Work hard and play hard is a concept the Canutillo High School Class of 2023 know all too well as they spent the afternoon reaping the rewards of their efforts to ensure their college-readiness at the FAFSA Fiesta.
This year, 90 percent of the CHS senior class completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), at least three college applications and two scholarship applications by Jan. 15, making CHS one of the El Paso area high schools with the most student participation.
To celebrate their efforts, the group was rewarded with an afternoon of fun, food and games at Dave & Busters arcade.
The FAFSA is particularly important for students to apply early due to issuance on a first-come, first-served basis and is the gateway to more than $150 billion in college grants, work-study funds, certain state-based aid and federal student loans. Some college and scholarship applications will require the completion of a FAFSA application and students who may not qualify for full grants may still qualify for other funding assistance.
“It was important for us to make sure these students understand that when you put forth extra effort your work doesn’t go unnoticed,” said CHS Interim Principal Candice Marrufo. “We also wanted to help them realize the importance of getting ready for their next phase in life and incentivize getting these important steps taken care of while they are still in high school.”