Flight of Eagles

Last Edit April 6, 1999

My younger son is about to be an Eagle Scout, like his brother before him. And I had to write an evaluation - ---
Is he qualified? Been a scout since his brother became a tiger cub - stroller and all. He's hiked and camped and did C.O.P.E. We've been through wind and rain and snow, from -8 degrees to 107 degrees. I should know - I've woken up to snow, mud, rain (I was floating on an air matress), flash flood, sand storms and bugs. I've set my hair on fire. Dented my van and my truck. And had a lot of fun.
He is the Senior Patrol Leader - the SPL. Significant. Enough patches for 1 palm and maybe a second. If I hadn't gone through relocation he might have done three. These are awards past Eagle. Good enough!
Does he care for others? He picked out get-well cards for Fabio with birds on them. (No, I didn't send those. Sent the one with the coffee cup on it. Ha!)
He let a door close on me last night. Almost knocked me over. But, when necessary, he steps in and takes charge. Sends me to my room. Informs me of where I am going at night. What movie I will see.
Is he responsible? "MOM! What do I do with my uniform????" Nothing. Mom will iron it. Maybe. Mom washed it. And keeps track of it's pieces. It's my job. That and driving him to the review.
Is he a leader? Sells cameras well. I now have a black and gold limited edition 35mm Olympic that fits in my purse next to the ELPH advanced film system. For Sea World. The younger boys in the troop all called to be sure they didn't miss any of his work days on his Eagle project. One even roller-bladed over when he had no ride. They worked in wind and rain. It was the pizza. He ordered it. Mother fetched. I can also roll over but I don't sit-up.
Does he respect the property of others? Everyone's but mine. My property he feels is his to do with as he pleases. I'm his Mom. He inherits. Just wants it early. Maybe share with his brother. He does ask before taking money from my purse. Still can't get that room picked up.
Is he a good scout citizen? Yes. I think he is.
The fledgling is about to leave the nest.
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TO: The Council Advancement Committee

Johnathan Wellington White is a candidate for Eagle Scout. I am one of the people who are listed on his references - and I am his single parent. I recommend him for this advancement without reservation.

Johnathan has been active in scouts since 1984 - when his brother entered Cub Scouts. He participated in all his brother's Cub Scout activities and then went through the program himself. While a Cub Scout, since I was an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 616 in Scripps Ranch, Johnathan also participated in Boy Scout Troop and Patrol meetings and outings, and then went through the Boy Scout program himself. Johnathan's brother is a Eagle Scout, as are two uncles. I am a Curved Bar Girl Scout (Eagle-equivalent) as is one of my sisters. My mother was, like myself, involved with Boy Scout troops. She was a trainer (East Coast) for 40 years. We are a scouting family.

Johnathan has shown a natural leadership and training ability from early on in his scouting program, having served as a Troop Guide, Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. He has a very mature capability in handling the responsibilities he is given. I feel that he has matured with the program into a young man of whom I am very proud. As an example of his leadership, when his Eagle project required a third day, the boys were calling him for the date before it was even scheduled because they did not want to miss the third work day. Their parents even commented that the boys had talked at home about how much they enjoyed the project. He has tried very hard to set a good example for the younger scouts, with whom he is very popular.

My son demonstrated self-reliance when I collapsed with an incarcerated hernia and he took charge. He got me into bed, organized health cards, called his brother and my doctor, organized my being delivered to the hospital and has taken a watchful care of me since the surgery. The doctor's have stated that he saved my life. He is also required to be somewhat independent even though he is living at home since my job takes me away for a week at a time. He is also responsible for the dog, cat, chinchillas and rabbit.

I have provided religious training at home for both my boys. I was a Faith Leader and a Sunday School teacher for a long time in the Congregational Church - New England. I keep those traditions and values in the home and have raised both my boys with them. My son's behavior towards others, his kindness, his helpfulness and consideration of others are mere extensions of the Christian values in our home.

He has participated in the Toys for Tots program since 1987 as a Scout helper, participated in community projects, and participated on other scout Eagle Projects consistently throughout his Scouting career. He is the first to volunteer for the fundraisers for the troop and was an active participant in troop activities throughout his career (only curtailed somewhat now by his job).

The most telling quote for me as a parent was the day he told me that "When I grow up, I'm going to be a soccer coach and Boy Scout leader like you, Mom." He was 10 years old.

Sincerely,

Donnamaie E. White, Ph.D.

What more can a mother say?

He Passed!