Students can earn college credit and high school credit at the same time beginning their junior year of high school! Cape Fear Community College will be hosting information sessions to go through how the Career College Promise (CCP)/dual enrollment process works. 10th and 11th grade students and families should attend to understand the dual enrollment process and requirements. Staff will be on hand to help students enroll and talk through how to register for classes. There is one more session in Laney's Media Center.

• Monday, February 17 at 6pm

Caitie Connor is the CFCC Liaison for NHHS. She can be contacted at cconnor@cfcc.edu

We are excited to announce the launch of the Ronald Reagan Debate Series. This is an exciting competition for students in grades 9-12 to show their speaking and debating skills. The series promotes clear communication, good manners, storytelling, and even a little humor—just like President Reagan himself!

Students will get the chance to debate important topics, like the role of states in education, in a fun and respectful way. There are 15 in-person regional competitions and 1 online competition available this year.

To learn more and sign up, visit us at www.reaganfoundation.org/debate.

For students 9-12

Laney's Creative Writing club is now accepting new submissions for their digital magazine! If you have fiction, editorials, poetry, artwork, video game reviews, or more you'd like to share, use the link or QR code to submit your work for publication. You can reach out to club president Ruth Stratman if you have questions. ruth.stratman@student.nhcs.net

Calling all high school juniors! High school juniors interested in state education issues, advocating on behalf of their peers and serving as an advisor to decision-makers in K-12 education are encouraged to apply. As a member of the Student Advisory Council, students will meet monthly and serve a two-year term that concludes at the end of their senior year. The Advisory Council is open to all students in North Carolina. Learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is February 19.

The DarNell J’Vonne McLeod Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of DarNell J’Vonne McLeod, a 2023 graduate of Laney High School. “DJ” left a profound impact on everyone he encountered, embodying principles of dedication, motivation, courage, humility, kindness, joy, love, and unwavering faith in the Lord. His uplifting perspective was best captured in his personal mantra: “I don’t have bad days, just different types of good days.”

About DarNell J’Vonne McLeod

DJ was more than just a cherished teammate; he was a beacon of inspiration for his peers and community. Throughout his battle with cancer, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength, showcasing an incredible spirit that united those around him. DJ’s belief in the power of faith and the importance of family and friendship served as a guiding light for many, reminding us of the values that truly matter in life. DJ McLeod exemplified what it means to be #DJSTRONG!

Scholarship Purpose

This scholarship aims to support the student-athlete who embodies DJ’s values and demonstrates resilience, determination, teamwork and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. The individual who may not be the star athlete, however like DJ, prioritize faith, family and football. The one who shows the definition of true sportsmanship and character.

The DarNell J’Vonne McLeod Memorial Scholarship is a tribute to DJ’s legacy—a legacy of

courage, faith, and the power of community. By supporting future generations, we honor his

memory and inspire others to live out the values that made DJ an unforgettable presence in

our lives. Together, we can continue to spread the light that DJ brought to the world.

PLease join the Google Scholarship Classroom for more information and the application.

The New Hanover County ABC Board is sponsoring an Underage Drinking Prevention & Education Award for high school students in New Hanover County. Students who apply are eligible to receive a $1,500 scholarship award; final awards will be selected by a panel of judges at the NHCABC Board.

Please review the requirements in the Award Specifications linked here. If you are interested, please email Ms. Mauk indicating when you are typically on campus or available to be on campus to meet with an ABC representative for more information.

Scholarship Value: $5,000

Awards Available: 100

Award Deadline: Feb 15, 2025

As an HSF Scholar, you will have access to HSF’s invaluable Scholar Support Services and be eligible to receive a scholarship, depending on available funds.

• Every year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants

• HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training

• Career services include access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners

• HSF Scholars are eligible to apply for all Scholar Conferences including, the STEM Summit, Finance Conference, Media & Entertainment Summit, Entrepreneurship Summit, and Healthcare Summit

• Exclusive access to the HSF Insider which shares invaluable information and career opportunities

• Finally, and importantly, HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually and, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which range from $500-$5,000 and are awarded directly to students

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be of Hispanic heritage

• U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA

• Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students

• Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the US, for the 2025-2026 academic year

• Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)

How to Apply:

Go To Scholarship Application

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship was established in 1992 by the North Carolina Association of Educators Minority Affairs Commission under the auspices of the Human and Civil Rights Commission. It continues in partnership with the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children. Scholarship awards are based on the amount of money received annually through donations and the Martin Luther King Jr events. This scholarship is awarded by the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children (NCFPSC) to North Carolina high school seniors who plan to continue their education. Funds are used during the freshman year.

The applicant must submit this form and ensure submission of other required materials as listed below.

• A completed application form
• Resume’ of accomplishments, extra-curricular activities, scholarships, affiliations, organizations
• Essays:

1) Please tell how the philosophies and ideals of Dr. King influence your life (min. 250 words, standard writing conventions apply).
2) Why do you feel you deserve this scholarship and what is your need for financial assistance? (min. 250 words, standard writing conventions apply)

• An official transcript must be embossed, signed, and sealed with a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 2.5
• Two letters of recommendation: (Signed letters of recommendation)

1) one (1) letter must be from applicant’s school personnel (recommendation must be on school letterhead)
2) one (1) letter must be from applicant’s community

We are excited to share that the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation scholarship application for the 2025-26 academic year is now open! We're eager to tell as many Marine Corps families as possible before the March 1, 2025 deadline, and would love your help in spreading the word.

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides post-secondary scholarships to eligible children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, and Religious Program Specialists. We're the Nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families. To put our size in perspective, last year we awarded over $11.7 million to more than 2,800 students!

Our scholarships are for military children pursuing a post-secondary education at any accredited school--whether that be a trade school, career training program, community college, or four-year university. All applicants must meet our eligibility requirements, which can be found at www.mcsf.org/eligibility.

Please note, our scholarship application for the 2025-26 academic year opened on January 1, 2025 and will close on March 1, 2025. To apply, visit www.mcsf.org/apply.

Rising high school seniors can experience college life on Carolina’s campus. Project Uplift seeks to engage participants in an immersive experience that connects them with UNC-Chapel Hill. Participants learn about the admissions and financial aid process, build meaningful connections with students from across the country, attend a culture show, and interact with Carolina students, faculty, and staff. Parents/guardians have the option to attend a parent panel, where they learn about academic and campus resources available to their student.

Project Uplift is designed to allow students to experience learning in a variety of different university contexts, from large lectures to small seminars and, most important, from interactions with current Carolina students. The cost to participate in Project Uplift is $50.

Click here to register for Project Uplift.

Are you ready to ignite the spirit of discovery and champion the scientists of tomorrow? The Science Olympiad tournament is just around the corner, and we need your energy and expertise to make it an unforgettable event for our elementary students!

Date: March 1, 2025 (Yes...it is a Saturday)

Time: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Location: Ashley High School

This day of friendly competition will showcase student brilliance in STEM across events like engineering challenges, chemistry labs, and scientific problem-solving. We’d love for you to join the action as a volunteer!

Ways You Can Help:

• Event Assistant: Assist event leaders, guide students, and celebrate their hard work.

• Timers/Proctors: Keep the competition running smoothly by managing time

• Hall Monitors: Assists competitors and volunteers as needed

• General Support: Be the friendly face that ensures everything goes according to plan.

Perks of Volunteering:

• 5 Volunteer Hours - just make sure you sign in and sign out.

• A front-row seat to students’ incredible creativity and knowledge.

• A delicious free lunch (and coffee to fuel the day!).

• The satisfaction of knowing you’ve inspired the next generation of scientists.

• No prior experience with Science Olympiad is required; we’ll provide all the training you need. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a team cheerleader, or just love seeing students excel, there’s a role for you.

Thank you for helping make this year’s Science Olympiad tournament a success! Together, let’s show our elementary students the power of curiosity, collaboration, and community. If you’re ready to join the fun, please email Victoria Minshew: victoria.minshew@nhcs.net

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.

Check this previous newsletter for program information. Registration closes April 11.

Click here to apply.

Offerings for Middle and High School students as well as those preparing to enter college.

Embrace your creativity and attend a CAMp at Cameron Art Museum this summer taught by a local teaching artist. Each CAMp features a different theme and includes a trip to the exhibitions inside the museum. CAMps are half-day for ages 5-8 or 9-12 during June, July, and August. Teen CAMps are during the month of July. CAMp session times are either 9 am-12 pm or 2-5 pm. Register for updates!

Date/Time:

June, July, August

Skill Level:

Youth: ages 5-8, Youth: ages 9-12, Youth: Teens

Admission:

CAM Member $160, Not-Yet-Member, $190

Instructor:

Local Teaching Artists

Supplies:

All supplies included for all CAMps

Register

STEP is a chance for rising high school seniors to experience the best of what the Wilson College of Textiles and NC State have to offer. During one of five weeks in the summer of 2025, students will have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, current students and alumni while exploring textiles through projects, workshops and other activities. Students will live in our residence halls, eat in our dining halls and see what it’s like to be a college student. STEP will take place during the following weeks:

• Week 1: June 8 – 13

• Week 2: June 15 – 20

• Week 3: June 22 – 27

• Week 4: July 6 – 11

• Textile Pioneer Week: July 13 – 18 (Students from Tier 1 and 2 counties only)

Each student has the opportunity to rank their level of interest in one of the subject areas below and will complete a project pertaining to that subject.

• Fashion Design

• Textile Engineering and Technology

• Business Management

• Textile Design

• Polymer Chemistry

The STEP application opened on January 1 and will close on April 15. If you have any students interested, please invite them to apply here. Scholarship opportunities are available for those with financial need.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our summer programs team at tex-summer-programs@ncsu.edu.

The GAC is an independent council of families, community members, business leaders, and NHCS staff who meet monthly to support and advocate for the NHCS AIG Program. The GAC is part of the community partnership standard in the 2022-2025 AIG Plan. The council provides perspectives, information, and independent initiatives that are not shared through regular NHCS AIG communications.

Future GAC meeting dates:

Feb. 17

March 17

April 7

May 19

All meetings are from 6:00-7:00pm at the Spencer Board Room at 1805 S. 15th Street

Please use the link below to join the GAC's mailing list for newsletters and other information for how to support your student and their school's AIG program.

Information about these opportunities was provided in previous newsletters. Check the archive to get more details and links to registration/applications.

• Mathworks Math Modeling Challenge (11th & 12th) - Feb. 21
• Wilmington Choral Society Scholarship (12) - Feb. 28
• Horatio Alger (11th) - March 1
• Stossel Essay contest (5-12) - March 21
• Wilmington Road Runners Scholarship (12) - March 21
• O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Online Civics & Debate Club (9-12) - March 29
• NC Design Camp (10-12) - April 11

Gifted Education Specialist

Email: reagan.mauk@nhcs.net

NHHS Office: 501

Laney Office: 401 in media center