Eagle Scout

One of my favorite things to post about is when one of our students earns the rank of Eagle Scout. In the past few years, we have had several young men reach the rank of Eagle Scout while they were attending Vantage. Well I am proud to say that once again, we have another outstanding student who has obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. Please keep in mind that according to the National Eagle Scout Association, only about 5% of all Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout and here at Vantage, we have had at least 4 in the last couple of years. To become an Eagle Scout, you must earn a total of at least 21 merit badges, including the following: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming (Hiking or cycling), Camping, Cooking and Family Life. They also must complete a service project.

This year we are proud to announce that Evan Meyers has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Evan is an Ottoville High School student attending Vantage and is part of Troop 221 in Kalida. For his service project, he installed a flag pole for the soccer field in Kalida. In speaking with Evan, he stated that the project cost around $3500 and that all of this money came in through donations. The donations came through many sources and many people. Evan said that the VFW, American Legion, Kalida School Board and many individuals contributed financially to this project. He also said it couldn't have been done without the help and donations from BK Trucking who provided the stones and K&L Ready Mix who provided all the concrete. I could tell Evan was very thankful for the support he received from the community.

As far as the back breaking work and hard labor, Evan stated that his Grandpa, Dad and fellow scouts all helped him out tremendously. It really takes a lot of people to pitch in and support someone when they are doing their service project for the Scouts. I had to wonder how Evan found any time to work on this project because he is one of the busiest students I know. Evan works three different jobs during the school year. He works as a machinist for Unverferths, a farm hand at Horstmans Dairy and pours concrete for Wannemancher property services in Cloverdale. I will say that Evan stated that it took almost a year to complete the project because of the terrible spring weather we had and also a few other hiccups he had along the way.

If you get a chance, please let Evan know what a fine young man he is and congratulate him on this great achievement. Evan, I personally am proud of you and feel very lucky I have been able to meet such a fine young man and be a small part of your life these last two years. Congratulations Evan!