What is Sterling Scholar? 

The Sterling Scholar Awards is a scholarship competition sponsored by KSL Television and the Deseret Morning News for all Utah public high school seniors.  Each school may nominate one student in each of fourteen categories:  English, mathematics, social science, science, world languages, computer technology, skilled and technical sciences education, family and consumer sciences, business and marketing, speech/theater arts/forensics, visual arts, instrumental music, vocal music, and dance. Once chosen as a nominee, the student will complete a portfolio and enter the area competition (Jordan High competes in the Wasatch Central Area).  Four students from the area competition will be selected as Wasatch Region Finalists.  One finalist from the region will be selected as this year’s Sterling Scholar.  Scholarships are awarded to region winners and runners-up.  For more information see http://www.sterlingscholar.org/ .  Judging will be based on portfolios and personal interviews that demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

SCHOLARSHIP (20%)

A nominee’s overall GPA, difficulty of class schedule, class ranking and similar scholarship items attained during high school will be used to establish points for Scholarship.

CATEGORY EXPERTISE (20%)

Emphasis is placed on the nominee’s ability and talent in their specific category. While judges seek evidence of growth and service in all activities, the nominee’s talent and aptitude within their category will receive particular emphasis in this judging phase. 

LEADERSHIP (20%)

The qualities of leadership in Utah public high schools can be measured in part by the responsibilities placed on a nominee by his/her teachers and fellow nominees. However, evidence of positive influence with fellow nominees also shall be considered an indication of leadership. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE/CITIZENSHIP (20%)

Each Sterling Scholar nominee should exhibit a record of high standards of citizenship throughout his/her high school years. Service to school, community or other organizations will be considered. The nominee’s attitude toward the acceptance of responsibility in contribution roles, as well as seeking out service opportunities will be especially important. Evidence of a long-term commitment to service will also receive particular attention. 

INTERVIEW (20%) 

During the interview judges will evaluate the nominee’s ability to answer questions pertaining to their category. Body language, technical knowledge, communication skills, and plans for continued education in the category will all be included in the interview point assessment. 

Students will be judged on the portfolio that they submit. Each portfolio should include:

• Personal Biography-Basic background information about yourself especially what in your life shows your interest in your field, and how it has impacted your life.

• Scholarship Activity-Classes you have taken, awards you have earned, competitions you have taken part in that shows your advanced ability as a scholar.

• Leadership-How you have been a proactive leader going beyond just holding the title, how did you make a change. You are wanting to stand out from the crowd.

• Community Service-Specific opportunities where you have been a leader in service. What was a need in the community that you saw and what did you do about it.

• Unique Qualities-Challenges that you have had to overcome, experiences that set you apart from the other applicants, and how does it relate to the subject you are applying for.

• Life Enrichment-How is this subject going to affect your life, and how are you going to include it in your future.

Application

You should be signed in to your csddocs account to complete this application.  Please take your time as you are filling out the application and follow all the directions given to you.

*In addition to this application, a faculty recommendation and transcript are required.

If you have any questions please talk to Mrs. Brimhall in room E 112 or Ms. Carr in room E 102. Applications need to be completed and submitted in by 3 P.M. on Thursday, September 25th, 2025.