An Eagle's Thanks

Hello fellow scouts and scouters,

I just got back from our W3B Section Conclave at NAS Fallon (Top Gun)
near Fallon, Nevada. The US Navy treated us very well and we had a very
good time.

This afternoon, when I dropped off one of our troop's recent Eagle Scout
recipients, I finally got him to give me a copy of the speech he made at his
Court of Honor a few months ago. I felt that his words renewed those of us
that were there, reminding us why we spend so much time in this program we
call Scouting.

If I may, I would like to share these words with you now. They are from
scout Adam Finney, a freshman at Mariposa High School:

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I would like to thank you for coming and helping Troop 94 and me
celebrate this night which I will always remember. It means a lot to me
that you could all make it.
It is said that less than 2 percent of all boys who enter scouting become
Eagle Scouts. This fact has been clear to me for some time now, however, it
has had different meanings over my scouting career.
When I first joined scouts, it caused me to see Eagle Scouts as almost
god-like figures, for I held them in the utmost respect and I knew only a
few. As I advanced, I did not lose this respect, I simply began to see some
of them as fellow scouts as well.
When I became of higher rank I saw the goal of Eagle in the distance. A
journey away, yet within my reach. And I wondered what stopped so many
other scouts from seeing this goal as a reality. What made me different
than others?
This question I thought long about, but the answer did not come to me
until shortly before my Eagle Board of Review. In reflection I saw the
great leadership and opportunities given to me by my fellow scouts. I saw
the work and heartfelt devotion of my scoutmaster, and adult leaders, in,
and outside of my own troop. I saw the guidance and time given to me by my
parents, and I saw the path which I followed on the trail to Eagle, leading
me to where I was. After this, I thought again why most do not follow this
path all the way to Eagle, and I began to see why.
I realized that I did not walk this trail alone, but many people walked
with me. That's why you were invited here this evening, so I could thank
you. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS GOAL ATTAINABLE.
But, I feel that not everyone is as lucky as myself. From the first days
of my scouting career up until tonight, I feel that I have been given
wonderful leadership, role models, and friends. I have been influenced by
all of you, I have met you in all sorts of places. Through summer camp and
the Order of the Arrow I have been lead by numerous people inspiring me in
many different ways and helping me climb some of the most difficult steps to
Eagle.
So, now I think I understand why only 2 percent of all boys who enter
scouting become Eagles. This is a very special group and there is not
another one like it. Not everyone has you to help them and show them the
way. From Eagle Projects, to meeting plans, to Ordeals, to pack checks, to
guidance in my school and community, to leading by example, showing me which
path to follow, I have been blessed.
And if other scouts had the support that I did from all of you, I would
be willing to bet that there would be far more boys who made Eagle.
Thank you all once again, for your help and encouragement, and for coming
here tonight.

Adam Finney

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Thanks for your time,
Mike

-----------------------------------------------------
Mike Montoya, ASM, Troop 94 mmm@yosemite.net
http://www.yosemite.net/mariposa/clubs/t94/
http://home.yosemite.net/~mmm/
"I used to be ...Faster, Lighter, & Less Gray!"

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