The
Scout Recipients
John Heather, 18, of Roscommon, MI, was a track
and field coach for the Special Olympics Summer Games and a downhill ski coach for the
Winter Games. For personal development, he volunteered at veterinary clinics and broadened
his horizons of his chosen profession. "I saw first-hand how valuable modern
technology can be in the field of veterinary medicine. John, an Eagle Scout, planned and
carried out a week-long whitewater rafting trip in West Virginia with his Boy Scout Troop.
Jonathan Hoyle, 17, of Chapel Hill, NC,
coached children ages 7-16 in daily practice and weekly swim meets. "Our team won and
became the Summer Swim League Champions, and I experienced the joy of winning as a
coach." He also served as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster at summer scout camp. He
improved his musical ability in playing the violin and viola for personal development and
became a better swimmer and water polo player for fitness. Jonathan completed an intense
Boy Scout in-camp High Adventure Exploration with his troop.
Scott Kuebler, 19, of Columbia, SC,
volunteered with God’s Storehouse where he helped pick up and transport food,
clothing, furniture and toys for the needy. He also served his community by walking dogs.
He became a better swimmer for fitness and increased his speed by 15 percent. Scott, who
has Down’s syndrome, went on an exploration to Ireland where he met with other
disabled people from all over the world. "My confidence has increased greatly and I
have talked with many people. I have always liked helping people and like it even more
now," he said. Scott is an Eagle Scout.
Daniel McAllister, 17, of Hornell, NY, served
with the Hornell Public Library by checking out, repairing and shelving books. He learned
the methods and skills of electrical contracting for personal development and improved his
baseball game for physical fitness. He went camping for his expedition. "This
experience challenged me because I had to build a durable shelter that would last me four
days. It was also a challenge to find my way through the woods on the night hike,"
said Daniel. He is an Eagle Scout.
Ryan Miske, 24, of Bensenville, IL, served by
disseminating information and ideas nationally as the first Youth Coordinator for the
Order of the Arrow’s National Bulletin. He studied investing strategies, improved his
racquetball skills, and biked, walked and played volleyball and hockey to improve his
cardiovascular endurance. "Regular exercise provided me with more energy, and
combined with a good diet helped me lose a considerable amount of weight," he said.
"I also learned that the competitive element of team sports caused me to get a more
rigorous workout than if I were to engage in solitary activities." Ryan organized and
executive a backpacking trip in the Savage Gulf Natural Area of Tennessee.
Torrey Mitchell, 19, of New Albany, MS,
assisted his local 4-H chapter with food and clothing drives and helped increase
environmental awareness through workshops and demonstrations. He spent time as a clown at
nursing homes and hospitals, served special needs youth through equine therapy, and
mentored foster children. An Eagle Scout, Torrey helped other Boy Scouts in their Eagle
Projects. Torrey went camping and completed a leadership course for his expedition.
"I have been working toward the Gold Award since 1995. I can truly say that I now
realize the benefits of setting goals and working to achieve them," he said.
Reed Scarfino, 16, of Gladstone, MO, served a
Boy Scout Camp by improving their record keeping and managing the database. "It felt
great to be able to use my skills to benefit others. I learned to be consistent with
decisions and to be at work on time," said Reed. He competed on the Science Olympiad
Team at his school and achieved an academic letter in science. He improved his strength
and endurance in order to complete a 70-mile hiking trip and earned the hiking merit badge
in Scouting. Reed utilized this training on his expedition to the Philmont National Scout
Reservation in New Mexico where he hiked in the mountains and participated in trail
activities for two weeks.
Senior Airman Marty Skipper, 21, served as head umpire for
the baseball and softball leagues on Whiteman Air Force Base, MO. He served
as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts, and took swimming safety classes, youth
protection seminars, CPR classes and studied Scout Master fundamentals. "It is an
awesome feeling to learn that I made a major contribution to some future leaders of our
community. When you set the example, you are expected to make a difference, and I think I
have made a major contribution to Troop 398," he said. Marty also became more
efficient at orienting and reading topographic maps. For his expedition, he camped
throughout Missouri.
Christopher Slaten, 18, of St. Louis, MO,
through the National Honor Society, served the Ronald McDonald House by fundraising,
helped disabled children with Special Olympic activities and helped with administrative
activities at school. He also supervised children’s activities in a United Way
community outreach program. "It feels great to help other and give my time. That in
itself is the most wonderful feeling one can possess," he said. For his expedition,
Christopher was a crew leader for a 14-day, 67-mile backpacking trip in the mountains of
northern New Mexico.
Noah Sodano, 18, of Littleton, CO, volunteered
more than 800 hours with the Boy Scouts of America for the Gold Congressional Award Medal.
He served as a Troop Guide, Youth Leader and Junior Assistant Scout Master. "I helped
fellow younger Scouts to hopefully become the well-rounded leaders of tomorrow," he
said of his service. He improved his acting skills by participating in his school’s
drama club, and raised more than $1,200 for multiple sclerosis by training and
participating in a two-day 150-bicycle ride for physical fitness. For his expedition, he
explored Mesa Verde National Park, where he was able to view the ruins of the Anasazi
Indians.
