Jacob Wackerman, a straight-A student and Boy Scout, has exemplified the qualities of leadership and high personal standards of behavior sought by the Union League.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Jacob Wackerman, a Quakertown Community High School junior, has been selected to receive the 2022 Union League Good Citizenship Award. Top candidates for the prestigious honor have personal attributes of honesty, courage, tolerance, curiosity, loyalty, and endeavors to follow and uphold the principles of American patriotism. Award winners may apply for a college scholarship provided by the Union League worth at least $5,000 a year.
While Jacob, a Boy Scout since the age of 12, said he was surprised to win the award, the person who nominated him was anything but. “Jacob is an outstanding young man. He is a natural leader who others look up to and is respected by all who know him,” said Adam Patrick, Scoutmaster of Troop 13 in Trumbauersville. “Jacob is one of the most patriotic youth I have ever worked with and well-deserving of this award.”
Though school grades are not part of the award, Jacob’s are among the best in QCHS. A straight-A student (he hasn’t gotten a B since 8th-grade band class), Jacob currently has four Advanced Placement classes on his schedule: calculus, physics, Spanish, and U.S. History. He’s previously taken AP Human Geography and World History.
A member of the National Honor Society, Jacob is involved with Best Buddies and Mini-THON. A kicker on the football team, he also plays lacrosse.
“Jacob works incredibly hard both in the classroom and within his school and community involvements,” said Patty Sabol, his school counselor. “He truly exemplifies the model student, citizen, and character.”
Jacob began showing leadership traits at an early age and was voted Senior Patrol Leader by his Scout Troop. In that position, he trained younger Scouts and planned weekly meetings. “The kids gravitated to him,” Mr. Patrick said. “He’s so unassuming and so humble. It made him very approachable, and the kids followed him for support.”
Jacob’s parents are Navy pilots, and his mother rose to the rank of Admiral. It’s not surprising he’s planning a career as either a Navy pilot or SEAL after college ROTC training. “I grew up around aviation,” Jacob said. “It kind of shaped me. I can’t really see myself doing anything else.” His Eagle project fits in with his future goals. Jacob is planning to build a picnic area at Quakertown Airport so people can watch planes take off.
Mr. Patrick said while Jacob’s parents are wonderful role models, the youngster’s accomplishments speak for themselves. “He’s receiving the Union League award because of his accomplishments,” Mr. Patrick said. “It’s on him. He has done this on his own and he can stand on his own two feet. He’s a great young man.“
Jacob, and fellow QCHS junior
Julia Henry, who also received the Good Citizenship Award, will be attending Good Citizen Day on April 6 at the Union League building in Philadelphia, where they and other Awardees will participate in workshops and small group discussions on the responsibilities of citizenship.
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].