Meet the American Spirit Award finalists: Day 2 of 4

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On Monday, you read all about the American Spirit Award, an honor given to "one or more individuals who demonstrate extraordinary skill, professionalism, and a spirit of excellence in a challenging situation."

All this week, we're introducing you to the four young men who are finalists for this award. You met the first, T.J. Ellwein, yesterday.

At the end of the week, you can decide which young man best embodies the spirit of the American Spirit Award and cast your vote. Voting is open now and closes on Feb. 11.

Today, meet Brad Garr of the Grand Canyon Council. Brad has earned more than 70 merit badges, a Medal of Heroism of age 12, and a Medal of Merit at age 13. 

Read more after the jump.


 Meet Brad Garr

  • Read a story in The Arizona Republic about Brad being named the Arizona Game and Fish Commission's Youth Environmentalist of the Year.
  • Watch a KNXV-TV video report about Brad's honor, featuring U.S. Senator Jon Kyl.
  • Read the Boys' Life summary below:

Brad, a 14-year-old Eagle Scout from Troop 440 in Scottsdale, Ariz., has been a very busy young man.

In addition to recently completing his Eagle Scout project, Brad has earned more than 70 merit badges. He received awards for his leadership work on four huge conservation projects, three of which benefited nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

“I wanted to help the environment and learn more about the environment,” Brad says. “We need to protect the environment we have now, and we need to try to reverse the damage we’ve already done.”

When he was 12, Brad earned a Medal of Heroism for pulling an injured woman out of a fiery car wreck. When he was 13, he earned a Medal of Merit for assisting fellow Scouts at another automobile accident scene.

Brad says he plans on attending the U.S. Naval Academy and hopes to eventually become an officer and naval aviator.

 

Schedule of posts about the American Spirit Award:

MondayWe told you about the award itself.

Tuesday: You met T.J. Ellwein of the Baltimore Area Council.

Today: You just met Brad Garr of the Grand Canyon Council.

Tomorrow: You'll meet Jacob Netzel of the Occoneechee Council.

Friday: You'll meet Jack Pape of the Mid-America Council.



About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.