Scholar's persistence results in thousands of college dollars
By James Quatromoni Hull High Athletic Director and Community Outreach Coordinator
This week’s article covers topics with the general theme of exciting things happening within the walls of Hull High School. I will start with a helpful outline for parents and students on acquiring scholarship dollars, as written by Hull High senior Michael Bilodeau. Mrs. Mary Dunphy’s work as the Hull High School librarian will follow, and next week, Hull High School Music Teacher Mr. Corey Gilliam’s recital series will take center stage.
Michael Bilodeau is a senior at Hull High School. In Mr. Jeff Fuller’s AP English class, Michael has earned thousands of dollars in scholarship money through the New England Patriots Essay Contest. Michael has recently been awarded the Henry David Thoreau Foundation Scholarship, which is valued at an amazing $30,000. Michael earned this honor through his work in the field of environmental science. Here are some of Michael’s thoughts on how to best acquire scholarship money for college:
I am writing this article in order to inform parents about the wealth of money that is available to current and prospective high school students. As I began my senior year, I decided to look for some scholarships online, which would allow me to help finance my college education. The variety of scholarships that I came across, along with the wealth of scholarship money that was available, was astounding. Yet even more shocking was the realization that 45 percent of available scholarship money does not get awarded because no students apply for it.
Common misconceptions about scholarships are that they are only available to the smartest kids because of their academic performance in high school. In truth, most scholarships are awarded to students who are gifted in a given field. Whether it be English, science, math, history, art, music, or business, there is scholarship money available to those who excel in those fields. Also, it is important to note that many of awards exist for students keen on going to trade school. In effect, it does not truly matter what your strengths are, there are likely at least two or three scholarships available that pander to your natural abilities.
Scholarships also exist to aid certain groups of people. Those with extreme financial need or certain minority groups are eligible for scholarships that will alleviate some of the financial burden that is placed upon families by educational institutions. In addition, many scholarships exist that honor students who have given back to their community or have shown leadership to their peers. The Hull Youth Football Association scholarship is one that has annually provided Hull High School students with money that they have used to further their education.
Scholarships do not exist solely for the extremely academically or athletically gifted. With the new wealth of scholarship money that is available, nearly every student can qualify to receive money for college. A resource that I have used to receive a significant amount of money is www.scholarships.com. This free website allows students to view the numerous scholarships that they are qualified to receive. I urge all parents and students to utilize this website as it provides the ability to gain money for free. Most scholarship applications take only one to two hours to complete, and where else can
you honestly earn thousands of dollars for only a couple hours of work? It’s an opportunity that should not be ignored.
During this school year, Mary Dunphy has begun work as the high school librarian. This process has been interesting for Mrs. Dunphy, as she is transitioning from her role in the same position at the Memorial Middle School for the past six and a half years.
The Memorial School was an environment that Mrs. Dunphy really enjoyed. “Middle school kids are so unique as they are going through so much. I really enjoyed being part of that,” she said. “Collaborating with teachers and staff through those young people was great. I just loved it.”
Leaving the middle school has been difficult. “I left projects, co-workers, friends and two of my own children at the middle school,” Dunphy said. Her position has not yet been filled. Due to budget woes, it is possible that it will remain unfilled. As you read further, Mary Dunphy’s passion for her work will give you a look at how that concerns her.
In speaking with Mrs. Dunphy, I realized that today’s librarian has certainly changed with the times. Efficient use of technology is a message that Mrs. Dunphy preaches to her students.
“Our world is information-based. Our technology allows for information access to be unlimited. Kids need to understand a way to sort through it, and recognize what is good and bad,” Dunphy said. “This process helps reinforce what the teachers are teaching. It supports their efforts.” The computers stationed throughout the library help students access and research through the Internet.
As a librarian, Mrs. Dunphy is passionate about motivating students to read. In her short time at the high school, she has started a lunchtime book discussion group. The group of 15 students meets to discuss that month’s book. The project promotes recreational reading. The conversation allows for “the students and I to see each other and connect on a different level,” says Dunphy. “I can see what interests them, and tap into it.”
Most important to Dunphy is the process that instills the “lifelong skills” of reading and research. “Reading is the underlying skill of everything,” she said. “I help students understand how to acquire information for research or proactively. They use it today for class, and tomorrow for college.”
Though leaving the middle school has been difficult, Dunphy says, “The high school is a new challenge. Maybe I was ready for it. I am writing a new curriculum and program of study. It is exciting. The atmosphere here is great. The kids are great – they are just a little older than I was used to.”
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