| Applications for West Virginia's Promise Scholarship for graduating seniors are now available.
The merit-based financial aid program, which covers up to $4,750 in tuition and fees, is awarded to eligible high school graduates.
The application is available until March 1, the same day students must turn in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA.
While receiving the scholarship requires meeting academic benchmarks, one higher education official said eligibility should not keep a student from applying.
"Basically, if you are a high school student in West Virginia, apply," said Brian Weingart, director of financial aide for the state Higher Education Policy Commission.
To receive the scholarship, students must complete core classes and graduate from a public or private school in West Virginia with at least a 3.0 grade point average, or whatever their county school board considers a "B."
The Higher Education Policy Commission in 2015 declined to provide a list of Calhoun students receiving the scholarships, saying it was a violation of [student] confidentiality. | 
