INFORMATION AND ELIGIBILITY
Nominations
School principals and administration will select students to represent their school as Pathfinder nominees. (Students cannot self-apply.) Schools may select one student in each of the 18 categories but a student may not be nominated in more than one category. Nominees must meet the eligibility requirements below.
Eligibility
◯ Children of GateHouse Media, Gannett Media, USA Today employees are not eligible to participate.
◯ Students must be high school seniors graduating in 2024.
◯ Students must attend a public, private or charter high school in Palm Beach or Martin County. Students must be taking classes either in school or online. They must be getting a diploma from a public, private or charter high school.
Online Nomination Submission
Students will complete the Online Nomination Form after their school has declared them a nominee in a specific category. Students should include all supporting materials, samples of work, transcripts, and a photo. See category listings below for any special requirements needed in the submission. The Online Nomination Submission deadline will be January 17, 2024.
Nomination Review/Interviews
Three judges will be selected for each category based on their credentials and their expertise in the category. These judges will review all Online Nomination Submissions. Each Nominee will have the opportunity to meet with the judges of their category for a personal interview. Each student’s interview will be approximately ten (10) minutes. In-person interviews will be held in March of 2024.
Semi-finalist Interviews
Semi-finalist interviews comprise the third stage of the selection process. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview virtually with the Pathfinder Judges in March 2023. Students in Drama, Forensics/Speech, Music/Instrumental, and Music/Vocal categories should be prepared to perform for a maximum of three minutes during the interview. Students will be notified with exact interview schedules in late-February. Each student’s interview will be approximately ten (10) minutes and will be conducted by a panel of three judges.
Announcement of Winners
2024 Pathfinder Winners will be announced in May. More information to come.
The Pathfinder program is subject to change or cancellation.
CATEGORIES
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Awarded to the student with an outstanding comprehensive academic high school record, regardless of specialty. Judging is based on the nominees’ overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
ART
Awarded to the student who has shown exceptional talent in visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpting, photography), digital arts and fashion design. Three examples of artwork must be included with the nominee’s submission. Judging is based on the nominees’ portfolio as well as overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
BUSINESS
Awarded to the student who has shown the greatest promise in the field of business, entrepreneurship, or business innovation. Consideration is given to the creation of a business or business plan or the potential impact of an innovation on current business practices. Judging will also be based on the nominees’ overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Awarded to the student who has shown the greatest promise for a career including, but not limited to, Medical Science, Aerospace, Culinary, Early Childhood Education, Architecture/Construction, Motor/Power (Automotive, Energy), Agriculture or Public Safety & Security (Emergency & Fire management, Law Enforcement, ROTC, Cyber Security, and Security Protection). Judging is based on the nominees’ achievements, industry certifications, and recognition in the field of career and technical education. Judging is also based on the nominees overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
COMMUNICATIONS
Awarded to the student who has shown great accomplishments in journalism, digital communications, TV/film production public relations or graphic communication. All nominees are required to submit three samples of their work by pdf or a video showcasing their work. (Video should not exceed three minutes in length.) Judging is also based on the nominees’ overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Awarded to the student who has provided outstanding volunteer service in order to help meet the needs of the community. Judging is based on the nominee’s overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability and impact of service.
COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Awarded to the student who has shown outstanding achievements in computer science, software engineering/design, app creation, artificial intelligence, computer engineering or programming. Judging is also based on the nominees’ overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
FORENSICS/SPEECH
Awarded to the student with an outstanding personal record in public speaking or forensic competition. Submission must include a video showcasing the nominee’s speaking skills. (Video should not exceed three minutes in length.) Judging is based on the student’s speech and forensic accomplishments, engagement in their respective speech organizations, overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
HISTORY/POLITICAL SCIENCE
Awarded to the student with an outstanding record in either history, political science or both. Judges will consider the nominee’s study of and participation in local or state government and involvement in history/political science clubs and organizations. Judging is also based on the nominees overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
LITERATURE
Awarded to the student who has shown outstanding achievement in the field of literature and/or creative writing including poetry. Nominees must submit three samples of their work. Judging is based on the nominees’ portfolio as well as overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
MATHEMATICS
Awarded to the student who has shown outstanding achievement in the field of mathematics. Judging will be based on the nominees’ level of academic achievement in completed mathematics courses. Judging is also based on overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
MUSIC/INSTRUMENTAL
Awarded to the student who has shown exceptional instrumental musical talent in composition, performance or both, regardless of musical style or instrument. Submission must include a video showcasing one solo performance by the nominee. (Video must not exceed three minutes in length.) Composers must include a copy of their composition. Judging is based on the nominees’ musical talent and accomplishments, overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
MUSIC/VOCAL
Awarded to the student who has shown exceptional talent in vocal performance, regardless of musical style. Submission must include a video showcasing one solo performance by the nominee. (Video should not exceed three minutes in length.) Judging is based on the nominees’ musical talent and accomplishments, overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
REACH FOR EXCELLENCE
To the student who has been identified with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) including dyslexia, and an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The student will be judged on their awareness of their learning disability, their ability to explain their learning disability, and strategies utilized to compensate for their learning disability. Additionally, judging will be based on the nominees overall academic achievement (Not solely GPA), demonstrated leadership, contributions made in their community, and the nominee’s ability to articulate their reach for excellence. For further explanation, please consult with the ESE contact at your school.
SCIENCE
Awarded to the student who has the most outstanding achievement in the study of a natural science (physics, chemistry, biology, or geology). Judges is based on the nominees’ activities and innovation in the field of science, overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
SPORTS
Awarded to the student athlete with the most outstanding combination of athletic accomplishments and scholastic achievements. Judging is based on the nominees’ athletic skill and accomplishments, overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
THEATER ARTS
Awarded to the student who has shown exceptional accomplishment in drama, set/costume design, production and/or stagecraft. Nominees are required to upload a video showcasing one performance or a pdf with three samples of their contribution to the set, costumes, or stage design. (Video should not exceed three minutes in length and performers must include a monologue.) Judging is based on the nominees’ expertise in theater arts, overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Awarded to the student who has shown the greatest proficiency in the speaking and writing of non-native language(s). English and American Sign Language do not apply. Submission must include a video showcasing the nominees’ speaking skills. (Video should not exceed three minutes in length.) Judging is based on the nominees’ proficiency in one or multiple non-native language(s), overall academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and contributions made in their community.