Sequoyah High School Guidance and Counseling Department

Senior Newsletter: November 2019

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CHECK THE SQHS GUIDANCE FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/SQHSGUIDANCE & WEBSITE

http://sqhs.monroe.k12.tn.us/ FOR UPDATES FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

To start receiving SQHS Counseling news updates via text message, just text @sqhs2020 to

81010. We will send out reminders, scholarship info, deadlines, etc. Tell your friends and make

sure you have free incoming texts because standard text fees will apply.

Scholarships:

Most of the scholarships presented at Senior Night are community/local scholarships. Applications for those

will be available in the Spring 2020. CHECK YOUR TEXT MESSAGES & LISTEN FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS. You should also look online for the various universities/colleges you are interested in. MANY SCHOOLS

HAVE EARLY DEADLINES FOR ADMISSION/SCHOLARSHIPS. You need to check the schools you are

interested in to make sure you are meeting the deadlines.

Read the monthly newsletter for updates and scholarship information – sent out via text, hardcopies hanging

on the wall in the ‘T’ and on SQHS website

Please visit with your AdviseTN Rep – Ms. Harris to get assistance with information regarding

applying/admissions/financial aid for all post high school opportunities including college, technical schools and career

planning. She can help you search for and complete scholarship information, but it is up to you to know which

scholarships you qualify for. You can look online for many different scholarships. It is often difficult to tell which ones

are legit, and a lot of online scholarships are nationwide making competition fierce.

After you have applied to your chosen schools and/or scholarships, You need to come to the Guidance Office and request to have your transcript sent.

If needed, your school counselor will write a recommendation letter for you after you

supply us with a Resume or completed Student Brag form. The strongest letters come from teachers

who have interacted with you outside of class. Choose your recommender wisely – choose someone who really knows your

character, academics and extracurricular activities.

Please remember to begin filling out applications to schools you are interested in now. Each college or university has their

own scholarship application and admission application. You will have to complete those. Due to privacy issues and online

applications, colleges will not let us put the information in for you. We will be happy to answer any questions you have or

provide information you may need.

Here are some things that you should be doing right now:

Meet with the AdviseTN Advisor – Kim Harris Meet with Mrs. Rice in guidance to complete your graduation checklist! Create your FSA ID (replaces pin for FAFSA -students/parents/guardians) at

https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

Complete your FAFSA!

Go on college visits.

Mark your calendar with registration, admissions, and financial aid deadlines and fees.

Determine if the schools that interest you have online admission applications. If not, request them by mail now.

Meet with school representatives who visit your high school.

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Look at virtual tours of college campuses online.

If you haven't taken the SAT and/or ACT, register for the test(s).

Attend college planning and/or financial aid information nights and college fairs.

Ask employers, teachers, and school counselors for letters of recommendation to accompany your admissions

applications.

FAFSA INFORMATION

Students will be able to file a 2020–21 FAFSA on Oct. 1, 2019

Students will report income information from the 2018 tax year

FAFSA HELP

Any time with AdviseTN Advisor – Kim Harris

The FAFSA is the application that college or career school students must complete to apply for federal student aid, which includes

Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. In addition to determining eligibility for federal student aid,

FAFSA information is used by many states, colleges, career schools, and private organizations to determine eligibility for

nonfederal student aid. Completing the FAFSA is the gateway to accessing funds for college for approximately 20 million

students each year

THE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP: This is the lottery money scholarship. You must have at least a 3.0 GPA and/or an

ACT of 21 to receive the Hope Scholarship from the Tennessee Lottery Foundation. You will apply for this by filling

out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov in October 2019. In order to complete the FAFSA, you will need your parents’

income tax information and a FSA ID

TENNESSEE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP: APPLICATION DEADLINE has passed! Hope you applied!

It will provide students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell

grant, the HOPE scholarship, or TSAA funds. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges,

27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institution offering an associate’s degree program. While removing the

financial burden is key, a critical component of Tennessee Promise is the individual guidance each participant will receive

from a mentor who will assist the student as he or she navigates the college admissions process. In addition, Tennessee

Promise participants must complete eight hours of community service per term enrolled, as well as maintain satisfactory

academic progress (2.0 GPA) at their institution...

Mandatory meeting date for eligibility: April 2, 2020 at 5:30–in the SQHS Cafeteria

Dependent Children Scholarship Program: Residents who are dependent children of a Tennessee law enforcement

officer, fireman, or an emergency medical service technician who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled

while performing duties within the scope of such employment. The parent must be a Tennessee resident and have been

on duty when the incident occurred. The scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending eligible

Tennessee institutions. Award amount varies and depends on available funds apply at http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/

Click on “Money for College” Deadline: July 15, 2020

Discover® Student Loans Scholarship program: Students can enter for a chance to win a $2,500

scholarship award. No purchase or student loan necessary. Apply now at

https://scholarship.collegecovered.com/ Application deadline: January 31, 2020

East Tennessee Foundation Scholarship Program The ETF Scholarship Guide and 2020 Application are

now available online: http://www.easttennesseefoundation.org/receive/scholarships.aspx

Eligibility, requirements and application procedures are outlined in the ETF Scholarship guide. Available

scholarships for Monroe County students are: (1)Cherish the Child (foster care students) (2)Craighead

Limestone Scholarship (SQHS graduate) (3)James K Goldston INFOSEC for undergraduate programs of

study with a National Security Agency-approved Information Security (INFOSEC) curriculum (4)John D

Grubb & Louise G Sumner Fund (5) Barbara G Kirkpatrick (ETSU only) (6) Butterfly Fund (7) Lawrence

Strader Boy Scouts of America for registered members of Boy Scouts of America, Great Smoky Mountain

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Council, with a minimum of three years participation as a Boy Scout (8) Valkyrie-Thor Theatre Arts

Scholarship (9)Debbie Van Cleave Scholarship Deadline: February 15, 2020

GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: A $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional

three years – up to $40,000 total per recipient. .To be eligible for this award, applicants must: 1) demonstrate

at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and

citizenship 2) demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or

equivalent) 3) be citizens of the United States of America 4) be current high school seniors attending high

school in the United States (students living on U.S. Armed Forces base and homeschooled students are also

eligible) 5) plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an

accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.

Application Deadline: January 3, 2020 (or until 25000 applicants received). You must apply online at

https://apply.scholarsapply.org/ge-reagan/information.php

Global Life Equipment Scholarship Program: To be eligible you must enter a post-secondary institution

in the Fall of 2020, have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and submit a short essay. Detailed instructions and more

information can be found on the application page. Application Deadline: June 15, 2020. You must apply

online at

http://www.usedforkliftsoregon.com/used_inventory/2881/used_mitsubishi_forklifts_inventory_oregon.php

Grote Chemistry Scholarship $12000 scholarship opportunity for freshmen entering the UT at

Chattanooga and majoring in a BS Chemistry degrees (including biochemistry, STEM education, pre-

medicine, and pre-dental). Selection is based on academic performance, interest in chemistry, and potential

for continued outstanding achievement. Apply online http://www.utc.edu/chemistry/scholarships/grote-

application.php Application deadline: February 15, 2020

Hagan Scholarships: The Hagan Scholarships are for high achieving and self-motivated students in need of

financial assistance in order to attend college. The average value of a four year Hagan Scholarship is about

$24,000. The application and more information is available at: http://haganscholarships.org/application/

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 15, 2019

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship

program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate

from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities. Up to $40,000 per year will be awarded to students

that qualify for this scholarship. At a minimum, applicants must: 1) Plan to graduate from a US high school

in spring 2020 2) Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2020 3) Earn a

cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above 4) Receive standardized test scores of: SAT score of 1200 or

above and/or ACT composite score of 26 or above 5) Demonstrate unmet financial need. We will consider

applicants with family income up to $95,000. However, we anticipate that a majority of scholarship

recipients will be eligible to receive a Pell grant. Apply online at: http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-

programs/college-scholarship/ APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 13, 2019

National Co-Op Scholarship: Students must apply to a WACE Partner Institution in 2016-17 academic year (see

website for institutions) .and have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. Award amounts from

$4700-$30000 based on Institution. Applications are available online at

http://www.waceinc.org/scholarship/index.html Application deadline: February 15, 2020

Ned McWherter Scholars Program: 3.5 unweighted GPA and 29 ACT or 1280 SAT award amount is $6,000 per

academic year for up to 4 years apply at https://www.tn.gov/collegepays/article/ned-mcwherter-scholars-program

Deadline: February 15, 2020

NSDAR Scholarship Awards: Multiple scholarships available to students showing dedication to the pursuit

of higher education in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine,

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nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science

and English. More information about the scholarships and applications are available online:

http://www.dar.org/NATIONAL-SOCIETY/SCHOLARSHIPS

ONLINE APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2020

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: This program recognizes students for volunteer service in their

community. Visit their website for more information and to apply: http://spirit.prudential.com

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 5, 2019

RMHC Scholars Scholarship: This scholarship is for students who desire a college education and are eligible

according to criteria based on academic performance, financial need and community service. This scholarship is a

one-year scholarship which can be used at any regionally accredited, non-proprietary, technical, community or four-

year college/university. Visit their website for more information and to apply: https://cfgc.org/scholarships/ronald-mcdonald-house-charities/

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 27, 2020

Stan & Thelma Plumlee Scholarship: Scholarship applicants must be associated with the manufactured or modular housing

industry to be considered. For example, living in a manufactured or modular home; or working in the manufactured or modular

industry; or by having a relative who works in the manufactured or modular industry. In order for a student to receive the

scholarship award of $8,000, the following criteria must be followed: 1) must have graduated from a TN high school, 2) must be

accepted by a Tennessee public or private university or college, a junior college, or an accredited trade school. Applications are

available online at https://tnmha.org/education/scholarship/

Application deadline: March 6, 2020 (receipt)

SHC Youth Leadership & Scholarship: is an undergraduate scholarship program available to students

who meet the following criteria 1)Will graduate from a US high school in spring 2020 2) Intend to enroll in

an accredited college beginning in fall 2020 3) Experienced homelessness within the last six years 4) OR be

an undocumented student who meets these criteria. Apply online at:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SchoolHouseConnection/ScholarshipApplication2019

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 10, 2019

Sweetwater Institute of Cosmetology Scholarship: Scholarships are available. Applicants should be

students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of cosmetology. Visit their website for more

information: http://www.sweetwatercosmetology.com/

TN Elks Legacy Award Scholarship: Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships for children and

grandchildren of Elks members. The Foundation will offer a total of 300 awards in the 2020 contest. To be

eligible you must be 1) For the 2020 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal

ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2017, or a charter member of a Lodge that

was instituted on or after April 1, 2017, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through

March 31, 2020. Great-grandchildren are not eligible. 2) The applicant must be a high school senior. 3) The

applicant must apply online only. The 2020 Legacy Awards application deadline is 11:59 a.m. Central Time

on Friday, January 31, 2020. 4) If the applicant's parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant

must apply through the parent's Elks Lodge. 5) Applicants must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or

the American College Test (ACT) by December 31, 2019. 6) Students may apply for more than one ENF

scholarship; however, they may win only one. In cases where the student qualifies for more than one, we

will award the scholarship with the greater value. Students can accept local and state scholarships, which are

separate from the awards at the national level. 7) Legacy Awards may only be applied to accredited US

American schools, colleges or universities. (Note: Applicants from Guam, Panama, Puerto Rico and the

Philippines may apply Legacy Awards toward schools, colleges or universities in their respective homes.)

8) If you are selected as a 2020 Legacy Awards recipient, you will be required to perform service once a

year with an Elks Lodge during the four years you are receiving the scholarship. You must apply online:

http://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/legacy.cfm Application deadline: January 31, 2020

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TN Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship: Since 1931, the Elks National Foundation has helped

thousands of students who need financial assistance fulfill their dreams of attending college. Most Valuable

Student scholars are outstanding students who are at or near the top of their classes, active in their schools

and communities and recognized as leaders by their peers. The ENF awards $2.44 million annually in MVS

scholarships to 500 high school seniors nationwide. The first and second place awards are among the largest

scholarships provided by any major fraternal or service organization. ELIGIBILITY: Any high school

senior who is a U.S. citizen may apply for an MVS scholarship. Applications will be judged on:

SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, & FINANCIAL NEED For more information visit their website:

http://tnelks.org/scholarships.html#rc_top_center_link / Application deadline: November 5, 2019.

TN Elks Nursing Scholarship: This program was selected as the major project for the Tennessee Elks

Association in 1956 as a means to relieve a critical shortage of nurses in Tennessee. The need for nursing

scholarships is just as important. Each year the Tennessee Elks continue to fund varying levels of

scholarships to students. For more information visit their website:

http://tnelks.org/scholarships.html#rc_top_center_link / Application deadline: January 15, 2020.

TN Elks Trade Scholarship: This scholarship is for graduating seniors who will be pursuing a trade or

certificate program after high school. The scholarship is a one-time $1500 award. Contact the SQHS

Guidance Dept. for more information or visit their website

http://tnelks.org/scholarships.html#rc_top_center_link Application deadline: January 31, 2020.

Tennessee School of Beauty C.B. Brown Scholarship: Four $14,995 tuition scholarships in Cosmetology

for high school seniors. The scholarships are open to seniors in high school not presently or previously

enrolled in a Cosmetology course. Applicants should be students who are interested in pursuing a career in

the field of cosmetology. Selection will be based on a) a biographical statement of the applicant’s

educational history, contribution to the school, plans for the future, and why he/she would like to study

cosmetology, b) a personal interview will be arranged for eligible applicants. Applications are available in

the Guidance & Counseling Department. Application deadline: March 17, 2020 (due to Guidance Dept.)

TSDAR American History Scholarship. A $1000 scholarship granted to a graduating senior who will be

attending an accredited 4-year U.S. college/university granting a degree, who will have a concentrated study

of a minimum of 24 credit hours in American History and/or American Government. A 200 to 350 word

essay is required, transcripts, resume, and two letters of recommendation from a minister, employer, or

educator. Use the TSDAR Scholarship Application which is available in the SQHS Guidance Dept.

Application deadline (must be postmarked by): January 15, 2020

COMMUNITY/LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SPRING.

CHECK YOUR TEXT MESSAGES & FACEBOOK FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming Events

GRADUATION DAY: May 15, 2020

FAFSA DEADLINE FOR TN PROMISE: February 1, 2020

IMPORTANT DATE FOR THE FUTURE: April 2, 2020 at 5:30– mandatory meeting regarding the TN Promise

Program in the SQHS Cafeteria

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Resource Center

www.CollegeforTN.org: CollegeforTN.org is the online, one-stop college shop where students can plan, prepare, pay and apply

for college (also known as a Mentor site). CollegeforTN.org allows students and their parents to create an academic plan, select a

postsecondary institution, research financial aid opportunities, apply online and more all in one online location. The student web

portal provides audiences with the ability to take virtual campus tours of public and private Tennessee institutions.

www.TN.gov/collegepays: Your source for information about financing your college education in the State of

Tennessee.

http://launchmycareertn.org/ It can be hard to know which colleges—and which majors—might be right for you

and your goals. LaunchMyCareer, made possible with support from USA Funds, helps you cut through the confusion

and find programs of study that can lead to well-paying jobs and a good life.

www.eligibilitycenter.org: The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility Center will certify the academic

and amateur credentials of all college-bound student-athletes who wish to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics. At this

site, you’ll find the tools and information you need to begin your college experience. Explore this site to learn more about the

NCAA, its athletics divisions, its sports and other information. If you plan to participate in athletics at the collegiate level, you

must be cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse before you graduate. You can apply on-line. When you take the ACT, you

must have your score report sent direct to NCAA. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

http://www.etaknox.org/ Earn While You Learn: Looking for a career in the Construction Industry? ETAK offers

apprenticeship and other programs to start a career as an Electrician. ETAK programs are not just classroom time

instruction. Most of your time will be spent on a job earning a paycheck while you learn electrical skills.

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ The federal College Scorecard is a comprehensive resource to compare costs, graduation rates,

earnings, and student debt at any postsecondary institution.

Top Scholarship Databases

www.FastWeb.com: A searchable database of millions of scholarships worth billions of dollars.

www.FinAid.org: This award-winning site includes a comprehensive database of scholarships, student financial aid information,

advice and tools.

www.Scholarships.com: Browse through 2.7 million free scholarships and grants worth over $19 billion.

For Your Information

Senior College/Military/Career Day: Each senior is granted one school day during the school year to visit a college, university,

technical school, military recruiter, or employer. The day is counted as a field trip and not an absence as long as the student brings

back a letter from the visited school/agency stating an official visit was made. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the

College/Career Day with the school/agency you plan to visit. The College/Career Day Request Form is available from Ms. Helms

in the school attendance office. The form must be completed and returned to Ms. Helms three days in advance of the scheduled

College/Career Day.

Transcript Requests: Students needing an official high school transcript sent to a college/university/technical school should

complete a “Transcript Request Form”. These forms are available on the SQHS Guidance website or in the Guidance &

Counseling Department. Please note that some colleges/universities have a transcript request form as part of their application. If

this were the case, the student would need to bring in that particular request form to the Guidance & Counseling Department.

Technology Access Program (TAP): TAP is a community outreach initiative of the Tellico Village Computer Users Club. This

group places computers in the homes of individuals, which do not have access to one in their home. An added bonus is printers

are provided with the computers. Applications are available in the Counseling Department.

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ACT is a graduation requirement. If you did not take it during the school testing date your junior year,

please meet with the Guidance department to discuss your options. You must take the ACT and complete all course

requirements to receive a high school diploma.

ACT Fee Waivers: Fee waivers for the ACT Assessment available to economically disadvantaged high

school juniors or seniors. Students must meet ALL THREE of the following eligibility requirements: 1)

Economic Need, such as public assistance, ward of the state, foster child, homeless, free/reduced lunch,

Upward Bound or Talent Search, family income at or below poverty level, 2) Grade Level. Fee waivers are

available ONLY to students enrolled in high school as juniors or seniors, and 3) Usage Restriction. Students

may use a maximum of TWO fee waivers total.

ACT Registration for a Saturday/National Test Date is ONLINE only. Make sure you pay close attention

to the new security requirements. Go to the following website to register: http://www.actstudent.org/

Just a reminder… To earn a regular high school diploma, students must meet the Monroe County Schools graduation requirements of the specified 25 credits and complete the ACT and Civics test prior to graduation. The Civics test will be given during US Government class. If you have not taken the ACT, you can register for a Saturday test at www.actstudent.org

GRADUATION HONORS CRITERIA

Graduation with Sequoyah Scholars requires ten honors or dual enrollment courses taken with at least one

class in three of the four areas: English, Science, History and Mathematics. CTE and Foreign Language count

toward total classes taken. (Must complete required application)

Graduation with Honors requires meeting readiness benchmark scores on the ACT: English/18; Math/22;

Science/24; Social Studies & Reading/21

Graduation with Distinction requires a minimum of a B average (85 or higher) and completing at least one of

the following: Earn a nationally recognized industry certification, Participate in a TN Governor’s School,

Participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations, Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or

Semi-Finalist, Attain a score of 31 or higher ACT composite score, or Earn 12 or more semester hours of

transcripted postsecondary credit (Must complete required application)

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ACADEMIC RANKING AND LAUDE RECOGNITION

Academic ranking and laude recognition of graduating seniors from Monroe County

High Schools shall be determined by the following: For purposes of communicating with college admissions offices and scholarships granting agencies,

grade point averages (GPAs) will be calculated.

Laude recognition of graduating seniors will be determined by quality points based on the averaged

grades for those courses in which credit is given. No non-credit class(s) or non-GPA classes will be used

in determining grade point average. Grades through the third (3rd) nine weeks of the second semester of

the senior year will be used for ranking.

All grade point averages shall be figured to the nearest 10th of a point.

The weighted GPA will be calculated on all course work using the Monroe County Grading Scale. GPAs

will also be calculated using the Tennessee Uniform Grading Scale for Lottery / Hope Scholarship

purposes. Both the Monroe County Weighted GPA and the Tennessee Uniform GPA points will appear on

the transcript.

Monroe County Schools will not rank students numerically.

For the purposes of honors recognition Monroe County Schools will use the following Latin System:

o 3.9 – 4.0: Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Honor)

o 3.7 – 3.8: Magna Cum Laude (With Great Honor)

o 3.5 – 3.6: Cum Laude (With Honor)

The Ready Graduate Indicator will be used for purposes of determining eligibility

for the Laude System. Students meeting the requirements must also meet the GPA

requirements set forth by the Laude System.

The Ready Graduate Indicator:

o Score of 21 or higher on the ACT OR

o Complete four early postsecondary opportunities (EPSOs) OR

o Complete two EPSOs + earn an industry certification (on a CTE pathway leading to a

credential) OR

o Complete two EPSOs + score of 31 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude

Battery (ASVAB) Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT)

(EPSOs examples are: Dual Enrollment, Statewide Dual Credit, and Student Industry Certification)

For more information about EPSOs https://www.tn.gov/education/early-postsecondary.html