School Counselor's Corner

Important Dates:

August 19: New student orientation

ACT College Admissions Q&A

August 20: Open house

August 24: First day of School 🏫

• Learn your schedule before the first day. Know your classes and room locations.
• Use a planner or digital calendar. Write down assignments, tests, activities, and important deadlines.
• Check your grades regularly. Do not wait until progress reports or report cards to find out how you are doing.
• Ask questions early. If you do not understand an assignment or concept, ask your teacher for help.
• Get involved. Clubs, sports, activities, and school organizations are great ways to meet people and build skills.
• Make positive connections. Get to know your teachers, counselor, and other trusted adults at school.

📌 College Application Season:
Start drafting applications, especially for Early Action deadlines (as early as October 15th). CFNC is promoting college week, October 20-26. Many North Carolina Colleges and universities participate by waiving application fees. There will be an event hosted by the school counselor during the school day, exact dates will be announced.

🔍Common App is available now!

What is Common App? The Common Application (Common App), is an online platform used by students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one application. Over 1,100 institutions worldwide participate, saving students time applying to colleges during a hectic senior year.

Common App Link: https://www.commonapp.org/

Click here to register

Scholarship season is an exciting opportunity to plan for the future and open doors to new possibilities. We encourage all students to take time to read scholarship information carefully and pay close attention to application requirements. Deadlines come quickly, and missing one could mean missing out on valuable support for college and career goals.

Please make it a habit to check scholarship updates regularly, set reminders for upcoming deadlines, and reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Together, we can ensure every student has the best chance to benefit from these opportunities.

📢Seniors, if you are interested in attending University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Morehead-Cain Foundation Scholarship is one of the most prestigious full-ride scholarships in the nation. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, strong character, academic achievement, and physical vigor through school involvement, service, athletics, clubs, work experience, or other activities.

🏨North Carolina students may be nominated by their high school or self-nominate, and applications typically open in August of senior year, so now is the perfect time to begin building your resume, seeking leadership opportunities, and preparing for college applications.

Due Date: October 1, 2026

Follow link for website: https://www.moreheadcain.org/application-eligibility/deadlines/

The Park Scholarship at North Carolina State University is a highly competitive scholarship program that recognizes students with outstanding leadership, academic achievement, service, and character. The scholarship provides exceptional students with a full educational experience, including financial support, enrichment opportunities, leadership development, and travel experiences.

Due date: November 1

Follow link for more information: https://park.ncsu.edu/apply/

Follow Link for more information:

https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

The NC Criminal Justice Fellows Program offers full educational sponsorships covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies for students to obtain an associate degree at any North Carolina community college.

Please review the attached packet, which includes a program flyer, an FAQ document, and a fillable application form.

Key Program Deadlines & Details:

• Target Audience: High school seniors and early graduating juniors completing high school by Summer 2027.
• Priority Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026.
• Final Deadline: Friday, April 30, 2027.
• Contact Information: For student or staff questions, reach Mary Burton at cjfellows@ncdoj.gov or via call/text at (919) 306-2597.

🔍 Pro Tip: Use CFNC.org and Scholarship Central for local/statewide awards!

Cumberland County Schools Scholarship Website:

https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/scholarshipsfinancial-aid

2025-2026 Scholarship Resource Spreadsheet:

This resource contains local and national scholarship information. The resources and links are attached to assist with scholarship search. Please read the scholarships carefully and make sure to pay attention to the deadlines and how they want applications received.

• Apply to NC State by the Early Action Deadline
• Special Circumstances Form opens in WolfPaw Monday, November 2nd
  • This form also allows students to share unique circumstances that they feel may cause them to be overlooked for an invitation to apply to our Program. Submission of this form does not guarantee an invitation to apply, nor is it required to receive an invitation to apply. The form will close on December 1st.

📌 FAFSA Opens October 1st:
There will be financial aid workshops to walk you through it. More information to come.

📌 Transcripts:

Please email Ms. Grevel if you need a copy of your transcript for scholarship applications.

emoniquegrevel@ccs.k12.nc.us

📥 Let’s Connect

👩‍🏫Emonique Grevel – School Counselor

📧 emoniquegrevel@ccs.k12.nc.us

Daina Grantham - AIG Consultant

Email: dainagrantham@ccs.k12.nc.us