PARKERSBURG — Meet Evan Franklin, a 16-year-old sophomore at Parkersburg Catholic High School. This energetic teen embraces challenges and enjoys helping others.
Evan is an active member of Boy Scout Troop 20 in Vienna and plays on his school’s tennis team. “My parents nudged me to join Scouts when I was younger, and I’ve loved it ever since,” he says.
As a Second-Class Scout, Evan has earned around 10 merit badges. He finds joy in outdoor adventures at Camp Kootaga, where he recently tried rappelling. “It’s not just fun; it’s about gaining experiences,” he shares.
One of his biggest takeaways from Scouting has been developing leadership skills. Being one of the older Scouts often puts him in unexpected leadership roles. “I’ve learned to make decisions—even when I don’t feel ready,” he reflects, highlighting teamwork’s importance.
Recently, Evan organized a food drive for God’s Bounty Food Pantry at his church. After learning that many local families rely on it, he felt inspired to act. “It’s hard to imagine not having enough to eat,” he says. The food drive collected almost 800 non-perishable items, showing the Scouts’ commitment to their community.
They distributed grocery bags in the Washington Bottom area and picked them up despite rainy weather. “I wanted to make a difference,” Evan states, emphasizing the Scout motto to “do a good turn daily.”
In addition to Scouting, Evan participates in Quiz Bowl, focusing on Catholic history and World War II. He enjoys learning and reading, finding pleasure in historical fiction and coding. “Coding is a lot of problem-solving, and I can’t stand having unsolved problems,” he says.
Looking ahead, Evan is interested in a career in cybersecurity. There’s a new program at Marshall University that excites him. “There’s always something to learn in life,” he concludes, embracing new experiences and challenges.
Evan’s journey is a reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community, showing us how youth can inspire change while developing important skills along the way.
For more on community service and youth leadership, visit Boy Scouts of America.
Source link
Community News,Teen of the Week: Parkersburg Catholic’s Evan Franklin organizes successful food driveLocal News,Teen of the Week: Parkersburg Catholic’s Evan Franklin organizes successful food driveNews,Teen of the Week: Parkersburg Catholic’s Evan Franklin organizes successful food drive
