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At the end of last year, a group of 15 students were selected to represent programs around the school, chosen because of how they have lead and serviced in high school and communities.
Representing the school as a Sterling Scholar is an honor, and with that responsibility comes pros and cons.
The students have been given assignments to do throughout the year to fulfill their part as Sterling Scholar. Their first assignment was to gather project ideas that would be beneficial to the school and the community.
“Sterling Scholar is a service organization,” said Ben Cox, Sterling Scholar advisor and NS counselor.
After the ideas are gathered, the Sterling Scholars meet together to present and divvy out responsibilities regarding the projects for the upcoming year.
Senior year is a stressful time for all seniors, and Sterling Scholars feel extra stress and pressure as they prepare of their competition.
“Being a Sterling Scholar has definitely taught me how to cope with stress,” said Speech and Debate Sterling Scholar Emily Hill.
If you view Sterling Scholar solely as a scholarship, it can seem like a lot of work for an uncertain reward.
“[Sterling Scholar] requires a lot more time investment than other scholarships,” said Mathematics Sterling Scholar Trevor Ence.
On the other hand, the program improves students work ethic and prepares them for college in multiple ways.
“I think that [the Sterling Scholar program] focuses on what a lot of colleges are interested in,” said Thomas DeGroff, Science Sterling Scholar. “You can have really good test scores and grades, but unless you have activities or service projects to back that up and show who you are and what you are willing to do, then it’s not going to get you very far.”
The program also prepares students to be able to create a powerful portfolio and resume that represents them for who they are.
“Sterling Scholar has a lot of rewards, many of which are intrinsic,” said Cox. “Obviously there are scholarships that students can get, and it looks good on a resume, which is often why kids choose to do it, but I don’t think this is anywhere near where the real benefit is.”
Sterling Scholars have many opportunities to better the community and school which in turn strengthens them, building their character in ways they might not even notice.
“If you’re willing to work hard for yourself rather than just fulfilling requirements to get a scholarship, then it’s worth it,” DeGroff said.
NS has experienced much success in past years with the highest percentage of winners and runner-ups coming from one school. This is due to the amount of time and effort the students and advisors put into the program, if there’s any school you want to be a Sterling Scholar for, it’s NS.
