Boldt Descendants Continue Educational Support of Jefferson County High School Graduates Pursuing Post-Secondary Studies
HEART ISLAND — Three Jefferson County high school members of the Class of 2025 are recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation George C. Boldt Sr. Scholarship.
Indian River High School graduate Benjamin R. Berry, Thousand Islands High School graduate James A. DiValentino, and Watertown High School graduate Anastaja Smith were each awarded a two-year, $10,000 scholarship during a summer reception at Boldt Castle with George C. Boldt’s great-great-grandson, Charles Boldt “Charlie” Goodridge, and family.
The scholarship honors the legacy of the castle’s builder, noted hotelier and philanthropist George C. Boldt Sr. Charlie Goodridge’s father, Malcolm Goodridge III, led efforts in 2017 to establish the scholarship with other descendants of Mr. Boldt and dozens of North Country donors who have made gifts to the scholarship fund at the Community Foundation. Malcolm passed away in March 2024 at the age of 87.
“We are grateful to celebrate the history that this represents for our region as well as the spirit of the award which recognizes students who have found success while overcoming challenges,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “It is inspiring to know that this scholarship will continue to touch the lives of local individuals and help them along their journey for generations to come.”
Mr. Goodridge congratulated the Class of 2025 and thanked all who have helped build the scholarship and, with his daughter, Gracelyn, presented awards to this year’s recipients. A permanent plaque that pays tribute to founding donors was installed in Boldt Castle in 2019 along with a plaque that names recipients of the Boldt Scholarship. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, which owns and operates Boldt Castle as a leading tourist destination, has generously supported the scholarship program since its inception.
“Throughout his life in business, George C. Boldt Sr. believed in people who showed promise — especially those who persevered through challenges — and he generously helped them find opportunities to succeed,” Mr. Goodridge said. “Education can be a turning point for many young people who have faced obstacles. Our family is very pleased to support this year’s recipients as they continue forward with resilience and determination on their paths of intellectual growth. It is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in our future.”
George C. Boldt, who immigrated to the United States from Prussia at age 13, believed in people who showed promise throughout his life in business. Each of the new scholarship recipients have faced obstacles and overcome difficulties in their young lives as they begin their college studies.
About this year’s George C. Boldt Scholars
Benjamin R. Berry graduated in June from Indian River High School with a New York State Regents diploma. He attends SUNY Canton and studies graphic and multimedia design. Ben aspires to work in media design. He is the son of Gina and Leamon Berry.
James A. DiValentino graduated in June from Thousand Islands High School with a New York State Regents diploma. He attends Champlain College, Burlington, Vt., and studies computer networking and cybersecurity. James aspires to work in cybersecurity for the Department of Defense. He is the son of Ruth Lago and Anthony DiValentino.
Anastaja Smith graduated in June with honors with a New York State Regents diploma with Advanced Designation. She attends St. Lawrence University, Canton, and studies biomedical science. Anastaja plans to continue her education in medical school after she completes her undergraduate degree. She spent two years on the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council. Anastaja aspires to become a pediatrician and hopes to one day work in private practice.
About the George C. Boldt Scholarship
Following a summer 2017 family gathering at Boldt Castle, descendants of famed hotelier George C. Boldt Sr., led by Malcolm Goodridge III, decided to create a permanent scholarship fund to forever benefit Jefferson County students. The Northern New York Community Foundation was selected to administer the scholarship, which honors Mr. Boldt’s legacy of service.
Mr. Boldt, (1851-1916) a one-time proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, is known for his influence on development of the urban hotel as a civic social center and luxury destination. He and his family left a philanthropic legacy that, among other things, emphasized education.
In 1922, Mr. Boldt’s son, George C. Jr., established a scholarship program at Cornell University that bears his father’s name. According to an April 24, 1923, story in the “Cornell Daily Sun,” the elder Mr. Boldt “always sympathized with an eager student whose only impediment to higher education was a lack of funds.” During his lifetime, Mr. Boldt also helped put at least 75 people through college, doing so anonymously. It is fitting that this legacy continues through the Northern New York Community Foundation George C. Boldt Sr. Scholarship.
Jefferson County residents pursuing full-time undergraduate study — either in college, technical, vocational, or trade school — may apply. Applications are accepted from high school seniors or nontraditional students. The scholarship was expanded in 2021 to a two-year award of up to $10,000 with three awards this year. Recipients are chosen based on academic performance, personal data, essay scores, and letters of recommendation. Students should show promise and potential and have demonstrated an interest in and service to their communities.
Past recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation George C. Boldt Scholarship include, from the Class of 2019: Matthew Ford and Dylan O’Connor, Alexandria Central High School, and Abrianna Parson, Watertown High School; from the Class of 2020: Ashley St. Croix, Thousand Islands High School, and Mya Weaver and Makayla Witt, Alexandria Central High School; from the Class of 2021: Hayden Augliano, Watertown High School, Jason J. Badalato, Carthage Senior High School, and Gabrielle “Ellie” Hyde, Alexandria Central High School; and from the Class of 2022: Elizabeth Ann Marie Hellings and Cody M. Wade, Indian River High School, and Brayden Philip Wiley, Thousand Islands High School. Class of 2023: Chantell L. Beach, Watertown High School, Cameron L. Derouin, Sackets Harbor High School, and Sadie S. Pasinello, South Jefferson High School; from the Class of 2024: Ella F. Galloway and Sydnie R. Manarina, Watertown High School, and Dawson J. Rastley, General Brown High School.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.