<p>Last night was my school’s awards assembly. I knew I’d be getting stuff for my third academic letter and my letter of National Merit Commendation. My parents called me over before I took my seat and asked “what this was.” I looked, and saw that I’d gotten the Dartmouth Book Award. I don’t know if it really means anything; the teachers, counselors and administration pick four seniors every year for the Harvard, Columbia, Dartmouth and Smith Book Awards based on grades, leadership, involvements, etc. Each student gets a book that’s kind of symbolic of the school. The girl who got the Smith award received a collection of biographies of women written by a Smith alum. The Harvard and Columbia guys got copies of those schools’ History of the 20th Century.</p>
<p>I got a huge volume of Robert Frost poetry. It was so awesome.</p>
<p>Anyway, it’s kind of a fun and pleasant irony. Hopefully it’ll be an omen of some sort. It was a pleasant surprise.</p>
<p>Congratulations! That sounds really neat. My school doesn’t give out awards. Tell me, are these book awards sponsored by the colleges they are named after or just something your school gives out?</p>
<p>I’m not entirely sure. I think the schools must be involved in some way, or they wouldn’t be allowed to use their names. As for actually SPONSORING them, I don’t know.</p>
<p>Congratulations! A local Dartmouth alumni club purchased the book and delivered it to your school. They allow the school to set the exact guidelines for selecting the winner, but specify that the winner should be an excellent student. I am a past president of an alumni club, as well as an interviewer. I know I’d be especially happy to see a Dartmouth Book winner arrive at my door for an interview. Best of luck to you!</p>