News from the Homefront:
Nominate Today!
With just three weeks remaining until the April 15 nomination deadline, we are in the final push for Positive Athlete nominations and scholarships. Each year, we recognize high school student-athletes across Virginia for their leadership, character, and impact within their schools and communities. This spring, we will award over $150,000 in scholarships, along with naming award winners across every sport. Our program is open to all student-athletes 9th - 12th grade and scholarships typically average $2,500 per recipient. 👉 Nomination Link: Virginia Nominations
There is no limit to how many student-athletes can be nominated, and as a school counselor, you play such an important role in supporting and advocating for students. We would love your help in ensuring that deserving student-athletes from your school are considered.
With just three weeks remaining until the April 15 nomination deadline, we are in the final push for Positive Athlete nominations and scholarships. Each year, we recognize high school student-athletes across Virginia for their leadership, character, and impact within their schools and communities. This spring, we will award over $150,000 in scholarships, along with naming award winners across every sport. Our program is open to all student-athletes 9th - 12th grade and scholarships typically average $2,500 per recipient. 👉 Nomination Link: Virginia Nominations
There is no limit to how many student-athletes can be nominated, and as a school counselor, you play such an important role in supporting and advocating for students. We would love your help in ensuring that deserving student-athletes from your school are considered.
UVA Data Science:
UVA is hosting the 2026 Data + Society Challenge, which invites students to explore real-world issues using data to better understand and improve their communities. Students do not need to start from scratch—submissions can build on work you have already started this year (projects, research, class assignments, etc.), making this a natural extension of what’s already happening. You can learn more here. Submissions are due April 26, 2026.
Thinking about the Service Academies?
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
John McGuire's office is hosting a Service Academy Day on May 2nd at Fork Union Military Academy from 10 am - 2 pm, where students interested in learning more about the process can hear from representatives from each branch and learn more about our office's process. If you would like to learn more about the program prior to Service Academy Day on May 2nd, our Service Academy Coordinator Ben Yerdon would be happy to arrange a visit to talk to your students or a counselor.
Resources: Attached is a document titled One Page Service Academy Nomination Packet that lists all required documentation to be considered a complete application for the Service Academy Nomination.
· Contact: [email protected]
STAR @ UVA:
STAR at UVA is Striving Towards Academic Readiness is a free event hosted at UVA that offers high schoolers a chance to take classes taught by UVA undergraduate students. Our goal is to help all students feel like they belong in higher education, no matter what their background is. The free classes are on a range of topics and center on a hands-on engaging learning approach. The date for the event this semester is April 11th. Register here. Check out the schedule and offerings!
UVA is hosting the 2026 Data + Society Challenge, which invites students to explore real-world issues using data to better understand and improve their communities. Students do not need to start from scratch—submissions can build on work you have already started this year (projects, research, class assignments, etc.), making this a natural extension of what’s already happening. You can learn more here. Submissions are due April 26, 2026.
Thinking about the Service Academies?
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
John McGuire's office is hosting a Service Academy Day on May 2nd at Fork Union Military Academy from 10 am - 2 pm, where students interested in learning more about the process can hear from representatives from each branch and learn more about our office's process. If you would like to learn more about the program prior to Service Academy Day on May 2nd, our Service Academy Coordinator Ben Yerdon would be happy to arrange a visit to talk to your students or a counselor.
Resources: Attached is a document titled One Page Service Academy Nomination Packet that lists all required documentation to be considered a complete application for the Service Academy Nomination.
· Contact: [email protected]
STAR @ UVA:
STAR at UVA is Striving Towards Academic Readiness is a free event hosted at UVA that offers high schoolers a chance to take classes taught by UVA undergraduate students. Our goal is to help all students feel like they belong in higher education, no matter what their background is. The free classes are on a range of topics and center on a hands-on engaging learning approach. The date for the event this semester is April 11th. Register here. Check out the schedule and offerings!
Tomorrow is a(n) A day
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
- 6-10 April – Spring Break
- 20 April – Model Congress
- 21 April – No School (Election Day)
- 23 April – Post High Planning Night
- 23-25 April – High School Musical
- 1 May – PVCC Final
- 2 May – Prom
- 4 May – AP Testing Begins
- 12 May – Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- 22 May – Graduation
- 25 May – Memorial Day
- 29 May – Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Use Your Brain for Fun (&$)!
Photo by SATUVISION Digital Agency on Unsplash
Humanities & Social SciencesLIGHT is an opportunity to submit writing, poetry, or art on the theme of the roots of your joy sustaining wellbeing. Submit by 1 May.
Think For Yourself invites you to submit a 600-800 word essay expressing your ideas and opinions. It's due 30 April and is worth up to $8,000. Hey my crossword addicts! How about making your own and winning $1,000! Bright Sprout wants you to make a 15x15 puzzle. Submit it by 30 April April is Poetry Month so get ready for the Dear Poet Project! Write a letter to a poet in response to their work. The project is open to students grades 5-12. Americans Against Gun Violence has an essay contest. Respond to a prompt and submit your essay for scholarship money. Essays are due 18 April. Open to 9-12. Visual and Performing ArtsLIGHT is an opportunity to submit writing, poetry, or art on the theme of the roots of your joy sustaining wellbeing. Submit by 1 May.
Enter the Nikon Small World contest for a chance to win up to $3,000. Entries must be in by 30 April. The Congressional Art Competition is taking submissions! This year's theme is America's 250th Anniversary Celebration. Submit your work by 28 April. Create Real Impact invites you to create a campaign to reduce reckless driving. Submit by 15 April Pony Parts invites you to create a video about your experience with the Mustang. Submit by 15 April |
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
STEMApply for the American Floral Foundation Scholarship for people who are planning to pursue floriculture or horticulture. Submit your application by 1 May.
ASHRAE want to give you up to $3,000 if you are a person planning a career in engineering. Submit by 1 May The Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholarship is up to $10,000 for a student who will be majoring in a scientific field. Apply by 30 April. Young women who are planning to major in a STEM field can apply for the Liu Fang Memorial Scholarship. It's worth up to $1,500 and due by 24 April The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a contest open to students in 9-12 who have engaged in water related science projects. It's worth up to $10,000. Submit your work by 15 April 
Photo by PITTI EDU on Unsplash
Skilled TradesSchwarzkopf wants to give cosmetology students $2,000 for their education. Apply by 30 April.
Planning a career in plumbing? Enter the World Plumbing Day Contest. It's worth up to $1,000 and due on 30 April. The American Culinary Federation offers up to $2,000 towards your career and certification in your culinary career. Apply by 30 April Pony Parts invites you to create a video about your experience with the Mustang. Submit by 15 April Dairy Shrine offers scholarships to youth of all ages who plan to pursue a career in dairy farming. There are multiple options to choose from. Submit by 15 April |
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Self Care:
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Scholarships
Do you need money to make post high a reality? Start with these two databases!
1st place prize for the Science Saves contest is $10,000. Submit your 20-30 second video about how science has saved you or someone you know. Submit by 4 May.
The All Star College Scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who were adopted or left foster care after the age of 13 or later. It's worth up to $40,000. Apply by 1 May The Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholarship is up to $10,000 for a student who will be majoring in a scientific field. Apply by 30 April. Think For Yourself invites you to submit a 600-800 word essay expressing your ideas and opinions. It's due 30 April and is worth up to $8,000. The Let Grow group offers a Think for Yourself Essay Contest for high school seniors. It's worth up to $8,000. Apply by 30 April The Anne Ford Scholarship awards $10,000 for a student with a learning disability who will be attending college in the fall. Apply by 26 April The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a contest open to students in 9-12 who have engaged in water related science projects. It's worth up to $10,000. Submit your work by 15 April Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award has a spring deadline as well. Apply by 15 April for a chance at a $10,000. Do Good Things for PeopleThe University Democrats in conjunction Virginians for Fair Elections are doing a tabling exercise on Grounds every week until the redistricting amendment is voted on (April 21st) 3 days a week, 3-4 hours a day, giving away monster energy drinks to anyone who register to vote. If you want to help out over spring break please let Ms. Helene Powell know.
The Crozet Passport Event is on Saturday April 18th. They are still accepting volunteers for the passport event. Here's the link to the sign up form. |
Summer's Coming!
Looking for great things to do this summer? Look no further!
And also don't skip this!
And also don't skip this!
UVA runs a Design Discovery Program for people interested in architecture and design. They offer two sessions and there is no tuition for families with financial need.
Work for the Department of Technology this summer! This is a paid internship. You will earn $15/hour doing things like re-imaging computers, fixing hardware, and working in a team. Apply by 1 June.
Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is recruiting students to join the Summer 2026 Ballotpedia Fellows Program, running from May 26 through July 24, 2026.
Midterms are already underway, and Ballotpedia is providing coverage of 40,000 local elections across 31 states. Students can gain valuable research experience while helping provide reliable, fact-based information for millions of voters nationwide.
Fellows contribute 5 to 10 hours of research per week, helping expand Ballotpedia’s coverage by researching candidates and adding key information, including endorsements, campaign themes, and contact details that will populate candidate profiles on Ballotpedia.org.
All work is completed remotely on a flexible schedule, and Ballotpedia provides comprehensive training to meet research and quality standards. Documentation of volunteer hours can be provided for coursework, community service, or other academic or internship requirements when applicable.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 10, 2026. If you know students who may be interested, we would greatly appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them.
The Emerging Engineers @UVA program in summer 2026 is designed to train future engineers to create cutting edge solutions to global problems. The UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading this unique collaboration between Charlottesville Women in Tech, Tech-Girls and the School of Education and Human Development to provide a variety of immersive engineering experiences. This summer the program will offer two engineering tracks to explore: Biomedical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering with more tracks coming in future years. Programming for the Emerging-Engineers@UVA will continue to include hands-on engineering activities, community building, lab tours, guest speakers, and student panel discussions for high school students, so they can be inspired by the variety of opportunities to study and work in engineering.
Applications can be found at this link (and the qr code in the attached informational flyer). Please share this opportunity with any students you think might be interested and/or would benefit from this type of experience.
**Please note: this program is open to all high school students.
Work for the Department of Technology this summer! This is a paid internship. You will earn $15/hour doing things like re-imaging computers, fixing hardware, and working in a team. Apply by 1 June.
Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is recruiting students to join the Summer 2026 Ballotpedia Fellows Program, running from May 26 through July 24, 2026.
Midterms are already underway, and Ballotpedia is providing coverage of 40,000 local elections across 31 states. Students can gain valuable research experience while helping provide reliable, fact-based information for millions of voters nationwide.
Fellows contribute 5 to 10 hours of research per week, helping expand Ballotpedia’s coverage by researching candidates and adding key information, including endorsements, campaign themes, and contact details that will populate candidate profiles on Ballotpedia.org.
All work is completed remotely on a flexible schedule, and Ballotpedia provides comprehensive training to meet research and quality standards. Documentation of volunteer hours can be provided for coursework, community service, or other academic or internship requirements when applicable.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 10, 2026. If you know students who may be interested, we would greatly appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them.
The Emerging Engineers @UVA program in summer 2026 is designed to train future engineers to create cutting edge solutions to global problems. The UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading this unique collaboration between Charlottesville Women in Tech, Tech-Girls and the School of Education and Human Development to provide a variety of immersive engineering experiences. This summer the program will offer two engineering tracks to explore: Biomedical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering with more tracks coming in future years. Programming for the Emerging-Engineers@UVA will continue to include hands-on engineering activities, community building, lab tours, guest speakers, and student panel discussions for high school students, so they can be inspired by the variety of opportunities to study and work in engineering.
- When? July 27 – July 31, Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm each day
- Who? rising 9th through 12th grades
- Where? UVA Engineering, Thornton Hall, Charlottesville, VA
- How much? Free
- What next? Those who are interested need to complete an application by April 15th (references must be received by April 29th). We will start reviewing applications immediately and accept on a rolling basis until we reach capacity.
Applications can be found at this link (and the qr code in the attached informational flyer). Please share this opportunity with any students you think might be interested and/or would benefit from this type of experience.
**Please note: this program is open to all high school students.
"The Best School" and "The Best School for You" should be one and the same. You're not buying a pair of shoes. You're going to school for four years. Just because it's a good brand name, doesn't mean it fits you or that you're comfortable there.
College Corner
Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama
How to Read a College Website:
It would be wonderful if you could visit every school you want to apply to, but alas, it is often not possible to do so. I find that there is a specific way that I look at a college website that helps me get a sense of what that college is like even when I cannot visit it. And, while I have visited many many colleges and universities, I always like to learn about ones I have not been to.
The first thing I do when looking at a college website is go to the “About section.” Sometimes it’s not called this (because every school does their own thing) but it’s the section that tells you the following information:
Why even bother? Don’t they all say the same thing? While some of the time there is a lot of overlap, especially with a liberal arts college, each one will tell you something unique about how they see themselves and what they care about. See the following examples:
Ask yourself these questions:
The next thing I do is look at the “Academics Section.” Sometimes this will involve looking at majors and minors. Sometimes, as with a large research (R1) university it may include individual schools to explore. Right now, in high school you haven’t done much learning outside of STEM and Humanities/Social Sciences. This is a section to explore pretty thoroughly. 80% of college students change their major so this is a good section to look through. Look not just at the titles of the majors and minors, but explore who the faculty are and what they have published on.
Look at any special programming they offer. This can be trickier to find but is often under the Academics section. Programs can include study away/study abroad programs, research centers, partnerships, or consortiums. Some schools will offer a fast track for a master’s degree. Some have partnerships with schools in other countries (William & Mary has a joint degree programme with St Andrews). Sometimes a school will have an observatory, a business incubator, its own art museum, or honors programs. Many schools will offer options like capstones, research, or centers you can work in.
Ask yourself these questions:
Yes, you are going to college in order to get an education, but also you will have to live there. Time in class will be about 15 hours/week. Assume that time spent out of class will be another 20 hours/week and you still have time on your hands. One of the most important sections of a college website to peruse is the “Student Life” section. Sometimes it’s called Resident Life, but they mean the same thing. This is where you go to learn more about what housing is like, what’s available in the dining halls, what clubs and activities are on offer and what kinds of recreation is available to you. Really search through here to find things you know you want to continue to do and things that might be new to you as well. In the housing area check to see about themed housing, living learning communities, or alternative housing. Check on the dining halls. Do they offer vegan options? Gluten free? Halal? What kinds of choices are available to you here? Is there enough art? Sports? Spiritual Life? Check out the health and wellness sections and of course the athletics.
Questions to ask yourself:
Lastly, look at the section under “Admissions.” This is generally where you will find information about things like first year requirements or an admissions checklist. Many times the merit scholarships they offer and the other kinds of financial aid are in this section as well. You can find deadlines here as well as admissions options like Early Decision or Early Action. There is usually an indication of whether or not you will need a portfolio or an arts supplement in this section and what it takes to submit one for those who choose to. If you have to apply to a specific school within the university you will find that information here. Finally, just about every school has a “net price calculator” which gives you a sense of how much you can expect to pay to attend that school. As a person who will graduate from a Virginia high school you will qualify for in-state tuition at any of the public schools in Virginia.
Questions to ask yourself:
While you’re doing all this research don’t forget to take a look at the pictures. Remember a picture is worth 1,000 words. Observe the campus and the housing. Look at pictures of people they show and classes in session. Are they showing you the kind of work you want to do?
Questions to ask yourself:
It’s always ideal to visit schools if you can. But when you can’t, take advantage of a website to do some digging and some research. Need to know which schools to start with? Your school counselor can help you and so can I.
The first thing I do when looking at a college website is go to the “About section.” Sometimes it’s not called this (because every school does their own thing) but it’s the section that tells you the following information:
- History of the school
- Mission statement
- Values
Why even bother? Don’t they all say the same thing? While some of the time there is a lot of overlap, especially with a liberal arts college, each one will tell you something unique about how they see themselves and what they care about. See the following examples:
- Oberlin seeks students who are talented, highly motivated, personally mature, and tolerant of divergent views.
- The focus of Wofford’s mission is upon fostering commitment to excellence in character, performance, leadership, service to others and lifelong learning
- Amherst has demonstrated steadfast confidence in the value of the liberal arts and the importance of critical thinking. Small classes, an open curriculum and a singular focus on undergraduate education ensure that leading scholars engage daily with talented, curious students, equipping them for leadership in an increasingly global and complex world.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does this look like what I want from a school?
- Would I be uncomfortable learning this way?
- Does this describe who I am and what I want to do?
The next thing I do is look at the “Academics Section.” Sometimes this will involve looking at majors and minors. Sometimes, as with a large research (R1) university it may include individual schools to explore. Right now, in high school you haven’t done much learning outside of STEM and Humanities/Social Sciences. This is a section to explore pretty thoroughly. 80% of college students change their major so this is a good section to look through. Look not just at the titles of the majors and minors, but explore who the faculty are and what they have published on.
Look at any special programming they offer. This can be trickier to find but is often under the Academics section. Programs can include study away/study abroad programs, research centers, partnerships, or consortiums. Some schools will offer a fast track for a master’s degree. Some have partnerships with schools in other countries (William & Mary has a joint degree programme with St Andrews). Sometimes a school will have an observatory, a business incubator, its own art museum, or honors programs. Many schools will offer options like capstones, research, or centers you can work in.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is there more than one area I find interesting at this school?
- Are there faculty doing projects that I am interested in?
- Even if I know I want to do engineering (or business or something else) can I still explore other things I am interested in by doing a minor?
- Can I study away if I want to?
- Is there a special center or institute for what I am interested in?
- Can I do undergraduate research?
- Can I take classes elsewhere if I like?
Yes, you are going to college in order to get an education, but also you will have to live there. Time in class will be about 15 hours/week. Assume that time spent out of class will be another 20 hours/week and you still have time on your hands. One of the most important sections of a college website to peruse is the “Student Life” section. Sometimes it’s called Resident Life, but they mean the same thing. This is where you go to learn more about what housing is like, what’s available in the dining halls, what clubs and activities are on offer and what kinds of recreation is available to you. Really search through here to find things you know you want to continue to do and things that might be new to you as well. In the housing area check to see about themed housing, living learning communities, or alternative housing. Check on the dining halls. Do they offer vegan options? Gluten free? Halal? What kinds of choices are available to you here? Is there enough art? Sports? Spiritual Life? Check out the health and wellness sections and of course the athletics.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Are there living situations I am interested in?
- Can I get the kind of food I need in the dining halls?
- Are there clubs and activities I want to join?
- Can I continue to live the kind of life I like?
- Can I do things I’ve always wanted to try but never been able to?
- Does it have health and wellness options for me?
- Can I play a sport here?
- Can I watch sports I love here?
- Are there club or intramural sports I can do?
Lastly, look at the section under “Admissions.” This is generally where you will find information about things like first year requirements or an admissions checklist. Many times the merit scholarships they offer and the other kinds of financial aid are in this section as well. You can find deadlines here as well as admissions options like Early Decision or Early Action. There is usually an indication of whether or not you will need a portfolio or an arts supplement in this section and what it takes to submit one for those who choose to. If you have to apply to a specific school within the university you will find that information here. Finally, just about every school has a “net price calculator” which gives you a sense of how much you can expect to pay to attend that school. As a person who will graduate from a Virginia high school you will qualify for in-state tuition at any of the public schools in Virginia.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do I have the right classes to be competitive here?
- Are there scholarships I am competitive for?
- Can I afford to attend this school?
- Are there admissions options I am interested in?
- What is required to apply to this school?
While you’re doing all this research don’t forget to take a look at the pictures. Remember a picture is worth 1,000 words. Observe the campus and the housing. Look at pictures of people they show and classes in session. Are they showing you the kind of work you want to do?
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do the people in the pictures look like people I would hang out with?
- Is the campus attractive to me?
- Are people doing the kinds of things I want to do?
- Could I feel at home here?
It’s always ideal to visit schools if you can. But when you can’t, take advantage of a website to do some digging and some research. Need to know which schools to start with? Your school counselor can help you and so can I.
On the Town
- Tonight Jessica Anthony gives a fiction reading
- Natasha, Pierre, and the Comet of 1812 continues its run
- This evening is a documentary The Creative High
- Friday Sharel Cassidy performs
- Enjoy Friday Night Writes
- There will be a screening of The Price of Resistance: Sala Udin, an American Agitator Friday
- It's Tulip Field Days at Chiles'
- Twelfth Night continues its run
- Hound of the Baskervilles continues its run
- Saturday there will be a Gallery Talk with Michelle Pulatuwayu Minnapinni
- The Virginia Student Film Festival is on Saturday
- Saturday is the Fiber Festival at Frontier Culture
- Enjoy an Ocher Workshop on Saturday
- Saturday Hiroya Tsukamoto and Ty Burkhardt perform
- The UVA Baroque Orchestra will perform on Saturday
- Sunday is DaikaGon: Anime and Gaming Convention
- Monday is the Virginia Architecture Fellows Showcase
- Tuesday is a screening of Good-Bye Old Man
- There will be a Free Tuesday Nature Journal Day
- Wednesday is a Cultural Conversation with Rubén Mosquera, Sol Leone, and Milagros Mongia: Entre Voces y Escenas
- Record Your Voice Like a Pro on Wednesday
