The Good Scout Award

Today, a man in Lafayette was given a very high honor, the "Good Scout" Award. That man is Joe Bumbleburg.

Today, a mother and a father were given a very high honor, to be the parents of a "good scout" of our own! That Scout is our son, Hayden.

We were asked several weeks ago if we would consider allowing Hayden to come during the school day to the Union Ballroom at Purdue to speak at this special event. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Tecumseh District of the Sagamore Council of the Boy Scouts of America. So, we said, "Sure, why not?" We know that Hayden can speak in front of a group, after all, he's been doing speeches since 1st grade. A man from the Council came over one evening and interviewed Hayden. He asked all sorts of questions about what Hayden likes to do, and also what he likes about being in Cub Scouts. After the interview, he wrote up a short speech for Hayden to practice.

And practice he did.

And speak he did.

At a podium.

With a microphone.

On stage.

In front of a room of 150 + people!

This picture doesn't do justice to the number of people who were there.

I don't know what I was expecting, but when I arrived and saw the room and the stage, it really sunk in . . . this is a big deal. Then I saw the people who started arriving: mayors, past mayors, state representatives, well known lawyers from established firms in town, property owners and managers (like rental properties), etc. Overall, some fairly important people in our area, to say the least.

I can't even begin to tell you how many people stopped us on the way out to say how well Hayden had done, congratulating him, thanking him for speaking, and telling him how they, as adults, couldn't have done as well! He was the only child on the program to speak. His talk lasted about 3 minutes or so. He had great volume, appropriate pauses, and did a good job making eye contact with the audience. I knew he could do it, but when grown ups say that they could NOT have done it, now that is saying something, don't you think? What an honor, for both us and for him!

Today's event was a big success, for Mr. Bumbleburg, for Hayden, and for Scouts - over $14,000 was raised as a result of this luncheon today! Amazing!

He was amazing. And we were so proud.

Here is a photo of his name in the program.

He also got a little award of his own to take home. How special is that???

Hayden had his picture taken with Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski.

And also with the Good Scout Honoree, Joe Bumbleburg.

A Scout is prepared, so here is Hayden practicing before the luncheon began.

During the luncheon, I was trying to video tape and take photos, and wipe my tears, too (Spaghetti), so I didn't get the entire speech recorded. I only got bits and pieces. I tried to upload it, but couldn't get it to work. Need to work on it. I will try again later - so check back!

Did I mention that we are so proud of him???