College and Careers

GCS offers the following programs for high school students:

  • Listing of colleges and universities Grace graduates have attended and/or graduated from.
  • KUDER career testing in 9th and 11th grades
  • Job Shadowing Program for 9th through 12th graders
  • Career Fairs for 9th through 12th graders
  • Mentorship Program for 11th and 12th graders
  • SAT Prep for 11th graders
  • College search materials/books/videos available

2011-2012 Scholarship Opportunities

Here are 5 scholarship/essay competitions that you might be interested in.  (NOTE:  THREE are open to all 9th - 12th graders)
 
Christopher Columbus Essay Contest - 9th through 12th graders are eligible.  Deadline is November 2.  Topic is "Christopher Columbus:  In his own time, in history and today."  Length is 800-1200 words.  See your English teacher or Mrs. Summers for details.
 
Dominion Power Scholarship Essay Competition - This is a great competition for 11th and 12th graders.  We have had two winners in the past few years - Gracie Segars and Ben Stoll.  The winner gets a brand new laptop computer and the school gets $1000.  Plus, winners get recognized at a very nice banquet in Richmond.  To get more information, click below:
 
Note: The entry criteria has changed this year. Students are asked to write and submit a creative, memorable and compelling 350-word (or less) essay online that answers one of three questions about one of the 234 leaders who have been honored during the series' 21-year history. The three questions are provided in the contest guidelines attached below. Also provided is a list of the leaders and a link for submitting your essay: 
 
2012 Profile in Courage Essay Contest - Write an original and creative essay of 1,000 words or less that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles of Courage.  First place winner receives a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 to grow in a John Hancock Freedom College Savings Plan.  Second place receives a $1,000 cash award and up to five finalists each receive a $500 cash award.  All students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible.  Details are listed on their website at www.jfklibrary.org.  Deadline is January 7.
 
Foundation for Indiviidual Rights in Education -  This organization has announced its fourth annual "Freedom in Academics" student essay contest.  High school seniors are invited to write an in-depth essay explaining why free speech and First Amendment rights are crucial to higher education.  First place is $5,000.  Second place is $2,500 and five students will receive a $1000 runner up scholarship.  To enter, see details at www.thefire.org/contests.  Deadline is November 5.
 
Voice of Democracy - 9th through 12th graders are welcome to enter the VOD competition.  It is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  To enter, write an original 3-5 minute essay and read it into a standard cassette tape or CD. This year's topic is "Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?"  To enter, stop by my office for an application and more informaiton.  There is prize money at the local level (anywhere from $500 - $1000 usually) and if you win locally, you can move on to District, State, and National competition.  This is a great one to enter!  Deadline is October 31.
 
 
I would encourage all students to look into these scholarship competitions and enter.  This is a great way to start a savings account for college!