LOWER LAKE – Lower Lake High School (LLHS) senior Brandon Rockwell, 17, enjoyed the surprise of a lifetime Wednesday morning. Rockwell was summoned to the front office where, unknowing to him, he would receive exciting news about the future of his education.
Rockwell entered the principal”s office without a clue as to what he was in store for. A look around the room showed there to be something significant on the table as several teachers, Superintendent Dr. Bill MacDougall, the media and Rockwell”s mother Sheila sat anxiously waiting to disclose the good news.
“As you can see, Brandon, this is very serious,” Principal Jeff Dixon said to the student with a grin on his face. “And we have someone else here who would like to tell you something.”
Principal Dixon introduced the voice on the phone as Wayne Anthony representing DeVry University. “Good morning Brandon,” Anthony said. “I”m happy to tell you that you have been chosen to receive our Presidential Scholarship.”
Rockwell”s jaw dropped at the news and a look of amazement and satisfaction overcame his face.
“Our president found your essay to be very moving. Although it was one of the shortest essays, it was one of the most powerful ones,” Anthony said.
Anthony then shared an excerpt from the essay that he said held particular impact: “I will learn from my mistakes and never assume that my strengths are at their strongest. I will be honest about my abilities, showing neither false modesty nor self depreciation. In short, I will do things right and be true to myself; because a belief in yourself is the only success you can guarantee.”
A “Wow!” was let out in the room and Anthony said: “That”s exactly what our president said. When the president read this all he would say was ?Wow!””
Anthony added, “Just remember Mr. Rockwell you now belong to me. No one who has ever got a Presidential Scholarship has not graduated.”
Basically, Rockwell was speechless.
“I can”t tell you how proud I am and what an honor it is to have you at this school,” Dixon said, later adding, “(This scholarship) means that all things are possible. The kids see with hard work they can obtain their goals. This brings great honor to our school.”
Rockwell will study computer programming and game simulation. He said this scholarship will provide him with the financial means to reach his goals. He said the most difficult transition will be adapting to a new environment and the excess of students at DeVry.
DeVry”s Presidential Scholarship is in the amount of $30,000. Superintendent Dr. MacDougall said he believes this scholarship to be the largest awarded to a LLHS student in the school”s history. Guidance Counselor Amy Osborne said she expects Senior Award Night on June 4 to be a very exciting event as the school anticipates announcing nearly $80,000 in scholarship awards, which she said is also a record amount for LLHS.
Not only is Rockwell computer savvy, but he”s also a talented writer. A book signing to celebrate the publishing of his first book will be held at 3:30 p.m. May 27 in the library at the high school.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
