The first edition of Basic Algebra: One Step at a Time was written in the spring and summer of 1988, and it was first used in Dr. Rapalje’s class in the fall of 1988.  The One Step books were printed in the SCC Print Shop and sold in the College Bookstore.  In the later years, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step books were added.  Since there were no publisher’s expenses and no royalties, the books were much less expensive to students than traditional textbooks. In fact, the cost was so inexpensive (less than $10 originally), that it seemed appropriate to add a small scholarship fee to the price of the books.  The first One Step for SuCCess Scholarship was awarded in the fall of 1996 in Basic Algebra only.  In 1999, the award was extended to both Intermediate and College Algebra.  The scholarship was awarded from 1996 until Dr. Rapalje's retirement in 2007.

Of even greater significance, the funds generated from the sale of One Step books qualify for matching funds from the State of Florida when available. Therefore, a $10 scholarship donation from the sale of each book (since Fall, 2003) actually generated $20 for scholarships.

The purpose of the scholarship was to reward and recognize students who demonstrated excellence in math through the One Step method, to promote the One Step method as a viable alternative to traditional textbooks, and to encourage non-math-oriented students to overcome their reluctance to do math.

THE AWARD CONSISTED OF: 

1. Three-hour in-state tuition waiver or waiver of equivalent value.

2. $300 cash award (began as a $50 award).

3. A One Step textbook for the next level of math for winners in Basic and Intermediate Algebra.

NOMINATION for the scholarship was by instructor initiative. Criteria for awarding the scholarship was the recommendation of instructor based upon quality of homework, overall success in Basic, Intermediate, or College Algebra: One Step at a Time and outstanding progress (taking into account where the student began!)

In an effort to award scholarships to as many different students as possible, the Committee considered only students who had not previously won One-Step scholarships. Previous winners who continued excellence at higher levels were awarded the "Continued Excellence Award" consisting of a $300 cash honorarium.  In addition, "Honorable Mention Awards" were presented to runner-up students with impressive performance in homework and exams.

At Dr. Rapalje's retirement in July 2007,  the One Step books went out of print having contributed, with matching funds from the State of Florida, approximately $50,000 to the then Seminole Community College Foundation.   Awards were made to a total of 147 students.  Twenty-three Continued Excellence Awards were given, including five “Triple Crowns” to Martha Paez, Denise Gronland, Ellen Rieckhoff, Michelle Santos, and most recently in 2007, the last semester for the  "One Step" books at Seminole, to Brodie Halbfoster.

A personal note:

I would like to thank the members of the One Step for SuCCess Scholarship Committee and the Foundation for their assistance in managing and distributing funds generated from the sale of the One Step books.  I believe we were able to recognize and reward excellence in the classroom and to provide financial assistance to some very deserving students!  Remember, the Basic Algebra book is still available, section by section, on this website.  Selected sections from Intermediate Algebra and the Logarithms chapter from College Algebra are available.  Perhaps even more importantly, the most "Frequently Asked Questions" from all three levels (Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra) from my last two years are available in my Math in Living C O L O R  pages.  My thirty-six (36=6²) years (1971-2007) at Seminole Community College certainly passed quickly!  Then again, as they say, "Time flies when you are having a good time!!"  As I've grown older, it seems that time flies even when you are NOT!

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