Historical June 1995 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
On Sunday, June 4, 1995, Jon-Michael Vinson received his Eagle Scout Emblem and Badge.
The ceremony was held at Grace United Methodist Church. JonMichael started his path to Eagle Scout as a Cub Scout in Den 31, which is chartered at Grace United Methodist Church.
He continued his scouting experience as a Boy Scout in Troop 98, chartered at St. Roch’s. Many neighbors and friends, in addition to his family, have been instrumental during Jon-Michael’s Scouting experience.
A few of those neighbors and friends are Betty Klinefelter, Rick Bender, Dennis Mardi, Fit and Mig Ferrigni, Mario Gioia, Jim Flynn, Matt Falk, Ralph Wafer, Scott Santen, Art Santen, Ed Gotway, and Sara Newton.
In addition to the 21 merit badges and leadership positions needed to be considered for the Eagle award, the path to Eagle requires the planning and completion of a Service Project. Jon Michael’s Service Project was the collection of school supplies for needy and homeless children.
The Skinker-DeBaliviere and Parkview communities responded to Jon-Michaels requests for school supplies in the summer of 1993. Over 1500 school supplies were donated by the community and were collected and distributed to Kingdom House and the Homeless Resource Bank by the Boy Scouts of Troop 98.
With these supplies the Homeless Resource Bath and Kingdom House were able to assist many families and their children.
In addition to this material support, the school supply drive assisted Kingdom House with its after-school tutoring program.
It is estimated that only one boy out of 100 Boy Scouts will receive the Eagle Award. Troop 98 has graduated many boys to the rank of Eagle, and it is believed that Troop 98 exceeds the national average in the percentage of boys reaching the rank of Eagle. Troop 98 is considered a “boy-run” troop.
This means that while there are active adult leaders in the troop, who serve as advisors, such as the Scout Master, Assistant Scout Master, and other adult leaders, it is the boys who are required to take on the leadership roles within the troop.
The leadership responsibilities for Troop 98 are carried out by the boys in the Leadership Corps. Recruitment is an important part of building the ranks within Scouting, but more important is the adult and community commitment needed to keep boys excelling through the ranks.
Original photograph caption
Jon-Michael Vinson receives his Eagle Scout medal from Dr.Fil Ferrigni. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1995.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1995_06.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
