- The theme for the Awards’ 40th anniversary is fitting for life during Covid-19: ‘Overcome Obstacles, Celebrating Resilience’
- The Student of the Year Awards is organised by the South China Morning Post and sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Last year's Student of the Year awards grand prize winner and finalists Dylan Robinson of German Swiss International School; Katrina Liu Tin-nam of Diocesan Girls’ School (DGS); and Benjamin Chan of St Joseph’s College.The Covid-19 pandemic has delayed many things over the last year, including the annual Student of the Year Awards, but nominations are now open.
A special theme has been chosen in honour of SOTY’s 40th anniversary: “Overcome Obstacles, Celebrating Resilience”. This year, judges will place extra emphasis on students’ ability to respond to difficulties, overcome setbacks and stay positive. While academic results will still be taken into account, as well as community contributions and other notable accomplishments, judges will pay special attention to the mindset that helped a candidate battle an obstacle and bounce back stronger than before.
Take a look at last year’s Community Contributor winners
One major change to the nomination process this year is that students can now be nominated by non-school organisations and members of the public, both online and offline, including non-profits, youth organisations, and other institutions that assisted young people during the pandemic and its school suspensions.
Since 2020 was all about overcoming obstacles, students will be required to submit an essay that illustrates their experience dealing with adversity and achieving success. Candidates are welcome to submit their reflections in video format in either English or Cantonese, and content will count more than precise use of language.
The 2019/2020 SOTY Grand Prize winner
Students in Forms 4 to 6 (Grades/Years 10 to 13) in government registered secondary schools in Hong Kong during the 2020-2021 academic year are eligible for nomination. Nominees can be put forward for a maximum of two award categories - one of which must be the Grand Prize.
The nomination period runs from now until 30 April, 2021.
You can find more information about the awards here, assessment criteria here, and application forms here. Good luck!