Meet the American Spirit Award finalists: Day 4 of 4

AmericanSpiritAward-Pape

Since Monday, we've been talking 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."

You've already met three of the four finalists for this award, T.J. EllweinBrad Garr, and Jacob Netzel. You'll meet the fourth finalist today.

After you read about the final finalist, 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 Jack Pape, of the Mid-America council, which serves northeast Nebraska, western Iowa, and southeast South Dakota. Jack provided first aid for those injured in a tornado at Little Sioux Scout Ranch.

Read more after the jump.


Meet Jack Pape

  • Read the Associated Press story about Jack receiving the Red Cross' highest award.
  • Read the KPTM-TV story about the special awards ceremony.
  • Read the Boys' Life summary below:

Jack, a 17-year-old Life Scout from Troop 374 in Omaha, Neb., was a troop guide at Little Sioux Scout Ranch on June 11, 2008, when a tornado ripped through the camp, destroying the stone building where dozens of Scouts had taken shelter.

Jack and many other Scouts jumped into action, providing first aid for the injured.

“I remember standing up after the tornado had passed and looking around,” Jack says. “And then, I didn’t think about anything. I just did what I had to do.”

Four Boy Scouts were killed, but it could have been worse if not for the efforts of Jack and the others.

Just one year later, Jack was in a hotel when a young boy was pulled from a swimming pool. Once again, Jack didn’t think; he ran to the boy and began CPR.

“Everybody should get certified for CPR,” he says. “You never know if it’s going to be a friend or loved one that you have to use it on.”

Jack says he plans to become a high school teacher.

 

Schedule of posts about the American Spirit Award:

MondayWe told you about the award itself.

TuesdayYou met T.J. Ellwein of the Baltimore Area Council.

WednesdayYou met Brad Garr of the Grand Canyon Council.

Thursday: You met Jacob Netzel of the Occoneechee Council.

Today: You just met 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.