Edward J. Basta Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship

Edward “Ed” Joseph Basta, formerly of Chesterland, Ohio and later Maineville, Ohio, was always very involved in Scouting  since his Cub Scout days a young boy. Ed achieved the rank of Life Scout as a teenager, was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, and later earned the Wood Badge as an adult Leader in the Dan Beard Council of BSA.  As an adult, Ed was one of the most influential and well-loved Scout Leaders in his son’s and daughter’s Pack and Troop.

Always generous with his time, Ed served the Boy Scouts of America locally as Order of the Arrow chapter advisor and St. Margaret of York Units’ Committee Chair. During his outstanding professional work ing career, Ed worked invarious riskmanagement and Actuarial roles with increasing responsibility at Progressive Insurance, American Modern Insurance Group, and EyeMed Vision Care.  

Ed had always planned to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man, but since he missed that opportunity due to various circumstances, he dedicated his adult Scout leadership time  and skills toward helping many young Scouts achieve the goal  of being an Eagle Scout.  Ed also was dedicated to doing what he could to help improve young Scouts’ understanding of Math and Science topics as they worked their way along to the rank of Eagle.

Ed Basta passed away at the young age of 44 – He was an outstanding Scout Leader, and is greatly missed.

As an outstanding adult leader for his local troop and council, Edward Joseph Basta was always dedicated to serving the Scouting community by helping his many young Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Ed also helped inspire his young Scouts to pursue STEM-related interests by improving their understanding of math and science topics as they worked towards the goal of Eagle Scout.

In remembrance of his life and legacy, the Dan Beard Council is proud to reward possible applicants who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with a $2,500.00 scholarship toward the college of their choice. The Edward J. Basta Memorial Scholarship is looking for applicants who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, are currently or are planning to pursue a STEM related 4-year University program, and have a passion for service and leadership.

Edward J. Basta

Requirements

  1. Be an Eagle Scout and have received credentials from the National Council.
  2. Be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate college student who is not currently in their senior college year.
  3. All applicants are to complete the required information on the scholarship application, as well as answer the two essay questions on a separate document or sheet of paper attached to the application.
  4. The applicant must have received the Eagle Award in a troop registered in the Dan Beard Council (DBC) or have been active in the Dan Beard Council for the past two years.
  5. The selection committee may (if necessary) conduct interviews of the finalists.


This scholarship is made possible 
because
of a generous memorial gift from:

Luxottica Logo

Application Process

  1. The Eagle Scout applying for a scholarship must personally complete the application.
  2. Download and complete the official scholarship application and answer the two essay questions on a separate document or sheet of paper attached to the application.
  3. When finished, the the application my be submitted via email to sheri.greenlee@scouting.org or printed and mailed to:

    Edward J. Basta Memorial Scholarship
    c/o Dan Beard Council, BSA
    Attn: Sheri Greenlee 10078 Reading Road
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

    Submission Deadline: May 10, 2024

  4. Applications submitted by the submission deadline will be considered. You should receive an email notification when your application is received.
  5. Applications become the property of the selection committee and will not be returned.
  6. Submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship will be granted. The decision of the committee is final.

Edward J. Basta Memorial Scholarship Winner 2024

Ella Willet

Ella Willett joined Scouts BSA in 2019 when the program became open to females. Since joining Scouts, she has enjoyed such activities as attending and staffing the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, spelunking, and backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch. Ella has earned fifty-two merit badges. Her favorite merit badges are pulp and paper, climbing, and woodworking.

Ella’s Eagle Scout project was the construction of a blessing box. The box holds non-perishable food items that are available to the local community for those in need and is currently at the IPM Food Pantry in Newtown, Ohio. The box’s design has been replicated multiple times throughout the Cincinnati area.

Ella is currently an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 1149 and plans to be involved in Scouting for the rest of her life. She attends Xavier University as a nursing major, with plans on becoming a pediatric surgical nurse.

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