Feb. 15, 2008 — Dozens of Boy Scouts joined in a parade Sunday that wound up at Emancipation Garden, culminating a week-long celebration of the 99th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
The scouts, whose presence has been officially recognized in the territory for some 45 years, started their parade at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School where parents, supporters and older scouts adjusted uniforms and got the younger ones in line. A feeling of pride hung in the air as generations of scouts stood together symbolizing the past, present and the future of the Boy Scouts of America.
"I've been in the Boy Scouts for five months and it's fun," said Teon Persaud, a second grader at Dober Elementary. "I learned to tie knots! This is my first parade."
Teon's mother, Deanne Persaud, is dedicated to the organization.
"I think the Boy Scout program is a very positive thing," she said. "I donate my Saturdays to him so that he can get involved."
The parade was a grand end to Scout Week, which included the Career/Uniform Day on Thursday, the Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Friday and Sports Day on Saturday.
There are some 40 different scout programs in the Virgin Islands dedicated to such pursuits as outdoor camping, wilderness survival, leave-no-trace camping, lifeguarding and scuba diving.
It's all about recognizing different strengths, according to Nathan Clark, senior district executive for the St. Thomas and St. John Boy Scout Club.
"Basically we all work together as a team to help scouts realize their own potential," Clark said. "We also help the scouts build a fitness regimen, and they are taught to be civic-minded."
Sunday's parade was led by drummers playing to keep the scouts in step. One group was comprised of girls.
"I enjoy being in the Venturers Crew," said Kia-T'Nique Thomas, a senior at Charlotte Amalie High School. "I don't really consider myself as a female Boy Scout, because the Venturers Crew is a co-ed program."
Not only are girls part of the organization, but there are women in key leadership roles, one of whom was honored on Sunday. Cub Master Doris Davis received the District Award of Merit for her volunteer efforts.
"This is a complete surprise for me," she told onlookers. "I will try my very best to continue working with the scouts."
One young man, Eagle Scout Alexander Querrard, a junior at All Saints Cathedral School, was among the many appreciative of the volunteers who make the organization thrive.
"The Boy Scouts of America is a great program," Querrard told the crowd in Emancipation Garden. His title of junior assistant scout master ranks as the highest leadership position for a scout. "I encourage everyone to join," he continued. "I learned skills necessary for life, and it helped me build character as a young man growing up in this society."
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