Forty days ago ended the wonderfully rich and splendid life of Pavlo Levkiv. His departure reminds us that we are all mortal, that our time on this earth is finite. While we live together in this ever-changing world, nature decreed that all of us are mortal and our life on this earth be finite time. We despair that Pavlo’s life was so short especially since he loved life. Pavlo lived life to the fullest, as if he knew that he had little time to experience the joys of life on this earth.

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College admission letter on behalf of Pavlo

I am writing on behalf of Pavlo Levkiv, the most remarkable young man I have met in my 26 years in education. As you must know, Pavlo has overcome enormous obstacles-not just with sheer determination, but also with a passion for living that is inspirational. Pavlo is one of my heroes.

While I’ve spent hours and hours with Pavlo over the years, I’d like to tell you about one day I spent with him-a day that reshaped the way I view life. On this day, Pavlo taught me about real courage, persistence, and joy in striving.

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Letter of recommendation for Pavlo LevkivI have known Pavlo Levkiv for three years and I have worked with him as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Though I am completely cognizant of the possibility of sounding too chummy, I sincerely believe that Pavlo makes miracles happen daily. Pavlo Levkiv is the single most inspiring person I have ever met.

In 9th grade English I learned a few certainties regarding Pavlo. First, he is extremely creative and passionate about the Ukraine. While the class read George Orwell’s 1984, Pavlo supplemented the assigned reading with Zamyatin’s We. Pavlo then volunteered to present a critical comparison of the 2 novels to the class. In that oral presentation, Pavlo shared his ideas in a manner most aptly described as the essence of concise. I suspect that his ability to be succinct, to provide dense information with as few words as possible, comes as a survival technique – something he has learned on his own – which is no doubt a seemingly inherent and highly developed skill spawned from his disability. His instincts and listening skills are remarkable, and although he tends to listen, he is always ready and willing to speak.

Cerebral Palsy has not stopped Pavlo from running on the cross-country team. Not only does he beat other runners consistently, but he is capable of running a 5K in under 28 minutes. Pavlo falls nearly every practice and continues to run with bloody knees and elbows. Last year he ran the majority of the season with a broken forearm. His ability to endure pain and be uncomfortable is simply unusual and inspiring. He has had a major impact on his teammates and opponents alike, helping all who run with him to believe in themselves and each other. Those who come into contact with Pavlo inevitably want to become better people, and suddenly believe that they can.

Pavlo has his heart and head in the right place. He loves to laugh, as he does so with all of his teachers and peers. He also deeply desires to master his studies. For the past three years Pavlo has joined the cross-country team on its preseason trip to New Hampshire. After each 12-15 mile day, Pavlo was consistently the only runner whose light would remain on after curfew. Because he was studying math in 2 different languages, I felt compelled to make an exception to the rule. Pavlo’s light seems to always be on.

College admission letter on behalf of Pavlo

Having known Pavlo since his arrival as a 9th grader in the fall of 2003 and having been his teacher for the past two years, I am happy to share my thoughts on this truly extraordinary young man.

Pavlo has been dealt a bizarre combination of hurdles and gifts. His birth (in the Ukraine) was traumatic. An extended period without oxygen resulted in a variety of permanent developmental abnormalities. He has poor muscular coordination such that, were you to see him walking down the hallway or ungainly grabbing a pencil, you would think that he had Cerebral Palsy. His speech is also affected. Although he is attentive and communicates very clearly in writing, the act of talking is effortful for Pavlo: it takes longer for him.

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