Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Technology Surplus Sale

OCS is selling off surplus equipment next week.  A portion of the proceeds goes to benfit the FBLA chapters at both OCHS and NOHS.  See all the details at:

http://www.oconeeschools.org/index.php?module=blog&id=631

Thursday, November 29, 2012

The University of Georgia Young Scholars Program is a six week summer internship for high school students interested in science, agriculture, or engineering. Through the program, young scientists are given the opportunity to study within an agricultural field, such as entomology, food science, genetics, etc., and learn about applied science in agriculture. Students work side by side with a mentor, with whom they will interact on a daily basis to develop a research project and create a presentation. At the end of the program, each participant presents their research and findings.
 
The goal of the Young Scholars Program is to encourage outstanding high school students to explore new areas and pursue a future career in science.
As a high school student, you will have the opportunity to earn money for six weeks during the summer working with animals, plants, insects, machinery, scientific lab equipment, etc
 
The program is opened to students that have finished their sophomore year, juniors and seniors and are 16 years by June 1.  The program will be from June 3 to July 12, 2013.  Application deadline is January 31, 2013 – transcript and two letters of recommendation from science, math or agriculture teachers are required.  Visit the website for complete information: http://www.ysp.caes.uga.edu/
 
The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - "A Constitutional Speech Contest" - is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to speak and think clearly and to prepare for acceptance and duties of American citizenship.
 
Scholarship awards are presented to three finalists in the final round of the national contest. The first place award is $18,000; second place is $16,000 and third place is $14,000. Each state winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
 
For more information on The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, visit www.legion.org. For dates, sites and deadline information concerning local, district and state level competition, students should contact Post 20 Commander George Therriault at (706) 613-8534 or Coy Gibson at (706) 742-7975.
 
The creators of the "Student Award Search Aid" website are renewing the scholarship for 2013. Please visit http://www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm to learn more and apply. The scholarship amount is $1,000 and the deadline to apply is May 27, 2013.
 
Open Road Services Calendar of Events – December 2012
Nov. 30-Dec. 2        DUI Course                                       5pm (Fri pm)
Dec. 1-9                    Driver’s Education Course             Start time: 9am
Dec. 3-4                    Defensive Driving Course              5-8pm          
Dec. 3-11                  Prime For Life                                  6-8:30pm (4 nights)
Dec. 7-9                    DUI Course                                       5pm (Fri pm)
Dec. 8                        Defensive Driving Course              9am-3pm    
Dec. 10-11               Defensive Driving Course               5-8pm
Dec. 12                      Learner’s Permit Test Prep           5-7pm
Dec. 14-16               DUI Course                                       5pm (Fri pm)
 Check out our website at www.georgiaopenroad.com  or call us at 770-725-2511 with any questions and for class description, times and fees. If you are on free/reduced lunch, call us for pricing.
 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Scholarships Galore!


Student will be out of school for Thanksgiving Break next Wednesday through Friday (November 21-23)
Scholarship and financial aid information from the American Legion can be found at www.legion.org/needalift .
Senior students who are interested in applying for an Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc. scholarship should visit http://www.humanrelationscouncil.org . The application deadline is Friday, November 30.

Walton EMC is offering its Operation Round Up scholarships to seniors who reside in a home serviced by Walton EMC. Each scholarship will be worth $4,000 and will be non-renewable. For applications and complete details on the application process, please visit the Counseling office. Along with the application, you must submit two letters of recommendation; transcript, questionnaire outline and a letter of acceptance to the college or technical college that you plan to attend. Applications are due to the Walton EMC office on February 15, 2013.
Walton Electric Membership Corporation is pleased to offer a scholarship opportunity in honor of Walter Harrison. Seven scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded for 2013 throughout the area. The student must be a senior and must reside in a home served by Walton EMC to apply for the scholarship. One student from OCHS can be nominated for the scholarship.

A combination of financial need and academic ability will be used in determining scholarship winners.  If you are interested in applying, please see Mr. Guthas in the Counseling Office by Monday, December 3.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012



PLAN - the pre-ACT designed for Sophomores will be given on Wednesday, November 14th.  Students must sign up by November 9th (this Friday) and the cost is $16.  Not only is this a great way to see how the ACT differs from the SAT, it also includes a career assessment   Students may sign up with Ms Oliver in the front office.

The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. We are offering an annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in.
Deadline-June 21, 2013Amount of Award-$500.00
The successful applicant will be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute and currently involved in some sport at that institution or in the community..

Please visit our website at http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply.

Friday, November 2, 2012

No School on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6

Due to Hurricane Sandy, the registration deadline for the December 8th ACT has been moved to November 9th

High Five Scholarships gives students millions of scholarship opportunities and now is also helping them improve their SAT & ACT test scores. 

High Five is giving all students free SAT & ACT online practice tests, free SAT & ACT strategy guides and big discounts on test prep courses. Every practice test is graded by a real grader (free of charge) and students also receive a free score consultation with a test expert.

There are several options for online paid review options, but they also have a couple of free services.


1.  Free strategy guides for the SAT and ACT that explain how to approach the test questions and narrow down the options.
SAT Guide: www.highfivescholarships.com/pdf/Revolution_Prep_SAT_Workshop_Booklet.pdf
ACT Guide: http://www.highfivescholarships.com/pdf/Revolution_Prep_ACT_Workshop_Booklet.pdf

2. They offer a free practice SAT or ACT.  This option does involve registering your information with the company and"purchasing" the practice test, but gives a registration code you can use to get the test for free.  It can be found at the bottom right of this page: http://www.highfivescholarships.com/resources

Graduating high school seniors who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or has difficulty speaking may be interested in applying in a Hamilton Relay Scholarship valued at $500.00. Hamilton Relay selects one recipient from each state annually. For more information and for an application, please visit the Counseling Office. The application deadline is March 1, 2013.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Applications Now Being Accepted:
Any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen may apply for a Most Valuable Student Scholarship sponsored by the Elks National Foundation. Applications will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars to download an application or pick up one in the Counseling office. The deadline to apply is December 7, 2012.
 
North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) will host the third summer language academy for high school rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in June and July 2013. The Federal Service Language Academy (FSLA) is a three-week residential program for students who are interested in an immersion intensive language experience, fitness, and exploring international-related careers with the federal government. Last year, 117 students from over 28 US states and three foreign countries successfully completed the FSLA
During the two three-week sessions, students will be immersed in intensive language instruction in First-Year Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French, German, Korean, Portuguese or Second-Year Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French, German, and Korean from highly qualified teachers, participate in a daily fitness program, receive career counseling from federal agencies (CIA, FBI, State Department, Homeland Security, and US Armed Forces), and possibly receive high school credit for successful completion of the camp.
For further information see below for more complete details and visit our web site:
Or you may contact Dr. Wilson at:
 
John Wilson, Ed.D.
Acting Director of the Center for Global Engagement
North Georgia College & State University
Dahlonega, GA 30597
 
Students are invited to participate in the Annual Optimist International Essay Contest. The contest is an opportunity for students to voice their opinions, receive recongnition and to have the chance to receive a $6,000 scholarship by winning at the Optimist International Level. For more information, visit www.optimist.org . If you are interested in participating, please see Mr. Guthas in the Counseling Office.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Important test registration dates coming up

PLAN - the pre-ACT designed for Sophomores will be given on Wednesday, November 14th.  Students must sign up by November 9th and the cost is $16.  Not only is this a great way to see how the ACT differs from the SAT, it also includes a career assesment.  Students may sign up with Ms Oliver in the front office.
SAT - The registration deadline for the December 1st SAT is next Thursday, November 1st.
ACT - The registration deadline for the December 8th ACT is next Thursday, November 2nd.

Want to know more about what is going on at OCHS?  Check out the Principal's Message section of our website.  This page will link you to both the Warrior Weekly Newsletter and Ms Beckham's blog.

Fall Parent Academy for Families of Students with Special needs - Saturday, November 10, 2012 (9:3-2:30pm) at OCHS with lunch provided by the Oconee Pilot Club.  The focus of this year's program will be on Positive Behavior Supports and will be presented by Dr Dan Crimmins and Stacey Ramirez from Georgia State University.  Registration is required by November 5th.  To register or for more information, contact Amy McCollum, Parent Mentor for Special Education, at amccolum@oconeeschools.org or call 706-769-5130, ext 1210.

Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) can help break the cycle that can include tantrums, running away or hurting oneself or others.  The approach is based on 3 components, understand, prevent and replace.  It begins with analyzing how problems behaviors can be functional (and how they may serve as a means of communicating or getting one's way).  Caregivers can then develop plans to prevent the behavior by anticipating the individual's needs before the problem occurs and then begin to teach new behaviors to replace the problematic ones.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Student's fall break is this Thursday and Friday (10/11-10/12)  Report cards go home on Friday, October 19.
Armstrong Atlantic's College of Health Professions Summer Health Careers Summer Camp is a week-long enrichment opportunity. It will give students an in-depth learning experience with different health careers and will show them the career opportunities available in health professions.
The camp is for rising high school juniors and seniors who want to pursue a career in healthcare. To apply, students need a minimum GPA of a 3.0, and a minimum PSAT/SAT scores: Critical Reading 530, Math 430, with an overall 1000 or ACT scores: English 24, Math 18, with a Composite 21.
A non refundable $150 fee will be assessed after you have been accepted to the camp. For more information and complete details, visit www.armstrong.edu/health_professions and click on the Health Careers Summer Camp link. Or, you may contact Corine Ackerson-Jones at Corine.Ackerson-Jones@armstrong.edu.

Senior Ad Preview Night will be on October 26th, from 6-7 pm in the Yearbook room (K14).  Please make plans to come approve your ad and receive your family photographs.


Monday, October 1, 2012

PSAT and SAT Deadline is coming up!


The deadline for Juniors to sign up for the PSAT in next Monday, October 8.  The cost is $16 and students can sign up with Ms. Oliver in the front office.  The PSAT will be given the morning of October 17th.
You may be wondering why students need to retake the PSAT instead of the going ahead and taking the SAT.  The SAT cost $50 and only gives them a score with no indication of strengths and weaknesses.  The PSAT is cheaper and gives them an overview of where they need to study, the test questions, correct answers and an online guide to explain each and every question on the test.  This makes it the best deal in SAT test preparation!
All freshman and sophomore students will take the exam as well.  Scores for everyone will be handed back right before finals.

The deadline for the November SAT is this Thursday, October 4th.

Thursday, September 27, 2012


Junior and Senior students who are interested in attending Wofford College may be interested in becoming a Wofford Scholar. Qualified candidates are eligible to compete for scholarships ranging from $2,000 per year up to a full scholarship, which is valued at approximately $45,000 per year.  The following criteria must be met for a student to be nominated for the Wofford Scholars Program:
 - Must rank in the top 10% of the class.
-Must have achieved a minimum score of 1250 (CR and Math) on the PSAT or SAT, or 28 composite score on the PLAN or ACT.
-Must demonstrate qualities of scholarship, leadership, and potential for success.
 Please see Mr. Guthas by Friday, October 5 if you are interested in being nominated and meet the criteria.
 
Please announce this opportunity for your juniors or seniors who may be considering an Army ROTC program in college, attending a senior military college, or attending West Point.North Georgia College & State University, one of our nation's six senior military colleges, is running National Leadership Challenge (NC) Weekend for high school juniors and seniors. If you're interested in commissioning as an Army lieutenant after college, you should consider coming to NC Weekend.   NC Weekend is designed to allow you to experience the Corps of Cadets first-hand, and gain insight into the Army ROTC program at North Georgia.

To see a video, get the details, and register for the program, go to: ww.northgeorgia.edu/nlcweekend
Dates: 9-11 November
Location: North Georgia College & State University campus and US Army Mountain Ranger Camp, in Dahlonea, Georgia
Cost: $115 (includes two overnight stays, all meals, and program cost)

Broun to Host Military Academy Day 2012 - Please note the change of date/time!
U.S. Representative Paul C. Broun, M.D. (GA-10), in coordination with U.S. Senators Johnny Isaksonand Saxby Chambliss, will host a Military Academy Day on Saturday, October 20th*from 10 a.m. until noon in the auditorium of Athens Technical College. Representatives from the United States Air Force, Naval, Military, and Merchant Marine academies will be in attendance to talk about the application and nomination process and to answer questions. The event is free and open to students in grades eight through twelve. Those who are interested in attending must make a reservation by contacting Matthew Waldroup at 706-886-1008, Matthew.Waldroup@mail.house.gov. or Andrew Thorne at 706-886-1008 Andrew.Thorne@mail.house.gov.
What: Academy Day 2012
Who: America’s Service Academies & Students in Grades Eight through Twelve
When: Saturday, October 20th from 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Where: Athens Technical College Auditorium
800 U.S. Hwy 29 North
Athens, GA 30601

Monday, September 24, 2012

Family Dining Day

Don’t forget about family dining day!  Eat great food and help us help kids!
Once a year we ask the community and local restaurants to support our non-profit organization, Oconee Area Resource, by participating in Family Dining Day - a national initiative to encourage parents to spend time with their children by sharing a meal together. 

Please join us on Family Dining Day, Monday, September 24, and eat out or order food from one of these great Oconee County restaurants and they will donate a percentage  of the proceeds to our work to help kids be healthy, safe, and successful in school:

Barberito's on Main Street and Epps Bridge
Chef Ming on Epps Bridge
Chicken Express 
Chops and Hops 
Dairy Queen 
Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins 
Inoko Express 
Keba in Watkinsville
La Parilla
Main Moon
Mirko
Piccolo's Italian Steakhouse 
Pizza Hut Express on Epps Bridge
The Morning Glory 
Your Pie
Zaxby's in Watkinsville
Kumquat Mae on 9/25 (closed Mondays)
Girasoles on 9/25 (closed Mondays)

Thanks for your support!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Another Academy Day and Family Dining Day

U.S. Representative Paul C. Broun, M.D. (GA-10), in coordination with U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss, will host a Military Academy Day on Saturday, September 29th from 10 a.m. until noon in the auditorium of Athens Technical College.  Representatives from the United States Air Force, Naval, Military, and Merchant Marine academies will be in attendance to talk about the application and nomination process and to answer questions.  The event is free and open to students in grades eight through twelve.  Those who are interested in attending must make a reservation by contacting Matthew Waldroup at 706-886-1008 or Matthew.Waldroup@mail.house.gov.  What:  Academy Day 2012 Who:  America’s Service Academies & Students in Grades Eight through Twelve When:  Saturday, September 29th from 10:00 a.m. - Noon Where:   Athens Technical College Auditorium 800 U.S. Hwy 29 North Athens, GA 30601

Eat great food and help us help kids!

Once a year we ask the community and local restaurants to support our non-profit organization, Oconee Area Resource, by participating in Family Dining Day - a national initiative to encourage parents to spend time with their children by sharing a meal together. 


Please join us on Family Dining Day, Monday, September 24, and eat out or order food from one of these great Oconee County restaurants and they will donate a percentage  of the proceeds to our work to help kids be healthy, safe, and successful in school:

Barberito's on Main Street and Epps Bridge
Chef Ming on Epps Bridge
Chicken Express 
Chops and Hops 
Dairy Queen 
Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins 
Inoko Express 
Keba in Watkinsville
La Parilla
Main Moon
Mirko
Piccolo's Italian Steakhouse 
Pizza Hut Express on Epps Bridge
The Morning Glory 
Your Pie
Zaxby's in Watkinsville
Kumquat Mae on 9/25 (closed Mondays)
Girasoles on 9/25 (closed Mondays)

Thanks for your support!


The John Montgomery Belk Scholarship of Davidson College recognizes and awards students of intellectual and personal achievement and significant leadership ability. Up to eight Belk Scholars will be chosen in Davidson's Class of 2017, each receiving an annually renewable scholarship equivalent to the college's comprehensive fees.

Belk Scholars represent the finest attributes of the Davidson student body: intellectual excellence and enthusiasm, integrity, global awareness, and leadership ability and potential. Each high school may nominate one student for the John Montgomery Belk Scholarship. Any senior student who is interested in being nominated must see Mr. Guthas in the counseling office by Friday, November 2.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Progress Reports were given to all students in Warrior Period today.

The deadline for the October 27 ACT is next Friday, September 21.  Students can sign up online at www.actstudent.org.

It's time for Juniors to sign up to take the PSAT.  This is the most cost efficient way to gauge SAT preparedness and target specific weaknesses.  The test is given the morning of October 17, the cost is $16 and the students can sign up in the front office with Ms Oliver.

Piedmont College Admissions is hosting several admissions events this year if your student is interested.  Contact the admissions office to sign up.

Demorest Fine Arts College Experience - Thurs-Fri, October 25-26, 2012 AND  Thurs-Fri, January 31-Feb 1, 2013 High school juniors and seniors with an interest in music, theater and visual arts will have the opportunity to stay on campus; participate in a fine arts event with faculty and students on Thursday evening and visit classes on Friday.

Senior Overnight - Thurs-Fri, November 1-2, 2012 AND Thurs-Fri, March 24-25, 2013 High school seniors will spend the night on the 1st and visit classes on the 2nd. This is a casual affair. Students will have the opportunity to see Piedmont College as it really is during the course of two days.

Preview Piedmont Sunday - November 18, 2012 AND Sunday, February 24, 2013 Preview Piedmont is a Sunday Visitation Day in the fall. Information sessions, tours, and opportunities to meet faculty will all be part of the day.

Athens Open House and Family Fun Day -  Saturday, March 23, 2013This event is a Saturday Visitation Day on the Athens campus. The event will include information sessions, tours and opportunities to meet faculty.

If your student needs some last minute test prep for the October 6 SAT, 5 Points test prep is offering a special course.  Contact them at 770-519-3309 or 5pointsprep@gmail.com for more information.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Top students in all grades who are interested in the medical field may be interested in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. This program introduces students to the field of medicine and the many career opportunities that exist. The program is to be held this coming summer. For more information, please visit http://www.nylf.org/med/ . If you are interested in being nominated, please see Mr. Guthas in the counseling office. All nominations must be completed by September 26.

SunTrust Bank is offering $1,000 scholarships to senior students. The scholarships are not based on GPA or Financial need. There are fiften chances to win with one winner chosen every two weeks from October to May. To enter online and get complete details, visit www.offtocollege.info beginning September 14, 2012.

QuestBridge is pleased to announce the launch of the 2012 National College Match program, which helps outstanding low-income students gain admission and full four-year scholarships to leading colleges. QuestBridge's 33 partner colleges include many of the nation's top universities and liberal arts colleges, such as Yale, Stanford, Amherst, Emory and MIT. Students can apply to multiple colleges through one application, which is available at www.questbridge.org . The application is due September 28, 2012.

Friday, September 7, 2012


The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is proud to announce the formation of the Governor’s Commission on Teen Driving.   Georgia drivers between 15 and 19 years of age are encouraged to apply for this prestigious and important opportunity.  The Governor’s Commission on Teen Driving will include 15-20 teen drivers selected from applications received by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.  The teens selected will assist Governor Nathan Deal in developing a statewide strategy, using non-traditional methods, to educate teen drivers on the risks and consequences of texting and driving, distracted driving, and alcohol impaired driving, with the ultimate goal of reducing teen crashes, injuries and fatalities on Georgia highways.
Applicants must agree to the Terms and Conditions, and be willing to serve a minimum one year term.
Teen drivers can apply online by clicking the following link: Teen Driving Commission
Please review the Governor’s Commission on Teen Driving Terms and Conditions before submitting the application.
All applications must be submitted online by Thursday, September 20th 2012

All newly licensed drivers must meet the requirements of Joshua's Law.

If you of an adult who has been considering getting a GED, they can take a practice test next week for free.  More information can be found at http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2012-09-07/georgia-adult-education-centers-offer-free-ged-practice.  Information on local GED classes is in this brochure http://www.athenstech.edu/OfficeOfPresident/PR/Adult%20Education%20Brochure%20(2).pdf

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The Oconee Little League will recognize and award with a scholarship an outstanding senior (s) who has the love for the game of baseball/softball. There will be five scholarships awarded in Oconee County. The grand prize will receive and amount of $1,000 and four runners up will receive an amount of $500.00.

All high school seniors that have played baseball/softball at least two years of their high school career and reside in Oconee County are eligible to apply. Any student having received a full four year scholarship is not eligible.

Applications can be picked up in the Counseling Office and must be turned in to the Oconee Little League office by January 31, 2013.


Open Road Driver Services is the area’s only 21-century driver’s education program.
·         Our program meets Joshua’s law requirements.
·         The cost of our program is $495 which includes 2 certificates for insurance discounts and a $125 tax deduction.
·         We also offer a discount if you participate in the Free and reduced lunch program.
·         We teach classes at the Athens Career Academy as well as our main office in Bogart.
·         Check our website at www.georgiaopenroad.com for class dates and times and registration information.
·         Attend our free parent workshop on Oct. 22nd and get a discount coupon worth $50.(not to be combined with any other discount offer)
·         If you have questions please contact us at 770-725-2511.

Thursday, August 30, 2012


The Horation Alger Association scholarship programs provide financial assistance to students throughout the nation who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Students may apply August 1 - October 25. For complete details and to apply, please visit www.horatioalger.org/scholarships

If your student is considering applying to UGA now or in the future, you may want to check out their Top 10 UGA Urban Legends.

Friday, August 24, 2012

September 5th.... Smile!
Fall Underclass Picture Day will be taking place in the Commons throughout the day. The schedule can on the OCHS website. Students will report from class during the assigned time window.
Picture order forms will be distributed during Warrior Period and should be returned on the day of the sitting.

And....Last call for Senior Portraits!Seniors who did not have their portraits taken this summer may do so on September 5th until 6:00PM.

Each year, the State of Georgia funds 42 "Georgia Military Scholarships" (GMS) for high school seniors to attend North Georgia College & State University as Cadets, earn their bachelor's degrees, and then commission as second lieutenants in the Georgia Army National Guard.
These full scholarships pay for tuition, fees, room, meals, books and uniforms for eight semesters, and are worth around $70,000 each.
For this year's seniors who graduated last May, we only had 70 qualified applicants for the 42 scholarships, and we made offers to all 70.  We're looking for more than 70 applicants this year.
This scholarship is not for students who want to commission as lieutenants in the full-time, regular Army. Rather, they're for those who want to remain in Georgia after graduating from college, serve as a part-time officers, and compete for jobs in the private sector, public sector, or pursue post-graduate education.
The following link has a very detailed web site that provides step-by-step instructions:  www.northgeorgia.edu/gmssteps
The deadline for applying is February 1st and applications are being accepted now.

Oconee County GCAPS
Attention, Juniors and Seniors! Are you interested in leadership, government, or public service? Consider applying for the Oconee County GCAPS. GCAPS is the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students. Unique to Oconee County, the program provides opportunities to learn about and participate in local government. The GCAPS group will tour the jail, simulate a County Commission meeting, and visit the State Capital in Atlanta, among many other exciting activities. If you are interested, please retrieve an application from Mr. Drewry in D3. Completed applications should be submitted to the front office and are due on September 14th. For more information, visit  http://www.accg.org/we...caps/index.html

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Athens Area Chapter of the Watson-Brown Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year. The mission of the Board is to preserve local history. The Junior Board awards $33,000 in grants annually to worthwhile preservation projects in the Northeast Georgia area. During the school year, the Junior Board conducts research, pre-grant inquiries and site visits.

More information and complete applications for interested students may be picked up in the Counseling office. All applications with required supporting documents are due by September 14, 2012 to the WBF Junior Board office.

The Mercer University School of Engineering is inviting senior students to be nominated from OCHS to participate in their annual Scholarship Challenge in Macon, GA on Saturday, October 20, 2012. Last year, over $2.2 million was offered to over 80 students in the Engineering program.

If you are interested in being nominated to attend, please see Mr. Guthas in the Counselors office. They would like to have all student applications in by October 1.

The Saturday event on October 20 will include:

Campus and engineering laboratory tours.
Lunch and a short program for students and their parents.
The scholarship challenge (test) that afternoon.
A parents program in the afternoon.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

New scholarships and Military Academy Information


Students may now be nominated for the William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University for the 2013-2014 school year. Candidates for the Danforth Scholars Program must have exhibited a capacity for service and leadership, as well as academic excellence, and who will embrace the challenges of a rigorous academic curriculum. They are especially interested in students who exhibit qualities that embody the essence of the Danforths - maturity, strong moral character, selflessness, and commitment to the community. Please see Mr. Guthas in the Counseling Office by September 28 for more information about being nominated. For more information about Washington University in St. Louis, please visit www.admissions.wustl.edu.

Please visit www.auburn.edu/scholarship for updated information on scholarships to Auburn University for the 2013-2014 school year.  Pay special attention to application dates, many of these are before the end of the year.

If your student is interested in attending a military service academy (like West Point, Air Force Academy or the Naval Acadmey) you need to attend the Service Academy day at North Georgia College Gymnasium on September 8 from 10:00 to 12:00.  For more information, contact Tracey Bartley at (706) 226-5320 or Tracey.Bartley@mail.house.gov

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Upcoming Parent Nights

Parent Information Nights hosted by the OCHS Guidance department will be held at the Civic Center on the following dates and times:

Seniors - Monday, August 20 at 6:00pm
Juniors - Monday, August 20 at 7:30pm
Sophomores - Monday, August 27 at 7:30pm
Freshmen- Monday, August 27 at 6:00pm

Monday, August 13, 2012

Leadership opportunity for Sophomores and Juniors

Applications for Youth Leadership Oconee are now available. Current 10th and 11th grade students who want to further develop their leadership skills and channel those skills towards helping others are invited to apply. Applications and further information can be picked up in the Guidance Office and ae due Friday, September 7.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Seniors need to request their final transcripts online by going to http://tiny.cc/octranscripts and completing the form.  They should use the first name on your birth certificate, not a nickname.  If they are still deciding between 2 schools, or if they are attending different schools in fall and spring, please make sure they request transcripts to be sent to both schools.  This is the only way to request a final transcripts.  After graduation there will be a $3 charge for each transcript.

 

Last minute scholarship opportunity!!!  Students interested in a career in agriculture or a related field should apply for the Polly Hardigree Ward Memorial Scholarship.  Applications are available in the guidance office and are due on May 4

 

As you may know, Oconee County High School is participating in the Act Out Loud competition that is raising awareness of safe teenage driving. The competition consists of three rounds. For the first round, schools all over the country submitted a “Safe-tee shirt design.” Our design made the top 25 in the nation, advancing us to Round 2. In this round, we were to submit a creative sign. OCHS’s “Life isn’t a circus- don’t clown around” sign tied for first place with the highest number of “likes” it received on Facebook. Now, we are in the third and final round of the competition. In this round, everyone in the community is encouraged to go to www.facebook.com/ActOutLoud at home or on your smart phone and download the yearbook application (screenshot of directions). And guess what- there is a separate, INDIVIDUAL prize! Any student who is the age of 13-18 is eligible to enter the sweepstakes and win $11,000 ($1,000 for you and 10 of your friends!). The school with the most Facebook app downloads wins this final round. However, to win the entire competition OCHS needs to have the most participation points combined from all three rounds. We hope and think that if we win the entire competition we will win $10,000 or, if we do not win but still make the top 5, we will still win a smaller amount of prize money. We need all of your help to make this possible, so PLEASE download the Facebook app and spread the word telling everyone else to do the same

Monday, April 16, 2012

Please remember that the deadline for the Lions Club scholarship is Friday. The deadline for the Moore's Ford Memorial scholarships is April 23.

The 2012 Legacy of Hope Scholarship Application is now available.  This scholarship is a private scholarship offered in memory of Dr. Richard Kowalske.  Only students accepted to Gainesville State College are eligible to apply.   Students must attach the required documents stated on the application.  The student must also meet the requirements listed below: Requirements:  

1.      Must be currently attending 12th grade in a state approved Georgia High School

2.      Maintain a GPA of 2.8 or better

3.      Household yearly income for a family of (4) not to exceed $125,000

4.      Active in a local church

5.      Have 25 verifiable hrs. of Community Service over the last 12 months.

6.      Submit a completed application package by June 1, 2012. Application must be received no later than June 1, 2012 to the following address:

Gainesville State College

Attn: Andria M. Smith /Financial Aid Office

P. O. Box 1358Gainesville GA 30503

Applications received after Jun 1, 2012 will not be considered.

Monday, April 2, 2012

The year is winding down fast. Check out the Senior Information Sheet for a list of upcoming events.  The requirements for Honor Graduates can be found on page 12 of the Student Handbook.

For information about AfterProm and how to volunteer, please go to the AfterProm website

The 2012 Summer Science Academy will run from  June 3-9th and there is no cost for the program. Please see the following link for complete details: 

ttp://www.rx.uga.edu/index.php/student_affairs_office/summer_science_institute/

Applications for this year's Moore's Ford Memorial scholarships can be picked up in the Guidance office. The scholarships value at $1,000 and are memorials to two couples killed in 1946 by a lynch mob, George and Mae Murray Dorsey and Roger and Dorothy Malcolm. This occurred at the Moore's Ford Bridge connecting Oconee and Walton Counties. The completed applications must be postmarked on or before April 23, 2012.

Abraham Baldwin College is offering scholarships to Hispanic/Latino students. For more information, please visit www.abac.edu/scholarships/goizueta/new.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Your help is needed for After Prom 2012 - Big City Nights is the theme for After Prom this year.    It will be held April 21 at Oconee County High School.  We need parents to volunteer.  There are many ways to help.  Click on the After Prom link located on each schools homepage and find how you can help that day.  There will be a meeting for volunteers Tues. April 3 at 6:30 pm in the OCHS cafeteria.  Please sign up today!  After Prom is a great benefit to our community and it takes the whole community to make it happen.

Just a reminder of summer programs at UGA - Deloitte has donated $100,000 to the Terry College of Business to increase outreach to high school students to encourage them to major in business (and accounting) as undergraduates. Our primary outreach efforts targeted to high school students consist of the following 2 residential summer camps (students apply online at the following links):

Terry Business Academy

(http://www.terry.uga.edu/diversity/terry_business_academy.html)

2 sessions with 30 students = 60 total students

Session 1:        June 3-9

Session 2:        June 24-30

 

Terry Accounting Residency Program

(http://www.terry.uga.edu/diversity/accounting_residency.html)

2 session with 50 students = 100 total students

Session 1:        June 17-20

Session 2:        July 8-11

 

Mr. Randy Groomes (Director of Diversity Relations) is Terry's contact person for both programs, and he can be reached at rgroomes@uga.edu<mailto:rgroomes@uga.edu>.

Friday, March 16, 2012

United States Senator Johnny Isakson will host his annual Spring Academy Day on Saturday, May 12 from 10:00-11:30 AM at Dobbins Air Force Base. The purpose of Academy Day is to nominate qualified candidates to the United States military academies. Representatives from all five academies will be in attendance to answer questions to parents and students. The event is open to all students in grades 9-12. Anyone interested in attending must make a reservation online at http://isakson.senate.gov/contactsad.cfm by April 27 at 5:00 PM.

Each year, Gainesville State College offers the Dean's Scholarship to graduating seniors who plan on attending GSC. This year, GSC is excited to announce that they are able to increase the value of the Dean's Scholarship significantly and the selection of the recipients will be determined through an on-campus competition as well as for the President's Leadership Program Scholarship.  The scholarship competition will take place on Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM on the Gainesville campus of GSC. The day will consist of a breakfast, interviews, campus tours and an informational session about GSC.  The Dean's Scholarship is a one-year, non-renewable scholarship for Fall semester 2012. The President's Leadership Program Scholarship may be renewed for a second year.

 In order to participate in the GSC Scholarship competition, a student must meet the following criteria:

 -Must apply to GSC by April 1 as a first time freshman student.

-Must complete the FAFSA by June 1.

-Must have a a minimum 3.2 overall GPA and a minimum combined SAT score of 1100 (CR & M only) or an ACT composite score of 24.

-Must complete a scholarship application along with all required attachments to the Office of Admissions by April 13.

 Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office.

Alpha Iota Delta of Chi Psi Fraternity is proud to announce the Bethel Scholarship to GA Tech. The scholarship is sponsored by the Robert B. Plunkett Memorial Educational Trust. This year, one scholarship of $1,000 will be offered to a qualified male entering GA Tech this fall.  The written application, accompanied by an official transcript, must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2012. Applications can be picked up in the counselor’s office.

Earth Care 2012 applications are now available. Through this experience, you can gain valuable leadership skills in hands-on workshops led by the pros. This is also a chance for students to network with executives from a variety of environmental careers.  Join in environmental service projects and work with your team to solve a significant environmental challenge! For more details and to apply, please visit http://21stcenturyleaders.org/ .

Applications for the 2012 Jordan Ellis Memorial Scholarship are now available to seniors in the counselor’s office. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 to be eligible for consideration. The scholarship is sponsored by Rope A Dream Foundation, Inc. The award amount is undetermined at this time. The applications are due to Rope A Dream Foundation, Inc. by April 1, 2012.

Andrew College will offer a new scholarship for Fall 2012 to a select number of high school seniors, who desire to pursue a degree in sport management. The scholarship will be in the amount of $5800 and renewed in their sophomore year, if the program requirements are completed. The students will work with the coaches of different athletic teams throughout the year. The college website is www.andrewcollege.edu.

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Boston University Summer Term offers exciting opportunities for high school students. These programs provide a preview of college life, combining academic challenge and a strong social community. Each program includes a beneficial presentation by experienced Boston University Admissions officers, focusing on the best strategies for the college application process. You can learn more about these programs and apply by visiting bu.edu/summer/highschool.

The Atlanta Braves are excited to present the High School Scholarship Program presented by Publix Super Markets to graduating high school seniors. Six, $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated strong community service involvement as well as solid academic performance during their high school careers.  Completed applications must be submitted online at www.braves.com/scholarships by April 21, 2012.

The Bon Bons Social and Civic Club annually awards book scholarships to high school seniors who have been accepted into an institution of higher learning. Students must be African-American females and must have been accepted into a university, college or technical school for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. Applications can be picked up in the Counselors office and are due on or before April 9.

The Presbyterian College Fellow Program is designed to recognize high school juniors who have excelled academically. In order to be nominated, the junior must rank in the top 10% of the class and have scored at least a 120/1200 on the PSAT/SAT or 27 on the ACT. Presbyterian Fellows receive consideration for the top scholarships at Presbyterian College. Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office if you have any questions or interested in being nominated. The deadline for nominations is March 20.

The Students for Latina Empowerment of the University of Georgia are hosting the 7th Annual ¡Sí, Se Puede! SLE Youth Leadership Conference on March 24, 2012. Rising ninth to twelfth grade students from all across Georgia have been invited to attend this one-day conference held on the UGA campus.

The event seeks to encourage current and rising high school students to pursue higher education. Attendees will be participating in several workshops which will include topics such as the college application process, applying for financial aid, and the importance of pursing a post secondary education. Motivational speakers will also be in attendance demonstrating attendees the importance of engaging in the Latino community and being strong leaders. Attendees will also be exposed to diverse opportunities by engaging with college recruiters. The application and more information can be found at http://sle.uga.edu/ssp/ .

SkillsUSA - The Southeast's largest career exploration event designed for high school students will be held at Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, GA on March 15-16. This is a chance for students to meet potential employers, speak with college representatives and experience career pathways in a hand-on and interactive way. To learn more and to register, please visit www.cefga.org .

The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education is offering a Reading Skills and Speed Reading Program for children and adults this summer. There is a program for high school students in each grade level. The programs focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, speed reading and improving recall. The program for rising 9-11th graders runs from June 10-July 8 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. The program for rising seniors is from June 7-July 5 from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. All programs meet once per week. For more information and to register, call (800) 978-9596.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Applications for the 2012 Jordan Ellis Memorial Scholarship are now available to seniors in the counselor’s office. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 to be eligible for consideration. The scholarship is sponsored by Rope A Dream Foundation, Inc. The award amount is undetermined at this time. The applications are due to Rope A Dream Foundation, Inc. by April 1, 2012.

Andrew College will offer a new scholarship for Fall, 2012 to a select number of high school seniors, who desire to pursue a degree in sport management. The scholarship will be in the amount of $5800 and renewed in their sophomore year, if the program requirements are completed. The students will work with the coaches of different athletic teams throughout the year. The college website is www.andrewcollege.edu.

The Adam Hammond Scholarship will provide an OCHS senior with a $500.00 scholarship towards tuition and fees. A student will be chosen based on academic achievement, school involvement and attendance. Applicants are also asked to submit a 500 to 700 word essay describing how Oconee schools have impacted their life and what attributes they hope to bring to a college campus. Applications can be picked up in the guidance office and must be submitted by April 27, 2012.   Adam Hammond was a 2004 graduate of OCHS and currently works for News Channel 3 in Memphis, Tennessee. At OCHS, Adam was President of the Student Council, on the varsity swim team, and a member of the DECA and FBLA clubs. Adams was also active in 4-H. Through this scholarship, he hopes to provide resources for Oconee students to further their education and to contribute to the community.

Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience is a 21st Century Leaders summer program for a diverse group of 75 Georgia high school sophomores and juniors (current year) that focuses on media, current events, and expanding worldviews, with the help of the worldwide leader in news, CNN.  The 2012 session will take place from June 24 - 29, on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus.

 Leadership Plugged-In: A Turner Technology Experience is a 21st Century Leaders summer program for a diverse group of 60 Georgia high school sophomores and juniors (current year) that focuses on the ways that technology drives innovation in the business world with the help of Turner Entertainment Networks.  The 2011 session will take place from June 10 - 15, on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus.The application deadline is March 8, 2012.  Please see our website for details -  http://21stcenturyleaders.org/

Friday, February 24, 2012

Abbey Hospice Foundation is proud to announce the sixth annual camping experience for children and youth who have lost a loved one. Camp Journey is a grief camp for children and youth ages 7-17. Camp Journey strives to help children and teens improve their understanding of loss and grief. They are partnered with and located at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, GA. The dates of this year’s camp is Friday, April 27 - Sunday, April 29. Camp Journey is free for all participants.   If you know someone who might benefit from Camp Journey, please visit www.mycampjourney.org for more information and a registration form

The Oconee Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that scholarships are being offered to graduates from each of the five high schools in Oconee County to students who will be attending a Technical and/or Vocational School after graduation.  Applications will be accepted between February 20 and April 2, 2012. Interested students should mail the application, their one-page essay, additional materials and their transcript to the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce.  The student must be pursuing post-secondary education at a technical and or vocational institution in the summer or fall of 2012.  For applications and the essay question, please visit the Counselors office.

The first annual VISINE® STUDENTS WITH VISION™ Scholarship Program is offering one-time $5,000 scholarships to students who have demonstrated a clear vision or goal for their future. High school seniors and current college students with a minimum GPA of 2.8 may submit an online application beginning February 15, 2012. The deadline to apply is April 16, 2012. VISINE® STUDENTS WITH VISION™ Scholarship Program recipients are selected based on academic achievement, school and community involvement, financial need and demonstrated vision or goal.  For additional program information and to apply for this scholarship, please visit aim.applyists.net/Vision.

The Education Foundation of the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that $500.00 scholarships will be offered to one graduate from each of the five high schools in Oconee County.  Applications will be accepted between February 20 and April 2, 2012. Interested students should mail the application, their one page essay, additional materials and their transcript to: Oconee County Chamber of Commerce, Education Foundation Scholarship, 55 Nancy Drive, P.O. Box 348, Watkinsville, GA 30677.  To pick up an application and the essay question, please visit the Counselors Office.

Georgia Southwestern State University School of Nursing announces an excellent opportunity for high school seniors.  Getting into nursing school can be difficult. It’s extremely competitive and you may not be able to begin as soon as you’d like.  Georgia Southwestern’s nursing program has found a solution to this problem with the Nursing Guaranteed Acceptance Program (GAP). You read that correctly: before graduating from high school, a select number of eligible students are assured a place in our nursing program, contingent upon fulfilling certain requirements. Students meeting the following requirements are invited to apply for GAP by April 1.

  • Accepted to Georgia Southwestern State University as a beginning freshman for fall semester

  • Return the following information to the School of Nursing: completed GAP application, one-page personal statement essay, two academic references (one of which must be from a high school science teacher)

  • Have Freshman Index (FI) of 2330 or greater