<p>What are they? Do students actually write books in order to receive them?</p>
<p>It's an award given by the alumni association of that school. They choose the school they want to give it to and then the school basically pick the people who the think are the most eligible and pick the best one. I'm pretty sure that's how it goes.</p>
<p>Thanks. I got a book award, and was wondering what it actually -meant- !!!</p>
<p>Congrats!! It's really an award you should feel proud of! Very few students even have the chance to win the award!</p>
<p>What exactly makes you "eligible" for them?</p>
<p>First, the alumni association needs to specifically pick your school. Then, the high school asked the people who they believe are most eligible (grades, personality, accomplishments, etc.) and I'm not sure who makes the final decision (alumni or school). Also, you need to be a junior. There are people who probably should win one who don't because their school wasn't picked by the alumni.</p>
<p>I got one from Holy Cross a few weeks ago</p>
<p>The English faculty vote for the recipient at our HS. It is very meaningful, the 2 very best writers are chosen, colleges respect this award.</p>
<p>Sounds cool. No one from our school has gotten one as far as I know. Hmm. Maybe one day? :]</p>
<p>Really? These awards actually MEAN something? This is amazing, because my school gives out hundreds of meaningless awards* ... nice! I got the Harvard Book Award =)</p>
<p>*(examples being subject-specific awards, 'Outstanding Effort' awards, and the 'Spirit of Learning' awards. Ha. Ha.)</p>
<p>I think I'm right--- at our school the teachers were genuinely excited for kids who got the award. When they called my son's name for the "Brown Book Award" he thought that they had made a mistake ----called the wrong name. So later his English teacher and Dept. supervisor explained how they choose the recipients. There was discussion and voting that was taken seriously. Only 2 book awards are given a our school. I do agree that there are lots of fluff awards ---- nothing wrong with them if they offer encouragement and recognition, but still fluff.</p>