Rappahannock Newsletter Jan. 2010

Q U A R T E R LY NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS, PA R E N T S , AND GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Rappahannock Scholars

News Connection

this issue

WINTER 2010

2010 Calendar......2 Fact Sheet......3 Essay Contest......4

W

elcome to the first edition of the Rappahannock Scholars News Connection. We hope you’ll find this newsletter to be an interesting source of information. One of the primary features of the newsletter will be to inform you about the program, but we’ll also be sharing stories about the amazing students in the Rappahannock Scholars program. In addition to reading the newsletter, we encourage you to visit the UMW website at www.umw.edu. The University of Mary Washington provides many wonderful academic programs and cultural events

that we hope you’ll participate in. As our program develops, we are excited to continue working closely with all of you as we collaboratively craft a program that supports students from the Northern Neck region in their pursuit of a college education.

Should you have comments or questions, please contact: Rita Thompson Program Director (540) 654-2000 admit@umw.edu Aries Wilson Program Assistant (540) 654-2119 wilson@umw.edu

“Education means inspiring someone’s mind, not just filling their head.”

- Katie Lusk

CALENDAR 2010 January Financial aid terminology review: grants, scholarships, and student loans* Compete in Rappahannock Scholar Essay contest (all grades) February Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Financial Aid Workshops Rappahannock Regional Library 1201 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA Feb. 11 6-8 p.m.

Feb 18 6-8 p.m Feb. 25 6-8 p.m.

Feb 27 10 a.m. - noon UMW Discovery Day February 15 (for sophomores and juniors) March Essay contest winners announced

Nomination process for new Rappahannock Scholars begins (rising 9th graders)

June Announcement of the new Rappahannock Scholars

April Admitted students college visit days:

Deans attend HS award banquets for seniors

UMW Celebrating Cultural Diversity Weekend April 9 & 10 UMW Multicultural Fair April 10

Guidance Counselor closing banquet Summer Student Transition Program (Seniors enrolled at UMW) June 20 – July 22

Destination UMW Days April 7, 14, or 19 Nomination packages due for new scholars April 30 May Interviews for new Rappahannock Scholars Senior’s Kings Dominion trip RSP program evaluations Seniors return admissions reply form to UMW

FAFSA Deadline March 1

*Monthly topics will be presented by the deans during their regular meeting with students.

“Being involved as a Rappahannock Scholar is more than participating in a program, it’s a new way of life.”

Shanita Mitchell UMW ‘12

Rappahannock Scholars Program

Fact Sheet The University of Mary Washington is recognized as one of the nation’s best and most selective universities. In partnership with high schools in the Northern Neck region of Virginia, UMW has developed the Rappahannock Scholars Program and will select candidates in spring 2010 for the fourth year of the program.

What are the benefits of being a Rappahannock Scholar?

• Guaranteed admission to UMW following high school, provided program criteria are met • Assistance in meeting demonstrated financial need to ensure that students and families may afford a high quality college education • Support, guidance, and encouragement throughout high school to achieve high academic standards and be fully prepared for success in college Who is eligible?

• Students who attend Central, Essex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Rappahannock, or Washington and Lee high schools and who exhibit promising academic and leadership characteristics may be nominated by their guidance counselors for the program • Preference will be given to candidates who have any of the following characteristics:

-under-represented students who would add to the cultural diversity of the UMW student body

-students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as defined by eligibility for the federal

free or reduced lunch program

-students whose parents have not attained a college education What is expected of candidates?

• Nominees will complete the Rappahannock Scholar Application materials • Scholars must pursue coursework required for the Virginia Advanced Studies Diploma and successfully complete at least two advanced placement or dual enrollment courses during high school • Scholars must achieve a final cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.5 to receive guaranteed admission to UMW • Scholars and their parents must agree to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by March 1, 2010 How are scholars selected?

• Interested students must be nominated by their guidance counselors • UMW admissions staff will interview the candidates and will choose the Rappahannock Scholars • UMW will announce the names of Rappahannock Scholars by the middle of June, 2010 Please contact your high school guidance counselor for details.

High schools participating in the Rappahannock Scholars program: Essex High School Central High School Lancaster High School Northumberland High School

Rappahannock Scholars 2010 Essay Contest Rappahannock Scholars are invited to compete in the 2010 essay contest. Contestants will submit an original 300 - 500 word essay in response to one of the six questions listed below. A prize will be given for the top two essays. All essays should be submitted to: Matthew Kaberline, University of Mary Washington, Office of Admissions, 1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or email essays to mkaberli@umw.edu no later than February 28, 2010.

CHOOSE ONE TOPIC: Education – What is the value of a college education?

Choice – Is universal health care a choice or a right in the United States?

Current Events – How would you solve the problems in Haiti caused by the recent earthquake?

Rappahannock High School

Conservation – How would you explain to world leaders that “going green” and conservation efforts should be a global top priority?

Washington and Lee High School

Human Rights – Throughout the world there are numerous conflicts where innocent people are denied human rights . Why is it important for individuals to speak out about conflicts in other countries where human rights are jeopardized?

Honor and Integrity – Relate an event or situation in your life when your personal sense of honor influenced or guided your actions.

Note: If you participated in last year’s contest, this year you must submit a new entry.

1301 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Rappahannock Scholars

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