COVINGTON, Va. (WDBJ) – We all know the cost of attending college or a trade school can be expensive. That’s why Alleghany High School is doing its part to provide scholarships to graduating seniors.
Alleghany High School’s Senior Awards Night is being planned for May, and the AHS staff is offering the public an opportunity to create scholarships for seniors to help offset the cost of attending a college or trade school.
According to the education research group Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in the United States is $36,436 per year. That cost includes tuition, books, supplies, and daily living expenses. In Virginia, the average yearly cost is $25,761.
This year’s Senior Awards Night will be the first for the combined Alleghany High School. At the start of the school year last fall, Covington High School and Alleghany High School merged into one high school. In past years, AHS said seniors were awarded local scholarships ranging from $200 to more than $1,000–with help from the community.
Local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are being encouraged to once again fund scholarships. The sponsor of a scholarship will set the amount, and establish the qualifications for applicants. The scholarships can be awarded one time only, or on an annual basis.
“We have many deserving seniors who have applied or plan to apply to trade schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges. Higher education is expensive. Scholarships can make a difference in a student being able or not being able to pursue a certification, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, said AHS Academic Advisor, Heather Terrel.
“AHS seniors are the children of your neighbors, your friends, your co-workers, and your employees. Our seniors may work as part-time employees of your business, or they may work at a business you frequent. Access to post-secondary education will give our students more opportunities and benefit our community as a whole,” Terrell said.
Scholarship applications are posted on a bulletin board near the AHS Guidance Department. Individuals and organizations interested in continuing an existing scholarship or creating a new one can contact Terrell at heather.terrell@ahps.k12.va.us, or Crizer at roberta.crizer@ahps.k12.va.us. The telephone number for the AHS Guidance Department is (540) 863-1703.
Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
