by Molly Brodhacker| Staff Writer

For many students around this time, stress begins to set in about applying and being accepted to college. The main concern for many seniors may not be where they go to college, but where the money to pay for it is going to come from. Earning scholarships can be a great way to lessen college costs, but scoring a full ride is rare and an honor. Senior Brooke Nowakowski, Co-editor in chief of the Pride, has received the Navy scholarship, which will pay for her 4 years at whatever college she chooses in studying East-Asian studies, along with additional fees such as books, and other necessities.

“My four years are completely covered so as I graduate with a Bachelors in East-Asian studies.” Nowakowski said.

Being awarded this scholarship is a very difficult task, only twenty were awarded nation wide. Nowakowski obviously has exceptional grades and involvement in school, which helped earn her the check. Although this scholarship is through part of America’s defense service, Nowakowski wasn’t even in JROTC.

“Basically, in May, I started filling out essays and stuff, and it was pretty much like a normal college application. I had to send my transcripts, essays and grades.They put a lot of emphasis on involvement in sports and things,” said Nowakowski.

The application for a scholarship of this magnitude is lengthy and thorough. After completing the forms Nowakowski even had to meet with a local Navy recruiter to have an interview.

“At that time he determined my application was competitive enough to give it something called an ISR, which is an immediate scholarship reservation. Basically it’s a benchmark they can place on your application so they see it when the board reviews the application,” Nowakowski said.

After a normal day of track practice, Nowakowski heard her phone buzzing and realized she had a voicemail from her Navy recruiter informing her she had verbal conformation of being awarded the scholarship. Nowakowski was so overjoyed she told everyone around of her news.

“I was ecstatic, I ran out and called my parents even though we were still in school. I told Coach [Almaraz]; I told everyone around!” Nowakowski said.

The magnitude and honor of receiving this scholarship deemed a full ceremony necessary. Nowakowski was handed over a check; not a check that your mom may write for your lunch account, one of those giant checks you see people win on television, the kind almost too enormous to hold.

“They have a giant show check they give you; I really don’t know what to do with it. Right now it’s like sitting in the corner of our rec room gathering dust.”

While Nowakowski may have won her hefty check, the process still isn’t over. In the next two weeks she will have to attend health check ups and screenings. The Navy wants to ensure that she has the health capabilities to complete her scholarship including other things.

“I have to get medically qualified first so these upcoming weeks I have medical examinations because they have to ensure that they can commission you and use you.If you have some sort of pre-existing medical condition they disqualify you,” Nowaski said.

Once Nowakowski completes her four years at her college of choice and graduates with a bachelors in East-Asian studies, she will commission into the Navy as an unrestricted first officer.

“Basically my 4 years are paid for and when I graduate I’ll be an unrestricted first officer in the Navy,” Nowakowski said.

One thing is for sure, Nowakowski’s hard work and dedication throughout high school have earned her a wonderful ride through college.

“I’m looking forward to a career in the Navy; but it’s equally exciting to be going to college.” Nowakowski said with a smile.