BBB Trust Scholarship

 

For More Details, Rules, Eligibility, and Application Click Here

ACT Workshop

 

How to find Scholarships 2026

This is from the handout from our scholarship workshop in September but it's probably a good idea to remind you of places you can look for scholarships.  The QR codes scan since it is a picture of the handout but you have this as a PDF from a previous email or you can stop by my office for a hard copy.  Let me know if you have any questions or want help researching scholarships.

WKU Free Application Day

This event had to be rescheduled from Sept - our admission counselor will be here on October 20 for a college preview and also to help seniors complete their admission application free of charge!!! If you apply during his visit, they will waive the application fee!!  If you signed up for the September event you should have received an email to use as your hall pass for this event - you do not need to sign up again.

If you still need to sign up, use the link below.

SIGN UP

Elks Most Valuable Scholarship

 

Awards:

• The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2026 competition.

• Male and female students compete separately.

• Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.

• NOTE: The Chicago office of the Elks National Foundation will announce the 500 national winners of the 2026 contest in April 2026. (Many local Lodges, districts and state Elks associations award their own scholarships through this program. These scholarships are not to be confused with the 500 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships.)

Eligibility:

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
• Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

The 2026 MVS application closes on November 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE

AP Information from Mrs. Burnham

Mrs. Burnham began visiting all fall and full year AP classes this week to discuss the upcoming AP exam registration for fall and full year courses.  Registration for those AP exams began 10/14 and runs through 11/7.  

There will be a seperate registration window for Spring AP courses. 

If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Burnham, 270-527-1453, jennifer.burnham@marshall.kyschools.us 

This is the handout given during the class visit:

ACT Workshop

 

2026 Profile in Courage Essay Contest

 

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest™ is now open for submissions! Each year, this contest invites high school students to strengthen their writing skills and deepen their civic knowledge for the chance to win up to $10,000 for their futures. Contest details: Topic: Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official at the local, state, national, or international level serving during or after 1917. Requirements: 700 to 1,000 words; minimum of 5 cited sources Deadline: January 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EST) Prizes: $10,000 for first place; $3,000 for second; $1,000 for three finalists; 15 honorable mentions LEARN MORE

FAFSA 2026-2027

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (grants and

loans from the Federal government) for college.  Completing this

application also makes you eligible for any state aid you might qualify

for.  After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive your Student AidIndex (SAI).  The SAI is an eligibility index number that a college’s or

career school’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal

student aid you would receive if you attended the school. This number

results from the information that you provide in your FAFSA form.

Below are questions I’m often asked:  

Who should complete the FAFSA? 

• Anyone who thinks they qualify for a grant (free money from the state/federal

government – based on family income)

• Anyone who wants/needs a loan from the federal/state government

I know I don’t qualify for a grant, and I do not want to take out a loan. 

Do I still have to complete the FAFSA?  Here are some examples of why you

might need to still complete it. There could be other reasons too  - each family

situation is unique.

• Murray State requires FAFSA completion for those students who wish to

receive scholarship money from their institution

• Other schools may require it as well so you need to check with your school. 

Some schools require it for work study (jobs on campus)

• Some scholarships require you to report your SAI (Student Aid Index  –

which you get when you complete the FAFSA) on their application

• The Work Ready Scholarship offered at WKCTC requires FAFSA completion.

What income level qualifies for the “free money” (grants)? 

There is no magic income number because the formula is complicated

and takes into account more than just your income.

When is the FAFSA due?

Some colleges have priority deadlines for completing the FAFSA.

Please check with your school to see if they have a deadline. 

What help is available at MCHS?

FSA ID - Sept 29 - open lab in 1208 for students/families to set up their FSA IDs

Seniors can come to the lab as their schedule allows - if you need me to create

a hall pass for you in our e-hall pass system, let me know.  You will need to bring

your device to the lab.

Families are also welcome but please know that you can create your FSA ID on

the day of your FAFSA appointment (this is a change from the last couple of years).

Getting it ahead of your appointment, just saves time that day.

FAFSA - One on one appointments with financial aid counselors will begin

October 14.  You can email me to set up the appointment or stop by my

office in 1201.  The financial aid counselors are here to help you complete

the application or simply answer any questions you have.

Oct 14 - 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Oct 15 - 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 

Oct 16 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Oct 17 - 8:30 am  - 2:00 pm

**watch the Senior Blog and school email for additional dates

So if you have any questions or you want help to complete your FAFSA, make sure

to take advantage of the Financial Aid Counselors we will have on our campus

starting in October.  They are the experts!

College Preview: Western Kentucky University

 

Reminder our admission counselor will be here September 30th. 

SIGN UP WITH THIS LINK

ACT Math Workshop

 

College Preview: University of Tennessee Martin

 

Reminder:  Our admission counselor will be here September 25th to meet with interested students.

SIGN UP WITH THIS LINK

KSBA’s First Degree College Scholarship

For more than a decade, the First Degree Scholarship program has funded scholarships for eligible Kentucky high school seniors to attend any two- or four-year accredited college or university. As the name suggests, the scholarship is awarded to eligible students who intend be the first in their immediate families to complete a postsecondary degree. 

One scholarship each will be awarded to two male and two female students, drawn from a pool of eligible nominees from across the state.

These nonrenewable $2,500 scholarships will be paid directly to the institution of higher education upon the recipients’ official admission acceptances.

Eligible students are those who would be the first members of their immediate families (parents, guardians, siblings) to receive a degree from an institution of higher education. Eligibility also requires the nominee(s) to have obtained an ACT reading score of at least 20 as a junior or senior.

Please see Mrs. Boone by NOVEMBER 1st to be considered for nomination.

Navy ROTC Scholarship

Hello, My name is Sherry Meadows, and I am the Navy ROTC Scholarship Coordinator. I’m reaching out to share information about the Navy ROTC scholarship program, a valuable opportunity for students interested in pursuing higher education with financial support and leadership development.

Key Benefits of the Navy ROTC Scholarship:

• Covers full college tuition
• Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses
• Includes allowances for books and lab fees
• Offers leadership training and professional growth
• Leads to a career as a commissioned Navy Officer after graduation

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship
• Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 (may vary)
• Qualifying ACT, SAT, or ASVAB scores
• Commitment to participate in Navy ROTC during college

If you would like more information, please contact me.  I’m happy to assist with any questions or the application process.

HMC Sherry Meadows

NROTC Coordinator/ E-Talent

sherry.l.meadows5.mil@us.navy.mil

C: (314)-708-5583

William T. Robertson High School Essay Scholarship 2025

The Kentucky Concrete Association is now accepting essay submissions for its annual $2,000 William T. Robertson High School Essay Scholarship.  The scholarship contest is open to Kentucky resident high school seniors graduating in the 2025-2026 school year.  The contest winner will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship to be paid to the college or university of their choice in their freshman semester and will also be invited to attend the 2026 KCA Annual Convention in Louisville, KY, to accept the award. 

Essay Prompt:

"The Story of Concrete"

Concrete is often thought of as strong, unchanging, and ordinary—but what if it had a story to tell? Write a short creative story where concrete plays an important role, either as a character, a setting, or a symbol.  Be imaginative and think about how this everyday material might hold extraordinary meaning.

Like last year, the essay submission process is different from previous years, so please pay close attention, as paper submissions will not be accepted.  

The essay contest rules are as follows:

• Students must be a current senior in high school graduating in the 2025 – 2026 school year.
• Essays must address the essay prompt directly.
• Essays must be written by a single student and shall not be collaborative in nature.
• The use of AI is not permitted for the creation or completion of the essay – the primary purpose is to demonstrate original thinking, understanding of the essay prompt and writing abilities of the individual.

Essays must be submitted using the online submission form:

 2025-2026 William T Robertson Scholarship Essay Contest

• Essay must be received by November 15, 2025.
• Essays must be limited to 600 words.

If you have any questions, see contact information below

Kentucky Concrete Association

1 HMB Circle

Frankfort, KY 40601

PH: 502.695.1535

Email: info@kyconcrete.org

West Kentucky College Fair Expo 2025

 

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Program

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is among the largest undergraduate scholarship programs available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational experience – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Awards vary by individual, based on the cost of tuition as well as other grants or scholarships they may receive.

Eligibility requirements:

• Senior in High School – Complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S territory, or on a U.S. military base and plan to graduate in spring 2026.
• Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2026.
• GPA – Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.
• Test Scores — Submit standardized test score(s) from one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam. There is no minimum score requirement to apply, however, applicants must have taken one (or more) of these tests and submit the score.
• Demonstrate Unmet Financial Need – We will consider applicants with a maximum annual family gross income of $95,000. Last year’s cohort of new College Scholarship recipients had a median family income of approximately $34,000.  During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.

This highly competitive scholarship provides:

• The opportunity to graduate with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide as much as $55,000 per year to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution.
• Ability to pursue any area of study.
• Personal advising about selecting a college and navigating financial aid.
• Multifaceted advising about how to transition to college and maximize the student experience.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

College Preview: Centre College

 

Reminder:  Our Admission Counselor will be here September 11th to speak with interested students.  

SIGN UP WITH THIS LINK

Voice of Democracy

Our very own, Bailey Hodge, Class of 2025, won this competition last year - won the state competition and got to compete at Nationals on an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC!
 

College Road Trip 2026

 

College Fair Expo at Murray State University

 

All seniors are invited to attend the college fair hosted by MSU on September 23rd.  Students will have the opportunities to visit with admission counselors from several different colleges and university from across the state and region.  Permission forms can be found in Mrs. Boone's office.  The permission form is due September 10th.

Paying for College 101

 

Murray State University Teen of the Week 2026

 Teen of the Week nominations are now being accepted. 

In its Tuesday editions, The Paducah Sun will recognize 32 area high school seniors throughout the school year as a Murray State University Teen of the Week and profile them in a story series, sponsored by Murray State University. The stories highlight the different students’ many accomplishments, current and long-term goals and other aspirations.

Around the end of the school year, a selection committee will choose one of these Teen of the Week honorees as Murray State University Teen of the Year. This student will receive a $5,000 scholarship. An Inspiration Award, worth $1,000 in scholarship funds, will also be awarded to another student who was recognized as a Teen of the Week during this school year.

Many factors go into the selection of Teen of the Week, such as academic achievement in school, but the program also places other qualities into consideration, such as extracurricular activities, community service efforts, volunteer work, leadership ability, employment and resiliency.

Below is a list of what the application will want you to include:

• School activities for freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years, including leadership roles.

•Community activities

• Awards/accomplishments

• Employment

• Education and career goals

• Transcript

• One to two letter(s) of recommendation

• Personal statement, minimum 300 words.  Please include your future goals and why you want to pursue them.

See me if you are interested in being considered for nomination.  The earlier you apply the better!  No nominations will be made after February 1st. 

Industry Interaction Day - Paducah

We Work the Waterways industry interaction days are full-day events for high school students to explore career opportunities in the maritime, shipping, and logistics industries. The day will include immersive tours, engaging presentations, and hands-on activities. 

Mr. Harper and Mr. Freeman will be taking a group of students - if you are interested in attending please let me know by Sept 4th.

College Previews

College Previews are an opportunity for our students to meet in a small group setting with admission counselors and learn about the opportunities their school provides.  Below are the schools visiting with us during September - use the link to sign up (students may sign up for more than one if they are interested in more than one school).  Students must use their MCHS email to complete the form.

September 11 - Centre College

September 22 - UK College of Engineering @ Paducah

September 25 - University of Tennessee Martin

September 30 - Western Kentucky University

MSU Onsite Admissions

Interested in applying to Murray State University?  Then sign-up for on-site admissions which will be Sept 8th.  Their admissions team will be here to answer any questions and help you apply for Fall 2026 admissions to MSU.  APPLICATION FEE IS WAIVED!!

Already applied to Murray State?  They still want to see you - so sign up!  If you haven't set up your myGate account or have questions on next steps ie scholarship, housing - they can help!

Not sure if you want to apply but have questions?  You can still sign up to meet with them.  Just click on the link below!

Sign up for MSU Onsite Admissions

College Preview: Murray State University

 

Our Admission Counselor, Sara Ann Bazzell, will be here Wednesday, August 27th to speak with interested students.  This is the first of many times MSU will be on our campus to help with the college process.  Later this semester they will be back for onsite admissions as well as a scholarship workshop.  

SIGN UP

The Coke Scholars Application is Open for High School Seniors 2026

Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 to high school students across the United States through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Students need to be graduating high school during the 2025-2026 school year, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and to complete an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcript by September 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern.

Students are selected based on academics, leadership, and service. Full eligibility requirements are available at Cokeurl.com/Scholarships.

After a three-stage selection process, 150 applicants will be named Coca-Cola Scholars and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

ACT Prep

 

2026 US Senate Youth Program

 

Applications for 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program now open

(FRANKFORT, KY) – Applications are now open for the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a merit-based program that takes the most outstanding high school students from around the country to Washington, D.C., for a week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it.

Two Kentucky high school students will be selected this fall as delegates and will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship in the name of the U.S. Senate, with encouragement to continue coursework in history, government and public affairs.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) oversees the selection process of two students to be part of the national 104-student USSYP delegation.

Students will attend Washington Week, scheduled for March 7-14, and participate in meetings and briefings with high-level officials from each branch of the federal government. Speakers typically include senators, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, other key policymakers and senior members of the media.

High school teachers and principals are encouraged to nominate qualified high school juniors and seniors to apply. Applications for the 2025 USSYP program are available online and are due Sept. 29.

Applicants should be interested in and participating in leadership, public service and government-related activities. Students will need to submit a transcript, two letters of recommendation, three essay responses, a resume and a signature form as part of the application process.

The semifinalists will interview in Frankfort on a date to be determined.

KDE will announce the names of the two USSYP delegates and two alternates representing Kentucky in December.

Ashley Nicole Billiter, a senior at duPont Manual High School (Jefferson County), and Peter Monroe Jefferson, a senior at Henry Clay High School (Fayette County), were selected for the 2025 program.

The U.S. Senate Youth Program was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and funded by The Hearst Foundations. The 2025 program details are available on the U.S. Senate Youth Program website.

For more information, email awards@education.ky.gov or call KDE Academic Program Manager Rosalind Turner at (502) 564-2000, ext. 4626. Additional information can also be found on the KDE U.S. Senate Youth Program website.

2025 Fall Service Academy Information Fair

 

ACT Workshop

 

Welcome Back Class of 2026

Thank for visiting the Class of 2026 blog - check back for new blog posts after school starts!  In the meantime, you can scroll through posts from last year to get an idea of what to expect or click on college information to right and read last year's updates from colleges.

Class of 2025 Reminders

 

Reminder from Tech Department:  The following email was sent by the tech department to your MCHS email on May 21st and has important information concerning your MCHS student account - if you have questions concerning this process please contact Jeremy Deboe - jeremy.deboe@marshall.kyschools.us

Hello Seniors,

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! As you get ready to take the next step, now’s the time to make sure you don’t lose access to the important files and emails in your school Google account.

Before your school account is deactivated, follow these simple steps to transfer your data to a personal Gmail account:

 Transfer Your Data from Google

1. Log in to your school Gmail account
2. Click on your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner
3. Click “Manage your Google Account”
4. Click "Start transfer"
5. Follow the prompts to:

• Enter your personal Gmail address 
• (if you do not have a personal Gmail account, you can create one here)
• Verify access
• Start the transfer

 This will copy your:

• Emails
• Drive files (including Docs, Slides, and Sheets)

 The process may take several hours, depending on how much data you have.

 Important: You will have access to this account for 1 year after graduation. After this time, your school account will be permanently deactivated.

FINAL TRANSCRIPTS:  Mrs. Glisson has been working all week to get your transcripts where you requested them to go on your senior transition survey you completed back at the beginning of May.  She should finish the entire class by Monday afternoon.  You also should have had a hard copy of the transcript in your diploma packet.  For those of you with upcoming orientations, I would encourage you to reach out to your college to verify they have your transcript before you attend orientation.  We only send the transcript - if your college requires ACT scores, you will need to send those through your myACT account.  If you have any questions or change of plans and need your transcript sent elsewhere please contact Mrs. Glisson - jessie.glisson@marshall.kyschools.us

Dual Credit Transcripts:  Even though we have sent your high school transcript and it has your dual credit classes on it, colleges still require a transcript from the college you earned the dual credit with (WKCTC and/or MSU - these are our dual credit partners).  Here are some instructions on how to send those from Dr. Wilson:

If you took Dual Credit classes from WKCTC or MSU you must request your transcript to be sent to the college you are attending.

Navigate to the National Student Clearinghouse https://www.studentclearinghouse.org
Click on Order-Track-Verify (top right corner)
Select Order a Transcript
Complete the online form

You will need your college student ID number or your social security number
All schools charge a fee to send transcripts, you will need a debit or credit
card.  Transcript fee will range from $5 to $25 (you will need a debit or credit card)
You must have the transcript sent directly to the receiving institution or it will not be official)  If you have any questions concerning your dual credit courses or transcripts, please contact Dr. Wilson, lorrybeth.wilson@marshall.kyschools.us