By MJ Marggraff, SNHS Board Member 

The 2026 SNHS Student Scholarship application period has officially closed, and we were honored to receive nearly 300 applications this year. This is a powerful testament to both the talent of our members and the competitiveness of the selection process. For students considering applying in future years, we hope this article offers insight and inspiration as you begin preparing your own application.

The SNHS Student Scholarships are awarded based on several things: being a high-performing student, earning good test scores, and showing what you did while in high school. Here’s what some of the most outstanding SNHS scholarship winners did.

Their stories could be your story too — of curiosity, commitment, and impact. That is what wins SNHS scholarships, other scholarships, and college admissions.

What SNHS Scholarship Winners Did — and Why It Matters for You

You don’t earn a scholarship by doing everything.
You earn it by doing a few things well — and letting them change you.

When SNHS scholarship winners look back, they rarely say:

“I joined the most clubs.”

What they do say — sometimes without realizing it — is this:

Outstanding Words That Show Up Again and Again

Commitment. Initiative. Curiosity. Growth. Impact. Leadership. Service. Purpose.

These aren’t buzzwords. They describe patterns of action over time.

What They Actually Did (in Real Life)

They started early — and stayed with things

They didn’t wait until junior year to “get serious.”
They picked a few meaningful activities in 9th or 10th grade and stayed involved long enough to grow, lead, and improve them.

They explored new challenges

They tried things that felt:

• Hard
• New
• Slightly uncomfortable

Research projects. Leadership roles. Science competitions. Tutoring. Starting something that didn’t exist yet.

They weren’t afraid to be beginners.

They took initiative

Instead of asking “What should I join?”, they asked:

• “What needs improving?”
• Who could I help?"
• “What problem do I care about?”

Many:

• Designed service projects
• Mentored younger students
• Led chapter efforts
• Turned curiosity into real action

They changed — and helped others change

Over time, they became:

• More confident
• Better communicators
• Stronger leaders
• More thoughtful problem-solvers

And along the way, they helped:

• Younger students feel included
• Their SNHS chapter grow stronger
• Their community benefit in real ways

Scholarship committees notice growth — not perfection.

Why This Makes a Difference (For You and Others)

For you

• You build a story that actually means something
• You discover what you care about before college
• You’re prepared to write powerful applications — because you’ve lived them

For others

• Your effort improves clubs, schools, and communities
• Your leadership opens doors for students who come after you
• Your service leaves something better than you found it

Think Long-Term: A Simple Way to Plan

Ask yourself this each year:

“What am I building — and who does it help?”

You don’t need a résumé yet.
You need direction.

Choose activities that:

• Interest you now
• Stretch you a little
• Allow you to grow over time

That story — of curiosity, commitment, and impact — is what wins SNHS scholarships, other scholarships, and college admissions.

And more importantly?

It helps you become someone you’re proud to be. Start Early. Grow With Purpose. Make an Impact.

Here’s a Roadmap for Your HS Years

– inspired by SNHS scholarship winners – 

The Roadmap’s Path (in 4 Stages for each year)

Stage 1 — Discover (Freshman Year)

What this looks like

• Join 1–2 activities you’re genuinely curious about
• Attend SNHS meetings
• Explore science beyond class
• Try something new — even if you’re not sure yet

Key Words: Curiosity • Exploration • Openness

Ask yourself: “What interests me — and why?”

Stage 2 — Commit (Sophomore Year)

What this looks like

• Stay involved instead of hopping activities
• Take small responsibilities
• Begin service or tutoring
• Ask questions, seek mentors

Key Words: Commitment • Learning • Consistency

Ask yourself: “How can I get better and contribute more?”

Stage 3 — Lead & Create (Junior Year)

What this looks like

• Lead a project, team, or event
• Design or improve something
• Mentor younger students
• Apply science to real problems

Key Words: Initiative • Leadership • Impact

Ask yourself: “What can I improve or build?”

Stage 4 — Reflect & Share (Senior Year)

• What this looks like
• Reflect on growth and challenges
• Articulate your story clearly
• Apply for scholarships
• Use your experience in college applications

Key Words: Reflection • Purpose • Story

Ask yourself: “How did this change me — and others?”

What Scholarship Application Evaluators Notice

• Growth over time
• Helping others
• Curiosity in action
• ️ Building something lasting
• Purpose

Takeaways

• You don’t need to do everything
• So something meaningful — and grow with it.