As Aliso Niguel High School’s seniors prepare to leave high school behind, PTSA is offering a final gift to students in the form of a scholarship for their future schooling.
The PTSA or Parent Teacher Student Association is one of the cornerstones of Aliso Niguel High School. The group aids in the decision making of the school’s administration as well as helping to divy up the budget for school events and projects.
The PTSA scholarship is an important and yearly opportunity offered to all of Aliso’s students in the graduating class. In order to receive one of the scholarships, students must be part of the PTSA. The deadline to register as a PTSA member is February 29, 2024. The form to join can be found on the ANHS PTSA website after clicking the join PTSA prompt.
Students who are a part of the PTSA, who want the scholarship, must complete an additional application. The official application is due by April 10, 2024.
While the form is ten pages long, it is the most important part in receiving the scholarship and must be completed. Many of Aliso’s students apply for the scholarship yearly, but the information and accuracy of the form plays a crucial role in deciding who the grants of money go to.
First, seniors must choose whether they are going to a two-year, four-year or a Trade/Vocational School. The form then requires students to choose a major. This decision is usually difficult for young adults leaving high school as it decides where their lives will lead them.
Second, qualifying students must provide a record of their Community Service, School Service and Extracurricular Activities. These records let the PTSA board get a better understanding of students interests and character, all of which are extremely important in deciding who receives the scholarship.
Third, seniors must fill out the most important part of their application, the essay. At this point in the College Application process, most seniors have written their fair share of essays, and this one is no different.
However, the prompt has changed from prior years. Mrs. Emily Cravens is on the PTSA board as the Vice President, she said the prompt will focus more on, “How has PTSA impacted your life.”
This prompt entails anything the PTSA has done to affect your time at Aliso, from funding of classroom projects to after school activities. The essay is required to be at a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of 1000, which should not be difficult as PTSA has affected every student who attends Aliso Niguel High School in some way.
Finally, a letter of recommendation from someone who knows of your volunteer service is required, finishing the application.
Some seniors have already applied, such as Bora Vanli (12). When asked if he knew about the opportunity and had replied he said, “I do…Yes sir I did.”
For those wondering when they will know if they were chosen, scholarship winners will be announced at Senior Awards at the end of the year. At that event, winners will also receive their check, granting them the amount of money PTSA had decided to offer per person for the year based on budget and number of applicants.
Seniors who are preparing to leave Aliso have only a short time to apply for the PTSA’s gracious award which will help them through higher education.
