GASTONIA Gaston Day School fourth-graders met with N.C. Sen. Kathy Harrington of Gaston County on the floor of the Senate chamber.
The fourth grade studies the geography, economics and government of the state in social studies.
Tax tips for students
Income tax season is approaching, and students may want to consider these tips from KHEAA.
Students and parents may be able to take advantage of these programs on their federal taxes:
• American Opportunity Credit, available for the first four years of college.
• Lifetime Learning Credit, available if a taxpayer or a dependent is taking college courses to acquire or improve job skills.
• Tuition and fees deduction, which lets taxpayers deduct qualified education expenses paid during the year for themselves or a dependent. The expenses must be for college.
• Student loan interest deduction, which lets people deduct up to $2,500 per year on federal taxes for interest paid on federal student loans.
For more detailed information about federal programs, go to irs.gov to download the free Publication 970 Tax Benefits for Education.
College-bound seniors need to fill out FAFSA
High school seniors planning to attend college or technical school this fall should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also called the FAFSA, as soon as possible, according to KHEAA.
The information on the FAFSA determines if students qualify for federal and state grants and for federal student loans. Also, many colleges use the information to award grants and scholarships administered by the school. Therefore, students should submit the FAFSA even if they feel it is unlikely they will qualify for aid.
The FAFSA asks for information about income, assets and expenses. A formula set by Congress determines eligibility for federal and state aid. If the student is considered a dependent under federal guidelines, both the student and parents must provide financial information. Nearly all students going directly to college from high school are considered dependent. Some student aid programs have limited money and provide funds on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified students, so it is important to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.
For faster results, KHEAA recommends students submit the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov, although they may also be mailed to the FAFSA processor.
Applications accepted for Clover scholarship
CLOVER Clover native Lelia Jackson will award the first LANDIS Scholarship to a Clover High School senior.
Jackson, a 1983 graduate of CHS, named the scholarship after her father Landis Jackson, who worked in Clover School District for several years.
Students applying for the LANDIS (Lifting And Navigating Determined Inspired Students) Scholarship must demonstrate a financial need, a 3.0-grade point average and community service.
Students can see a Clover High School guidance department for more information or email Laajacks@aol.com.
Applications are due to the Clover High School guidance department by April 1.
Choose Employee of Month
CLOVER The Clover School District’s Teacher Forum, a group made up of each school’s teacher of the year, seeks community input as it expands the district’s Employee of the Month recognition program. sponsored by Family Trust Federal Credit Union.
The program, which runs through May, is a way for school employees to be shown appreciation and gratitude from coworkers, parents, students, and the community. For several years, the program has been operated through paper ballots in each school.
Beginning this month, anyone may nominate an employee for the recognition on each school’s website.
To nominate a school-based employee in the district, visit the employee’s school website and click the “Vote now for Employee of the Month” button on the homepage.
Each school’s recipient is presented with a $25 Visa gift card from Family Trust and his or her picture is displayed in the school’s lobby.
Culinary contests under way
CHARLOTTE Culinary arts students can compete to earn a tuition scholarship to one of The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, including the Charlotte campus. The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Competition is for high school seniors. The Art Institutes Culinary Scholarship Competition is for high school graduates.
The first-place winner in the high school senior competition at each participating Art Institutes school will earn a $4,000 tuition scholarship.
The second-place winner in the high school senior competition at each participating Art Institutes school will earn a $1,000 scholarship. The first-place winner in the high school graduate competition at each participating Art Institutes school will earn a $1,500 scholarship.
The deadline for entry is Jan. 24. Selected finalists will participate in a cook-off competition at each participating Art Institutes school on March 2, judged by professional chefs and culinary faculty.
Entrants selected to participate in the cook-off competition receive recipes in advance and have an opportunity to participate in a pre-competition coaching session.
Entering the competition is easy – entrants must submit an entry/release form, a favorite recipe and an essay, as well as transcripts. For information, visit aicompetitions.com/culinary2013/.
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