Each year, Timpview High School recognizes outstanding seniors in 14 academic and artistic categories through the Sterling Scholar program. This is a prestigious competition run by The Deseret News and KSL Broadcast group. Applicants undergo a rigorous selection process, showcasing their skills in scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and finally an intense category-specific interview. These students represent the best of the best in each of their individual categories.
This year’s Sterling Scholars include:
- Business and Marketing: Jeffrey Smalley
- Computer Technology: Berniel Biggs
- Dance: Abby Russ
- English: Meadow Stewart
- Family and Consumer Science: Youjin Bann
- Instrumental Music: Lucy Frandsen
- Mathematics: Kirtland Ning
- Science: Davey Boyce
- Skilled and Technical Sciences: Daphne Iosua
- Social Science: Jaidyn Bundy
- Speech/Theater: Cannon Hadfield
- Visual Arts: Hannah White
- Vocal Music: Brooke Jensen
- World Language: Elijah Pestana
Each of these students have excelled in their fields, and have worked hard to earn this honorable competition. Featured below are three winners, (Lucy Frandsen, Jaidyn Bundy, and Nielie Biggs), sharing a little bit about their experiences and individual accomplishments.
Lucy Frandsen: Music Sterling Scholar
For Lucy Frandsen, music has been a decade long passion. Frandsen has been a violinist for ten years and a member of school orchestras since middle school with great dedication. She shares that competitions have played a major role in her success, including earning the highest award, Superior, at the State level. Lucy described her journey as both challenging and rewarding, sharing that music is “something [she] uses to get away from challenges.” She attributes her success to commitment, emphasizing, “What really separates the highest achievers from other people is the amount of time they are willing to put into something.” Reflecting on her win Lucy said, “I was really happy and relieved because I put so much into everything.” While music has been such a key part of her life, Frandsen looks forward to college, where she plans to major in economics with a minor in math.
Jaidyn Bundy: Social Science Sterling Scholar
Jaidyn Bundy’s journey to becoming the Social Science Sterling Scholar has been one of learning and leadership. Her deep interest in history and involvement in various clubs, including serving as president of Model United Nations and an intern for Provo City Council, have earned her this great honor. Bundy has also worked with Provo Youth Court promoting education and emphasizing her passion for human connections, which she describes as the essence of social science. While reflecting on the lessons learned from working with people of different backgrounds she shares, “Social science has taught me to work with people different from [myself].” Though she faced initial challenges and shares of her failures early on, Jaidyn has learned so many things, and grown so much. She looks forward to showcasing her knowledge and talents at a higher level. She shares some advice to “Surround yourself with people who are going where you want to go.” Bundy looks forward to college and dreams of studying abroad to experience new cultures firsthand.
Nielie Biggs: Computer and Technology Sterling Scholar
Nielie Biggs’ journey has been shaped by hands on experience, and lots of growth. A summer research internship at the University of Utah allowed her to explore neural networks and learn more about her passion for computers. She also participated in a CTE internship with a full-stack developer that gave her real experience. Despite moments of self-doubt, Nielie has stayed determined through it all. “Don’t be afraid to dream big, and don’t be afraid of the hard work it takes to achieve those dreams,” she shares. Winning the Sterling Scholar title has boosted her confidence, and she is eager to explore the connections between computer science and cognitive science. “There are so many ways to tie them together, all the powers of the brain and all the powers of the computers,” she says, excited for what the future holds.
Timpview’s 14 Sterling Scholars are currently working on their regional portfolios, a catalog of their achievements, essays, and awards, which they will present to judges in February. Their professional headshots will soon be hung outside of the main office, a proud reminder of their accomplishments. Mrs. Van Orden, the program advisor, supports these scholars as they prepare to compete at the statewide level in 2025. As Meadow Stewart, the English Sterling Scholar, describes, “it’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.” These exceptional students proudly represent Timpview, setting an example of what dedication and passion can achieve.
