MHS Counselors’ Corner - Our longest in CC History (Please Read)

All Grade Levels:

• Rotary Youth Leadership Award: Current freshman, sophomores, and juniors are being recruited for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award held in Lawrence, KS. Look for details directly from your grade level counselors!
• Junior Zookeeper Program: The Junior Zookeeper program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo world. Get hands-on experience alongside zookeepers, educators, and grounds teams while you engage with guests and build skill that will set you up for success-whether your future is in zoos or beyond. Info Session in the Nature Exploration Center at Sunset Zoo, Monday March 10th 6:00 – 7:00 PM. 

      Program Logistics:

• Participants must be 14-17 years old at the start of the program (June 2nd) 
• Participants may participate if they turn 18 during the program. 
• Participants have a goal of completing 80 hours of service in the program year (June-May). They must complete these hours to attend the end of season trip. 
• JZK shifts are available Monday-Saturday during the summer and Saturdays throughout the school year. 
• Participants are responsible for bringing their own boots, lunch (if staying for the whole day), and reusable water bottle. 
• Participants will be provided with 2 shirts. 
• Spots are limited and applications do not guarantee a spot. Applicants must participate in group and individual interviews. 
• There is a $125 fee associated with accepted JZK participants. If this fee is a challenge for your family, please email zooed@cityofmhk.com for support.

      Application:

• Participants must return their application to the Zoo not later than 5:00pm on March 31st. This can be sent via email to zoovolunteer@cityofmhk.com or dropped off to the ticket booth.
• Only complete applications will be considered. 
• The application packet must include two letters of recommendations. 
• ​For the JZK application, JZK Application Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.

• Juniors and Seniors – Are you interested in a career in Law Enforcement? Any Junior or Senior with a C+ grade average can get hands on experience with the operations of law enforcement! For details and an application, come to the senior office in D-105! The academy runs from June 15 – June 20 and the sponsor/application fees are paid for by The Manhattan Post 17 Sons of the American Legion. Application deadline has been extended to April 15th. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.

Seniors: 

• Advisory Topic Next Week: Character Strong 11 – Selfless Pursuits

• SENIORS! We have tons of added scholarships to our website and scholarship list. Go to the following link to view the scholarship list and many other scholarships: MHS Financial Aid and Scholarships 
• Kiwanis Awards: If you received a Kiwanis Award Letter, we encourage you to be at the award assembly during advisory on March 26th at 10:15 AM in Rezac Auditorium 
• Jostens Graduation Delivery Day: March 27th at 10:15 AM in the Cafeteria near Rezac Auditorium
• Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation Scholarship Opportunities: Seniors, we have specific scholarship opportunities for Manhattan High students. Create an account and apply here ASAP, deadlines are approaching: GMCF Scholarships. These are also listed on our Financial Aid and Scholarships page on the previous bullet point above.
• Financial Scholars Essay Contest: Five winners will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship based on an essay that covers topics surrounding financial literacy. Please help us share this great opportunity with high school seniors in your community. Essays and entry forms are due on April 1, 2025. Official rules, flyer, and entry form are available at KansasFinancialScholars. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.
• Geary Riley Saline Alumnae Scholarship Opportunity: The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has an annual scholarship opportunity for an African American female high school senior who wishes to enroll in a degree on a full-time basis at any accredited college or university of their choice. The requirements are a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better and must be involved in the community. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2025. The chapter wants to aware 2-3 students up to the amount of $1,000 each. Here is the link: GRS Application or come to the senior office to get a copy. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.

Juniors: 

• Advisory Topic Next Week: Character Strong 11 – Barriers to Belonging Pt. 1
• PEO Star Local Scholarship: Junior Girls Only, if you have at least a 3.0 GPA and have been involved in activities, you are eligible to apply. This is a scholarship that will be given during senior year, but the process starts now. To get an application, email Mrs. Bahr- rachelleb@usd383.org or stop by the junior office. Due Date: March 15. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.
• Class of 2026 Cameron Impact Scholarship: Early deadline is May 21, 2025, a max of 3,000 applications meeting the following eligibility: 3.7 cumulative, unweighted GPA, US Citizen, and demonstrated passion for community, leadership, and extracurriculars. For more information, click the following link: Cameron Impact Scholarship. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.

Sophomores: 

• Advisory Topic Next Week: Character Strong 11 – To Be Goal Pt. 
• Kansas State University for Sophomores Only 2025 will be April 11-12! Since 1993, For Sophomores Only has given high school sophomores a chance to learn about college life. This event is planned in conjunction with the K-State All-University Open House each spring, giving prospective students a chance to experience the university. The program is planned and hosted by Student Alumni Board. All high school sophomores are invited to attend. Sophomores spend Friday evening and Saturday morning with the program. Then they are dismissed to explore K-State's All-University Open House for the rest of the day. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.
• Social Impact Lab: Kansas State University Departments of Applied Human Sciences and Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work are co-hosting their annual Social Impact Lab on April 2nd from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM with an optional tour from 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM. Free event for students in grades 7-10 who are interested in learning more about careers in helping professions through hands-on activities. A list of breakout sessions and registration information can be found here: Social Impact Lab Registration. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.

Freshman: 

• Advisory Topic Next Week: Character Strong 11 – Social Belonging
• Social Impact Lab: Kansas State University Departments of Applied Human Sciences and Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work are co-hosting their annual Social Impact Lab on April 2nd from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM with an optional tour from 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM. Free event for students in grades 7-10 who are interested in learning more about careers in helping professions through hands-on activities. A list of breakout sessions and registration information can be found here: Social Impact Lab Registration. Not affiliated with MHS, please contact the organization directly with any questions.