Application Overview:

• All applications must be TYPED & COMPLETE.  

• You can apply in two categories (They need to be category-specific – you need to fill out each application specifically for each category). 

• Make sure you include a transcript (If you apply in two areas, you must attach one to each. It does not have to be an official transcript). 

• You must collect a Letter of Recommendation from a teacher.

• The ACT needs to have been taken (If you take an additional ACT and receive higher scores before the decision is made, please let us know).

• The Sterling Scholar application is located at https://sites.google.com/alpinedistrict.org/sterlingscholar-lphs. The application is a document; you can download it and save it, or you can fill it out and print it but not save it online.

• You will submit your Application, Transcript, and Letter of Recommendation under the Category-Specific Google Form Submission

Sterling Scholar Application Process:  

1. The applications will be delivered to each individual department for selection.

• Each individual department will read and review each application.

• All applicants will receive an interview by the category-specific department, and those will be held (TBA) Please arrange to be available during that time. You will be notified of your assigned interview. If you apply in more than one area, we will ensure your interview times do not conflict. 

• The categories of Fine Arts, Instrumental Music, Vocal Performance, Dance, and Speech/Drama will have a performance aspect to their interview. Come prepared to perform. 

• The departments will recommend their top candidates to the Sterling Scholar committee.

• The Sterling Scholar committee, LP administration, and the department for each category will make the final decision. 

2. There is a space on the top of the application that asks for a teacher recommendation – this simply needs to be the name of a teacher in that specific category area (if you are applying in science, a science teacher) who is willing to serve as a reference for you. You do not need a letter of recommendation from them, simply their name. If you are applying in more than one area, you need a category-specific teacher for each application. 

3. The application asks you about challenges you have overcome – especially ones that connect with your category. Be specific about how your category has helped you overcome those challenges.

Sterling Scholar winners at Lone Peak High School are determined based on the following areas:

• Category Area Academics and success – 15%

  • Abilities, accomplishments, and success within the content area

    • Any internships, camps, programs, seminars, or extra classes you have attended.

  • Category-specific classes, including AP and Honors (If you are in Social Studies, list the AP classes you have taken in that area; AP World, AP US, AP Government, etc. 

  • Involvement within the content area (extra-curricular, awards, experiences, etc.)

• Academics – 15%

• GPA, ACT, AP, and Honors courses not in your content area

• Awards (perfect attendance, student of the month or year); competitions/involvement, etc. 

• Leadership – 15%

• Category-area leadership is most important.

• School (Student Council, Honor Society, etc.)

• Seminars, internships, programs, and camps you have attended

• Clubs (leadership positions, help founding a club, etc.)

• Extra-curricular (academics, athletics, fine arts, etc.) 

• Community (school community council, youth city council, Eagle Scout, etc.)

• Ecclesiastical (church leadership positions, events you organized, areas you took initiative in, etc.)

• Service – 15%

- Service in and out of the category area is important.

- Individual service, school, clubs, community, scouting, ecclesiastical, etc. (Some may overlap with 

  leadership info but still list the service aspect. 

- Better if service is continuous/prolonged (like a recurring event), but a one-time service project is also 

   worth reporting. 

- Think of ways you may have helped others with your interest in your category, such as with 

   tutoring/teaching others.  (Service may also be something you’ve done unofficially.)

• Interview – 40%

• Be confident in who you are and what you have accomplished.

• Your personality matters as much as your accomplishments.

• Keep answers succinct; answer all parts of the question.  It is okay to ask for clarification or admit you don’t know something.

• Smile and make eye contact.

• Show your enthusiasm for your category.

• Depending on your category, you might consider dressing up.

Note: Please still apply, even if you feel you do not have a lot to list in a given area. We can help you gain more leadership or service over the next few months. We are also happy to help you with the interview process. 

The application is not a time for humility! Please tell us and show us what you have done, focusing mostly on 9th grade and up.  Spend time brainstorming (and asking others to help you brainstorm).  Edit your writing, so there are no obvious errors.  

If you are selected as a Lone Peak Sterling Scholar, you are expected to follow through in creating a portfolio, attending a few meetings, and engaging in practice interviews to compete at the Region level.  Please do not apply if you aren’t willing to follow through on the rest of the process. 

Interview Tips

• Be prepared

• Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and warm-up (if needed)

• Dress appropriately

• Make sure clothes are properly laundered, pressed and modest in appearance

• Turn off cell phone

• Have electronic devices needed for presentation (laptops, mp3 player, etc.) charged upon arrival

• Make eye contact

• Speak clearly

• Sit/stand up straight

• Listen carefully

• Give direct answers

• Smile

• Bring an example of your work (if possible)

• Relax and have fun

• Be courteous and allow the interview to end on time