Scout nabs exclusive interview with local politician, plus other inspiring news from this week

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Scouts BSA member Henry Kim from Santa Cruz, California, was well prepared to interview his local congressman, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t still just a little bit nervous.

“I was nervous initially, even though I prepared for a long time before the interview,” says Kim.

Rep. Jimmy Panetta, on the other hand, came away super impressed by the 17-year-old Scout.

“Obviously, as a Scout, Henry values helping others and appreciates the need for such service in our community and democracy,” Panetta says. “With that foundation, Henry was engaging, prepared and his questions were very thoughtful and probing. It was a meeting after which I walked away inspired knowing that there are young people … like Henry who want to learn about public service and are willing to do the hard work and what it takes to give back to our community and, ultimately, our country.”

Read more about Kim’s experience in this story from the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Scout gets glimpse of what it takes to provide homes with internet access

Having access to high-speed internet is something that many might take for granted. But not Scouts BSA member Luca Giardello.

Luca recently spent some time out in the field with a worker from a firm focused on providing broadband internet access to underserved areas. There, he learned what it takes to make sure everyone has equal opportunities to get online.

The 13-year-old Giardello, clad in his uniform from Chelsea’s Boy Scout Troop 476 and a reflective vest, joined Scharrer on the side of the roadway on his way to attaining a merit badge that will eventually earn him the rank of Eagle Scout.

Read more about Luca’s experience in this story from MLive Media Group.

Scouts donate popcorn to local sheriff’s office

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Evansville, Indiana, has received enough popcorn to last them through the holidays — and beyond — thanks to efforts from the Buffalo Trace Council.

Read more in this story from 14 News.

Eagle Scout candidate installs bike repair station

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail has everything a biker could want: smooth roads, gorgeous scenery, just remote enough to feel like you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but not so remote that you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.

But there’s one thing it was missing: a place to repair broken bikes.

No more, however, thanks to Scouts BSA member Jackson Krueger from the Mid-America Council.

The station features different wrenches where riders can tighten or adjust bolts, as well as what Jackson described as “wedges” that help riders removed damaged or flat tires from the rim, as many riders always carry an extra tire.

Read more about Jackson’s efforts in this story from The Daily Nonpareil.


About Aaron Derr 439 Articles
Aaron Derr is the senior editor of Scout Life and Scouting magazines, and also a former Cubmaster and Scouts BSA volunteer.