For a list of finalists, please visit our Sterling Scholar Web site.

OREM — Every year for the past 13 years, Shelbi Anderson has studied the photos of the Sterling Scholar finalists printed in the newspaper. Every year her mother, who was probably guilty of handing the newspaper to her daughter for consideration, has drilled it into her: "That could be you one day."

How weird would it be, wondered the 18-year-old senior from Alta High School, if she did find her own face staring back at her from the newsprint?

"Pretty weird," she said, after performing a monologue for 78 judges from the education and business community Wednesday. "I've always planned on doing this, but now that the time has come, it's almost surreal."

Anderson, who specializes in speech and drama, joined about 700 other Sterling Scholar nominees to vie for 195 semifinalist positions in Utah's most prestigious academic recognition program. Students represented 54 public high schools from Cache County to Utah County.

Mountain View High School in Orem was bustling with activity as the nominees were ushered from the waiting area to the practice rooms and then finally to face the judges.

"I'm a little nervous," said Kirsten Watkins, a 17-year-old senior from Lehi High School, as she prepped for her interview with the judges. She was nominated for excellence in English. "I'm just trying not to think about it."

She wasn't the only one.

"The nerve-wracking part is that I just don't have any idea what kind of questions they are going to ask me in the interview," said Hailee Simpson, an 18-year-old dance nominee from Bingham High School.

Sprawled out on the floor of the library in tights and a stretch-velvet costume, Simpson shook out her jitters by stretching her hamstrings. After her interview, she was required to perform for the judges. She chose to choreograph the contemporary lyrical piece herself.

"To be a Sterling Scholar semifinalist would be a tremendous honor," she said. "Dance has been my life's passion. It gives me an outlet to express my emotions."

In an out-of-the-way choral room, several other students warmed up for their performances.

Kendra Walbeck, the music Sterling Scholar from Bingham High School, snuck in a few extra minutes on the piano. Her fingers flew over the keys, effortlessly. She discovered music when she was 8 years old.

"I'm able to learn music really fast," she said. "I have perfect pitch."

Most of the students milling about the halls waiting their turn to show off their stuff had similarly impressive resumes.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology already has contacted Steven Noyce, the science nominee from American Fork High School, about the prospect of bringing him to the university. When his high school couldn't find anyone to replace the honor's physics teacher his sophomore year, he got the job.

"They didn't pay me a teacher's salary, though," he said, with a smirk. "I wish."

Directors from the Deseret News and KSL-TV organize the competition, which is in its 47th year. Judges will gather for the final round March 4.

E-MAIL: estuart@desnews.com