Discus Awards Blog

Discus Awards Blog Show us how you're different, and we'll do the same. Other high school awards see one side of you, but the Discus Awards looks at the whole. Discus college scholarships will help fuel your passions. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/ en Copyright © 2009-2010 Discus Awards · All Rights Reserved info@discusawards.com Discus Awards Blog - Money XLive - College and the American Dream <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/money-xlive">About the Author</a> It’s the start of another school year, and as you get your assignments, many of you are wondering, “So why am I going to school anyway?” You might think it’s simply to get into a good college, to make your parents proud, or because it might be tough to find a job right out of high school. If you take a deeper look, you might find that you are going to school so you can live your own personal “American Dream.”  <object width="350" height="281"> <param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oHQvq2DJF6Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" name="movie" /> <param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="350" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oHQvq2DJF6Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> Check out the video of Wilmer Valderrama and you’ll find the American Dream has spread worldwide and people from all corners of the globe are searching to live a better, richer, and happier life. <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/is-college-your-ticket-to-the-american-dream/41'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/is-college-your-ticket-to-the-american-dream/41">Discus Awards Blog - Money XLive - College and the American Dream</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/is-college-your-ticket-to-the-american-dream/41 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/is-college-your-ticket-to-the-american-dream/41 Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - Student Leaders Bring Health and Success Back-to-School Maria Pascucci is a national student leadership speaker, author and the CEO of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com/">Campus Calm™</a>. If you’re tired of stressing over school, you can join the club … literally! Unite with students around the world at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com/">www.campuscalm.com</a> and receive your free Student Leader Success & Happiness Kit.  Learn more about Maria on her <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/maria-pascucci">About the Author page</a>. School’s about to start. For some of you, it already has. You have books to read, tests to study for and papers to write. You can't afford to miss class. You don't have time to get sick. The reality is though student leaders get sick. You become stressed out by all your academic and life commitments, skimp on sleep, fill up on junk food and then when your compromised immune system brushes by some germs - well - pass the tissues. Luckily, there are ways to keep your energy levels up and your immune system strong, able to ward off stress and fight infection. If you're looking for ways to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy in 2010 and beyond, practice these 10 simple affirmations: 1. I will allow myself enough sleep each night to fully rest my body, recharge my batteries and support my immune system to protect against illness. 2. I will exercise my body in ways that I enjoy, even if that means squeezing in a 20-minute walk after school. 3. I will pay attention to my emotions and find positive ways to calm my mind & body down when I'm stressed. I will try deep breathing, yoga or I'll call a friend up and do something fun! 4. I will follow my intuition about what's right for my future and not be swayed by the expectations and demands of others. <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/student-leaders-bring-health-and-success-back-to-school-in-10-simple-steps-/37'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/student-leaders-bring-health-and-success-back-to-school-in-10-simple-steps-/37">Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - Student Leaders Bring Health and Success Back-to-School</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/student-leaders-bring-health-and-success-back-to-school-in-10-simple-steps-/37 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/student-leaders-bring-health-and-success-back-to-school-in-10-simple-steps-/37 Discus Awards Blog - Financial Aid & Scholarships - August 2010 Scholarships It's August and the "Back to School" campaign is out in full force.  I walked into <a target="_blank" href="http://www.staples.com">Staples</a> today and they had school supplies featured front and center; my personal favorite was the pack of multi-color erasers you attach to the end of your pencils.  They always reminded me of those <a target="_blank" href="http://www.myredpacket.com/product.php/2/0/animal-sponge-magic-capsules">animal sponge magic capsules</a> I used to watch grow under hot water as a kid, but I digress. The point is, it's time to start thinking about school again, and for you rising seniors especially, it's time to start ratcheting up the college admissions process.  My goal is to help you do that and my method is to provide you with information and resources that will make this process as smooth and painless as possible.  Today's resource: college scholarships with application deadlines this month.   <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img hspace="10" alt="" align="left" width="150" height="62" src="/pics/userpics/Image/Blog/college%20prowler%20logo(1).png" /> </td> <td><a target="_blank" href="https://collegeprowler.com/scholarship/apply.aspx">College Prowler "No Essay" College Scholarship</a> Deadline: August 31, 2010 Amount: $2,000 Awards Available: 1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Are you super busy?  This scholarship application takes just minutes to fill out and anyone can win!  Why wouldn't you sign up? Click <a target="_blank" href="https://collegeprowler.com/scholarship/apply.aspx">here</a> to apply for this award.   <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img hspace="10" alt="" align="left" width="110" height="62" src="/pics/userpics/Image/Blog/Cappex%20Logo.jpg" /></td> <td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cappex.com/page/account/quickApply.jsp?code=FW_32&scholarshipID=gp">Cappex's "A GPA Isn't Everything" Scholarship</a> Deadline: August 31, 2010 Amount: $1,000 Awards Available: 1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> You may recognize this scholarship as it has been featured on this blog before. The Discus Awards loves this scholarship because it shares our belief that students' achievements cannot be wholly measured by a GPA or a standardized test score. (Cue <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRPtsJ1487w">"Hail to the Chief"</a>). That's right; we at the Discus Awards believe that the most outstanding students are those who achieve in a variety of <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php">attributes</a>, in and outside the classroom.  We believe admissions officers and scholarship judging panels should recognize students for more than just the numbers that are often used to represent them, because every individual student is more than a number.  Every student is a human being with passions and accomplishments entirely unique to them!  So bravo, Cappex, for standing up for this belief and declaring, "A GPA Isn't Everything!"  Click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cappex.com/page/account/quickApply.jsp?code=FW_32&scholarshipID=gp">here</a> to apply for this scholarship.  <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/scholarships-with-august-2010-deadlines/36'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/scholarships-with-august-2010-deadlines/36">Discus Awards Blog - Financial Aid & Scholarships - August 2010 Scholarships</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/scholarships-with-august-2010-deadlines/36 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/scholarships-with-august-2010-deadlines/36 Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - Celebrate the Work-in-Progress You Maria Pascucci is a national student leadership speaker, author and the CEO of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com/">Campus Calm™</a>. If you’re tired of stressing over school, you can join the club … literally! Unite with students around the world at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com/">www.campuscalm.com</a> and receive your free Student Leader Success & Happiness Kit.  Learn more about Maria on her <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/maria-pascucci">About the Author</a> page. Happy back-to-school! That means that summer’s winding down, but fall brings new adventures, new colors and a new season. Chin up! Back-to-school also brings new adventures for me, and more importantly, support for all of you … in the form of *Campus Calm TV! Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/campuscalm">www.youtube.com/campuscalm</a>. My goal was to create video tips to help all of you stress-out less about school, while learning about the real secrets to success and happiness in life, “secrets” like being a lifelong learner and fearless risk-taker. Thanks to Dad’s video camera, and some chutzpah on my part, I made it happen. Just in case you’re thinking to yourself right now, “I could never be comfortable on camera,” newsflash: neither was I in the beginning! When I produced my first video, I recorded sixteen takes. In one of them I actually fell out of my chair reaching for the camera to hit the record button! I’d show you the video, but I’d have to beep out what I was saying as I was falling. A few years ago when I began receiving invitations to speak at high schools and colleges, I was terrified because I didn’t have any public speaking experience. What if people laughed at me? Or worse, what if I put people to sleep? Despite my fears, I chose to step outside my comfort zone and accept being an imperfect speaker because I had a message to share. Each time I speak, I’m more comfortable, more dynamic and more confident in my ability to help others through the spoken word. Which leads me to my back-to-school message for all you students: New school year = your new choice to celebrate the work-in-progress you. <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/new-school-year-your-new-choice-to-celebrate-the-work-in-progress-you/38'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/new-school-year-your-new-choice-to-celebrate-the-work-in-progress-you/38">Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - Celebrate the Work-in-Progress You</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/new-school-year-your-new-choice-to-celebrate-the-work-in-progress-you/38 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/new-school-year-your-new-choice-to-celebrate-the-work-in-progress-you/38 Discus Awards Blog - Money XLive - Building Your Credit Score <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/money-xlive">About the Author</a> You want the credit card companies to refer to you as a ‘deadbeat’ or a ‘freeloader’. That may not sound like a good thing; but it is. That is how credit card industry insiders use to refer to people that did not carry credit debt and paid off their balance in full each month. To know why these financially savvy customers are referred to as ‘deadbeats’, we need to look at it from the credit card company’s point of view. Credit card companies want customers that are ‘revolvers’. Revolvers are customers that carry credit card debt; that’s how they make their money. Their ideal customer is one that makes the minimum payments. These people will have carry credit card debt for a long time. Depending on the interest rate, if you make just the minimum payments, it could take you more than 15 years to pay credit card debt off. Credit card companies also like customers that frequently make late payment and go over their limit. Just by paying late, credit card companies can jack up your interest rates and charge you additional fees. Going over the limit can have the same consequences. The credit card companies may force you to pay the balance below the limit or you risk having these fees add up month after month. So strive to be a ‘deadbeat’ and ‘freeloader’. Be the credit card company’s worst customer! This is the first step to long term financial success planning. <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/why-being-a-deadbeat-is-good-for-building-credit/42'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/why-being-a-deadbeat-is-good-for-building-credit/42">Discus Awards Blog - Money XLive - Building Your Credit Score</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/why-being-a-deadbeat-is-good-for-building-credit/42 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/why-being-a-deadbeat-is-good-for-building-credit/42 Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - Success Starts with Self-Love Maria Pascucci is a national student leadership speaker, author and the CEO of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com/">Campus Calm™</a>. If you’re tired of stressing over school, you can join the club … literally! Unite with students around the world at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com/">www.campuscalm.com</a> and receive your free Student Leader Success & Happiness Kit. Learn more about Maria on her <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/maria-pascucci">About the Author</a> page.     Success Starts with Self-Love - Maria Pascucci, CEO, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com/">Campus Calm</a> <object width="480" height="385"> <param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L0kMfiEG9cE?fs=1&hl=en_US" name="movie" /> <param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="480" height="385" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L0kMfiEG9cE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></embed></object> Discus fans: Subscribe to Campus Calm TV by visiting <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CampusCalm">www.youtube.com/campuscalm</a>, then e-mail maria@campuscalm.com to let her know. To thank you for subscribing, she will e-mail you a free audio coaching mp3 class called “The ABC’s of Creating Credit Card Calm” from the Campus Calm™ store, a $15 value.<hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/success-starts-with-self-love/40">Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - Success Starts with Self-Love</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/success-starts-with-self-love/40 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/success-starts-with-self-love/40 Discus Awards Blog - Money XLive - Networking Advice <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/money-xlive">About the Author</a> Networking is one of the most important skills you can have in today’s age. “It’s all about who you know” – that statement isn’t 100% accurate but knowing the right people is very important. Networking is an important skill that will help you in every area of your life. It can help you find a job, start a business and it’s always good to build long-term, trusted friends. Networking Tips: - Set clear business and career goals for yourself. If you don’t know exactly what you want to do start with the things you enjoy doing and put your focus on thinking about how you want to live your day-to-day life. - Be able to share your business goals in 30 seconds. Your ‘elevator pitch’ should be well polished and clear so when people ask “what’s up” your prepared with an answer that will help you reach your goals. - Educate yourself in the areas you want to excel in. Know enough to hold a good conversation. - Look for ways you can help others accomplish their goals while you accomplish yours. Always be looking for ways to mutually benefit each other instead of just asking “how can they help me”. <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/networking-advice/43'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/networking-advice/43">Discus Awards Blog - Money XLive - Networking Advice</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/networking-advice/43 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/networking-advice/43 Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - High School Heartaches Maria Pascucci is a national student leadership speaker, author and the CEO of <a href="http://www.campuscalm.com">Campus Calm™</a>. If you’re tired of stressing over school, you can join the club … literally! Unite with students around the world at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.campuscalm.com">www.campuscalm.com</a> and receive your free Student Leader Success & Happiness Kit. Learn more about Maria on her <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/maria-pascucci">About the Author</a> page. Through the power of Facebook, I was able to recently reconnect with a friend from high school. We were best friends in 9th and 10th grade, but as things tend to happen in our teen years, our friendship fell apart. I was devastated. I wrote through my pain even back then. I recovered. I lost other friends through the years as I transitioned into college, and later, as I transitioned into the woman I am today. Each time I lost a friend, I learned a new lesson: Accept what you cannot control. Did you have a falling out with your friend? Have you tried to apologize to no avail? Are you spending all your time focusing on how angry you are with your friend because she hurt you, or perhaps you hurt her and now one of you refuses to try to forgive the other? <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/rx-for-high-school-heartaches-how-to-keep-friendship-loss-in-perspective/39'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/rx-for-high-school-heartaches-how-to-keep-friendship-loss-in-perspective/39">Discus Awards Blog - Campus Calm - High School Heartaches</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/rx-for-high-school-heartaches-how-to-keep-friendship-loss-in-perspective/39 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/rx-for-high-school-heartaches-how-to-keep-friendship-loss-in-perspective/39 Discus Awards Blog - All-Around High School Students - Meet Bryce Walburn <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/scholarship-bryce-walburn">Bryce Walburn</a> was the recipient of the final 2009-2010 <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/scholarship-info">Discus Scholarship</a> awarded in June 2010, and what a way to close out the first year of the Discus Awards program. The Discus Awards recognized Bryce for his outstanding achievements in <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=7">academics</a>, <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=8">arts</a>, and <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=4">community service</a>. I spoke with Bryce about his past, present, and future, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share what this remarkable young man has to say. Enjoy! Discus Dan: Let’s start with the present. What are you up to this summer? Bryce Walburn: A little bit of everything. I am giving private music lessons to one saxophone student and one trumpet player. I don’t actually play the trumpet, but I’m teaching a kid for marching band at school. I also got a job at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.babiesrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2255957">Babies “R” Us</a>, helping with moving boxes and stocking shelves. For fun, I took a vacation to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.acadiamagic.com/">Acadia National Park</a> in Maine with some friends. We did some hiking, some kayaking, and a little bit of the sightseeing you can do up there, too. Next week I’m going to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.outerbanks.org/">Outer Banks</a> in North Carolina with some friends. DD: Sounds fun. Looking ahead a little now, what are your plans for college? BW: I’m attending <a target="_blank" href="http://www.drexel.edu/">Drexel University</a>, but it doesn’t start until mid-September, so I haven’t really put a whole lot of thought into that yet. <img hspace="10" alt="" align="left" width="200" height="133" style="padding-right: 5px" src="/pics/userpics/Image/Scholarship-Winners/Bryce%20Walburn%20-%20Academics.jpg" />DD: Did the <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/winner.php?id=75">mentorship program you participated in</a> at Drexel in high school play into your decision? BW: The mentorship program really sold me on the school. Drexel wasn’t my first choice, but I’m really happy that I’m going there. It’s going to give me an opportunity to excel and take advantage of opportunities like the Honors Program and the Advanced Degree programs that may challenge me a bit more academically. DD: What advice do you have for students who may not get into their college of choice? BW: I was actually waitlisted at 2 Ivy League schools and when I was waitlisted, I went through that personal struggle where I started to think, “Maybe I’m not good enough for my favorite school.” Ultimately success is determined by how hard you work, though, and as I mentioned before, I’m going to have an opportunity at Drexel to really challenge myself through their Honors and Advanced Degree programs. Basically I would say don’t give up. You can always transfer to the school you want to go to and there’s always grad school. Besides, your life isn’t going to be determined by where you spend 4 years of your life. <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-bryce-walburn/35'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-bryce-walburn/35">Discus Awards Blog - All-Around High School Students - Meet Bryce Walburn</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-bryce-walburn/35 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-bryce-walburn/35 Discus Awards Blog - All-Around High School Student - Matthew Evans Meet <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/winner.php?id=21059">Matthew Evans</a>, an impressive rising senior from Texas committed to promoting sustainability and environmental education. Matthew was recognized by the Discus Awards for his achievements in <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=9">government</a>, <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=5">green</a>, and <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=4">community service</a>. After planting 2,500 trees and starting a storm drain marking program in his city after becoming a water quality monitor, there’s no arguing that Matthew is doing his part for the environment. Well, Matthew is a special kid and he realized that the more people doing their part, the more progress we will make. So Matthew founded his own non-profit, <a target="_blank" href="http://discovergreen.ning.com/">Discover Green – Young Environmental Leaders</a>, to help train youths so they can head their own environmental projects. During the 2009-2010 school year, Matthew gave school presentations or workshops to 3,370 young students. With more than 1,500 hours of service, Matthew has earned the Gold Presidential Service Award for the last six years running. <object width="300" align="right"> <param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fT3X1UVayJQ&hl=en_US&fs=1" name="movie" /> <param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="300" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fT3X1UVayJQ&hl=en_US&fs=1"></embed></object> Matthew finds a lot of his inspiration from his afterschool clubs as well, 4-H and Venture Crew, where he’s held the position of President, Vice-President, District Delegate and Treasurer. He was also appointed to his city’s Parks and Recreation Commission.  Matthew Evans has demonstrated his devotion to his work in and outside the classroom, and the Discus Awards has recognized him as an all-around high school student. To read more about Matthew’s achievements, visit his <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/winner.php?id=21059">winner’s profile</a>.   Do you know an amazing high school student? Nominate them for a Discus Award today! <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/nominate.php"><img border="0" alt="Nominate a high school student now for an award and college scholarship." width="144" height="31" src="/pics/userpics/Image/btn_nominatenow.gif" /></a>   <hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-winner-of-the-day-matthew-evans/34">Discus Awards Blog - All-Around High School Student - Matthew Evans</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-winner-of-the-day-matthew-evans/34 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-winner-of-the-day-matthew-evans/34 Discus Awards Winner of the Day - Sasanka Jinadasa - Discus Awards Blog Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to one of the first 2010-2011 Discus Awards winners, <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/winner.php?id=17737">Sasanka Jinadasa</a>. A rising senior from the great state of California, Sasanka was recognized for her outstanding achievements in the areas of <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=7">academics</a>, <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=4">community service</a>, and <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/how_it_works.php?id=10">other achievements</a>. Sasanka’s impressive résumé begins with more than 600 hours of community service. She has not only helped rebuild high schools in Sierra Leone with the Kposowa Foundation, but also raised hundreds of dollars for the foundation at her school’s community service fairs. Sasanka also volunteers with the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jdrf.org/">Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund's</a> “Walk to Cure Diabetes,” raising money to help fund research for a cure for juvenile diabetes. She has been recognized for her work by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund with an excellence award. With a 4.0 GPA, combined 2370 on her SAT, and a 34 on her ACT, there’s no questioning Sasanka’s smarts. When you combine her intellect with her ability to be quick on her feet, you get a highly decorated Speech and Debate team member. Among her Speech and Debate awards are “First Place for Package Deal Speaking” in the areas of: Impromptu, Dramatic Interpretation, Extemporaneous, and Student Congress, a “Superior in Impromptu Speaking” from the Southern California Debate League, two “Pursuits of Excellence in Speech and Debate” for the years 2009 and 2010, and a “Self-Expression award for speaking” from Los Angeles County's Junior Miss. Sasanka Jinadasa is a highly impressive young woman. To read more about her achievements, please visit her <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/winner.php?id=17737">winner’s profile</a>.   Do you know an amazing high school student? Nominate them for a Discus Award today! <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/nominate.php"><img border="0" alt="Nominate a high school student now for an award and college scholarship." width="144" height="31" src="/pics/userpics/Image/btn_nominatenow.gif" /></a>   <hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-winner-of-the-day-sasanka-jinadasa/33">Discus Awards Winner of the Day - Sasanka Jinadasa - Discus Awards Blog</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-winner-of-the-day-sasanka-jinadasa/33 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-winner-of-the-day-sasanka-jinadasa/33 2010 College Scholarships - Late Deadline Scholarships - Scholarships Still Available Congratulations to all you graduating or graduated high school seniors out there! Graduating high school is no small accomplishment, and here at the Discus Awards we encourage all of you to continue to pursue your passions as you make the transition into the next chapter of your life. For many of you, that next step is one into the world of college. Over the course of the past year, you’ve applied for financial aid in the form of federal funding (the <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/fafsa-information">FAFSA</a>) and <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/list-of-scholarships">college scholarships</a>. However, the cost of college is extremely high and I’m sure you’re still looking for last-minute scholarships. We’ve rounded up a few of these opportunities. Be sure to sign up for these <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/paying-for-college/2010/04/29/late-deadline-scholarships.html">late-deadline scholarships</a> before it’s too late!   <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img hspace="10" alt="" align="left" width="150" height="59" src="/pics/userpics/Image/Blog/Jamison%20Research.jpg" /> </td> <td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamisonresearch.com/highschoolscholarship.php">Jamison High School Awards Program</a> Deadline: June 24, 2010 Amount: $2,500 Awards Available: 1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> If you invented a machine that could produce free energy, what would you do with it? Your answer to that question could be worth $2,500. All you have to do is write your answer in three paragraphs using less than 1,000 words and submit it to awards@jamisonresearch.com. The format of the application is pictured on the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamisonresearch.com/highschoolscholarship.php">awards’ web site</a>. Each essay is scored by three separate Jamison Research employees out of 100 points. Your average score will be your overall score. The winner of the award will be announced before July 24, 2010. Click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamisonresearch.com/highschoolscholarship.php">here</a> to apply for this award.   <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img hspace="10" alt="" align="left" width="110" height="62" src="/pics/userpics/Image/Blog/Cappex%20Logo.jpg" /></td> <td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cappex.com/page/account/quickApply.jsp?code=FW_98&scholarshipID=np">Cappex “I Don’t Want To Pay For College” Scholarship - Summer I</a> Deadline: June 30, 2010 Amount: $1,000 Awards Available: 1</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Don't have a 4.0 GPA and a 2400 SAT? Want to be recognized for excelling in the areas that interest you most? “I Don’t Want To Pay For College” is a sentiment shared by millions of students and a college scholarship offered by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cappex.com/">Cappex</a>, a college search web site. This scholarship mirrors the belief of the Discus Awards that students are so much more than their grades and test scores. The scholarship will be given to students with the most well-rounded Cappex profiles. To apply, you must have a Cappex profile. Click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cappex.com/page/account/quickApply.jsp?code=FW_98&scholarshipID=np">here</a> to apply for this scholarship.  <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/2010-college-scholarships-still-available/32'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/2010-college-scholarships-still-available/32">2010 College Scholarships - Late Deadline Scholarships - Scholarships Still Available</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/2010-college-scholarships-still-available/32 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/2010-college-scholarships-still-available/32 Discus Awards Blog - All-Around High School Students - Meet Lucy Gubernick <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/scholarship-lucy-gubernick">Lucy Gubernick</a> was the recipient of the <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/scholarship-info">May 2010 Discus Scholarship</a> and I’m excited to share a conversation I had with this impressive young woman with you all. I hope you enjoy what she had to say as much as I did. Discus Dan: When did you decide or realize you were going to complete your required credits in three years? Lucy Gubernick: In my sophomore year, I talked to my guidance counselor and together we weighed out all courses I was planning on taking and the credits I would receive from them. Since I was already a year ahead in Math, we figured out by doubling up on English one year I’d be able to complete my required credits in three years. So, with my sights set on the idea that I was going to have a year to follow any dream I wanted, I put in the extra time and completed my credits early. DD: When did you decide to participate in KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program)? LG: It wasn’t until the beginning of junior year that I even started thinking about what I was going to do for my senior year. I called various internship opportunities and looked for possible service options, still not sure if I wanted to go abroad or stay close by. My godfather then told me about KIPP, which was great because I was really looking for a teaching opportunity. It’s turned out to be a fantastic experience. The charter school I teach at has given me a lot of responsibility, which really makes it unique from the other teaching programs I looked at. <object width="300"> <param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JTPCkYQEz1E&hl=en_US&fs=1&" name="movie" /> <param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="300" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JTPCkYQEz1E&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></embed></object> DD: What’s the best part of your teaching job? LG: The students. I love the tutoring times during the day when I get to work with students one-on-one. It is great getting to know the students, learning their personalities, and working through the “a-ha!” moments with them when they are able to grasp a concept we’ve been working on together. DD: What’s the most difficult part of your teaching job? LG: The most difficult part is the academic struggle the students go through. You realize that you can’t just input information in students’ brains; they have to learn it themselves. Also, working in the inner-city, a lot of my students come from rough backgrounds and have a lot to deal with outside the classroom. <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-lucy-gubernick/31'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-lucy-gubernick/31">Discus Awards Blog - All-Around High School Students - Meet Lucy Gubernick</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-lucy-gubernick/31 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/meet-lucy-gubernick/31 Discus Awards Blog - Discus Awards 2010-2011 Awards and Scholarship Program Happy New Year! Okay, so maybe you won’t see Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest until late December, but today marks the first day of the 2010-2011 Discus Awards program. This may be confusing to some, especially considering that the 2009-2010 Discus Awards program is still running. How can we be running the 2009-2010 Discus Awards and the 2010-2011 Discus Awards programs simultaneously? To answer that question, and other questions about the ’09-’10/’10-’11 switch, we need to change formats… Q: When does the 2009-2010 Discus Awards program end? A: All nominations for a 2009-2010 Discus Award must be received by 11:59PM EST on Monday, May 31st. The final 2009-2010 <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/scholarship-info">Discus Scholarship</a> will be awarded on Wednesday, June 30th. Q: When does the 2010-2011 Discus Awards program start? A: Today! Any nomination received on June 1st or later will be considered for the 2010-2011 program. The first 2010-2011 <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/scholarship-info">Discus Scholarship</a> will be awarded on Thursday, September 30th. Q: If I won a 2009-2010 Discus Award, do I have to apply again? A: Yes, even if you won a Discus Award this past school year, you must <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/nominate.php?self=1&action=step1">apply for a Discus Award</a> on June 1st or later to be eligible for a 2010-2011 Discus Award. Q: When is the deadline to apply for a 2010-2011 Discus Award? A: The final deadline to apply for a 2010-2011 Discus Award will be 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, May 31, 2011. However, to be eligible for all ten $2,000 <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/scholarship-info">Discus Scholarships</a> awarded during the 2010-2011 school year, you must submit your nomination by 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. To be eligible for each scholarship after that, you must complete your nomination by the final day of the previous month. Still have questions? We’ve got more answers in our <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/faq#transition-1">FAQs</a>!  <hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-new-year/30">Discus Awards Blog - Discus Awards 2010-2011 Awards and Scholarship Program</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-new-year/30 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/discus-awards-new-year/30 Discus Awards Blog - College Admissions - Experiential Learning: What Admissions Officers are Looking For <a target="_blank" href="http://nuadmissions.typepad.com/about.html">Ronne Turner</a> is the Associate Vice President of Enrollment & Dean of Admissions and Marketing at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.  She also authors the blog <a target="_blank" href="http://nuadmissions.typepad.com/">Northeastern Admissions: An Inside Look</a>.  There are many false ideas about what colleges and universities value in the decision process, from high school quotas to overloading on extracurricular activities. At <a target="_blank" href="http://www.northeastern.edu/neuhome/index.php">Northeastern University</a>, our primary goal in admissions is to seek out and build a talented and diverse student body that is best suited to take advantage of a Northeastern education. The key to Northeastern’s strength is experiential learning, or the dynamic integration of classroom study and work outside the classroom. With one hundred years of global leadership in the integration of study and practice, Northeastern offers an unparalled method of education that leads to infinite personal and intellectual growth. Since experiential learning is at the heart of everything we do, we look for students that are engaged and successful in and outside of the classroom. Our admissions counselors seek students who don’t just see the world, they are shaping it – whether it be through involvement within the community, engaging in social justice activities in high school, or participating in international experiences that engages the diverse cultures and world beyond your doorstep. You can start by getting involved in a couple of activities that interest you. We want you to enjoy high school and take advantage of the opportunities to explore, learn and experience new academic subjects, activities and friendships. Most college admissions officers are more impressed with students who have pursued coursework and activities based on genuine interest over those students who are simply motivated by what they think will look good on their college applications. Spend your high schools years clarifying your goals and values; working hard to earn the grades that will place you in the best position to achieve your dreams; and developing the interpersonal and leadership skills consistent with your aspirations.  <a href='http://www.discusawards.com/blog/experiential-learning-what-admissions-officers-are-looking-for/29'>...continue reading</a><hr/>Source: <a href="http://www.discusawards.com/blog/experiential-learning-what-admissions-officers-are-looking-for/29">Discus Awards Blog - College Admissions - Experiential Learning: What Admissions Officers are Looking For</a> at <a href="http://www.discusawards.com">Discus Awards</a>. http://www.discusawards.com/blog/experiential-learning-what-admissions-officers-are-looking-for/29 Tue, 25 May 2010 09:00:00 EDT http://www.discusawards.com/blog/experiential-learning-what-admissions-officers-are-looking-for/29