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Be a Triple Threat:
Combine Academics, Activities and Community Service
(ARA)
- "How can I improve my chances of getting into the college
of my choice?" That's a question that college admissions officers
hear frequently. It?s a good question since competition toughens
each year as the number of college applications continue to climb.
Admissions officers consider many factors when selecting members
of each new freshman class. Good grades will get a student's foot
in the door, but a strong mix of athletics, extracurricular activities
and community service will help them get through the doorway. Colleges
want students who can succeed in and out of the classroom.
With
this in mind, many high school educators are focusing on communicating
how important it is to become a well-rounded student who shows a
passion for the triple '"S" -- scholarship, sports and
service. In some cases, administrators are partnering with organizations
and companies that promote extracurricular activities and reward
students for their efforts via national recognition programs. In
fact, a growing number of scholarships are given to students based
on their overall achievements rather than strictly on academics
or sports.
According
to ACT (American College Testing) chief executive officer, Richard
L. Ferguson, the Wendy?s High School Heisman (WHSH) award exemplifies
an honor that specifically recognizes a senior male and female each
year who both excel not only in the classroom and in the field of
play, but also in their community. By answering the questions on
the WHSH application, students gain a sense of what college admissions
officers look for.
"When
teachers get involved right away, students begin the process of
cultivating relationships with faculty and other students,"
says Ferguson. "In doing this, students gain fundamental skills
such as leadership and the importance of giving back to the community.
This is why many high schools now require some form of service learning
to graduate."
In the
10 years the Wendy's award has been given, high school principals
around the country have nominated nearly 100,000 seniors for this
prestigious honor. Besides excelling in academics and athletics,
Wendy's High School Heisman nominees have also held other notable
positions including class president, editor-in-chief of the school
newspaper, and led community drug-awareness programs.
Continued,
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