Boy Scouts of America upon recommendation of the National Court of Honor awarded the National Certificate of Merit to Ethan Daniel Voelkers of Troop 2 in Bartlesville, OK for putting into practice Scouting skills and ideals. Ethan’s actions and information prevented others from being injured.

On December 2, Ed Harvey, Council Executive of Cherokee Council (left) presented the award to Ethan (right) during Ethan’s Eagle Ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church in Bartlesville.

On April 21, 2007, on a campout weekend with Troop 2 at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in north central Oklahoma, Ethan Voelkers made a startling discovery.

While digging for selenite crystals, Ethan dug into an unseen glass vial containing an unidentified substance. Being instantly overcome by the gas, Ethan was fortunate enough to escape using common sense, instinct and a bit of Scout training. He ran from the area to get fresh air and water. The strong wind helped clear his lungs, and he was able to tell what had happened.

Ethan and his parents contacted the Wildlife Refuge manager, and because of Ethan’s ability to describe where he had been digging, the rangers were able to find the hole he had dug and located 11 unidentified vials of an unknown substance.

The vials were chemical agent test kits used to train soldiers during World War II. Among these chemicals were mustard gas, phosgene and chloropicrin, all diluted with chloroform.

A total of 158 intact vials and at least 20 broken vials were found along with incendiary bomblets which may have been intended to destroy the vials many years ago.

The National Court of Honor conducts its deliberation not only to recognize deserving individuals but also to preserve the historical integrity of the awards.

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Janelle Y. and H.L. Hembree have established four $1000 grants for University of Arkansas at Fort Smith students who are Eagle Scouts. This new program will continue to award grants as they become available for future school years.

Purpose: the purpose of the Hembree Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund shall be to provide $1,000 annual scholarship for up to four students for up to four years for those who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and who are attending the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.

Administration: Selection of the recipient(s) will be the responsibility of the Scholarship Committee of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. In making the selection(s), the following criteria will be used:

1. The student(s) may be either a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior;
2. The student(s) may be undergraduate transfer student(s);
3. The student(s) must have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout form within the Westark Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and must provide proof of certification from such Council;
4. The students(s) shall meet the minimum criteria for admission as a freshman or required continuation by sophomores, juniors or seniors;
5. In the event that more applicants meet the above criteria than there are scholarships available, the preference will be given to the candidates who have demonstrated the most leadership in the scouting program and with the candidates’ communities;
6. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided the recipient(s) continues to meet all the above criteria.

For more information check the UA Fort Smith website

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A 15-year-old Maldive Boy Scout saved the President of Maldives from an assassination attempt earlier today.

Speaking with the people of Hoarafushi, the President said that he was grateful to Almighty Allah for saving him. He thanked Mohamed Jaisham Ibrahim, a Boy Scout of Hoarafushi who saw the assailant’s attempt and successfully deflected the attack. He also thanked the boy’s family, wished Jaisham a speedy and full recovery, expressing sadness over the fact that the boy suffered serious injuries.

Read more from the Associated Press: Boy Scout Saves Leader of the Maldives

Hat Tip: John at OAImages.

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