Luke Fabian was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.
Photo and artwork by Ed Gloor
On June 10, 2010 Junior Luke Fabian was inducted into the prestigious ranks of the Eagle Scouts, the highest rank of the Boy Scouts of America.
Luke started his long journey in Cub Scout Pack 711 during 2nd grade. “Cub Scouts is just arts and crafts and stuff, and the parents run it, instead of the boys, which is one of the differences between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. I didn’t really like Cub Scouts,” said Luke.
In 5th grade Luke crossed over from Cub Scout Pack 711 to Boy Scout Troop 712. “Boy Scouts taught me how to work with people well, leadership skills, to be a better citizen, and to be prepared in all situations. That’s why my back pack always weighs a thousand pounds,” stated Luke. “I feel accomplished. It’s like after climbing a mountain. If you have ever climbed a 14-er and you think you are near the top, but you are still near the bottom. Becoming an Eagle Scout feels like I have finally reached the summit.”
With the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout also comes new responsibilities. “They made me into a troop guide, which means I help advise the senior troop leader on what to do, or help the younger scouts,” said Luke. “It’s been my goal in scouting to become an Eagle Scout. It feels amazing; it’s just like finally, I’ve got this done.”
Becoming an Eagle Scout is about growing as a leader in the community and in the family. Sophomore Matthew Fabian, Luke’s brother, feels that Luke becoming an Eagle Scout has changed him for the better. “Ever since Luke got the Eagle he has become more humble, and has stepped into more of a leadership role in our family. He is a really great older brother,” said Matthew.
Senior Coltan Stegeman, another Spartan who is among the ranks of the Eagle Scouts, has been affected greatly by becoming an Eagle Scout. as well. “Basically to me it means growing as a leader in society. In my journey to Eagle Scout I went from a little guy, looking up to people, to being a leader. On family trips I have stepped into more of a leadership role. My school work has also improved immensely because I learned that to be a leader you have to lead by example,” said Stegeman.
Throughout the years there have been many great Eagle Scouts, like the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, and now Luke has joined that rank. Fellow Junior Jaron Bartoszek said, “Luke is a very responsible young man; he does all his work and gets good grades despite his hard classes. I am honored to know him.”
Luke feels his success and Scout values will carry him even further, to better his life and the lives of others. Luke is also very involved at Thomas Jefferson High School. He is a part of the football team, wrestling team, dive team, and NHS. Luke displays his leadership both on the field and in the classroom.
“He definitely steps up when he needs to. Last year was his first year so he didn’t have the confidence yet, but I can see him stepping into that role because when others weren’t ready to dive he always stepped up and dove for them,” said Luke’s Diving Coach Aimee Witulski. “As the season went on he got up on the board with more confidence. He was always willing to try new things,” said Witulski. Witulski also enjoys having Luke as a student, “He has a positive work attitude, good energy, and he is focused, most of the time,” Witulski said with a laugh.
Coach Tim Owens, Luke’s football coach, says he enjoys having Luke on the team. “He is a good kid; he works hard, he always does everything we ask him to, he is a very coachable kid,” said Owens. “Luke isn’t the kid who would go up to someone [to give them advice], but if you follow his example he is a good role model,” said Owens. “He’s a good sport, he is respectful to people on the field. Even in drills he is always trying to pay attention.”
Head wrestling Coach Mike Laurita feels that Luke’s Eagle Scout values have served him well. “Luke is a great kid. He came in as a freshman, he had never wrestled, he has spent two and a half seasons working on it. We can count on him to be there everyday. He is a quiet leader by example, great student, and obviously because he is an Eagle Scout, a hard worker, and committed. He does everything you ask him to and he does it the best that he can do it,” said Laurita.
Throughout Luke’s journey to becoming an Eagle Scout, according to his teachers, coaches, and peers, he has become a very respectable young man. His Eagle Scout values have carried over into his life, and his family sees that, too.
Luke says that he tries to live by a quote from Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, one which he feels demonstrates his Eagle Scout Values, “Leadership is understanding people and involving them to help you do a job. That takes all of the good characteristics, like integrity, dedication of purpose, selflessness, knowledge, skill, implacability, as well as determination not to accept failure.”
~Admiral Arleigh A. Burke.
