Story and photos by Julie Carasone
Daniel K. W. Nickerson, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, earned Boy Scout’s highest rank, Eagle Scout, last Sunday. According to the Boy Scouts, since 1911, only 2% (2.5 million) of the boys that join Boy Scouts, reach the rank of Eagle Scout.
To obtain Eagle Scout, a scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, be a Life Scout for 6 months, and show that they have Scout Spirit and leadership with their fellow scouts. They must also develop, plan and lead a service project. This would be their Eagle Project.
For Nickerson’s Eagle Project, he recognized the need to repair and replace the bleacher seats at Notre Dame High School’s football field on Union street in Batavia.
“We tore off the boards, repaired and stained the boards and put them back on. It took about 6 months of planning, and about 1-2 months to finish,” says Nickerson.
He started Cub starts at age 6 and was “painfully shy”, says his Scoutmaster, Herman Sinemus. Jeff Miller is the assistant Scoutmaster, he has been with Nickerson from the start and did a lot to keep Nickerson in scouts from early on.
Throughout his time in the Boy Scouts, he has learned communication skills and has become a leader.
“This is a proud moment for our family to see such a huge accomplishment,” says Trisa Nickerson, Daniel’s Mom.
“Dan was such a shy kid and being in scouts taught him so much. This is not only a huge accomplishment, but a huge social accomplishment for him as well. Scouting means the world to our family, and my husband Jay, will probably continue on for a very long time.”
During the ceremony, Daniel Nickerson was awarded two Good Citizenship Awards. One from PDD Michael Gilchrist of Hansen Brother Detachment 951 Marine Corp League. The 2nd citizenship award was from Glenn Loomis of the American Legion Post 332.
Nickerson was able to award three mentor pins to three people that have influenced him while working towards Eagle Scout.
The first award went to his swim coach, Eric Geitner.
“He showed me how to grow as better person and learning how to improve every time I got into the water, ” says Nickerson.
“I was able to watch him grow from being a shy kid and come out of his shell and be a leader on the team. It means a lot to me and it’s really cool to be honored by student like this,” says Geitner.
The second pin was awarded to Scout Master Herman Sinemus. He was awarded the pin for showing Nickerson how to be a leader and lead other people.
The third pin went to his father, Jay Nickerson.
“His guidance helped me with my project, and it would not have happened if it wasn’t for him. Not only that, he is an amazing father, has given me a lot of great wisdom that has helped me become the person that I am today, and more than anything he deserves this pin,” says Daniel.
Nickerson plans to continue on at Genesee Community College to become a software engineer and will eventually transfer to Brockport. He will also swim on the GCC Swim Team.
“I will continue to stay involved as much as I can with scouts, ” says Nickerson.