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Qualifications

   Selection of winners and runners-up will be made on the basis of Scholarship, Leadership and Community Service/Citizenship as demonstrated through activity and interest in an area of high school education characterized by one of the program's categories.
   Each Sterling Scholar nominee's entire school experience will be considered, although emphasis will be placed on the high school years. High school officials are urged to nominate scholars for categories in which the students are genuinely interested and qualified.
   The general measurement will be defined and applied in this manner:

1. SCHOLARSHIP (50 POINTS). Scholarship consists of two sections: Overall Scholarship and Category Scholarship. A students overall GPA, difficulty of class schedule, standardized test scores such as ACT, class ranking and similar scholarship items attained during high school will be used to establish 25 points for Overall Scholarship. The other 25 point section is Category Scholarship, which emphasizes the nominee's ability and talent in their specific category. While judges will seek evidence of growth and service in all activities, the nominee's talent and aptitude towards their category will receive particular emphasis.
   
   
2. LEADERSHIP (25 POINTS). The qualities of leadership in Utah public high schools can be measured in part by the responsibilities placed on a student by his/her teachers and fellow students. However, evidence of positive influence with fellow students also shall be considered an indication of leadership.
   
   
3. COMMUNITY SERVICE/CITIZENSHIP (25 POINTS). 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 and acceptance of responsibility in contributing 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.

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Method of nomination

   Ultimately, selecting nominees is the responsibility of the school principal and not the Deseret Morning News or KSL Television. No specific method of selection is required, although the process provides an excellent opportunity to encourage scholarship. Accordingly, the opportunity to apply to the Sterling Scholar program should be open to as many students as possible.
   The following procedure is encouraged to determine each school's Sterling Scholar.

1. Principal selects and assigns a committee of school faculty, including a Sterling Scholar coordinator, to administer the nomination process of public high school seniors for Sterling Scholar Awards participation. (The Deseret Morning News and KSL Televison do not take part in the selection of nominees. This is left up to the individual schools, with the principals making the final decision.) ALL QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS AND PARENTS NEED TO BE DIRECTED TO THE INDIVIDUAL HIGH SCHOOL COORDINATOR, PRINCIPAL AND/OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND NOT THE DESERET MORNING NEWS OR KSL TELEVISION. ALL INQUIRIES MUST BE HANDLED BY THE SCHOOL COORDINATOR, PRINCIPAL OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, who is responsible for contacting the Deseret Morning News or KSL Television for clarification. (This includes parents, students, private teachers, etc.) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RULE MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF NOMINEE.
   
   
2. The committee should create a questionnaire that is distributed to students as a guide for evaluating activities, achievements and ambitions within an area of high school education that is characterized by one of the Sterling Scholar categories.
   
   
3. The completed questionnaire and supporting materials should be submitted to the principal and/or assigned committee for review. Departmental advisers should be contacted for aid in nominee recommendations based on the submitted questionnaire and additional information.
   
   
4. Ultimately, the principal will determine which individual in each category will be submitted as the school's official nominee.

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Judging

   In the Wasatch Front area, with 52 public high schools, semi-final judging is held on a regional basis to select finalists. Two to three judges will be provided in each category for each regional location if possible. Judges will come from among public high school educators, higher education and/or the private sector. Final judging occurs two weeks later. Two to four judges will work in each category, usually selected from the State Office of Education, higher education and among Utah's business and professional communities. Judges in each category work together but independently of all other judges. There are no provisions to allocate or distribute winners or runners-up among the schools. Judges are instructed to select the most qualified in each category without regard to school affiliation.
   Judging will be based on portfolios, exhibits and personal interviews. All nominees must be present at the appropriate time and place for their personal interview. There are no exceptions. Depending on unforseen circumstances, Deseret Morning News-KSL Television may reschedule judging interviews. No provisions will be made to schedule special interviews to suit individual needs or for a videotape, audiotape, PowerPoint presentation, etc. or another individual to represent that nominee. Teleconferencing is not permitted. ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGES ARE FINAL. Officials from the Deseret Morning News and KSL Television will not overrule any judges' decision absent clear and convincing proof of fraud or abuse. The Deseret Morning News and KSL Television reserves the right to alter judging of interviews and will notify nominees (schools) as may be appropriate.

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Formula for judging

   Judges will rate scholars on the following scale: Scholarship, 50 points (25 each for Overall and Category Scholarship); Leadership, 25 points; and Community Service/Citizenship, 25 points. To arrive at a composite score, judges will assign each scholar a rating from 0 to 50 on Scholarship and from 0 to 25 each in Leadership and Community Service/Citizenship, and then add the scores together such as in the following example:

Scholarship:
Overall Scholarship:	23
Category Scholarship:	24
Leadership:	21
Community Service/Citizenship:	24
TOTAL SCORE:	92

   Please note that many categories are very broad in description, therefore it is very unlikely that each Sterling Scholar nominee will have experience in all areas listed within these descriptions.
   Nominee portfolios will be available to judges several hours before interviews begin. It is recommended that judges first read the portfolios and assign preliminary scores. FOLLOWING THE 10-MINUTE INTERVIEW, SCORE SHEETS SHOULD BE RESTUDIED AND NEW VALUES ASSIGNED. In this respect, each judge should work independently, but the selection of finalists, runners-up or winners is made as a panel of judges. Semi-final judges select five finalists and final judges select one winner and two runners-up. Judges MUST NOT allow ties, co-winners or additional finalists.
   Supplies will be made available to judges for implementing the above formula. Judging sheets, scores and notes SHOULD NOT be disclosed to anyone at anytime. All paperwork listing scores for individual scholars should be destroyed and results of competition should remain confidential until official announcements are made.

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Guidelines for preparing portfolios

1. Each nominee's portfolio should be enclosed in an official Sterling Scholar Awards portfolio cover supplied to each high school by organizers. The name, category and high school of each nominee must be listed beneath the logo on the front cover of the portfolio in any manner, including printed label, calligraphy or laser printing.
   
   
2. Portfolios may not contain more than 10 single sheet pages. Clear sheet protectors may be used so that pertinent material may be displayed effectively on both sides. Lamination may also be utilized for cover and/or inside pages. Therefore, if a portfolio contained the maximum number of pages, it would allow 20 "exposures" on the 10 sheets. PLEASE NOTE: English category nominees are allowed four additional single-sided sheets for a total of 24 "exposures." Nominees are encouraged to utilize all pages.
   
   
3. Page 1 should be a nominee's ID page (not supplied by Sterling Scholar organizers) which includes only the nominee's name, photograph, category and school. Pages 2 and 3 should be the student entry forms (provided by organizers). Page 4 is a certified list of high school grades (must be stamped, bearing official school seal or principal's signature and should include class rank and cumulative GPA). Page 5 is principal's report (provided by organizers). Page 6 is the standardized test data sheet (provided by organizers). We realize that some students may not have taken all tests. Page 7 should be a one-page letter of recommendation by any teacher/instructor. Included in the letter should be the teacher's assessment of the individual with specific reasons for the recommendation plus examples of evidence as to why "this is the best student I have ever had" etc. Any remaining sheets following these required pages is up to the nominee's discretion. It is helpful for judges if sections for leadership and community service/citizenship are somehow identified.
   
   
4. PORTFOLIOS ARE NOT TO BE SCRAPBOOKS. Please be selective of material. These booklets must not contain any of the following: heavy cardboard, cloth pages, or more than two layers of paper used for design purposes. Please do not include originals of medals and award certificates. A photocopy of these items is recommended. Judges prefer more explanation rather than an overload of certificates and artifacts. Please describe what was meaningful, what you learned and what you accomplished.
   
   
5. A spiral, velo or similar binding, available at most copy shops, may be used to complete the portfolio. (No loose-leaf binders please.) It is necessary that portfolios open completely and quickly to facilitate the judging process. These booklets must be very durable because they must remain intact throughout the competition. Therefore we strongly suggest laminating the front and back covers to add reinforcement and durability to the portfolios.
   
   
6. Portfolios not adhering to these guidelines may result in deduction of points at the discretion of the judges.

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A word about photographs

   Nominee photographs should be approximately 3x5 inches of head (perpendicular) with shoulders only. (No hands, books, flowers, etc. in photo). Photographs may be color or black and white.
   Photograph students individually against any PLAIN or light-colored background. Avoid any background that would distract from the subject. If photographing outdoors, shoot with the sun or light on the student's face, never against his or her back. (NO LASER PRINTS.)
   All nominees' photos should be placed on a disk with the name of the student, category and school. A print-out with the required information should also be submitted along with the disk. However, if a school does not have the equipment to create a disk, individual photos may be submitted. A typewritten label with required information must be placed on the back of each photo.

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General information & instructions

TO ALL FACULTY, ADMINISTRATORS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS: PLEASE READ HANDBOOK CAREFULLY. Most questions will be answered by a review of these policies. Nominees MUST follow all guidelines and meet all school and Deseret Morning News deadlines.

ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS MUST SIGN A PARENT/STUDENT DECLARATION BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE STERLING SCHOLAR PROGRAM.

1. Entries will be accepted only from the principal of each school. This ensures the integrity of each nominee.
   
   
2. Nominees are to list their full name on all Sterling Scholar forms just as they wish it to appear in the newspaper publication. For example, PLEASE do not list parents as Mr. & Mrs. Bob Jones, instead include both mother and father's name i.e. Bob and Sue Jones. Organizers will be sensitive to situations involving divorced or single parents and step-parents. Please make intentions clear.
   
   
3. A foreign-born student attending an English-speaking public high school may not use English or their native tongue as a "foreign language." American Sign Language is not considered a foreign language. Nominees MUST be able to listen, speak, read and write their language.
   
   
4. For those participating in the Wasatch Front Sterling Scholar area, each school (coordinator, or principal) must complete and submit the "Report of School Nominees" form and "Parent/Student Declaration" form along with the nominee photos on disk along with a printout on or before Jan. 18, 2008. This deadline should not be confused with the deadline for portfolio submission on Feb. 4, 2008. Each list must be accompanied by a portrait photo, approximately 3x5 inches of each nominee. Photos may be black and white or color. All photos should be placed on a disk along with the name of the student, category and school. Please include a printout of photos with the above information also. (If a school does not have the proper equipment to create a disk, individual photos may be submitted as has been the procedure in the past. Please remember to include a typewritten label with required information on the back.) If individual photos are submitted, they will be returned to the school. (NO LASER PRINTS.) The Jan. 18, 2008 date should not be confused with the deadline for portfolio submission on Feb. 4, 2008. (This is the deadline for high school coordinators to have school portfolios to the Deseret Morning News. Students and parents should check with their school coordinator for school deadlines.)
   
   
5. Each Sterling Scholar nominee should submit a portfolio containing entry forms, exhibits and other information. This portfolio must conform to "Guidelines for Preparing Portfolios". For the Wasatch Front area, each school's portfolios should be delivered to the Deseret Morning News on or before Feb. 4, 2008. Portfolios can be delivered in person (by school coordinator, principal or assistant principal only) or shipped as a school to:

   Deseret Morning News
   Marketing/Promotions/Special Events Department
   30 E 100 S, Ste 400
   Salt Lake City, UT 84111

   PLEASE NOTE: Portfolios will not be accepted on an individual basis or by anyone other than the principal, assistant principal or coordinator. ALSO: Portfolios will be returned only to the school coordinator, principal or assistant principal the night of the awards ceremony.
   
   
6. Exhibits are allowed in all categories for interviews. Nominees will be responsible for transporting exhibits to and from places of judging. Exhibits that cannot be accommodated in portfolios should not be sent to the Deseret Morning News but should be reserved for judging interviews. Remember, upon entering the building, the number of exhibits taken to the interview is limited to what can be carried in the arms of the nominee in one trip without the help of others. (Parents, fellow nominees, etc. ARE NOT ALLOWED to assist in any way.)
   
   
7. Students will be judged on their portfolios, exhibits and personal interviews. The interviews are important and nominees should prepare for them. ALL NOMINEES MUST BE PRESENT AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE INTERVIEWS. FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PERSONAL INTERVIEW WILL BE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. All nominees must be present at the appropriate time and place for the interviews. Failure to participate in the personal interview may be grounds for disqualification. There are no exceptions. Depending on unforseen circumstances, the Deseret Morning News-KSL Television may reschedule judging of interviews. No provisions will be made to schedule special interviews to suit individual needs or for a videotape, audiotape, PowerPoint presentation, teleconferencing or another individual to represent that nominee. OFFICIALS FROM THE DESERET MORNING NEWS AND KSL TELEVISION WILL NOT OVERRULE ANY JUDGE'S DECISION. In addition, it is not practical to provide for special interview circumstances such as unusual musical instruments that are not available in most high schools. For example, if a nominee needs to play an organ or a marimba for their interview demonstration and an organ or a marimba is not available at the judging site, a video tape may accompany the nominee to the interview but advance notice is required.
   
   
8. Please remember, nominees should be counseled to bring only pertinent exhibits to interviews. Any samples, demonstration presentations, keepsakes, or any offering that could be interpreted as gifts for the judges are in extremely poor taste, are not allowed and may result in disqualification.
   
   
9. Regional programs follow these same basic Sterling Scholar guidelines but with their own schedule. Some procedures may vary.

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Scholarships & finanacial aid

BATC  |  BYU  |  BYU-IDAHO  |  CEU  |  DIXIE  |  LDS BUSINESS COL.
NEUMONT UNIV.  |  SLCC  |  SNOW  |  SUU  |  STEVENS-HENAGER
U. OF U  |  UTAH STATE  |  UVSC  |  WEBER STATE  |  WESTMINSTER

   Most colleges and universities in Utah and Brigham Young University–Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, offer financial assistance to top students in the Deseret Morning News-KSL Television Sterling Scholar Awards program. Some are offered to winners only while other institutions may offer scholarships also to runners-up. Some financial assistance also is offered to finalists or even nominees in the program. Several are renewable based on the student's grade point average. Therefore, you can see the awards vary. The following are participating educational institutions and their financial assistance for 2008 Sterling Scholars.

 » Bridgerland Applied Technology College, Logan — Full tuition waiver for enrollment in a full-time preparatory program beginning within one year of high school graduation to all winners. Runners-up will receive half tuition waivers.

 » Brigham Young University, Provo — One-year (two-semesters) full LDS tuition scholarships to all winners valued at $3,840 and one year (two-semesters) half LDS tuition scholarship to all runners up valued at $1,920, contingent upon admission to BYU by the appropriate deadline and maintaining good academic standing. Should you qualify for an academic scholarship at BYU, you will receive whichever scholarship is of greater value.

 » Brigham Young University - Idaho, Rexburg, ID — Full tuition scholarships offered to all winners for one year (two semesters) and half-tuition scholarships for one year (two semesters) to runners up, contingent upon admission to BYU-Idaho by the appropriate deadline. Winners and runners-up may not receive more than full tuition from BYU-Idaho for any one semester.

 » College of Eastern Utah, Price — A two year full tuition waiver and student fees scholarship to all state and regional winners and runners-up, valued at $4,321. Also, a two year full tuition waiver valued at $3,638 to all Sterling Scholars in each category named from their high school. Tuition waivers contingent upon recipients maintaining 15 credit hours per semester and a 3.0 semester GPA.

 » Dixie State College of Utah, St. George — Dixie State College offers one-year, full tuition waivers to Utah High School Sterling Scholar Winners ($2,100 value). Sterling Scholar scholarships, when used in conjunction with any other scholarships awarded from Dixie State College, cannot exceed the cost of full tuition. To claim this scholarship, the student must be admitted to Dixie State College and submit a copy of their Sterling Scholar Certificate to the scholarship coordinator. Contact Sue Perschon at sperschon@dixie.edu.

 » LDS Business College, Salt Lake City — One-year full LDS tuition to winners (valued at $2,600) and one-half LDS tuition to runners-up (valued at $1,300). Also, a full LDS tuition to runners-up in Business & Marketing Education. Scholarship contingent upon student meeting admissions requirements.

 » Neumont University - South Jordan — Winners and runners-up are eligible for the University's Technology Trendsetter Scholarship. Based on the student's merit and level of achievement, the Scholarship Committee will award scholarships at a level of 100 percent, 50 percent or 25 percent of tuition. Full-time enrollment is required.

 » Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City — (4) Full-year tuition waivers to offer (12 to 18 credit hours maximum) for two semesters in an eligible program offered to winners, runners up and finalists, valued at $2,168. Recipients must enroll in a minimum of nine credit hours (scholarship amount based on tuition for enrolled credit hours). Students are required to pay individual fees. Scholarship may be added to other awards but not in all cases. Sterling Scholar scholarships are given on a first-come, first serve basis. Scholarships are non-renewable and limited. Recipients must provide a copy of certificate or newspaper clipping of award.

 » Snow College, Ephraim — A two-year resident tuition scholarship is offered to a regional winner or runner-up in any Sterling Scholar category. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with an academic scholarship. To be eligible for any scholarship, students must submit the application for admissions and scholarships, postmarked on or before the “new” student scholarship deadline. Students seeking this scholarship must provide documentation to the scholarship office showing receipt of the Regional Sterling Scholar award by May 1 of the year awarded. Additional information on all available scholarships is available at www.snow.edu/scholarship.

 » Southern Utah University, Cedar City — Regional winners and runners-up will be eligible for a four year $3,000 per year scholarship with an index of 100 or higher. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.6 GPA to renew the four year scholarship. It is the responsibility of the student to contact and notify SUU of your award.

 » Stevens-Henager College, Ogden — The scholarship is for all high school nominees for either the bachelor or associate degree programs. Value up to $8,000.

 » University of Utah, Salt Lake City — A one-year (two semesters) tuition waiver valued at approximately $5,050 to any winners. Recipients are responsible for individual fees and must enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours but may enroll for as many as 18 credit hours per semester. Students are also invited to apply for general (freshman) scholarships by February 1. For additional information about scholarships, please check our web site at www.sa.utah.edu/finance.

 » Utah State University, Logan — Regional winners will receive a two-year full tuition scholarship. Regional runners-up will receive a two-year half tuition scholarship. Students must apply for admissions by Feb. 1. Qualified students should contact Katie Nielsen, Associate Director of Admissions, at (435) 797-0296 and provide a copy of the award.

 » Utah Valley State College, Orem — Any Regional winner is eligible to receive a four-year full tuition Exemplary Scholarship upon notifying the scholarship office of this award and upon completion of scholarship application and listed requirements including a 3.0 cumulative GPA.. All High School winners and region runners-up winners, are eligible for a one-year full tuition scholarship upon completion of scholarship application and listed requirements including a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Instructions to apply are located at www.uvsc.edu/finaid/scholarships.

 » Weber State University, Ogden — Regional winners will be awarded one year partial tuition ($2,200). Runners-up will receive partial tuition ($1,100). High School winners may be eligible for partial tuition scholarships ($1,000). The Scholarship Office must be notified by May 5 of any Sterling Scholar Awards. Recipient must maintain a 2.5 GPA.. Students must reapply in the Scholarship Office by Feb. 1 each year.

 » Westminster College, Salt Lake City — Renewable full-tuition scholarship to all winners, valued at $21,984. Renewable half-tuition scholarships to all runners up, valued at $10,992. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to renew the scholarship for up to four years. Full-time enrollment is required. Students who have been awarded an incoming scholarship (Presidential, Deans, Founders or Westminster) from Westminster and are also a Winner or Runner-up in the five Sterling Scholar Regional competitions will receive the single scholarship with the higher amount.

   Awards are listed as described by the institutions. Exact amounts are not included due to some changes in fee structures, and some restrictions may apply. Application must be made immediately; good for the 2008-2009 school year.

** All above subject to change