Senioritis Reloaded

1. The Robert andJanice McNair Educational Foundation
331 E. HighRoad
Bostic,NC 28018
March 30, 2021
SPEECH TEXT
SenioritisReloaded
Monica Lee,Speaker
I’mgoing to take you back a few years to my senior year
of high school. Itwas a fantastic year, full of exciting
experiences and firsts, butit was also mentally exhausting and
terrifying.
I’msuremany parents can relate to the lack of
motivation, the feeling of overwhelmand the fear of life after
high schoolthat I experienced. I’mtalking, of course, aboutthe
beast that is senioritis.
I’mMonicaLee, executive director of The Robert and
Janice McNair Educational Foundation. I haveseen firsthand
how COVID-19has impacted high schoolstudents over the
past year, especially seniors.
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2. Senioritis Reloaded/Page 2
Normal senioritis has compounded with the
demotivation of pandemic life. Seniors are finding it even more
difficult to concentrate in schoolbecause of the lack of face-to-
face interaction and the added stress of the pandemic. They
are regretfully missing out on senior traditions and are unsure
of whattheir futures hold.
It’s importantthat webe patient with our children
during this time and understand that this is a different
situation than the one we experienced.
The best way for parents to help is to relieve some of
their stress associated with college preparation.
Many students may feel that college prep is pointless
this semester and may be reluctant to fill out college
applications or apply for financial aid. But now is not the time
to give up.
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3. Senioritis Reloaded/Page 3
Vaccines are becoming more readily available, making
in-person learning for the fall semester at mostcolleges more
likely.
Parents can help supporttheir children by referring to
the resources on the McNair Educational Foundation website
at McNair-ed-foundation-dot-org. Therethey can find details
about our mentorship program, S-A-Tand A-C-Tpreparation
programand other college preparation programs. Thewebsite
also links many informational articles that may help lead
students through the college gateway. Lastly, don’tforget to
check out the scholarships thatare available at McNair-ed-
foundation-dot-org-slash-scholarships.
College preparation can be a lot for seniors to handle on
their own, especially in 2021. Parents can help relieve some of
their stress and ensure their students are ready for life after
high schoolby staying informed.
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4. 1. What are somescholarship opportunities that are available to my child?
a. The ROPE Award is one scholarship thatis available to any high
schoolsenior that has demonstrated college readiness. The recipient
earns up to eight thousand dollars for up to four years of college.
2. What types of articles are on the website?
a. The website links articles that help students preparefor college,
choosea college, apply to college, afford college, and pick a career
after college. There are also helpful resources for parents that may
help them to supporttheir children through the college preparation
process.
3. How have McNair Educational Foundation’s programs changed dueto the
COVID-19 pandemic?
a. McNair Educational Foundation still offers mostof the same
programs and scholarships. Events thatformerly involved in-person
enrichment, such as college visits, are being held virtually.