For Sophomores
Sophomore Class Newsletter by Heather Smith
Sophomore Opportunities...
Dual Credit Opportunities for Sophomores and Juniors - Salina Area Technical College
Salina Area Technical College has articulation agreements with several area high schools, allowing students to earn college credit before graduation. For more information, talk to your school counselor or visit Salina Tech’s website. Ready to apply? Head over to Salina Tech’s Application page to get started!
Graduation Assets Workshop
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Mr. Allen presented a workshop on the new Graduation Assets requirement for the Class of 2028 and beyond. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) added "graduation assets" to ensure students are better prepared for life after high school by providing more flexibility and choices for meeting graduation requirements beyond traditional coursework. These assets allow students to explore careers, develop skills, and create individualized pathways for their future through various experiences like internships, college-level courses, work experience, and more. The changes aim to address feedback from parents and employers about a lack of preparation in graduates and align with what other states are doing.
Sophomore ELO IPS Presentation
During the month of October, Mr. Allen, College & Career Counselor, met with sophomores during their ELO sessions to review their Individual Plans of Study (IPS). He guided students through course options for 11th and 12th grade using the Xello Course Planner. Additionally, Mr. Allen will share information about college credit opportunities and explain how students can earn technical college certifications while still in high school.
Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) - Information Sessions
The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) is a premier early college program that allows academically talented 11th & 12th grade students to live and learn at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS. Registration is now open for our KAMS information sessions. These sessions allow for us to personally answer any questions interested 9th and 10th grade students may have regarding our curriculum, learning opportunities, residential living options, and student involvement! The link to register is here: https://www.fhsu.edu/kams/Info-session-registration/.
South High Student Opportunities...
Please read carefully. Some opportunities apply to a specific age/classification of student. Additional information is available in the Counseling Office
Love Chloe Foundation Student Ambassadors
The Love, Chloe Foundation is now accepting applications for our 2026–2027 Student Ambassadors of Childhood Cancer Initiative. We are seeking current sophomores who will be juniors next year and are willing to make a two‑year commitment, serving as ambassadors during both their junior and senior year.
Our ambassadors play a meaningful role by:
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Supporting local families facing childhood cancer
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Leading awareness projects and fundraisers
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Representing the foundation at community events
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Building valuable leadership and service experience
Application link: https://forms.gle/g9ui4od33CKHegHb6
Kansas Boys State
Boys State provides a premier leadership program opportunity for sophomores and junior males that has been going on for more than 85. Boys State is held at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, from Sunday, May 31, 2026 to Saturday, June 6, 2026. During our session, the students will be able to learn about state and local government and how it operates through our immersive simulation with a hands-on learning-by-doing approach. The fee for Kansas Boys State is $375. In most situations a delegate or their family pays $50, and the sponsoring organization pays the remaining $325. If you are interested in attending, please see Mr. Allen.
Private Pilot Certificate - Aviation Scholarships from AOPA Foundation
Two annual scholarship periods to help our members achieve their aviation goals. Thanks to generous donor support, we award over $1 million each year to help AOPA members take the next step in their aviation journey whether that's pursuing primary flight training, earning advanced ratings and certificates, or building a career through pathways like aviation maintenance. High School Students: At least 90 scholarships of $12,000 each for students aged 16-18 to earn their private pilot certificate. Learn More
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Spring Application Period: April 1 – June 30, 11:59 p.m. ET (all Spring period applicants will be notified of award decisions by September 15).
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Fall Application Period: October 1–December 31, 11:59 p.m. ET (all Fall period applicants will be notified of award decisions by April 15)
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking for opportunities to volunteer in the Salina and Saline County community? Here are some links to get started.
RaiseMe Microscholarship Program
Did you know that you can start earning incremental college scholarships, also known as micro-scholarships, your freshman year of high school by signing up for the RaiseMe program? When you create your online portfolio, you can start logging your grades, classes, extracurricular activities and other college prep experiences to track your progress toward college scholarships, all the way up to your senior year of high school. Colleges and universities have partnered with RaiseMe to help eligible high school students in grades 9-12 track their personal and academic progress and start earning micro-scholarships. These awards are performance-based scholarships that are earned for achievements both inside and outside the classroom, including excellent grades, volunteering, participation in extracurricular activities, and ACT/SAT scores. Raise Me offers high school students the opportunity to quantify their leadership in high school and their community, achieving good grades, taking challenging courses, and participating in extracurricular activities. Learn more about this exciting, no-cost opportunity and sign up. The deadline for seniors to add achievements to their RaiseMe profiles is December 1 of their senior year.