 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
18-year-old reaches top Scouting rank
By KIBRET MARKOS © St. Petersburg Times, published October 18, 2000 ST. PETERSBURG -- Twelve years and 22 merit badges after joining Cub Scout Pack 330, Brian Duncan has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Duncan, 18, is the second African-American from St. Petersburg in at least 25 years to receive the highest rank in Scouting. The ceremony was Saturday. "This may not be a big deal to a lot of people," said Dexter McCree, executive for Scouting's Skyway District, "but this young man chose to serve his community while so many kids his age are out there selling drugs. That is commendable." To Duncan's family, it is a lot more than commendable. "Every generation before me came from Jamaica," Duncan said. "My family is very proud that the first generation from America is achieving this rank." As a den chief, patrol leader and crew leader of Troop 312, Duncan began to learn the ABCs of leadership at the age of 12. Since then, he has led backpacking trips, whitewater rafting and community events. With the help of volunteers, he built a shade house at Lakewood High School as his community service project in March. The school's science department uses the structure as an outdoor classroom. Now, "Duncan is a mature young man prepared to be a leader," McCree said. But Duncan also is described by those who know him as "a receptive person" who always "demonstrates respect." "Many boys want cars and girls when they are in high school. Being in a Scout uniform is not "cool' anymore," said the Rev. Louis Murphy, pastor of the Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church who helped start a Scouting "urban initiative" program several years ago. "It's a wonderful thing that Brian has achieved this rank today." The first African-American from St. Petersburg to achieve Eagle Scout is Earnest D. Smith Jr., now 16, who earned 21 merit badges and completed a service project before gaining his rank in June. Duncan says his backpacking trip to Philmont, N.M., in June 1998 was one of the toughest tests in Scouting. For someone who grew up in Florida, hiking through high mountains for two weeks was a taxing venture. "But we made it," said Duncan, then the crew leader of Troop 312. "Scouting to me is about hard work and commitment. Focus your mind on one goal, and you can reach it. You can get it done." Duncan graduated from St. Petersburg High School in May. He is currently a freshman at St. Petersburg Junior College majoring in finance. He aspires to get into investments and plans to be in Scouting all his life. Duncan's Eagle ceremony was hosted by the Trinity United Methodist Church. Troop 312 is sponsored by the Police Athletic League. McCree says churches should be more active in hosting Scout troops and implementing Scouting activities. "That's a very important partnership. It will allow us to see more Smiths and Brians."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times South Pinellas desks |
