Student recognized for helping others in academic need

Draper — John Soklawski did not expect to hear his name during the speech of Juan Diego Catholic High School’s principal, Doctor Galey Colosimo, announcing the recipients of the different awards the school gives to outstanding senior students every year.

"But then he mentioned my brother Ryan and I knew," said Soklawski.

Soklawski was nominated by his teachers and peers to receive the Saint Katharine Drexel Award, which honors the faithful and generous servant to God and neighbor who fostered Catholic education, and recognizes that senior student who has demonstrated an ability and willingness to nurture and support others in academic need through outstanding generosity, time, and talent.

Among the nomination comments were the following:

"His willingness to share his intellectual prowess can be seen with his close friends. He refuses to leave his friends behind, no matter what. Few students at Juan Diego love the download of information as much as he does. His grasp of academics is an inspiration to me."

"No matter where I see him, whether it be before school or after school, lunch, or right before class, he is helping students at all times. I have personally benefited from his help over the last four years."

"His brother Ryan won this award three years ago, and his mother is a math teacher at Blessed Sacrament School; so, helping others learn obviously runs in the family."

Still, Soklawski did not expect to get the award.

"I was pretty surprised. But I was happy," he said.

When asked why he should bother to help others, he simply answered: "Why not?"

Then, he gave it some thought.

"If someone taught this to me, I have an obligation to teach others," he said.

Soklawski has also learned to teach himself. He said he learned how to program a computer at age 10. But, he has learned most of his teaching skills and disposition from his brother Ryan.

"He would come back from college during the summer and tutor kids. Once, he took a couple of months – his whole break – to teach me and my friends a half-a -year worth of second-year calculus in two months," he said.

Soklawski said he plans to study at Seattle University in Washington and double major in Computer Engineering and Math, with a minor in Japanese.

"Japanese culture interests me. I’ll give it a try… I can always drop it and say, ‘Sorry. I already have two majors’," he said jokingly.

He does not plan to drop helping others, though.

"As long as people keep asking me, I’ll keep answering – If I can," said Soklawski.

Molly Dumas, director of advancement and public affairs, said Juan Diego also has a program called St. Katharine Drexel.

"This is a tutorial program to help kids who struggle in a particular area, whether it is due to a learning or physical challenge," said Dumas.

The program is geared to provide students with "the opportunity to become complex and creative thinkers, quality workers and producers, effective communicators and self-directed learners."

Tutors and teachers help students overcome their learning challenges, such as ADD or dyslexia, said Dumas.

"Sometimes the teachers go into the students’ classrooms, see how the class is taught, and help students understand," she said.

Dumas said Juan Diego strives to give students the attention and resources necessary for them to attain the skills that will make them successful in college.

"Around 98 percent of our students go to college," she said.