For scholarship in English, literature, journalism, creative writing and allied subjects. Examples of work either published or prepared as classroom assignments, or abstracts of same, may be submitted. The degree of thought, maturity, originality, and technical skill shown in the examples will aid in selecting winners.
For scholarship and achievement in one or more areas of speech, theater arts and forensics: debate, public speaking, oral interpretation, and/or theatrical singing. Nominees are not expected to have experience in all listed fields but expertise in at least one discipline. Nominees should include in their portfolios two examples of their work or demonstration of their activities related to this category. Where possible, students are encouraged to submit their student record of accomplishments from the National Forensics League and/or International Thespian Society. They should also be prepared to give a brief description of a past speech and theater arts performance, appropriate to their specialty, approximately three to five minutes in length. (Nominees should not be discouraged if judges interrupt the performance so they can continue the interview.) Costumes are not allowed.
For scholarship and achievement in mathematics as demonstrated by initiative, an outstanding record in mathematics competitions or tests and for evidence of potential contributions to mathematical knowledge. Scholars should submit state and national math scores and other standardized mathematics test scores. Nominees should be prepared to calculate a mathematic equation(s) in the judging interviews. Emphasis may be placed on the method used by the nominee to approach the equation(s). Each nominee should indicate in the portfolio the area(s) of greatest interest and proficiency.
For scholarship and achievement in the field of history, American government, world affairs and related subjects. The nominee may have shown inventiveness in relating social sciences to existing problems and in translating concepts into experiment. Scholars may have stimulated unusual interest in one of these areas on the part of other students. Each nominee should indicate in the portfolio the area(s) of greatest interest.
For scholarship in health sciences and technology, advanced work, inventiveness or outstanding service or achievement in the field of chemistry, physics, biology, earth sciences, physiology and related subjects. Imagination, originality or special contributions will receive major consideration
For outstanding scholarship and persistence in the study of world language. Nominee should have made unusual contributions to the field of world language study or demonstrated increasing interest in such studies at their school. Rankings received in world language festivals and similar activities should be submitted. Students should submit a brief resume of any particular language projects or excursions in which they have been involved. They should demonstrate their ability to communicate in the language by speaking, listening, reading and/or writing. For languages lacking a written component such as American Sign Language and some Native American languages, a translation, interpretation or literature exercise demonstrating skills in grammar, syntax, and artistic forms may replace the written component. World language includes any language, other than English, offered for credit in the general curriculum of any high school, college or university within the state of Utah. A foreign-born nominee attending an English-speaking high school may not use English or his/her native tongue as a "world language." Candidates may not compete in a language spoken in their home (native language). Deaf nominees, for whom ASL is their first language, are considered native language users. Children of deaf parents are considered in the same manner as children of first generation native world language users.
For exceptional artistic talent or expression in the fields of painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, commercial art, art crafts, or multimedia presentation. The nominee may have contributed significantly to school morale by posters or decorative work. The creative ability of the student
For outstanding scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: Computer programming, interfacing, networking, repair, construction, design and illustration, media and multi-media, or other related fields. The nominee may have won awards or recognitions, implemented their skills in behalf of their school and community or demonstrated innovative progress in their field.
For outstanding scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: automotive services, automotive collision repair, cabinetmaking/millwork, carpentry, cosmetology/barbering, drafting/CADD, graphics/printing technology, law enforcement, machinist technician/CNC, welding, and other related fields. The nominee may have won awards in competitions, devised equipment or materials for school use or shown unusual progress in this study. Also, nominees are not expected to have experience in all listed fields, but expertise in at least one discipline.
For outstanding scholarship and achievement in agriculture science. The nominee may have won awards in competitions, devised equipment or materials for school use or shown unusual progress in this study.
For outstanding achievement in child development, clothing and textiles, consumer education, foods and nutrition and other aspects of life skills. Nominees may have won awards in youth organizations, other competitions or may have used skills to render conspicuous service to their school, church or other organizations. Exhibits must be limited to those that can be carried in one trip without help from others.
Demonstrate a high level of scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: Business management, non-profit management, accounting, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing and other fields related to business occupations. Nominees may have won awards in competitions or exhibited proficiency in working with or in small or large businesses. Nominees may have held elected offices, captainships, and other evidences or peer acknowledged leadership. Nominees are also encouraged to provide evidence of successful outside activities that support business career development and interests.
For demonstrating outstanding ability and growth in the field of music. Exceptional talent in vocal or instrumental music will be considered, but service to school or community through this talent also will be among determining qualifications. Judges will not overlook the less talented person who is a symbol of service in the music department. Scholars are encouraged to keep the presentation limited to five minutes. Nominees should bring their own instruments and should arrange for an accompanist if one is desired. Vocal and instrumental talents are considered equal.
For demonstrating exceptional skill, achievement and creative expression in artistic dance. Portfolios should include training received, dances choreographed, major performances and dance service rendered to the school, church and/or community. Nominees should be prepared to demonstrate their technique and choreographic skills by performing a composition, approximately two minutes in length that they have choreographed themselves. They may be asked to respond to an improvisation problem during part of the interview. Nominees should not be discouraged if judges interrupt the performance so that they may continue the interview. A partner is allowed for ballroom dance only but the partner must be a high school student.
This category is intended to provide recognition for the highly capable scholar who uses exceptional ability in the interest of others. The nominee for this category must have achieved high excellence in all fields without noticeable weaknesses. The choice of a candidate in this category is to be made on grounds of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, character and service in all fields.