The need for student role models has never been greater. The media is filled with stories about youth involved in crime, sex, drug use and assorted other social problems. This is obviously not where the student role models are to be found. They are busy being involved in athletics, performing and visual arts, student government, and school and community activities. They are leading, helping and achieving. They represent America’s best and brightest students.
The need to honor these students also has never been greater. These students, by nature, will be involved. A broader base of scholarships for them translates into more time to pursue excellence in academic and professional interest, more time to be involved in campus and community activities and more time to make a difference.
As a finalist in the “Honored Scholar Program of the National Alliance for Excellence,” I am still competing for the limited scholarship funds available. I’ve been told that I am an exceptionally well-rounded student. Although not a straight-A student, I have an A- average, have lettered in three sports (all-area in one), performed lead roles in a number of theater productions, been selected three times for Who’s Who Among American High School Students and been selected as one of the “Best of District 214.” Because I am deaf, my success has put me in the special position of being a role mode for younger kids who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. It also has allowed me to clarify that deaf people are no different from anyone else and can achieve at the same high level as equally skilled hearing people.
Yet scholarship opportunities are limited. They tend to fall into one of several groups: those for the financially needy, those for students with straight A’s and very high ACT/SAT scores, and those for athletics. A broader base of scholarship funds means more opportunity for those of use who are considered among the best and brightest students, but who are outside of the above groups. Given the opportunity and the luxury of time, we will be involved, we will make a difference, and we will continue to be role models for younger students.
