Eagle Scout

On Saturday I had the privilege of being the guest speaker at an Eagle Scout recognition ceremony. One of my former students at Carmel Christian School, Brady Stephenson, received this special award. He is a great young man who is very deserving of the award. As I said in my speech, Brady manages to "be on the swim team, plays classical piano, participates in church activities, participates in mission opportunities, sings in the school choir, attends all Boy Scout outings, and still has time to get all A's and one B". You know how I like to know the history behind things so I started investigating the history of the Eagle Scout award. Alfred Rose received the first Eagle Scout award in 1912. The first President of the United States to be a Boy Scout was John F. Kennedy. But, the only U.S. President ever to achieve the Eagle Scout was Gerald Ford. At the ceremony I was reminded that for every 100 Boy Scouts only 2 will actually make to the end to become an Eagle Scout. How many of us actually complete anything? I know I start so many projects only to let them fall to the way. I hope to start and finish cleaning the garage tomorrow. Drop out rates for our schools continue to grow. Only 35% of those who start college actually finish. Completion of the Eagle Scout is an amazing accomplishment. Brady has again inspired me to be a part of something that is excellent. More importantly he has shown me the value of the successful completion of a valiant task. May we all strive for such a goal. Good job my friend.

Washington DC Trip 09

I have been taking students to Washington DC for 24 years. This year was like most years: filled with fun, too much food, mostly good weather, a photo meeting with Rep. Sue Myrick, a musical at Ford's Theatre, a trip to the Naval Academy and a visit to Mt. Vernon (in photo). This year's group was able to experience a few new things. We visited the new 911 Memorial at the Pentagon. The memorial had so much meaning. Every element meant something for the victims. Those lost on the plane or in the Pentagon will forever be remembered in that special place. Next our group was able to visit the Jewish Chapel at the Naval Academy. The protestant chapel was closed for renovations so our students were able to tour the Jewish Chapel. The students and I learned a great deal about how our Jewish friends worship. We were also able to see the new $626,000,000 visitor center at the US Capitol. The space was very well done but I am not sure it was worth the price. I was so proud of our students again this year. The CCS 8th grade class of 2009 is a great group. They were so much fun to lead. They behaved well, look great and were a great testimony to those we met.