Parkway South Middle Student Earns Eagle Scout

Daniel Hobson, age 14, accomplished something that only 4 percent of all Boy Scouts achieve: His Eagle Scout ranking.  Hobson also accomplished this rank four years ahead of the average Eagle Scout.

In order to achieve this prestigious rank, a Scout must progress through six ranks, earn 21 merit badges, serve six months in a troop leadership position, plan, develop and execute a service project, take part in a Scoutmaster conference, and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.

Hobson had set his goal to earn the Eagle Scout award during the time period that he was eligible to earn the Boy Scout Eagle Scout Centennial badge.

"If you set a goal, you are more likely to achieve it. Last summer, I set a goal to sell $1,500 worth of popcorn to earn my own way to National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and I achieved it as well.  Hopefully, my example can inspire other people to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, too." Daniel adds. 

Hobson began as a Tiger cub in Cub Scouts with Pack 787 and continued into Boy Scouts of America in Troop 787 as a student at Parkway South Middle. Daniel has been under the leadership of three scout masters Dave Cunningham, John Flint, and currently, Paul Schnapp.

On November 19 at a Manchester City Hall meeting, Mr. David Willson, the mayor of the City of Manchester presented Daniel with a proclamation that November 26, 2012 was to be Daniel Hobson Day. On November 26, 2012, Daniel's Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held. Manchester Aldermen Mike Clement and Marilyn Ottenad presented Dan with his proclamation since Mayor Willson was out of town. In addition, a few weeks after the ceremony, the Hobson family received an American flag with the following letter:

This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol on November 26, 2012.

At the request of the Honorable W. Todd Akin, Member of Congress, this flag was flown for Daniel Davis Hobson being awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on October 3, 2012.

Although Daniel has achieved Eagle Scout rank, he continues to be active in his patrol, which consists of 4 boys.  He is currently the “Order of the Arrow" troop representative, which is a National Honors Society for Boy Scouts of America.  Once he is 18 and has accomplished all he can under the Boy Scouts, he plans to go to adult leadership training and continue working with young men in scouting.

Currently, Daniel has earned 45 merit badges, with the goal of earning 100 total. Recently, he received his bronze palm, which is a special award that goes on his Eagle Scout medal. It represents 5 additional merit badges, and leadership in the troop for 3 months after he became an Eagle Scout. He will continue to earn the gold and silver palm as he continues his leadership role.

As his service project, Daniel made two cedar benches and one picnic table for the Circle of Concern. Helping him complete the project were Matt Regal, David Debruin and DJ Cunningham.  From the design vision to the finishing touches, Daniel was responsible for the entirety of the project.

Daniel's mom Sheila adds, "The service project is a perfect culmination of what Boy Scouts is really all about: Cheerful service and lending a helping hand to those in need. Dan tries to do a good turn every day. Boy Scouts has had such a wonderful impact on both Dan's and my life. We love scouting"

A single mom, Sheila is actively involved in Daniel's scouting experience by being a leader. She is also a merit badge counselor for "Citizenship in the Community", "Communications", "Personal Management" and "Small Boat Sailing".  Additionally, Sheila is a "SuperNova" counselor for the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) awards.

In addition to Boy Scouts, Daniel is a tenor saxophonist in 8th grade band at South Middle. He was also a member of the Peer Leaders (against bullying) which is organized by assistant principal Dr. Angela Frye.  Sheila Hobson adds, "His success as a leader in scouts has translated into success at school, both academically and socially.  Dan got to his goal because he loves Boy Scouts. He loves the camping and going on the outings. He enjoys the merit badge classes and has learned a lot along the way. His NYLT and getting into Order of the Arrow (National Honors Society) have also been major highlights for him too.  After attending the merit badge classes and learning about a lot of careers, he has set a goal to be an engineer."

This spring, Daniel will continue to play baseball for the Ballwin Athletic Association. This summer, Dan plans to attend Sea Base (High adventure camp) in Key West, Florida. He will also attend summer camp and work on earning more merit badges.

Dan would like to thank all three of his scoutmasters, older scouts David Debruin, Matt Regal, Ian, and DJ Cunningham for being excellent role models for him and helping him along his trail to becoming an Eagle Scout.