Will to Win Scholarship

This year, Merck Respiratory will again sponsor the Will to Win Scholarship Program for high school seniors with asthma who are pursuing higher education. This nationwide scholarship recognizes seniors who are outstanding, disciplined, determined and successful in managing their asthma. The program serves to demonstrate to young people with asthma that the condition, when properly treated and managed, need not impede their ability to excel.

Eligible students are all high school seniors with asthma who will graduate in 2011; have achieved a level of excellence in one of the following: performing arts, visual arts, community service, athletics or science; and who will be attending college in the fall of 2011.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate outstanding performance in one of the above categories
• Document a track record of achievements relevant to entry category
• Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Have received at least one award related to their entry category
• Include all appropriate signatures, as noted in the application

For additional information, visit the Web site at www.willtowinscholarship.com.

Two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded in each of the following categories:

• Performing Arts (dance, music, theater)
• Visual Arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film)
• Community Service
• Athletics
• Science

If interested, come talk to Mrs. Gassie.

Follow Up as we Slow Down

This time of year is a break-through for many. We've 'broken through' the icy, cold winter, we've broken into the 4th (and last!) quarter of school...we've 'broken the back' of the school year. For some, it's a down-hill slide from this point forward.

Well, hmmmmm, although celebrating our freedom from school sounds just fine, now is NOT the time to start. Term papers and projects are due, and finals are approaching. One needs to just hang in there and keep up the good fight. The month of May will soon be here. To lose one's GPA due to a massive dose of spring fever is NOT the answer to good financial backing for those college years. GPA's do count!

A couple of reminders to the college-bound seniors:

• If you haven't already done it, get that FAFSA finalized for college $.

• The scholarships backed by the Kansas Board of Regents need to be completed by May 1st. (The FAFSA has to be sent in by April 1st.) These scholarships include: Kansas Minority Scholarship, Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship, Kansas State Scholarship, and the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship. You may apply online at http://www.kansasregents.org/ or complete and submit the 2011-2012 State of Kansas Student Aid application IF you want to apply for one of these scholarships.

Check with your intended university for any other areas that may give scholarships performance-based activities. Sports, band, vocal music, forensics, newspaper or yearbook may be some options available.