Hoggard AIG Update

Ashley: Monday - Tuesday

Hoggard: Wednesday- Friday

Here's a link to set up a meeting, make sure you pick the right day by school . . .

Please check "working hours" in your Microsoft calendar before booking to make sure our calendar times match. Some students have "Pacific" time as the default.

MY OFFICE HAS MOVED!

I'm in the back building, to the left, under the stairs (across from the WHAT clinic)

9th Grade AIG Student/Parent Meeting

The HOBY Leadership Seminar is a 3-day leadership program for current Sophomores held each June in Raleigh at NCSU. HOBY Ambassadors have an opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills, learn about their personal leadership styles, and form an appreciation for community service. They attend panel sessions featuring prominent speakers from our government, businesses, media, and educational communities. They participate in leadership development workshops and activities. HOBY Ambassadors also participate in a community service project and learn how they can lead in service in their own communities. As a result of their experiences, the high school Ambassadors return to their schools and communities eager to make a difference and share what they have learned. The North Carolina HOBY Leadership Seminar will take place over a weekend in June 2027, and one to two 10th graders from your high school will be selected to attend. To learn more, visit www.hoby.org.

One key item to highlight: NOMINEES DO NOT HAVE TO GET THE BEST GRADES ALL THE TIME. There is no GPA requirement for this nomination or event, so if you'd like to apply but don't have the best grades, that's ok!

The application should be emailed to Jennifer.Crudeli@nhcs.net. Download application HERE.

Deadline: November 13th.

Congressman Rouzer is excited to announce his office is now accepting applications for the Spring 2027 Internship Program. Interns will gain valuable firsthand experience in the legislative process and have the opportunity to attend congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings on Capitol Hill. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 13, 2026.

Students interested in government, public policy, and gaining firsthand experience on Capitol Hill can visit his website for more information and to apply.

APPLY BELOW

The Ronald Reagan Debate Series is back, and the 2027 competition season is officially open. This is a wonderful moment to encourage the high school students in your life to step up, speak out, and grow into confident communicators.

Each year, students in grades 9-12 compete for their share of $50,000 in scholarship awards. But the rewards go far beyond the prize. Our debate emulates the presidential debates of old, where great ideas meet great character. Students learn to lead with civility, personality, humor, and storytelling: skills that serve them in the classroom, in college interviews, and long into their careers.

THIS YEAR'S TOPIC: 2027 regional invitational challenges students to wrestle with a timely question:

Resolved: The primary responsibility for disaster preparedness and response in the United States should rest with state and local governments rather than the federal government.

It's a topic that rewards research, critical thinking, and clear argument, and it invites students to consider the real balance of responsibility in our nation.

WHERE STUDENTS CAN COMPETE

Regional invitationals are being scheduled across the country. Here are the first two on the calendar, along with our online competition that welcomes students from anywhere:

• Irvine, CA—November 14 at Concordia University

• Richmond, VA—February 20 at Collegiate School

• Online—June 5 held virtually, so distance is no obstacle

More locations and registration links are available on our website. Find a Location Near You

PREPARE WITH THE EXPERTS

Want to help your students get ready? Join our free Q&A sessions with Debate Program National Finalists. These interactive conversations offer insights into our presidential style of debate and practical preparation techniques straight from those who have competed and won. Students can ask questions and connect directly with alumni and the Reagan Education Team.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming sessions:

• November 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM CT

• February 8, 2027 at 5:30 PM CT

• April 5, 2027 at 5:30 PM CT

2026 Congressional App Challenge, providing middle and high school students across North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District an opportunity to put their creativity to work. This competition encourages students to create their own apps, showcase programming and computer science skills, and gain valuable experience as they become the next generation of STEM leaders.

The App Challenge winner will have the opportunity to have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and will be invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception in Washington, DC.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students must be enrolled in middle or high school and either live or attend school in North Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District. Students can use the district lookup tool to confirm their eligibility.

Students may participate individually or as part of a team of up to four students. For team submissions, at least half of the team members must be eligible to participate in the district where the app is submitted.

Students must register online and submit their apps before October 26, 2026.

The North Carolina Azalea Festival Scholarship Pageant awards over $18,000 in college scholarships annually to high school junior contestants from the greater Wilmington area (including Wilmington, Brunswick, and Topsail).

• Top Award: The winner receives the Beverly Anne Jurgensen Scholarship Award (named after the festival's first female president and longtime leader) and the title of Azalea Festival Princess.
• Total Scholarships: Over $18,000 total distributed among participants, featuring a Top 9 and Top 5 Princess Court.
• Scoring & Competition: Judged based on a private interview with judges, an evening gown competition, and an on-stage presentation, plus an online People's Choice award.
• Preparation: Contestants train for roughly two months prior to the event in public speaking, interviewing, and presentation skills.
• Eligibility: Open exclusively to high school junior girls from area high schools.

Registration is open for the 80th NC Azalea Festival Princess Scholarship Pageant. It will remain open through 15 Nov. This year’s event is occurring earlier in January on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027. Therefore, registration is starting sooner.

Phases of competition include the following:

• Private interview

• Evening Gown

• Stage presentation (impromptu stage questions)

A one-stop shop, NCTC College Day is the only event that connects North Carolina students with college theatre programs from across the state. Students in grades 9–12, graduates taking a gap year, and transfer students — along with their parents — can visit the College Fair to meet 20+ theatre departments, all in one place, in one day. You may audition for college representatives, present your portfolio, or choose to do both. You can also attend the College Fair without auditioning or presenting a portfolio. Any way you choose to attend, you’ll have the chance to connect with the #1 school on your list and discover new programs you hadn’t considered!

For More Details and Contest Rules

2027 Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS).

Every year, thousands of high school seniors submit their original research to the nation’s oldest youth STEM competition in the hopes of being named a future leader in science—and winning the top award of $250,000.

You know great science when you see it, so here's a program overview and a few of the highlights:

• The online application is open until November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET. It consists of essays, short answer questions, recommendations and more, including an original research paper.

• Prizes are awarded at multiple levels. 300 students receive $2,000 each, and so do their schools. That’s funding for more science research in your community. 40 finalists receive a minimum of $25,000 and an all-expenses-paid finals week competition in Washington, DC.

• This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our holistic review process cares about the whole student, and every student can benefit from applying—from honing writing and research skills to making lifelong connections, to seeing hard work recognized on a national stage.

Applications are now open for one of the nation's most unique theatre design programs.

July 11th-17th
Current high school students, tuition free
Tuition free Go beyond the audience. Spend a week in New York City learning from leading theatre designers, visiting professional studios, seeing Broadway productions, and creating alongside passionate students from across the country, all completely free! Can’t make it to New York? Virtual Fellowship applications are also open.

APPLY NOW

Voice of Democracy Essay Contest: Scholarship worth $35,000

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. The complete list of other national scholarships range up to $21,000, with the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) winning a scholarship of at least $1,000.

VFW Department (state) first place winners also receive a trip to participate in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge which is an inspiring four-day program where students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. The trip, awarded to every VFW Department (state) winner, is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.

Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed entry form to their local participating VFW Post. Download the 2026-2027 entry form, then find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.

The Global Medical Academy gives high school students the opportunity to gain 30+ hours of hands-on medical experience working alongside healthcare professionals and supporting communities with limited access to healthcare in Panama, Belize, or Greece.

Students gain experience with:

• Patient intake and triage

• Patient consultations while shadowing doctors

• Pharmacy operations

• Community health education

Programs are fully supervised and all-inclusive, with time to experience the local culture and explore the country with other high school students from across the U.S.

If you're interested in learning more about the Global Medical Academy, please fill out this short interest form, and we'll send you more information.

Global Brigades also offers Business and Impact Academy programs for high school students. Fill out the above form and specify your program of interest to learn more.

The North Carolina Governor's School is a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. Learning focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and it does not involve credit, tests, or grades. Students are selected to attend through a competitive process after being nominated by their public school unit or non-public school.

NOMINATIONS ARE SELECTED FROM COMPLETED APPLICATIONS

COUNTY SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NOMINATION: 3pm October 23rd to Jennifer.Crudeli@nhcs.net

Please use the link below to access my GS newsletter with additional information including the application forms and student information sessions.

All NC high school juniors take the ACT in the spring of their 11th grade year. This year our students will take the ACT the week of March 8, 2027. Students are automatically registered for this test and it is given at their high school. Students who wish to take the ACT multiple times may register and pay for additional local ACT testing dates here. The SAT is not given in NHC schools. If you would like to take the SAT, you will have to do so on your own time. Register and pay for the SAT at this website on your own.

There are free test prep resources for both the ACT and SAT below.

These are downloadable practice packets.

Seniors have been invited to join the Scholarship Canvas this year. All scholarship info and community and school-based applications will be available through this Canvas. STUDENTS can use the button below to join. You must log into NC EdCloud to join/access.

Juniors and seniors are welcome to participate in the consolidated college fair at CFCC on Oct 22. Permission slips are required. If they want to go during school hours, they must return the permission slip. See your counselor for details.

LOCATION: Cape Fear Community College - Joe and Barbara Schwartz Center

610 North Front Street

Wilmington, NC 28401

11th- and 12th-grade students will be transported by bus, only if the permission slip is turned in to Ms. Barker.

• 9:15 A.M. - NHHS/Hoggard

• 5:30-7:30 P.M. - Open to the Public

Financial aid expert Luanne Lee and Road2College founder Debbie Schwartz walk you through the 2027-28 FAFSA screen by screen, from creating your FSA IDs to finding your Student Aid Index. They also cover what's new this year, including the random identity verification check, the parent wizard, and the new federal Parent PLUS loan caps, plus the asset reporting mistakes that can cost families aid. The session wraps up with a live Q&A on topics like small businesses, grandparent 529s, trusts, and divorced parents.

Watch the FAFSA Walkthrough

Here are the three reminders that came up again and again:

1. File FAFSA with your student. Side by side or on FaceTime, it prevents most of the errors that are a pain to fix later.

1. Have a government ID, for your student, ready. A driver's license, passport, or state ID, in case your student is picked for the new random identity check

1. Report assets as of the day you file. Do not include retirement accounts and home equity. Your student's 529 counts as a parent asset.

Mensa Foundaton Scholarship: 550 word essay,

Scholarships are awarded based on a 550-word essay that outlines your academic and professional goals and describes how your personal experiences will help you achieve them.

https://www.mensafoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships/

Tuesday, October 13, we’re bringing Western on Tour to Wilmington. Think of it as bringing the mountains to the coast. Students and families will have the chance to meet representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Scholarships, and other areas of campus and learn more about academics, affordability, student life, and what it means to be a Catamount.

Western on Tour – Wilmington
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Program begins around 6:00 p.m.
Hotel Ballast Wilmington
301 N. Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Students can register at ontour.wcu.edu. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Each month on the 2nd Saturday, CFRW conducts a community clean-up somewhere in the local Cape Fear area. Clean-ups are almost always from 9am-11am. Anyone can sign-up to join the clean-up event. CFRW staff provide gloves, trash/recycle bags, and grabbers for volunteers. Check the calendar each month as locations are usually TBD until about a week before. You should register to attend so they will have enough supplies. Click on the event in the CFRW calendar to register.

• Congressional App Challenge - Oct. 26 deadline
• Writers of the Future Contest - Sept 30 deadline
• Coca Cola Scholars - Sept 30 Deadline
• NY Times Tiny Memoir Contest - Oct 28th
• STEM Flight Crew (9th-12th) - Oct 29
• 9th-12th: NSCDA 50th Anniversary Congressional Essay Contest - Dec 1 Deadline

Email: Jennifer.Crudeli@nhcs.net
AIG Website: https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/laney-nhhs-aig/home-1
Location: Hoggard 104B, Ashley 405