Counselor's Corner

Welcome to the official School Counseling page for Turtle Lake-Mercer! Here you can find community resources, scholarship opportunities, standardized testing information, and more. Please take a look around and if you have any questions, my contact information is listed below. I am here to help and look forward to assisting all TLM students on their journeys to success!

Counselor Picture

Samantha Slavik

  • PK-12 School Counselor

  • 7-12 Career Development Counselor

  • 504 Case Manager

  • ACT Testing Coordinator

Contact Information

Phone: 701-448-2365

Email: samantha.slavik@k12.nd.us

Community Resources

Mental Health Resources- Bismarck

McLean Family Resource Center- Washburn

The Lord's Pantry- Turtle Lake (701)448-2551

Community Clothing Share-Exchange

  • Open Thursday's 12-6 PM

  • 221 Main Street, Turtle Lake

  • (701) 448-2884

Parent Resources

Parents can use the information in the links below to help their students with topics relating to academics, social-emotional learning, internet safety, and more!

Student Resources

Students can use the links below to help with standardized test prep, schedules, career planning, and college preparation.

FAFSA Logo

FAFSA- Federal Student Aid

  • Applications open October 1 and close June 30 but apply early as funds are only available until they are depleted.

  • Bank of North Dakota offers a variety of videos to aid in the completion of the FAFSA. Below is a link to all the videos they offer.

  • BND FAFSA Videos

ACT Logo

ACT Testing

  • All Juniors take the ACT for FREE in the Spring! This year's test dates will be March 8-10, 2022.

  • If you decide to re-test, you will need to sign up for a national test day through ACT's online system (Junior or Senior year).

    • The cost for the ACT is:

      • $55 (without writing)

      • $70 (with writing)

    • TLM's high school code is:

      • 351745

  • Use the ACT website to access study resources (some free, some that need to be purchased) to help you study for the exam.

  • If you're struggling with accessing resources or have questions, reach out to Mrs. Slavik.

WorkKeys Logo

WorkKeys Testing

  • WorkKeys Testing might be for you if:

    • You are thinking of going straight into the workforce after high school.

    • You did not meet the required score of a 24 or higher on your ACT for state scholarship requirements.

  • These exams can be taken at any time throughout the school year (October through April).

    • Schedule to test with Mrs. Slavik

    • WorkKeys costs only $12 per test (3 tests required - Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information, and Applied Information)

WorkKeys was developed by ACT. You can find sample questions and study materials on the ACT website.

ASVAB Logo

ASVAB Testing

  • All Juniors will take the ASVAB test in the fall (October 20, 2021).

  • The National Guard helps to administer the test and interpret the results for students to explore career options that align with their strengths.

  • There are many places that offer free sample tests for you to prepare for the ASVAB.

  • This test does not impact a student's grade or academic standing; however, if the student is interested in the military, a high score can mean additional opportunities when enlisting.

Upcoming Events

Registration for dual credit/college classes is OPEN
All students taking a dual credit or college class next semester need to register. See Mrs. Slavik for course codes if needed.

Pre ACT Testing for sophomores will be in January

Optional WorkKeys testing: (Schedule with Mrs. Slavik)

Scholarships

TLM Dollars for Scholars 

  • Award Amount: Varies  

  • Eligibility Criteria: All TLM Seniors!! 

  • How to Apply: Create an account and fill out the application at http://turtlelake-mercer.dollarsforscholars.org to be eligible for the TLM Dollars for Scholars Program as well as get matched to other national scholarships!  Your profile needs to be created by January 1. Application deadline is March 31. 

ND Academic and CTE Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $6000  

  • Eligibility Criteria: All ND Graduates!

Elks Legacy Award 

  • Award Amount: $4,000 ($1,000 for each for four years); award 250 total nationwide. 

  • Eligibility Criteria: A high school senior who is a child or grandchild of an Elks member, must have taken the ACT/SAT, be attending a U.S. college or university in the fall, will be required to perform service one a year with an Elks Lodge throughout the next 4 years if elected 

 North Dakota Crop Improvement & Seed Association 

  •  Award Amount: $1000 scholarship to incoming freshmen AND $1000 scholarship to undergraduates (excluding freshmen). 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must be a ND resident, attending a ND school, applicant or parent must be a member of the county Crop Improvement Association, and must be a full-time student at a college in the fall. 

Enerbase Cooperative Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: 8- $1,000 scholarships awarded 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Applicant or parent/guardian must be a current patron member of Enerbase and must have done at least $2,500 worth of business the previous year.  Open to high school seniors that will be entering their first year of college in the fall.  

  • How to Apply: Complete the application online at http://enerbase.coop/scholarships/.  Applications for this year will be due in February 2022.

    McLean Electric Scholarship Program 

  • Two scholarship programs available: the Basin Electric Scholarship and the McLean Electric Scholarship

  • Both Award Amounts are $500 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Students who are or have parents that are members of McLean Electric Cooperative and is planning to enroll as a full-time college student in the fall.   

  • How to Apply: print the scholarship application page found here https://mcleanelectric.com/content/scholarships, obtain a copy of an up-to-date official transcript, a copy of your ACT/SAT scores, write a statement of career goals, obtain a letter of recommendation, and create a document outlining participation in high school activities.  Application and supporting documentation will be due to the address on the application by February 1, 2022. 

Great River Energy Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: 13- $1,000 scholarships awarded 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Any senior from Garrison, Max, Underwood, Turtle Lake-Mercer, Washburn, Wilton, Center-Stanton, Hazen, Beulah, Valley City, Barnes County North, Jamestown, and Montpelier High Schools.  Must be planning to attend a North Dakota college and must be a U.S. citizen.   

March 

American Legion Auxiliary National Level Scholarships 

  • Award Amount: varies 

  • Eligibility Criteria: If you are a Junior Member of the Auxiliary, a child of a post 9/11 veteran, a Boys and Girls State participant, or an American Legion Baseball player there are several scholarships you can apply for through the Legion! 

  • How to Apply: Print out and complete the approrpiate application from the American Legion at https://www.legion.org/scholarships.

  • Scholarship due dates vary dependent upon which scholarship is sought (Most are due in March 2022). Check the website for specifics and to print the desired application!

American Legion Nursing Scholarships 

  • There are 2 different nursing scholarships that are available through the American Legion: Past President Parley Grace Holmes, MD Nursing Scholarship AND Past President Parley Nursing Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $500 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must graduate from a ND high school and be pursuing a degree in nursing (LPN or RN).  Applicant must be a child, grandchild, or great grandchild of active military or honorably discharged military member living or deceased. 

  • How to Apply: Print out and complete the applications from the American Legion at http://ndala.org/ppp/  

    **See Mrs. Slavik for a complete list of American Legion Scholarship Opportunities and Application

Farm Credit Services Scholarship in Agriculture 

  • Award Amount: 10- $1,000 scholarships awarded 

  • Eligibility Criteria: High school seniors who plan to enroll in college in the fall, be from an actively farming or ranching family or pursue an agriculture career.   

  • How to Apply: download the application here https://www.farmcreditnd.com/farm-credit-offers-college-scholarships

  • Applications are due March 1, 2022.  

WRT Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: 7- $1,000 scholarships and 1- $1,000 technical scholarships 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Be a high school senior in one of the 7 regions WRT serves and parents must be members of and receive services from WRT.  One scholarship given to each area WRT serves.  

  • How to Apply: Complete application online at https://westriv.com/scholarship-application/.  **Updated application is not yet uploaded to the WRT website. Complete the application and send it along with your transcript and ACT scores by mail or to the email listed on the application form.  Deadline is March 1y, 2022. 

Sherry Westrum Memorial Music Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $1,000 

  • Eligibility Criteria: TLM seniors who have been involved in the music program for a minimum of two years.  

  • How to Apply: Submit a letter of recommendation from a non-relative, a list of your musical activities throughout your high school career, and an essay of no longer than two pages- double spaces- on the topic "How Music has Enriched My Life."  Write your name on the back of the essay and on a separate sheet of paper write your name, address, and the college you will attend (the money will be mailed directly to the college). 

  • Mail applications to: Sherry Westrum Memorial Music Scholarship, C/O Myron Lick, 1919 21st St. NW, Ruso, ND 58778. 

  • Applications due March 1.  

Foundation for Rural Service Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: Amounts vary and a number of different scholarships awarded (see link below) 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Graduating high school senior, U.S. citizen, be sponsored be a current NTCA- The Rural Broadband Association member, accepted into a 2 or 4 year college, have at least a 'C' GPA, and express interest in returning to a rural community upon graduation. 

  • How to Apply: Complete the application form, complete a 300-word essay on one of the given topics, have a high school teacher or guidance counselor complete the educator's statement, submit one letter or recommendation from a community leader (not an educator), 2 copies of your transcript, and have a sponsor signature from NTCA Member.  For further information and application visit: https://www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/scholarships/faqs 

  • Application deadline is February 25, 2022 

William John Tutland Masonic Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: 2- $2,000 scholarships and 1-$1,000 scholarship 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Open to all graduating McLean County high school seniors who are attending any accredited School of Nursing in North Dakota or any undergraduate student at NDSU. 

  • How to Apply: See Mrs. Slavik for an application.  With application, attach a list of high school extracurricular activities, honors, and other recognition you received in high school, two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcript, an essay about how you plan to use this scholarship, and an essay on your life's values and goals, and hoe you desire to contribute to make this world a better place. 

  • ** Application for 2022 is not yet available. Application has historically been due in March. This will be updated when the 2022 scholarship is made available 

Hubert and JoAnn Seymour Scholarship  

  River Riders Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $1,000  

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must be graduating from a high school in McLean County. 

  • How to Apply: See Mrs. Slavik for an application. (2022 application not yet available) Complete application and 500 word essay about "How your small town upbringing will help you achieve your goals."

  • Applications have historically been due the end of March

 April-May

American Legion Auxiliary, Department of ND, Education Program 

  • Award Amount: $500 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must be attending a college, university, or trade school in ND.  Membership or affiliation with the Legion is not required, but financial need is a factor. 

  • How to Apply: Print out and complete the application from the American Legion at www.ndala.org under the Education page link.  Applications due April 1. 

     

Reuben T. Guenthner Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $500  

  • Eligibility Criteria: Be graduating from a ND high school, have completed one or more CTE classes from grades 9-12, enroll in a 2-year ND public postsecondary institution, and enroll as a full-time student in a CTE program of 2 years or less.   

  • How to Apply: Fill out the online application and send transcript and 3 letters of recommendation to the appropriate contacts found at https://www.nd.gov/cte/students/RTGScholarship.html under Scholarship and Recognition Opportunities. 

  • Application deadline April 1. **2022 Application not yet posted. Check back for updates.

Hattie K. Tedrow Memorial Fund Scholarship 

Edward O. Nesheim Memorial Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $1,500 

  • Eligibility Criteria: High school senior, legal resident of ND and a direct decedent of a U.S. veteran who served honorably (proof of service and lineage required).  Must have a cumulative GPA of  2.75 or higher, must be pursuing a degree in agriculture, human nutrition, or medicine.  

  • How to Apply: Applications can be found online at https://www.ndlegion.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6111/2018/02/Nesheim-Memorial-Bio-2.pdf

  • Application is due April 1, 2022. 

     

Dushinske & Jamison Water Resources Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $1,500 scholarships (awarded to 4 qualifying applicants)  

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must be planning to attend a ND college and preference given to, but not limited to, those studying water-related fields and whose families have taken an active role in ND water resource management.  

  • How to Apply: See Mrs. Slavik for an application. Application window is open from January 1 to April 1. **2022 application will not be available until after January 1, 2022

Falkirk Mining Company Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: 6- $1,000 scholarships  

  • Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors from Max, Garrison, Underwood, Turtle Lake-Mercer, Washburn, and Wilton High Schools.  Must have enrolled or are planning to enroll full-time at an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school in the fall.  

  • How to Apply: See Mrs. Slavik for an application.  (2022 applications not yet available) Complete the application; include a list of extra-curricular activities, volunteer/community service activities, and jobs; a copy or your recent transcript; an essay telling about yourself, hoe your career could play a role in the energy industry, and your thoughts on the coal industry; and a letter of recommendation. 

  • Applications historically due in April 

Richard and Karla Schindler Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $1,000 

  • Eligibility Criteria: TLM senior who has participated in at least 2 sports in high school and has a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.  

  • How to Apply: Write a 2 page essay, double spaced on the topic, "How has athletics shaped me into a better student-athlete?"  Please write the name of the scholarship at the top of your essay and turn them into Mrs. Slavik by April 15. 

 Farmers Union Stanley Moore Scholarship 

Dakota Cruisers Car Club Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $500  

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must be a local area ND high school senior.Students enrolled or planning on enrolling in a vocational college in ND and will be pursuing a career in automotive repair and/or restoration.    

  • How to Apply: See Mrs. Slavik for an application.  (2022 Applications not yet available. Updates will be made when 2022 applications are received) Complete the application and include: 2 letters of recommendation; a 200 word, hand-written essay explaining what automotive field you plan on pursuing and why, and verification form. 

  • Application have historically been due by April 30. 

     

Equity Elevator & Trading Co. & DWCU Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $350 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must be a graduating senior from TLM who will be attending college full-time starting fall 2022. 

  • How to Apply: Applicant must submit a typed 1-2 page essay on "What my plans and goals are for the future," and a copy of your transcript. 

  • Mail applications to: Equity Elevator & Trading Co. & DWCU Scholarship, P.O. Box 340, Turtle Lake, ND 58575. 

  • Essays must be received by April 29. 

Bank of Turtle Lake Scholarship 

  • Award Amount: $500

  • Eligibility Criteria: Must be a graduating senior and you or a parent must have an account at the Bank of Turtle Lake.

  • How to Apply: Qualifying applicants will receive scholarship information in the mail with a form to fill out.

  • Completed scholarship forms must be returned to the bank by May 14 at 3:30 PM! 

North Dakota Association of Counties

  • Award Amount: $2,000

  • Eligibility Criteria: Children and grandchildren of North Dakota county officials and employees are eligible to apply.

  • How to apply: Online scholarship form can be printed off here https://www.ndaco.org/image/cache/2022_Scholarship_App.pdf

  • Application must be postmarked no later than Friday, May 27, 2022.

ND Corn Growers Association

  • Award Amount: $1,000

  • Eligibility Criteria: In order to be eligible for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association scholarship, students had to submit: a completed application, career plans, at least two letters of recommendation from non-family members, a resume and a copy of their most recent transcript. Applicants are required to be a member of a North Dakota Corn Growers Association. Student memberships are available for high school and post secondary students for $10.

  • How to apply: The North Dakota Corn Growers Association awarded 10 – $1,000 scholarships in 2020, which typically includes a recipient from each of the organization’s seven districts and three at-large recipients. The application form can be found here https://ncga.formstack.com/forms/scholarshipapp_copy

  • Application and all other required documentation is due by January 31, 2022 by 11:59 pm

North Dakota United Scholarships

  • Award Amount: Varies dependent upon scholarship (10 different options available)

  • Eligibility Criteria: Scholarships are available to North Dakota United members, including Student NDU and NDU-Retired members, as well as the dependents of all members. Check website for specific eligibility criteria for each of the 10 scholarships offered.

  • How to Apply: applications for each scholarship can be found on the NDU website here

    https://www.ndunited.org/who-we-are/ndu-foundation/grants-scholarships/

  • **2022 scholarship applications not yet available. Historically, applications close on May 1

North Dakota School Counselor Association Scholarship

  • Award Amount: $1,000

  • Eligibility Criteria: Be a high school senior in ND whose school counselor is a member of the NDSCA (Mrs. Slavik is).

  • How to Apply: Write a 500 word essay describing your career plan and who helped you establish the plan, obtain 1 letter of recommendation, and complete the online scholarship application form found here http://www.ndsca.us/uploads/1/0/0/6/100631202/ndsca_scholarship.pdf

  • Applications & all supporting documentation must be postmarked by December 17, 2021 OR emailed to shaina.hess@k12.nd.us by December 22, 2021.