Why the scholarship jacket is so important to Martha. Cite evidence from the story?

The scholarship jacket is important to Martha because she has worked hard for it throughout her high school years and sees it as a symbol of her achievements and a way to honor her family's tradition of Excellence. In the story, Martha's dedication to earning the jacket is shown when she achieves the top academic grades required and when her teacher misplaces her application, she confronts him to ensure she receives the jacket as rightfully earned.