Ft. Recovery High School
Guidance/Scholarship Newsletter / September-October 2016

Mrs. Amy Kaiser, FRHS Guidance Counselor

General News

You may notice that the Guidance/Scholarship Newsletter is shorter this year (than in the past). In an effort to better communicate with students and parents, I am planning to share a lot of information via the Fort Site Journal and the Principal’s Monthly Newsletter this year!

Juniors interested in taking the PSAT must see Mrs. Kaiser. Cost is $15, and the test will be given on October 14.

Students and parents can receive FREE assistance completing their FAFSA at College Goal Sunday at the John Jay Center for Learning on: Sunday, November 13th, 2016 and Sunday, February 12th, 2017, both from2-4pm.

The Mercer County STOP group is seeking new members! “Students Teaching Others Prevention” is a group where high school students can meet new friends who can support them in times of negative peer pressure. The STOP group comes together to learn about ways to stand strong in their belief not to use alcohol, tobacco, drugs, as well as help prevent bullying and suicide. NEW members are welcome! You can participate if you are drug free or want to be encouraged to start over. Contact Laura Sanford at 419-584-1000 for more information. See Mrs. Billenstein for the dates of upcoming STOP meetings!

~~~~~~~ COLLEGE and CAREER Info ~~~~~~~

Edison State in Greenville

Now offers an Agribusiness program, Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture

Interested students should contact the Darke County Campus at937-548-5546to set up an appointment with a Success Advisor.

See the following link for more info!

Vocational:

  1. There is a need for skilled labor positions (construction, pipe fitting, sheet metal, electricians, ironworkers, HVAC, heavy equipment operators/engineers, cement and masonry, etc.). See Mrs. Kaiser for more information on Apprenticeship Programs and how to earn a Journeyman’s Card.
  2. Manufacturing Careers are in high demand in our area. An increasing number of high-tech jobs are unfilled because the demand is so great. Electricians, Welders, Engineers, etc. are needed. Twenty-five percent of the workforce in West Central Ohio is in manufacturing. The median wage for skilled trades/manufacturing is $50,000 per year.
  3. Interested in earning a CDL? Clark State Community College offers several programs for CDL drivers (as well as other specialty areas). Call 866.CDL.4185 or visit
  4. Apollo Career Center (Lima) offers many adult-education classes and certification programs in skilled trades. Call Doug Durliat at 419.995.8353 if you would like more information.

College:

  1. Application advise:
  2. Seniors planning to attend a 4-year college are urged to apply by November 1 (several schools have November 1 or December 1 scholarship deadlines)
  3. ASK if there is a separate financial aid / scholarship application (you should try to get as many scholarships and grants as possible)
  4. GIVE DETAILS!
  5. Don’t just say you’re a member of a club, tell what you do in that club
  6. Describe your service hours
  7. If the application doesn’t allow you to give details, mail a letter requesting it be added to your file
  8. If the admission process is competitive, submit 1-2 letters of recommendation (employer, advisor, teacher, alumni)
  9. OBEY DEADLINES
  10. Let Mrs. Kaiser know when you have completed/submitted your application so she can mail your transcript to the university.
  11. College Essays: Many colleges require an essay for admission and/or scholarship consideration. Here is some helpful advice:
  12. Ask an admissions representative HOW the essays are used (and judged). Will your essay be used for placement into an English course? Used holistically in the admission decision?
  13. Write about something personal: a challenge you have faced, someone or something that has had an impact on your life, etc.
  14. Have someone proofread and critique your essay.
  15. Keep in mind that the people reviewing your essay read thousands of them. Make sure yours is interesting and will be unique!
  16. Your essays are important in the decision-making process!
  17. FRHS students who are applying to college should indicate that they are a new student (incoming freshman) regardless of PSEO/CC+ credits earned. You are NOT considered a transfer student.
  18. College Visits at FRHS (grades 11-12): Several College/University/Military Representatives visit FRHS each year. Juniors and Seniors should check the calendar outside the guidance office (or on the school website) for upcoming visits. (sign up at least two days prior)
  19. Upcoming COLLEGE FAIRS:
  20. Coldwater High School College Fair: over 35 colleges and military reps will be at the Coldwater HS Commons on September 12, 7-8:30 p.m.
  21. St. Marys HS College, Technical and Career Fair: September 14, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
  22. Shelby County College Fair: will be held at Fort Loramie Junior High Gym on September 28 from 6-7:30 p.m.
  23. Students with Learning Differences: a college fair will be held at Gahanna Lincoln High School (Columbus Area) on October 4 from 6:30-8 p.m.
  24. Edison Community College Fair: October 25 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. in Piqua, OH. RSVP to
  25. Many Colleges hold Fall Open Houses (many on Saturdays). Juniors and Seniors were sent an email (from Mrs. K) with all of these dates in September. Check out the displays by the guidance office, visit the college website, or see Mrs. Kaiser for specific dates.
  26. Catalogs are available in the guidance office that highlight ALL of Ohio’s 2-Year, Private and Public Colleges. These books are excellent resources for students to make comparisons between schools….they let you know enrollment, tuition rates, admission policies and fees, locations, and much, much more! I have very few books for students to share, so please view/download these catalogs online:
  27. Ohio’s Public Universities: (you can download the new guide from here)
  28. Ohio’s Private Colleges and Universities: (click on “resources”, then “Counselor’s Guide”)
  29. Ohio’s Two-Year Colleges: (click on “resources”, “publications”, then scroll down to “A Guide to Ohio’s Two-Year colleges”)
  30. You can also find information on non-Ohio colleges via collegeboard.com or ohiomeansjobs.com
  31. Public or Private College? Keep all of your options open, and don’t rule out Private Colleges based on the cost! In many cases, you can afford the tuition…apply for the scholarships and grants available to you. Sometimes, you can attend a private school for the same price as a public one! Studies show that students who attend private colleges often graduate 1-2 years earlier than those who attend public colleges.
  32. QuestBridgeNational College Matchconnects high-achieving low-income students with admission and full four-year scholarships to some of the nation's best colleges. Typically, QuestBridge scholars are in the top 10% of their high school class, come from households earning less than $60,000 annually for a typical family of four, and may be on their school's free or reduced price lunch program. FRHS had a student participate in the program a few years ago, and it was VERY beneficial! The application is available now at is due onSeptember 28, 2015. It isfree to apply.
  33. Miami University Bridges Program: Designed to give underrepresented students a taste and feel of Miami U., they will cover their food, lodging, entertainment, and some travel costs of student if accepted to this program. Students who complete Bridges and enroll at Miami’s Oxford campus will receive $2500-full-tuition in scholarships to Miami! The application for Bridges is available online at muohio.edu/bridgesor call513-529-2531 for more information. Application deadline is September 19.
  34. John Jay Center for Learning (affiliated with Ivy Tech State College and Indiana Wesleyan)in Portland, IN offers beginning-level college courses at a very reasonable cost Call 260-729-5525.
  35. Prospective College Athletes who plan to play Division I or II sports must register with the appropriate clearinghouse. Both eligibility centers require that test scores (i.e. ACT) be sent directly from the testing agency. See Mrs. Kaiser if you need to register with either of these athletic clearinghouses because I need to mail your transcript to them! Cost is approximately $80.
  36. NCAA Clearinghouse: new website--NCAA.org/playcollegesports
  37. NAIA:
  38. Notes about a few of Ohio’s public universities:
  39. Students planning to attendAkron and Ohio State must apply byNovember 1 to be eligible for their full-range of scholarships. Most other schools have a priority deadline of December 1.
  40. UC, OSU and Miami do not accept test scores on student transcripts; scores must be received directly from the testing company (i.e. ACT). Most others prefer the scores are sent directly.
  41. Seniors interested in Wright State:
  42. Priority deadline for filing your FAFSA is December 1
  43. Deadline for Academic Performance Scholarships is February 1
  44. Valedictorian/Salutatorian scholarships (full/half tuition) can be awarded starting in the fall of your senior year (min GPA of 3.75 is required). if you are ranked #1 or #2 in your class, apply to WSU!
  45. National Merit Commended Students, Semi-Finalists, or Finalists are also eligible for BIG scholarships (min HS GPA of 3.75 required)

DID YOU KNOW…

Heidelberg University offers a TUITION FREE Master of Business (MBA) for students who complete their bachelor’s degree at Heidelberg (any major) in four years and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This could save you over $28.000!

SCHOLARSHIPS / GRANTS / LOANS:

These are in order by due date.

If no website is listed, see Mrs. Kaiser for applications and additional information.

  1. US Bank Scholarships: U.S. Bank will again award many $1000-$5000 scholarships to high school seniors planning to enroll next fall at an eligible four-year college participating in the U.S. Bank No Fee Education Loan Program. Further details, including college or university eligibility, can be found on the website. Students can apply online at: now through September 30.
  2. Class of 2016 Wendy’s High School HeismanAward Program is open to athletes who have a minimum “B” average. $10 Wendy’s gift cards will be awarded to the first 1000 students that complete an application. Info can be found at: Apply by October 3.
  3. AES Engineers Scholarship ($500-open to all majors): Applicants must answer one of the essay questions from the website at Their belief is that achieving a high grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped. For that reason they are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluating the essays that are submitted. Deadline is October 6, 2016.
  4. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Each year the Coca-Cola Foundation awards 250 achievement-based scholarships. Awards total $3 million. Apply online at (click on applicants>scholarships). Applications must be received by October 31.
  5. Jack Kent Cooke scholarships are available to seniors with a 3.5 GPA, 26 ACT and have a family income of $95,000 or less. See for more information. Apply fromSeptember 30-November 3?
  6. NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award is for seniors who operate their own small business. Apply at by December 18.
  7. Prudential Spirit of Community Scholarship: Middle or high schoolstudents who have made a difference through volunteering can apply online for this $1,000 award at Submission deadline is November 8.
  8. Rove Pest Control Scholarship for Class of 2017 ($500): open to all majors, minimum 3.0 GPA required. The application can be found at: Deadline:December 31.
  9. Jostens For What I Stand Scholarshipis open to all HS students. Jostens we know that every student has a unique story and we want to see yours. Post a picture of what you stand for as you start off this school year. What are the things that drive you? Inspire you? What makes you, you? Celebrate the path you travel on Instagram with the hashtag#FORWHATISTAND.Photos will be featured in our gallery below and entered to win a$10,000 scholarship, so get snapping! Please check out complete details. Deadline is December 31.
  10. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: Write an essay on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1956. This is open to students in grades 9-12. More details can be found at under the Education tab. Deadline is January 4.
  11. National Co-Op Scholarships are available to students entering a WACE partner college (University of Toledo and Cincinnati are examples) in the 2016-17 academic year. A recent FR graduate did receive one of these scholarships. You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to apply. Visit for more information. Deadline is February 15.
  12. Lefeld Welding Supplies Scholarship: Lefeld Welding Supplies is awarding (2) $1,000 scholarship grants to graduating seniors pursuing training or education in a skilled trade metal working career. Applicant must be from Mercer or Auglaize County High Schools within the Tri-Star district. Application is available at and is due to the Civic Foundation, byApril 1.
  13. Groth & Associates Scholarship ($1000): Must have a G.P.A. of 3.0+, fill out the form, attach school transcript, submit a 500-word essay about difficulties or hardships you have had to personally overcome. Apply at byJune 1.

The following scholarships have varying deadlines…

  1. Imagine America Scholarship for 2016 graduates: FRHS can select up to three students to receive this $1000 scholarship—FRHS will award this to the first 3 eligible students who apply each year. Only recent high school graduates who are qualified applicants and who meet the following recommended guidelines should apply:Likelihood of successful completion of postsecondary education, high school grade point average of 2.5 or greater, financial need, and demonstrated voluntary community service during the senior year. Students must plan to attend a “career college” (such as Lincoln Tech or Kaplan) to be eligible. Students should visit the website for more information and a list of participating schools. Apply online at Scholarships for the class of 2017 will be available in Janurary.
  2. Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation is offering $1000-$5000 grants to individuals looking to take a continuing education course (such as welding or diesel mechanics) or attend vocational/technical college. Apply online at Grants are awarded throughout the year.
  3. Sussle Scholarship ($500): Sussle is an encyclopedia of the things YOUcare about. This is not your usual scholarship. There is no application or essay, and it's actually fun. By participating, you will be posting your knowledge for the benefit of others, and in return, the best contributor will win the scholarship. Eligibility:HS seniors and college students. See to enter. Deadlines: end of each month.
  4. Zumper, a free apartment rental search site it sponsoring a $1,000 college scholarship. As a background on Zumper, here are their listings for Columbus: They are looking for outstanding students who have helped their classmates or community in a tremendous way. Maybe you started a club that raised $10,000 for charity, or championed recycling and sustainable practices across campus. Scholarship link can be found at: and is due April 15 and November 15 of each year
  5. 4-H Scholarships: Ohio 4-H offers a variety of scholarships to its members—most of these being for current year graduates and a few for members already attending college. The application and information is available on the Website at Click on the 4H for Youth>Teens>Awards & Scholarships. Check the website for more details and deadlines.
  6. Briarwood Village/HCF Grant-In-Aid Scholarship Program: These awards areavailable to applicants who has been an HCF employee for at least 1 year and have a history of above average performance appraisals. It awards financial assistance to those furthering their education as an RN, LPN, or a career in other health related fields.
  7. Looking for more scholarships?
  8. Try a Google search (ex. “scholarships for communications majors”)
  9. Higher Admission.com
  10. Schoolsoup.com
  11. Fastweb.com (they have links for your specific age (HS, college, adult), and grade!)
  12. to register for a $2500 scholarship to a Christian College

Don’t get scammed on practice tests and financial aid/scholarship apps. Watch for warning signs!

1

  1. You have to pay a fee or “taxes”
  2. Credit card or bank account information required
  3. Money-back offers or guarantees
  4. Provides “exclusive” information
  5. Unsolicited emails or phone calls

1

**Remember: you should never pay to apply for a scholarship***

Report scams to the proper authorities (BBB, Attorney General, National Fraud Information Center, etc.).

See the postings outside the Guidance Office for…
Job Opportunities
Volunteer/Community Service Opportunities
Every HS student is encouraged to
JOB SHADOW
See Mrs. Kaiser for the necessary forms to request a job shadowing day! /

BE SURE TO LOG YOUR SERVICE HOURS, ACADEMIC AWARDS, AND ACTIVITIES!
This will be extremely helpful to you when filling out scholarship, job, and college applications. Documentation can also be used for induction into National Honor Society.
Log forms are available in the Guidance Office.

1

Please Visit the FRHS Guidance Website at

(click on School > Guidance Homepage)

1