Boy Scout Troop 325

Scoutmaster Minute

Derek Parker, Eagle Candidate

June 27, 2004

By George Denise, Scoutmaster

I missed the last few meetings; I had some personal business to take care of, and then 24 of your fellow scouts and scouters were trekking in Philmont Scout Ranch for three weeks. One of the things I did prior to leaving, however, was attend Derek Parker's Eagle Board of Review.As is usually the case with all Eagle candidates from our troop, I was asked to write a letter of reference on Derek's behalf if I believed he was worthy of Eagle. It was my privilege to write a letter on Derek's behalf, and I am proud to announce that he passed his board of review. Please join me in congratulating Troop 325's newest Eagle Scout!

I would now like to take a few minutes this evening to read to you what I wrote on behalf of Derek.

Letter of Reference for Derek Parker, Eagle Candidate

It gives me great pleasure to write this letter on behalf of Derek Parker.

Derek joined Troop 325 in 1997. As new scouts join the troop, I get to know them, and I often find myself characterizing them. I found Derek to be a little shy and lacking self-confidence, manifesting itself in a kind of James Dean-Rebel Without A Cause stance leaning against a wall, hands in pockets, an almost angry look on his face that achieved his desired results: most people left him alone. I tend to pick on that type of personality, however (it was mine as a teenager, so I understand it), and I liked the results I got; a wry grin that betrayed the real Derek beneath the facade. Still, I would not have guessed he would stay in scouting, nor achieve Eagle. In talking with Derek, neither did he. But he hung in there, earned First Class, several merit badges, and eventually moved into the Trez, our oldest scout patrol. Within the Trez, there were two distinct groups: those who were Eagle-bound, and those who were not. Unfortunately, Derek identified with the latter group in the beginning.

Two years ago, I invited Derek to participate in Bristlecone JLT, and he did so. In his personal goals, he included working as a troop guide with the younger scouts. He took it to heart, made a real attempt, and was an excellent troop guide. Over the past year or so, the three non-achievers in the patrol dropped out. Suddenly, Derek was the only First Class in a patrol of Stars, Lifes, and one Eagle. Now, Derek felt pressure to catch up with the others. Somewhere along the way, he also decided to achieve Eagle. Last summer at camp, while the other Trez signed up for the high-adventure program, Derek stayed behind to complete his Eagle-required badges. He also continued his work with the younger Scouts, especially the Disco Piggies Patrol. During their boards of review this past year, several of them mentioned how Derek had worked with them.

Derek has attended summer camp three times, troop JLT, Bristlecone JLT, and he is attending International Rendezvous this summer. He has held the positions of Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Cheermaster, Troop Guide and Instructor and he has earned 30 merit badges. Outside of scouting, Derek swims and plays water polo for Santa Clara High School, he is certified as a lifeguard, and he works as a teacher's aide. His Eagle Project was building a cabinet, shelf, and table at Sunnymont Preschool.

As a quiet and unassuming leader, Derek is an American icon; quiet and unassuming, but someone you can count on when you need him.

It gives me great pleasure to recommend Derek Parker for Scouting's highest achievement, Eagle Scout.

Yours in Scouting,

George Denise, Scoutmaster