Boldt Great-Grandson Expands Program, Awards Support for Two Years of Study
CLAYTON — Three Jefferson County high school members of the class of 2021 were recently named recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation George C. Boldt Sr. Scholarship.
Hayden Augliano, Watertown High School, Jason J. Badalato, Carthage Senior High School, and Gabrielle “Ellie” Hyde, Alexandria Central High School, were each awarded a two-year $10,000 scholarship during a reception in Clayton last week with George C. Boldt’s great-grandson, Malcolm Goodridge, and great-great-grandson, Charlie Goodridge.
The scholarship honors the legacy of the castle’s builder, noted hotelier and philanthropist George C. Boldt Sr. Mr. Goodridge has led efforts 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.
“This scholarship helps extend the Boldt legacy and tradition in an incredibly meaningful and enduring way. Each year, it is apparent that the students recognize its importance beyond the financial support,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We are grateful the Goodridge family and many others have given, and continue to contribute to grow this permanent resource for local students.”
Mr. Goodridge thanked all who have supported the effort and, with his son, Charlie, personally presented scholarship 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.
“Education is a passport without limits that opens doors to a big world. Supporting young people on a path of intellectual discovery and growth is one of the most critical things we can do for our future as a responsible society,” Mr. Goodridge said. “Throughout his life in business, George C. Boldt Sr. believed in people who showed promise and he supported many on the road to success.”
Like his great-grandfather who immigrated to the United States from Prussia at age 13, Mr. Goodridge said, each of this year’s scholarship recipients have overcome challenges on their journeys while working to achieve their dreams as Mr. Goodridge did, learning to manage dyslexia as a young man while studying at Hobart College.
“The three young men and women we honor tonight are great examples of why we should all feel good about our future. I am confident that George Boldt Sr. would be very proud of each one of them,” Mr. Goodridge said. “You embody the character and perseverance to continue to succeed.”
About this year’s George C. Boldt Scholars
Hayden J. Augliano graduated from Watertown High School with an Advanced Regents Diploma with a Mastery in Science. He will attend Keuka College, Keuka Park, this fall where he will study business and marketing. Hayden is a two-sport varsity athlete, competing in lacrosse for three years and soccer for two years. He was awarded Frontier League All-Star Honorable Mention in soccer during his junior season. Hayden was also a downhill ski instructor at Dry Hill Ski Area for three years and a volunteer youth soccer coach. He was a two-year member of Watertown High’s Environmental Club. Throughout high school, he maintained various part-time jobs in his community. He also plans to continue his lacrosse playing career at Keuka College, where he will join the NCAA Division 3 Wolves men’s lacrosse team. Hayden is the son of Anthony and Jennifer Augliano, Watertown.
Jason Joseph Badalato graduated from Carthage Senior High School with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors. He will attend Le Moyne College, Syracuse, this fall where he will study computer science and compete as a member of Le Moyne’s Division II Men’s Swim Team. He is a National Honor Society member and has volunteered as a peer tutor and swim coach, mentoring new teammates. Jason was a class officer, serving as secretary his senior year. He is a five-year varsity swimmer and a team captain for three years. He is a five-time Frontier League All Star and five-time Section 3 Qualifier and was a League and Section champion in the 100-meter butterfly. Jason holds school records in the 100-meter butterfly and 500-meter freestyle and competes year-round with the USA Swim Club Mexico Tiger Sharks. He competed with the YMCA Blue Sharks for eight years. Jason is the son of Jason and Leigh Badalato, Watertown.
Gabrielle “Ellie” Hyde graduated from Alexandria Central High School with an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors. She will attend St. John Fisher College, Rochester, this fall where she will study nursing. Ellie is a National Honor Society member, a past class officer, and has participated in a wide range of school clubs and activities, including FFA, French Club, Hearts for Youth, HOBY, and Yearbook Committee. During her senior year, she was president of the school’s Backpack Program, which helps provide food for those in need. She is a varsity athlete, competing in softball for two years. Ellie is also a 13-year figure skater, competing for many years and serving as a volunteer youth coach, mentoring younger skaters. Throughout high school, she maintained various part-time jobs in her community. Ellie is the daughter of Chris and Anne Marie Hyde, Alexandria Bay.
About the George C. Boldt Scholarship
Following a summer 2017 family gathering at Boldt Castle, descendants of famed hotelier George C. Boldt, led by Mr. Goodridge, 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 also 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; and from the Class of 2020: Ashley St. Croix, Thousand Islands High School; and Mya Weaver and Makayla Witt, Alexandria Central 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.