Applications for Leader of the Pack, the yearly award and scholarship that two students receive for outstanding contributions to the University, are due Thursday.
Nick Schultz, senior in civil engineering and one of the two 2007 recipients, said this year’s application process has been more challenging than before because the Homecoming game, where recipients will receive the awards, is three weeks earlier than in past years.
“With the game being three weeks earlier than last year, it really doesn’t give students much time to go through the application process,” he said. “We want people to know what this scholarship is about. The short deadline has really made things hectic.”
Every year, the Leader of the Pack program recognizes two students for contributions to the University in the areas of leadership, scholarship and community service with a $1,000 scholarship.
According to the Center for Student Leadership Ethics and Public Service Web site, students who apply are judged based grade-point average, a personal interview, extracurricular activities, written essays on their leadership and service experience and a student body vote.
Once all applicants turn in their applications, a review process will take place. Finalists for the award will be voted on by the student body and the award will be given during halftime of the Boston College game Oct. 4.
Schultz received added attention in April when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He said the experience has been difficult, but his treatment has been going well.
“In terms of health, I’m doing really well,” he said. “I had a good chance during the summer to relax and focus on my health.”
Schultz said he and Anna Patton, senior in psychology and the second recepient of the award in 2007, will work together with CSLEPS Director Mike Giancola to decide who will review applications and conduct student interviews in order to pick the finalists.
“Anna Patton, myself and Mike Giancola are the committee that decides who will review applications,” he said. “We want to have a great pool of applicants because we want people to have the opportunity to be recognized for the great things they have done for N.C. State.”
According to Patton, the experience of being a Leader of the Pack has been “humbling.”
“It starts from the very first moment when you’re on the football field and it erupts with applause,” she said. “Having the responsibility of representing N.C. State and what it stands for makes you think twice about everything you get involved in. It underscores all of your actions.”
Patton said she and Schultz worked hard with Giancola to make the selection process for the 2008 recipients reflect the ideals of the award.
“[Schultz and I] are just the facilitators of this process,” she said. “We wanted to create a rigorous application process that will make sure people who apply represent N.C. State well. We had tough questions on the application that really make students reflect.”
