Dallin Ibbetson

Dallin Ibbetson from Westminster, California, was awarded a $2,500 Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship. Ibbetson belongs to St. Hedwig Catholic Church in the Diocese of Orange and is a member of Scouting America Troop 671 in the Orange County Council.

Ibbetson truly embodies the idea of servant leadership. When asked why volunteering is important to him, he responded, “I believe service is one of the most powerful ways to live out my faith. Christ calls us to love and serve others, especially those in need, and Scouting has given me practical opportunities to answer that call… Service reminds me that leadership is not about recognition. Service is about responsibility.”

In service to the Catholic Church, Ibbetson volunteered at his parish as an altar server, usher and Vacation Bible School (VBS) aide. He also participated in the youth group and served as an event food server and clean-up crew member. Ibbetson earned all four of the Catholic Religious Emblems offered by Catholic Scouting America, including Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII.

Ibbetson served his community through extensive conservation work with the Orange County and Los Angeles Councils of Scouting America and The Giving Farm. He also dedicated significant time to the Surf Rider Foundation for community cleanups, the OC Food Bank, Pediatric Adolescent Diabetes Research Education (PADRE) and served as a youth coach and referee for National Junior Basketball (NJB).

At Servite High School, Ibbetson held a major leadership role serving four years as president of the robotics club. He was also a member of the California Scholarship Federation, an officer for STEM and science activities and was involved with the tutoring program.

In Scouting, Ibbetson held numerous leadership positions in his troop, including assistant senior patrol leader. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow (OA), Scouting America’s honor society. For his Eagle project, Ibbetson led a team of volunteers to design and build four convertible all-weather benches for Servite High School. These hybrid units transform into two full-sized picnic tables, providing a versatile dining and instructional space for the school’s robotics team and summer camp programs.

This year, Catholic Scouting America awarded fifteen service scholarships totaling $40,000 to recognize Catholic Scouts nationwide for outstanding service and leadership in four areas: the Catholic Church, their community, school and Scouting. Since 2005, Catholic Scouting America (NCCS) has awarded a total of $348,000 in scholarships to 146 Scouts nationwide.