After an invigorating visit, the group pauses for a photo. From left: Judge Nathan Scott, Diego Morales, Colin Winslow, Henry Otey, Den Leader Penny Morris, William Morris, David Dockson, Tyler Nugyen, Den Leader Adele Nguyen, Roy Vidal II, and Assistant Cub Master Veronica Vidal.
An assistant cub master for her son Roy’s Webelos Cub Scout pack #78, Veronica called me late last week and shared a sweet story about a special guest speaker who recently came and shared information about his career with the pack.
As Veronica tells it, during the Cub Scout meeting, the boys had the honor of meeting, listening to and interviewing Superior Court Judge Nathan Scott from Orange County. Having a local connection really impressed the boys as Judge Scott was born in Long Beach and attended Hughes Middle School. Also, the boys learned that the judge’s mother had been a pre-school teacher at California Heights Church, where the scout meetings now take place.
In the detailed email Veronica sent me about the event, she wrote the following: “I was in awe to be a part of this experience, as usually the only time a person is in front of judge is in court or jury duty. The kids had a great time hearing about his lucrative career and the educational pathway he took to reach it. During the presentation, the judge showed his badge and diplomas that he earned from Harvard and told them that what stands out clearly in his mind is what he was taught, ‘Do not follow people, but [follow] God and the Law.'”
In conclusion, Judge Scott reminded the kids to follow and always remember the oath that they took to become scouts: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
The boys were surprised that Judge Scott knew the oath by heart, and several spoke up asking him if he had memorized the pledge. The judge responded by revealing that he too had been both a Cub Scout and Boy Scout in Long Beach.
Veronica told me that the connection made at that meeting is sure to be one that will stay with those boys for the rest of their lives. “I believe having mentors like him guides our kids to stay strong, focus on their education, serve and build our community.”
