Relocating from Poland at a young age, Mikolaj Radaszkiewicz had to decide where his life in the United States would lead. He only knew he wanted to serve others.
Years later, the St. John’s University senior is one of the most honored ROTC cadets in the nation.
Mikolaj, Battalion Commander of the Red Storm Battalion Army ROTC unit, was recently named an ROTC Student of the Year in a nationwide competition sponsored by the Navy Federal Credit Union. Chosen from among 15 national finalists, he was one of three students selected, one each to represent US Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps ROTC programs.
The senior Homeland Security student, who has a 3.97 grade point average, is the first St. John’s cadet to win this prestigious award. The award recognizes cadets for their leadership skills, military and academic excellence, and commitment to service.
His selection comes with a $6,500 scholarship award and a $5,000 donation to the Red Storm Battalion. Mikolaj and his fellow winners will be celebrated during the Go Bowling Military Bowl college football game on December 28 and across Navy Federal’s social media channels.
“It is such an honor to win this award,” Mikolaj said. “I really was not expecting to be a winner. There were many great candidates with great résumés. I was humbled to win.”
Mikolaj’s journey began in Elk, Poland. He came to the United States with his family at age five and settled in Queens, NY. He attended high school at Unity Center for Urban Technologies in Manhattan.
A gifted student, he chose St. John’s for its affordability and proximity to his new home. He joined the Red Storm Battalion as a way of repaying the University’s generosity and thanking his adopted country for its welcome.
After nearly four years of physical training, classroom study, and fieldwork, he has become a leader admired by his fellow cadets.
Mikolaj's military ambitions began while watching Black Hawk Down with his father at their Glendale home when he was six years old.
“I was six years old," Mikolaj recalled about watching Black Hawk Down with his father "We were watching the movie and I thought it was the coolest thing ever... When I saw it I said ‘This is what I want to do.’ I knew I wanted to give back somehow.”
He admitted that applying for Student of the Year more than a year ago was challenging because discussing qualifications made him uncomfortable; instead relying on letting "his résumé speak for itself."
“I know you have to sell yourself; you must almost brag about your accomplishments,” he said adding “That is not easy for me but when I saw that Navy Federal provides stipend... thought great way help program soon behind me.”
In addition being known as “Rad” among peers within Red Storm Battalion due involvement Polish Culture Club Homeland Security Club President Society—University highest undergraduate student honor—and outgoing President Finance Committee Military Science Club,
Mikolai will graduate May then deploy Fort Huachuca AZ officer training planning pursue career army intelligence officer crediting both St Johns ROTC program making ambitions possible
“St John's ROTC program shaped who am today,” concluded upon hearing news victory addressing entire program saying could not done without them
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