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Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
Lofty recognition at RM Eagle Scout ceremony
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Photo courtesy to River Valley Times
County Supervisor Don Nottoli presents Boy Scout Andy Schultz with a plaque at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on April 25. The plaque displays the names of all troop members to make Eagle Scout. Schultz’s name had just been engraved on the plaque.
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By Sheri Barile
River Valley Times Reporter
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Guests arrived at the Rancho Murieta Association building on April 25 to honor Andy Schultz, the latest Eagle Scout of Troop 633, and immediately saw they were in impressive company. On display for the Court of Honor ceremony were letters from dignitaries including Vice President Joe Biden, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein, State Senator Dave Cox and former presidents Jimmy Carter, George Bush and George W. Bush – all recognizing Schultz’s achievement.
Schultz said these letters meant a great deal to him. “They make me feel that this rank is truly something special,” he said. “It’s an achievement to be proud of. I’ll definitely keep them in a binder, but I’ve already framed my Eagle certificate.”
Approximately 70 people attended the event, among them Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli; Anne Baird, district director 10th District; and Assemblywoman Alyson L. Huber. They all congratulated Schultz on achieving the ultimate rank in Boy Scouts.
Guests got a chance to peruse tables displaying memorabilia of the teen’s 11-year scouting history, starting with Cub Scouts and including photos of Boy Scout camping trips, projects and merit badge books. All past Eagle Scouts of Troop 633 were also recognized.
A plaque bearing the names of the troop’s Eagle population, numbering more than 20, displayed Schultz’s recently engraved name. Nottoli presented it to him before an admiring crowd. Schultz hung it on the wall in the newly remodeled RMA boardroom, symbolizing his latest achievement.
It was his latest of many. Schultz, the 4th ranked junior among 536 at Pleasant Grove High School, carries a 4.67 GPA. He has also participated on the PGHS lacrosse team, played on an under-18 soccer league and trained at the Bujinkan Dojo in martial arts.
Troop 633 Scoutmaster Kent Johnson described Shultz as well rounded and very active. “He’s a high achiever in so many areas,” Johnson said. “He’s extremely reliable and a very pleasant young man to be around. It was very rewarding to see him achieve his Eagle rank.”
Now that it’s accomplished, Schultz shares this feeling. He said he would advise all Boy Scouts to stop at nothing short of Eagle. “I would advise them all to try,” he said. "It’s really worthwhile, and I think some may regret it later in life if they don’t make it to Eagle.”
One of the more rewarding aspects of the process for Schultz was his project to gain Eagle status. He organized and carried out a food and supplies drive for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. It was one of the largest food drives that has ever been run for the organization, racking up 277 volunteer hours, 3,784 pounds of food and approximately 50 bags of clothing.
Schultz acknowledged contributions from Girl Scouts, RM Kiwanis and community volunteers in realizing the objective of the project. “Helping people is really possible when a community pulls together and makes an effort,” he said. “The end result made me feel very accomplished and proud of what I’ve done, but I couldn’t have done it alone.”
Maybe not, but many who know Schultz find him to be extremely ambitious and capable. Troop committee chair Bob Lucas is one example. “Andy excels at a lot of things, and he’s very involved in activities,” Lucas said. “He gets things done. I would say he’s very ambitious.”
That quality served Schultz well when he embarked upon his Eagle project, as there were many challenges and obstacles to overcome. Even though you expect problems, there are always more than you anticipate,” he said. “I learned that you need to be able to adjust to different situations and turn challenges into opportunities. I think that’s the way life is.”
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