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Essential Tips For High School


We spoke to recent Virginia Tech graduate Maranda Patterson, who provided some great advice and guidance to our Crosby Scholars. Listen to those who were (recently) in your shoes!

What a Year!

We don’t know about you, but 2024 gave us a lot to celebrate. Student success is our goal, and as this photo retrospective shows, Iredell Crosby Scholars were engaged and taking charge of their future! Thanks to everyone who made 2024 a great year.

…and now, onto 2025!

FAFSA: Open for Submissions!

Here’s great news for students planning to apply for college. The FAFSA form is now open!

See the details below regarding completion of your FAFSA. Keep in mind, it starts with setting up an FSA ID first. Then, you’ll need to wait a few days until the ID syncs with the system before completing the full FAFSA form. See below for a step-by-step guide to the process!

A few things to know:

• Students and parent(s) will need their own FSA IDs. Each contributor to your FAFSA will need a unique FSA ID. Students and parents cannot use the same email address when creating individual accounts. (See FSA ID creation below.)
• This is still technically a Beta version of the FAFSA! As the FAFSA is still in a Beta testing stage, there are unknowns surrounding any future steps a student/parent will need to take after the Dec. 1st official open date. It is also possible that any information out there at this time may change. Once the FAFSA has its official release, a student/parent who completed the Beta version may have nothing more to do or may be advised to take additional steps.
• You need to complete a Residency Determination Status. To receive in-state tuition and state funded financial aid, you will need to complete a NC RDS. If you already have a CFNC login, you will need it to log in. If you don’t have a CNFC login, you can create one for residency determination.
• If residency is an issue, it’s best to wait until Dec. 1. If you are a student who has had issues with their RDS or if you have a parent without a social security number, it may be best for you to wait until the full release on Dec. 1st before completing your FAFSA.

Creating Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

Your Federal Student Aid ID, or FSA ID, is an account created at www.studentaid.gov, and is required to complete your FAFSA form. It takes one to three days after an FSA ID is created for the account to become verified. Filling out your FAFSA before your FSA ID is verified will result in additional questions and possibly errors. With that in mind, visit www.studentaid.gov to create your account. This video will walk you through the process, step-by-step:

Apply for Scholarships!

Now that you’ve completed your FSA ID, waited a few days, and filled out your FAFSA application, it’s time to apply for scholarships! You’ll need to do this through Submittable. This video will show you, step-by-step, how to proceed:

Financial Aid Education

Check out these video resources to better educate yourself on the ins and outs of financial aid!

Financial Aid Award Letters – Part 1

Iredell Crosby Senior Program Coordinator, Jenniffer Jamison, explains what to look for in your financial aid award letter. (Part 1 of 2)

Financial Aid Award Letters – Part 2

Iredell Crosby Senior Program Coordinator, Jenniffer Jamison, explains what to look for in your financial aid award letter. (Part 2 of 2)

Scholarships!

Learn more about scholarships available to you and how to best take advantage of these opportunities!

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship

Learn about the Morehead-Cain scholarship, how to apply and more. The Morehead–Cain challenges emerging leaders to seize their education and positively impact the University, state, nation, and world.

What A Summer!

Now that the 2024-2025 school year is well underway, we’ve taken a moment to look back at everything our students accomplished over the summer break. For students on vacation, they were awfully busy!

Check out our summer review on issuu here!

Our summertime review includes a review of these programs and great photos of our students:

Try It Tuesdays

  • Computer Science/Graphic Design
  • Social Work
  • Healthcare Careers
  • Law and Criminal Justice
  • Business Careers with CINTAS
  • Education Careers
  • Entrepreneurial Skills

Workshop Wednesdays

  • Essay Writing
    • Brainstorming Topics
    • Final Draft Review
  • SAT Test Prep
  • Common App Navigation

College Campus Tours

  • UNC Asheville
  • Western Carolina
  • Lenoir Rhyne
  • NC School of Math & Science/Morganton Campus

Leadership Training

  • Middle School Ambassadors
  • High School Officers
  • Crosby Launch for 6th and 9th Graders

Enjoy!

Student Journeys: Johnny M.

Each student in Iredell County is on their own unique journey.

In the first video in our series, “Student Journeys,” you’ll hear Johnny McLean’s personal story and how Iredell Crosby Scholars contributed to their achievement of being awarded a full-ride QuestBridge Scholarship to attend Duke University this coming fall.

2024 Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to each student who received a scholarship during our Senior Awards Banquet. The event was attended by some 300 people, who were there to witness and applaud the efforts and success of our Crosby Scholars.

Goodwill Willpower Award

  • Caleb Costilow

Goodwill Art Gibel Award

  • Ella Tenke

Art Gibel Community Builder Award

  • Mikaylah Okyer-Boateng

Crosby Impact Scholarship

  • Kora Brightbill
  • Hannah Kraeger

Joyce Kohfeldt Memorial Scholarship

  • Hollis Heckler
  • Adam Moukahl

Community College Book Scholarship

  • Adam Goins
  • Mikhail Likhtenbaum

Mooresville Rescue Squad Scholarship

  • Ella McGlothlin
  • Jocelyn Mills
  • Emma Monroe
  • Nicole Pfefferkorn
  • Abby Pike

Iredell County Opportunity Scholarship

  • Cooper Hall
  • Piper Lewis
  • Peyton Millsaps

Mitchell Community College/ Crosby Scholars Scholarship

  • Ian Raffan

Crosby Scholar Board of Directors Awards

  • Tate Adams – ASEC
  • Karma Hairston – CCTL
  • Ruth Ramirez Hernandez – Crossroads
  • Katelyn Freese – iAcademy
  • Simone Bush – Lake Norman High School
  • Ana Noriega – Langtree Charter Academy
  • Emma Devore- Mooresville High School
  • Grayson Brooks – North Iredell High School
  • Cooper Deschenes – Pine Lake Preparatory
  • Abeer Saleem Naznin – South Iredell High School
  • C’Ashjah Joyner – Statesville High School
  • Ameia Blair-Morrison – Statesville High School
  • Allison Hendrix – West Iredell High School

Frustrated With FAFSA Delays?

Delays and glitches with this year’s new FAFSA roll out have caused enormous frustration for students and parents seeking financial aid for the 2024-2025 school year.

“The already stressful college admissions process was thrown into chaos this year by a botched bureaucratic upgrade,” reads an April 6 CNN report, which refers to the roll out as a fiasco. “Hiccups and delays in the federal financial aid process have kept some high school seniors and current college students from getting aid packages from schools.” 

Knowing the final cost is, obviously, essential to choosing a college, making financial decisions and determining living arrangements. Many feel that they’ve been left in a state of limbo.

Delays and glitches with the new form have also reduced FAFSA submissions. As of April 1, the National College Attainment Network reported that just 35% of high school seniors had submitted a FAFSA. That’s down 27% nationally and 24% in North Carolina, versus last year.

So, what should you do? 

Here are some suggestions that might help you navigate this unusual year in the world of financial aid.

  1. Create your FAFSA account as soon as possible. This way, your application can be verified more quickly and further delays can be avoided.
  2. Stay connected with the latest updates and resources. Our Iredell County Crosby Scholars FAFSA Information page offers a variety of resources. Other organizations to follow include:
    1. NC FAFSA Hub
    2. National College Attainment Network 
    3. Federal Student Aid (via Instagram)
  3. Check the acceptance deadline for your college of choice. Due to FAFSA delays, many colleges have extended their “decision day” from the traditional May 1, but others have not. 

Need in-person help?

Mitchell Community College provides FAFSA Completion Events, hosted by the Financial Aid Department, every Tuesday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the Eason Student Services Building, Room 105. Students should create a studentaid.gov account if they do not already have one by visiting  studentaid.gov/create-account. For more information on planning your visit, click here. 

And finally…

Remember that you aren’t alone. Parents and students nationwide are facing the same FAFSA challenges. Colleges and universities are aware and are making adjustments. Plus, numerous issues with the new form have already been addressed.

Remember, Crosby Scholars staff is available to help answer any questions you might have as well.  Feel free to reach out to Jen Jamison, Jr/Sr Program Manager and Dominic Jones, Financial Aid Coordinator.

In the meantime, do all that you can to prepare for next steps. You’ll be ready to react and take control when the time comes.

Hopefully, that time will come sooner than later. 

Making the Most of Winter Break: A High School Student’s Guide to Productivity & Relaxation

Winter break is finally here, and it’s the perfect time for high school students to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the challenges ahead. While it’s crucial to enjoy some well-deserved downtime, making the most of your winter break can set you up for success in the coming semester. In this blog post, we’ll explore a balanced approach to winter break that combines productivity and relaxation.

1. Reflect and Set Goals:

Take some time to reflect on the past semester. What were your successes and challenges? Use this reflection to set realistic goals for the upcoming semester. Whether it’s improving study habits, participating in extracurricular activities, or enhancing personal skills, having clear goals will give you direction and motivation.

2. Develop a Study Plan:

While winter break is a time to relax, it’s also an opportunity to get ahead academically. Consider creating a study plan to review and reinforce the knowledge you’ve gained so far. Focus on subjects where you feel less confident, and use resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, or educational apps to enhance your understanding.

3. Pursue Personal Projects:

Winter break is an excellent time to explore personal interests and hobbies. Whether it’s writing, coding, painting, or learning a musical instrument, use this break to dive into a passion project. Not only does this provide a creative outlet, but it also helps you develop valuable skills beyond the classroom.

4. Volunteer and Give Back:

Consider dedicating some time to community service or volunteering during the break. Helping others not only makes a positive impact on your community but also fosters personal growth and a sense of responsibility. Look for local organizations, charities, or community events that align with your interests.

5. Explore College and Career Options:

For juniors and seniors, winter break is an opportune time to explore college and career options. Research potential colleges, attend virtual campus tours, and investigate different career paths. Reach out to professionals in fields you find interesting for informational interviews. This exploration will help you make informed decisions about your future.

6. Relax and Recharge:

While productivity is essential, don’t forget to prioritize relaxation. Use this break to catch up on sleep, spend quality time with family and friends, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Balance is key to maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Conclusion:

Winter break is a valuable time for high school students to strike a balance between productivity and relaxation. By reflecting on the past, setting goals for the future, pursuing personal interests, giving back to the community, exploring future opportunities, and taking time to relax, you’ll return to school in the new year feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Enjoy your break!

5 Tips to Improve Your Art Portfolio

What makes a successful art portfolio? The answer to this question may vary depending on who you ask, but within the context of college admissions, there are a few key elements that most art programs look for.

Demonstrate your drawing abilities.

As a creative, a basic understanding of drawing will serve you well regardless of your desired career path. In fact, many art programs recommend applicants include at least one drawing in their portfolios, illustrating the ability to depict the world on paper realistically or imaginatively. 

Emphasize your skills.

No matter where you are on your artistic journey, you possess a skill set that should be highlighted in your portfolio. Don’t be afraid to experiment and go beyond your artistic limits; this will indicate your willingness to try something new and stretch your creativity. Additionally, be sure to include works that exemplify your attention to detail and comprehension of the building blocks of art.

Present a variety of pieces.

As you create or begin to select your best work for applications, you’ll want to showcase your ability to express yourself through different mediums. The inclusion of both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional pieces is encouraged for most portfolios, as this is a clear display of artistic range. Of course, you should call attention to your strengths and preferred medium(s), but consider exploring varied ways to spotlight your unique point of view. 

Pro Tip: Give yourself enough time to plan and develop your portfolio. It’s never too early to get a head start! 

Take quality pictures of your work.

Documenting the artistic process and end results through high-quality photographs is an integral yet often overlooked step in portfolio creation. Good news: you don’t need to be a professional photographer or own expensive gear. However, using your available resources to ensure that your artwork is in focus, well-lit, free of a distracting background, and appropriately positioned will add a noticeable layer of professionalism to your portfolio. 

Play up your personality and creative vision.

No two portfolios are exactly the same, but those that succeed often reflect an artist’s distinct character and style. So be yourself, and remember that an art portfolio is much more than a collection of work. It is a one-of-a-kind visual expression of your past learnings, present identity, and artistic aspirations.