Post date: Jul 23, 2019 12:20:59 PM
Troop 1657 would like to congratulate Joshua Johnson for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Josh becomes the 73rd addition to the Eagle's nest of Troop 1657.
Josh joined the scouting program as a Tiger Cub with Troop 1657. He now realized that this was the beginning of a series of firsts in his life. He fondly recalls many camping experiences ranging from the outdoor family campout at a military base (with spiders and bugs that made him nervous) to spending the night at the Baltimore Aquarium for their shark event where he was able to sleep next to the shark tank and touch stingrays and jellyfish. After becoming a Boy scout, the new experiences continued. He learned to shoot a rifle and participated in an indoor sky diving weekend which he unabashed states that this was the best time ever. Besides the fun activities, he also had many opportunities to learn leadership principles. He was able to lead younger scouts and teach them how to tie knots using the EDGE method. As a patrol leader, he was able to help plan many events and meetings. And, with more experience and practice, he quickly became a proficient and effective leader both in scouting and in other areas of his life.
Josh has a passion and a burning desire to play baseball. He started playing the game when he was 10 years old. At first, he was not the best player on the field; however, once his dad helped him to understand the value of practice, his skills quickly improved until he reached the point where he was invited to be on his Little League’s All-Star team and recognized as one of the best players in the league. God has blessed him by allowing him to play on several teams above his age level and even allowed him to play on his high school junior varsity team which is considered to be one of the best teams in Northern Virginia. Through baseball, he believes that God has helped him to learn how helpful Boy Scouts has been his life e.g., baseball and school. He has learned to be a leader when times are good but also when circumstances are less than optimal. In doing so, he has been able to gain the respect of his peers, teammates and fellow scouts. Josh goes on to state that:
“Boy Scouts has taught me many lessons about how to be an effective leader. Boy Scouts provided me with the skills needed to handle many activities in my life. I remember on one occasion, my baseball coach allowed me to plan practice for the team. At first, I was not sure how to instruct the team on how to do the drills, but then I remembered learning the E.D.G.E method and used it to explain to the team the various drills we would do during practice. I was able to help my team strive by having a successful practice. I was also able to apply my Boy Scouts training to my school life as well. During a school project this year, I had to collect a group of strangers and make them work well together. I had to use my communication skills to make friendship from a group of strangers. I acted courteous, friendly, and kind to the scouts to convince them to work together. The life lessons I have learned through Boy Scouts are precious, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
For his Eagle project, Josh chose to partner with Burke Lake Park. Josh recalled visiting the park many times prior and always having a wonderful time. After speaking with the Park Ranger, he decided that he wanted to build horseshoe pits for the park. By building the pits, he felt as if he was going to be able to give back to the community by providing something that was wanted and that visitors to the park would be able to enjoy. While working on his project, Josh learned many skills such as time management, cost estimating, negotiating, and resource allocation. Overall, this community improvement project proved to be highly successful, both in flawless execution and its long-lasting benefit to the community. In addition to his scouting, Josh is a very active young man. He has volunteered with the Salvation Army, Harvest Fest, Earth Day in both Fairfax and Bladensburg, and supported Operation Christmas Child. Most recently, he has been a member of the Lake Braddock JV High School and the Metro Senators Travel Baseball teams.
As stated by W. Corey Wright, Josh’s World History teacher, “Josh is a positive, polite and diligent student…his excellence in the classroom is not just confined to academics, he displayed leadership in group assignments… Josh is a natural magnet for others… he is a big cheerleader for others as a good teammate.”
One of Josh’s Assistant Scoutmasters can be quoted as stating that “Joshua has shown a love and dedication to scouting through all the changes and challenges that come with growing up in today’s society. His eagerness to engage in scouting activities and make sure things are done right has made him a joy to have in our patrol and on camping trips. In short Joshua, Johnson is the type of scout that will reflect well on his family, his church, his school and the Boy Scouts of America...”
Lieutenant Colonel Donna K. Melendez USAF (Ret), reflects on her interaction with Josh by stating the following:
“Joshua has not only demonstrated “balance” as reflected in his exemplary academic record, but he has displayed the necessary leadership characteristics and teamwork that make him a proven leader now and in the future. His standout traits include an infectious blend of humor, professionalism, integrity, and tenacity; vital qualities required to excel in today’s environment. Joshua’s dedication in the Boy scouts, sports, church, and the community continue to reflect his dedication to serve, to achieve, and support others toward a much higher goal.”
The one thread that holds true and runs deep within Josh is the personification of the principles stated within the Scout Oath and Law. Making a difference in the lives of others is one of the truest forms of leadership and Josh inherently strives to help others and change their lives positively. He is a disciplined and hard-working young man with a bright future that is full of possibilities. He will truly be an ambassador that represents the tradition of excellence that embodies that prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
So, once again, congratulations to Eagle Scout Josh Johnson and family.