2008 Doerr Scholarship Recipients

The NCCS and the Emmett J. Doerr family are pleased to announce the 5 recipients of the 2008 Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to Catholic young people who have attained the Eagle Scout award or the Silver Award in Venturing. This year was a banner year for applicants with over 100 young people competing for the scholarships. The candidates are evaluated on a variety of levels. These include their Scouting background, Community Service outside of Scouting, Church service and leadership roles, scholastic achievement and leadership during their school years. The recipients are:

Adam Alongi, 17, of Naperville, Illinois

Adam is an Eagle Scout, earned the Ad Altare Dei, and has served in a variety of leadership positions during his Scouting career. He also has served in various youth related positions at St. Peter and Paul parish in Naperville. These include serving as a member of the Teen Ambassadors for Christ and as a Vacation Bible School instructor. During his high school years, he has participated in a wide range of activities. These include serving as a tutor, Vice President of the Computer Club, member of the Chorus, Chess Club, Math Team and Student Government. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has maintained a 4.0 GPA while attending Benet Academy. He has been accepted to both the University of Notre Dame and Marquette University.

Philip M. Goolkasian, 18, of Fresno, California

Philip is an Eagle Scout, earned the Ad Altare Dei medal, and has served in positions ranging from Assistant Patrol Leader, up to Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He has served on the National Youth Leadership Staff three times since 2005. At St. Anthony’s parish, Philip has served in the youth and music ministries. He participates in various music related service opportunities as he is very proficient with a variety of musical instruments. In high school, Philip was involved in a varied group of special interests. The Art Club, Photography Club, Drama Club, Band and Cross Country. He served as ASB President and is a member of the California Scholastic Federation. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his high school career and was chosen as his class valedictorian. He will be attending the Catholic University of America.

William Goepfert, 18, of South River, New Jersey

William is an Eagle Scout, earned the Light of Christ, the Parvuli Dei, the Ad Altare Dei and the Pope Pius XII awards and has served as a Senior Patrol Leader. He also attended the 2007 World Jamboree in England. He continues to serve St. Stephen’s parish as an altar server. In school, William was a member of the Chess and Science Clubs. He also is a member of the National Honor Society. He has maintained a 3.6 GPA through high school and will be attending St. Peter’s College in New Jersey.

Nicholas M. Hauge, 18, of Rockford, Illinois

Nicholas is an Eagle Scout, earned the Ad Altare Dei, and has served as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He also is a Brotherhood member of the Order or the Arrow and is a certified BSA Lifeguard. He has served St. Rita’s parish as a member of the retreat staff and as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. Just recently, he has added the duties of a lector to his workload. In high school, his interests have spanned from woodworking to sports. He received two awards for woodworking excellence. He participated in wrestling and track and field. He is a member of the National Honor Society and maintained a 4.0 GPA during high school. He will be attending St. Ambrose University.

Robert F. Niehaus III, 18, of Westerville, Ohio

Robert is an Eagle Scout, earned the Light of Christ, the Parvuli Dei and the Ad Altare Dei awards, and has also served as a Senior Patrol Leader. Continuing his service, he has already joined the Knights of Columbus. He has served St. Paul’s parish on the retreat staff and organizing the annual Haunted House for a sister parish in Westerville. In Scouting, Robert has served as a crew leader at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He has as President of his high school Math Club and President of his school’s television station. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has maintained a 4.2 GPA while in high school. He has been accepted to the University of Notre Dame and Purdue University.

Please join us in extending our congratulations to these recipients!!

Chris Manning
Doerr Scholarship Committee Chair