February 2023
The innovative Player award recognizes Arizona high schools throughout the school year for their innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion. Read about the FAFSA best practices that have encouraged the seniors of Superior Junior/Senior High School to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Superior Junior/Senior High School held an event in October 2022, where Senior students came to complete their FAFSA, order cap and gowns from Jostens, and learn about scholarship processes with their parents. They called this event Senior Day.
Snacks, refreshments, and door prizes were provided to students at the event who completed the FAFSA. Jostens accommodated their school and came out on a Friday to participate in this senior gathering. Resolution Copper is a huge advocate and supporter of the Superior community, participating in the event and supporting the schools and students. Each person there brought different knowledge about FAFSA and was a huge help with assisting students to complete their FAFSA and being present to show the importance of getting your FAFSA completed.
During their school day, each student, including Seniors, has a class hour called “Panther Prep,” where teachers work with students on ECAP. The Senior Panther Prep teachers help students to start and complete FAFSA during the school day. At the very least, each student completed the “student portion” of FAFSA in school, and over 50% finished the rest with their parents on Senior Day.
During their school day, each student, including Seniors, has a class hour called “Panther Prep,” where teachers work with students on ECAP. The Senior Panther Prep teachers help students to start and complete FAFSA during the school day. At the very least, each student completed the “student portion” of FAFSA in school, and over 50% finished the rest with their parents on Senior Day.
On Senior Day, Superior Jr/Sr High School had two College Knowing and Going (CKG) ambassadors, Mira Estatico and Nathan Taylor, attend the event to assist their classmates with the FAFSA. Their ambassadors were provided funds from CKG to purchase gift cards and food for the event. These two students were extremely helpful to their classmates on the day of the event and many days before. When a student and parent would finish their FAFSA, we all cheered and tried to stress how important this step was in their future.
Their student advisor, Cameron Vines, provided up-to-date transcripts and tips for successful scholarship applications. She, along with the student ambassadors and Panther Prep teachers, promoted this event through word of mouth and school announcements. The ambassadors also created social media posts on the school district’s social media accounts.
Their high school principal Mr. Duarte, expressed that “the two Panther Prep teachers, Terry Villaverde and Christine Martinez, were pivotal in getting students started on FAFSA in their classrooms before Senior Day, making the application process even shorter on Senior Day. We know parents and students are busy, and time is valuable, so we wanted an event where we could capture multiple items for Seniors in one day. Overall, this event was a success for their small school, and we are already planning for next year!”
