Seniors in high school are encouraged to apply online for PA Media Group’s 2025 Best and Brightest award.
Seniors in high school who embody the potential of their class are recognized with this award.
The program, which has recognized over 600 high school seniors in a nine-county area since 1993, is in its 33rd year.
Online applications will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, March 5.Letters of recommendation and an essay are required for applications.
Online applications are available here.
Two panels evaluate applications. School administrators and educators, both present and retired, will make up the first round of judges. Community leaders from the arts, sports, government, religion, and education will make up the second group.
Although participation is not prohibited if a senior’s grade point average falls below 3.0 due to extenuating circumstances, they must have at least a B or 3.0 to be eligible.
Seniors in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, or York counties are required to attend a public or private high school, homeschool, or participate in online learning. Residents in the area who attend schools in other states or counties are not eligible.
Academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and contribution to the school, peers, and community are taken into consideration while making the selection. Two recommendation letters and an autobiographical essay are also required.
The online application allows for the submission of recommendation letters. Schools that want the letters to be kept private should send them to Deb Kiner at [email protected] via email, making sure to include the applicant’s name.
Students are asked to discuss any difficulties they have encountered in their essays.
A PennLive photographer will be required to snap the portraits of the 20 winners at our studio located in Hampden Township, Cumberland County.
Additionally, school guidance counselors at every high school in the nine-county area received an email with the application information.
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