January Senior Newsletter

Hello, Seniors!

You have done an excellent job staying on track this year, and you should be proud of that. Finish out the first semester strong because, after tomorrow, you only have the second semester separating you from becoming a graduate!

Recurring Topics

Some topics sent out in the senior newsletters recur monthly due to the different aspects of that same topic. While reminders will still be included for that given topic, all details have been spared since they have been covered extensively in prior newsletters. Additionally, it helps with brevity of the newsletter considering there are many topics covered each month.

However, if you need a refresher, you can revisit any of the prior months Senior Newsletters on Bloom-Carroll’s website by clicking here. You can also stop in to the counseling office or email Mr. Kelley. 

College & Scholarship Recognition

Congratulations to the following students! Your hard work has paid off for the next step of your education! Colleges and/or military branches that students were accepted into are listed first, with details of the scholarship at that college listed directly thereafter, where applicable.

Catherine Wright - Ashland University with the Talon Scholarship worth up to $8,000

Emily Bratton - Miami University with 100% Grant-In-Aid

Sophia Eller - Ohio University Lancaster 

Laney Abbott - Miami University with Redhawk Excellence Scholarship worth $5,000 and Ohio University with Ohio Excellence Scholarship worth $4,500

Luke McElroy - Cedarville University

Reminder- If you would like to be recognized, whenever you receive an acceptance letter/offer from a college (from one of your top two colleges that you plan on attending), from an employer, or from the military, please forward the acceptance email to Mr. Kelley ([email protected]) or hand deliver a copy of the physical acceptance letter/offer to the guidance office.

FAFSA - Open

The wait is finally over, the newly revamped FAFSA is officially open and you can access it by clicking here. 

Bloom-Carroll High School has received feedback from several families that they have been able to complete the new FAFSA already and the process was smooth. On the other hand, BCHS has also heard from some other families that the website was a little slow and glitchy at times. Families that encountered the slow, glitchy FAFSA website mentioned that a viable solution is just login to the website at a different time; it may take several times of trying this but it will work.

The next couple of newsletter topics also act as additional resources to help you complete the FAFSA.

FAFSA - In-Person Help Session

If you would like assistance working through the FAFSA form in real time, with someone who can assist you, there is an upcoming FAFSA Night presented by the Fairfield County Foundation. The FAFSA Night will be January 18th, from 5 - 7pm at the Fairfield County District Library, located at 219 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH 43130.

FAFSA - Website Guidance From Sallie Mae

Want to complete FAFSA on your own but would like some general guidance? Sallie Mae has you covered. Sallie Mae has a portion of their website to help you complete FAFSA via providing you step by step guidance. Each step shows you what needs to be complete and how to ensure you are submitting accurate information. Sallie Mae’s FAFSA guide can be accessed here.

College Application Deadlines

As mentioned in previous newsletters, one of the most popular, regular decision college deadlines is January 1st. While the January 1st deadline has passed, there are plenty of additional colleges with later application deadlines. Some later regular decision application deadlines include January 15th and February 1st, with some college application deadlines extending into March and early April. 

OUL Full Tuition Scholarship

OUL has a full tuition scholarship called the Charles Kilburger Scholarship that requires a separate application with an upcoming deadline of Friday, January 26th. If you apply for the Charles Kilburger Scholarship, OUL requires the FAFSA to be completed by February 15th. The application can be found in the BCHS Scholarship Resource. 

Reminder- It is always a good idea to keep the entire application timeline into perspective as you work towards the application deadline (requesting transcripts, asking for letters of recommendation, etc).

Finding Answers & Information-

As you become even more independent, finding information becomes more important. Here is a quick and effective methodology for finding information/answers to your questions. When practicing this method you will generally find that it saves you a lot of time and energy. Please note: this is NOT intended to be a comprehensive analysis of finding information but rather an overarching structure.

A good place to start is a search engine like Google or Bing (there are a lot more, too). Within a few clicks of typing in your question(s), you have access to answers like “how do I apply to Common App” or “what are the differences between Regular Decision and Early Decision college applications types.”

There is a possibility the search engine returns unclear results. In this case, the next best step is to ask a friend. Friends may have picked up something you missed, or simply give you confidence and reassurance with the information you did find.

By this point, the majority of questions would have already been answered. However, some questions still remain unanswered due to the complexity or other various factors. An excellent next step is to ask an expert in the field of your questions or contact the organization that is responsible for the information.

Free Senior Spotlight Ads

Don’t miss your chance to commemorate a special year in the life of your favorite Senior.  It is a special time filled with memories, accomplishments, and new things ahead.  As a Senior supporter, you have the opportunity to show your love and pride by honoring your favorite Senior in the Yearbook. We are offering the opportunity for a FREE “Senior Spotlight” advertisement.  Make sure your son, daughter, or loved one has an ad ALL ABOUT THEM to look at when the Yearbook comes out next fall.  Some possible ideas include a good luck note, a graduation congrats or something unique for your Senior, along with a digital picture (either a current picture, or a special picture from the past). 

Personal messages are limited to 40 words or less.

Pictures and messages are DUE by MARCH 1st. 

Space is limited, so Spotlight Ads will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

If you have any questions please contact Mr. Bookman.

Email pictures and messages to: [email protected]

Graduation Date Reminders

This is a reminder that graduation will be on the evening of Friday, May 24th. Graduation rehearsal will be the same day as graduation, Friday, May 24th, in the morning and attendance is required for all seniors participating in the graduation ceremony. Additional details will be communicated out at a later time.

Attendance

This is a reminder that your attendance matters. If you are habitually tardy and/or absent, unexcused hours add up and may prevent you from attending prom and/or graduation: prom and graduation are a privilege, not a right. Please make sure that anytime you miss school that you provide the appropriate documentation (Doctors notes, etc). For specific details, please reference the student handbook.