Five warriors achieve eagle

      
         The Boys Scouts program has long been held as a nationally prestigious affiliation and a worthwhile endeavor. Taught much more than outdoors know-hows, these committed young men learn the lifelong skills of leadership, stewardship, and citizenship as they rise through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and finally, Eagle. This culminating honor is truly a privilege, as becoming an Eagle Scout means joining an elite group of less than 2% of all Boys Scouts. This year, five seniors at WCHS have achieved this worthy goal, as Albert Miller, George Miller, Thomas Holman, Aaron Buskirk, and Michael Sauder have all become Eagle Scouts through their hard work and dedication.

            Becoming an Eagle Scout takes more than meeting a set list of stringent requirements. Time, dedication, and a distinct perseverance are of the essence, and our WC seniors are a testament to the fact. With the support of his dad, Aaron Buskirk has been involved in the program since first grade, and Albert Miller has been a Boy Scout for eight years, following in the footsteps of his dad and older brother. “It runs in the family,” he adds.

            In order to get to the final stage of the program, one must earn 21 merit badges, fulfilled through different requirements like camping, leadership, personal management, and communications. In addition to these requisites, Scouts must successfully complete a culminating project. Michael Sauder chose to do extensive landscaping and building work at Calvary Bible Baptist Church, and Aaron decided to install playground equipment in the forest behind his church after clearing out trees and removing concrete from the ground. Albert opted to   serve his New Albany community by constructing a handicap-accessible path in the wetlands nature preserve. Not only did these men carry out the work itself, but they also planned, organized, and led the process of the project, which demanded much more than mere physical ability.

            Now these seniors are officially Eagle Scouts, but this doesn’t mean that the skills they have learned are going to waste. “Scouting goes far beyond just earning requirements,” Albert explains. “The skills include everything from starting fires to managing projects,” Michael adds. “These skills can be used all the time at any place.” Aaron acknowledges that the Boy Scout program has prepared him for what lies ahead and has developed his people skills, as he learned to interact with differing personalities. Indeed, the immeasurable payoff that these men are experiencing is well deserved. “I wanted to quit at times,” Albert admits, “but my parents pushed and in the end I am glad they did because the reward is worth the commitment.” The rewards are tangible, too: Eagle Scout status tremendously helps distinguish these men on college resumes, scholarships, and job applications. Though the benefits of such an accolade are perpetual, the payoff is being seen in the “here and now” as well. “It has already opened many doors,” Michael says of this accomplishment. “I expect to continue to see its effects throughout college and the rest of my life by the skills I have learned and the experience I now have through the Scouts.” Congratulations, WC Eagle Scouts, and only the best to you as you look forward to college and beyond!

By Joy Cho