By: Dustin Smith Photo Credit: BRHS Yearbook Staff Sterling Scholars are a group of 14 students that each specialize in a certain academic category. The categories include dance, mathematics, visual arts, business and marketing, family and consumer science, social sciences, world languages, instrumental music, vocal performance, English, skilled & technical sciences, science, computer technology, and speech/theatre arts/forensics. Sterling Scholars create portfolios that include work or samples of their accomplishments in their specified areas. On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, the school board took the time to recognize and congratulate the Sterling Scholars. Mark Johnson, a member of the school board, said, “We like to take the time to congratulate the students for all of their hard work during the school year, and to finish strong to the end!” All of the students received a letter from Box Elder School District saying, “Dear student, good job on being your school’s sterling scholar. Keep up the good work.” Heidi Jensen, the English Department Head, is the school’s sterling scholar coordinator and has held this position for the last five years. Mrs. Jensen began to get involved with Sterling Scholars when she wanted to better help the English Sterling Scholar. Of this, Mrs. Jensen said, “Years ago I was trying to help my English Sterling Scholar create a portfolio that would make it to state finals. But I didn't know much about the program, so I wasn't very much help. As I did research to learn more about Sterling Scholars, I realized the program offered scholarship opportunities and opened doors for my students who were college-bound anyway. When I talked to the coordinator, he expressed the idea that he was running out of time to really give the program his full attention and was hoping someone could help or take over, so Mrs. Hewlett and I talked and decided to take on the program.” The Sterling Scholar program is unique to Utah and reaching the state level is a great accomplishment. As this is the highest level, Mrs. Jensen strives to prepare students and takes great pride in her students: “I have had a total of eight [students go to state] since I took over the program. This year we had three, last year two, and one the year before and two the year before that. It has been wonderful to have my kids reach state.” Mrs. Jensen enjoys seeing students excel and be creative. One of her favorite experiences was when “one year...the Sterling Scholar for family and consumer sciences...used her skills the most when she taught little kids how to water ski. The judges just soaked that up and loved it.” Mrs. Jensen wants to encourage students to consider the program and said, “Becoming a Sterling Scholar is hard work, but the recognition and scholarships that come with Sterling Scholar are worth every minute.” The Bear River High School Sterling Scholars for 2020-2021
Dance: Noelle Meeds (Regional Runner Up) Mathematics: Nathan Kay Visual Arts: Cierra Macfarlane Business & Marketing: Jenna Haws (State Runner Up, top 10) Family & Consumer Sciences: Dustin Smith World Languages: Bailey Bjorn Instrumental Music: Madyson Mickelsen Vocal Performance: Carisa Epling English: Skyy Schuffenhauer (State Runner Up, top 10) Science: Jefferson Kowallis Computer Technology: John Coker (Regional Runner Up) Speech/Theatre Arts/Forensics: Kolten Cutler (State Runner Up, top 10)
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