by Shawn Nowlin
Spend some time with Anton Jones and it becomes abundantly clear that he is a bright young man with an even brighter future. He is articulate, is actively involved in the community and possesses an exuberance that is uncommon among today’s youth.
A sizeable crowd of friends, family and community residents recently gathered at Loudon Ave. Christian Church (LACC) to witness the current William Fleming Colonel do something that less than 2% of all Boy Scouts ever accomplish.
At age 11, Anton began his journey as a Boy Scout with Troop 109. Earning Eagle Scout status is the highest scouting award one can earn and at age 17 Anton became just the third recipient to do so in the 66-year history of Troop 109.
“Every Boy Scout troop has a board of directors, a Scouting committee that oversees the program and assists in everything from fundraising to recruiting,” said Chairman Reginald Randolph.
According to its website, “The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organization. The BSA provides programs for young people that build character, trains them in assuming responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness.” Additionally, “the BSA has helped build future leaders for over a century.”
Discussing exactly what the Boy Scouts have meant to him over the years Anton simply spoke from the heart.
“I’m honored to earn this award and I want to thank everyone for coming out in support,” he said, starting with his family, parents, Everette and Taynia Jones; his siblings, Fayth & Donte Jones and his Boy Scout officers and fellow Scout members.
Prior to the ceremony host Pastor William Lee delivered a great sermon broaching topics such as “not allowing hypocrites to define what Christians are,” and “the church being inclusive of everybody.”
In typical LACC fashion, those in attendance were treated to some home cooking at the conclusion of the festive occasion.
Anton’s Scoutmaster, Aldo Campbell; Assistant Scout Master, Danny Torres and Reginald Randolph, chairman, were all present and expressed just how proud they are of Anton.
Earning the Eagle Scout badge entails doing some community project. Anton’s project was organizing a blood drive that resulted in preserving approximately 50 pints of blood.The US Government is his favorite school subject and he plans to study Criminal Justice at a four-year university. The much overused terms when describing young adults as, a good kid, a well rounded teen and a young gentlemen” are all applicable to Anton Jones.
Many times it’s easy to see a kid with potential and project their future. It wouldn’t be a shock at all if Anton Jones goes on to excel in college and accomplishes everything that he puts his mind to.
