Boy Scout Troop 325

Scoutmaster Minute

Mark Hernandez, Eagle Candidate

May 18, 2004

By George Denise, Scoutmaster

You may have noticed I wasn't at the troop meeting this evening; I was presenting Mark Hernandez to his Eagle Review Board. Yes, he passed. Please join me in congratulating Troop 325’s newest Eagle Scout!

As Scoutmaster, I was asked to write a letter of reference on behalf of Mark’s candidacy. I thought I would take a few minutes this evening to read to you what I wrote on behalf of Mark.

Letter of Reference for Mark Hernandez, Candidate for Eagle

It gives me great pleasure to write this letter on behalf of Mark Hernandez.

I have known Mark since he was "little Markie". My wife and I were in the same babysitting co-op with Mark's parents. I believe Mark was about two when I first met him. Cute little guy. Over the years, I have always observed Mark, first and foremost, to be a very nice person.

For the past seven years, Mark has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 325. Within the troop, I have watched him develop and grow as a scout, as a leader, and as a man. He has served as Patrol Leader, Chaplain's Aide, Quartermaster, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Instructor. Mark has attended summer camp almost every year since he has been in the troop. He has 36 merit badges and he earned his BSA Lifeguard certification. He attended International Rendezvous, and he attended the National Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, VA in 2001. He is a member of Venture Crew 325 and will be attending Philmont BSA High Adventure Base with Crew 325 this coming summer.

Mark has worked with the younger scouts within the troop on many occasions and assisted in numerous training programs for younger scouts. They clearly take to him, and he is an effective leader because of this.

Outside of scouting, Mark played football for his high school football team, and he attends St. Andrews Church with his family. His project was making special hangers for the priests, vestments.

I ask scouts during their Scoutmaster Conference about how they are doing in school, extracurricular activities, hobbies, career ambitions, and their values. I am interested in the answers, both as a window to the sole, and in terms of how the scouting program may have contributed to their development. The answers are always enlightening, and they almost always make me proud.

Mark became involved with supporting Special Olympics with his family at an early age. In earning Handicap Awareness Merit Badge, Mark became personally involved, leading to his becoming a coach for Special Olympics. Mark has coached handicapped athletes for Special Olympics for several years, now. His experiences with Special Olympics and in working with younger scouts have led him to pursue a career in teaching.

Mark epitomizes what an Eagle Scout should be. He lives the Oath and the Law in his everyday life. It is with great pride and no hesitancy whatsoever that I recommend Mark for this award, Eagle Scout.

Yours in Scouting,

George Denise, Scoutmaster