Each year the awards ceremony highlights the students' accomplishments. Nominees must be Peninsula School District graduating seniors and have made a significant contribution to their field or mankind in general. Students are nominated by peers, teachers or parents. Finalists are selected by a panel at each school, followed by interviews with panels comprised of community leaders who select one individual from their specific category to receive an additional scholarship and the Panelists’ Choice award. Students are honored in one of seven different categories: academics; athletics; career and technical excellence; community service; music, arts and drama; overcoming adversity; and science and technology.