Local high school students learned more about their higher-education opportunities during a program last week.

College Night, held at Central High School (CHS) on Nov. 2, was open to students from all grade levels, as well as their families. Stephanie Powers, head of CHS’ guidance department, said about 135 people attended. Students and their families ate pizza and learned how college attendance could affect their life, how to pay for college and where to find scholarships.

Education Credit Management Corp. (ECMC) sponsored the event.

All high school students in attendance were eligible for three ECMC $500 scholarships.

At the end of the night, students Riley Jones, Mykal Ellison and Megan Dech had the scholarships in hand.

ECMC is a nonprofit company providing programs like College Night to help families and students plan and pay for college.

CHS also hosted Super FAFSA Night on Tuesday where experienced volunteers assisted students and parents in completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

For the fourth year in a row, Central will also celebrate Virginia College Application Week (VCAW). The school will encourage all seniors to apply to at least one college. Representatives from colleges will be at the school to speak with students and various college admissions counselors will be on hand to provide free applications for the students.

VCAW is Nov. 14-18. Students should contact the Central Guidance Department at (434) 696-2137 for more information.