Deseret Management Corporation’s (parent company for the Deseret News) Vice President of Community Relations, Roland Radack, was a 1972 Sterling Scholar at Brighton High. Radack agreed to share some of his experiences:
I was the Sterling Scholar nominee in Foreign Language from Brighton High School and was one of the fourteen finalists from the Wasatch Front Region. I didn’t have any specific plans to apply. I had always been very active in church, school and community activities. I always enjoyed being involved with different groups and activities and associating with a variety of people. I was encouraged to apply by Alfred Morris, my German teacher at Brighton.
I had heard about Sterling Scholars for a number of years and knew that is was a big deal. I guess I never thought I could win until I was encouraged by some of my school teachers.
I enjoyed the people and the process the most! It was fun to prepare my portfolio and work with teachers and others who helped me with my preparations. I don’t remember much about the various interview levels but I do remember the excitement when I was named a finalist.
I don’t think I would have done anything differently. I think the key for personal growth and development is to be involved, not only in academics, but also with various community and school organizations designed to help others and to make a difference in people’s lives. Now that I have the opportunity to be a Sterling Scholar Semi-Final judge (40 years after being a Sterling Scholar Foreign Language finalist), I look forward to reviewing portfolios and interviewing what I know will be some very talented and energetic young people.
