Rappahannock Scholars News Connection

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Q U A R T E R LY

N E W S L E T T E R F O R

S T U D E N T S ,

PA R E N T S ,

A N D G U I D A N C E

C O U N S E L O R S

Welcome 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 WilsonProgram Assistant(540) 654-2119wilson@umw.edu

this issue

2010 Calendar. . . . . .2

Fact Sheet. . . . . .3

Essay Contest . . . . . .4

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

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 WorkshopsRappahannock Regional Library - 1201 Caroline St.Fredericksburg, VA

Feb. 11 6-8 p.m.Feb 18 6-8 p.mFeb. 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

FAFSA Deadline March 1

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

April Admitted students college visit days:

UMW Celebrating Cultural Diversity WeekendApril 9 & 10

UMW Multicultural Fair April 10

Destination UMW DaysApril 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

June Announcement of the new Rappahannock Scholars

Deans attend HS award banquets for seniors

Guidance Counselor closing banquet

Summer Student Transition Program (Seniors enrolled at UMW)June 20 – July 22

CALENDAR 2010

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

Shanita MitchellUMW ‘12

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

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.

Rappahannock Scholars Program

Fact Sheet

1301 College Ave.Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Rappahannock Scholars News Connection

High schools participating in the Rappahannock Scholars program:

Essex High School

Central High School

Lancaster High School

Northumberland High School

Rappahannock High School

Washington and Lee 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 es-says 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?

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

Human Rights – Throughout the world there are numerous conflicts where innocent people are de-nied 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.