Portage High School senior Marko Pekovic was in disbelief when his name was called as the winner of the 2012 PHS Outstanding Young Man Scholarship program. Pekovic’s success in the event attests to his commitment, intelligence, stage presence and personality.
“I was actually pretty shocked. I didn’t realize that I could win. I was waiting for someone else’s name to be called. When they called my name I was really happy, but it was really shocking at the same time,” Pekovic said. Pekovic’s favorite part of the OYM experience was learning the dance. He described the dance as a bonding time during which the guys could help each other learn the dance moves. Pekovic was pleased to share the experience with this year’s group, which consisted of 29 other PHS seniors.
“It was a dynamic group. There were quiet people and others who were really energized,” he said.
Pekovic, who plans on attending IUPUI next year, received an overwhelming response from friends and family after the event. The announcement brought his mother and grandmother to tears of joy and pride.
In college, Pekovic is going to major in biology and minor in pre-dentistry with plans of eventually becoming a dentist. He had no shortage of material for his college application. He is the president of the PHS Student Council and the president of the advanced orchestra. Pekovic has also participated in plays and musicals. He has been a member of the orchestra for seven years and also participates in Choraliers.
“As the Student Council president, me and the other student body officers get together to pick chairs for events. The biggest thing we do is Homecoming. Right now we’re dealing with assemblies that are going on,” Pekovic said.
Pekovic is currently working on one of his major Student Council projects, organizing Spring Leadership, which will be held April 27 in the Fieldhouse. Around 300 student leaders will be in attendance.
Pekovic’s tenure at Portage High School will wrap up when he graduates in June. His biggest piece of advice for underclassmen is to appreciate the great teachers and staff members that work at PHS.
“I will miss the teachers most when I leave PHS. A lot of people don’t appreciate the awesome staff that we have here. The teachers are so awesome. They really care about the students. If there was any impression that I could leave on the school, it would be that people should appreciate the school and the staff,” he said.
Click here for a full recap of the Outstanding Young Man Program, or here for a full photo gallery!!!