The Guidance Office at Westminster is committed to providing upper school students with support, encouragement, and helpful information as they make decisions about the direction of their lives. More specifically, the Guidance Office is involved with academic counseling, course scheduling, college counseling, SAT/ACT testing information, college admissions, college recommendations, transcript requests, scholarship opportunities, and leadership and service opportunities.

Be sure to check out the items in the “Things to Know” box. Here you’ll find information about college admission, the SAT and ACT, HOPE Scholarship, and much more. From this box, students can access and print forms to request a transcript or get approval for a college visit. Also, there are links to the websites where you can prepare for and also register to take the SAT or the ACT. Another great “one-stop” website that every student should explore is gacollege411.com.

Check back periodically as new information is posted below.

Sheila James
Director of Academics

• Upcoming test registration deadlines:

SAT:           March 13 – late deadline is February 18

May 1 – deadline is March 25

ACT:           April 10 – deadline is March 5

Scholarship Opportunities

1. The Classic Center Cultural Foundation is offering two $1000 scholarships in the areas of vocal performance, drama, music, or dance.  The scholarships are open to juniors or seniors from the following counties: Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe.  A 4-minute stage audition will be required.  Applications are available from Mrs. James, or they may be downloaded from www.classiccenter.com.  Applications must be submitted to the Classic Center Cultural Foundation by March 5 at 5:00 p.m.

2. The Oconee County Pilot Club is offering the $1500 Helen Parrish Scholarship to seniors who are residents of Oconee County.  Applicants are evaluated based on need, grades, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and responses to application questions.  Applications are available from Mrs. James and must be submitted to her by March 31.

3. The Community Bankers Association of Georgia is offering four $1000 merit scholarships (Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Fund) to seniors who will attend a college in the state of Georgia.  Criteria include grades, test scores, recommendation letters, activities, awards, and an essay on the role of community banking.  Applications are available from Mrs. James and must be returned to Oconee State Bank by Friday, April 2.

Other Opportunities

1. The Junior League of Athens sponsors the Teen Volunteer of the Year Award.  This award is intended for a teen who “demonstrates exceptional initiative in identifying and meeting community needs.”  If you would like to nominate someone for this award, you may pick up a nomination form from Mrs. James.  Forms must be submitted to the Junior League office by March 15.

2. Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program recognizes volunteers ages 13-18 who have helped make their communities a better place.  In making a nomination, actions must be described in detail and should document efforts above and beyond what is normally expected of a child his/her age.  Winners are chosen based on the project, benefits, and outcome.  Nominations may be submitted at www.kohlskids.com by the March 15 deadline.

3. Attention Juniors! The Capstone Business Academy at the University of Alabama is a 10-day residential summer program for academically exceptional rising high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in business.  The program costs $350, and to be eligible, a student must have a 3.4 GPA and a test score of 27 ACT, 1210 SAT, or 140 PSAT.  For more information, visit www.cba.ua.edu/summeracademy.