Volume 10: Issue 27 | May 1, 2017
Counselor's Corner
Guidance, College & Career Information
SAT/ACT Information
SAT Dates for 2016-17
Test Date: May 6 ( Registration Deadline)
Test Date: June 3 (Registration Deadline: May 9)

Register for the SAT at sat.collegeboard.org/register .

ACT Dates for 2016-17
Test Date: June 10 (Registration Deadline: May 5)

Register for the ACT at www.act.org/content/act/en/register.html .

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING TEST DAY PROCEDURE
Students must present a valid photo ID on the day of the SAT and ACT tests.  Accepted IDs include an unexpired current school year ID, Drivers License, or Passport. If you do not have ID, please see Mrs. McDonald or Mrs. Tripodi as soon as possible. If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, you will NOT be admitted into the test.
Career Speakers
Sign up to attend with Mrs. Pontiere in the Counseling Center.
Ms. Megan Sutley
 Athletic Trainer
 May 15; Pds. 7 & 8
Employment Opportunities

Are you 18 years of age or older and looking for summer employment?  The Moon Township Public Works Department is looking for summer help.  As a summer employee, you’ll help the crew with outdoor jobs like mowing grass, week whacking, and spreading mulch, as well as other maintenance activities.  Work hours are from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  Weekend and holiday hours may be required.  The pay rate is $10 per hour.  For more information or to submit an application, visit moontwp.com.  You must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

High school students wanted to do outside maintenance and repairs at a family home on 10 acres in Aleppo Township.  Tasks include:  cutting trees, fixing fences, splitting wood, painting and general lawn maintenance (weed wacking, mowing).  Experience using chainsaw, log splitter, mower and weed wacker helpful.  All equipment provided by property owner.  Pay is $12.00/ hour (cash). Approximately 8 hours per week (2 four-hour shifts, preferably weekday). If interested, please call or text (412) 855-5014.
Service Opportunity

Holy Trinity School is in need of student volunteers (rising high school sophomores through college) to participate in the Leadership Intern Program, June 12-16 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Leadership Interns will work with elementary and middle school students who are enrolled in the “Camp Invention” program, sponsored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).  They will closely mentor and inspire children to be creative and to never give up.  All Leadership Interns will earn 40 volunteer hours and strengthen their college, scholarship and job applications.  They will also receive a letter of recognition, provided by the USPTO.  In addition, Leadership Interns will gain valuable knowledge about Intellectual Property Literacy, and learn entrepreneurial concepts through the stories of the greatest innovators in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Visit www.invent.org/leadershipintern or call 800-968-4332 to find out more and apply.
College Acceptances & Scholarship Offers
Congratulations to the following seniors! Please remember to submit college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the Counseling Center. 
Shawn Michael Blake 
University of Pittsburgh

Annamarie Boburka
Carlow University (Dean Scholarship, Athletic Aid Award, Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic School Award)

Cole Cejer
Duquesne University ( Academic Scholarship, Catholic High School Scholarship)
Gannon University ( Gannon Knight Achievement Award)
Geneva College ( Alumni Scholarship)
Grove City College
Malone University ( Trustees Scholarship)
Mercyhurst University ( Bishop Watson Scholarship, Herrmann Merit Award)
Robert Morris University ( Justice Scholarship)
Saint Francis University ( Presidential Scholarship, Franciscan Award)
Seton Hill University ( Mary Schmidt Scholarship)
Waynesburg University ( Waynesburg Honors Scholarship)

Domenic Davis
Wheeling Jesuit University ( Athletic Scholarship)

Aesling McCullough
Bayer USA Foundation ( Bayer Scholarship)

Katherine Moody
University of Kentucky ( Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship)

Luke Rattay
University of Pittsburgh ( Academic Scholarship)
Admissions Events

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Open House, May 20

The Coast to Coast College Tour  is a joint travel partnership bringing together admissions representatives from Dartmouth College, Northwestern University, Princeton University, the University of California-Berkeley, and Vanderbilt University. This program will provide students with the opportunity to learn about each individual institution, receive insight on navigating the selective admissions process, and the ability to connect with representatives from each institution. Click here to register for the Pittsburgh Information Session to be held on May 23 at 7:00 pm at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.

CollegeWeek Live is sponsoring a Virtual College Fair on May 17, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.  During a virtual College Fair, rising seniors can go online to connect with admissions representatives from Purdue, UCLA, the University of Texas, the University of Notre Dame, and 120+ other colleges and universities.  They can watch live video webcasts and get advice directly from admissions officers, scholarship experts and current college students.  By visiting five college profile pages during the event, rising juniors will qualify for a chance to win up to $5,000 in scholarship money.  Pre-registration is required.  Registration will also qualify students to enter monthly scholarship drawings sponsored by CollegeWeek Live.  To register, please click here.

Ohio Independent College Visit Days:  June 27, 27 & 29. Students that visit two or more participating colleges during the event will be entered into a drawing for one of five $1,000 book scholarships.  For more information and a list of participating colleges, visit www.youcanohio.com/visitdays
Admissions Timeline Reminders

Current juniors who plan to apply to the University of Pittsburgh should be aware of the following admissions timeline:

  • May: Pitt will release the new Fall 2018 Short Answer Questions. Stay tuned in to social media for more information.
  • July: The Fall 2018 Application will open. Pitt operates on rolling admission, but it’s to a student’s advantage to apply as early as possible. Applicants are encouraged to pay attention to deadlines for the university’s competitive scholarships and freshman guarantees.
  • July-August: Summer programs will give students and families an up-close look at Pitt. (The application fee will be waived for summer visitors!)  Visit the Admission and Financial Aid website for details!

Robert Morris University's online application for fall 2018 admission goes live on June 1, 2017.  Apply at www.rmu.edu/apply.  To schedule a campus tour, go to www.rmu.edu/visit, call 412-397-5200 or email visits@rmu.edu.
Summer Programs

Current juniors are invited to register for the ever-popular Experience Christendom Summer Program (ECSP). Now in its eighteenth year, the ECSP offers rising high school seniors a unique educational, cultural, spiritual, and incredibly fun experience. Each summer, hundreds of participants leave Christendom College’s beautiful rural campus with a new appreciation for the liberal arts, Catholic culture, true friendship, and the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. They leave inspired by their experience and they rank the program very highly on their exit survey, many of them describing it as their “best week ever.” Six one-week sessions are offered.  Interested students should act quickly; some weeks already have waiting lists.  As of this writing, there are still 40 spots remaining overall.  Click here for more information or to register.

Based at Boston University, the 9th annual New England Center for Investigative Reporting’s Summer Investigative Reporting Workshop is a perfect opportunity for U.S. and international high school students to learn more about journalism and explore the exciting city of Boston. Three two-week workshops are being offered, beginning on June 26. During each session, students will participate in seminars and work alongside BU faculty and award-winning local and national journalists on investigative stories that could be published on the center's website or in regional and national publications. Students will live on the BU campus and gain hands-on experience in investigative reporting while developing critical thinking and writing skills.  Please click here for more information or to register. Students interested in financial aid or payment plans should apply early, as aid is first-come, first-served.Deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of each session (or until full).

The Miami University of Ohio Summer Scholars Program provides a rich, early college experience for academically-talented rising high school juniors and seniors from across the globe. Students will join an engaged community of learners for an intense, two-week residential program.  Two sessions are offered:  July 2-14 and July 16-28.  To learn more or register, click here. Deadline:  Rolling admission beginning April 15, 2017

Gain a competitive edge when applying to college by participating in The Bridge, a one-week, residential college preparation program hosted by the University of Pittsburgh. Open to rising high school juniors and seniors, The Bridge offers leadership development experience and college preparation workshops to provide the knowledge and skills students need to successfully navigate the college application process.  Participants will learn how to write outstanding personal statements and essays, prepare for college admissions interviews, apply to colleges, and take college admissions standardized tests. The Princeton Review will provide SAT/ACT test preparation as well as a practice test. The Bridge will take place from July 9-14, 2017. The program fee is $800, which covers room, meals, and social activities. Learn more and register for The Bridge here. Deadline:  June 1, 2017 

High school students with a strong interest in the visual arts are invited to participate in the Penn State School of Visual Arts' (SoVA) Summer Art Camp, Portfolio Thinking. The camp will take place June 25-30 at the University Park campus. Open to high school students entering grades 9 through 12 (and just-graduated seniors), the camp provides an intensive residential studio workshop program across various art media. The cost of the camp is $925.  However, a small number of partial and full-tuition scholarships are being offered. To learn more or register, click here. Deadline:  June 13, 2017 

The University of Pennsylvania delivers the challenge of an Ivy League curriculum to academically talented high school students seeking a pre-collegiate experience. Explore Penn's historic campus, engage with leading faculty and build intellectual connections within accelerated two, three or six week Penn Summer High School Programs. Available programs include the Penn Summer Prep Program, the Summer Academies, the Pre-College Program, and the Young Scholars Program. Click here to learn more and compare the four programs. Application deadlines vary by program.
Scholarship & Grant Opportunities

$30,000 Scholarship Still Available! - A scholarship to Ave Maria University in Florida, offered at the OLSH Gala, is still available for bidding.  This scholarship is valued at over $30,000!  Anyone interested in bidding on the scholarship should contact OLSH Director of Advancement Jenna Sheetz at 412-269-7726 or jsheetz@olsh.org

The  Taco Bell Foundation  will award scholarships of $2,500-$25,000 to the winners of the  Live Mas Scholarship  contest.  Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24 and be U.S. citizens. Students need to submit a short film of 2 minutes or less that shows or explains their life's passion. The film can be a short film, animation or simple personal testimonial. Selection is based on the ideas represented and not the expertise in creating a film.  To learn more, click  here .  Deadline:   May 12, 2017

The Dickson Law Group is offering a $1,000 college scholarship to the winner of the Thomas L. Dickson Scholarship Contest.  Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college in the United States for the 2017-18 school year.  To enter, you must submit a video essay on the following question:  Is getting a law degree still a good investment?  Click here to learn more. Deadline:  May 15, 2017

Dollar Bank is offering high school seniors the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship! To enter the Dollar Bank 2017 Tuition Scholarship Contest, students must 1) register online by May 17th at www.dollar.bank/scholarshipcontest; 2) Download the Scholarship Financial News Newsletters and answer the questions in each newsletter, and 3) Attend the Tuition Scholarship Contest Seminar, held on Saturday, May 20th, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 p.m.  Afterwards, students will develop a personal budget and write a 1,500 – 2,000 word essay on a topic provided at the seminar.  Budgets, essays and answers must be submitted to Dollar Bank by June 10th. Deadline:  May 17, 2017

The PA Chamber Educational Foundation has teamed up with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to give scholarships to Pennsylvanians interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.  Over $70,000 in scholarship money is available to Pennsylvanians through the 2017 Work Ethic Scholarship Program!  Click here for a list of eligible skilled trade programs.  Apply now at www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship. Deadline:  May 19, 2017

The winner of the B. Davis Scholarship contest will receive a $1,000 college scholarship. This contest is open to current high school junior and seniors.  To enter, you must submit an essay of 1,000 words or less on the following topic: Describe the three characteristics of leadership you value most.  Discuss why you believe that these traits are so important and how you feel that they are developed in an individual.  Essays should be submitted to:  awards@studentawardsearch.com.  Click here to learn more. Deadline:  May 22, 2017

Scholarships totaling up to $3,000 will be awarded by the Flag Manufacturers Association of America this year.  High school seniors who are planning to continue their education in a degree program are eligible to enter the 2017 FMAA Scholarship Contest.  Students must submit a video of 90 seconds to two minutes in length, answering the following question:  What does the American flag mean to you as a young American in a post 9/11 world?  Videos will be judged on content, original thought, visual imagery, and patriotic expression.  To learn more, click http://www.fmaa-usa.com/about/scholarship.php.
Deadline:  May 30, 2017

AED Superstore is a nationwide distributor of automated external defibrillators and related accessories dedicated to increasing awareness and education around CPR and AEDs. AED Superstore is offering its first bi-annual scholarship of $1,000 to college-bound high-school seniors. To enter this scholarship contest, students must submit either a short essay or video, based on the information about AEDs and sudden cardiac arrest provided on the scholarship website.  To learn more or apply, please click here. Deadline:  May 31, 2017

All students age 16 and older are eligible to enter the 1800wheelchair.com Scholarship Contest.  Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.  To enter, students must submit a “visual poem” in a style of their choosing, on the theme of overcoming a personal challenge.  A statement of the student’s GPA or an unofficial transcript is also required.  To learn more or enter, please click here. Deadline:  June 1, 2017

College-bound seniors who plan to pursue an animation-related degree are eligible to apply for a $1,000 Animation Scholarship from AnimationCareerReview.com.  Applicants must complete a scholarship application and submit an original essay on the following topic:  What specific skill do you most want to develop? Click here to enter. Deadline:  June 1, 2017

OMBAR will award a $1,000 Aspiring Business Professional Scholarship to a high school senior who intends to pursue a business related degree at an accredited post-secondary school or college, has a demonstrable record of academic success, and has a passion and drive for a business career.  Applicants must complete a scholarship application and submit an original 250-500 word essay on the following topic: Why is the formal study of business and its related fields important?  To learn more or enter, click here. Deadline:  June 1, 2017

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winner of the Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship contest.  This contest is open to high school students (sophomore and up).  To enter, simply fill out the online application here, which includes an essay on one of the following topics:  Why is it important to work to delete cyberbullying? OR  How has cyberbullying personally affected you? Deadline:  June 30, 2017

Enter to win a $5,000 scholarship from Nitro by completing a Scholarship Survey and answering three short-answer questions.  Refer a friend and receive a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship.  Click here to enter. Deadline:   June 30, 2017

Peterson’s Nelnet, LLC, is sponsoring the $500 Because College is Expensive Scholarship. Recipient will be determined by random drawing. Applicants must be United States citizens who are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in a college or university. Applicant must also sign up for a Peterson's account. Click here to enter. Deadline:  June 30, 2017

The Open Education Database has compiled a list of Scholarships for Women. Deadlines vary by scholarship.

Create an account on College Week Live and you could win a $5,000 scholarship, while learning about an additional $6 million in scholarship money available to students.  Click here to learn more.

Nursing Schools Almanac has just launched its third annual Aspiring Nurse Scholarship. The website will award a $1,000 scholarship to an aspiring nurse who best demonstrates a track record of academic excellence (particularly in science and mathematics) and a passion for the nursing profession and the overall field of healthcare. This scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to pursue college education in nursing, including LPN / LVN, ADN, and BSN programs.  Interested students may visit www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com and click the banner on the right-hand side of the website's homepage. Here they'll find detailed scholarship information and the official application form.
Deadline:  June 30, 2017 

Register for FREE college planning tools at SallieMae.com and you will be automatically entered to receive a $1,000 scholarship!  Click here to enter. Deadline:  Last day of every month
Additional Opportunities for Students

The International Union of Elevator Constructors Local #6 Joint Apprenticeship Committee will be accepting applications to the Elevator Constructor Apprenticeship Program from May 12, 2017 – May 26, 2017.  Applications may be completed online by visiting www.neiep.org/careers.aspx (beginning May 12th) and clicking the link for Apprenticeship Opportunities.  Applicants must be 18 years of age. 

Applications are now being accepted for the fall 2017 Allegheny Intermediate Unit Apprenticeship Programs.  The AIU Apprenticeship Program gives students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to work alongside professionals in a chosen career field, gaining knowledge and experience that will help them make informed decisions about their future education and career path.  Students spend one half-day or daylong learning experience per month over a six or seven month period during the school year. During these experiences, they meet and work with professionals who share their experience, expertise, enthusiasm and zeal for what they do for a living.  Approximately thirty different programs are available, in careers ranging from Architecture to Zoo Animal Care. Click here to learn more and view the complete list of available programs. Students who would like to register for a program must create an account, complete an online application, get one teacher to complete an online recommendation, and mail the signature page and fee of $75 to the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.  Many programs fill quickly, so students are advised to apply as soon as possible. Students and parents who have questions about the program or the application process may contact the school counselors.  Deadline:  May 26, 2017

The Black Female Leadership Development Institute (BFLDI) is a program that brings African American young ladies in grades nine through twelve (or ages 13-17) together to participate in a two-year institute which will increase their educational and leadership opportunities. Students will learn practical skills such as networking, teamwork, business etiquette and leadership that will enable them to have an impact on local, national and global communities. Co-sponsored by the Urban League of Pittsburgh and Penn State University, BFLDI is a multi-faceted program that incorporates dynamic workshops, student discussion groups (sister circles), and residential training at Penn State’s Greater Allegheny Campus. There is no cost to participate in the BFLDI program.  Approximately 30-45 students will be accepted.  Students will meet on one Wednesday and one Saturday per month, from November through June.  Applications and Program Overview brochures are available in the Counseling Center. Applications for the 2017-19 term are due no later than Friday, May 12, 2017.

Moon Township Community Access Television (MCA-TV) is proud to announce its sixth annual Film Festival.  Enter your original short or feature film by the May 8 deadline and you will have a chance to win up to $1,000.  Films of any length and genre will be accepted.  There is a submission fee of $20 per entry.   All submitted films will be broadcast on Saturday, May 13th on MCA-TV (Comcast channel 14 or Verizon channel 35).  Prizes will be awarded for best short and feature films in the following categories:  Documentary, Narrative, Music, Animation, and Best Overall.  For more information, visit http://mca-tv.org/filmfest/index.php.

The Borough of Franklin Park is now accepting applications to fill the position of Junior Councilperson for the coming school year.  Rising seniors who live in Franklin Park are eligible to apply. Interested students must submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Borough Manager, Ambrose Rocca no later than Monday, May 8, 2017. The selected candidate will take the oath of office and serve a one (1) year term, coinciding with the school year (September through June). The candidate will attend Borough Council meetings, and will be eligible to attend Allegheny League of Municipalities or other conferences and training. The Junior Councilperson will participate in all forms of Borough Council business, but will not be allowed to vote.  Questions can be directed to Ambrose Rocca at 412-362-4115, ext. 301 or arocca@franklinparkborough.us. A program flyer is available in the Guidance office.

The Chatham University College for Continuing and Professional Studies is offering Reading Skills and Speed Reading programs for adults and high school students this summer. In the program for students entering the 9th-11th grades, students will improve comprehension in both fiction and non-fiction and learn to read twice as fast. They will also learn the best way to read and study textbooks and take notes. Students will complete homework more quickly and easily and enjoy reading more. In the program for adults, rising 12th graders, and college students, students will learn to read twice as fast in materials ranging from novels to non-fiction.  The comprehension, concentration and retention techniques taught in this course will enable students to get more and retain more from everything they read. Classes are offered at multiple locations in and around Pittsburgh. Click here to view a flyer or call 1-800-978-9596 for more details.

STEM Savvy is a one-day Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career conference designed to develop the interest of students in STEM fields and provide information to their parents and educational professionals on STEM educational opportunities.  The conference will take place at LaRoche College on Saturday, May 13 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Current 7-12th grade students are eligible to attend.  The Cost $5 per attendee, includes light breakfast, lunch and t-shirt for student. Students that attend are not required to bring a parent/adult. More details and registration at  www.laroche.edu/STEMSavvy  For information contact Peggy Schmiedecke, 412-536-1274 or peggy.schmiedecke@laroche.edu.

Susan McDonald
Director of Counseling
School Counselor A-L
(412) 262-3975
Caroline Tripodi
School Counselor M-Z
(412) 264-4650