A Silver Knight is a distinguished honor bestowed upon outstanding high school seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward counties through the Miami Herald Silver Knight Awards program. Instituted in 1959 by John S. Knight, the awards recognize students who excel academically while also making significant contributions through community service. Eligible students must maintain an unweighted minimum 3.2 GPA and can be nominated in 15 categories ranging from Art to World Languages. Finalists undergo interviews with independent judges, who select one Silver Knight and three Honorable Mentions in each category. Winners receive a $2,000 scholarship and a Silver Knight statue while Honorable Mentions receive $500 and an engraved plaque.

The Silver Knight program is available to high school seniors meeting specific criteria. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.2. This opportunity extends to students enrolled in public, private, and parochial schools within Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Nomination is possible across 15 distinct categories, encompassing a wide range of talents and interests such as Art, Athletics, Business, Drama, English & Literature, General Scholarship, Journalism, Mathematics, Music and Dance, Digital and Interactive Media, Science, Social Science, Speech, Vocational-Technical, and World Languages. Each school is eligible to nominate one student per category, offering a broad spectrum of recognition for exceptional achievements.

To get nominated for the Silver Knight Awards, your first step is to speak with the Silver Knight coordinator, Dr. Jane Spanich in room 102. It's crucial to start early and plan ahead. One of the best strategies is to become actively involved in your community and engage in various service activities. This involvement not only allows you to contribute meaningfully to your community but also demonstrates your commitment to service, which is a key criterion for nomination. By extending your reach and making a positive impact through service, you increase your chances of being recognized and nominated for the prestigious Silver Knight Awards.