The Deseret News and KSL Television developed the Sterling Scholar program to recognize outstanding seniors in a public setting. A venue was created to present cash awards, tuition waivers and scholarships to students who show extraordinary accomplishment and effort throughout their school experience. Students are selected and judged based on academic/scholastic achievement, leadership and citizenship.
The Southwest Region Sterling Scholar program and other Sterling Scholar regions within the state of Utah function independently but emulate the Deseret News guidelines in their handbooks. Some exceptions are made because of the rural areas that it serves.
All questions regarding the Sterling Scholar program must be directed to the school or district coordinator and not the Deseret News or KSL Television.