Categories
For the Wasatch Front program, public recognition will be given to all nominees, finalists, winners and runners-up through media exposure. The two runners-up in each category will receive a cash award of $250 in addition to scholarship opportunities. One winner in each category will receive a cash award of $1,000, plus be eligible for scholarships as well as a chance to win the all around "General Sterling Scholar" Award granted to one of the 13 category winners, which includes an additional $1,500 cash award. (Cash awards may vary from year to year.)
The Sterling Scholar Awards will recognize 13 different categories of nominees from each high school.
After semi and final judging competitions have been held, additional judges will be brought in to determine "The General Sterling Scholar" from among the winners in each of the other 13 categories. In order to determine the "General Sterling Scholar" winner, judges will utilize portfolio information as well as previous judging information. No interviews will occur. Judging criteria will remain the same, in that each of the 13 winners will be judged on Scholarship, Leadership and Community Service/Citizenship as applied to their own category. The overall "General Sterling Scholar" winner will be named in the final moments of the awards ceremony after all 13 winners and 26 runners-up have been recognized. There will be no runners-up to the "General Sterling Scholar."
The awards are for the following catgories:
English
For scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: creative writing, English, journalism, literature and related subjects. Two examples of work, either published or prepared as classroom assignments, must be submitted. There will be an additional four, single-sided portfolio pages allowed for this submission. The quality of thought, maturity, originality and technical skill will be considered.
Mathematics
For scholarship and achievement in mathematics and related areas. Scholars may exhibit outstanding records in mathematics competitions and evidence of potential contributions to mathematical knowledge. Nominees should be prepared to calculate a mathematical equation(s) in the judging interviews. Students should submit state and national math scores and other standardized mathematics test scores.
Social Science
For scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: American government, geography, history, economics, social issues, world affairs and/or related subjects. Scholars should have a broad background in the social sciences and demonstrate, exemplify and practice good citizenship. The nominees may have shown inventiveness in relating social studies to existing problems and in translating concepts into experiment.
Science
For scholarship and achievement in advanced work, inventiveness or outstanding service in one or more of the following areas: biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, health science, science and related subjects. Imagination, originality or special contributions will receive major consideration in judging.
Foreign Language
For outstanding scholarship and persistence in the study of a foreign language. Students should have made unusual contributions to the field of foreign language study or demonstrated increasing interest in such studies at their school. Rankings received in foreign language festivals should be submitted. Students should also submit a brief resume of language projects or adventures in which they have participated. Nominees should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to communicate in the language of speaking, listening, reading and writing. PLEASE NOTE: A foreign-born student attending an English-speaking high school may not use English or their native tongue as a "foreign language."
Computer Technology
For outstanding scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: Computer programming, interfacing, networking, repair, construction, design and illustration, media and multimedia, 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. PLEASE NOTE: Upon entering the building, for either semi-final or final interviews, any interview exhibits, displays and/or artwork MUST be limited to what can be carried in the arms of the nominee without the help of others. (Parents, fellow nominees, etc. may not assist in any way). Nominees may not use carts or similar devices.
Trade and Technical Education
For outstanding scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: agriculture sciences, automotive services, automotive collision repair, cabinetmaking/millwork, carpentry, cosmetology/barbering, drafting/CADD, graphics/printing technology, law enforcement, machinist technician/CNC, welding, film making 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. PLEASE NOTE: Upon entering the building, for either semi-final or final interviews, any interview exhibits, displays and/or artwork MUST be limited to what can be carried in the arms of the nominee without the help of others. (Parents, fellow nominees, etc. may not assist in any way). Nominees may not use carts or similar devices.
Family and Consumer Sciences
For outstanding scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: child development and care, interior design, family living, food and nutrition, culinary arts, clothing and fashion and other life skills. Nominees are not expected to have experience in all listed fields, but expertise in at least one discipline. Nominees may have won awards in youth organizations, other competitions or may have used skills to render service to their school, church or other organizations. PLEASE NOTE: Upon entering the building, for either semi-final or final interviews, any interview exhibits, displays and/or artwork MUST be limited to what can be carried in the arms of the nominee without the help of others. (Parents, fellow nominees, etc. may not assist in any way). Nominees may not use carts or similar devices.
Business and Marketing
For scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: business management, accounting, data processing, word processing and other fields related to business occupations. Nominees may have won awards in competitions or exhibited proficiency in office technology. Nominees are also encouraged to provide evidence of successful outside activities that support business career development and interests. PLEASE NOTE: Upon entering the building, for either semi-final or final interviews, any interview exhibits, displays and/or artwork MUST be limited to what can be carried in the arms of the nominee without the help of others. (Parents, fellow nominees, etc. may not assist in any way). Nominees may not use carts or similar devices.
Speech/Drama
For scholarship and achievement in one or more of the following areas: debate, drama, musical theater, theater, public speaking or other forensic events. Nominees are not expected to have experience in all listed fields, just expertise in at least one discipline. Nominees should include in their portfolios two examples of their work or descriptions of their activities related to this category. They should also be prepared to give a brief demonstration of public or oral communication, appropriate to their specialty, approximately two to three minutes in length. (Nominees should not be discouraged if judges interrupt the performance so that they can continue the interview.)
Visual Arts
For scholarship and achievement in creative expression in one or more of the following areas: drawing, artistic photography, commercial art, mixed media, graphic art, painting, sculpture and related fields. The nominee may have demonstrated professional potential in one or more disciplines, contributed outstanding service to the school and successfully competed in district and state art shows. Visual Arts nominees must show some examples of artwork in their portfolio.
Music
For demonstrating outstanding scholarship and achievement in one or more of the areas of music. Exceptional talent in composition, vocal or instrumental music will be considered, but service to school or community through this talent also will be among determining qualifications. Nominees should be prepared to demonstrate their musical talent during a period of two to three minutes by playing an instrument or singing. For information on judging interviews, please see #7 under General Information. (Nominees should not be discouraged if judges interrupt the performance so that they may continue the interview.)
Dance
For demonstrating exceptional skill, achievement and creative expression in artistic dance (ballroom dance included). Portfolios should include training received, dances choreographed, major performances and dance service rendered to the school or community. Nominees should be prepared to demonstrate their technique and choreographic skills by performing a self-choreographed solo composition, approximately two minutes in length. Nominees will also be asked to respond to an improvisational problem during part of the interview. No performance videos required. (Nominees should not be discouraged if judges interrupt the performance so that they may continue the interview.)