Page 6-Second Issue April 2017

Editorial Page

The Future of Education

Artwork by Rhiannon Weaver

By Kiera Marshall
Kiera.Marshall@mail.umhelena.edu

     Education is an important subject that needs to be discussed and not brushed over and hidden away in the folds of other issues. As a college student who has student loans, it’s important to know what is happening that could affect my educational future, just as every other student needs to know. 

     The new Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos has never attended a public school and doesn’t know the hardships of attending a public school. My experiences of attending several public schools in different states has shown me that there are issues that need to be addressed.

    Teachers would discuss budget cuts during class sometimes and almost always had to pay for supplies like notebooks, pencils, markers, and pens with their own money because the school couldn’t afford them. 

    I hope that there isn’t this discussion in classrooms anymore because there is enough funding to provide an education for every child in the country. 

    Education is typically one of the first budgets to be cut because there isn’t an immediate effect, but the effect can be seen 15 to 20 years later. How educated a generation is influences the economy and if a generation is not well educated, it negatively reflects in the economy in later years. 

     A large portion of money, $23 million, could be cut from the budget for higher education for the next two years (Great Falls Tribune, February 16,2017). Tuition will also be raised by 20% and it could mean up to $1,000 tuition increase for in-state colleges (Great Falls Tribune, February 16,2017). This could greatly impact the future of all college students around Montana. 

    Being well informed about the future of education is important because changes made to any college student’s life makes it more difficult. Pay attention to the events that occur during this session of the legislature, do research about potential bills that can affect you or a family member’s educational future, and tell others what you know. Knowing what is happening is half the battle. 

Scholarships

By Angela Lunda
Angela.Lunda@mail.umhelena.edu

     Scholarships are something to take advantage of. By keeping student loans to a minimum, students can free themselves to go to a professional or graduate school, to engage in public service, and pursue professional passions. All will maximize a student’s ability to contribute significantly to the community one lives and works in.

    The students of Helena College all pay for the privilege to attend classes. It could either be paid by grants, scholarships, loans, or out of pocket. The best ways to lower student loans would be by applying for grants or scholarships because those do not have to be repaid. There are thousands of scholarships offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, professional organizations, and social organizations.

    Some scholarships are based on merit. Students can earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships could be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest.

     Other scholarships are based on financial need. Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women or high school seniors.

     Some are available because of where the student or the student’s parents work or if students come from a certain background. Every scholarship has its own requirements. The scholarship’s website gives information of who qualifies for the scholarship and how to apply.

     Students should read the application carefully, fill it out completely, and meet the application deadline. When looking for scholarships, students can look online, talk to the financial aid office, or the public library. Be careful of scams and it should never cost anything to apply for scholarships.

     At Helena College, the students are lucky that the Financial Aid office lists them online at http://www.umhelena.edu/financialaid/scholarship.aspx.

 Scholarships are listed by categories and in order of due date.
 A few upcoming scholarships are listed below and others can be found on the Helena College Site. 

Student Senate Academic Merit-Currently enrolled in at least 2nd semester; must have filed a FAFSA; GPA 3.5; Award:  $500; Due date:  April 7

Student Senate Books and Supplies-Currently enrolled in at least 2nd semester: must have filed a FAFSA; GPA 2.5; Award:  $500; Due date:  April 7

Maureen and Mike Mansfield Native American
Undergraduate Native American females from MT reservation; FT enrollment; Award: 2x $950; Due date: April 14

Shupe Scholarship
Current student, who has utilized the Adult Learning Center services to review and take the Hi Set Exam, and is now enrolled at Helena College; Award: $500; Due date: April 19

Helena College Information Technology Scholarship
Enrolled full-time in the Computer Technology program; successfully completed at least one semester at HC; GPA: 3.0+; Award: $750; Due date: April 24

Shodair Children's Hospital Nursing Scholarship
Helena College Nursing student enrolled full-time, with an interest in mental health careers; GPA: 3.0+; Award: $500; Due date: April 26

Upcoming Events in the Helena Area

By Kiera Marshall
Kiera.Marshall@mail.umhelena.edu

There are a number of events that will be happening throughout Helena in the next month. 

April:

Spay-ghetti Dinner by the Lewis and Clark Humane Society: April 1, 5:00 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark Fairground. Tickets are $20-$25. Call 442-1660

Everything Fitz: April 1, 7:30 p.m. at the Gateway Center

Musikanten Montana Early Music Festival: April 1, 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, tickets $10-$30. Call 442-6825 or visit www.musikantenmt.org

Blackie Nelson with Bob Packwood – Blackie’s Songbook: April 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Myrna Loy Center. Tickets are $24. Call 443-0287 or visit www.myrnaloycenter.com 

Grandstreet Theatre Season Launch Party: April 8, 7:00 p.m. at the Montana Club. Call 442-1570 or visit www.grandstreettheatre.com

Lewis and Clark County Beer Fest: April 14, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. Call 442-1570.

Ritcher Uzur Duo: April 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Myrna Loy Center. Tickets are $30. Call 443-0287 or visit www.myrnaloycenter.com

3rd Annual Swoop’s Motorcycle Show: April 29; doors open at 5:00 p.m., show starts at 6:00 p.m. Visit www.teamswoop.com for all show information 

Ongoing:

“Hooked: Fishing in Montana”: At Montana Historical Society. Call 444-4711 or visits www.mhs.mt.gov 

“Across the Divide: Works from Montana University Faculties”: through April 9 at the Holter Museum of Art. Call 442-6400 or visit www.holtermuseum.org 

“My Fair Lady” by Grandstreet Theatre: April 28-May 14, 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2:30p.m. Sundays. Call 447-1574 or visit www.grandstreettheatre.com

Page 3-Second Issue April 2017

Photo courtesy of  Joe Smietanka's parents

Joe's Corner

This is a section dedicated for student writing and named after Joe Smietanka, who passed away in 2016. This section is named after him because of his dedication and love for the art of writing.

A Morning in D Minor

By: Anonymous

It's 4AM and my fingers are shaking.

I'm sweating and staring,

And my poor heart is breaking.

The drone of the radiator mocks as I write,

For I'm finishing three essays.

All in one night.

We are looking for student writing to publish in future issues please submit your writing to the helenahelmnews@gmail.com

Cash Carnival

By Joy Y Wiggins

Joy.Wiggins@mail.umhelena.edu

     The Cash Carnival is an annual event and was hosted this year on March 14, 2017 to help students think more about personal finances while in college, so they are more informed when they enter the job market. This year the Cash Carnival offered a variety of games, including the Price is Right, Dean Dollars Duck Pond, Cash Cab, Prize Wheel, a Budget Game and National Financial Literacy (NFL) online football. At each game students answered questions and won dean dollars for use in bidding on silent auction items. The questions included various topics such as budgeting, credit, savings, retirement plans, managing debt, paying for college, and student loans.

     This year prizes included a Fitbit flex, hand crafted welcome signs from the Welding Department, hand crafted welcome signs and bottle stoppers courtesy of the Helena College Future Machinists of America Club, a Helena College t-shirt, Helena College hat, Helena College hoodie, and a $25 gift card to the Bookstore.

     Volunteers for this event included Helena College staff, faculty, Student Government Association representatives, and Student Ambassadors. The Cash Carnival will be held on the Airport Campus next fall, and then again on the Donaldson Campus next spring.

Tax Time

By Angela Lunda
Angela.Lunda@mail.umhelena.edu

     Here in the Helena community we are lucky enough to have VITA services available. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. This year Helena College is one of the places offering this service. It is every Saturday from February 4,2017 to April 15, 2017. It will start at 9am and go through 1pm. No appointment is necessary because it is first come first serve. To make this an easy and successful visit you must bring the following information with you:

*Proof of identification (photo ID)

* Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents

*An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse, and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number

*Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN

*Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return

*Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers

*Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

*All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements

*Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received

*A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

*Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check

*To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

*Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number

*Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements

If you would like more information or would like to see the other places in the Helena offering this service you can go to www.montanafreefile.org.