Each academic school year Mitchell Swaback Charities, Inc. sponsors the Torch Award scholarship and honors two high students enrolled in Harvest Christian Academy in Elgin, Illinois. This is the fourteenth year that the Torch Award has been distributed. “This award represents being a light to your classmates and your local community, just like Mitch was before he passed away. When asked, Mitch was the first to volunteer and help a friend and/or stranger, while continuing to show the love of Jesus. The Torch Award allows MSC to find amazing young men and women who show the same characteristics,” explained MSC Co-Founder Bob Swaback.
This year due, to COVID-19 restrictions, applicants submitted a lengthy application and written essay, and also participated in Zoom interviews. MSC is proud to announce Daniel Doby as the 2020-2021 male Torch Award recipient! Next month MSC will highlight the female recipient, Alexandra Shepherd.
“All of us at MSC are thrilled to congratulate Daniel on this year’s honors. He blew us away with his work ethic, relentless pursuit of achieving his goals and his countless hours of service,” commented Nicolee Thompson, MSC Co-Founder.
Daniel, entering his senior year at HCA next fall, plans to stay busy leading his soccer, basketball, and track & field teams at school. “Being a senior is something I am really looking forward to, I’ve spent my whole life at HCA and being one step closer to graduation is special.” added Daniel. Academically Daniel is top notch, earning top grades while also serving his community and church in various ways. Daniel currently plays club soccer and plans to attend a local college after high school graduation and play on their soccer team.
Daniel commented, “Receiving the Torch Award helps me understand that my service has not gone unnoticed. The countless hours of unseen work have been recognized by my family, peers and, most importantly, my Savior.”
In-person Torch Award deliveries were also made this year to winners’ homes as school was still suspended. “I always want to be a light for many in dark times, always being a face for someone to talk to, while also just being a listener for those who need a willing ear,” Daniel added. This incoming senior has awesome personal goals – especially during our days of racial injustice, COVID-19 and uncertainty.
Congratulations, Daniel, from all of us at MSC on winning this year’s Torch Award honors! We are confident that you will represent this honor well.