Monday, November 18, 2019

Eagles

I stated in an earlier post that I was anticipating a couple more students would be earning their Eagle Scout classification. Well I am proud to announce that Preston Browning (Parkway) and Zach Herman (Ottoville) both became Eagle scouts within the last few weeks. Zach is a member of Scout Troop #266 and Preston belongs to Troop # 98.

In the earlier post I mentioned 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. Well this year, we have three already and possibly one more coming up. I am so proud of these young men. It is not easy 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.

Preston Browning built a covered bus stop in Willshire, Ohio. Currently the students had no cover as they waited for the bus to pick them up. It didn't matter if it was raining or snowing, they had to stand out in the elements and wait for the bus. Preston stated that the cost of the project was $7000. 100% of the money was earned from local businesses. Preston also held a doughnut day at his church where he raised $500. The project took him seven months to complete. He said he had a lot of help from family, coaches and community members. Preston has been in scouts since he was in 2nd grade. Just speaking with Preston I could hear the passion in his voice for this project. He really hated to see the young students have to stand out in the elements. If you know Preston, that wouldn't surprise you. He is a kind and caring young man. We are proud of you Preston not only for your work with the scouts but for your work ethic here at Vantage.


Zach Herman was asked to build picture frames for the Ottoville History Museum. The museum was looking to display several items and they needed some way for this to be done. They asked Zach if he could build them twenty frames to display various items in the museum. Zach told me that the entire cost was paid for by the museum. Zach said that it took him about two months to complete the frames. As you can see in the picture, the frames turned out absolutely beautiful. I myself like to do a little woodworking and I can tell you that these frames are perfect. In fact, the museum liked them so much, they are having Zach do ten more frames. Zach said that he had help from his Dad, Grandpa and brother. Zach has been a scout since 1st grade. I really enjoyed speaking with Zach because he is one of those quiet leaders. Zach is one who leads by example. He is always hard at work, doing what he is told and working on his assignments until they are complete. He is a great student to have around at Vantage and all of us are proud of you for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

If you happen to see these two fine young men around the halls at Vantage, or in your community, please stop them and congratulate them on a well earned accomplishment.

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