Maggie Battaglin, of Minturn, got the news late last month.
Jan Abbott, a Battle Mountain High School guidance counselor, nominated Battaglin for the Daniels Scholarship. She filled out the application online and waited. She was warming up before a soccer game with Eagle Valley High School in Gypsum when her dad called, saying she had an envelope from the Daniels Fund.
“It wasn’t a small business envelope. It was a business envelope, so I thought it must be good news,” Battaglin said.
But her wait wasn’t over.
“Our post office box is in Avon, but the game was in Gypsum, so I had to wait for him. I didn’t want him to tell me. I wanted to find out for myself.”
When he showed up, she ran across the field and tore the envelope open. It was good news. And Battle Mountain won the game.
“It was a good day. The feeling was indescribable; it was one of the happiest moments of my life,” she said.
She was accepted into Lehigh’s engineering school. Lehigh is in Bethlehem, Penn., 70 miles from New York City and 90 minutes from Philadelphia. She did some research, talked to a recruiter and liked what she saw.
It’s beautiful campus and a small campus, just what I was looking for,” Battaglin said.
Maggie hopes to explore the world, and her time at Battle Mountain High has helped prepare her.
“My time at Battle Mountain High has been life-changing. Throughout high school, I faced many obstacles that easily could have changed my course, but with the help of some amazing teachers, staff and friends, I was able to persevere.”
The Daniels Scholarship is not a full ride. It’s supplemental to all other financial aid, including Pell Grants, available to the student. After other financial resources have been applied, the Daniels Scholarship covers all other college expenses. Students also receive a laptop computer and a printer.
“These are promising and motivated students who have demonstrated strong character, leadership and a commitment to community service,” said Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund.
This year’s 256 Daniels scholars includes 181 from Colorado, 38 from New Mexico, 15 from Utah and 24 from Wyoming. The Daniels Fund partners with high schools, youth-serving agencies and college prep providers. After being nominated, candidates are interviewed. The scholarship was founded by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels.
For more information, go to www.danielsfund.org.
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