Big Island Boy Scouts soaring in rank and knowledge

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Scoutmaster Glenn Sako of Boy Scout Troop 19 has an eagle in his nest.

Scoutmaster Glenn Sako of Boy Scout Troop 19 has an eagle in his nest.

Joshua Ohara is the troop’s newest Eagle Scout. Less than 7 percent of the nation’s Scouts currently reach this prestigious rank by the age of 18.

The troop is sponsored by the Waiakea Lions Organization and has troop meetings at United Community Church.

Ohara’s Scouting highlights included holding leadership positions and participating in service projects.

Ohara’s Eagle Scout Service Leadership Project involved the fabrication and installation of two galvanized steel-frame benches with composite lumber seats. An innovative pool umbrella and holder completed the original design. The benches were donated and installed on the playground at the Church of the Holy Cross/E‘Maka‘ala School.

A 2015 Waiakea High School graduate, Ohara has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities such as Leo Club, National Honor Society, judo and air riflery, and achieved scholastic and athletic awards. He plans to major in electrical engineering at Seattle University. He is the son of Aaron and Shann Ohara of Hilo.

Three receive Edison award

Kamuela Santa Maria, Logan Kuniyuki and Kawaiola Santa Maria are the first Scouts on the Big Island to receive the Thomas Edison Supernova Award.

The Boy Scouts of America’s Nova program brings science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM fields) to life for young people. Cub Scouts ages 8 and older, Boy Scouts and Venturers can earn the Nova awards and the more advanced Supernova awards. The Nova program also connects with other Scout accomplishments while focusing on the STEM fields.

The three Big Island Scouts built putt-putt boats (small boats powered by steam), competed in robotics competitions, built and explained electronic circuits and bottle rockets, observed Hawaiian hoary bats, flew and learned about airplanes, raised and showed livestock animals such as goats and pigs, and did climate observations at the Mauna Loa Observatory.

Adults interested in becoming a counselor/mentor can visit the Aloha Council website www.alohacouncilbsa.org.