If a young Alexander (or Alexandra) Hamilton were a high-school student today, what would he or she do? This person would be a high achiever, excited and positive about the future, generally involved and engaged in community affairs, and perceived by peers as a leader. This award is given based on 5 criteria — community service, participation in school extracurricular activities, scholastic acumen, entrepreneurial skill, and personal achievement. The first two listed criteria are service-related and the others are achievement-related.
Community Service. Service that impacts the area beyond the school can be associated with a variety of activities. Winners in 2005 organized city-wide fund-raising drives for tsunami relief, cancer research, and the construction of primate cages for an animal shelter in Pennsylvania.
Participation in School Extracurricular Activities. School-related activities last year included participation in science fairs, student council programs, debate forums, and other non-athletic school programs. Two 2005 winners organized recycling programs at their schools.
Scholastic Acumen. Scholastic achievement is measured primarily by the candidate’s grade point average (GPA). However, candidates are encouraged to submit additional information, such as academic awards or college test scores, that indicates a high level of academic achievement.
Entrepreneurial Skill. One 2005 winner founded a company to manufacture restaurant menus in Braille so that blind customers could navigate choices on their own. General work experience may also count as an entrepreneurial activity when the work is used to support some other area of significant achievement. Participation in Junior Achievement is considered entrepreneurial.
Personal Achievement. Personal criteria include such areas as athletic, artistic, or creative achievements not covered under the first two personal achievement criteria. Prior winners have included champions in tae kwon do and rodeo barrel racing. These achievements may be pursued either at school or outside.