Submitted by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College will host a “FAFSA Frenzy” event for potential college students, from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, to help potential college students fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.
The event, co-sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is designed to help low-income and first-generation college students complete the FAFSA, the first step for all federal need-based financial aid. Attendees will receive hands-on help from the college’s financial aid advisors in completing the online application, as well as information on the grants, loans, and scholarships available at the federal, state, and college levels.
“The financial aid process can be complicated and confusing, especially for first-time applicants,” said Karen Beers, Student Loan Management Specialist at Three Rivers. “This event allows us to sit down with the students and their parents, go over the forms with them, and answer any questions they might have.”
Students who attend the event will be entered to win a state scholarship, provided they enroll in a Missouri postsecondary program in the fall. Intent to enroll in Three Rivers classes is not required, and the school welcomes all prospective students wanting to participate in “FAFSA Frenzy,” regardless of where they plan to attend college. College information will be available to those considering attending Three Rivers.
Missouri students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. April 1 is the priority deadline for both state and federal financial aid. Students and families do not need to have filed their federal income taxes for 2013 in order to participate in a FAFSA Frenzy event or to complete the FAFSA.
Participants should bring their 2013 W-2 forms, as well as copies of their 2013 tax forms if ready. If students or their parents have not yet filed 2013 returns, they should bring any statements of interest earned in 2013, any 1099 forms, and any other forms required to complete taxes. This will allow completion of the FAFSA during the event, with corrections to be filed after tax returns are complete. Students should also obtain a student PIN and parent PIN online at www.pin.ed.gov before attending. For more information on the event, visit www.dhe.mo.gov/ppc/fafsa_completion.php.
“FAFSA Frenzy” is part of the College Goal Sunday program, a 37-state volunteer initiative that seeks to provide information and assistance to families seeking financial aid for postsecondary studies. Three Rivers recommends that prospective students apply now for Fall financial aid, even if you are uncertain about whether or not you will apply. FAFSA applicants who decide not to enroll are not penalized, and completing the FAFSA will provide information on how much financial aid will be available.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Written by
Erin Lauters, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Two Dexter Senior High School Students have congratulations in order. After the long and brutal wait for results this Christmas break, these two got a wonderful present- Alternate rankings for the Missouri All State Jazz Band.
These students had to record themselves playing selected pieces and send it in to Columbia, Missouri for judging. On Saturday, January 4, 2014, a mass of selected band directors and music majors met in Columbia to start this tedious process. Afterwards, the results were posted on the Missouri Bandmasters Association website.
The students got the music in May and have been working hard on it ever since. Jon Durham, Dexter Senior High School Senior, came after school and worked diligently on his percussion pieces. Jon was a member of the All-District band, which he auditioned for last November. Jon was auditioning for one of the most elite spots in the All-District Concert Band. Jon also improved his pieces by going to lessons with expert percussionists for advice. Jon was cast as 1st Alternate.
Lacey Midgett, Dexter Senior High School Junior and a member of the Dexter Senior High School Marching Bearcats Color Guard, stay after school to practice as well. As a part of the Color Guard, she had to devote at least 30 minutes during practice right after school to playing her instrument and working on audition materials for the prestigious band. Lacey plays an instrument in the lower portion of the clarinet family, called a Contra Clarinet. This clarinet reaches close to the same pitches as a tuba or baritone saxophone. Lacey made 2nd alternate landing her a seat as one of the best Contra Clarinetists in the state. Lacey, like Jon, attended lessons. Lacey met with clarinet instructors to work on her pieces.
Written by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – T.S. Hill Middle School students in Dexter were treated to a trip to Cape Girardeau to enjoy some fun at the SEMO Aquatic Center.
These 205 students were among the Headed to the Top incentive for the 2nd quarter. It was a day of swimming, hanging out with friends, eating pizza and celebrating a great quarter of attendance, behavior, and school work.
“We are very proud of this bunch who, as always, represented T.S. Hill Middle School in a first class manner,” stated Scott Kruse, T.S. Hill Middle School Principal.
Written by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Making the honor roll is not as easy as one might think. Middle School students who are high achievers acquire and develop excellent study habits and skills, especially in time management. To manage time efficiently, students use a student calendar or planner.
Successful, lifelong learners set aside a time and a space every day to do their homework. Student who can manage their daily workload have a better chance of attaining academic success.
Congratulations to every 6th grader who made the honor roll for the 2nd quarter of the 2013 – 2014 school year.
Written by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Essex, Missouri – Last Friday was the Richland Rebel’s Homecoming Game against the Advance Hornets. The Rebels celebrated their Homecoming Court Ceremony between the JV and Varsity game on January 17th, 2013.
The Flower Girl was Makayla Finch, daughter of Tabitha and Robert Finch. Along side of her was the Crown Bearer, Tucker Hughes, son of Hollie and Don Hughes. The retiring Queen was senior Katlynn Rofkahr, who was escorted by the retiring King senior Dustin Robbins. The announcer for this event is the Student Council supervisor and history teacher Michael Glisson, who also helped coordinate the Homecoming Dance and Ceremony.
The Freshmen Candidate for Homecoming Queen was Aleena Robbins, daughter of Jenny and Chad Robbins. Her activities include Beta Club, FFA, FCA, volleyball, and cheerleading. Her honors include being on the Honor Roll. Aleena’s future plans are to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field. Aleena was escorted by freshman Preston Tilley, son of Toni Holman and Wayne Tilley. His activities include playing basketball and racing. His honors include being on the Honor Roll and receiving the baseball defense award for two years. Preston’s future plans are to be a coach or a pastor.
The Sophomore Candidates were Jordan Head and Parker Miller. Jordan Head is the daughter of Sherrie and Jimmy Head. Her activities include FFA and Beta Club. Her honors include being on the Honor Roll first semester and finishing second in the science fair. Jordan’s future plans are to attend college and become a physical therapist. Her escort, Parker Miller, is the son of Leen Ann and Mark Miller. His acitivites include FFA, FBLA, FCCLA, and Beta Club. His honors include Sophomre Class Vice President, Honor Roll during first semester, and first place in the science fair. His future plans are to obtain a degree in Agribusiness and take over the family farm.
The Junior Class was represented by Whitney Teeters, daughter of Teresa and Joey Teeters, Her activities include FCCLA, Beta Clu, FBLA, Library Club, Pep Club, FCA, and Student Council. Her honors include Junior Class Vice President, FCCLA President, Pep Club Vice President, FCA Vice President, FBLA Secretary, Student Council Vice President, and Honor Roll. Her future plans are to attend college and receive a degree in sports medicine. Her escort was Tristan Montgomery, son of Sherry and Robert Myers, Jr. His activities include FCCLA, Representative for Student Council, and baseball. His honors include the Rebel Award for baseball and October Student of the Month twice. His future plans are to attend college and establish his own marketing franchise.
The senior candidates were Mackenzie Williams and Kannon Qualls. Mackenzie is the daughter of Regina and Danny Williams. Her activities include playing volleyball, softball, FBLA, Beta Club, Yearbook, and Student Council. Mackenzie’s future plans are to attend college. Her escort, Kannon Qualls, is the son of Michael Qualls. His activities include Beta Club, FBLA, Pep Club, Band, and Library Club. His honors include being on the Honor Roll, President of FBLA, and being Missouri State Vice President of the Beta Club. Kannon’s future plans are to attend college, major in meteorology, and become a broadcast meteorologist.
After the JV Game, the basketball players and cheerleaders walked onto the court to welcome to the candidates. The high school students voted for their choice of Homecoming Candidates early on Thursday morning during Class and Club Meeting Day. It had been a long awaited week to see the revealing of the King and Queen.
In the end, seniors Katlynn Rofkahr and Dustin Robbins were able to hand their crowns to their classmates, seniors Mackenzie Williams and Kannon Qualls.
Congratulations Mackenzie and Kannon for winning this year’s Homecoming Queen and King!
