By Meredith O’Brien

As the first semester comes to an end, senioritis takes a toll in the everyday lives of the seniors. Please, seniors, do not let the contagious disease take part in your high school career. There is still so much to do!

Apply! Apply! Apply! Many deadlines for universities and community colleges have passed, but there are still later deadlines you can meet . Search the universities’ websites for deadlines for application and university scholarships. Also, if you need to retake the ACT, go to the guidance office for information about dates.

There are scholarships available just for the university or community college, but there are also more scholarships available online. These scholarships are available to anyone who is going to college. Some have requirements, but most do not. The Academic Foundation will have many scholarship forms coming out in January or February.

The guidance office will be putting scholarship applications and dates when college representatives will be at the high school in your mailboxes. So make sure you check it regularly.

They also have a list of community service that seniors can sign up for. Remember you have to achieve at least 10 hours of service in order to graduate. Some events that are coming up are Pre-K nights (need 20-25 helpers), Salvation Army, and Christmas caroling. Year round events include volunteering at assisted living or a nursing home and the food pantry.

It’s almost the new year, which means FAFSA applications will be available. Starting January 1, you can fill out an application. You can’t file the tax portion until you get 2014 tax returns. Filling out an application, but not finishing the tax portion still gets your name in the pool. The earlier you fill out the form the better chance you have of receiving grants.

For all students who want to pick up some college credits prior to next year, night classes in Flora and Cisne start January 12. The cost for these night classes are approximately $75. Classes that are available include Sociology that is on Mondays at 6:30 P.M. in Flora. U.S history to 1877 with Mr.Ridge on Wednesdays at 6:00 P.M. in Flora. Composition 1 on Monday at 6:00 P.M in Flora. Speech class is on Thursday at 6:00 P.M. in Cisne. If you’re interested please let the guidance office know as soon as possible.

Dates have been set for graduation and senior award ceremony. May 6 Flora High School will be hosting a senior award ceremony in the Auditorium during school. May 17 will be the 2015 graduation in Conley Gymnasium at Flora High School.

Mrs. Massie wants to remind every senior to pass your classes and check your mailboxes, and to “look at how you can make a positive difference in the world.”