Our admission counselor from Southern Illinois University will be here October 15 to speak with interested students.

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FAFSA

 

FAFSA opened on October 1st.  We will have financial aid counselors on campus throughout the months of October and November to help with this process.  Keep in mind that it is completely free to fill out the FAFSA - use the link below to go to the correct site - the application is completely free so be aware of scam sites that try to make you pay.

FAFSA APPLICATION

If you would like to meet with one of our financial aid counselors simply email me.  If you have a preferred date or time of day also include that in the email.  

Oct 13 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Oct 14 - 8:30 am - 2:00 pm 

Oct 20 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Oct 21 - 8:30 am  - 2:00 pm

University of Alabama

 

Haven't officially submitted your UA application yet? 

Free App Week is a great time to do just that!

Free App Week runs October 5-9, 2026. 

Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. CDT on Friday, October 9 

will be included in Free App Week.

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

Questions on Scholarships for University of Alabama - CLICK HERE

Scholarship Opportunity for Team Captains

 

Friends of Coal, in partnership with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, will award (2) $1,000 scholarships to one male and one female team captains that embody Kentucky traditions. Friends of Coal is proud to partner with the KHSAA in celebrating the values that define both coal and sports: resilience, reliability and community.

Deadline: February 1st, 2027

To be considered for this scholarship please click the link below and fill out the scholarship form.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT SCHOLARSHIP FORM

Fall and Full Year AP Exam registration - deadline 11/6

 9/29/26 Mrs. Burnham has been visiting fall and full year AP classes this week to discuss AP Exam Registration for fall and full year AP classes.  Students received a classroom presentation and a handout (on purple paper). 

AP Exam scores could earn you college credit or advanced placement (meaning you could skip certain courses in college).  Use this link to find colleges that interest you to see how they transfer your AP exam score for credit or placement: AP Credit Policy Search

Students do not have to take the AP Exam. MCHS partners with the CollegeBoard to give students the opportunity to test to earn college credit. Please contact Jennifer Burnham with any questions. jennifer.burnham@marshall.kyschools.us

Snip of the purple handout for reference (below). This document will be emailed to families of students in a fall or full year AP class by end of week.

Registration/Payment Link

First Degree College Scholarship

For more than 15 years, KSBA and the KSBA Educational Foundation have offered opportunities for financial aid, helping high school students jumpstart promising careers by way of Career and Technical Education (CTE) industry certifications and/or pursuit of postsecondary degrees. Through the generous support of our members, friends and fellow public education advocates, nearly $25,000 in scholarships and grants are made available to students across Kentucky each year.

The First Degree College Scholarship program funds scholarships for eligible Kentucky high school seniors to attend any two- or four-year accredited college or university. As the name suggests, scholarships are awarded to students who intend to be the first in their immediate families to complete post-secondary degrees.

Selected students are traditionally honored on stage each year at KSBA’s Annual Conference. Traditionally, four students are each awarded a $2,500 First Degree Scholarship each year – two male and two female students. KSBA will pay these non-renewable scholarships directly to students’ college or university upon confirmation of their enrollment.

For consideration of a scholarship, the nominee must (1) be a high school senior intending to enroll at a two- or four-year college/university, (2) come from an immediate family in which no parents, guardians or siblings have earned a college degree, and (3) have obtained an ACT Reading score of at least 20* and ACT English score of at least 18* -or- an SAT Reading/Writing score of 490*.

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

ASVAB

MCHS students can sign up to take the ASVAB on Wednesday, October 21. The ASVAB helps students explore career and educational opportunities in both civilian and military fields. 

Sign-up flyers with QR codes are posted throughout the building. Please scan the QR code to register by Friday, October 16.

For questions, please see Mrs. Stom, Freshman Counselor.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

 

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the addition of the 2026 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

(opens in new tab) will have provided more than 7,200 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $90 million in scholarships as it celebrates 40 years of impact since its founding in 1986. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

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The 2027 application is available here for high school students graduating in the 2026-2027 academic year through 5 pm Eastern on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

VFW Voice of Democracy

 

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. The complete list of other national scholarships range up to $21,000, with the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) winning a scholarship of at least $1,000.

VFW Department (state) first place winners also receive a trip to participate in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge which is an inspiring four-day program where students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. The trip, awarded to every VFW Department (state) winner, is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.

Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed entry form to their local participating VFW Post. Download the 2026-2027 entry form, then find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

Below is the contact for our Local VFW - you will need to reach out to them to turn in the application.

UK College of Engineering @ Paducah College Preview

 

Sarita Buchanan, our admissions counselor, will be here September 28 to share information about opportunities provided from UK College of Engineering at Paducah.  

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Murray State Campus Tour

 

We will be going to Murray State University for a campus tour, informational sessions, and have lunch in Winslow Dining Hall.  Permission forms are available in Mrs. Boone's office and are due September 25.

College Preview: Campbellsville University

Our admission counselor will be here will be here September 24 to speak with interested students about opportunities at their university.   A ticket will be emailed to you prior to the event to remind you of the details. 

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A Message from YEARBOOK

 

Senior College Road Trip

 

It's that time of year to start planning our College Road Trip.  Some of you were able to go last spring as juniors but for those of you who weren't able to go, we are gauging interest for a trip in November.  Forms are available in my office.  Turning the form back in to me does not commit you to the trip and no money is due at this time.  We are just trying to see if there is enough interest to make it happen.

William T. Robertson High School Essay Scholarship

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 2026-2027 school year.  The contest winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship, paid to the college or university of their choice during their freshman semester and will also be invited to attend the 2027 KCA Annual Convention in Bowling Green, KY, in February 2027 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.

Paper submissions will not be accepted and must be submitted online here or by following this link: https://forms.gle/N2TsSmTpEUJpZvr26 

The essay contest rules are as follows:

• Students must be a current senior in high school graduating in the 2026-2027 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: 2026-2027 William T. Robertson Scholarship Essay Contest 
• 
  
• Essay must be received by November 14, 2026
• Essays must be limited to 600 words.

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 GPA, ACT scores, extracurricular activities, athletics, employment, leadership qualities, etc.

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.  

See me if you are interested in being considered for nomination.  The earlier you apply the better!  No nominations will be made after February 1, 2027

Murray State On-site Admissions

 

Interested in applying to Murray State University?  Then sign-up for on-site admissions which will be Sept 17.  Their admissions team will be here to answer any questions and help you apply for Fall 2027 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 will be here on September 10 to speak with interested students about opportunities at Murray State University.  

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College Preview and Free Application Day for WKU

 

WKU is coming September 9 for a college preview and FREE application day!  After the information session, any senior who would like to apply to WKU can stay in the PAC and our admission counselor will help you complete the application.  

SIGN UP

College Fair Expo

 

Seniors are invited to attend the college fair on September 15 in Murray, Kentucky.  Students will have the opportunities to visit with admission counselors from several different colleges/universities from across the state and region.  After the fair, we will eat breakfast in Winslow Dining Hall. The cost of the trip is $10 (includes breakfast and transportation).  Permission forms can be found in my office.  The permission form is due back to me by September 4.  Please give the form back directly to me- do not leave it under my door or in my mailbox - you have to sign a receipt form when you pay for the trip.  If there is a financial need, please talk with me - we do not want the cost of the trip to be a barrier for any students.

If you are unable to attend during the day, the Western KY Regional College Expo is scheduled for that night from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm.  Click on picture to enlarge for more details.

College Preview: Centre College

 

Our admission counselor will be here September 3 to meet with interested students.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Paying for College 101

 

Profile in Courage Essay Contest

 

Contest Topic and Eligibility

In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage.

The contest is open to:

• United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools
• U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories
• U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

Recognition and Awards

The first-place winner receives a $10,000 cash award. If the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation holds the 2027 Profile in Courage Award event in person, the winner and their family will be invited to travel to Boston to accept their award in May 2027. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the trip to Boston for the winning student and up to two guests.

The second-place winner receives $3,000 and three finalists receive $1,000 each.

Fifteen students receive honorable mentions. The remaining students receive either a Certificate of Excellence or a Certificate of Participation.

Key Date

• January 11, 2027 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time: Deadline for submissions

Find Out More

BBB Scholarship Opportunities for 2026

 

• BBB Trust Scholarship: The 2026 BBB Trust Scholarship Contest is open to high school juniors and seniors in our service area in Kentucky and Indiana. There are four entry categories: video, graphic design, visual art and essay. Scholarship money is awarded to first ($1000), second ($750) and third ($500) place winners in each category, and the first place winners’ schools also receive $500!

• Military Student Integrity Scholarship: BBB, Greater Kentucky Region’s Consumer Education Fund is proud to recognize students from military families who demonstrate integrity, leadership, academic achievement and community service with the inaugural Military Student Integrity Scholarship. High school seniors in BBB’s service area who are children of active-duty or retired military members and adult learners who are spouses of active-duty or retired military members are invited to apply by writing an essay describing a time when your integrity was challenged. A first place winner will receive a scholarship of $1,750, second place will receive $1,350 and third place will receive a $1,100 scholarship.

• Tools of Trust Trade Scholarship: For young people entering trades careers, job-related expenses such as tools and protective clothing can add up quickly. The BBB Tools of Trust Trade Scholarship supports the next generation of tradespeople entering the workforce by awarding funds to help offset these costs. Applicants must be 23 years old or younger, have less than 12 months of experience in a trade career and be in BBB’s service area in Kentucky and Indiana.

Students can apply to all three scholarships here: https://www.bbb.org/local/0402/bbb_scholarships 

ACT Prep Workshop

 

ACT Opportunity during the school day

 

Elementary After School Program - Job Opportunity

 

Western Kentucky Regional College & Career Expo 2026

 

MCHS Tutoring/Test Make-up

 

2026 Fall Service Academy Information Fair

 

ACT Workshop

 

WKCTC Summer Bridge Program

 

2026 TBTM Scholarship

The Brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity would like to extend you an opportunity to apply for one of our scholarships. As brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi, we pride ourselves as the gentlemen of Murray State University who strive for academic excellence. We know that students who work hard will no doubt be successful and those are the type of young men we wish to surround ourselves with.

Please complete the form below and we will contact you with information on the next phase of the scholarship process. Follow us on our various social media platforms (@murrayalphasigs) or visit our chapter website at https://alphasigmsu.org/ to learn more about the 10th oldest national fraternity in the country, as well as the premier fraternity on Murray State's campus. 

Scholarship applications are DUE BY 11:59 P.M. CST on August 12, 2026. To be eligible you must be a male enrolled at Murray State and meet the GPA requirements of both the school and our national policy. *By filling this out, it in no way binds you to the fraternity. You do not have to join Alpha Sigma Phi to receive one of our scholarships. 

Questions can be directed to: President - Cameron Wright - (270) 331-2404; aspdtpresident@gmail.com 

VP of Growth - Coby Mullins - (270) 207-0265; aspdtrecruit@gmail.com

TBTM Scholarship

Balanced Man Scholarship 2026

 

SigEp's Balanced Man Scholarship is offering over $300,000 in college scholarships to graduating seniors at over 110 campuses nationwide! 

Qualifying for the Balanced Man Scholarship is simple, as all incoming students need to do is submit an online application and enroll full-time at any of these institutions for the fall 2026 term. These applications are not labor-intensive for students, typically taking less than 30 minutes to complete. 

Final deadlines vary by school, but the early application deadline for most scholarships is June 1, 2026. Applicants have no obligation to affiliate with or join SigEp to be eligible. This resource is intended to assist with college affordability while introducing students to campus life opportunities.

If you are attending college out of state, use the link below to see if your college offers one but for your convenience, I have listed the colleges in Kentucky that offer this scholarship:

Kentucky   

Kentucky Wesleyan College - $500
Morehead State University - $1,000
Murray State University - $5,000
Northern Kentucky University - $1,500
University of Louisville - $5,000
Western Kentucky University - $1,000

Click Here for More Information

April Senior Newsletter 2026