW!
Students interested in pursuing a certificate or associates degree program in the areas of diesel mechanics or heavy equipment repair should apply for this scholarship. Applicants must enroll to be full-time students and must have a minimum 2.5 high school cumulative GPA. Applications are available in the guidance office and are due to us by February 25, 2016, or must be post-marked by March 1, 2016, if you mail it yourself.
Tip Top Tux Formal Education Scholarship ($1,000-5,000) NEW!
Tip Top Tux in Zona Rosa is offering these scholarships to any seniors continuing their education after high school. Applications are available online at
and are due to the guidance office by February 25, 2016, if we’re mailing it for you.
MO Society of Certified Public Accountants ($500) NEW!
Seniors interested in becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) should apply for this scholarship. This award is based on academics, leadership and an essay. Applicants must attend a college/university in Missouri. To apply, go to . Applications will be accepted through February 26, 2016.