The Scholarship Jacket Chapter Notes | Gul Mohar Class 7 PDF Download

About the Author

Marta Salinas was born in Coalinga, California, and studied creative writing at the University of California. She has published several short stories, often based on her Mexican-American background and the challenges of growing up in a working-class family. The Scholarship Jacket is her most famous work.

Detailed Summary

The story takes place in a small Texas school where every year, during the eighth-grade graduation, a scholarship jacket is awarded to the class valedictorian (the student with the highest grades for eight years). The jacket is green and gold with a large “S” on it, and the student’s name embroidered in gold letters. Unlike sports jackets, which required money for fees, uniforms, and travel, this jacket was free and awarded purely on merit.

Marta, a 14-year-old Mexican-American girl, is the narrator. She has been a straight-A student since the first grade and fully expects to win the jacket, just like her older sister Rosie had years before. Coming from a poor family of eight children, Marta had been raised by her grandparents because her father, a farm labourer, could not afford to support all his children. This jacket was her only chance at receiving recognition, since she couldn’t afford sports activities or uniforms.

One afternoon, while retrieving her gym shorts from class, Marta accidentally overhears her two teachers arguing. Mr Schmidt, the history teacher, is angry, insisting that Marta rightfully deserves the scholarship jacket because her grades are much higher. Mr Boone, the math teacher, however, argues that the jacket should go to Joann, another student, because Joann’s father is on the school board and is an influential businessman. Marta is shocked and heartbroken to learn that her Mexican heritage and her lack of family influence might cost her the award she had earned.

The next day, the principal calls Marta to his office. Looking uncomfortable, he informs her that the school board has introduced a “new policy”: this year, the jacket will cost $15. If Marta cannot pay, it will be awarded to the next in line. Marta is devastated, knowing her grandparents cannot spare such money.

That evening, Marta approaches her grandfather, who is working in the bean field. Nervously, she explains the situation and asks for help. Her grandfather listens silently, then asks, “What does a scholarship jacket mean?” Marta replies that it is given only to the student with the highest grades, earned through hard work over eight years. Her grandfather wisely answers, “Then if you pay for it, it’s not a scholarship jacket.” He refuses to pay, teaching Marta a lesson in integrity—that true honors cannot be bought.

The next day, Marta returns to the principal, sad but composed, and repeats her grandfather’s words. At first, the principal is silent, but finally, with a sigh, he decides to make an exception. He agrees that Marta will receive the jacket for free, recognizing the unfairness of the situation and her grandfather’s wisdom.

Marta is overwhelmed with joy. She runs home to tell her grandfather. Though he does not show his emotions openly, giving only a small smile and pat on her shoulder, Marta knows he is proud of her. The story ends with Marta happily skipping back to the house, knowing she has won not only the jacket but also the respect that comes with honesty and integrity.

Moral / Message

The story teaches us the value of integrity, honesty, and fairness. It shows how true recognition must be earned, not bought. It also reveals the challenges faced by poor students and the strength of family values. Marta’s grandfather proves that dignity is more important than compromise, and Marta’s victory shows that standing by principles leads to true success.

Character Sketches

Marta (the narrator)
A hardworking, honest, and determined Mexican-American girl. She values education, dreams of the scholarship jacket, and shows dignity even when faced with unfairness.

Grandfather
A wise, strong, and principled man. He refuses to pay for the jacket, teaching Marta that true achievement cannot be bought. His quiet strength shapes the moral core of the story.

Principal
A conflicted figure, pressured by the Board but eventually guided by conscience. He shows weakness at first but redeems himself by making the right decision.

Mr Schmidt (History teacher)
Honest and fair. He defends Marta and insists she deserves the jacket based on her grades.

Mr Boone (Maths teacher)
Weak and biased. He suggests giving the jacket to Joann because her father is influential. He represents corruption and unfairness.

Vocabulary Table