Mrs. G's Cougar Corner

Class of 2010 Quarter 1 Job Shadow Summary

2009-10-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Eby, Jacob: Fire & Fuels Career Camp

Ferge, Elizabeth: Mrs. Corey, 1^st grade teacher

Gundersun, Shenai: Coleen Pedro, Beautician

Hilliard, Shilah: Sunset Elementary, Kindergarten teacher

Longhorn, Weston: Musician Frazer Wambeke

Martinez, Jose Lucas: Hale Farm potato harvest

McCallum, Colter: Umatilla Electric Engineering dept.

Mitchell, Devon: Youth pastor, New Hope Church

Munoz, Jorge: Sandstone Middle School, P.E. teacher

Primmer, Cody: NAVY

Reese, Sara: Oregon Trail Vet Clinic

Summers, Aubrey: Advanced Pediatric Dentistry

Tarvin, Ryanne: The Red Express, Echo

Tetlow, Tiffany: The Farmers Kitchen, Hermiston

Quarter 2 hours, job shadows and reflections are due December 16^th! Please don’t forget to write Thank-You letters to your job shadow/interview individuals…remember they could be future employers!

Senior Seminar Quarterly Update

2009-10-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I just want to begin by saying that the class of 2010 is awesome :) They have all completed their Quarter 1 required hours, job-shadows, and reflections and we are now gearing up for Quarter 2.

Quarter 2 requirements:

• 50 hours of College/Career-related learning experiences (kept on time-sheet)
• Job Shadow or Informational Interview and typed reflection
• Submit 3 completed scholarship applications
• Draft/polish scholarship essay
• Preparation for FAFSA filing in January
• Register for the SAT if student has not yet taken

Quarter 2 Upcoming Events:

10/30/09:Deadline to register for the December 5th SAT test (see my blog or visit collegeboard.com to register).

11/04/09:ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test will be held on Wednesday, November 4th 8-11:00 a.m. @ Echo S.D. All Juniors are required to take the ASVAB and any Senior who may potentially join any military branch would benefit from re-taking this test (no cost).

11/17/09:Eastern Oregon University visit, Tuesday, November 17th. This will be a great opportunity to meet with admissions counselors and program advisors for students who may be interested in attending EOU.

11/23/09:College Night! Monday, November 23rd 6:30-9:00 pm (see attached flier).

12/10/09:A Representative from Western Oregon University here Thursday, December 10th from 11-12:00 to distribute information and answer questions.

12/15/09:Deadline to register for the January 23rd SAT

Times and dates are all subject to change. If you have questions or would like any additional information about any of these events call Mrs. G at 376.8436

10 Steps to Successfully Apply for College Scholarships and Financial Aid

2009-10-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

1. Make a plan and set goals
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” Without a plan, you are going nowhere. Long range and short range goals must be put in writing. Discuss your plan with parents and your counselor.

2. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Sports, clubs, student government, student council, band, drama and any other school related activities are important. You should not only be a participant, but take on leadership roles in the school as well.

3. Take College Entrance Exams—SAT/ACT
Prepare for these exams taking them early in your high school career. Retake them and work hard to achieve the highest score possible.

4. Participate in Community Service
A majority of scholarships require community service. Remember it is not necessarily the quantity, but the quality of service completed.

5. Write a Winning Scholarship Essay
Required by a majority of scholarships and one of the most difficult tasks a student faces in the scholarship application process. See your counselor for tips/questions on how to write a winning scholarship essay.

6. Request Recommendation Letters
You will need letters from teachers, counselors and community leaders. Thank them graciously 
7. Organize a Winning Portfolio
Place I a folder all the required documents you need to apply to schools and for scholarships. This should include your scholarship essay, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and activities chart or resume.

8. Research Scholarships
Contact your school counselor so they can be on the look out for scholarships specific to your intended major, school, etc. Visit the local community college financial aid office, which has a ton of resources for you about grants, scholarships, and other federal funds.

9. Complete Scholarship Applications and Submit them on Time
The number one reason a majority of students never win scholarships is because they are not complete when they are submitted or they are past the deadline.

10. Continue the Scholarship Application Process
Applying for scholarship can begin as early as elementary school. Continue applying for scholarships all through high school, college and graduate school.

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES BY MONTH

2009-10-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER:

AES Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholars
Horatio Alger

NOVEMEBER:

Alvin Cox Memorial
American Civil Liberties Union
Elks National Foundation
Prudential Spirit of the Community
U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship Program
Veterans of Foreign Wars

DECEMBER:

AFROTC High School Scholarship
Anne Ford
AXA Achievement
Bill of Rights Institute
Character Counts
National Conference of CPA Practitioners
NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award
SAE Engineering
University of Phoenix First Chance

JANUARY:
Discover Scholarship Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
Lions Young Ambassadors
McKelvey Foundation
Profile in Courage
Students of Integrity

FEBRUARY:
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Burger King Scholars
Columbia Basin College Foundation
COSA Youth Development Scholarships
ESA Foundation
Frank Kazmierczak Migrant Scholarship
HACER Ronald McDonald House Charities
Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Program
KFC Colonel’s Scholars
Kiwanis club of Hermiston Noon Club
OIT Foundation Scholarships
Oregon Society of CPA’s
Southern Oregon University
U.S. Bank’s Internet Scholarship
USTA Serves College Scholarship Program
Western Oregon University Scholarships

MARCH:
Aviation maintenance Scholarship
Ayn Rand Essay Contest
Barber and Hairdresser Grant (OSAC)
Cement Mason Apprenticeship Opportunities
CUAO Financial Literacy Scholarship
Deceased or Disabled Public SO (OSAC)
Echo Quarterback Club
Ford Scholars Program (OSAC)
Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation
Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Program
Janice M. Scott memorial Scholarship Fund
Oregon Humane Society
Oregon Music Hall of Fame
Oregon State Fraternal Order of Eagles
Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC)
Orphan Foundation of America Education Fund
The Pendleton Round-Up Association
Red & Gena Leonard Foundation
SEMI Pacific Northwest Steering Committee
Teacher Education Scholarship
Treasure Valley Community College
Tyler Campbell Memorial Scholarshp
U of I Sweet Deal Visitation Scholarship

APRIL:
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
AMVETS National Scholarship
Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc. Scholarship
Ayn rand Essay Contest
Chevrolet Excellence in Education Award
Frank Roberts Scholarship—Head Start Alumni
Fred G. Lee Memorial Scholarship
Happy Canyon Foundation Scholarship
Hermiston Breakfast Kiwanis Scholarship
Hermiston Fraternal Order of Eagles
Hermiston Lions Club Community Service
NAIFA Blue Mountain Association
OHSU Scholarships for Future Medical Students
Old West Credit Union Scholarship
Oregon First Community Credit Union
Oregon Public Accountants Scholarship
Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship
Pacific Northwest Grain and Feed Association
Student-View Scholarship Program
Umatilla-Morrow County Farm Bureau
“Will to Win” Scholarship

MAY:
AEMP Foundation Scholarships
Christian Connector
Communicate for English Language Learners
DJ Jenesis Financial need Scholarship
Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Program
Knights of Columbus Scholarship
Northeastern Oregon Home Builders Association
Northwest Career Colleges Federation
Oregon Association of Broadcasters
Oregon Federation of Republican Women
Oregon State Bar Essay Contest
P.E.O. Chapter CV $500 Scholarship
Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship
Treasure Valley CC Agriculture Dept. Scholarship
W.A. “Pete” Brooks Scholarship

JUNE:
A & F Scholarships
BigSun Scholarships
Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship (OSU)

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

2009-10-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

500 scholarships are awarded ranging from $60,000 ($15,000 per year for 4 years) to $4,000 ($1,000 per year for 4 years).

Instructions:

In addition to employment history, community service, honors and awards, and leadership and extracurricular activities, applicants must also submit an essay of no more than 500 words and a parent financial statement. For more information or to download an application click here.

Due November 2, 2009!

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

2009-09-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

If you are a truly motivated, dedicated, involved high school senior, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is awarding $3 million a year in scholarships to 250 deserving students just like you. Apply online today! A few minutes of your time could help get you through college and beyond...

Deadline to receive completed applications: October 31st

For additional information go to www.coca-colascholars.org

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

1. Seniors in high schools throughout the United States who meet the eligibility requirements may apply each year for one of 250 four-year, achievement-based scholarships. Students will find the application link on this web-page between August 1 and October 31. The deadline is October 31^st and the student must be a senior at the time of application.

2. Approximately 2,200 applicants will be selected as Semifinalists in mid-November and notified by mail and email. Semifinalists must then complete a secondary application, including essays, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Semifinalist applications will be due by mid-January. Our Program Review Committee will select 250 Finalists to advance to the final interview phase. Notifications are sent mid-February.

3. In April, the 250 Finalists are invited to Atlanta for personal interviews. The Finalists are interviewed by a National Selection Committee representing outstanding leaders in business, government, education and the arts. 50 students are then designated as National Scholars and receive awards of $20,000 for college; 200 students are designated as Regional Scholars and receive awards of $10,000 for college.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

APPLICANTS MUST BE:
• CURRENT high school (or home-schooled) seniors attending school in the United States (or select DoD schools);
• U.S. Citizens; U.S. Nationals; U.S. Permanent Residents; Temporary Residents (in a legalization program); Refugees; Asylees; Cuban-Haitian Entrants; or Humanitarian Parolees;
• anticipating completion of high school diploma at the time of application;
• planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution;
• carrying a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school.

APPLICANTS MAY NOT:
• be children or grandchildren of employees, officers or owners of Coca−Cola bottling companies, The Coca−Cola Company, Company divisions or subsidiaries.

Tell Your Story. Win $10,000 for College

2009-09-08T09:09:00.001-07:00

Stand for Children is Offering Scholarships to Outstanding Students who "Beat the Odds"

Are you an Oregon public high school senior who has succeeded academically despite hardships such as poverty, disability, homelessness or personal tragedy? Do you plan to continue your education by enrolling in a two or four-year college program in 2010? If education has made a difference in your life, Stand for Children Leadership Center wants to hear from you!

In November 2009, Stand for Children will award three $10,000 college scholarships to outstanding students who have "Beat the Odds." The scholarship is $2,500 per year, renewable for up to four years provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA of better, completes 12 or more credits each term, and funding is available.

Criteria for the Scholarship
Scholarship applicants must demonstrate the he/she:

Is a student enrolled in a public high school in Oregon, who will graduate in June 2010
Has maintained at least a 3.0 GPA showing marked effort, improvement, or success.
Has succeeded in spite of hardships such as poverty, disability, homelessness, or personal tragedy.
Has volunteered or participated in activities that are helpful to others.
Has demonstrated financial need.
Scholarships are contingent on acceptance into a two or four-year college program and will be paid directly to the school.

Recipients agree to share their stories at the Beat the Odds award luncheon and participate in all related publicity. The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Oregon Zoo Ballroom in Portland. All winners are required to attend-travel expenses for the student and a chaperone will be covered by Stand for Children.

How to Apply for a "Beat the Odds" Scholarship
Interested students should visit our website to read more about the scholarship and print off the application materials. All applicants will submit an application form, a personal essay, high school transcripts, financial information and two letters of recommendation.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2009

Click here to print off an application :)

AES Scholarship

2009-09-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

AES Engineering is pleased to be able to continue offering scholarships to motivated students to help in the furthering of their education.

Scholarship Criteria
Our belief is that achieving a high grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped. For that reason we are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by evaluated the essays that are submitted.

Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility. You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible.

How to Apply
Students must submit an essay of no more than 1000 words in answer to one of the two questions below:

1. Explain the importance of your current studies in today's society.
2. There is general agreement that our economy is in trouble. In general terms, how much responsibility should be shouldered by the average citizen?

Amount of award: $500.00
Deadline for entry: October 6, 2009

Submit essay to: scholarships@aesengineers.com

There is no application packet for this award. Please do not include your resume at this time.
Be sure to include your full name as well as the name of the school you are attending in 2009/10 and your plans for 2010/11.

Thought for the day...

2009-09-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

If you don't have big dreams & goals, your gonna end up working reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally hard for someone who does...

Seattle University Scholarship Opportunity!

2009-08-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Sullivan Leadership Award represents Seattle University’s holistic definition of academic excellence, one that transcends classroom performance. The award is a full scholarship, equal to tuition, room, and board for each of four years, designed to support students whose records reflect their commitment to:

Service and Leadership
Academic Rigor
Community
Spirituality
Global Awareness

Each year we seek to identify nine entering freshmen who will serve as peer leaders embodying these values. Leadership takes many forms and styles and accordingly we search for a cohort that mirrors the diversity of Seattle University’s student body. Sullivan Leaders represent a variety of heritages—small towns and large cities, public and independent high schools, Catholic and other religious traditions. The program’s objective is in keeping with Seattle University’s overall mission to cultivate leaders who will enter society and work in pursuit of a more just and humane world.

Leadership – We look for students who have demonstrated leadership through school activities such as student government, athletics, the arts, and public service and through religious groups and community involvement.
Social Justice – We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to the well being of others through school, church, or other community service.
Communication – Leaders must be able to communicate effectively and be persuasive. Sullivan Leaders are expected to demonstrate well-developed written and oral communication skills.
Scholarship – Leaders take risks. Accordingly, we seek students whose love of learning has led them to embrace the most demanding academic programs. We note academic rigor first, then performance. The typical Sullivan Leader enjoys noteworthy academic success; most have earned cumulative high schoolgrade point averages of at least 3.5.
Residence - Candidates must be residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyoming

Click HERE for more information or to download an application!

2009-10 SAT Dates

2009-08-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

Seniors should plan on taking the SAT--preferably twice :)

October 10th--Register by September 9th
November 7th--Register by October 1st
December 5th--Register by October 30th
January 23rd--Register by December 15th
March 13th--Register by February 4th
May 1st--Register by March 25th
June 5th--Register by April 29th

Echo H.S. SAT Code #380290

Click HERE to register online or see Mrs. G for a registration packet.

You can also study for the SAT online!

Early scholarship opportunity...

2009-08-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Wendy's High School Heisman application is now available!

To be eligible to apply, students must be a high school senior for the 2009-2010 academic year, graduating with the Class of 2010, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and participate in a school-sponsored sport.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for application is limited exclusively to men and women entering their senior year of high school in the 2009-2010 academic year who have at least a “B” grade average and participate in at least one of the 27 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High Schools. We want to hear from all student-athletes who work hard, are dedicated, and have become role models for your school’s underclassmen. Students are judged based on their academic achievements, community service involvement, and athletic accomplishments.

How do they apply and what's the timing?
The online application must be completed by the student and reviewed by a high school official no later than 5:00pm (Central Time) on October 1, 2009. Each student applicant must have their online application reviewed and confirmed by a school representative. The reviewer must submit by 5:00pm (Central Time) on October 6, 2009. Thus, the students must complete their application early to allow time for school personnel to review and confirm the accuracy of the data provided.

Click Here for more information or to download an application

Say "thank you!"

2009-08-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Writing thank you letters to individuals who have assisted you with job shadows and informational interviews is one of the best habits to adopt. Employers do appreciate it when a student takes time to thank them. It shows gratitude and professionalism, which are definitely traits you should be revealing to future employers.

Each time you do a job shadow or sit down and conduct an informational interview, I EXPECT you to follow up with a thank you letter. Please print out an extra copy, or show me your thank-you letter so I can document that you have written it.

Scholarship committees are also very appreciative of thank-yous, and may be more apt to renew the reward to someone they know is grateful. Please take some time to read through the example thank you letter below:

Emily Smart
1200 Greenwood Avenue
Echo, Oregon 97828

September 20, 2009

Mr. Eric Bradley
217 Grace Street
Hermiston, OR 97838

Dear Mr. Bradley,

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy work schedule to provide me the job shadowing experience on September 18, 2009.

I found the tour of the facility and the career related information you shared to be extremely valuable. Being able to talk to other accountants helped me realize my career goals and the kind of company I would like to work for someday. I specifically enjoyed attending a staff meeting to experience some of the every day issues that can arise in an office setting. Thank you for answering all of my questions; the information was very educational.

I thank you again for your generosity and patience in helping me explore my career path.

Sincerely,

Emily Smart

See how easy that is?! Short and sweet, yet professional (please type!)

The Job Shadow

2009-08-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Tips on job shadowing:

Think about adults you know. Is your mom’s best friend a florist? Maybe your uncle runs a sporting goods store. Contact them and simply ask if you can spend a few hours watching them work. Most people are delighted to help teens get job experiences.
After you’ve contacted people you know, make the leap and call some people you don’t know. Is there a company in your town that manufactures skis? Call up and ask if you can job shadow one of their employees. Be adventurous!
Arrive at the job shadow on time. Remember, this experience could result in a future job. The person you are shadowing still has a job to do, so you don’t want to delay their schedule. Remember that you are not only representing you, but Echo as well--let's make a make a respectable name for our school!
Dress up! No you don’t need to wear a tuxedo or business suit, but you do need to look professional. Khakis and a clean shirt or blouse are safe to wear in almost all business settings. Leave the cut-offs and halter tops at home. There are exceptions of course. If you will be working outside or doing some kind of labor, I'm sure jeans and boots are fine. If you have questions about attire, just call--better safe than sorry.
Take along a notebook and pencil to jot down notes. If you do several job shadows, you’ll appreciate having the information to look back on, and it will be very helpful when you get to your project/presentation planning.
Be prepared to help and get involved. I found myself helping design shoes at NIKE, working out with a fitness instructor and feeding lettuce to an overweight sea turtle. Even if you realize the job would never interest you, remain positive. Don’t say, “This job seems boring. How do you do it every day?”
Grab artifacts (flyers, brochures, business cards, pamphlets, etc) and take pictures (ask permission first) to document your experience. Remember, artifacts and pictures make great additions to portfolios/final presentations...
After the job shadow, listen to your mother and write a thank you note. It’s good training for when you go on job interviews, plus it keeps an open communication with the person you shadowed and makes a good impression on what could be a future employer!