Focus on Education: Central Catholic accepting applications

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH: Central Catholic High School is accepting applications for next year. The deadline to apply for financial assistance and scholarships is Jan. 15. CCHS offers about $400,000 in tuition assistance and academic scholarships for qualifying families. Placement testing for public school students will be held Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more, contact Jodi Tybor at (209) 524-9611 or tybor@cchsca.org, or visit www.cchsca.org.

HILMAR GRANT: The Hilmar Unified School District received a $10,000 grant in December for continuing education for math teachers. The grant was from local farmers and America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

PARK DOCENTS NEEDED: Columbia State Historic Park is in need of museum workers at the information center in the middle of town, teachers at the historic school, planners and organizers for special events, costumed interpreters throughout the year and many other jobs. Docents are asked to commit to eight hours a month or 96 hours total throughout the year. Shifts vary depending on job duty and seasons. Applications are being accepted through Jan. 12. Call the park office at (209) 588-9128 or stop in at the museum to pick up an application. Training begins the third week in January and will run for five consecutive Saturdays.