the scholarship jacket book report

“The Scholarship Jacket”: Summary, Theme & Analysis by Marta Salinas

“The Scholarship Jacket” by Marta Salinas was first published in 1986. It tells the story of a young Mexican American girl who faces an injustice at school, when the principal makes a change to a long-standing tradition. It’s a popular short story for students . This analysis of “The Scholarship Jacket” starts with a summary, then looks at a theme and some questions.

“The Scholarship Jacket” Summary

She lives with her grandparents. Her parents couldn’t afford to raise all their kids. Martha is very thin. She’s not happy with her appearance but she’s smart.

Mr. Schmidt storms out but doesn’t notice Martha. She waits until she calms down and goes into the classroom to get her bag. She can’t remember the rest of the day.

Martha is sad the next day when she goes to see the principal. She tells him her grandfather won’t pay. He asks why, because he has enough money. She explains the reason. She adds that they’ll have to give the jacket to Joann.

When she sees Mr. Schmidt later he acknowledges her accomplishment. She hugs him.

Martha smiles at him. She’s not fooled. She runs happily to the house.

“The Scholarship Jacket” Theme Analysis: Doing the Right Thing

The next character who recognizes the greater issue is  Grandpa . He points it out to Martha by asking her the significance of the scholarship jacket—it’s earned and it’s given. The question isn’t whether he can pay the money or not, it’s whether it should be paid at all.

At first,  Martha  doesn’t understand the larger principle at play here. When she tells Grandpa she’s in danger of losing her prize, she’s “desperately hoping he’d say [she] could have the money.” On the surface, this makes sense. She’s earned this prize and doesn’t want to see it go to someone else.

1. What does Martha mean when she says, “Those were the days of belief and innocence”?

During the course of “The Scholarship Jacket”, Martha doesn’t fully understand the scheming against her. The older Martha who’s telling the story does.

When Martha was called to the principal’s office, she “knew what it would be about.” After he tells her the Board changed its policy and the jacket would cost fifteen dollars, she’s shocked and says she hadn’t expected that. This is because she was expecting to be told the jacket was being given to Joann.

A more mature Martha refers to “days of belief and innocence” because now she understands fully. The Board didn’t change any rules and the jacket didn’t really cost fifteen dollars. That was simply the cover story she was given to hide the conspiracy against her.

2. Why does the principal reverse the decision and award the jacket to Martha?

When he first talked to Martha, he “looked uncomfortable and unhappy”, wouldn’t look her in the eyes and fidgeted with his papers. He knew he was doing something wrong, but he was still willing to go ahead with it, at this point.

3. What if Grandpa had simply paid the money? Wouldn’t the principal’s plot have been ruined anyway?

Yes, it would have, but the principal was aware of this because he said to Martha, “Your grandfather has the money.” He knew her family could afford the fifteen dollars.

4. At the end of the story, what does it mean when Martha is “not fooled” when Grandpa sends her into the house?

It’s likely that Grandpa sends Martha away so quickly because he doesn’t want her to see how emotionally affected he is.

The Scholarship Jacket Summary & Analysis

“The Scholarship Jacket” is a short story written by Martha Salinas. The story brings out the difficulties of Martha, an eighth-grade student, who wishes to win the scholarship jacket. Winning the jacket has been a tradition of Martha’s school where any student who maintains the first position during the eight years in school is awarded as the valedictorian. Martha naturally wants to win the jacket and works very hard for it. However, one day the principal informs her that now the jacket will cost money, which Martha cannot afford. Her grandfather explains to Martha that if she has to pay money for that jacket, then it is not a reward at all. So, the principal of the school decides to make an exception that year as he agrees to Martha having the jacket without paying the money. The story is quite straightforward in its narrative as it explores themes of corruption and honesty. It serves as a very good reading lesson for children and provides an insight into the saying “honesty is the best policy.” Martha chooses to respect the traditional value of the Jacket, and by doing so, she is able to receive the jacket with sincere efforts. So, the story focuses on how, by doing well and being truthful to oneself, one can achieve impossible things.

“The Scholarship Jacket” | Summary

The story starts when the narrator of the story, Martha, tells the reader about her school. The Texas school has a tradition where the top student who maintains the first position until the eighth grade is given a jacket. It is called the “scholarship jacket” and is gold and green in color. It also has a big gold-colored ‘s’ written on the left side while the name of the winner is written on the pocket. Martha wants that jacket because her eldest sister Rosie has also won it during school. As Martha’s parents are poor, they cannot afford to go on school trips and take part in sports competitions. So, for Martha, who has been living with her grandparents, it is the only jacket she can win. Martha is a straight-A student, but her classmates call her “beanpole” and “string bean” to tease her. Still, Martha is never fazed by the taunts and works harder.

One day, as she is going to fetch her P.E. clothes, she hears her history teacher, Mr. Schmidt, and her math teacher, Mr. Boone, arguing. They are talking about the scholarship jacket, and Martha cannot help but overhear. As the conversation continues, Martha can pretty much figure out the reason for their fight. Mr. Schmidt is defending Martha, claiming she deserves the jacket, but Mr. Boone wants him to cheat and give the jacket instead to Joan, whose father is on the school board as well as owning the only shop in town. Martha is heartbroken to hear this conversation. She goes to her classroom where Mr. Boone is still there, gets her clothes, and then flees from the room.

The next day at school, Martha is called into the principal’s office, and she immediately understands the reason. The principal informs her that now the Board of the school has decided to charge fifteen dollars. Martha is shocked to hear this, but she is still not ready to give up without a fight. She informs the principal that she will talk to her grandfather and let him know. When she gets home, she goes to her Grandpa, who is out working in the fields. On her way, she thinks of various ways she could convince him. However, Martha realizes that the only option is for her to be honest; otherwise, her eight years of hard work would go to waste. As she informs her grandfather about the situation, he only asks her one question – What does a scholarship jacket mean? When Martha answers the question, she realizes that the scholarship jacket was never about the money. Martha’s Grandpa says that if they paid for it, it would not be a scholarship jacket, so he requests Martha to tell the principal that he will not pay for it.

Angry and sad, Martha returns the next day to the principal’s office to inform them about her grandfather’s decision. When the principal asks why, Martha simply gives the answer she had given to her Grandpa earlier. At the mention of Joan getting the jacket, however, the principal finally caves in and says that they will make an exception in her case; he will ask the board to give her the jacket. Martha is overjoyed to hear this and rushes back home, the happiest she has ever been. Mr. Schmidt congratulates her as well. She goes straight to her grandfather to tell him about it, who is very happy to hear it, even though he never expresses it, and only asks Martha to go help her grandmother.

“The Scholarship Jacket” | Analysis

The story is written from the first person’s point of view, specifically from Martha’s point of view as she deals with the troubles of acquiring the scholarship jacket. The jacket here is the main plot point of the story, and as Martha attempts to win it respectably, she has to face corruption among grown-ups. The whole story is technically a lesson in honesty as it shows the rewards of being a good person. The protagonist of the story is Martha, and the antagonist of the story can be considered to be the Board of the School, which comprises a few people. However, they are the kind of people who can be completely bought off, just like Mr. Boone, who is ready to lower Martha’s grade unfairly even though she worked so hard for it. Nonetheless, Martha does not waver in her personality just because of a few people’s greed, and with the help of her Grandpa, who shows her the right path again, manages to achieve her goal in a way that would make her feel better. The story has been written in a plain style and follows the traditional way of storytelling where the story is easy to read, and the morale comes through. By writing this story, Salinas has tried to show how the simplest of gestures can result in beautiful things.

“The Scholarship Jacket” | Themes

The main themes of this story are corruption, greed, hard work, and faithfulness. The story touches upon the concept of exploitation, but it does so in a small way. Perhaps Salinas is trying to show that corruption is present even in the very place where they teach about ethical things. Martha had always been a very honest, diligent girl who had been working from the very first grade to get the scholarship jacket. She used every opportunity to study and earn exceptionally good marks; the only thing she lacked was money, and due to this, she could not take part in sports programs and school trips. However, Joan’s father uses Martha’s weakness as a tool to achieve his end. He bribes Mr. Boone to lower her grades unfairly, even though she worked so hard for it. Nonetheless, Martha does not waver in her personality just because of a few people’s greed, and with the help of her Grandpa, who shows her the right path again, manages to achieve her goal in a way that would make her feel better. The story has been written in a plain style and follows the traditional way of storytelling where the story is easy to read, and the morale comes through. By writing this story, Salinas has tried to show how the simplest of gestures can result in beautiful things.

“The Scholarship Jacket” | Title of the Story

The title of the story is the very object around which the story “The Scholarship Jacket” revolves. The object of interest is a jacket painted in gold and green colors. It has a large ‘s’ written on it on the left side, and on the pocket, the name of the winner is written in gold letters. According to the story, the title fits the story perfectly as Martha struggles against her conscience to earn the jacket in any way possible. Only when Martha herself says out loud her intentions does she realize the true importance of the jacket and the ideology behind it.

“The Scholarship Jacket” | Character Sketch

There are two important characters in this story, first is the protagonist herself, Martha. Martha is an intelligent and studious girl who has been working patiently to rightfully own the scholarship jacket. However, the Board demands fifteen dollars for it due to the extortion proposed by Joan’s father. Martha on her quest to get the jacket loses her sense of responsibility and is ready to get those fifteen dollars to justify her hard work. Along the way, however, Martha’s Grandpa opens her eyes to the true value of earning something by their hard work alone which leads to Martha getting her jacket the right way. Martha’s grandfather was an old man who worked on the farms, so perhaps he knew better than her what was the result of a work done without any ulterior motives and the rewards it gave. So he was able to lead Martha to her much-needed character development which would be a very good thing for her in the future.

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The Scholarship Jacket

My oldest sister Rosie had won the jacket a few years back and I fully expected to win also. I was fourteen and in the eight grade. I had been a straight A student since the first grade, and the last year I had looked forward to owing that jacket. My father was a farm laborer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports in school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so even thought we were quite agile and athletic there would never be a sports school jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance.

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All You Need to Know about “The Scholarship Jacket”: FAQs Answered

Table of Contents

Curious about “The Scholarship Jacket” and its significance? We’ve got you covered! This article dives into the frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding the story.

Who is Martha? Why is the jacket so important? Discover the empowering journey, the unjust hurdles, and the triumphant resolutions. Without further ado, let’s get started.

What is scholarship jacket?

“The Scholarship Jacket” is a short story written by Marta Salinas.

It tells the story of a Mexican-American girl named Martha, who comes from a poor family and attends a small school in a rural Texas town. The jacket is a symbol in the story and represents academic achievement and the opportunity for Martha to overcome her difficult circumstances.

In the story, Martha has maintained an exceptional academic record throughout her school years and is eligible for the jacket, which is awarded annually to the top student in the graduating class. The jacket is a symbol of honor and recognition for academic excellence and is highly coveted by the students.

However, Martha’s hopes are dashed when she discovers that her family cannot afford to buy her the jacket. Her father insists that they cannot afford the expense, and her uncle, who is a lawyer, advises her not to accept the jacket if it is not given to her freely.

Despite the disappointment, Martha decides to stand up for herself and confront the injustice. At the end of the story, Martha confronts the principal about the unfairness of denying her the jacket due to financial reasons.

The principal, impressed by her determination and integrity, realizes his mistake and awards Martha the jacket, recognizing her academic achievements.

The story explores themes of social inequality, injustice, and the importance of standing up for one’s rights. It highlights the challenges faced by underprivileged students and the significance of recognizing and rewarding academic excellence regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Is the scholarship jacket Marta or Martha?

In this story, the main character’s name is Martha. The jacket is not a person but rather a physical item, a jacket, which symbolizes academic achievement and recognition. Meanwhile, Martha is the student who is eligible for the scholarship jacket due to her outstanding academic performance.

Is “The Scholarship Jacket” a true story?

It is a work of fiction by Marta Salinas. While the story may draw inspiration from real-life experiences or observations, it is not based on a true story. Marta Salinas crafted the narrative to explore themes of social inequality, academic achievement, and the importance of standing up for one’s rights.

What is the point of view of the story?

The point of view used in this story is first-person point of view. The story is narrated by Martha, the main character, who tells the events from her own perspective.

By using first-person point of view, readers gain direct insight into Martha’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It allows for a more intimate and personal connection between the reader and the protagonist, enabling a deeper understanding of her struggles, aspirations, and the injustices she faces.

What grade level is the story for?

This short story is often studied in middle school or high school literature courses. The story’s themes, language, and length make it suitable for students in grades 7-12. It is often used to explore topics such as social inequality, perseverance, and the importance of education.

The story’s relatable characters and compelling narrative make it engaging for students at this grade level. However, the suitability of the story may vary depending on the curriculum and individual reading levels and sensitivities of students.

Why is the jacket so important to Martha?

The jacket holds great importance to Martha because it represents her hard work, academic achievements, and the opportunity to overcome her challenging circumstances. Here are a few reasons why the scholarship jacket is so important to Martha:

• Validation of her efforts: Martha has consistently maintained an exceptional academic record throughout her schooling. The jacket is a tangible symbol of recognition for her hard work and dedication. It validates her efforts and signifies her academic achievements.
• Escape from poverty: Martha comes from a poor family, and the jacket represents her chance to break free from the cycle of poverty. Moreover, it opens doors to higher education and provides her with the possibility of a brighter future. Thus, the jacket represents hope for a better life and the opportunity to overcome the limitations imposed by her socioeconomic background.
• Equal recognition and fairness: Martha feels that the jacket is rightfully hers based on her academic performance. She sees it as a matter of fairness and equality. Therefore, it becomes important to her to confront the injustice of being denied the jacket due to financial reasons and advocate for her right to receive it.
• Personal pride and accomplishment: Lastly, Martha takes great pride in her academic achievements. The jacket becomes a symbol of her personal accomplishments and a source of pride. It represents her determination, intelligence, and the culmination of years of hard work.

Overall, the jacket holds immense significance for Martha as it represents not only academic achievement but also the hope for a better future and the validation of her efforts. It becomes a symbol of her perseverance, determination, and the recognition she rightfully deserves.

Did Martha win her jacket or lost it to the other girl?

In the story, Martha does not win the jacket. Instead, it is given to another girl, Joann, who is the daughter of one of the school board members.

Despite Martha’s exceptional academic record and deserving qualifications, the principal denies her the jacket due to her family’s inability to afford it.

However, Martha does not accept this injustice and decides to confront the principal about the unfairness of the situation. She argues that the jacket should be awarded based on academic merit rather than financial status.

After a heated exchange, the principal realizes his mistake and acknowledges the injustice done to Martha. As a result, he awards her the jacket, recognizing her academic achievements and rectifying the initial unfair decision.

So, in the end, Martha does win the jacket after challenging the unfair decision and asserting her rights.

Who is the antagonist in “The Scholarship Jacket”?

The antagonist can be identified as the principal of the school. The principal is the person who initially denies Martha the jacket based on financial reasons, even though she is the most deserving student academically.

The principal’s decision is driven by a bias that prioritizes the financial status of the students over their academic achievements.

Furthermore, the principal serves as an obstacle and a source of injustice in Martha’s journey to receive the scholarship jacket. However, it is important to note that the principal later realizes his mistake and rectifies the situation by awarding Martha the jacket.

This development demonstrates that the principal is not an irredeemable antagonist, but rather someone who initially makes an unfair decision but eventually corrects it.

What is the climax of “The Scholarship Jacket”?

The climax of this story occurs when Martha confronts the principal about the injustice of denying her the scholarship jacket due to financial reasons. In this pivotal moment, Martha stands up for herself and asserts her right to be awarded the jacket based on her academic achievements.

At the most intense moment of the story, the principal finally understands Martha’s powerful arguments and determination. He admits his mistake and makes things right by giving Martha the jacket. He recognizes her hard work, academic success, and the effort she put into it.

In short, the climax of the story showcases Martha’s courage, perseverance, and the triumph of justice. It marks a turning point where Martha’s determination to stand up against unfairness leads to a positive resolution.

What is the resolution of the story?

After Martha stands up to the principal, the resolution of the story happens. The principal admits his error and fixes the unfairness by giving Martha the jacket.

All in all, the resolution of the story emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for one’s rights. It showcases Martha’s resilience and determination, ultimately leading to the recognition she rightfully deserves.

When was the story written?

It was first published in 1986.

What is the tone of “The Scholarship Jacket”?

The tone of the story can be described as determined, indignant, and empowering. Throughout the story, the tone reflects Martha’s resilience and determination in the face of injustice. She is determined to stand up for herself and fight against the unfair decision to deny her the scholarship jacket.

As the story progresses, the tone becomes increasingly indignant as Martha confronts the principal about the injustice and inequality in his decision-making. Martha’s impassioned arguments and refusal to accept the unjust treatment contribute to a tone of righteous indignation.

Ultimately, the tone shifts to an empowering one as Martha’s courage and perseverance lead to a resolution where she is awarded the jacket. The tone becomes uplifting as Martha’s triumph over adversity demonstrates the importance of advocating for one’s rights and the power of perseverance.

Final Words

From Martha’s triumph to the fight against injustice, “The Scholarship Jacket” inspires us all. Now that you know the story’s ins and outs, continue your exploration of scholarships’ impact on diversity and inclusion in higher education . Discover how these programs pave way for a brighter future.

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The Scholarship Jacket - Class 7 Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition - Summary, Extra Questions, Quiz & Video

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• Back Questions
• Extra Questions
• Vocabulary - Flashcards
• About the Author
• Important Lines

Back Questions - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Literature | English | Class 7

Complete this table.

Why do you think Martha mentions that her sister Rosie had won the jacket as Well? (para 2)

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What is the jacket the only chance for? Why is it the only chance? (para 2)

What do Mr Boone and Mr Schmidt argue about? Why were they arguing? (paras 4 and 5)

What could Mr Schmidt mean by “Martha is Mexican….” How does this make the situation even worse for Martha? (para 6)

Has there really been a change in the policy as the principal said? (para 8)

Why does Martha describe herself as ‘withdrawn’? Who does this tell you about her personality when she is not sad? (para 20)

Why was there a change in the principal’s attitude towards the problem? (paras 24-27)

Martha’s grandfather says little, but his words and actions mean much to Martha. What does Martha learn from him?

Circle the words that describe Grandpa.

- impatient - sharp - wise - impulsive - dignified

When a story is told from the first-person point of view, the narrator -

- is a character in the story.

- tells the story using the pronouns I, me, we, and us.

- tells the story as he or she experiences it.

How does a first-person narrative limit the information you receive? Why do you think the writer chose to use a first-person narrative?

Martha and her grandfather are the main characters in the story. A protagonist, or the main character, creates the action of the plot and engages readers, arousing their empathy and interest. The protagonist is often a hero or heroine of the story. The other characters are known as minor characters.

Describe how the minor characters interact with Martha.

Mr Schmidt (what he says about Martha, sticks to his moral values…)

Mr Boone (does not consider Martha’s feelings, does not value merit…)

the principal (not ashamed to ask Martha to pay, does not truly

understand the situation at home)

What do we know about Martha’s grandfather? Say how -

- he is emotionally and physically tired but still keeps trying to support his family.

- understands the importance of education for the children in his family and their future.

- takes a stand even though he knows it will be hard for Martha to deal with his decision.

How do all these things help him influence the outcome of this story?

💡 Have more questions?

Extra Questions - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Literature | English | Class 7

"The small Texas school that I attended carried out a tradition every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket, the school colours, was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grade for eight years. The scholarship jacket had a big gold ‘S’ on the left front side and the winner’s name was written in gold letter on the pocket."

What was the tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation at the school?

What was the significance of the gold 'S' on the jacket?

How was the winner of the scholarship jacket determined?

The tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation was awarding a beautiful gold and green jacket , the school's colors, to the class valedictorian.

The gold 'S' on the jacket stood for "scholarship." It indicated that the jacket was a scholarship jacket, a significant symbol of academic achievement in the school.

The winner of the scholarship jacket was determined by academic performance . It was awarded to the student who had maintained the highest grade for eight years, that is, since the first grade through to the eighth grade.

How did Martha's grandfather react when she asked him the money for the jacket?

Quiz - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

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Vocabulary - Flashcards - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

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About the Author - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

Martina Salinas is a notable author best known for her short story "The Scholarship Jacket". The narrative, a piece of autobiographical fiction, reflects the issues and circumstances the author herself faced growing up as a Mexican-American girl in Texas. Salinas is recognized for her exceptional ability to convey an authentic sense of rural, working-class life through detailed character descriptions and vivid imagery. Through her writing, she actively advocates for the underprivileged and marginalized, sensitively portraying the struggles of students in accessing quality education and opportunities.

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Summary - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

"The Scholarship Jacket" by Martina Salinas is a narration by Martha, a young girl attending a small Texas school that awards a scholarship jacket to the class valedictorian each year during the eighth-grade graduation. The jacket, green and gold in color (the school's colors), proudly displays a gold 'S' and the recipient's name.

Martha is a straight-A student and she is looking forward to getting this jacket just as her sister Rosie had a few years prior. They can't afford to participate in sports due...

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Plot - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

Introduction to the tradition.

The protagonist, Martha, an eighth-grade student from a poor community in Texas, narrates her anticipation for receiving the traditional scholarship jacket - a symbol of appreciation for achieving the highest grade over eight years. Her older sister Rosie had previously won it, and Martha, too, had been maintaining straight A's since her first grade.

The Argument Overheard

Close to graduation, Martha overhears a .....................

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Themes - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

Persistence and Hard Work : The central theme of the story is the persistence and hard work of the protagonist, Martha. Despite coming from an impoverished background, she consistently strives for academic excellence. Her grades reflect this hard work and she is driven by the aspiration of winning the Scholarship Jacket, an award she deserves.

Social Inequality : The narrative explores the .............

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Important Lines - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

"My oldest sister Rosie had won the jacket a few years back and I fully expected to win it too." - This line sets the expectation and aspiration of the protagonist. Her sister's achievement and her striving to follow in her footsteps set the stage for the struggle that unfolds.

"This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance." - This quote is important as it paints the picture of their dire socioeconomic situation, emphasizing the significance the scholarship jacket holds for Martha; not just as a symbol of academic achievement but also of financial relief and an opportunity to elevate their circumstances.

" “I refuse to do it! I don’t care...

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Vocabulary - The Scholarship Jacket | Gulmohar Reader Golden Jubilee Edition | Class 7 Literature | English

Graduation – the act of successfully completing a university degree or studies at the American High School, a ceremony in which degrees are officially given out

Graduation is a significant milestone in one's educational journey.

( school ) colours – the particular colours used on clothes, flags, etc. to represent a team, school or country

The school's colors, blue and white, were proudly displayed at the sports events.

Valedictorian – the student who has the highest marks/grades in a particular group of students and who gives the valedictory speech

John was...........................

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"A Study Guide for Marta Salinas's ""The Scholarship Jacket""" (Short Stories for Students) Kindle Edition

• Print length 28 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publisher Gale
• Publication date December 13, 2018
• File size 551 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07LC243DT
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gale (December 13, 2018)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 13, 2018
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 551 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 28 pages
• #1,545 in 45-Minute Education & Reference Short Reads
• #5,215 in 45-Minute Literature & Fiction Short Reads
• #10,593 in Literary Criticism (Kindle Store)

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The Scholarship Jacket Summary

September 12, 2023 by Raju

“ The Scholarship Jacket Summary ” is a compelling blog or article title that captures the essence of a well-known short story. This summary provides a concise overview of the plot, themes, and key elements found within The Scholarship Jacket Pdf. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the story’s central conflicts, the significance of the scholarship jacket, and the social commentary conveyed by the author. Read More Class 10 English Summaries .

The Scholarship Jacket Summary

The Scholarship Jacket in English

P. 113 1. I attended a small Texas school. It had a tradition. Every year during the 8th grade passing out function a beautiful gold and green jacket was awarded to the student who had maintained the highest grades for 8 years. The jacket had a big gold ‘S’ on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket.

2. My eldest sister Rosie had won the jacket a few years back. I also expected it. I was 14 and in the 8th grade. I had been an ‘A’ student from the first grade. My father was a farm labourer. He could hardly earn enough to feed his 8 children. So when I was six, I was given to my grandparents to be looked after.

p. 114 3. We could not participate in sports at school as there were registration fees, uniform fees and trips out of town. So we would never have a school sports jacket in our home. The scholarship jacket was our only chance.

In May, close to the passing out day, spring fever struck as usual. No one paid any attention in class. We stared out of the window and at one another. We wanted to finish the classes. I was unhappy whenever I looked in the mirror. I was pencil thin. Not a curve anywhere. I was called ‘beanpole’ and ‘string bean’. I knew I looked like that. I was thinking like this when I walked from the history class to the gym. Another hour of sweating in basket ball, and showing my toothpick leg. I remembered that my PE shorts were in a bag under my desk where I had forgotten them. I had to walk all the way back to get them. Coach Thomson was strict with the PE shorts. She had said that I was a good forward. She even tried to persuade Grandma to let me join the team. Grandma refused.

5. I was almost back at the classroom when I heard angry voices. I stopped. I did not know what to do. I needed those shoes. I was getting late. But I did not want to interrupt an argument between my teachers. The voices I recognized: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher and Mr. Boone, my maths teacher. They were arguing about me. I could not believe it. I stood flat against the wall as if I were trying to blend with the graffiti.

Theard Mr. Schmidt. He sounded very angry: “I refuse to do it! I don’t care who her father is. Her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s. I won’t lie or falsify records. Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” Mr. Boone’s voice was calm and quiet. “Look, Joanne’s father is on the Board. He owns the only store in town. We could say it was a close tie and …”

the scholarship jacket summary pdf

p. 115 6. I could not hear the rest of what he said clearly. But I could hear some words here and there. “Martha is Mexican …. resign … won’t do it…” Mr. Schmidt rushed down the opposite way and went into the auditorium. He did not see me.

I was shaking. I waited a few minutes and ran into the room and collected my bag. Mr Boone saw me, but did not say anything. To this day I don’t remember how I got through the PE. I went home very sad. I cried into the pillow so that Grandmother would not hear me.

7. It was a cruel coincidence that I heard that conversation. When the Principal called me to his office the next day, I knew what it was for. He looked unhappy and uncomfortable. I looked him straight in the eyes. He looked away and pretended to be looking at some papers.

He told me that there was a change in the policy regarding the scholarship jacket. It used to be free. But this year the Board has decided to charge 15 dollars which will not even cover the cost of the jacket.

8. I stared at him in shock. A sound of surprise came from my throat. He still avoided looking in my eyes. “He said that if I could not pay 15 dollars, it would be given to the next one in line. I knew who it was.

9. I told him that I would speak to my grandfather and let him know the next day. I cried as I was returning home from the bus stop. By the time I got home my eyes were red and puffy.

the scholarship jacket story

p. 116 I asked Grandmother where Grandpa was. He was working in the bean, field at the back of the house.

10. I met him there. He was walking between the rows of plants with a hoe in his hand. I went to him thinking how I could present my demand. There was a cool breeze and sweet smell of mesquite fruit in the air. I wanted that jacket so much. It represented 8 years of hard work and expectation. I knew I had to be honest with Grandpa. He saw my shadow and looked up.

11. I cleared my throat. I held my hands behind my back so that he would not see them shaking. I told him that I wanted to get a big favour from him. I spoke in Spanish. He knew only Spanish.

12. I explained to him that this year the scholarship jacket was not free. It would cost 15 dollars. If I didn’t pay the money tomorrow it would be given to somebody else. Grandpa looked up and leaned his chin on the hoe handle. He looked at the field and finally asked, “What does a scholarship jacket mean?”

13. I answered quickly: “It means you’ve earned it by having the highest grades for 8 years and that’s why they are giving it to you.” I realized the significance of the words too late. Grandpa said nothing and went back to weeding the field. Finally he spoke as I turned to leave, crying.

the scholarship jacket characters

p. 111 “If you pay for it, Martha, it is not a scholarship jacket, is it? Tell your principal that I will not pay the 15 dollars.”

I walked back and locked myself in the bathroom for a long time. I was angry with Grandpa although knew he was right. I was angry with the Board. Why did they change the rule when it was my turn to get the jacket?

Those were days of belief and innocence. The next day I went to the Principal’s office very sad. This time he looked me in the eyes. When he asked what my grandfather said, I told him he would not pay the 15 dollars.

15. The Principal muttered something. He walked to the window and looked outside. He looked bigger than usual. He was a tall, thin and bony man with gray hair. Finally he asked, “Why won’t your grandfather pay? He.has a two-hundred acre ranch.”

16. I looked at him forcing my eyes to stay dry. Then I told him the reason grandfather gave for not paying. I stood up to leave. I told him: “I think you’ll have to give it to Joann.” It had just slipped out of my mouth. I was near the door when he called me, “Martha, wait.”

p. 118 17. I tumed and looked at him, waiting. What did he want now? My heart was pounding and something bitter tasting was in my mouth. I thought I would vomit. I did not want any sympathy speeches. He sighed loudly and went back to his desk. Then he told me that they would make an exception and give me the jacket.

18. I could hardly believe my ears. I thanked him. I felt great. I did not know about adrenalin then but I knew something was pumping inside me. I wanted to yell, jump, run, do something. I ran out so I could cry in the hall where nobody would see me. At the end of the day, Mr. Schmidt winked at me and said that he heard that I was getting the jacket.

19. His face looked happy. I gave him a quick hug and ran to the bus. I cried on the walk home again. This time I cried as I was happy. I ran into the field to tell Grandpa. I started pulling weeds. Grandpa worked alongside me for a few minutes. He did not ask what had happened. After collecting a pile of weeds I faced him. Then I told him what happened.

20. Grandpa said nothing. He gave me a pat on my shoulder and a smile. He wiped his sweat with the crumpled red handkerchief he always carried in his back pocket. He asked me to see if Grandma wanted any help with supper.

Iran back to the house whistling some silly tune.

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The Scholarship Jacket

Author: marta salinas, 0 changes , most recent less than a minute ago.

The small Texas school that I went to had a tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colors) was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grades for eight years. The scholarship jacket had a big gold S on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket.

My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years back, and I fully expected to also. I was fourteen and in the eighth grade. I had been a straight A student since the first grade and this last year had looked forward very much to owning that jacket. My father was a farm laborer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so, even though our family was quite agile and athletic there would never be a school sports jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance.

In May, close to graduation, spring fever had struck as usual with a vengeance. No one paid any attention in class; instead we stared out the windows and at each other, wanting to speed up the last few weeks of school. I despaired every time I looked in the mirror. Pencil thin, not a curve anywhere. I was called “beanpole” and “string bean,” and I knew that’s what I looked like. A flat chest, no hips, and a brain; that’s what I had. That really wasn’t much for a fourteen-year-old to work with, I thought, as I absent-mindedly wandered from my history class to the gym. Another hour of sweating in basketball and displaying my toothpick legs was coming up. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts were still in a bag under my desk where I’d forgotten them. I had to walk all the way back and get them. Coach Thompson was a real bear if someone wasn’t dressed for P.E. She had said I was a good forward and even tried to talk Grandma into letting me join the team once. Of course Grandma said no.

I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort of argument. I stopped. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, I just hesitated, not knowing what to do. I needed those shorts and I was going to be late, but I didn’t want to interrupt an argument between my teachers. I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher. They seemed to be arguing about me. I couldn’t believe it. I still remember the feeling of shock that rooted me flat against the wall as if I were trying to blend in with the graffiti written there.

“I refuse to do it! I don’t care who her father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s. I won’t lie or falsify records. Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr. Schmidt and he sounded very angry. Mr. Boone’s voice sounded calm and quiet.

“Look. Joann’s father is not only on the Board, he owns the only store in town: we could say it was a close tie and—”

The pounding in my ears drowned out the rest of the words, only a word here and there filtered through. “. . . Martha is Mexican . . . resign . . . won’t do it . . . . ” Mr. Schmidt came rushing out and luckily for me went down the opposite way toward the auditorium, so he didn’t see me. Shaking, I waited a few minutes and then went in and grabbed my bag and fled from the room. Mr. Boone looked up when I came in but didn’t say anything. To this day I don’t remember if I got in trouble in P.E. for being late or how I made it through the rest of the afternoon. I went home very sad and cried into my pillow that night so Grandmother wouldn’t hear me. It seemed a cruel coincidence that I had overheard that conversation.

The next day when the principal called me into his office I knew what it would be about. He looked uncomfortable and unhappy. I decided I wasn’t going to make it any easier for him, so I looked him straight in the eyes. He looked away and fidgeted with the papers on his desk.

“Martha,” he said, “there’s been a change in policy this year regarding the scholarship jacket. As you know, it has always been free.” He cleared his throat and continued. “This year the Board has decided to charge fifteen dollars, which still won’t cover the complete cost of the jacket.”

I stared at him in shock, and a small sound of dismay escaped my throat. I hadn’t expected this. He still avoided looking in my eyes.

“So if you are unable to pay the fifteen dollars for the jacket it will be given to the next one in line.” I didn’t need to ask who that was.

Standing with all the dignity I could muster, I said, “I’ll speak to my grandfather about it, sir, and let you know tomorrow.” I cried on the walk home from the bus stop. The dirt road was a quarter mile from the highway, so by the time I got home, my eyes were red and puffy.

“Where’s Grandpa?” I asked Grandma, looking down at the floor so she wouldn’t ask me why I’d been crying. She was sewing on a quilt as usual and didn’t look up.

“I think he’s out back working in the bean field.”

I went outside and looked out at the fields. There he was. I could see him walking between the rows, his body bent over the little plants, hoe in hand. I walked slowly out to him, trying to think how I could best ask him for the money. There was a cool breeze blowing and a sweet smell of mesquite fruit in the air, but I didn’t appreciate it. I kicked at a dirt clod. I wanted that jacket so much. It was more than just being a valedictorian and giving a little thank you speech for the jacket on graduation night. It represented eight years of hard work and expectation. I knew I had to be honest with Grandpa; it was my only chance. He saw my shadow and looked up.

He waited for me to speak. I cleared my throat nervously and clasped my hands behind my back so he wouldn’t see them shaking. “Grandpa, I have a big favor to ask you,” I said in Spanish, the only language he knew. He still waited silently. I tried again. “Grandpa, this year the principal said the scholarship jacket is not going to be free. It’s going to cost fifteen dollars, and I have to take the money in tomorrow, otherwise it’ll be given to someone else.” The last words came out in an eager rush. Grandpa straightened up tiredly and leaned his chin on the hoe handle. He looked out over the field that was filled with the tiny green bean plants. I waited, desperately hoping he’d say I could have the money.

He turned to me and asked quietly, “What does a scholarship jacket mean?”

I answered quickly; maybe there was a chance. “It means you’ve earned it by having the highest grades for eight years and that’s why they’re giving it to you.” Too late I realized the significance of my words. Grandpa knew that I understood it was not a matter of money. It wasn’t that. He went back to hoeing the weeds that sprang up between the delicate little bean plants. It was a time-consuming job; sometimes the small shoots were right next to each other. Finally he spoke again as I turned to leave, crying.

“Then if you pay for it, Marta, it’s not a scholarship jacket, is it? Tell your principal I will not pay the fifteen dollars.”

I walked back to the house and locked myself in the bathroom for a long time. I was angry with Grandfather even though I knew he was right, and I was angry with the Board, whoever they were. Why did they have to change the rules just when it was my turn to win the jacket? Those were the days of belief and innocence.

It was a very sad and withdrawn girl who dragged into the principal’s office the next day. This time he did look me in the eyes.

“What did your grandfather say?”

I sat very straight in my chair.

“He said to tell you he won’t pay the fifteen dollars.”

The principal muttered something I couldn’t understand under his breath and walked over to the window. He stood looking out at something outside. He looked bigger than usual when he stood up; he was a tall, gaunt man with gray hair, and I watched the back of his head while I waited for him to speak.

“Why?” he finally asked. “Your grandfather has the money. He owns a two-hundred acre ranch.”

I looked at him, forcing my eyes to stay dry. “I know, sir, but he said if I had to pay for it, then it wouldn’t be a scholarship jacket.” I stood up to leave. “I guess you’ll just have to give it to Joann.” I hadn’t meant to say that, it had just slipped out. I was almost to the door when he stopped me.

“Martha—wait.”

I turned and looked at him, waiting. What did he want now? I could feel my heart pounding loudly in my chest and see my blouse fluttering where my breasts should have been. Something bitter and vile tasting was coming up in my mouth; I was afraid I was going to be sick. I didn’t need any sympathy speeches. He sighed loudly and went back to his big desk. He watched me, biting his lip.

“Okay. We’ll make an exception in your case. I’ll tell the Board, you’ll get your jacket.”

I could hardly believe my ears. I spoke in a trembling rush. “Oh, thank you, sir!” Suddenly I felt great. I didn’t know about adrenalin in those days, but I knew something was pumping through me, making me feel as tall as the sky. I wanted to yell, jump, run the mile, do something. I ran out so I could cry in the hall where there was no one to see me.

At the end of the day, Mr. Schmidt winked at me and said, “I hear you’re getting the scholarship jacket this year.”

His face looked as happy and innocent as a baby’s, but I knew better. Without answering I gave him a quick hug and ran to the bus. I cried on the walk home again, but this time because I was so happy. I couldn’t wait to tell Grandpa and ran straight to the field. I joined him in the row where he was working, and without saying anything I crouched down and started pulling up the weeds with my hands. Grandpa worked alongside me for a few minutes, and he didn’t ask what had happened. After I had a little pile of weeds between the rows, I stood up and faced him.

“The principal said he’s making an exception for me, Grandpa, and I’m getting the jacket after all. That’s after I told him what you said.”

Grandpa didn’t say anything; he just gave me a pat on the shoulder and a smile. He pulled out the crumpled red handkerchief that he always carried in his back pocket and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Better go see if your grandmother needs any help with supper.”

I gave him a big grin. He didn’t fool me. I skipped and ran back to the house whistling some silly tune.

DMU Timestamp: November 19, 2015 15:05

0 General Document comments 0 Sentence and Paragraph comments 0 Image and Video comments

1 archived comments

I’m the Tech Liaison for the New York City Writing Project. I… (more)

Now, I’d love to see what you think about such awards or if you have ever worked hard the way Martha has to deserve such an award. How do you think she must be feeling after keeping her grades up for eight years?

You’re*

I FIND THIS INTERESTING BECAUSE IN HIS SCHOOL IS SMALL SO HE JUST HAVE TO DO SMALL STUFF

How do you think the size of a school impacts the types of rewards or praise students can earn?

I used to rule the world Seas would rise when I gave the word Now in the morning, I sleep alone Sweep the streets I used to own I used to roll the dice Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes Listen as the crowd would sing Now the old king is dead, long live the king One minute, I held the key Next the walls were closed on me And I discovered that my castles stand Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’ Roman Cavalry choirs are singin’ Be my mirror, my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason, I can’t explain Once you’d gone, there was never, never an honest word And that was when I ruled the world It was a wicked and wild wind Blew down the doors to let me in Shattered windows and the sound of drums People couldn’t believe what I’d become Revolutionaries wait For my head on a silver plate Just a puppet on a lonely string Oh, who would ever want to be king? I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’ Roman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror, my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason, I can’t explain I know Saint Peter won’t call my name Never an honest word But that was when I ruled the world Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’ Roman Cavalry choirs are singin’ Be my mirror, my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason I can’t explain I know Saint Peter won’t call my name Never an honest word But that was when I ruled the world

This was really good.

Firstly, I must say, I appreciate your reflection on the school tradition—it gives a strong sense of place and value, which can resonate well with your readers. And the details you’ve provided about the jacket itself? They’re quite vivid; I can almost see it! Now, considering your question, “Do you ever have a single original thought?” it appears to be a rather pointed inquiry about creativity or authenticity, doesn’t it? Let’s delve into that.

When you write about the jacket, you’re connecting to a broader theme of recognition and merit—it’s highlighting an accomplishment. Perhaps you could express your personal thoughts or feelings on this tradition. Did this tradition inspire you? Did it feel like an original part of your community’s identity, something you hadn’t seen before?

I encourage you to edit lines, sentences, and paragraphs in your text. If you are owner of the document, you can double-click on any sentence or paragraph, edit and update.

Remember to keep referring back to your original question about having an original thought. What does this tradition and striving for the jacket mean to you personally? How does it connect to your own aspirations or creativity?

Would you like to discuss how you can further develop the theme of originality in your experiences, or maybe you’re looking to explore the feelings attached to traditions and accomplishments? Perhaps, we could talk about how to weave in your own narrative or thoughts to provide a fresh perspective. Which way would you like to steer our conversation, or is there another part of the text that’s calling out for deeper reflection? Let’s craft a tapestry of thoughts as colorful as that jacket! 

I like this part cause it let me see what type of celebrate in texas

I want good grades too

What do good grades represent for students? Why are they important to obtain?

It shows that when they learn, they show their wisdom that they earned from their experience in school.

What i see in the paragraph is that when i was reading this paragraph I saw a big S .

Also This is important is because the student has highest academic achievements of the class so the principal had a award and the jacket.

This relate to me because i was once a valedictorian i think am not sure but I think i remember .

I agree, in fact this one struck me as odd. I agree with the ideas that are described in the text, besides that I would like to add that I am also a writer (if I can call myself that), because I am a college student and I really love writing, more than that, I love reading it, because it inspires me a lot to do something new and interesting, I think this source is one of the best I have ever discovered check this site because here I can find writings to any field and then I can make one of my own, which will be absolutely unique and with brilliant ideas, because here as I noticed there are many interesting ideas. Besides that I already know several colleagues in college who use this and I must say that this is really interesting because I made a personal statistic of my own from which I deduced that actually the students who use this to make writings are like about 20% smarter than the rest.

She did not buy the jacket her mom got the jacket.

I like to have a scholarship when I get older it will be good that will be amazing that will help to go to a college that is good because I want to go to college so I can go to any job I want that is really good that is going to be good that is going to be good because im going to get all the money for me and my family and wife and kids and my mom and dad that is going to be so amazing you should try to go to college tthat is going to be good

konichiwa,hello my name is gabriel i’m a student in new direc… (more)

If I were in that school I would never be able to get that jacket because i’m not good at getting strait A for eight years.

The details that i see in this paragraph is that her sister has won a jacket a few back.

This is important to me because i feel the same way as Marta ,when my brother won something that i what i would be sad and jealous.

This relate to me because I was jealous at my brother because he won something that i what which was the honor roll

but other than that was a good answer

THIS IS INTERESTING BECAUSE HE WAS A STRAIGHT A STUDENT FOR 4 YEARS THEN HE DIDNT EARN THE JACKET , THATS DISAPONTED

i think that this a good story and a life lesson because you have to be grateful for what you have because some people don’t have what we do

What do I see in this paragraph is that the graduation was close and some people got a fever from spring.

This is important to me because I know how was like I got a fever from spring to and i think i had to go with a fever because I did not what to miss something so big

This relate to me because I think i had a fever from spring once and I had to go with my fever .

THEY WASNT PAYING ATTENTION BECAUSE IT WAS ABOUT TO BE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR SO THEY STARED AT WINDOWS AND DID NOTHING

What i see in this paragraph is that this is mean because the teachers said that she is Mexican not she can not get the jacket.

This is important is because you can be like that that is so mean if some one said something like that to you would you like it?no

This relate to me because i remember that some body said that insist i am not Dominican that made me feel bad

What do I see In this paragraph is that the principal is calling you t his offices that is crazy.

This is important because if you are going to the principal office you did something bad.

How do I explain this figurative language? I need an explanation pls help.

What would you be happy about here? Why?

I would be happy because he is going to pay the jacket for her.

Are you a teacher?

General Document Comments 0

She earned the jacket, but because she was of a different race, and because a white girl had a father with a big business, she was going to have to pay for something that would normally be free! This kind of reminds me of the poll tax, when blacks had to pay to vote for a president!

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(optional) Select some text on the page (or do this before you open the "Notes" drawer). 3. Highlighter Color: 4. Search for: Search in: Course-wide Content More Resources Quizzes More Resources Instructor Resources Course-wide Content The Scholarship Jacket Questions & Answers Hi Everyone!! This article will share The Scholarship Jacket Questions & Answers. In my previous posts, I have shared the questions and answers of Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright , Exile House and The Giant Mirrors of Rjukan so, you can check these posts as well. The Scholarship Jacket Questions & Answers Question 1: why did martha expect to win the scholarship jacket who in the family had won it before. Answer: Martha expected to win the scholarship jacket because she was currently in the eighth grade and had earned straight as since the first grade. Martha’s elder sister Rosie had won the jacket a few years before. Question 2: With whom did Martha live? Why? Answer: Martha lived with her grandparents. She was being raised by her grandparents as her father, a farm labourer was not able to feed all his eight children. Question 3: Choose the correct option: (a) martha hoped to get the scholarship jacket because. Answer: she had scored ‘A’ grade all through her eight years of school. (b) Martha and her siblings were unable to take up sports because Answer: they were unable to bear the various expenses that went with it. (c) Martha’s grandfather refused to pay the fifteen dollars for the scholarship jacket because Answer: it was unfair to ask money for the scholarship jacket on ehad earned. Question 4: Read and answer the questions: I couldn’t believe it. It still remembers the shock that rooted me flat against the wall as if I were trying to blend in with the graffiti written there. (a) Where is the narrator? Answer: The narrator is in her classroom. (b) What is it that she fails to believe? Answer: She fails to believe the conversation she eavesdrops on. She hears her teachers Mr Schmidt who teaches history and Mr Boone who teaches math argue. While Mr Boone is trying to convince Mr Schmidt that they should falsify Martha’s records to make Joann win the scholarship blazer, Mr Schmidt is against doing anything of the sort. (c) Why was she rooted against the wall? Answer: She was rooted against the wall because she did not want her teachers to know that she had been listening in on their conversation. (d) What do the words ‘blend in with the graffiti’ mean? Answer: The phrase means, trying to blend in with the wall. Martha remembers the shock of hearing herself discussed by the teachers. She was so shocked that she was almost trying to blend in with the surroundings, as she did not want to be discovered. The situation also seemed to be so unreal that she just wanted to be one with her surroundings and disappear from it. Question 5: Read and answer the questions: I knew what it was about and decided I wasn’t going to make it easier for him so I looked him straight in the eye. (a) Who is the other person referred to here? Answer: The other person being referred to here is the principal of Martha’s school. (b) Where are the narrator and other person at this point? Answer: At this point, the narrator and the principal are in the principal’s office. (c) What previous knowledge did the narrator have? Answer: At this point, the narrator knew that the principal and other staff were considering the possibility of letting Joann win the jacket as her father was an influential person, even though Martha was the one who had rightfully earned it with her grades. (d) In what state of mind does the other person appear to be? Answer: The principal appeared to be uncomfortable and unhappy with the state of affairs. He tried not to make eye contact and fidgeted with the papers on his desk. Question 6: Read and answer the questions: I wanted that jacket so much. It was more than just being valedictorian and giving a little thank you speech for the jacket on graduation night. It represents eight years of hard work and expectation. (a) Who wanted the jacket badly? Answer: Martha wanted the jacket badly. (b) Who would be the valedictorian? What would he/she be asked to do on the day of the graduation? Answer: The valedictorian would be the one who would be awarded the scholarship jacket on the graduation day of the eighth grade. On the day of the graduation, he/she would be asked to give a thank-you speech once the jacket was presented to him/her. (c) Did the speaker want the jacket to obtain the honor to give the valedictory speech of graduation day? What did she want it for? Answer: No, Martha did not the jacket simply to give thank-you speech on er graduation day. To her, the jacket symbolized all the hard work she had put in over the past eight years, working consistently towards a goal to win the jacket. Question 7: Why was it important for Martha to get the scholarship jacket? Answer: It was important for Martha to win the scholarship jacket, especially given her economic circumstances. She came from a very humble background, with her father unable to care for her basic needs. That iswhy she was being raised by her grandparents. Even though she was athletic, she could not be a part of the school sports teams, given the expenses required. Therefore, this jacket was her only chance to prove to others how meritorious she was. She had been consistently getting ‘A’ grades for the past eight years and she was very keen to win this jacket to motivate her for her future too. Question 8: What kind of person was Martha? Answer: Martha has worked consistently over the past eight years, earning straight As to qualify her for this award. Even though she comes from a very humble background, she has never let any limitations get in her way. She has always put in her best in studies and the results of that are clear for everyone to see today. Martha is not just good in studies, she is quite athletic too. We wish her all the best for her future and hope she continues to shine on. So, these were The Scholarship Jacket Questions & Answers. Share this: Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) 308 IMAGES The Scholarship Jacket Plot Diagram by Hounds and Hoos The Scholarship Jacket by Meera Baydas on Prezi Short Story: The Scholarship Jacket by Martha Salinas The scholarship jacket Storyboard by e6332850 PRL 1 Summary, Themes and Analysis of "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta VIDEO A follower has gifted a jacket to Vivek Ramaswamy The Scholarship Jacket (2nd Section) for class 7th SCHOLARSHIP JACKET Class The Scholarship Jacket exercise SSLC English / The Scholarship Jacket COMMENTS "The Scholarship Jacket": Summary, Theme & Analysis by Marta Salinas There are three characters in "The Scholarship Jacket" who take a principled stand for what is right—Mr. Schmidt, Grandpa and finally, Martha. We first learn of the plot against Martha when she overhears the argument between Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Boone. Mr. Schmidt is adamant in his refusal to cheat Martha out of her prize. Summary, Themes and Analysis of "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Summary of "The Scholarship Jacket". The narrator, Martha, is nearing the end of eighth grade at her Texas school. Every year at graduation, the school awards a beautiful jacket monogrammed with an "S" and the winner's name to the class valedictorian, the student with the highest grades over eight years. Martha's older sister Rosie won it years ... PDF The Scholarship Jacket The scholarship jacket had a big gold Son the left front side and the winner's name was written m gold letters on the pocket. My oldest sister Rosie had won the jacket a few years back and I fully expected to win also. I was fourteen and 111 the eighth grade. I had been a straight A student since the first grade, and the last year I had looked ... PDF The Scholarship Jacket Marta Salinas a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colors) was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grades for eight years. The scholarship jacket had a big gold 'S' on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket. My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years The Scholarship Jacket Summary & Analysis The Scholarship Jacket Summary & Analysis. "The Scholarship Jacket" is a short story written by Martha Salinas. The story brings out the difficulties of Martha, an eighth-grade student, who wishes to win the scholarship jacket. Winning the jacket has been a tradition of Martha's school where any student who maintains the first position ... (PDF) The Scholarship Jacket View PDF. The Scholarship Jacket By: Martha Salinas The small Texas school that I attended carried out a tradition every year during the eighth grade graduation; a beautiful gold and green jacket, the school colors, was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grade for eight years. All You Need to Know about "The Scholarship Jacket": FAQs Answered It tells the story of a Mexican-American girl named Martha, who comes from a poor family and attends a small school in a rural Texas town. The jacket is a symbol in the story and represents academic achievement and the opportunity for Martha to overcome her difficult circumstances. In the story, Martha has maintained an exceptional academic ... PDF The Scholarship Jacket California at Irvine. "The Scholarship Jacket" is one of several short stories Salinas has published in jo. he storyTexas HistoryThe main character in "The Scholarship Jacket" is a Mexican- American g. l who lives in Texas. The history of Tejanos, or Texas Mexicans, dates ba. more than 200 years. As early as 1731, Tejanos established a ... "A Study Guide for Marta Salinas's ""The Scholarship Jacket""" Gale, Cengage Learning, Dec 13, 2018 - Literary Criticism - 18 pages. "A Study Guide for Marta Salinas's ""The Scholarship Jacket"", excerpted from Gale's acclaimed Short Stories for Students. This concise study guide includes plot summary; character analysis; author biography; study questions; historical context; suggestions for further ... What is the theme of "The Scholarship Jacket"? Themes in "The Scholarship Jacket" include discrimination, resistance to misconduct, the longing for recognition, fairness and unfairness, honesty, and perseverance. PDF Share. The Scholarship Jacket by Marta Salinas The Scholarship Jacket. This story by Marta Salinas is about prejudice, privilege and hope. Martha is 14 and about to enter High-School. Her parents are very poor, so she lives with her grandparents. Marta gets top grades, and wants nothing more than for this to be recognized by winning the Grade 8 Scholarship Jacket. The Scholarship Jacket Class 7 "The Scholarship Jacket" by Martina Salinas is a narration by Martha, a young girl attending a small Texas school that awards a scholarship jacket to the class valedictorian each year during the eighth-grade graduation. The jacket, green and gold in color (the school's colors), proudly displays a gold 'S' and the recipient's name. ... "A Study Guide for Marta Salinas's ""The Scholarship Jacket""" (Short "A Study Guide for Marta Salinas's ""The Scholarship Jacket"", excerpted from Gale's acclaimed Short Stories for Students. This concise study guide includes plot summary; character analysis; author biography; study questions; historical context; suggestions for further reading; and much more. The Scholarship Jacket Summary September 12, 2023 by Raju. " The Scholarship Jacket Summary " is a compelling blog or article title that captures the essence of a well-known short story. This summary provides a concise overview of the plot, themes, and key elements found within The Scholarship Jacket Pdf. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the story's central ... CommonLit Learn about our affordable school and district partnerships, starting at just $2,500 / year! Connect with our team to find the right partnership to support your team. CommonLit is a nonprofit that has everything teachers and schools need for top-notch literacy instruction: a full-year ELA curriculum, benchmark assessments, and formative data. PDF The Scholarship Jacket The Scholarship Jacket By: Marta Salinas The small Texas school that I attended carried out a tradition every year during the eighth grade graduation; a beautiful gold and green jacket, the school colors, was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grade for eight years. The scholarship jacket had a big gold S The Scholarship Jacket 11 "So if you are unable to pay the fifteen dollars for the jacket it will be given to the next one in line.". I didn't need to ask who that was. 12 Standing with all the dignity I could muster, I said, "I'll speak to my grandfather about it, sir, and let you know tomorrow.". I cried on the walk home from the bus stop. "The Scholarship Jacket" Study Guide by Literature GAL Description. Study Guide for "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas that I give my students when we begin reading the short story. The document also serves as an outline, so students know what to expect. They use this document to help prepare them for discussions and assessments in and out of class. I have searched and compiled a unit of ... Selection 04: The Scholarship Jacket B) At Marta's school, the eighth-grade valedictorian was traditionally awarded a beautiful green-and-gold jacket. C) Although Marta had earned the scholarship jacket, she almost lost it to a less deserving student. D) Marta's older sister had won the scholarship jacket, and Marta deeply wanted to win it as well. 2. PDF Washington Township Public Schools / Homepage Created Date: 10/29/2009 8:59:31 AM The Scholarship Jacket Questions & Answers Question 3: Choose the correct option: (a) Martha hoped to get the scholarship jacket because. Answer: she had scored 'A' grade all through her eight years of school. (b) Martha and her siblings were unable to take up sports because. Answer: they were unable to bear the various expenses that went with it. (c) Martha's grandfather refused ... PDF The Scholarship Jacket The Scholarship Jacket. The small Texas school that I attended carried out a tradition every year during the eighth grade graduation; a beautiful gold and green jacket, the school colors, was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grade for eight years. The scholarship jacket had a big gold S on the left ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis