In this May file photo, Westfield Academy & Central School graduate Darien Swanson, center, is flanked by his family prior to a Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association golf match at Chautauqua Golf Club. Joining the 2022 Frank Hyde Memorial Scholarship winner are, from the left, his parents, Nolan and Amy; and his paternal grandparents, Mary and Mel Swanson. OBSERVER Photo by Scott Kindberg

In an effort to get to know his fellow golfers from throughout the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association, Westfield Academy & Central School senior Darien Swanson began a league-wide Snapchat thread this spring.

The use of the multimedia instant messaging app was not meant to share his latest prowess on the links, but rather to become better friends with his competitors and help them enjoy each other’s company when they did square off in a match.

The late Frank Hyde would have appreciated Swanson’s desire to take on that role. The Post-Journal sports editor from 1945-79, Hyde valued young people for their character, their achievement in academics and sports, their leadership, and their school and community involvement.

Swanson checked all the boxes.

For that reason, the son of Nolan and Amy Swanson is this year’s recipient of the 38th annual Frank Hyde Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to the outstanding college-bound athlete, male or female, from the OBSERVER/Post-Journal’s circulation areas in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

Bound for Mercyhurst University in the fall, Swanson graduated from Westfield earlier this month ranked in the top 10 in his class; was a member of the National Honor Society; was a NYSAAA Student-Athlete Scholar Essay finalist in Section VI; and completed more than 100 hours of community service.

In athletics, he turned in one of the most dynamic careers in school history. In soccer and in basketball, Swanson was an OBSERVER/Post-Journal All-Star on the pitch last fall and was a two-time first-team OBSERVER/Post-Journal All-Star on the hardwood. By leading the Wolverines to a Section VI Class D basketball championship this season, Swanson also earned Class D first-team all-state recognition by the New York State Sportwriters Association. Finally, this spring, he capped a six-year golf career by tying for second place in the Section VI state qualifier, which earned him a trip to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships in Elmira.

While Swanson’s successes in three sports are obvious, he draws just as much praise for being a role model.

“Leaders lead,” said Matt Swank, director of technology for Complete TransPack Solutions, in his letter of recommendation that accompanied the scholarship application. “You can see this in his approach to sports teams, activities and certainly the people he surrounds himself with. He makes a concerted effort to develop relationships with people.”

Noted Swanson in his essay accompanying the application: “Some of my best friends never played many minutes, but when they scored a point or made a good play, it was exciting. There are many pictures of us celebrating teammates’ points. They are my favorite photos of the season.”

Now Swanson will seek to make an impact at Mercyhurst where he will major in business while also being a member of the Lakers’ golf team.

“My family owns a business now, and I hope to be able to own or create and run a business,” he said in his essay. ” … Mercyhurst has a record of graduates being hired quickly.”

Given his accomplishments the last six years, Swanson figures to continue that momentum on the Erie, Pennsylvania campus.

Noted Westfield Academy & Central School secondary principal Corey Markham in his letter or recommendation: “I have come to know Darien as a goal-driven, motivated student-athlete that represents the very best of Westfield Academy & Central School.”

Swanson joins an accomplished list of Hyde Memorial Scholarship recipients. Past winners are: 1985, Steve Penhollow, Cassadaga Valley; 1986, Rich Crane, Sherman; 1987, Nancy Dornsife, Randolph; 1988, Mary Mansfield, Pine Valley; 1989, Jackson Rohm, Southwestern; 1990, Pam Crowell, Pine Valley; 1991, Cory Emory, Sherman; 1992, Ken Davenport, Falconer; 1993, Jennifer Tate, Falconer; 1994, Justin Johnson, Jamestown; 1995, Andy McMaster, Jamestown; 1996, Patrick Swanson, Sherman; 1997, Adam Beckerink, Frewsburg; 1998, Matthew Baideme, Westfield; 1999, Leigh Baumgart, Falconer; 2000, Craig Swanson, Jamestown; 2001, Trevor Cable, Frewsburg; 2002, Kathy Baum, Ripley; 2003, Ashley Kulju, Maple Grove; 2004, Rob Prinzi, Jamestown; 2005, Matt Mazgaj, Southwestern; 2006, Natalie Thorpe, Southwestern; 2007, Michael McGinnis, Falconer; 2008, Nicole Frederickson, Jamestown; 2009, Jennifer Andrews, Randolph; 2010, Mallory Deuink, Clymer; 2011, Joey Campion, Jamestown; 2012, Shannon Murphy, Falconer; 2013, Zachary Eklum, Jamestown; 2014, Jordan Powers, Southwestern; 2015, Zack Panebianco, Jamestown; 2016, Matthew Marsh, Jamestown; 2017, Wyatt Perry, Southwestern; 2018, Giuseppe Hoose, Southwestern; 2019, Allison Stockwell, Jamestown; 2020, Samantha Gilbert, Falconer; and 2021, Cassidy Allen, Southwestern.