Senior Announcements
November 2019
 
	There is a FAFSA MEETING here at WHS on Monday, November 25: 6-7:30.  This is an opportunity to meet with college financial advisors who will be able to answer questions about the FAFSA.  Please create an account prior to this meeting.  Also, bring your 2018 tax documents with you.

	College rep visits have come to a conclusion at WHS, though a few may still come in the spring.  Seniors are encouraged to go on college visits during the school day, especially when college is in session to get the “real feel” for the campus environment.  Get a college visit form from the Guidance Office. 

	DEADLINES to apply to college loom.  Please be sure and push “send” to any college that you want to apply to.  Not meeting the deadline may take you out of contention for early scholarships.  

	Be sure to order your cap and gown.   Each month that you wait to order increases the cost to you.  Visit Herff-Jones to order yours today.  

	Please be certain to pay all school fees by May 1, 2020.  If there are unpaid fees, you are not permitted to walk at graduation.  

	There is an ASVAB test at WHS on Thursday, February 27, for those interested in the military.   You must be sixteen to take this test.  Sign-up sheets are available in the Guidance Office.  Stop in and sign up if interested.

	Online course work needs to be completed by May 1 to assure that it can get graded and added to your transcript for graduation.  Please be diligent in getting this done.

	Stayed tuned to Riverside Arts Center, located in downtown Wapakoneta.  RAC offers a wonderful collection of art as well as Christmas gifts.  They also have several events throughout the year that help to entertain and raise funds for the center.  Check them out this holiday season.

	The next ACT is February 8, 2020.  While it is late to take this test, it might help you to earn additional scholarships.

	There is a GROB Apprentice Program in Bluffton, OH.  You need to be strong in math and be interested in working at GROB.  What makes this an awesome opportunity is that you begin work shortly after graduation and earn a good wage.  In late August, you pull partially away from work and begin classes at Rhodes State College, earning an Associates’ Degree in either manufacturing engineering or mechanical engineering.  The BIG plus is that GROB pays for tuition AND you continue earning your forty-hour a week salary.  This is a great company with potential travel.  Check them out!

	Put a little Downtown in your holiday!  Children’s Downtown Holiday is December 6, 7 and 8.  Details can be found online.  Each day offers a variety of activities with Saturday hosting the most.  Mark your calendars for this great event. 

	Fassett Farm Equestrian Therapy Program is in need of volunteers who are willing to work with horses who have riders with special needs.  This is a great way to help others.  Contact Brenda at Fassett Farm for more information:  Brenda@etpfarm.org

	Gentlemen, Please remember to register with the Selective Service.  Go to www.sss.gov to register.  It will only take five minutes.

	There is a creative, patriotic art contest available for those interested.  It is through the local VFW.  Information is on the Guidance Office bulletin board.  Deadline to submit work is March 31, 2020. 

	Senior pictures are due to the yearbook by February 1, 2020.  Send them to lamahe@wapak.org   Seniors are also asked to look for a Google form that will be sent in early December that will look for future plans and other information.

Scholarship Information:

	If you are college bound in the fall of 2020, please make sure that your parents have completed their portion of the FAFSA.  Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete the work.  This will open avenues for you to earn grants, select loans and be eligible for local scholarships too.  The window to do this opened on October 1, 2019.  PLEASE have this done ASAP to avoid missing out on potential money for college. 

	Interested in a STEM career?  If so, check out the MEGAWATT Scholarship.  It is available online at www.megawattscholarship.org.  They are accepting applications through March 6, 2020.
	The Bob Smith Bowling Scholarship is available in the Guidance Office.  If you are current bowler, this is for you.  Applications are due be March 1, 2020.

	The OHIO JCI Senate Scholarship is now available for those interested, one is academic based and another is need based.  This scholarship requires some work so get a copy today!  Application deadline is January 24, 2020.

	The Ray Ford Nursing Scholarship is due by March 15, 2020.  This opportunity is for those majoring in a nursing program.  Get a copy from the Guidance Office today!

	The B. Davis Scholarship is available online.  Deadline to apply is May 22, 2020.  The website:  awards@studentawardsearch.com can offer you more ideas about potential scholarships for college.  Give them a look.

	If you are majoring in an engineering program, consider the Midmark Technical Scholarship.  It is available online at midmarktechnicalscholarship@midmark.com  The application deadline is February 21, 2020.

	The Hauss-Helms Foundation, located in Wapakoneta, offers a great opportunity for those who need assistance in managing the cost of college.  Visit www.hauss-helmsfoundation.org to apply for this incredible award.  The application deadline is March 16, 2020.  

	The Wapakoneta Community Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships each year to the current graduating class (some are renewable for future years).  They will open their scholarship window in January.  This unique opportunity allows you to complete just one form for many scholarships.  Though it is only one form, there are several “other things” that you might have to do for individual scholarships.  These “other things” include essays, letters of recommendation and activities lists.  Stay tuned for more information.  There will be a large set of announcements for seniors coming in late January or early February; it will be the set of announcements that lists the MOST scholarships.  If you want to begin preparing for this, start asking NOW for letters of recommendation; create an activities/volunteer list; write an essay about your future goals and WHY they are important.  See Mrs. Epperly with questions. 

	If you have selected a college or military branch, please complete the form outside the main office and give to Mrs. Whitmore so that your information can be added to the recognition wall in the cafeteria.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY
HOLIDAY SEASON!!