Stories from Our Partners
Each year, the Black Swamp Area Council recognizing one Eagle Scout in the class as being that year’s Class Representative. They are presented with the Paul M. and Lucy Gilmore scholarship of $1000. To qualify, they must submit a scholarship essay entitled, “What Being an Eagle Scout Means to Me”. The 2008 recipient of that award is Joshua Cox from Troop 46 in Napoleon, Ohio. We would like to share Josh’s essay with you.
To become an Eagle Scout is the greatest accomplishment I have achieved so far in my life. An Eagle Scout, in my opinion, is a man that lives his life with purity and dignity in everything that he does. An Eagle Scout lives his life every day by the Scout Oath, Law Motto, and Outdoor Code. The leadership qualities that I have learned and the opportunities I have encountered will never be forgotten. I have always felt very serious about the meaning of what a Scout is. Being an Eagle Scout has made me who I am today.
The Eagle Scout is a trustworthy individual. He is loyal to his friends and family. He is helpful, courteous and kind to all, even to those that are rude to him. He listens to authority and does it with a smile on his face. An Eagle Scout is brave and prosperous and isn’t afraid to take risks. The Eagle Scout is clean, not only in his appearance, but in his heart and mind. He is spiritual and a believer in God Almighty. An Eagle Scout is a leader, always prepared, dedicated, determined, and knowledgeable. A leader does not have to be a loud, outspoken person. People lead by how they walk. A person’s feet actually talk louder than their words. I have already tried to be aware of how I’m walking.
When I took my oath I made a promise that I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. I staked it to my honor as a man and promised it to God Himself. I have always held my name and honor to the highest level, never allowing it to tarnish. I have kept my honor clean and have become a person who everyone likes and respects.
Ever since I was young I can remember being a part of Scouting. I started as a Tiger Cub and worked my way up. The people I have met along my Trail to Eagle are amazing; from General Norman Schwarzkopf’s personal pilot (while working on my Aviation Merit Badge) to people in Congress.
Taking on the challenge of my Eagle Project seemed overwhelming at first. Everything I have learned in Scouting came to fruition with my project. Scouting has been a major part of building my character. Being an Eagle Scout has helped me become a man through its laws and oath and the way the Scouting program was designed with its moral conduct.
Being an Eagle Scout is the greatest accomplishment I have achieved. Being an Eagle Scout means more to me than words can express. I truly believe it is a code that only Eagles understand. I will never regret being in the Scouting program and think every boy should be in it. “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.”
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