GEN: High School Awards - legitimate or not?

["Jeanne L. Clark" <jeannel@swbell.net>]

This is not specifically a library question, but I couldn't think of a
better source to ask than my fellow LM_NETTERS!

Although I am an elementary librarian, I am also the parent of a
graduating senior. She has just received two notifications from United
States Achievement Academy for awards she will receive based on the
nominations of two of her teachers. I have checked their website, and
done various searches, but I can't deterrmine if these are legitimate
awards or basically just attempts to sell the yearbooks.

(I was once required to buy one of those poetry collections for my
library because a few of our former students had their poems selected
for it and I have been very wary of these offers ever since. The books
seem to be self-promotional in nature and of very little intrinsic
value.)

I could call the school and talk to the teachers but I don't want to
imply that their nominations were anything but well intentioned.

So, what's the deal on these awards? And what about others such as
"Who's Who in American High Schools" etc. Are any of them considered
truly prestigious by those that know?

Thanks so much for any insight you can give me!
--
Jeanne L. Clark  (Library Media Specialist)
jeannel@swbell.net

Mission West Elementary
Houston, TX  77083

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