Slavkovsky receives Seattle University scholarship

A long and arduous application process was worth all the time and effort for Rose Slavkovsky when she received the news she’d been chosen for a Sullivan Leadership Award at Seattle University (SU).

The award, which is renewable for up to three additional years, includes $27,300 in tuition and board and a $4,818 room grant.

Rose will be required to complete 15 credits per quarter, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and participate as a leader on campus and in the community.

Slavkovsky should have no trouble with these requirements considering she’s a 4.0 student and has exhibited outstanding leadership at Sisters High School.

English teacher Samra Spear said, “I feel incredibly blessed to know Rose. In the time I have known her, I have found her to be an exceptional student and person. I can honestly say that she is one of the top few overall students I have encountered in my 14 years of teaching. She is a positive role model in many ways. When I think of Rose, the words character, passion and integrity first come to mind. To me, this honor is no surprise and no one deserves it more.”

Seattle University’s award letter stated that Rose was chosen because she exemplified effective and compassionate leadership as distinguished by her commitment to serving and leading others. As a reward recipient Rose will have the opportunity to develop her leadership abilities further and make a significant impact on society and the world.

For Slavkovsky, the time-consuming application process began in November of 2005 when she had to send in an essay that defined her leadership vision and the people and experiences that contributed to its formation. She also had to include a two-page leadership resume.

As part of the scholarship process the 350 applicants were invited to attend a leadership competition in December.

“We were sent a 3,000-word book review that we had to be familiar with for the competition,” said Rose.

Applicants were given a prompt and then had one hour to write an impromptu essay that related to the book review and to the Universities Mission Statement.

At this point 36 finalists were named and Rose was one of the chosen few to continue the scholarship process.

“We were sent the book called, ‘The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down,’ which is the book the 3,000-word review was based on,” said Slavkovsky. “We were required to read the book and then write a speech based on the book and our past and present personal experiences and be prepared to present it orally to three members of the selection committee in February (2006).”

“I wrestled with the speech for a long time,” said Slavkovsky. “I sought the help and advice of my English teachers and Laura Nordquist (Middle School Principal). And, I had a tremendous amount of support from the Sisters community. It was more than a little overwhelming.”

She said, “At that moment I realized the statement, ‘It takes a village,’ is in its entirety so true. Where I am now is the product of so many people offering and committing their talents and gifts to me.”

Rose, along with the 35 other finalists, returned to Seattle in February for the final round of the competition.

“The other 35 competitors shocked me,” said Rose, “It was just incredible the work they’d done in their schools and communities. They were outstanding human beings all around. Initially, I was a little intimidated, but internally I was at peace. I’d prepared extensively and ultimately knew the outcome was up to God.”

After Slavkovsky’s speech presentation she had to engage in a 10-minute discussion on the book with the three-member panel.

When asked how she did she replied, “I nailed it! I walked away knowing I couldn’t have done a better job answering their questions.”

A 15-minute interview followed with three new panel members and then Rose had to wait patiently to hear from the University on whether or not she’d been selected.

Within a week Slavkovsky was notified she’d been chosen as one of the seven recipients of the coveted scholarship.

“This scholarship is a tremendous blessing,” she said. “I am humbled and eager to in some way give back to the community of Sisters and contribute to the community of Seattle. Without the weight of a financial burden I have the freedom to pursue my passions, specifically, the East African culture and women’s rights.”