Approximately 100,000 students are eligible to apply for the EdChoice Scholarship Program for the 2012-13 school year.

EdChoice scholarships are worth $4,250 per year for students in grades K-8 and $5,000 per year for high school students. In the recent state budget, Ohio leaders increased the number of EdChoice scholarships available from 14,000 to 60,000.

“The EdChoice Scholarship Program gives Ohio families the opportunity to send their child to the school that best fits their learning needs,” said School Choice Ohio executive director Matt Cox. “Receiving an EdChoice Scholarship has been a life-changing experience for thousands of Ohio students and families.”

There are 217 EdChoice designated public schools across Ohio, which have received a rating of “academic watch” or “academic emergency” for two of the past three years or are ranked in the bottom 10 percent of schools in the state based on performance-index scores.

Parents can determine if their child is eligible for a scholarship by checking the eligible public schools list available online at www.scohio.org/PDF/Ed%20Choice%20Eligible%20public%20schools%201-25-12.pdf.

Once parents confirm their child’s eligibility, they can check the participating private schools list and begin calling and visiting private schools to find the right fit for their child.

Parents can then enroll their child in the participating private school of their choice, and the school will apply for the EdChoice Scholarship on behalf of the parents.

A student is eligible to apply for the EdChoice Scholarship Program if he or she is one of the following:

— A student who is enrolled in and attending an EdChoice designated public school building.

— A student who is enrolled in a charter school (including an online charter school), and would otherwise be assigned to an EdChoice designated public school building.

— A student who is enrolled in a charter school or non-eligible public school but would be assigned to attend an EdChoice designated public school building in the upcoming school year.

— A student who is eligible to enter kindergarten in the upcoming school year and is assigned to an EdChoice designated public school building.

Currently, 15,403 students are using an EdChoice scholarship to attend the school of their choice. These students must also apply for re-enrollment to continue receiving the scholarship. Students who already attend a private school and students who are homeschooled are not eligible to apply for the program. The application period for the EdChoice Scholarship Program closes April 13.

For more information about Ohio’s scholarship programs, and for the complete lists of EdChoice eligible public schools and participating private schools, visit www.scohio.org.

The event is also to feature a “preschool art fair” showcasing projects by the school’s talented young students. Prospective families are able to meet the principal and kindergarten teacher, experience the faith-based atmosphere of the school, tour the state-of-the-art classrooms and computer lab and learn about curriculum, financial aid and enrollment.

St. Richard School is located at 333 Brookside Dr. For more information, call the school office at 419-826-5041.

The premier event features musician Michael James Mette and motivational speaker Greg Wasinski and runs from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. March 24 at Findlay St. Michael the Archangel.

“The primary focus of the day really is having fun with your faith, for them to get a picture of the wider church of the diocese, to spend time with new friends and, certainly, to grow as young disciples in their relationship with Jesus,” says Deacon Jerry Ziemkiewicz, youth ministry coordinator for the diocese.

He adds the rally was created because there is a need to reach middle school youth to help them grow in their faith.

“It used to be like, ‘OK, now you’re in high school, now you can be in youth group.’ It can’t be that way any more because they’re growing up a lot faster,” Deacon Ziemkiewicz explains. Helping middle school youth get in touch with their faith will help them stay connected to the church as they move through high school and college, he says.

With the theme, “Know, Love, Serve,” the rally is designed to mirror high school youth programs such as the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC).

Several sessions are for the entire group and feature activities, music and keynote addresses by Mr. Mette and Mr. Wasinski.

Breakout sessions are planned for each grade level and Father Jeff McBeth, diocesan youth ministry chaplain, is to close the day with Mass.

Youth must register at their parish or school for the rally, which is $20 per person and includes lunch and a T-shirt.

Newly elected members include James Sortino of Sandusky SS. Peter and Paul, James Kessler of Sandusky Holy Angels and Dru Meredith of Sandusky St. Mary.

Re-elected members include Mary Ebert, Michele Gallagher, and Daniel Moncher of Sandusky St. Mary and Thomas Miller of Huron St. Peter.

Terms of service for the board members continue through Dec. 31, 2013 or 2014.

The SCCS Education Foundation is dedicated to supporting Catholic education in Sandusky.  The foundation offers financial help for students through a scholarship program and seeks to ensure quality academic, spiritual and leadership training for every student.

Through the Jack and Rhodora Donahue Family Foundation of Pittsburgh, the Golden Apple Award was established to honor outstanding individuals who devote their lives to teaching in Catholic schools. Each year seven K-8 teachers and two high school teachers are honored with the award, which comes with a $5,000 stipend.

Video interviews with last year’s winners can be viewed at www.youtube.com/catholicchronicle.

Nominations for this year’s awards are due Feb. 3, and may come from a parent, current or former student or fellow teacher. More information and a nomination form are available at www.toledodiocese.org/index.php/cyss/catholicschoolsofficeblog/2655-golden-apple-awards.