Congratulations to Scott Boswell, who received the Service Above Self Award Saturday at the Rotary Regatta Dinner. The following is from Scott's comments while accepting the award.
"I want to begin by expressing my deep gratitude to Rotary Club 13 for this honor. To be recognized with the Service Above Self award is humbling—especially here at the Rotary Youth Camp, a place that embodies service in action.
I’d also like to introduce a few very special people with me tonight. First, Colonel Bill Singleton—my mentor in the Heart of America Council’s Mic-O-Say program, who has guided me in leadership and service. Paul and Julie Schleicher—whose family’s legacy of generosity through Rotary has touched this camp in profound ways. Their son Jon, whom they tragically lost just a couple of months ago in a rock climbing accident, completed his Eagle Project right here, leaving a lasting mark on these grounds. And most importantly, my wife Robin—my life partner. Robin has not only supported me, but enabled me to be a better husband, father, business leader, and community servant. Nothing I’ve done would have been possible without her.
Although I’m honored tonight, I must confess—I’ve never really been able to achieve “service above self.” No matter how hard I try, every time I give back, I receive far more in return. My work in the arts, in healthcare, in higher education, and in law enforcement has not only helped our community—it has enriched my own life and strengthened my family.
Nowhere is that more evident than in Scouting. As an Eagle Scout, I gained my first leadership experiences. Robin and I are proud that both of our sons are Eagle Scouts as well—one now serving in the U.S. Senate, the other as a First Lieutenant in the Army. My service as Scoutmaster, Council President, and in our honor programs like Mic-O-Say and the Order of the Arrow has always given me back more growth, joy, and purpose than I could ever give.
And that is what connects me so deeply to your mission as Rotarians. In my brief time as a Rotarian in Greenville, South Carolina, I saw firsthand the global reach of Rotary—like the fight to eradicate polio. But what you do here, with this camp, is just as extraordinary. The Rotary Youth Camp is a gift beyond measure for individuals with special needs and for organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It’s a place where barriers fall, and only belonging remains.
Let me close with a story. Both of our sons spent years on camp staff—our oldest son, Senn at Camp Naish, and our youngest, Graham, here at Rotary. It was here that I saw Graham grow in kindness, patience, and understanding as he worked with campers who faced challenges greater than his own. He once told me about a camper named Jeff Borgmeyer.
Jeff was born on the Fourth of July and was, as Graham said, “the most patriotic man you’d ever meet.” Though older than most campers—and even many staffers—Jeff was never treated as anything but a beloved part of the Rotary family. He played basketball, sang “America the Beautiful” at flag ceremonies, and lit up the camp with joy. One summer Robin and I were visiting camp when Graham and Jeff walked up to us.. He quickly told us he had just had a birthday and was 56, Robin said that is great Jeff, I am 55. He and Graham then headed to the pool (where, during every visit, I would see Brent Worley in the lifeguard chair). Once there, Jeff held up one finger and proudly told Graham that he was “one year older” —beaming as if it were the greatest badge of honor.
When Jeff passed away, his funeral was filled with people from Rotary, his group home, and camp staff. His brother looked at the packed pews and called them Jeff’s true family. And that’s what Rotary gave him—not just a camp, but a community of love.
That is the essence of service above self. It’s not about titles or awards—it’s about creating places like this where people like Jeff are seen, valued, and loved.
So thank you, Rotary Club 13, for all you do. Thank you for this award. And thank you for reminding us all that when we serve, we receive the greatest gifts of all."
