Saved by the Bee

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MSA’s Eagle Ashford Reyes.

What could Hank Aaron, Taylor Swift, Martin Luther King Jr., Gerald Ford, Neil Armstrong, Steven Spielberg, Hilary Clinton, Venus Williams, and our own Brad Bodager, Chris Celella, and Kathryn Cox have in common with one another?  Their areas of expertise are diverse, yet they all called themselves scouts as youth.  Gerald Ford once said the following about his scouting experience: “One of the proudest moments of my life came in the court of honor when I was awarded the Eagle Scout badge.  I still have that badge. It is a treasured possession.”  Clinton has said: "[It] not only taught me great songs that I still sing, but lifelong lessons about leadership and the value of public service and friendships that go back all those years and keep me grounded."  Scouts endeavor to live by an impeccable code of ethics, and this year Ashford Reyes, class of 2025, has become the newest Miller community member to attain the prestigious Eagle Scout Award.

Many young people participate in scouting; only a handful of them end up reaching the apex of the scouting experience–Eagle or Gold.  More than just camping in the rain, high-adventures, and jamborees, these awards are a demonstration of hard work, dedication, and resilience.   Of all the youth in the last century involved in scouting, only about three and a half million have earned the right to identify themselves as Eagle Scouts or Gold Award recipients, just about four to six percent of scouters, depending on who is counting.  It is a process that involves earning ranks and merit badges, volunteering, leadership, and, of course, striving to live by the Scout Oath and Law.  Scouting emphasizes trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, thrift, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence, while keeping oneself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.  

A major component of being an Eagle Scout or Gold Award recipient is devising a project for the betterment of the community and bringing it to fruition.  Known simply as one’s project, it is so much more.  These young people are leading adults and peers, fundraising, setting deadlines, giving presentations, writing letters, setting financial goals, tracking progress, documenting, meeting deadlines and goals, etc.  Projects range in scale and mirror the diversity of the scouts themselves.  Here on campus we still benefit from previous projects–Jay’s Way, trail signage, bridges, and a storage facility.

An enthusiast of outdoor adventures, archaeology, and engineering, Ashford chose a project to benefit Central Virginia Beekeepers Association’s traveling exhibit, assisting with their educational outreach.  He researched and built a historically accurate replica of Langstroth’s original 1840’s bee hive design using locally sourced materials, something typical of the era.  Built in our MSA woodshop, he hopes it helps with education and awareness of sustainability and our environment despite its size.  Ashford says, “It would never have been possible without the help from my community and my troop.  I received all different levels of support from classmates, board members, teachers, administrators, neighbors, friends, and family.  Despite all my failures along the way, Al Hanson, Mike Lucas, Jacob Kuhn, my parents, and sister were especially important as they were my biggest advisors and encouragers.  If I am being honest, the most important lessons I learned is to persevere despite the obstacles, stay true to my ideals despite the criticism, and document everything.”  Lessons worth learning.

Scouting principles overlap with Miller’s own ideals of educating minds, hands, and hearts.  Given Miller’s strong traditions in civic involvement and volunteerism, it makes sense that we have had many students recognized for their community involvement over the years and their continued commitment to make a difference.  It also goes to show that positive changes can come about in many shapes and forms.  We not only encourage our students and community to get involved for making a positive impact, we celebrate it.  The office of student experience is currently soliciting ideas and student leaders in continuing the tradition of service.