SAN JUAN ISLAND BOY SCOUT

George Myers soars to Eagle Scout rank

Story and photos by Matt Pranger

posted 06/08/04
George Myers attained Boy Scouts' highest rank Saturday, June 6, 2004 when his mother, shedding tears of pride and joy, pinned a silver eagle medallion hanging from a red, white and blue ribbon on his shirt.

"I'm pretty relieved and excited," Myers, son of Donna and Jon Tegnell and Greg Myers, said after his Eagle Court of Honor in the American Legion Club. "There were a couple of times I considered putting it off and not doing it, but I got inspired by a few people."

Few Scouts put in the hours needed to become an Eagle Scout but Myers hopes more will. "I think there should be more of us. Eagle Scout is something to aspire to,"s said Myers, a junior at Friday Harbor High School.

Myers asked Jenny Ledford, a motivational speaker and his football coach's wife, to talk about leadership. She pointed out some of the better known Eagle Scouts, including former President Gerald Ford and director Steven Spielberg. "George you are in good company," Ledford said. "You can't invest yourself in something like this and not have it carry over."

Ledford explained how H. Ross Perot, an Eagle Scout, showed extreme loyalty and dedication when he did not forsake some of his workers held captive in Iran. Perot, after exhausting governmental solutions, assembled a team of former soldiers and civilians to break out his imprisoned workers. The workers were rescued and returned home safely. Those workers' "trusted him (Perot) so much," Ledford said.

"George, you are going to be tested many times," she said. "What you learned in Scouting will stand you in good stead in these moments. You will stand for something and for all of us."

Only 2 percent of those who enter the Boy Scouts advance to Eagle Scout. "It takes a lot of time and many years of sustained commitment," said Dr. Burk Gossom, Myers' Scoutmaster.

Gossom noted Eagle Scouts must perform some sort of service at every rank. They must complete an in-depth service project to become an Eagle. Myers painted fire hydrants in the Town of Friday Harbor.

Parents play a key role in Scouting but Myers' mother did more than many Scout Moms. She volunteered as a Cub Scout Den Leader when Troop 90 was close to folding its tent and helped Myers' through the ranks. "No Scout gets to this rank without the help of his parents," Gossom said.

Myers thanked those who helped him, including Greg Myers, his father; Claudia Browne, his Den Leader; Glen Potter, his first Scoutmaster; Burk and Cookie Gossom, Scoutmaster and wife; Steve Oliver; Steve Marsh; Coach Richard Ledford; Janet Olsen, his music teacher; Rev. Archie Brooks; and Peter Self.

"To the Scouts of Troop 90, thank you for all your help and I hope to always help you in return,"Myers said.

"Mom and Jon, you have always been there for me. I thank you for all you have given me.

"Grandma (Carol Kinnaman), thank you for believing in me.

"And thank you God, for blessing my life."

June 5th is George Myers Day

posted 06/05/04
Friday Harbor Mayor Gary Boothman proclaimed June 5, 2004 as George Myer Day. The Friday Harbor High School junior becomes an Eagle Scout in a ceremony at 3 p.m. in the basement of the American Legion Hall.

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