White House Petition on TRIO

The White House recently launched a new web portal that allows citizens to create their own petitions. If a petition receives 25,000 signatures by December 13, they receive an official response from the White House.

COE has created a TRIO petition, which is available at http://wh.gov/jOD. Help us to outdo the 15,000 signatures we collected on Change.org by inviting your campus leadership, staff, students, parents and alumni to join in this effort. Here is a sample message for you to forward via e-mail and your social networks:

Dear Friends –

Please take 30 seconds to sign a White House petition to protect TRIO programs, which promote higher education preparation, access, retention and graduation for low-income, first generation students on our campus and throughout the nation.  Simply sign the petition here http://wh.gov/jOD and forward and share the link on social media sites.  An investment in education is an investment in our future!

This takes only a few moments but with federal funding coming down to last minute negotiations, this could be just the push we need to ensure the Administration fights for its FY12 budget request!

A hidden glass pickle, hand-crafted spider, and nutcrackers to guard holiday treasures . . . This year, traditions from the Olde World signal this joyous season of the year!

Each year, the University of Montevallo Upward Bound students participate in collecting donations with the annual Holiday Tree Fundraiser.  With the proceeds from this event, many deserving high school students from Bibb, Chilton, and Shelby County schools who participate in the Upward Bound program are awarded scholarships for college.  While Upward Bound is a federally funded pre-college program, any scholarship money awarded must be earned at the local level. Therefore, the amount of the scholarships we are able to offer is dependent on the amount of money raised from the fundraisers.  Last year, we were able to award over $2,600 in Senior Book Scholarships from donations generated from the annual Holiday Tree Fundraiser.

This year, in celebration of Olde World traditions of handblown glass, legends of unique ornaments, and an array of multi-cultural nutcrackers, we offer one of the true delights of the season—your opportunity to win the “Olde World Traditions” tree filled with hundreds of festive glass and wood ornaments, as well as a 36” decorated wreath and nutcracker table decoration.   The 6.5 Colorado pine tree is prelit with clear lights, but additional multi-colored teardrop lights and long-needle pine garland add to the colorful display of unique, yet intricately crafted ornaments.  A revolving tree stand and multi-layered depth of ornament positions allows all who view it to look, yet hardly ever tire of its endless beauty.

Tales and customs from Germany, Russia, and the Olde World celebrate the holidays with traditions of hiding a glass pickle somewhere on the tree and an observant child finding the ornament and receiving an extra gift.  The legend of the Christmas spider also celebrates the miracles of the season with symbolism.  Glass locomotives, angels, reproductions of Faberge eggs and delicate glass spirals cover the tree. Finally, scattered throughout the  pine needles are glass and wooden nutcrackers ranging  in size from 2” to 24”.

The bottom of the tree is adorned with a 48 inch, black and red velvet tree skirt with the words “JOY TO THE WORLD” delicately embroidered.  A 36” pine wreath holds more nutcrackers, sequined ornaments, glass ornaments and more of the multi-colored teardrop lights.  (If purchased separately, the tree, decorations, tree skirt, wreath, and nutcracker scene would retail for more than $1,500).  To accompany the wreath and tree, a beautiful gold sleigh will adorn the winner of this holiday assortment.  The table decoration, valued at over $100, holds glass ornaments and an assortment of 6 more wooden nutcrackers.

Because of generous donations and discounts from Wal Mart stores in Alabaster, Calera, Clanton, and Centreville, Hobby Lobby and Michaels in Hoover, Home Décor and Old Time Pottery in Pelham, Wright Drugs in Clanton, as well as parents and supporters of the program, Upward Bound is able to again offer an opportunity for one lucky ticket holder to take home this fully decorated tree and accessory decorations valued at over $1,500.  Each $1 donation you make to the University of Montevallo Upward Bound Scholarship Foundation will enter your name for a chance to win this holiday “Olde World Traditions” tree and accessory decorations.  We will also draw five other tickets, where the lucky winners will receive a 24” fully decorated wreath to adorn any home this season!

Hurry and purchase your tickets (only $1 each) from any Upward Bound student or contact the Upward Bound office at (205) 665-6268!  The drawing for our 2011 “Olde World Traditions” tree is December 13^th—and you can take it home with you to enjoy before the season is in full swing!

Download the flyer with more pictures:

• Olde World Traditions - pdf (51)
• Olde World Traditions - docx (69)

UB Meets the Demands of the 21st Century:  Upward Bound has a Facebook page.  Please friend us to receive valuable information and program activity updates.  In the event of severe/inclement weather, please check the Facebook page for weekday session, Super Saturday session, cultural enrichment, community service, postsecondary trips, and tutoring cancellations.  Our Facebook page is ONLY to supplement the information you have already received in writing like the cultural enrichment and community service schedules, weekday session and Super Saturday dates and monthly calendar.

Upward Bound Scholarship Fund Fundraiser:  Annually Upward Bound has 2 fundraisers to raise funds for our scholarship fund, one during the academic year and one during the summer component.  At our next session on November 15 Christmas Tree tickets will be distributed.  Each student will be given 20 tickets to sell for this fundraiser.  Tickets are $1.00 each.  All students are expected to buy or sell the tickets or make a $20 monetary donation to the scholarship fund.  Only students who buy or sell tickets or make a monetary donation to the UB Foundation Fund will be eligible to receive an Upward Bound Book Scholarship during their senior year which will be awarded at the end of the year reception and Bridge Scholarship(for students accepted into the Bridge Program) which will be awarded at the end of the summer component banquet.  The Upward Bound Book Scholarships are accepted at any college or university not just the University of Montevallo.  The amount of the scholarship is determined by the amount of money raised from fundraisers.

The person who sells the most tickets will win a prize.  Last year it was a $150 Visa Gift card.  Also, the person who sells the winning ticket will receive a prize.  The drawing will be held during Assembly on December 13th.

College Visit: University of West Alabama, November 12. We will leave from UM at 11:00 am and return by 10:00 pm. Eat lunch before we leave. Bring money for snacks, souvenirs, and food at the game. Sign up tonight at assembly.

College Visit: Alabama A&M University, November 12. We will leave from UM at 7:00 am and return by 5:00 pm. Bring money for snacks, souvenirs, lunch, and food at the game. Seniors planning to attend AAMU: Admissions representatives will be on-hand to assist5 with applications and provide on-site acceptance. You must bring a copy of your ACT or SAT scores and your latest transcript to get an on-site acceptance decision. Sign up tonight at assembly.

Seniors: If you want to tour a particular college on a weekday and your parent can’t take you, contact Mr. Barnes. It will be your responsibility to arrange the tour, and your responsibility to make sure the absence is excused. Check with Mr. Barnes first for dates that he is available.

Students: Please pay close attention to the Cultural Enrichment and Community Service Announcements that are made during Assembly. You should also READ every piece of information that UB gives to you. Some of you are missing valuable information such as cancelations, timing and locations of events. When you don’t pay attention it affects other people!!!! Especially those of you who rely on others (like your family) for transportation. While I don’t mind answering your questions, you will find that some of the answers have already been given to you if you would only PAY ATTENTION.

Upward Bound students and parents are encouraged to attend the Fall 2011 University of Montevallo Preview Day on Saturday, October 29.

According to the UM website, Preview Day “is a special chance for you and your parents to see what makes Montevallo unique. See firsthand the opportunities that Montevallo has to offer! Visit academic departments and speak with faculty during an academic session. Experience a campus tour hosted by our Montevallo Mavens. Chat with current students about life at Montevallo and the numerous ways to get the most out of your Montevallo experience! And most importantly talk with representatives from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions about admission, scholarships, student housing, financial aid and more.”

Activities begin at 9:00 am, end after 1:00 pm and include lunch.

You may register to attend with the UM Department of Admissions at 205.665.6030 or 1.800.292.4349. ou may also register on the Fall 2011 Preview Day web page.

Note: Upward Bound will not provide transportation to or supervision at this event. You should attend with your parents.