The Kasser Family wanted to specifically recognize the Eagle Scouts of Catalina Council and reward motivated young men and women to achieve their educational and/or training goals.
Goals of the Scholarship
Unlike many other scholarships, this is not limited to university or college attendees but includes those attending a technical or trade school.
Special consideration will be provided for youth who have demonstrated an aptitude for business, artistic, or entrepreneurial spirit. The scholarships are $1,000 each.
2023 Recipients
Devin Dessy
Scouts BSA Troop 186
Project: Revitalized a portion of the nature trail and outdoor learning area at Agua Caliente Elementary School, by creating a new drainage way with culverts to alleviate flooding on the trail, and building a footbridge for the students to cross over the drainage way.
I am graduating from Tanque Verde High School this year, and recently transitioned from the Senior Patrol Leader of my troop into an assistant Scoutmaster after I turned 18. Scouting has always been a big part of my life and has given me the opportunity to grow and learn many skills, and be involved in community service. My Eagle Project actually helped me determine what I want to do after high school. I really enjoyed working on the design part of my project, and decided to major in Architecture at the University of Arizona starting this fall. I am very honored to have been awarded the Kasser Family Scholarship to help me achieve my dream.
Joshua Raposo
Scouts BSA Troop 141
Project: Created 2 climbing igloos for goats at Reid Park Zoo out of recycled lumber.
I was involved in scouting for 11 years starting at Pack 1 in Peace Dale, RI before completing my arrow of life and moving to Tucson where I joined Troop 141. During my scouting experience I slowly moved up the ranks, collecting merit badges, and served as patrol leader and ASPL. I eventually completed my Eagle rank during the height of the pandemic in December of 2020. I then graduated from Catalina Foothills High School in 2021 and am currently a sophomore studying biomedical engineering and Italian at the University of Rhode Island.
2022 Recipients
Jordan Orvik
Scouts BSA Troop 186
Project: Obtained historical resources regarding the past history and events of Mt Lemmon. Scanned pictures and documents with descriptive information. Coded all gathered information into an existing website.
I have been in the Scouting program for ten years. I am graduating from Tanque Verde High School this year, then moving on to the U of A to study computer science. I was a Cub Scout in Pack 186, moved to Virginia for 4 years, and then moved back to Tucson, where I joined Troop 186. I have learned many skills in scouting, and have served as a leader in my troop after learning leadership skills. I have served as webmaster, patrol leader, and even SPL during my time in Troop 186. My Eagle Scout project was very challenging and unique as it happened during the COVID lock down. Scouting was and is a great experience for me, and I very much
Andrew Dalman
Scouts BSA Troop 129 and Crew 003
Project: Removed old, loose and broken tiles on 29 benches/trash bins around Sahuarita/Green Valley. Cleaned and replaced all broken or missing tiles. Sealed all the benches and trash bins.
I’m 15 years old, am currently enrolled in Stride Career Academy as a Junior. I have been in Scouting for 9 years. At just 5 years old, I joined the Cub Scouts as a Tiger and worked my way up the ranks until I became a Webelos Scout, making friends, learning life skills, and earning achievements along the way. I then moved on to Scouts and hit the ground running, getting as many badges, ranks, and achievements as I could. At just 12 years of age, I started work on my Eagle Scout project. From there, I started seeking higher, more challenging leadership roles and educational opportunities to give back to the organization that got me to where I am today. As for my future, I plan to continue contributing to scouting and enabling future generations of scouts. I also plan to finish high school, enroll in a technical college to study computer sciences, and pursue a career in that field.
2021 Recipients
Carson Di Maria
Scouts BSA Troop 186
Project: To prevent and reverse the effects of erosion in the upper Sabino Creek on Mount Lemmon.
I am currently a senior at Tanque Verde High School. Scouting has been a major part of my life. It has taught me leadership, outdoor skills and life lessons I would not have had the opportunity to learn anywhere else. I earned my Eagle Scout as a part of Troop 186 in Tucson, AZ. I am so honored to accept the Kasser Family Scholarship. I will be studying engineering at the University of Arizona W.A. Franke Honors College this fall.
Cory Tompkins
Scouts BSA Troop 270
Project: Dismantled and disposed of existing backpack rack and built a new one at Casas Christian School.
I am from a family of five which includes my mom, dad, and two brothers. I am a member of Troop 270 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout alongside my two brothers, ages 19 and 15. Currently, I am a senior at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy looking forward to attending Northern Arizona University in the fall. There, I plan to study Environmental and Sustainability Studies to learn how to develop solutions in the areas of climate change, environmental justice, biodiversity, and preserving finite resources.