Want to Win Scholarships? Study Past Winners

Last night, I attended the yearly ceremony for Sterling Scholar.  I have been proud of our students that have competed over the years.  Sterling Scholar is a rigorous examination of all they have accomplished in one specific academic area, while also looking for the "Big Three" of Leadership, Activity Involvement, and Service (see "Big Three" Post).  This year one of our students, Blaine Whitford advanced as a semi-finalist, and another student Lizzie Miller, advanced to become a finalist in this competition, which has only happened for two other students from DaVinci Academy (Daniel Amsel, '11; Sheyne Anderson, '11).  A huge shout-out to both Blaine and Lizzie for excellent work in this competition--we are so proud of them!

As I sat in the auditorium, listening to excerpts from the winning student's portfolio and essay, I was struck (again) by the depth that is demanded to be in the running for such a competition.  As with most things on this blog, I've given out this advice in person, but I'm finally putting it in print:
if you want to win scholarships, look at what past winners have done.  Don't copy them, of course, but learn from their level of commitment in their activities and leadership, academic strength, and far-reaching service.  That way, you are placing yourself on the level to play against students around the state and country in multiple scholarship competitions.  The reason I say this is that students at DaVinci benefit from a small environment, but that can be detrimental if you forget that you are competing from students across the state when it comes to college admittance and scholarship winnings.

Back to Sterling Scholar.  I've said before that the reason we spend a lot of time helping our students understand Sterling Scholar is that it is the template for 90% of all other scholarships.  If you prepare for Sterling Scholar--you're prepared for scholarships.  And the best way to prepare for Sterling Scholar is to know what Sterling Scholar Winners are doing...which is why watching the Awards Assembly is so helpful.

I understand that most families didn't make it to Salt Lake last night.  No worries--Sterling Scholar has already uploaded a recording of the entire night.  It's 1 hour and 22 minutes long, but you will start to notice a trend if you watch even half of the categories, which I would recommend.  There are 14 categories students can compete in, which are:

       English
       Social Science
       World Languages
       Mathematics
       Science
       Computer Technology
       Skilled & Technical Sciences Education
       Business & Marketing
       Family & Consumer Sciences
       Speech / Theatre Arts / Forensics
       Vocal Performance
       Instrumental Music
       Dance
       Visual Arts

Also, if you are thinking of competing in a specific area, be sure to watch that segment.  Enough of the explanation, go on and watch it yourself:

                              Sterling Scholar Awards Night