Some years back, I had the opportunity to participate in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for a young man from one of our local Boy Scout troops. When I arrived at the church where the ceremony was being held, I saw all of the usual attendees that you would expect to see at such an event #- scouts, scout leaders, family and friends. But at this event, there seemed to be an unusually large delegation from this new Eagle's school - teachers, a guidance counselor, even the school principal. During the ceremony, each in turn had the opportunity to explain their relationship to this scout and how scouting had impacted that relationship.

The scoutmaster was first to speak recalling this scout's first troop meeting. He remembered this new Eagle's mother, a single mom, bringing him to that meeting.

Or, should I say dragged him, literally kicking and screaming to his first scout meeting - saying “I don't care whether you think you'll like it or not, but you're going to join scouts!”

I later learned that this mom was at wit's end with a son who was making bad choices and constantly getting into trouble. She didn't know a lot about scouting, but she knew enough to realize that her son desperately needed this type of values based program that teaches character, citizenship and mental and moral fitness.

This mom recognized that she only had one chance to raise her son.. Her son needed scouting in his life and she was determined to see that he got it.

Next, we heard from his teachers, then his guidance counselor and then his principal.

All had a similar story to tell. A disruptive and troubled student with poor grades and a bad attitude. Visits to the principal's office, in-school and out-of-school suspensions, little or no hope of graduating.

Most felt that he would eventually drop out of school and end up in the criminal justice system.

All who were there expressed amazement that over the period of months and years that paralleled his entering scouting, that he had changed so much.

This former self-centered, disruptive youth learned about teamwork, leadership and responsibility for his own actions and those of others he would lead. He learned about community service and helping other people. He would be graduating from high school soon. He was talking about college or military service.

As an Eagle Scout he would become one of only 3 to 4 percent of boys who join scouting who achieve that rank.

This success story is but one of many I have seen over the years. This was a win win for all involved.

His teachers seemed to have a greater appreciation for how scouting positively impacted what he learned and how he behaved in the classroom.

His mom saw her persistence and perseverance pay off in her son's life. Our community saw this newly hatched Eagle enter the adult world with great potential for success in life.

Don Grillo is the scout executive for the Cayuga County Boy Scouts. He can be reached at 252-9579