The Harvard Book Award, also known as the Harvard Prize Book, is a prestigious honor presented by Harvard University alumni to outstanding high school students. Established in 1910, the award aims to recognize academic excellence and exceptional personal qualities among students in the next-to-graduating class. Given its extensive reach and global participation, it’s natural to question whether this award is considered international. In this article, we will explore the origins, selection criteria, global presence, and significance of the Harvard Book Award to determine its international status.
Origins and Purpose
The Harvard Book Award was initiated by Harvard alumni to introduce talented young individuals to the opportunities available at Harvard University and to recognize their scholastic and personal achievements. The award is presented annually in nearly 2,000 high schools worldwide, highlighting its widespread influence.
Selection Criteria
Selection for the Harvard Book Award is not based on an application process. Instead, Harvard Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) collaborate with participating high schools to identify recipients. The criteria for selection typically include:
Academic Excellence: Demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
Exceptional Personal Qualities: Exemplification of high character and integrity.
Achievement in Other Fields: Notable accomplishments in areas beyond academics, such as extracurricular activities.
It’s important to note that while these criteria may vary slightly by school, the emphasis remains on scholastic achievement and personal integrity.
Global Reach and Participation
The Harvard Book Award is presented in over 1,900 schools across the globe, including countries like Malaysia, Ghana, and various regions in the United States. For instance, the Harvard Club of Malaysia collaborates with selected schools to recognize top-performing Malaysian students, underscoring the award’s international presence.
Similarly, the Harvard Club of Ghana awards the Harvard Book Prize to outstanding students, aiming to raise awareness of Harvard University among secondary schools in Ghana and encourage students to consider applying.
Award Presentation and Recognition
Harvard Prize Books are typically presented at the end of the academic year during high school award ceremonies or graduations. The presentation often includes remarks from local Harvard alumni, emphasizing the award’s connection to the global Harvard community.
Each recipient receives a personally inscribed copy of “The Harvard Book,” an anthology of essays written by Harvard alumni spanning three centuries. While the award is prestigious, it’s important to note that receiving it does not influence admission decisions to Harvard College.
Is It an International Award?
Considering its origins, widespread participation across various countries, and the involvement of Harvard alumni worldwide, the Harvard Book Award can indeed be classified as an international award. Its global reach not only acknowledges academic and personal excellence but also fosters a connection between high-achieving students and the broader Harvard community.
Conclusion
The Harvard Book Award stands as a testament to Harvard University’s commitment to recognizing excellence beyond its own campus. Through its international scope, the award celebrates scholastic achievement and character, inspiring students worldwide to strive for excellence. Therefore, it’s accurate to regard the Harvard Book Award as an international accolade, reflecting Harvard’s global influence and the widespread admiration for its values.
