In the Middle Years department here at ISSH, we have a Core Values Award. The deadline for this year was 7th May so we should know the winners soon for this academic year. Here are three students who, in the past, have won the award who will explain more about the award. 

What is the Core Values Award?

The core values awards are prizes given to 3 students each year. The students must submit an application that showcases either their uniqueness, the responsibility they take and how they achieve their potential. The awards are intended to give credit to students who excel in areas that aren’t school.
As I understood it is a symbol for appreciation for activities or values that students have besides academics. It serves as appreciation and inspiration to each other. 

Which did you apply for and why?

Responsibility award and I won this two years ago.
I applied for the core value responsibility since I am a vegan/animal/human and climate activist. Activism defines my daily life, I’m always active.
I applied for the Core value award of Achieving full potential due to the fact that during that year I suffered a football injury. Because of this injury, I had to undergo physiotherapy several times every week and spend a lot of my free time trying to recover from this injury to play football at the same level as before the injury. Next to this I had to continue completing all of my school work and study for my exams. I managed to recover from this injury, and also achieve my full potential in school, achieving good grades.

What did you have to complete for your application? 

For the application I included a letter about myself and my achievements and photographic evidence (portfolio) of the things mentioned in the letter. In my portfolio I included photos of me at swim competitions, my math grades and a photo from a climate strike I attended.
I wrote a short introduction of everything I do and my goals. A short summery of the activities that I do and evidence included. Pretty much just like CAS, I was able to take everything from my CAS entries. In my portfolio, I included pictures of me in action (meetings, strikes etc)

For my application I had to write a letter of application, mentioning what I did to deserve this award. 

What would you tell the other students who are thinking of applying? Why? 

I would wish all applicants good luck. I would also say to be honest but not too modest while writing about themselves. Be proud of what you have accomplished, even if you do not win an award for it.
Just be yourself and have fun, it does not have to be formal. Show your passion and your ideology, try not to be someone else.
I would advise students to always work hard for their goals and do their best with everything they do. Furthermore I would advise students to keep chasing their goals even if there are obstacles on the way to achieving those goals.