Time is running out for seniors to apply for a Frisco Education Foundation scholarship as the application window closes at 4 p.m. on Thursday. 

The application features several sections where students are able to list their accomplishments and experiences, but according to FEF President Michael Simmons, one section in which students can stand out are the essays. 

“One of the things we ask is, why should we invest in you? And most people will say, I’ve worked really hard. Guess what? Your parents have worked hard. Everybody works hard,” Simmons said. “The teachers work hard. Tell me that I plan on curing cancer and I need to go to school to get a bachelor’s degree and then go to med school. So I would definitely spend time on the essays, even if they say optional, fill them out. It doesn’t hurt you and it can only improve your situation.”

Another part of the application process is getting recommendation letters from teachers. 

“I know that part of what they’re trying to do is ensure that different students in Frisco have the availability of scholarships when they’re going to college,” AP U.S. History teacher Whitney Schell said. “There’s obviously a skyrocketing cost of college and not all students who would benefit from a college education may be able to have access to enough money to go or maybe they’re not able to access some of those scholarships that their universities would have.” 

The foundation has awarded more than $10 million to approximately 9,500 graduating seniors since 1999. 

“I think it’s a good way to get scholarships if you need the money or applying to a school with high tuition,” senior Rida Zaki said. “It’a good way to pay for college and be recognized by the