Chief Points Senior Newsletter #10

Best wishes for a happy and healthy spring break! You aren't going to believe how time will fly when you come back on April 8th! I hope you are all enjoyed Spirit Week and Donut Day! Each of these "lasts" is sure to tug your heartstrings as it becomes more evident graduation is just around the corner. Just don't let senioritis get the best of you; keep your eye on the prize!!!🏁

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Check out the AP Exam dates if you are enrolled in an AP Course. Remember, all students enrolled in AP courses are required to take an AP Exam.
• Do you believe you are a candidate for Lambda Eta Sigma? This issue of Chief Points is the first to include the google form you need to complete for consideration!
• This edition of the newsletter of the Senior Newsletter has some new scholarships. Keep in mind that there are lots of scholarship deadlines approaching quickly. Don't miss out!

May 1st Deadline

May 1st is the National Candidate Reply Date to submit your enrollment deposit to the college of your choice. Delaying past that date could impact your admission, housing, aid etc.

**Please note that at some point soon, students who leave early for junior/senior privilege may not be able to leave early until their service hours and job shadow have been completed.**

If you have any questions, please don't be afraid to reach out. Remember, I'm here for every one of you no matter what. Please know that I am here for anything you need - and that goes well beyond applying to college!

-Mrs. deQuevedo

As of March 10th:

• 66% of our senior class has applied to college.
• They've completed 408 college applications for 139 different schools.
• So far 56% of those students have reported at least one college acceptance (but we know there's more!)
• 3 students have expressed interest in pursuing military service
• 15% of the senior class has indicated they will enter into the workforce upon graduation.
• 75 Letters of Recommendation have been written.

From all the numbers above, we have some "wins" to celebrate! This is simply just any indication that your next step is closer to being a reality. For those looking to go to college, this means a college acceptance. For those looking to go into the military, this means signing with your branch. For those looking to enter the workforce, this means getting a job.

🆕Arisbelle Aquino🆕

Anna Barrett

Olivia Basalyga

Kinsey Bello

Abigail Bertocki

Jayden Bucheri

Peter Casassa

Joselyn Cerra

Taliyah Chavies

🆕Claire Choo🆕

Reese Colachino

Mia Cooper

We know there are more of you!! If you have a win to celebrate, please send it our way so we can celebrate it with you! Please send us the following:

• college acceptance letters (please also indicate acceptances in SCOIR)
• scholarships you have received
• signed military contracts
• signed work or apprenticeship contracts
• anything else you see as relevant

You can stop by and we will make a copy of your proof or feel free to send a picture or screenshot to me at ddequevedo@lakelandsd.org. Check out our student WINS! Make sure to congratulate them when you see them!

❗❗❗All students are required to complete at least 10 hours of community service. You can access the tracking sheet below, and can hand completed hours in to Mrs. Weaver at any time but they are due by May 1, 2026. We know that many of you have already completed your hours, but we still need documentation of that on our end. If you are curious where you stand, you can email Mrs. Weaver or Mrs. deQuevedo to find your number❗❗❗

❗❗❗This year, our district introduced a new requirement for graduation; Job Shadowing. You must complete at least 1 job shadow but there is no firm limit on the number of shadow experiences you do. The whole purpose is for you to explore what you might like to do in the future. Students are responsible to arranging their own shadow experience. There is a job shadow packet available for you to download using the link below or you can pick up a printed copy in the counseling office❗❗❗

There is generally no more asked question than "how can I get a scholarship." If I had the answer to that, I promise I would share it, but unfortunately it isn't that simple. It's the time of year where local scholarships are being announced more frequently, so check back to this section often as I will continue to post new scholarships as they come in. You can also check out the Scholarships page of the LHS Postsecondary Counseling Website. It has some scholarship sites that may provide you with some opportunities!

Please note that scholarships are listed by submission deadline date, and any scholarship that is new to this newsletter will be marked as **NEW**.

• **NEW**Kiwanis Club of Scranton Scholarship This scholarship is up to $1000 per semester, for up to 8 semesters for students attending The University of Scranton or Marywood University. Deadline: April 2, 2026

• **NEW** Kirtland Foundation Scholarship - This scholarship is for students within Lackawanna County. Deadline: May 15, 2026
• **NEW** PA Forward Student Loan $2,500 No-Essay College Scholarship - The PA Forward No-Essay College Scholarship is back for its second year, offering students a chance to win one of twelve $2,500 awards. By simply opting in to their email list, students will be automatically entered for a chance to win money for college!
• **NEW**Josiah Hricko Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship is offered by The Hartford Fair Youth Board Deadline: May 1, 2026
• **NEW** Harford Agricultural Society Scholarship - This scholarship is offered by The Harford Fair for students who are admitted to college and show involvement in the Harford Fair for the past two years. Deadline: August 31, 2026
• **NEW** Wyoming-Lackawanna County Farm Bureau - This $500 scholarship is for qualified students in Wyoming and Lackawanna Counties. Deadline: April 16, 2026
• **NEW** Sisters of Saint Casimir LPN Scholarship Program - Up to $21,000 scholarship for students enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program at CTCLC (post high school graduation program)
• **NEW** Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship Program - This scholarship is designed for individuals who have faced and overcome significant adversity and are working toward a career or technical education certificate or degree. This need-based award recognizes those who demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and a strong commitment to building a successful future through career-focused training. Deadline: June 5, 2026
• The WEMBACK™ Scholarship (We Empower Minds, Building Access, Community, Knowledge) was created to support students who demonstrate leadership, perseverance, community engagement, and a commitment to growth. $500 Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Pennsylvania Land Surveyor's Scholarships - for students who are pursuing a degree in land surveying. Deadline: April 30, 2026.
• Century Club Scholarship - Students must be accepted to a Nursing program in a Pennsylvania College or University. $1000.00 Deadline: June 1, 2026
• The Jerry Robling Scholarship Fund - Graduating high school senior must live in either Lackawanna or Wyoming County. Deadline: May 1, 2026
• Corabelle Chappell Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship is open for students in Lackawanna County who will be attending Keystone College in the fall. Deadline: May 4, 2026
• David Duchnik Memorial Scholarship - There will be 2 $2500 scholarships awarded - one to a student pursuing a 4 year degree and one to a student pursuing a technical/2 year school degree or certification. Click the link to learn more about the application process. Deadline: May 1, 2026
• School Counselors of NEPA Annual Scholarship - This is a $500 scholarship awarded to one graduating senior each year to member organizations (Lakeland is one!). Deadline: April 29, 2026.

• Parent Pathways Initiative Grant The Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education launched the 2026-2027 Parent Pathways grant opportunity. The grant, earmarked to support parenting students through scholarships and programming for eligible postsecondary institutions, is made possible by Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Legislature $1.61 million in the 2025-2026 budget. The grant period for this grant is June 1, 2026-June 30, 2027.
• The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Application - Grow PA Scholarship Grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the date a complete application is received.

  To qualify, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are encouraged to complete the FAFSA before applying for a Grow PA Grant. The Grow PA Scholarship Grant provides up to $5,000 per year for students enrolled in eligible programs of study for a maximum of four academic years. Recipients must complete their program requirements and live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive funding. Failure to meet these obligations will convert the scholarship grant to a loan that must be repaid.

• PA Heritage Foundation Scholarship - Five scholarships of either $1,000 of $500 are available to students willing to write an essay about an underrecognized piece of Pennsylvania History. Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
• PA School Counselors Association Scholarship - This $1,000 scholarship is available to college bound students in PA. An essay about the impact a school counselor has had on you is required. More details are available in the link. Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
• Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship - This $6,300 scholarship is for students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service. More information can be found in the link. Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
• Fraternal Order of Police Scholarship - This $500 scholarship is for any student who intends on majoring in criminal justice or entering the Act 120 police academy. Click the link for more information. Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Paul T. Bordi Memorial Scholarship - This $1,000 scholarship targets students who played a varsity sport while in high school. Click the link for more information and criteria. Application Deadline: March 31st, 2026
• Metzger Wickersham Scholarship - This scholarship is available for students who are willing to advertise the dangers of driving under the influence. Click the link for more information. Application Deadline: April 15th, 2026
• American Legion Scholarships - These scholarships generally target students who have family members who have served in the military, or students who are interested in civics and government. Application Deadlines: Vary
• ACCOUNTING MAJOR - Please notify me (Mrs. deQuevedo) if you plan on attending college for Accounting. I have a local family donating a small scholarship to a student who will be attending college for Accounting.
• America250PA's Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program - In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and to honor the legacy of Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will be awarding $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending Pennsylvania colleges and universities in the 2026/2027 academic school year.

Practical Nursing Program - The Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County offers a Practical Nursing Program for post high school graduates. If you are interested in a career in health care this 15 month program is a viable way to quickly complete your education and enter the healthcare workforce.

Many jobs that you hold will give you the opportunity to work for your education. Some may even pay your entire tuition if you work a certain amount of hours per week. Lackawanna College has many of those partnerships. Check out the link below to learn more!

The SCCTC Practical Nursing Program program is designed and committed to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. They provide a direct path for those looking to start their nursing careers. Successful completion of the program can start them on the path of career success and open doors to new roles and career advancements throughout their nursing career.SCCTC is accepting applications for the July 2026 Class. The program is designed to enhance student skills and knowledge to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The program is a one-year, full-time program that will prepare students to apply for the NCLEX-PN examination to obtain licensure as a practical nurse. Eligible students can receive financial assistance, and there is a Financial Aid Coordinator is available to discuss individual tuition needs and available financial support programs.

See the attachments below to learn more about the upcoming program and Kaplan Entrance Examination dates.To find out more about the eligibility requirements, application process, and for any specific questions, please contact Mrs. Denise Gieski, Practical Nursing Program Coordinator at 570-278-6759 or denise.gieski@scctc-school.org

The FAFSA Application opened on October 1st ! The Financial Aid Information section of the LHS Postsecondary Counseling Website has plenty of pertinent information.You will find information such as:

Why financial aid is important

What financial aid is

Tips to get you started

The different financial aid applications

When you apply for financial aid

Who fills out the applications

What the different types of applications look like

Did you know that 59 seniors have submitted their FAFSA by March 13, 2026!!! This surpasses the 48 member of the class of 2025 that submitted it by the same date last year!!! Way to go, Class of 2026!

Even students who don't think they will qualify for financial aid should file their FAFSA in order to be eligible for Federal Loans.

With the FAFSA released on October 1st, please be mindful of the resources below that will help you be ready to complete it. Every student who has applied to college should complete the FAFSA!

The Guide to Filling Out The FAFSA will walk you step by step through the different sections and how to complete each.

FAFSA Tips & FAFSA News & Updates are good resources to stay up to date on everything you need to know about the document.

In addition, the sections below are all local opportunities to gain more insight about filling out the FAFSA. It can be a scary and complicated thing to complete, but there are countless resources available to you. You are not in it alone!

The free FAFSA Helpline is another helpful resource. You can text the help desk at 313-723-2372 with questions at any time!

Each month, PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) hosts webinars aimed to help families looking for financial assistance to help pay for college. We will share the upcoming topics here each time they are updated. You can access a flyer below with links to register!

A tip - even if you can't attend the webinar at the time its scheduled, registering for the event should give you access to a recording of the event so you can watch it at your leisure.

Upcoming topics include:

• Searching for Scholarships and affording the balance
• The Financial Aid Timeline
• Borrowing For Education - Which Loan Is Right For Me?
• The Two-Step Approach To Finding An Affordable Higher Education
• Understanding The Offer Letter and Balances
• Covering the Gap - Pieces of the Puzzle To Help Pay Your Education Bill

In addition to their webinars, PHEAA offers a variety of resources to help through the college application process. It's long, but the PHEAA Financial Aid Resource Manual linked below is a really excellent guide for all things financial aid. You can also reach out to someone at PHEAA who can meet with you to help you make sense of it all.

The EOC is a local service whose purpose is to help students who are interested in continuing their education. They offer a great many services, and specifically, they can offer 1 on 1 appointments with students or families to help complete the FAFSA, college applications, or more. Best of all - services from the EOC are completely FREE.

It cannot be emphasized enough how wonderful this resource is! If you are struggling with anything at all, you are strongly recommended to utilize it!

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a nationally-recognized, portable credential. Essentially, you go through specific training in your field, and are able to officially advance up the ranks to higher employment and salaries.

College isn't for everyone. This is one of those pathways that exist to help you advance without going to college. Apprenticeships are paid. You earn a competitive wage while going through your learning. You can visit the links below to learn more.

Click the links below to visit the websites for many different trades and apprenticeships in Pennsylvania!

The Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council

International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

International Union of Elevator Constructors

International Union of Operating Engineers

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

Laborers International Union of North America

Operative Plasterers and Cement Mason's International Union

Sheet Metal Workers International Association

United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the U.S. and Canada

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers

For students currently enrolled in AP exams, the exam schedule is listed below. All students enrolled in an AP test are required to sit for the AP exam. You have automatically been scheduled to take your exam. If you have any questions or concerns, please see me asap!

• Biology - May 4, 2026, 8-noon

• Chemistry - May 5, 2026, 8-noon

• US Gov’t & Politics - May 5, 2026, noon-4pm

• English Literature & Comp.- May 6, 2026, 8-noon

• Statistics - May 7, 2026, noon-4pm

• Calculus AB - May 11, 2026 8-noon

• English Language & Comp - May 13, 2026, 8-noon

• Computer Science Principles - May 14, 2026 noon-4pm

• Computer Science A - May 15,2026, noon-4

Please review this information on the Lambda Eta Sigma Award. If you feel that you should be considered for this honor, please answer the questions in the form below. The counseling department and administration will review all material, and determine who qualifies.

Lambda Eta Sigma

• SCHOLARSHIP: Earn 28 credits from grades 9-12
• TRUSTWORTHY: Maintain a 95% attendance rate from grades 9-12
• RESPECTFUL: Receive zero (0) office discipline referrals from grades 9-12
• INVOLVED: Complete 60 hours of community service from grades 9-12 (20 of the hours must not be associated with student club activities); Participate in 6 extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, organizations, etc.) for at least 2 years each
• BRAVE: Complete 3 capstone courses (listed below)
• EXCELLENT: Maintain at least one leadership position on an extracurricular activity, for one year.

CAREER TECHNOLOGY CENTER - Due to the nature of the schedule for students who attend the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (CTC), CTC students will have met the “capstone course” requirement by meeting/exceeding the following:

• Completers of their 3 year programming

• Member of the National Technical Honor Society
• Earned an industry certification
• Medalist at SkillsUSA competition

The "Itis" of seniors is getting pretty real. Please don't lose focus with just over 2 months left. You are nearly there...the finish line is in sight! I'm proud of you for the efforts you have made here at Lakeland Junior Senior High School and am looking forward to seeing you wade into the waters of your next life adventure!

Regards,

Mrs. deQuevedo

Classes of 2026, 2028, & 2030

Click Here to Make an Appointment

Mrs. Wengert - ewengert@lakelandsd.org

Classes of 2027, 2029 & 2031

Click Here to Make an Appointment

Location: 1355 Lakeland Drive, Jermyn, PA, United States

Email: lhscounseling@lakelandsd.org | Phone: 570-254-9485

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