Ever since I was a Webelo Scout, I knew why it was important to become an Eagle Scout. Before then I really didn't understand the importance of becoming Eagle. I knew of the rank, but still didn't understand the determination and leadership skills needed to reach this rank. After becoming a Boy Scout, I heard about people achieving Eagle then quitting the Scouting program. I always thought of this as a complete waste. When I reach Eagle, I don't plan to just quit. I plan to stay in Scouting for many more years. In these years I can help other boys in the troop become Eagle. I will be the first active person in Troop 171 to become an Eagle Scout. I can then act as a guide to the other Scouts that have advanced above First Class.

I have several goals after I am an Eagle Scout, and after I graduate high school. In scouting I would like to do high adventure activities. Perhaps I could go to Philmont, or to the Florida Sea Base. Also I would like to go to the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1997. After graduation from high school in the class of 2000, I would like to attend a college. I am not sure what college as of yet. I have somewhat of an idea of what I'd like to study in college. I am interested in journalisn and I believe this could be a possible career choice for me. Also I am interested in music. I am interested in a career as a band director. I am in the school band and I feel that the job of the director is a very interesting and challenging position. To prosper in both these fields require much study and determination. I believe I can fulfull both these requirements by continueing my great school work through high school and into college.

In Scouting, if I haven't learned anything else, I've learned how to be a leader. During my Eagle project, I learned how to interact with people in a way that encouraged them to support and assist me. At the same time, I returned to them a lot of positive feedback which made it easier for them to want to help me. My Scouting experience has taught me to be a leader in other parts of my life.

• At Battlefield Middle School, I am in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). In the NJHS I lead by example. I always do my best in my work and try to help around school as much as I can. Through these actions I inspire the students around me to also do their best.
  
  
• At school I am also a Peer Mediator. As a mediator, I help students resolve conflicts between each other.
  
  
• Starting in January, I will start assisting the pastor with the Sacrament of Holy Communion. At my church, I help the pastor whenever needed. I have also received my God and Country award from my church.
  
  
• I am involved in Parks and Recreation Soccer. On my Soccer team I lead by example. I help players with less experience than me to enhance their abilities.
  
  
• Also at my school I am on the Knowledge Master Open team (KMO). This team works cooperatively to answer questions related to different academic, and non-academic teams. The final score is compared with other teams around the country.
  
  
• I am in the Battlefield Middle School Band. Since I am second chair, it is partly my job to help teach the other players in my instrument section how to better play the music.
  
  
• Recenty I tried out, and was accepted into the Spotsylvania County All-County Band.
  
  
• I am presently in the Order of the Arrow. This is an honor that you are voted into by your troop.
  
  
• In school I am usually the one the teacher picks to lead a group to complete a project or assignment.
  
  
• In school I have been on the Honor Roll consecutively for the past four years. This is a way I am able to lead by example.

In summary, I have learned a lot of valuable lessons since joining Scouts. Most of these lessons will help me to become a better leader, citizen, and family member.