Page 13 - 2025 April Report

Elevation Scholars
Elevation Scholars Interviews Saturday, March 1, 2025 Bea Awoniyi
The story of how students become eligible to participate in selective programs such as the Elevation Scholars is a terrific way to better understand and appreciate the depth of work that goes into selecting who gets to participate. This year, 2025, is the second year that JSF participated in the Elevation Scholars interview. Our Board Chair, Malcolm Macleod, represented JSF in 2024. Elevation Scholars extended the invitation again to JSF and I was asked to participate. I am glad I did! What a worthwhile and eye- opening event.
A lot of preparation went into the day’s event. Prior to the Saturday, March 1 interview date, the Elevation Scholars shared many files to help the preparation. They provided information about each applicant, the application guide, and most importantly, the selection guide. They also sent the application packet for six (6) applicants with whom my team conducted in- depth interviews. Each packet is between 15 and 34 pages, containing information about the applicant’s personal statement, transcript, extracurricular activities, resume, reference letters, and household finance. Every application packet was complete. The information provided a window into the student’s life, family situation, and their postsecondary and career goals.
Of course, there is always a difference between reading what a student wrote, and speaking directly with the students. All the students arrived with a family member. All were well dressed and many appeared nervous. It was clear that all the candidates wanted to be part of the program, and they wanted to be sure they showed themselves worthy of the investments. They were all impressive, and their family members were as well. What was most impressive was the extent that Elevation Scholars’ staff went to make students feel comfortable and appreciated. The entry way to the interview suite was welcoming. Staff welcomed each student by name and welcomed their family members. They had coffee and breakfast items, and the chairs were comfortable. It felt like a first-class welcome event.
A lot goes into the selection process. Each candidate/student provided a very thought-out essay about who they are, what they want to accomplish, and where they feel they can accomplish their educational goals. These are high achieving students who possibly can attend any Ivy League college/university, but they may not know how to apply, prepare, and pay for such education.
All 97 students/candidates invited to the interviews in 2025 met the eligibility criteria of (1) enrolled in Orange or Seminole County HS and on track to graduate in 4 years; (2) demonstrated financial need; (3) US citizen or legal resident; (4) earned a minimum of 3.5 unweighted GPA; (5) rank within the top 10% of their junior class; and (6) no criminal record or discipline issues at the school.
I quickly settled with my two other fellow interviewers. We had guided questions to ask and we followed up with our own questions. Though we discussed each of the candidates, each of us completed our evaluations and scoring independently. Each of us ranked the students on the main pillars and values of Elevation Scholars — leadership, service, kindness, and discipline.
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