Congratulations Benjamin!!

Open Door Christian Schools is proud to announce a new Eagle Scout, a Junior, Benjamin Clark. Only 2% of all boy scouts reach this achievement. Clark is part of a unique group of scouts from Scout Troop 409 that began as a Cub Scout Pack 136 at ODCS 10 years ago. Of the group, two members have already reached Eagle Scout, 2008 ODCS alumni, Jordan Brown and Dan Wenzel. Four other ODCS students are on track to receive Eagle Scout within this year: Justin Brown, Matt Brackenhoff, Jacob Clark and Kris Hudson. ODCS is one of very few schools to have this many students attain this honor.

Last summer, these scouts along with others in their troop went on an 85-mile, 2-week backpacking trip in rugged terrain with limited supplies to Philmont, the world’s largest youth camp. “Ben and the rest in his troop are all strong leaders and mentors in one of northern Ohio’s largest Scout Troops,” said Scout Master Terry Brown. “What is unique is that these young men have been together since they were 7 years old and have been completing this journey together as well as sharing other experiences together at school like sports, band and drama.”

The Eagle Scout Award is the highest award available to youth members of Boy Scouts of America. It is the climax toward which these Scouts have been working for several years. Eagle Scout is not a patch, an award or certificate to hang on the wall. It is a way to live life. Although the trail to Eagle is hard work and fun, it is much more. The Eagle rank is an education. Each rank is a chapter. The conclusion is that by earning the Eagle Rank the individual has the tools to be a responsible conscientious citizen who would gladly advance the group before the individual.

Open Door Christian Schools (ODCS), founded in 1976, is a premier co-educational, college preparatory school serving Christian families in Northern Ohio. With an enrollment of 535 students from preschool through high school, ODCS is the largest Christian school in the region, drawing students from 120 different churches of various denominations. ODCS is the only preschool-grade 12 school system within 60 miles of Elyria to receive accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International. Its mission, in partnership with the family and local church, is the salvation, the discipleship, and the education for life and service of the students entrusted to its care. This mission is carried out in a Christian environment that is focused on challenging the mind, strengthening the body, and guiding the soul.