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

Athens Regional Medical Center's Volunteer Services Department is now accepting inquiries concerning their Teen Volunteer Program for the summer of 2012. Teens who are ages 15-17 by June 1 and hold a GPA of B or higher will be considered. Also, the students must maintain high standards of behavior and are sincerely interested in helping others will be considered. Interested students may call Lynda Jones, Volunteer Services Manager, at (706) 475-3405 to request an application packet. The application deadline is March 15. There are various places within the hospital that are in need of volunteer services.

 

This Friday is the deadline for the Walton EMC Operation Round Up Scholarship application.   All applications must be in your local Walton EMC office by close of business,  5:00 p.m. this Friday, the 17th.

 

The mission of Kids' Chance of Georgia, Inc., is to provide educational scholarships to children with a parent who has been killed or injured on the job. Further information on qualifications and the scholarship application can be found at www.kidschancega.org .

 

The got milk? campaign is looking to reward hard work with a college scholarship and a fun-filled weekend!  If you know a graduating high school senior who excels in academics, athletics and community service and starts everyday with a healthy breakfast, they could win big!  America's Milk Processors and USA TODAY are pleased to announce the 15th annual "Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year" (SAMMY) 2012 Award Program.

Our online site at https://www.sammyapplication.com is accepting applications until March 19, 2012.  If you know a student that you think deserves to be rewarded as a SAMMY 2012 winner, encourage them to apply for a chance to win a $7,500 scholarship, an awards weekend at Walt Disney World and the opportunity to star in a special got milk? Milk Mustache ad in USA TODAY.

 

The consulting firm of AES Engineers is committed to continuing its support of higher education by providing scholarships to deserving students.  To be eligible the student needs to answer one of the essay questions that they will find on our site at http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm

 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 evaluating the essays that are submitted.

 Amount of award:   $500.00

Deadline for entry: October 5, 2012

Further information, including previous winners, is available on our web site at:  http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm

 

The UGA Terry College of Business offers summer residency programs for high school students. The Terry Business Academy will be offered June 3-9 and June 24-30. The Accounting Residency Program is offered June 17-20 and July 8-11. All programs are free of charge. The programs are intensive and students will gain practical experience developing business plans and learn about various business majors and accounting practices.                    Please visit http://link.cmm01.com/c/306/8176fc43235ce7b83bbc41cfeacb208c236907bb6a1c1ccc8ccd5dd73ecd97f6 for complete details.

 

Students entering college that plan on majoring in Engineering, Technology, Design or the automotive industry may be interested in applying for Buick Challenge Scholarships. Please visit www.buickachievers.com for further details. The application deadline is February 29.

 

QuestBridge is a non-profit organization that aims to increase the number of outstanding low-income students who attend and excel at selective colleges. This year's awards included full scholarships to to college summer programs at schools like Harvard, Standford and Yale. Please visit www.questbridge.org for complete details.

 Need Help Completing your FAFSA?  Attend College GOAL Georgia  Parents of seniors have 2 opportunities to get help filling out the FAFSE for next year. We invite all high school seniors and their families to one of these free workshop and provide assistance with completing their FAFSA for the upcoming fall and spring semesters.   All students are welcome to attend regardless of where they decide to attend college in fall 2012. 

February 19, 2012 from 2:00pm-4:00pm UGA Miller Learning Center.  Park in the Tate Center lot.  For more information contact Mandy Branch-Friar atosfa@uga.edu

February 24, 2012 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Gainesville State CollegeAcademic III BuildingOakwood, Georgia Parking:  Look for directional signs at the main campus entrance  (Mundy Mill Road)

The 2012 After Prom Committee of Oconee County High School and North Oconee High School will be hosting a Bunco For After Prom fundraiser on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 7pm to 9pm in the OCHS (Hog Mountain Road) cafeteria. Advance tickets are $10 a person and tickets will be $12 at the door. There will be yummy snacks and fabulous prizes as we play Bunco to raise money to help with the expenses of After Prom. Prizes include a $50 Gas Gift Card from Golden Pantry from Most Wins, $50 Gas Gift Card from Golden Pantry for most Buncos, $50 Gas Gift Card from Golden Pantry for Most Losses and $50 Gas Gift Card from Golden Pantry for Most Snake Eyes and the Senior with the Most Buncos will also win a free ticket to After Prom.

Prom night can be one of the most dangerous nights in a child’s life. Nationally, 5,000 teenagers are injured on a typical prom night including approximately 48 teenager fatalities, 40% of which are alcohol relaters. After Prom is a tradition, started in 2002, to prevent such a tragedy from occurring in Oconee County to any of our children, providing them a safe and fun environment for the evening. After Prom will be April 21, 2012 at OCHS. There will be many activities for the kids; from a mechanical bull to a rock wall to a bungee pull to a giant dance party.

Never played Bunco before, that’s okay…you can be taught that night in about 2 minutes, rolling three dice is all there is to it. Tickets to Bunco For After Prom can be purchased in advance for $10 during the lunch periods at OCHS and NOHS on February 21, 22 and 23 or by contacting Julie Walters at 706.769.8681 or Julie@ClassicCenter.com. Tickets at the door will be $12.

Cap and Gown Orders - Balfour will be back on February 7th & 8th during all lunches to collect Senior Dues. The Senior Due fee is $85.00 which includes cap/gown, tassel and various other senior expenses

Oconee County Little League Scholarship
The Oconee County Little League would like to recognize and award outstanding seniors who have the love of the game of softball/baseball. A scholarship will be available towards educational costs at an accredited college, university or technical school. High school seniors that have played baseball/softball at least two years of their high school career and reside in Oconee County will be eligible to submit an application. Any student having received a full four year scholarship is not eligible. Applications can be picked up in the guidance office.
Deadline: Must be returned to Oconee Little League by January 31, 2012.

Auburn University's Engineering Day will be held Friday, February 24 from 8:00 AM to noon, CST. E-Day is an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore a wide range of engineering disciplines. Please visit www.eng.auburn.edu/eday for complete details and registration information.

The OCHS PTO is sponsoring two EPOCHS scholarships of $500 each. The scholarships are given to recognize students who have made a difference in the lives of others and their own through involvement in school and community activities and/or through a work setting. Academic achievement, test scores, financial need and gender are not considered. The scholarship applications can be picked up in the guidance office and are due to Mr. Guthas by Friday, February 24.

The Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association awards scholarships annually in the amount of $1500, $1000, and $750 to high school seniors through an essay writing contest.  The link for complete information and details is:   http://georgiafiresprinkler.org/contest.php The deadline for entries is March 10, 2012.

With three weeks at Davidson College, students can get the taste of college life and interact with Davidson College community. This years Davidson College July Experience will be held from June 30 - July 21. July Experience students live in residence halls and take classes in the liberal arts disciplines. The sessions are planned to help students prepare for the college selection process and to develop leadership skills. Please visit www.davidson.edu/JulyExperience for complete details. You may also email julyexp@davidson.edu or call (704) 894-2508 with any questions.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program recognizes and supports students who show effort and find success in the classroom, yet are unable to attend college without financial assistance. Seniors who plan to major in a field of study that focuses on engineering, technology, design or business, with an interest in the automotive industry are invited to apply for scholarships valued at $2,000. Please visit www.buickachievers.com for more information. The application deadline is February 29, 2012.

The primary purpose of the Oconee Lions Youth Citizenship Award is to recognize the achievements of an Oconee County High School graduating senior who provides evidence of the following criteria: (1) good citizenship, (2) an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community, and (3) has a record of service to the community without personal financial award.

The amount of this scholarship award is $1,000. Special weight in consideration for this recipient will be given to community service accomplishments. Applicants are encouraged to describe the depth of involvement for their major service activities.

Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office and the deadline for submission is 3:00 PM on April 20, 2012

Wofford proudly announces the 64th annual Wofford Scholars Program. Qualified candidates are eligible to compete for scholarships ranging from $3,000 per year up to a full scholarship to Wofford.

Junior students who wish to be nominated for this award must meet the following criteria:

 - Rank in the top 10% of the class

- Have achieved a minimum score of 1250 (CR and Math combined) on the PSAT or SAT, or 28 composite score on the PLAN or ACT.

- Must demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, leadership, and potential for success.

Nominees are screened by the Wofford Scholars Selection Committee. If the student meets the criteria, he or she will be invited to participate on Wofford Scholars Day.

Please visit the Guidance Office if you are interested in being nominated.

The Athens Area Chapter of Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, Inc. is sponsoring $500.00 Academic Scholarships for high school seniors. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and be accepted for enrollment to Fort Valley State University. Applications can be picked up in the Counselor's office and must be submitted by April 16, 2012.

Financial Aid Reminder

Don't forget that a representative of the GSFC will be at the Oconee County civic Center to discuss the federal financial aid form and HOPE tomorrow night at 7:00pm!

Registration and more!!

Registration time is almost here! There are several important events over the next couple of weeks you want to put on your calendar.

• Thursday, January 19th: AP Parent Night from 5:30-6:00 pm and FYI Fair 6:00-8:00 pm here at OCHS. We encourage the students to attend as well!  Please consult the Program listed above to see which sessions are being offered.


• Current 9th-11th graders will register on January 24th

Here you will find all the forms needed to navigate the registration process. All files are saved as pdf files. If they don't open click here to get the latest Adobe reader for your browser.

The following files are useful to all students registering for next year. The files that are class specific are below.

• Graduation Requirements




• Classes of 2013 and 2014 (entered high school prior to 2011)


• Class of 2015 (entered high school in 2011)




• 2011-12 OCHS Course Catalog  (12-13 coming soon)


• Career, Technical, & Agriculture Education (CTAE) Pathways


• Fourth Science Options

Use the links below for specific course offerings and diploma requirements.

• Rising Senior Course Offerings


• Rising Junior Course Offerings 


• Rising Sophomore Course Offerings 


• Rising Freshman Course Offerings

Free Drivers Education Parent Workshop

Do you have a teen who is ready to drive but YOU need more information? Are you confused about the laws in Georgia concerning teen drivers? Do you want to know how to possibly qualify for insurance discounts and tax credits?

Plan to attend our FREE Parent Workshop on Tuesday January 17, 2012 from 6 – 8pm. We will be discussing the following topics:  Driver’s Education course options (traditional and online), Joshua’s Law requirements, Graduated licensing, New teen driving laws, Teen driver safety, Insurance and discount qualifications.

Open Road Services is excited to introduce driving simulation to our Driver’s Education courses. We use Drive Square technology to provide additional training covering the dangers of texting, cell phone use, and impairment while driving. Simulation will provide an opportunity for students to experience how these dangerous situations will affect their driving.

See a demonstration at the Parent Workshop!!

Register online at www.georgiaopenroad.com or call us at 770.725.2511 to save your spot today! We look forward to working with you and your teen to make driving safe and fun. If you know someone who might benefit from this opportunity, please pass the message along!

NOTE: All participants will receive a $50 discount coupon for upcoming driver’s education courses.

Mobile Food Pantry at Rocky Branch Elementary

WHEN: Thursday, January 19th

TIME: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

WHERE: ROCKY BRANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 5250 Hog Mountain Road – Oconee County

The Connecting Point Church in Bogart, a Georgia Non-Profit Corporation, in partnership with the FoodBank of NEGA, is bringing a mobile pantry for families in need of groceries. Requirements for receiving a free box of groceries are similar to families who receive free or reduced lunches for their children at public schools. After filling out a form, families will receive a FREE box full of groceries.  First come, first served. You will only need to indicate your monthly income, number of children, adults and seniors.

We are encouraging local residents and clubs/organizations to get involved by volunteering at one of these events.  You will see, first hand, how great the need is in our county and how grateful our neighbors in need truly are, when we help them stretch their food budget with a box of free groceries.

To volunteer visit  http://www.yourcp.org/calendar and RSVP online or email debysorensen@yahoo.com Volunteers are requested to arrive at 3pm to prep for the grocery distribution from 4-6pm.

Yearbooks are still on sale and prices go up February 1^st!

You may also order yearbooks at the FYI Fair next Thursday night!  To order online go to http://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/ybk_lp_main.html

New Scholarships and Awards

Welcome back!  Today we have several new scholarships, summer opportunities and awards.  Tomorrow you will be getting information about registration for the 2012-2013 school year.

Furman Scholars - The goal of the Furman Scholars program is to recognize outstanding students who desire to learn, to know, to challenge, to change, to connect, to solve. Students selected as Furman Scholars are eligible for at least $5,000 in scholarships upon acceptance into Furman University. Furman Scholars are also eligible for a 10 percent discount on their week-long, residential Summer Scholars program, a summer camp that provides talented rising juniors and seniors with a glimpse of the Furman experience.

Furman Scholar nominees must be current juniors who meet the following requirements:

- A high school weighted GPA of a 3.5 or higher

- A genuine interest in an education in the liberal arts and sciences

- Significant involvement in extracurricular activities and community service

- Demonstrated leadership potential

-One of the following test scores: PSAT score of 120 or higher (CR & Math); SAT score of 1200 or higher (CR & Math); ACT composite score of 26 or higher

If you are interested in being nominated to be a Furman Scholar and meet the criteria, please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by Friday, March 2.

VetCAMP - The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine is hosting "VetCAMP" from Sunday, July 8 - Saturday, July 14 of this year. For more information and for registration forms, please visit www.vet.uga.edu/GO/camp

Julian and Jan Hester Scholarship Program - The goal of the Julian and Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Fund, presented by the Community Bankers Association of Georgia, is to assist deserving high school seniors in their first year of college and to promote banking. At least four, $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Applications for this scholarship may be picked up in the Guidance office and must be turned in to Oconee State Bank by Friday, April 6.

UGA Office of Admissions presents, 3rd Annual “Colleges in your backyard program”

This program is designed to afford both students and parents from Athens/Clarke County and surrounding communities the opportunity to learn more about the post-secondary options in their community and to have general admissions and financial aid questions answered by seasoned professionals.

The program will take place on January 15th, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. at the UGA Chapel. A college admissions panel discussion will take place featuring: Gainesville State College, Athens Tech College, Piedmont College, UGA Office of Admissions, UGA Office - Financial Aid and the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

Immediately following the panel will be a mini-fair college fair in the UGA - Office of Admissions.  The event is free to the public and parking will be available in the North Campus parking deck off South Jackson Street.

For more information, please feel free to contact Des Potier -Associate Director of Admissions via email: dpotier@uga.edu or phone: 706 542 9183.

Farm Bureau Scholarship - The Georgia Farm Bureau would like to recognize and assist deserving and outstanding seniors who are pursuing a college degree in agriculture or a related field. Scholarships will be awarded to the top ten students who confirm they are majoring in agriculture or a related field. The top three students will each receive a scholarship of $3,000. The remaining students will receive a $750 scholarship. Applications may be picked up in the guidance office. The application deadline is February 24, 2012.

Farm Bureau Art Contest - Georgia Farm Bureau is sponsoring an art contest for all high school students. Entry forms can be picked up in the guidance office or from Mr. Pinneau. Ten district winners will receive $75 each in cash. Two state runners up will receive $150 in cash. All artwork must be postmarked by Friday, February 24.

AES Engineers Scholarship - The consulting firm of AES Engineers is committed to continuing its support of higher education by providing scholarships to deserving students.  To be eligible the student needs to answer one of the essay questions that they will find on our site athttp://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm

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 evaluating the essays that are submitted.

Amount of award:   $500.00
Deadline for entry: October 5, 2012

Further information, including previous winners, is available on our web site at:  http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm

Angel Dolphin Scholarship - The Angel Dolphin Scholarship is designed for students who have lost one or both parents. Applicants must have at least a 2.7 GPA and 1100 SAT score. This scholarship is for seniors who plan on attending a four year college. Please visit www.angeldolphinscholarship.org for complete details. The deadline to apply is March 21, 2012.