DESERET NEWS - KSL STERLING SCHOLAR AWARDS 2013 STUDENT ENTRY FORM

Name Of Nominee: Jacqilynn Patterson School: Jordan Category: Music

American College Testing (ACT) English: 34 Math: 29 Reading: 33 Sci./Reasoning: 30 Composite: 32

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Reading: 710 Mathematics: 680 Writing: 670

Supporting Attachment - Transcript

Supporting Attachment - Letter of Recommendation

In 20 words or less, list up to six activities, honors and awards relating to your category. 1. Participated in Kimberley International Old-Time Accordion Championships in 2012 2. Performed at the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention on a youth scholarship 3. Two-year member of Canyons Symphony Orchestra on clarinet 4. Two-year member of Honor Band on clarinet 5. Participated in school talent shows in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012 on accordion 6. Soloist on accordion in Concerto Night at Jordan High in 2012 and 2013 Choose one of the activities, honors or awards, describe it briefly and explain why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn and what did you accomplish? I competed in the Kimberley International Old-Time Accordion Championships last summer. It's a competition that has been running annually since 1973, and it draws youth accordionists from around the world, including Washington, Oregon, Florida, Edmonton, and Calgary. It was my first time competing, and I traveled over 1,000 miles for it. I spent hundreds of hours preparing for it, practicing for multiple hours a day. I gained experience in stage presence, performing at my best when in front of an audience, and I learned how to improvise and jam. I met lots of accordionists, several of them world-class musicians. I learned what practicing methods are most effective and what techniques I needed to develop, such as training myself to play without a hitchhiker's thumb and to practice scales in both staccato and legato styles. The entire thing was an amazing experience, and I hope to never forget it. Supporting Attachment - Category Description

Story I Wrote Upon Returning From Competition Dream come true. It had been a dream come true. More than that, actually. No dream of mine could have been as good as the reality ended up being. I still couldnt fully believe that Id experienced what I did. After sixteen years of unrealistically hoping for the opportunity to compete, it had happened and no less than 900 miles from home, too. First time out of the country, and Id found what I didnt think existed: Peers who shared my love of the unpopular accordion. For the first time ever, I watched all kinds of people pick up the instrument and jam together like theyd been doing it all their lives probably had been, too. I watched kids my age and younger get onto a big stage and have the time of their life performing. I watched expert judges critically observing them and listening, making notes as they did. And I watched as award after award was handed out to hard-working individuals who had spent as much time as, or more time than, I had spent practicing. More than just watching, Id gotten to experience it too. I woke up, my heart rate quickly accelerating as my mind immediately jumped to the prospect of playing for the judges. I forced myself not to hyperventilate while I stared in the mirror, putting together my hair and makeup. I paced the back room with several other anxious competitors, mentally rehearsing my songs while attempting to lower my heart rate. I sat by the side of the stage, gripping the edge of my seat and occasionally drying my sweaty palms. I walked up the rickety steps to the stage, plastering a smile on my face for the expectant audience. I sat down, trying to keep up a relaxed front, and I found that I actually did love the spotlight. I played the songs Id been practicing for months, and it wasnt so hard to smile and play with enthusiasm. I felt the relief of getting off the stage and knowing that Id done well. I confidently cheered the other performers on and congratulated them as they joined the bench of satisfied competitors fresh off the stage. Besides the competition part, Id gotten to experience things I didnt know would be included in the trip. I made some amazing friends and met professional accordionists, such as Mario Pedone, Corey Pesaturo, and Alex Meixner, who were only too excited to meet another enthusiast. Late at night, I sat around a fire with fifteen other accordion-clad peers and saw what jamming was all about. I initially felt lost, figuring out what notes they were playing, but I eventually caught on to some common themes for chord progressions and enjoyed the camaraderie involved. The entire week was better than I could have imagined and helped me grow in more ways than I can count. I now practice scales before anything, listening for perfection in the way each note is struck and articulated. I perform with confidence and excitement, knowing what Im really capable of. And I truly look forward to meeting the people Ill cross paths with as I continue my accordion career.

List up to six activities, honors and awards that relate to the leadership qualifications. 1. Promoted to managerial position at Taco Bell, where I'm working to save up for college 2. Class president of church youth group in 2010 and first counselor in 2012 3. Section leader of clarinets in Symphonic Band in 2011 4. Received Young Woman's Medallion in 2011, similar to an Eagle Scout award 5. Two-year member of NHS (National Honor Society) 6. Two-year member of PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) Choose one of the activities, honors or awards that relate to the leadership qualification and describe it briefly. I've had little odd jobs throughout my life - cleaning, babysitting, teaching music lessons, working annually at the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention - but I got what I consider to be my first real job in October of 2012. I was hired to be a Service Champion at Taco Bell, an employee who focuses on helping and interacting with the customers, and I've been working there for nearly three months now. In that time, I've set all new standards for coworkers to achieve; I'm referred to as "The Queen of V.O.C.s." V.O.C. stands for Voice of Customer and is a survey we give customers to let us know how we're doing. Customers have consistently left more positive comments about me than any other employee, saying things such as, "Jacqi is the sweetest girl I've ever met," "She gave me the best customer service I've had anywhere in a long time," and, "You need to clone Jacqi and have one at every Taco Bell." These days, the goal for my fellow coworkers is simply to challenge my position as "The Queen of V.O.C.s." This unexpected success with the customers, in addition to my quick learning skills and natural leadership qualities, inspired the general manager to begin training me as a shift lead. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to be a manager until I turn eighteen, but in the meantime, I have been working every night except for Sundays (averaging twenty-five hours a week) and taking on some of the responsibilities of shift lead and team trainer. It is my responsibility to coach others, lead by example, and offer advice on how to give better and faster customer service. Supporting Attachment - Leadership Description

January 28, 2013

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing this letter on the behalf of Jacqilynn Patterson and would like to recommend her for the Music Sterling Scholar Award. I have worked with Jacqi since October 2012 and from day one she impressed me with her work ethic, moral standing, and sense of responsibility, ability to think, and desire to achieve great things in her life. I quickly identified attributes of a leader and have since begun teaching her the standards that our organization utilizes with trusted systems and processes to achieve highly valued results. She leads by example and is responsible for inventory counts, cash handling, training new and tenured employees, customer complaints, and holding other employees accountable to our Company standards. Jacqi has also received personal recognition (see attached letter) from our customers attesting to her wonderful demeanor and excellent customer service skills as well as being recognized on our weekly VOC- Voice of the Customer report. This is a report that allows our customers to report the type of experience they have received and give recognition to individuals who have gone above and beyond. Jacqilynn is a very talented accordion player. She showed no hesitation in volunteering to play a few songs at our work Christmas party. I know her to be a very dedicated individual. She lives her life to a set of high standards that influences others around her to up hold these virtues. Jacqi has an optimistic view on life. For these reasons and many more she has earned my trust and respect. If I may be of further assistance in recommending this fine young lady, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information listed below. Respectfully,

Albert L. Prior Restaurant General Manager Desert de Oro Foods, Inc. 801-553-9944 Alp.prior@gmail.com

Supporting Attachment - Leadership Description

WESTERN
Total Women's January 14,2013

Gynecological and Obstetrical Clinic, Inc.

Health Care
I Fx 801-285-4801 I www.westerngynob.com

12600 South 3723 West, Suite 350, Riverton, Utah 84065 I Ph 801-285-4800

Taco Bell Attn: Manager 1287 E. Draper Parkway Draper; Utah 84020 Dear Taco Bell Manager, I wanted to write this letter expressing the excellent service I received by one of your employees, Jacqi, on the evening of January 14, 2013. I went to the drive-thru window, where she tried to upsell me on several items. She also introduced me to several new specials that I was unaware of, of which I purchased two. She also was very courteous, asked if I wanted napkins, as well as if I wanted hot sauce. She was very happy, friendly, and courteous throughout the visit: Due to this excellent service, I wanted to recognize her. As a business owner myself, I appreciate it when patients bring to my attention excellent care or service to my patients. I also feel as a patron, that I should recognize excellent service when rendered to me by other members of the community. Please thank Jacqi for her courteous demeanor and great work ethic. I wish her the best ofluck.

R~~4t~
(801)285-4800 RDM:md

Sinr~

./'

f};

Suphithaya Anders, M.D. Monte G. Merrell, M.D. Robert D. Merrill, D.O. Jeffrey D. Quinn, M.D. Jo Cluny, M.5.N.P. Tina Goldsmith, M.5.N.P.

List up to six activities, honors or awards that relate to the qualifications for Community Service and/or Citizenship. 1. Volunteered at Jordan Valley School in 2010 to help with the special needs kindergarteners 2. Special Needs Youth Counselor during 2011 to 2012 school year 3. Two-year member of P.A.L.S. (People with Autism Love to Socialize) 4. Served at Utah Food Bank and Bishop Storehouse several times 5. Performed accordion for and visited the elderly and handicapped over the 2012 holiday season 6. Helped elderly lady in ward weekly, performing household chores, totaling about thirty hours of service, in spring of 2011 Choose one of the activities, honors or awards that relate to the Community Service/ Citizenship qualification and describe it briefly. In 2010, I chose to devote my summer to volunteering at Jordan Valley School, and the end result was incredible. My last day there, when that little, autistic girl ran up to me to hug me tight, I realized what a valuable experience it'd been. For weeks, I had done what I could to help those kids. I strove to show that sweet boy how to put blocks together and not throw them. I anxiously waved a scent under an unresponsive boy's nose in hopes that he would give some sort of reaction. I sung with the kids while trying not to show worry for the poor girl in a seizure who the nurse was trying to help. In those few weeks, I grew in character, integrity, and strength. Because of this experience, I've developed a love for those special people in this world who have what we call "disabilities." I actively seek opportunities to interact with them, and each time I do, I learn more about what it means to be a friend, to have faith, to be genuine. I'm now that girl who smiles at everyone she comes across, who gives an honest effort to learn each individual's name and call them by name, and who breaks through her introvert tendencies in order to brighten another person's day. This past Christmas season, I was able to return to Jordan Valley School and put on a Christmas music assembly for the students. It was exciting to see some of the kids I used to spend every morning with, and I loved the chance to put a smile on their faces. Music is something anyone can relate to, regardless of age or disabilities, and I'm thankful for my musical capabilities that let me reach out to others. Describe two or three unique things about yourself and relate them to your category. If possible, include challenges you have overcome and describe any distinctive experiences that have affected you. One of the most unique things about me has always been my love for the accordion. I consider it to be among the most passionate instruments with infinite possibilities. I've had to prove myself a lot, however. As most people are not familiar with the instrument, the simple fact that I can create sound, makes them consider me to be "good" even "amazing," but I've always wanted more than this. I want to truly be great among accordion experts too, and that's something that requires a lot of work. I'm a third generation accordionist - my parents and my grandparents all competed on this unusual instrument throughout their teenage years - so I have a lot to live up to. Perhaps the most unique thing I can think of is one of my methods for practicing. I am very interested in the subconscious, and I have been attempting to have lucid dreams for years, meaning to "wake up" while in a dream. One of the main motivations for my desire to learn how to have lucid dreams was the idea that if I could control my dreams, I could be practicing my accordion while asleep. While I'm still developing this skill, I have also spent time mentally rehearsing while awake. This additional practice has helped me give my best performance when on stage and given me a clear idea of how to deliver the song the way I want to. The year of 2011 was a difficult one for me. One of my friend's, Kenzie Christensen, passed away in a car accident. I was shocked that a sixteen-year-old could die so suddenly, and I went into a deep depression for approximately three days. Less than three months later, an old friend, Zach Peffer, committed suicide at age seventeen. I was right back into the depression, and this time, it was deeper and didn't leave so quickly. I remember feeling my control spinning away; I felt like I was drowning. I was scared I would never resurface. The

number one thing to get me through was praying and relying on my Savior; however, music was also a huge part of it. I was constantly listening to "Why" by Rascal Flatts, and I was able to communicate some of my feelings through playing my accordion. I'm grateful I've been able to express myself through music and share it with others. Over a year later, I still get the occasional panic attack that a friend will pass away unexpectedly, but I've grown a lot since that time. As I have often considered that I myself could die any time, I like to spend my time to the fullest. Any spare minute is a minute to learn more, to serve another, to improve existing skills, to reconnect with an old friend. The possibilities are endless, and I take the time I've been given very seriously. I don't want to miss any opportunities. How do you think your involvment in this category will enrich your life? My whole life is about music. My top educational and professional goal is to become a world-renowned accordionist, and my free time goes into practicing the accordion. Besides The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it's what gives my life meaning. The accordion is who I am. It's how I express myself and how I introduce myself. It's what sets me apart from the crowd and makes me me. Because I play this unique instrument, I've had the opportunity to meet many people from around the world I wouldn't have otherwise known existed. Through the accordion events I've attended, I've made close friends, some of which live in Washington, Montana, or Alberta. This has widened my scope of the world, and I look forward to the new people I will meet as I continue to attend accordion competitions. I hope I can have as significant an impact on their lives as they've had on mine and spread the popularity of the accordion.

Supporting Attachment - Image

Other Attachments and Links

Category CategoryDescriptio n Media Url Name Description
View Attachment View Attachment View Attachment

759070_10200394183087506_70 Category Description 74_n.mp4 jaqi concerto.wmv Media Document News story written on the Las Vegas Accordion Convention