Alden-Hebron School District 19

Career Spark offers OPPORTUNITY FOR AHHS JUNIORS: I am so excited to share that we will be hosting two sections of the EKG Technician Training specifically for McHenry County high school students this summer! This is a fully grant funded opportunity. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, this is an amazing opportunity for them to earn a healthcare certification before they even graduate high school. To qualify, students... -Must be completing high school by August 2026. -Complete the attached High School Grade Verification Form -Must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher -Form must be signed by the student, parent or guardian, and school counselor/principal -One letter of recommendation from a teacher or staff member at your high school Submissions can be sent to careerspark@mchenry.edu. Please have all submissions in by April 15th. Students will be notified of acceptance by May 1st.

MCC NEWS: Meet MCC is McHenry County College’s annual Open House, our biggest event of the year! All ages are welcome. March 19th 5:30 – 7:30pm McHenry County College, Building B Visit www.mchenry.edu/meetmcc for details Register for Meet MCC to stay connected -Meet MCC and over 100 faculty and staff from student services and all academic subjects who can share information about exciting learning opportunities available. -Explore student lab spaces in our new Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI): Welding and Fabrication, Precision Machining, HVAC, Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics. -Dive into the Fine Arts and enjoy a preview of student performances from our Spring musical Legally Blonde, student art installations, music, live ceramics demonstrations, and more. -Get a taste of MCC’s Culinary and Pastry program with demonstrations and samples. Preview short-term skills programming available through the Catalyst Campus in Woodstock. -Learn about additional opportunities such as high school dual credit, Kids and College, the University Center at MCC, professional and community enrichment programs, English language classes, and more. -Apply to McHenry County College for free and learn more about scholarships and financial aid– all with help from friendly MCC staff. Below are some direct links to Meet MCC social media posts, and various McHenry County College social media pages. If your social media teams allow, encourage them to share the Meet MCC posts. MeetMCC - the official McHenry County College Facebook page (long story short, the original page was compromised, so this is the new official Facebook page): https://www.facebook.com/meetMCC Meet MCC Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/517900617610625 Meet MCC Facebook event listing: Meet MCC | Facebook McHenry County College, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchenrycountycollege/ A Meet MCC Reel is posted there as well McHenry County College, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/mchenry-county-college/ Meet MCC LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mchenry-county-college_explore-mccs-programs-resources-and-career-activity-7300194047548108801-Of_Z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAKtI0MB4jG6yJpP6m4_MT-J92AZIB6snpY MCC Admissions, Facebook Page – the page run by the MCC Admissions team: https://www.facebook.com/Apply2MCC/

*** Tuesday 3/4 MS Girls 7th Grade Basketball will play in the Championship game vs. Park at Grass Lake 5:45. Bus leaves at 4:30. Good Luck Girls !!!

GREAT opportunity for JUNIORS: Boys and Girls State!!! Junior Students, please let Mrs. VanderPal know if you want to be considered to attend Boys or Girls State by March 13th! The Hebron American Legion is offering to sponsor 2 for Boys State and 2 for Girls State! WHAT IS IT? -Girls State and Boys State is a national organization that promotes patriotism, civic engagement, and leadership development among future generations. -Designed to empower and inspire young women and men to become active and informed citizens, while fostering friendships, creating lasting memories, and providing valuable educational and networking opportunities. WHY GO? -Colleges and Careers recognize Boys/Girls State graduates as advanced and dedicated young men and women. -Looks great on college/job resumes, applications, scholarships, etc. -Boys/Girls State is simply fun! You will form lasting friendships. The connections made with other graduates will last a lifetime and provide social and professional benefits for years to come. You have opportunities for sports and extracurricular activities. -Plus---compete for over $200000 in scholarships! WHO PAYS/SPONSORS YOU? -The Hebron American Legion will sponsor you and pay for the program and your room and board (and transportation if needed). Contact info: Johnny Eskridge 815.482.3179. Learn more about IL Girls State here:https://www.alaigs.org/ Learn more about IL Boys State here: https://illinoisboysstate.org/about/

Agriculture and/or Trades Scholarship offerings

*** HS Spring Sport Practices start on Monday!! Please check out the March Practice schedule that is posted on the Athletics Page to see when your sport is starting. ***

*** Friday 2/28 MSGB 7th Grade Lakes Region Tournament at Grass Lake vs. North Prairie 5:45. Bus leaves at 4:30. Tomorrow 6th Grade Girls Basketball Lakes Region Tournament here at AH Starting at 9:00. MSWR IESA Sectional Tournament at Oregon MS 9:00. Good Luck to all Teams and Wrestlers. ***

*** Thursday 2/27 MS Girls Basketball at Prairie Crossing 6:30 vs. Park in the 8th Grade Lakes Tournament. Bus leaves at 5:15. Tomorrow night 7th Grade Girls play at Grass Lake vs. North Prairie in the 7th Grade Lakes Tournament at 5:45. ***

🎶 Join Us for the District Band! 🎶 ✨ Get ready for an evening of music from around the world! ✨ 📅 Date: March 14 ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM 📍 Location: Alden-Hebron HS Gymnasium

Scholarship/Grant Opportunities Available! For detailed information, deadlines and applications on each of these programs, visit compeer.com/giving-back Compeer Financial is invested in uplifting rural communities. Check out our current grant opportunities through our Fund for Rural America! Last Chance: High School Senior Scholarship Graduating high school seniors with an agricultural or rural background or pursuing degrees in agriculture or related fields can apply for a $1,500 scholarship. Recipients are chosen through a competitive selection process. Deadline: March 15, 2025 County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Enhance your local county fairground facilities with a grant up to $4,000 for facility upgrades or livestock building repairs to elevate the annual fair experience. Deadline: March 31, 2025 The Future of Rural Healthcare Andrew Schaffnit Headshot For Andrea Schaffnit, agriculture is more than farming. It’s about making connections and being part of a close-knit community. Using funds secured from our scholarship towards her studies in Health Care Administration at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Andrea is on a path to doing just that. Submit your scholarship application by March 15, 2025 Mower County Fair Recieves a Giant Check from Compeer Financial Team Members A Growing Need for Accessibility The Crane Pavilion Livestock Arena is a vital facility for the Mower County Fair in Austin, Minnesota, serving as a multifunctional space for livestock exhibitions, educational programs and community gatherings. When the lack of handrails in the arena led to safety and accessibility concerns, fair organizers applied for our grant to have them installed. “This investment reflects our commitment to serving the needs of our community and ensuring the fairgrounds remain a vibrant hub for agricultural education, entertainment and community engagement now and in the future.” Grant application runs March 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025. 2025 Grants and Scholarships February: Farmers Market: Organization and Vendor Grants March: County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant, High School Senior Scholarship Program Due March 15 April: Agriculture Education and Classroom Equipment Grant May: General Use Grant August: Emergency Response Equipment and Regional Collaboration Grants November: General Use Grant Ongoing Grants Beginning with Compeer Financial Grant Community Building Grant Rural Feasibility Study Grant Transition Planning Grant

*** Tuesday 2/25 MS Girls Basketball home vs. St. Mary's 5th/6th 5:00 & 7th/8th at 6:00. ***

Tomorrow Feb 26 th MS/HS FREE Community Dinner 5:30 - 6:30 Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting 6:30 Giants Showcase 6:30 - 7:30 We hope to see everyone there. Bring your neighbor!

ATTENTION ALL AHHS STUDENTS (16+)/PARENTS: Richmond Rotary is working with MCC to offer a scholarship for students interested in workforce training programs at MCC. These are non-degree training programs, and they are offering up to $1000. Below is the link to the scholarship and applicable programs. If you know of any students interested, they have to apply directly through MCC. The info is in the link. Note, they MUST live in the Richmond/Spring Grove or Alden/Hebron and it is available to anyone over 16 (adults too) https://www.mchenry.edu/careerscholarships/

Track Season is right around the corner! See the flyer below for Middle School Track (5th - 8th grade). Any questions - reach out to Mrs. Ford or Mrs. K!

REMINDER----LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP is due Tuesday, April 1st, by 1159 pm The McHenry Garden Club's significant mission is to provide scholarships for high school graduating seniors and/or continuing education students to pursue their higher education. We have at least 3,000 dollars in scholarships to award. Primary consideration will be given to applicants pursuing study in one of the following areas of study: Landscape Design Agronomy Conservation Horticulture Botany Land Management Agriculture Forestry Environmental Studies Ecology Floriculture Nursery Management The scholarship funds must be applied to tuition, fees and course materials for the semester awarded. Funds will be dispersed to the college or university upon completion of the semester, and registration for the next semester. To be considered, applicants must reside in McHenry County and have graduated or enrolled in their final year of high school. A complete scholarship application will include the following items: 1. A completed scholarship application. Application must be typed, not handwritten (fillable PDF or word document) 2. A copy of an acceptance letter from the selected school of choice 3. A copy of your non-official transcript reflecting at least a GPA of 3.0 4. Two (2) letters of recommendations from a teacher, counselor or school administrator which should document the following: (NA for adult continuing education students) a. In what capacity (or timeframe) the author has known the applicant b. Provide information or examples of how the applicant has demonstrated their interest in the designated field of study. Please submit the above items to Judwalter@comcast.net 2025 Deadline for consideration: Tuesday, April 1st, by 1159 pm. LINK TO APPLICATION: https://mchenrygardenclub.com/civic-activities/scholarships/

*** Monday 2/24 HS Boys Basketball at Dakota IHSA Regional game 7:00 start. MS Girls Basketball at Emmons 6th, 7th & 8th. 4:15 start. Remember tomorrow night we added a MS Girls game with St. Mary's 5th/6th & 7th/8th here at AH 5:00 start. ***

🌊 Dive into a Magical Adventure! 🐚 District 19 and Deep Roots Stage invite you to journey Under the Sea with The Little Mermaid! 🧜‍♀️ Join Ariel, Sebastian, and friends for a fin-tastic performance filled with music, magic, and adventure! 🐠 March 21 & 22 @ 6 PM 🐠 March 23 @ 2 PM 🎟 Tickets: Just $10! On sale to the public starting February 27th! Get yours at the school office or Stateline Insurance. Don’t be a poor unfortunate soul—snag your tickets before they swim away!

*** Saturday 2/22 IESA MS Wrestling Regional hosted by Alden-Hebron Doors open to the public at 7:30 a.m. $10.00 admission for everyone. No Senior or Student discounts. Wrestling begins at 9:00. Come out for a Great Day of Wrestling .***

It's not too late for students to apply for scholarships! Please help us spread the word about these opportunities. I've recently updated some of the scholarship listings on the IL Ag Education Scholarships page, including: Chicagoland Food Science Foundation: due March 7. CHS Foundation, due April 1 Illinois Agri-Women (due March 31) and American Agri-Women

Attention Seniors Interested in Attending MCC This Fall! Mark your calendars! Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 Time: 7th Hour Event: McHenry County College Fall '25 - Next Steps/Fall Enrollment Presentation Join us for this important presentation where we’ll guide you through the key steps to prepare for MCC this fall. Topics will include: Course placement Scholarship applications New Student Orientation Course registration FAFSA next steps We’ll also show students how to access their MCC email and student account, as well as answer any questions they may have. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure a smooth transition to MCC in August! Questions? Contact academic advisor, Ms. VanderPal