STERLING Scholar is a statewide program for public high school seniors who compete for the title by demonstrating outstanding achievement in academics, community service, and citizenship. Created by The Desert News and KSL Broadcast Group in 1962, Sterling Scholar is done across all of Utah, in the Wasatch Front, Northeast Utah, Central Utah, Southeast Utah, and Southwest Utah. Granger is included in the Wasatch Front area.
Seniors competing to be a Sterling Scholar have 14 categories to choose from. These categories range anywhere from computer science all the way to musical arts and dance. One person is nominated as a Sterling Scholar for each category in each school. Region winners will have a chance to compete at state.
Ms. Roberts-Nikyema oversees the Sterling Scholar program here at Granger. Sterling Scholars is a great opportunity for seniors to showcase skills in a school subject. “Competitions can help people focus on what they want in the future,” Ms. Roberts-Nikyema said. Taking a risk to put oneself out there builds character and a fundamental life skill.
Ms. Roberts-Nikyema also thinks that putting oneself out there by applying to be a Sterling Scholars, whether it is a win or loss for that particular senior, is beneficial. “Accepting loss gracefully in life is important,” Ms. Roberts-Nikyema said. Becoming a Sterling Scholar will look great when applying for college or for a job, and it teaches kids to be reflective about answering questions.
Daniella Armstrong (12) set out on becoming a Sterling Scholar. “It is a great opportunity to show off what you have done in high school and earn bragging rights with peers,” Armstrong said. She’s nervous, but excited to try out to be a potential Sterling Scholar. “It is going to be a lot of work, but it will help to strengthen my skills,” she said.
Another senior, Rachel Ta’ala (12), is set on becoming a Sterling Scholar. It is beneficial for anyone who is interested in trying out. “Academically, it looks good, especially for students who have taken AP classes,” Ta’ala said.
She sees Sterling Scholar as a fun challenge when other seniors are competing for the same position. “I also want to represent the Pacific Islander community, and show that we do more than just athletics,” Ta’ala said. She says it will be a nerve-wracking thing to do since there will be a lot of competition for a Sterling Scholar position.
Overall, being named a Sterling Scholar means many things to the students who are competing, to the advisors helping the process, and to the judges who are in charge of who gets to become a Sterling Scholar. In the end, only 14 seniors will be named Sterling Scholars, one for each of the 14 categories. The Sterling Scholar program is not just a valuable asset for college applications but also a life-changing experience. To all current seniors participating, and those who plan to in the future, remember to have fun with the process and good luck!S
