Post date: Jul 23, 2019 12:11:54 PM
Troop 1657 would like to congratulate Stephon Parham for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Stephon becomes the 71st addition to the Eagle's nest of
Troop 1657.
Stephon has been in the scouting program since he became a Bear cub. Although he has always passionately enjoyed playing football, he realized, at a
very young age, that scouting, in his words, was “pretty cool”. He has had many wonderful experiences and learned many new things especially
self-reliance and how to thrive outside of his parents’ protective circle during campouts and other events. Even though he has a deathly fear of spiders,
he was able to overcome this fear and enjoy his scouting experiences.
Stephon was a shy child; however, he credits the scouting program with helping him to overcome this challenge. When he became a Boy scout,
he was more focused on the social aspects of the program rather than working on advancement requirements. However, with some gentle nudging
from his Assistant Scoutmasters, his parents, fellow scouts and an unfortunate football injury, he was able to regain his focus, set his goals and
advance several ranks, complete merit badges and perform as a leader within the Troop in a short period
Stephon is the youngest of 5 children and he credits his family for shaping and molding him to be the person that he has become today.
However, he goes a step further to focus specifically on a special bond that he has with his parents. He often says that his mother has high
expectations for him and motivates him to work hard and always put forth his best effort while he can always count on his dad’s encouragement.
Stephon plans to attend Prince George’s Community College and then transfer to the Robert Smith Business School at the University of Maryland
where he wants to major in Business Marketing with a minor in Finance. Upon graduation from college, he would like to start his own clothing
business focusing on street wear (e.g. ripped jeans, oversized shirts, leather jackets, etc.). Once he has established a foothold in the industry,
he would like to expand his business into sportswear and a line of formal wear. To add diversity to his business portfolio, Stephon also plans to invest
in real estate ventures and own rental properties.
Stephon says that “one of the things that I’ve learned from scouting and my parents is that we should always try to help other people.” He goes on to
quote the scout law i.e., a scout is helpful and commits to, regardless of his level of success, giving a portion of his earnings to help others less fortunate
than himself.
Stephon’s project included the planning and building of a compost bin at the Clearwater Nature Center. The compost bin at the Nature Center was
essentially nonfunctional due to its state of disrepair. He has stated that the most important principle that he learned during his Eagle project is his
penchant for procrastination. And, most importantly, he has learned time management and delegation skills to help him to overcome this life challenge.
In addition, he goes on to say that:
“The one thing that I learned the most from scouting is being a leader. I have learned to have a ‘go get it mentality’ and to prevail under
negative circumstances. Nothing will be handed to you so you will have to go get it. I will say scouting helps to improve your character.
I’ve made lifelong friends from scouting. Scouting gives you the opportunity to meet different people and different personalities.”
Stephon is a young man with a tremendous amount of potential. He is creative and charismatic with a winning personality. His character, composure
and focus has earned him the stellar achievement of Eagle. I do not doubt that he will continue to make valuable contributions to his community as he
exhibits the principles inherent in the Scout Oath and Law.
So, once again, congratulations to Eagle Scout Stephon Parham and family.