On October 23, Lana Craig with Edfinancial Services made a presentation to all seniors about the college admission process and financial aid. She encouraged students to do a campus visit to colleges they are considering, as well as use the website eCampusTours.com that gives an interactive virtual tour of over 1,000 different schools nationwide. She addressed the need to take the ACT and to apply to colleges now. Financial aid topics included scholarships, grants, workships, and loans. Students were reminded that they should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms as soon as possible after January 1. FAFSA is the application used to apply for federal and state grants and loans, as well as the lottery scholarships. Students were encouraged to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Her last topic was scholarship scams. She told students that parents should never pay for any services that can be obtained free. Scholarship searches and help with filling out the FAFSA are free through different organizations and schools.

The College Night on October 23 was attended by a large number of students and parents. The Guidance Department appreciates the students, parents, and representatives from the colleges, universities, technical schools, and the military for making College Night a success. We express gratitude to Ms. Sherry Mason from Motlow and Jason Seay from the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program for their informative presentation on financial aid.

As students schedule college campus visits during the week, they need to remember the school policy on these absences. The absence will be excused, but it does count as one of the absences toward exam exemptions.

New scholarship information for this week includes the following:

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) Scholarship Book and applications are in guidance, or students can visit www.ffa.org to download an application. Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2007.

Burger King has announced its scholarship program. To be considered for the Burger King Scholarships, seniors must submit an application to Mrs. Cooper by November 15, 2006. To be eligible a student must have a 2.5 or higher grade-point average (GPA) and work an average of at least 15 hours per week. A committee will choose one student as the nominee from Lincoln County High School (LCHS).

U. S. Bank awards thirty $1,000 scholarships in a random drawing. Students should go to www.usbank.com/studentbanking to apply. Online applications will be accepted from October through February 2007.

Edfinancial Services awards ten $1,000 scholarships annually. Students can register for the random drawing at ecampustours.com. Edfinancial also has an Edscholar program that awards scholarship money through colleges and universities. Students should check with their chosen schools to apply for these scholarships if students have 3.25 GPA and/or ACT score of 23.

Two essay contests are available in guidance for all students. The Voice of Democracy Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriotic Audio Essay Contest is due November 1, 2006. The grand prize is a $30,000 scholarship and an all-expense- paid trip to Washington, D. C. The Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) Christopher Columbus Essay Contest rules are in guidance. The deadline is December 1, 2006.