Oliver Croft has always been interested in computers. He’s always had a passion for understanding the inner workings of technology. Now he gets to express his passion through being a Sterling Scholar.
The Sterling Scholar program was created by Deseret News and KSL Broadcast Group to recognize students in different categories for excellence in their specific category. Croft, a senior at Highland High School was nominated and chosen for the computer technology section of Sterling Scholars at Highland. Computer technology is everything to do with computers, like programming, cybersecurity, and networking.
Croft is focused on Information Technology and hardware side, and less on the software side. Most people would assume that people specializing in computer technology focus more on the programming aspect, but Croft knows which areas he wants to focus on, even as a senior in high school.
Croft has been learning about computer technology since elementary school and started taking more advanced classes his freshman year.
It is important to him because the world – and his life – revolves around computers. He is constantly motivated by his desire for knowledge and love of learning. He has a strong passion for academic excellence, which drives him to be the best student he can be. It drives his focus on his talents and passions.
Along with computer technology, Croft is an avid musician. Most of his time spent outside of school is practicing or at a rehearsal for one of the many groups he plays with. Not only does he balance music and computers, but he also excels in school. He has earned around 26 credits from the University of Utah for his academics.
Croft, as well as most students, know that balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities can be tough. “As far as balancing it all… I’ll just say I need to work on that part.” Croft says. However he has a great support system, the people who have motivated him the most being his parents. He says they have always been very supportive and have enabled him to come this far in his studies.
His dream school is the University of Michigan, which is top ranked across the country for its computer technology and Oboe performance. He has already been accepted and will most likely attending this fall.
While his nomination for the Sterling Scholar award might make it seem clear that he wants to pursue computer technology further in the future, he has two different paths calling his name, and only time will tell which direction he goes. He might continue his education and pursue a master’s degree or even a doctorate, or he will graduate and become a professional musician. Either way, he will be dedicating his time to subjects he is very passionate about.
His advice to other students is to pursue every opportunity, especially in areas that they want to focus on. He mentions opportunities like internships, dual enrollment, and summer classes. “Every experience counts,” he says.
Croft being nominated for the Sterling Scholar shows that he has been very motivated during his time at Highland, and that his passion for computer technology has opened many doors for him in the future.
