Catching up with Lincoln Waffle, Eagle Scout

I hope this finds everyone at the Leatherstocking Council, BSA doing well. Enclosed is my transcript for my first year at Hartwick College as required by the two-year Danforth & Marguerite Bolton Eagle Scout Scholarship that I was awarded.

My freshman year, as one might expect, I found myself drowning in a lot of stress, albeit short-lived. Between moving away from home, meeting new people, having to manage laundry, balancing life with my class schedule, clubs and work, it was difficult at first. But because of my experiences in Scouting, specifically the leadership skills and the motto “Do your best;” I learned to develop coping skills. I was able to push through my stress, and soon, I had adapted to my stressful situation, making it my new normal. This adaptation not only allowed me to get through my first year of college successfully, but it allowed me to excel as well, and I am happy to report I met and exceeded the Bolton Scholarship’s required minimum grade point average. (Editor’s note, Lincoln has very nearly maintained a 4.0 average and the Boltons set up a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement)

In addition, I went into this year with a declared major of Business Administration, and I have decided that was the right choice. I very much enjoy the content and classes involved with the major, and I will be sticking with it. That decision also allowed me to meet a person who has become one of the most influential in my professional life and likely my future. This was my Business 101 professor and the Business Department Chair, Dr. Pauline Stamp. She helped me work through several processes including working as a teaching assistant for the Business Department to help teach Business 101 this past semester. I was told that it is an uncommon honor and responsibility for a freshman to be hired as a teacher’s assistant as it’s a duty typically assigned to upper classmen. Dr. Stamp also helped me register for an internship this summer; so, in addition to my time as a TA, I worked with Mr. Brian Birch, the head of the Financial Aid Department at Hartwick. He, too, has proven to be very influential in my life as he gave me a recommendation for a significant scholarship that I have received for next fall.

I wasn’t just a book worm on campus either. I joined the History Club and was able to visit Washington, DC, and Gettysburg. While I have always been a history fan, these trips broadened my appreciation for my County and my civic responsibilities. I also visited the campus exercise facilities daily, and I watched several athletic events on campus. I have really enjoyed my time as a member of the Hartwick College community and am taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.

Finally, Hartwick offers a January program called J-term, where students can either study abroad or take a few extra classes. A couple of months ago, my application to study abroad next January was accepted, and I will be spending January in Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; and Prague in the Czech Republic! So far, I have paid for my trip expenses by myself and have learned how to attain a passport. I am very excited now to take my studies out into the world. On top of all of this, I am also on track to graduate a year early.

The Danforth & Marguerite Bolton Eagle Scout Scholarship that the Leatherstocking Council, BSA awarded me last year has helped tremendously. I cannot thank the Boltons enough for the legacy they have left to support Eagle Scouts like me. Overall, this year has gone very well. I worked hard, earned good grades, joined clubs, and became my own person – and Scouting has helped make all that possible. I will certainly be prepared for my future!

Two Eagle Scout scholarships, for two years, are made available by the interest income drawn from the $80,000 gift Danforth & Marguerite Bolton permanently endowed. Known by everyone in the Oneonta, New York, community, Dan was a banking CEO and Marguerite was a teacher with a passion for collecting seashells and rocks. They shared a true passion for supporting Scouting and loved all that the Council programs offered its youth membership. This scholarship and its deserving recipients honor the incredibly generous legacy they left behind.