| By Dianne Weaver
Despite West Virginia's college-rate declining during the last five years and ever increasing costs of a higher education, a number of Calhoun students have been afforded college entry by scholarships.
230 graduates have received PROMISE scholarships since the program started in 2003-04, with an average of 23 students receiving the scholarships during the 10-year period.
An additional 21 students have received Hidden Promise scholarships from Glenville State since 2004.
West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program for high school graduates.
Students who achieve certain academic goals are eligible to receive funds to help pay for college through the program.
Eligible high school graduates receive annual awards up to $4,750 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at public or independent institutions in the Mountain State.
Glenville State's Hidden Promise scholars
are students in the eighth through twelfth grade who hold the hidden promise for central West Virginia.
Selected by county superintendents and principals, these students will interact with Glenville State College students and faculty and explore the vistas that a college education opens.
Hidden Promise Scholars mentor with college students at their home schools and participate in an array of campus visits.
Upon high school graduation, Hidden Promise Scholars enrolling at Glenville State College will receive an annual $1,000 scholarship. The annual grant is renewable throughout their enrollment at GSC as full-time students maintaining standard academic progress.
Calhoun Hidden Promise Scholars: 2007 - 1,
2008 - 2,
2009 - 3,
2010 - 7,
2011 - 4,
2012 - 2,
2013 - 1,
2014 - 2.
Numerous other Calhoun High grads have received scholarships. | 
