WHAT IS A STERLING SCHOLAR?

The Sterling Scholar program is one of the most reputable scholarship programs in the state of Utah. A Sterling Scholar represents a senior who has shown a history of excellence in the areas of academic scholarship, leadership, community service, and citizenship. Sterling Scholars work for academic excellence by enrolling in higher-level classes (i.e. IB, AP, concurrent, and honor level classes), distinguishing themselves on state tests (i.e. ACT or SAT), and maintaining quality grades throughout their high school career (i.e. ideally a 3.0 and higher). Sterling Scholars are well-rounded individuals who show a history of community service (i.e. service starts before their senior year); who are actively engaged in their school and community; and are leaders in and out of the classroom.    

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

According to the Sterling Scholar website (www.sterlingscholar.org) the Sterling Scholar Awards are open to Utah public high school seniors. Each school may nominate only one (1) nominee in each of the fourteen categories and a nominee may be nominated in only one category. 

​Note: High school seniors who attend college classes full or part-time, or are classified as foreign exchange nominees, are also eligible for the Sterling Scholar Awards. However, the program is designed to recognize scholastic achievement in Utah public high schools. To be selected as a Sterling Scholar nominee, students must have extraordinary scholarship scores, in addition to experience in leadership and community service/citizenship opportunities at their Utah public high school.

HOW ARE STERLING SCHOLARS DETERMINED?

SCHOLARSHIP 

A nominee’s overall GPA, difficulty of class schedule, standardized test scores such as ACT and SAT, class ranking and similar scholarship items attained during high school will be used to establish points for Scholarship. Include updated AP Test and ACT/SAT information.

CATEGORY SCHOLARSHIP 

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.

CATEGORY EXPERTISE 

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.

LEADERSHIP 

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 

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 

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.

WHY APPLY?

Sterling Scholars are recognized as some of Utah's finest students; thus, being named a Sterling Scholar offers a number of additional opportunities for those selected. Besides gaining community and school recognition, many Sterling Scholars earn college scholarships, financial assistance, and even job opportunities. In addition, candidates learn skills that help them in their futures, including building a resume, learning interview skills and techniques, creating a working portfolio, and standing out as a professional.  

WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES?

WHAT ESSAYS WILL BE REQUIRED?

• Personal Biography: Provide basic background information about yourself. The goal is to introduce yourself to the judges, show your interest in your category and describe how your category has impacted your life.

• Scholarship Activity. This section indicates the advanced classes you have taken, awards you have earned, and competitions you have taken part in that showcase your success as a scholar.

• Leadership: Being a proactive leader goes beyond just holding the title. For instance, what actions did you perform in a leadership position? What ideas did you bring to fruition? What roles did you assume (i.e. motivator, tutor, organizer, and so forth)? Your goal is to stand out from the crowd.

• Community Service: Describe 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? How did you help organize a project? What long-term community service projects have you participated in? 

• Unique Qualities: Describe challenges that you have had to overcome, experiences that set you apart from the other applicants, and how these experiences 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?