CMR High School
Scholarship News
December
2015-16
Financial Aid Information
The 2016-17 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for the current senior class will
be available on-line in early December. The information needed on the FAFSA form will be based on you
and your parent’s 2015 tax information. Financial aid forms cannot be sent in until January 2016.
Encourage your parents to file their taxes early.
A number of financial aid programs are available if you qualify: College Work-Study, Pell Grants,
Supplemental Education Opportunities Grants, Stafford Loan Programs, Perkins Loans, Approved
Veterans Training, State Grants and Loans, Academic Scholarships, Cooperative Education Plans, College
Funds, Athletic Scholarships, and Minority Scholarships. See your local lender (banks, credit unions,
etc.) or college financial aid directors of schools that are of interest.
______________________________________________________________________________
Time to Register - Selective Service and You
All male United States citizens and male aliens residing in the U. S. and its territories must register
within the period starting 30 days before, and ending 30 days after, their 18th birthday.
Log on to www.sss.gov and you can get yourself registered in about 5 minutes. If you have any questions
or need assistance, please see Mrs. Lowry in the counseling office.
______________________________________________________________________________
Montana University System Honor Scholarship
All seniors will be mailed information about the MUS Honor Scholarship in December. The MUS Honor
Scholarship is a 4-year renewable scholarship, which waives the recipient’s tuition when used at an
eligible campus. Applying for the scholarship is a multi-step process. You must complete each of the
following steps by the deadline in order for your application to be considered complete.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Take the ACT or SAT test by December of your senior year.
Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Apply to and be accepted by one of the eligible campuses
Register at www.mus.edu/scholarships.
Have Mrs. Lowry complete the section of the application to verify that you are on track to meet
the Rigorous Core Requirement which includes four years of math or science.
6. Mail the signed application along with a copy of your acceptance letter, proof/certification of your
ACT or SAT score, and your 7th semester high school transcript to the office of Student Financial
Services postmarked by March 15th. Please see Mrs. Lowry if you have any questions!
Jaraczeski Family Scholarship
This Scholarship was initiated in November 2004 after Richard Jaraczeski died after a long battle with
cancer. He highly valued well-rounded young adults who demonstrated integrity, care for others,
character, strength and determination. This scholarship is intended to reward ne graduating senior who
exhibits these values and who is serious about receiving a higher education. Applicants must have a
cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better. If a student has a GPA of 2.5-2.8 and has overcome any special
circumstances or obstacles and meets the other requirements of this scholarship, he or she will be
considered for this scholarship. Applicants must have participated in organized physical and nonphysical activities 3 out of the 4 years of high school. The activities are not limited to school sponsored
activities. Applications are available in the Advisement Center. Application deadline is
March 4. Applications can be turned in to Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement Center.
Eidel Family Scholarship
The Eidel family scholarship was established to honor a CMR senior who exemplifies the true Rustler
spirit of being a well-rounded student. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and must show school
and community involvement. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrate
integrity, character, strength, determination and care for others. Applications are available online at:
http://tinyurl.com/gfpsfscholarships. Application deadline is February 26th. If you have any
questions please see Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement Center.
______________________________________________________________________________
United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship
Each year the United States Junior Chamber International Senate Foundation grants $1,000
scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the United States, who plan to continue their education
at accredited post-secondary colleges, universities or vocational schools. Applications can be found at
www.jcisenate.org. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2016.
Defense Commissary Agency Scholarship
The Scholarships for Military Children program is celebrating its fourteenth year of outreach to the
military community. Each year the program awards hundreds of scholarships to qualified seniors planning
to enroll in a four-year program of studies the following fall, or to college students already enrolled in a
four-year program. Applications are available from Mrs. Lowry or on the website at:
www.militaryscholar.org after December 15. Application deadline is March 18, 2016.
Black Mountain Software Scholarship
Black Mountain Software is offering a scholarship to Montana students. All 2016 graduating high school
seniors who will be continuing their education at an accredited institution of higher learning, regardless
of their field of study after graduation, are eligible. One $500 scholarship will be awarded annually.
Copies of the application form and instructions are available from:
www.blackmountainsoftware.com/support/info/scholarship2016.pdf
Application deadline is April 15, 2016.
______________________________________________________________________________
Are you attending University of Montana Western in Dillon?
UM Western has a scholarship application for students planning to attend. Check out their website or
see Mrs. Lowry for application information.
______________________________________________________________________________
Great Falls Job Service Employers-Career and Technical Education Scholarship
The Great Falls Job Service Employers Committee (JSEC) is pleased to announce a $500 scholarship
opportunity for students. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and plan on pursuing post
secondary training in one of the following Career and Technical Education clusters: Business, Family and
Consumer Science, Health Science/Medical Occupations, Industrial Technology and Agriculture.
Applications must be received by the JSEC coordinator by February 10, 2016. Applications are
available in the Advisement Center or online at: www.greatfallsjobs.mt.gov
Montana Jaycee Foundation Scholarship
Applications for our $1,000 Annual Scholarship for Montana Seniors are now being accepted. Log in to
download the application at www.mtjcisenate.org
Click on Scholarship & Senatorship Forms, and then select the MT JC Scholarship Application Form.
Deadline for applications is January 9, 2016.
MSU Premier Scholarship Program
Montana State University will offer new scholarships through the MSU Premier Scholarship Program.
These awards are targeted toward Montana Freshmen who show academic promise based upon ACT
and/or SAT scores and grade point average. Leadership experience, activities, honors and financial need
may also be considered. These are tuition only scholarships. Scholarship application information is
available at: www.montana.edu/admissions/premierscholarship.pdf. Apply early as these scholarships
will only be available for a limited time! Deadline is February 1, 2016.
________________________________________________________________________
University of Montana Scholarships
Davidson Honors College Presidential Leadership Scholarship
Applications for the Davison Honors College Presidential Leadership Scholarship at the University of
Montana are available and can be downloaded and printed at http://umt.edu/dhc. Application deadline is
December 31st.
Montana Resident Entering Student Scholarship
To apply you must complete the University of Montana Undergraduate application no later than
December 31st. All general scholarships will be considered from the undergraduate application. The
application can be downloaded and printed at: http://admissions.umt.edu
**Students DO NOT need to complete both applications. Those not awarded a Presidential Leadership
Scholarship will automatically be considered for the Montana Resident Entering Student Scholarship.
Elks National Foundation Legacy Award
The Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards scholarship contest awards one-year, $1,000 scholarships
to children and grandchildren of Elk members who are high school seniors, going on to college and exhibit
the core values of the Elks National Foundation: Knowledge, Charity, Community and Integrity.
Applications are available online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars and the deadline is January 31,
2016.
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships
Each year, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution awards over $150,000 through
more than 25 scholarships to young individuals for their outstanding academic achievements. The DAR
Scholarship general application and the DAR Scholarship Financial Need form, as well as application
forms for specific scholarship, such as the American Indian Scholarship, the Frances Crawford Marvin
American Indian Scholarship, and the CD format requirement for the Nellie Love Butcher Music
Scholarship can be found at www.dar.org
All scholarship materials must be postmarked by February 15, 2016.
Montana Community Foundation Scholarship
Applications for the Montana community Foundation’s scholarship program are now available online at
http://scholarselect.com/matching/40/start_page Awards range from between $500 - $5,000 and all
awards are designated to specifically benefit Montana students. The search page will ask students to
answer some basic questions to determine which programs they qualify for. If the student qualifies for
a specific scholarship, the program will link to the application to fill out.
______________________________________________________________________________
National MS Society Scholarship Program
The National MS Society Scholarship Program provides scholarships for students to pursue postsecondary education. Applicants must either live with MS or have a parent with MS and be attending an
accredited postsecondary school for the first time. Applicants must be a United States citizen and
must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester in course work. Applications must be
completed online at: www.NationalMSSociety.org/scholarsip Application deadline is January 15, 2016.
______________________________________________________________________________
Big Sun Scholarship
The Big Sun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their
academic pursuits. We are offering an annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes
are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in. Applications are available
at: http://www.bigsunathletics.com. Deadline for application is June 17, 2016.
______________________________________________________________________________
Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
The GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program annually awards roughly 20 college-bound students who
demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships
– up to $40,000 total per recipient. For more information, eligibility requirements, and an online
application visit www.reaganfoundation.org.scholarships Application deadline is January 7, 2016.
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program
Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants are pleased to be able to continue with our scholarship program
for the 6th year. They will be awarding up to $1,000 to the winner(s) each year. Students will submit an
essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of our web site:
www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm Deadline is June 10, 2016.
______________________________________________________________________________
Fred and Visilia Grasseschi Scholarship for Outstanding Football Athletes
The Fred & Visilia Grasseschi Scholarship will be given this year to an applicant with the following
qualifications:
• Student at CMR High School
• Football player given preference
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Must have lettered in at least one high school sport and participated in one extra-curricular
activity for each of the four years in high school
•Must show financial need
• Must provide two letters of recommendation, one from a faculty/staff member and the other
from a coach.
Applications are available in the Advisement Center. Application deadline is March 7, 2016.
Completed applications should be turned in to Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement Center.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dean Riggin Memorial Music Scholarship
The essence of this scholarship is to provide an opportunity for students who show a dedication to the
field of music, diligence, work ethic, and the ability to work hard toward a goal. This scholarship cannot
be awarded to a student who has received any other scholarship in excess of $1,000. Any student who is
awarded this scholarship will receive approximately $500 for the school year immediately following
graduation. Applications are available in the Advisement Center. Applications can be picked up in the
Advisement Center. Application deadline is March 14, 2016. Completed applications should be
turned in to Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement Center.
______________________________________________________________________________
Kelly Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Criteria:
1. Student must file a completed application by March 7, 2016
2. Application must be accompanied by two (2) letters of recommendation (one must be either a teacher
or a coach).
3. Student must have a good G.P.A.
Applications available in the Advisement Center. Deadline: March 7, 2016. Completed applications
can be turned in to Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement Center.
Treacy Giesler Memorial Scholarship
Treacy Giesler was a 1984 graduate of Charles M. Russell High School. Throughout her junior and senior
years she suffered from a debilitating brain tumor. In spite of the tumor, her determination,
compassion for others and love of life triumphed. She participated in many activities and maintained a
high academic record. The Treacy Giesler Memorial Scholarship was established by her family and
friends and is funded annually as a continuing tribute to her.
Criteria of Scholarship:
• Graduating CMR senior who is seeking further accredited education
• 3.0 GPA
• Demonstration of having overcome some adversity (economic, emotional, family conflict, learning
or physical disability)
• Demonstrate participation in school and community activities
• Demonstrate concern for others and self determination
• One letter of recommendation and transcript required. The letter of recommendation should
address the areas of character, citizenship, determination, and self-discipline.
Applications may be picked up in the Advisement Center. Deadline: Friday, March 7, 2016.
Completed applications can be turned in to Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement Center.
Bertha Feaster Scholarship
A four-year renewable scholarship (minimum of $3000 annually) is being offered for students who meet
the following criteria:
*3.0 high school GPA or better
*must provide proof of financial need
*letter of recommendation from two teachers and two non-family members
*good citizenship
*must attend a school, public or private, in Montana
Applications are available online at: http://tinyurl.com/gfpsfscholarships. Application deadline is
February 26th. If you have any questions please see Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement
Center.
Lillian Lemire Scholarship
The Lillian Lemire Scholarship has been established to assist students graduating from C.M.Russell High
School who will go on to attend a Montana college. Students must show financial need, have a GPA of at
least 2.7, and must have participated in at least one school sponsored sport and one extracurricular
activity for each of the four years the students attended CMR. Students need not have lettered in the
sport, only participated. The essence of this $1,000 scholarship is to provide an opportunity for
students who show diligence, work ethic, and the ability to work hard toward a goal. This scholarship
cannot be awarded to a student who has received any other scholarship in excess of $1,000.
Applications are available online at: http://tinyurl.com/gfpsfscholarships. Application deadline is February
26th. If you have any questions please see Mrs. Lowry or Ms. Kemph in the Advisement Center.
Montana Tech Presidential
The MT Tech Presidential program includes a full tuition waiver and up to $3,000 cash to be used toward
your college expenses while attending MT Tech in Butte, MT. Applicants must have a 30 ACT composite
score and a 3.75 GPA to be eligible. For more information, please visit http://www.mtech.edu for
information on the Presidential as well as all other incoming freshman scholarships. Priority deadline is
January 15, 2016.
MSU Northern
MSU Northern has a number of scholarships available for incoming freshman. Please visit www.msun.edu
for more information.
MSU Billings
To apply for scholarships at MSU-Billings, students will need to submit the Scholarship Application
included in the Application for Admission. Scholarships will be awarded on an on-going basis with the
initial review of the application beginning October 15 with the priority filing date of February 1, 2016.
For more information, please visit www.msubillings.edu/scholarships/.
Husted Endowed Scholarship
$1,200 available to graduates from Great Falls area high schools. Preference is given to students
enrolled in the Business, Finance and College of Business programs. Recipients must have at least a 3.0
G.P.A and have financial need, Recipients must demonstrate school or community involvement.
Scholarship is renewable up to four years provided the recipient maintains scholarship criteria.
Interested students must submit the MSU Billings online scholarship application to the Office of
Financial Aid and Scholarships. The online scholarship application is available at
www.msubillings.edu/scholarships/.
BK Scholars Program
These scholarships starting from $1,000 are open to students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of
2.5, work a minimum of 10 hours per week, are actively involved in their community, and can demonstrate
financial need. Applications can be found at
http://www.bkmclamorefoundation.org/WhatWeDo/ScholarsProgram Deadline is December 15, 2014.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards
Participants submit entries to a local Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Chairman by March 31, 2016. The
first place winner from each Ladies Auxiliary will be sent to the Department Scholarships Chairman for
judging. Application and more information can be picked up in the Advisement Center.
Things to Jingle About…
20/60/20---When making choices, keep in mind where the jobs will be!
20% Entry level jobs
60% Certificate or Associate Degrees
20% 4-year Degrees and Beyond
There is the right career out there for all of you and many ways to get there! We have great
information on careers, apprenticeships, and post-secondary information. Visit your counselor or
Mrs. Tramelli for more information!
If you are college bound...
Five things you need to have done before the end of the holiday break:
1. Apply to take (or retake) the ACT/SAT or Compass test if you haven’t done so already!
2. Apply to the colleges you are interested in attending.
3. Check out any scholarships the colleges you have applied to offer to incoming freshman.
4. Get organized to complete your FAFSA-fill out the FAFSA estimator.
5. Visit smartaboutcollege.org or msu.edu for great information on being college bound!
*Be mindful to proofread scholarships—it does matter!
*Take charge! The college application and scholarship process can be overwhelming. Don’t
procrastinate! Get organized! Once you get going, it’s easier than you think. We are here to help
you in the counseling office if you have any questions. Please communicate with us.
*Visit the Student Assistance Foundation website (safmt.org) and click on the Smart About College
link. They offer a free scholarship search called Scholly that matches students with available
scholarships. They have lots of great information for the college bound student.
*Don’t forget to write thank you notes. It takes time to complete a letter of recommendation or
application. Please thank the adults and mentors in your life who have helped.
Relax! You can do this!
Have a great holiday break!