Well, as someone who got a lot of those awards (I got every award I would eligible to get in my foreign language, and I got three math awards when i was in high school), I can tell you what I did. First off, you need to study hard and get an A in your class. Second, you need to participate in class, so offer your opinions if you are having a class discussion, and answer questions when the teacher asks them. Actually look like you are interested in the class at all times, and always pay attention. Be courteous as well. Don’t try to kiss up to a teacher–they can see right through it. Show humility, and don’t put your foot in your mouth at any point. Also, don’t show any teacher that you are stressed about getting high grades in any of your classes. One time I said something in front of a teacher along the lines of this: I wouldn’t get into a certain college if I didn’t get straight A’s. I think the teacher disliked me from that point on because he thought I only cared about my grades. In reality, I was just stressed out and really did care about learning, but I don’t think the teacher ever figured that out. So even though I earned the highest grade in the four sections of that class, I did not get the award.

That said, you probably won’t get an award in any areas you aren’t the best in, or very close to being the best in-I never managed a science award, an English award, or a social studies award because I wasn’t any better than the other good students in my class. Also, I never did manage to pick up an award that was given in a class with a lot of students–usually, only one or two awards are given out among multiple sections of the same class. (In my case, Latin classes only had about 30 total students, one math class for which I received an award had 17 students, and in another math class in which I received an award, though there were about 60 students between the two sections, I had virtually no competition, since nobody except me and a couple of others paid attention in class and took class seriously) So don’t get your heart too set on them–though you’ll probably pick up at least one award in high school if you study hard and do the things I tell you.

Honesty and humility. I think when my students are upfront with me without being an a@# about it i appreciate it more than trying to wiggle your way out of a situation.

I also think humilty goes a long way and i don’t mean being humble as to the extent of being a push over but knowing your p’s and q’s will definately score you major points and make you stand out above the rest.

Don’t kiss up to your teachers because seasoned teachers can smell you from a mile…Just be down to earth, respect teachers as human beings and as people who are imparting knowledge (no matter how they do it) and you will find that they will respect you more for it. Oh and if you want to correct your teacher on something..maybe he/she made a mistake in class by quoting wrongly or something, always wait after class and tell your teacher this in private.He/she will appreciate it more.

As to a criteria in terms of academics, i’d stay read what is given to you and do more. Meaning you’ve got to take your own initiative and read up more about the given topic. Ask questions. If you have comments or ideas – bounce off these ideas with your teacher. He/she will know you’re serious about what you’re doing and you don’t take your work for granted….Good luck

Intelligence of course — but mainly I look for effort and the willingness to go above and beyond the course requirements. And actually by intelligence I mean a natural affinity for the course; someone who is interested in the subject matter so they actually study and try to do the best they can.

I look for the students who do well in the class and also bring in newspaper & magazine articles, Internet articles, books, CDs, DVDs — that relate to the subject matter. This shows me that they are INTO the subject and spend their own time on the subject.

These are the students that are tops in my book!!